194312
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Nature was so very often harsh that, instead of enumerating in our minds the best camp-sites in terms of permanent water, of soft grasses and leaves for bedding or of abundant wood, we had to give first place to a roof over our heads even if it were not a whole one. Therefore we became aware of all the deserted farmhouses or someone knew someone whose friend lived near the desired mountain and possessed a barn or a shed. There were also the Government huts in National Park, the Hobart Walking Club possessed two in exciting localities and, on one occasion at Adventure Bay, Bruni Island we even rented a week-ender for the night. | Nature was so very often harsh that, instead of enumerating in our minds the best camp-sites in terms of permanent water, of soft grasses and leaves for bedding or of abundant wood, we had to give first place to a roof over our heads even if it were not a whole one. Therefore we became aware of all the deserted farmhouses or someone knew someone whose friend lived near the desired mountain and possessed a barn or a shed. There were also the Government huts in National Park, the Hobart Walking Club possessed two in exciting localities and, on one occasion at Adventure Bay, Bruni Island we even rented a week-ender for the night. | ||
- | My introduction to a roof over my head (while walking) was on the Mt. Dromedary trip. It had been noised abroad that we were to sleep in a barn, and our quarters proved to be a solidly built, commodious store hut in one end of which corn sacks were piled high, serving as a mattress | + | My introduction to a roof over my head (while walking) was on the Mt. Dromedary trip. It had been noised abroad that we were to sleep in a barn, and our quarters proved to be a solidly built, commodious store hut in one end of which corn sacks were piled high, serving as a mattress |
Not always did we have the security of walls a foot thick. Over the back of Mt. Wellington is a hut called " | Not always did we have the security of walls a foot thick. Over the back of Mt. Wellington is a hut called " | ||
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I was recently reading some very pungent lines by Gandhi in which he criticised the modern craze for speed, mentioning particularly the use of the motor car. I quite agreed in some respects but I am sure that even he would have approved the motor car as a means of getting away for a while to the mountains after a period of strife and care on the plains. We were making such an escape towards Table Mountain in the centre of the island once through a furious, cold wind and only the prospect of a deserted house helped us to dare think of the future as sleet commenced to fall. Towards dark we arrived. It was ramshackle but several rooms were intact, one being half filled with straw which, with the bits of genuine wallpaper adhering to the walls, made us feel quite gay. There were tall pine trees over the house and they groaned and tossed as we struggled with the fire which needed such coaxing that I was taught a valuable lesson in cooking. My chop fried so slowly that it turned out to be the most unqualifiedly magnificent I have ever eaten and the memory of it has always been a comfort when faced with restaurant failures and now, in the darker days of meat rationing, my spirit will receive grater balm from the past. | I was recently reading some very pungent lines by Gandhi in which he criticised the modern craze for speed, mentioning particularly the use of the motor car. I quite agreed in some respects but I am sure that even he would have approved the motor car as a means of getting away for a while to the mountains after a period of strife and care on the plains. We were making such an escape towards Table Mountain in the centre of the island once through a furious, cold wind and only the prospect of a deserted house helped us to dare think of the future as sleet commenced to fall. Towards dark we arrived. It was ramshackle but several rooms were intact, one being half filled with straw which, with the bits of genuine wallpaper adhering to the walls, made us feel quite gay. There were tall pine trees over the house and they groaned and tossed as we struggled with the fire which needed such coaxing that I was taught a valuable lesson in cooking. My chop fried so slowly that it turned out to be the most unqualifiedly magnificent I have ever eaten and the memory of it has always been a comfort when faced with restaurant failures and now, in the darker days of meat rationing, my spirit will receive grater balm from the past. | ||
- | On just such another day we set out for the East Coast of Tasmania intending to climb The Thums at Orford. The East Coast is reputedly the Cote d'azur of Tasmania but on this occasion it was bitterly cold and in addition the whole district had just received a deluge, rivers were running bankers and lifeless swamps covered the ground. Luckily this was where a seventh cousin came in with a hut in an outlying paddock and we groped in the dark collecting a huge pile of wood, by means of which the fire was kept going all night and I managed to narrowly escape death by freezing. I cannot think of any situation in life more pleasant than to have some companion who believes in keeping the fire alight the night through and who (Oh blessedness) feels the cold just a little more than you so that he is aways up feeding and stirring the embers just before you suffer the final agonies in pursuit of your pleasure. | + | On just such another day we set out for the East Coast of Tasmania intending to climb The Thums at Orford. The East Coast is reputedly the Cote d'azur of Tasmania but on this occasion it was bitterly cold and in addition the whole district had just received a deluge, rivers were running bankers and lifeless swamps covered the ground. Luckily this was where a seventh cousin came in with a hut in an outlying paddock and we groped in the dark collecting a huge pile of wood, by means of which the fire was kept going all night and I managed to narrowly escape death by freezing. I cannot think of any situation in life more pleasant than to have some companion who believes in keeping the fire alight the night through and who (Oh blessedness) feels the cold just a little more than you so that he is always |
- | When Lake Fenton was the rendez-vous circumstances were transformed. From the six or so huts a choice could be made, account being taken of such factors as the bunks, the behaviour of the fireplade, proximity to the woodkeep and the addition of a verandah. There was always too a segregation, | + | When Lake Fenton was the rendez-vous circumstances were transformed. From the six or so huts a choice could be made, account being taken of such factors as the bunks, the behaviour of the fireplace, proximity to the woodkeep and the addition of a verandah. There was always too a segregation, |
- | I shall never forget my first visit to the Mt. Rufus hut which was also one of my earliest and most trying trips in the snow. The hut was not finished and parties were expected to take with them various items of furnishing and additional accessories. Heavy snow had fallen the night before and the first hundred yards were easily the best as I trudged up the twelve | + | I shall never forget my first visit to the Mt. Rufus hut which was also one of my earliest and most trying trips in the snow. The hut was not finished and parties were expected to take with them various items of furnishing and additional accessories. Heavy snow had fallen the night before and the first hundred yards were easily the best as I trudged up the twelve |
The huts in the Lake St. Clair Reserve need an article on their own but of one in particular I want to tell you my experience. | The huts in the Lake St. Clair Reserve need an article on their own but of one in particular I want to tell you my experience. | ||
- | We were reviewing our itinerary at Fergie' | + | We were reviewing our itinerary at Fergie' |
Presently on the surface of the snow appeared an eminence which did not look quite natural so we went across to make a close examination. It proved to be the ridge of the roof just poking out above the snow and when we dragged away some of the snow we peered in and found a pleasant little tea-house for Summer visitors. A turn of anxious speed brought us to " | Presently on the surface of the snow appeared an eminence which did not look quite natural so we went across to make a close examination. It proved to be the ridge of the roof just poking out above the snow and when we dragged away some of the snow we peered in and found a pleasant little tea-house for Summer visitors. A turn of anxious speed brought us to " | ||
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by Mumbedah. | by Mumbedah. | ||
- | We had just settled own to a quiet Saturday afternoon before a kindly fire, when sweet female voices smote our ears from the little saddle one crosses to reach the cave. " | + | We had just settled own to a quiet Saturday afternoon before a kindly fire, when sweet female voices smote our ears from the little saddle one crosses to reach the cave. " |
- | It was on this particular morning that I witnessed the finest mountain mist I have ever beheld. Commencing about a thousand feet below, in the Deep, it stretched away in a flat unbroken sea right up to Nellies Glen, rolling over the Dogs in a giant wave like a mighty comber breaking. The right over the Lower Cox, up Kedumba and away over the Burragorang Tablelands to the coastal ridge, in one unbroken flat plateau of cotton-wool. The rising sun made the whole scene one of great brilliance which almost hurt the eyes, It is remarkable to record that whilst we gazed about in the warming sun, a party of S.B.W.' | + | It was on this particular morning that I witnessed the finest mountain mist I have ever beheld. Commencing about a thousand feet below, in the Deep, it stretched away in a flat unbroken sea right up to Nellies Glen, rolling over the Dogs in a giant wave like a mighty comber breaking. The right over the Lower Cox, up Kedumba and away over the Burragorang Tablelands to the coastal ridge, in one unbroken flat plateau of cotton-wool. The rising sun made the whole scene one of great brilliance which almost hurt the eyes, It is remarkable to record that whilst we gazed about in the warming sun, a party of S.B.W.' |
- | Dorothy and Grace pushed off that morning, bearing the Royal Mail for our families, and we said goodbye again for the third and last time, as they disappeared over the top to take the short cut for Hughes', | + | Dorothy and Grace pushed off that morning, bearing the Royal Mail for our families, and we said goodbye again for the third and last time, as they disappeared over the top to take the short cut for Hughes', |
Wet and cold, I was glad to see Carlon' | Wet and cold, I was glad to see Carlon' | ||
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For the mind weary with the world' | For the mind weary with the world' | ||
- | vith teaching and telling what it sees,\\ | + | with teaching and telling what it sees,\\ |
God made the cool winds and the wide spaces\\ | God made the cool winds and the wide spaces\\ | ||
And the long nights and the green trees.\\ | And the long nights and the green trees.\\ | ||
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What a pity George Dibley is not interested in talking parrots instead of having a passion for pigeons. We might then hear something about another little bird in whom George is said to be showing a deep interest. We do hope it is of the homing variety. | What a pity George Dibley is not interested in talking parrots instead of having a passion for pigeons. We might then hear something about another little bird in whom George is said to be showing a deep interest. We do hope it is of the homing variety. | ||
- | The services committee had a very profitable evening Friday the 26th of this month. Mouldy Harrison saw to the financial side by circulating round the room optimistically thrusting an outsize in saucepans under everyones | + | The services committee had a very profitable evening Friday the 26th of this month. Mouldy Harrison saw to the financial side by circulating round the room optimistically thrusting an outsize in saucepans under everyone' |
Our President gave her own Christening robe to be raffled for which, Hilma with an eye to the future perhaps, enthusiastically peddled tickets. We noticed that under her eagle eye even hardened bachelors bought tickets. The robe was won by Jess Martin and we believe in omens. | Our President gave her own Christening robe to be raffled for which, Hilma with an eye to the future perhaps, enthusiastically peddled tickets. We noticed that under her eagle eye even hardened bachelors bought tickets. The robe was won by Jess Martin and we believe in omens. | ||
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Grace Edgecombe was behind the scenes nobly carrying out the jobs of Producer, Stage Manager, and Dresser, for the short sketches which were quite obviously enjoyed by the performers. | Grace Edgecombe was behind the scenes nobly carrying out the jobs of Producer, Stage Manager, and Dresser, for the short sketches which were quite obviously enjoyed by the performers. | ||
- | As Androcles in " | + | As Androcles in " |
Then just as we had finished blowing our nose and wiping our eyes over this story of the misjudged lion, Edgar Yardley came along and told us about another lion and a depressing child called Albert. | Then just as we had finished blowing our nose and wiping our eyes over this story of the misjudged lion, Edgar Yardley came along and told us about another lion and a depressing child called Albert. | ||
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'Dear Clare -- With reference to Dorothy Lawry' | 'Dear Clare -- With reference to Dorothy Lawry' | ||
- | I am now a fairly active member of the Hobart Walking Club and a member of the Committee, and since the occurrence I have heard only one reference to the fire; it was a casual remark by Mr. Jack Thwaites, a member of the National Park Board, that the hut was burnt down, and he expressed regret. No other remark was paseed, the S.B.W' | + | I am now a fairly active member of the Hobart Walking Club and a member of the Committee, and since the occurrence I have heard only one reference to the fire; it was a casual remark by Mr. Jack Thwaites, a member of the National Park Board, that the hut was burnt down, and he expressed regret. No other remark was passed, the S.B.W' |
I hope this will set at rest the minds of all concerned.' | I hope this will set at rest the minds of all concerned.' | ||
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This orderly carried me for half a mile - a might man is all I can say. We were packed like flies on the jeeps, I sat on the bonnet along with two other chaps. They' | This orderly carried me for half a mile - a might man is all I can say. We were packed like flies on the jeeps, I sat on the bonnet along with two other chaps. They' | ||
- | Reached the M.D.S. find things not too bright; Tojo was conducting a regular bus run in the egg laying line. His best effort was five raids before breakfast one morning. I became converted to a walking patient here as did practicaliy | + | Reached the M.D.S. find things not too bright; Tojo was conducting a regular bus run in the egg laying line. His best effort was five raids before breakfast one morning. I became converted to a walking patient here as did practically |
The field ambulance unit here were doing a magnificent job, it was more like an A.G.H. than a M.D.S. and their cook was cooking for everyone on three primus stoves as fires were out of the question. I take my hat off to the whole crowd. The night I arrived their surgeons never stopped, I was the last to be done about 9 a.m. the following day. | The field ambulance unit here were doing a magnificent job, it was more like an A.G.H. than a M.D.S. and their cook was cooking for everyone on three primus stoves as fires were out of the question. I take my hat off to the whole crowd. The night I arrived their surgeons never stopped, I was the last to be done about 9 a.m. the following day. | ||
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After a week of fun and games here I finally got away a walking patent - and once the first stage was over the going became smooth. Became a stretcher case again and did the rest of my travelling by plane. I'm definitely air minded already; it's far better than foot slogging on those dirty, greasy barges. Think I'll have to join the parachutists. Life at present could hardly be improved on, a hospital bed and all its attendant luxuries. However, have only been here a couple of days so may change my mind before long. | After a week of fun and games here I finally got away a walking patent - and once the first stage was over the going became smooth. Became a stretcher case again and did the rest of my travelling by plane. I'm definitely air minded already; it's far better than foot slogging on those dirty, greasy barges. Think I'll have to join the parachutists. Life at present could hardly be improved on, a hospital bed and all its attendant luxuries. However, have only been here a couple of days so may change my mind before long. | ||
- | By the way I' | + | By the way I' |
- | I've made Paddy' | + | I've made Paddy' |
When we first got here four of us decided to operate a jungle juice distillery. On the boat coming over we had discussed numerous recipes and made great plans. We could even see headlines in " | When we first got here four of us decided to operate a jungle juice distillery. On the boat coming over we had discussed numerous recipes and made great plans. We could even see headlines in " | ||
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This old book gives you a glimpse of our forerunners. They used often to walk quite long distances - up to 39 miles a day, though they seldom left a road road or a broad track. How they did it, covered from neck to toe in hot clothes, is rather astounding to modern walkers. All the photographs show the men clothed in long pants and usually with jerseys and coats. The ladies, too, exposed nothing but their faces. Even their hats were about a foot and a half wide and arranged in tiers, after the fashion of the day. Their skirts reached to within about 2 inches of the ground. On their backs they carried small swags. It must have been pretty torrid going - but - were they gone? Think of the flutter in the drawing rooms! | This old book gives you a glimpse of our forerunners. They used often to walk quite long distances - up to 39 miles a day, though they seldom left a road road or a broad track. How they did it, covered from neck to toe in hot clothes, is rather astounding to modern walkers. All the photographs show the men clothed in long pants and usually with jerseys and coats. The ladies, too, exposed nothing but their faces. Even their hats were about a foot and a half wide and arranged in tiers, after the fashion of the day. Their skirts reached to within about 2 inches of the ground. On their backs they carried small swags. It must have been pretty torrid going - but - were they gone? Think of the flutter in the drawing rooms! | ||
- | There were mixed parties in those days too. Says the writer - "What a merry company such a mixed party is! The merest peep at one of these expeditions must suffice. It is a beautiful, clear, fresh forenoon in October. The party, having negotiated the long steep hill in front of Jenolan Caves in the early hours and breakfasted by the roadside, is making good progress towards Oberon. As it makes its way through the scented woodland, the girls form the advance guard, tripping along expectant, chatting merrily and feeling that it is a joy to be alive; the men smoke and bring up the rear - and most of the luggage. To observe the zest with which the girls enter into the more or less commonplace incidents by the way - epoch-maing events to them - is to be re-juvenated. They remark on the rude manner in which we prepare the chops for breakfast..." | + | There were mixed parties in those days too. Says the writer - "What a merry company such a mixed party is! The merest peep at one of these expeditions must suffice. It is a beautiful, clear, fresh forenoon in October. The party, having negotiated the long steep hill in front of Jenolan Caves in the early hours and breakfasted by the roadside, is making good progress towards Oberon. As it makes its way through the scented woodland, the girls form the advance guard, tripping along expectant, chatting merrily and feeling that it is a joy to be alive; the men smoke and bring up the rear - and most of the luggage. To observe the zest with which the girls enter into the more or less commonplace incidents by the way - epoch-making |
It is interesting to see how much of our present walking country was known to them. In fact, some of the walks are still done, such as Katoomba - Jenolan Caves via Nellies Glen and the Black Range. Another favourite was Wentworth Falls to Piton, which, by the way, is described as a three day trip. The country between Moss Vale and Kiama was very popular and this country has recently come back into favour. The Bell Kurrajong route was a popular one. In the days before cars these must all have been good walking. | It is interesting to see how much of our present walking country was known to them. In fact, some of the walks are still done, such as Katoomba - Jenolan Caves via Nellies Glen and the Black Range. Another favourite was Wentworth Falls to Piton, which, by the way, is described as a three day trip. The country between Moss Vale and Kiama was very popular and this country has recently come back into favour. The Bell Kurrajong route was a popular one. In the days before cars these must all have been good walking. |
194312.txt · Last modified: 2016/11/08 13:33 by tyreless