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--- 195402 [2018/07/04 11:00] – tyreless
+++ 195402 [2018/07/05 12:49] (current) – tyreless
@@ Line 84: / Line 84: @@
 When the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed, Brian Harvey observed that each tree in the proposed Memorial Grove was to be named for an ex-serviceman and the Club had lost two members during the War. The President said he understood that the actual names of men would not be used, but the name of the donating body would be displayed. Jean Harvey then moved that Federation be urged to join in the tree-planting proposal, and the motion was adopted.
-Skipping briskly through reports, we came to Conservation, where Tom Moppett reported on a conference with the Sutherland Bush Fire Brigade held on December 31st. The programme previously outlined for assitance by bushwalker volunteers in fighting fires had been agreed upon, with a few minor amendments to the manner of establishing contact men. This report was adopted, and Tom then moved that the whole matter, being allied to the Federation's publicity patrols, should be offered to Federation, which could provide greater manpower resources. The meeting gave its blessing to the suggestion.
+Skipping briskly through reports, we came to Conservation, where Tom Moppett reported on a conference with the Sutherland Bush Fire Brigade held on December 31st. The programme previously outlined for assistance by bushwalker volunteers in fighting fires had been agreed upon, with a few minor amendments to the manner of establishing contact men. This report was adopted, and Tom then moved that the whole matter, being allied to the Federation's publicity patrols, should be offered to Federation, which could provide greater manpower resources. The meeting gave its blessing to the suggestion.
 Came the momentous decision an a site for the Annual Re-Union, and a chorus declaimed "Woods Creek". Someone nominated Euroka Clearing, but this failed to secure the requisite ten primary votes, was eliminated from the ballot, and left only Woods Creek. It was announced that Kevin Ardill was convenor of the Reunion Committee, and moved and resolved that he be given authority to book whatever bus transport from Richmond we should require.
@@ Line 101: / Line 101: @@
 | | |7.20 p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
 | | |9.55 p.m. (Kurrajong)|
-|**Saturday**| |9.5 a.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
+|**Saturday**|Buses leave Richmond at:|9.5 a.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
 | | |10.55 a m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
 | | |1.20 p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
 | | |3.20p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
 | | |4.50 p m. (Kurrajong Heights & Bilpin)|
-| | |6. 5 p.m. (Kurrajong)
+| | |6. 5 p.m. (Kurrajong)|
 |**Sunday**|Buses leave Richmond at:|10.40 a.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-Return buses on Sunday p.m. leave Kurrajone Heights at 1.10 p.m., 4.55 p.m. and 7.20 p.m. (Kurrajong 20 minutes later.)
+Return buses on Sunday p.m. leave Kurrajong Heights at 1.10 p.m., 4.55 p.m. and 7.20 p.m. (Kurrajong 20 minutes later.)
 ----
@@ Line 121: / Line 121: @@
 Give a party enough rope and they'll get down Arethusa, but after some hours in slippery gloom in the gorge, having negotiated a few small cliffy spots, the party of January 23rd came to a giddy precipice: with commendable caution they decided their rope-work wasn't quite up to the standard indicated, and pulled out. Saturday night was spent at a Katoomba picture house, dozing intermittently through "Peter Pan".
----
+----
 === Keep in touch. ===
@@ Line 161: / Line 161: @@
 I led 30-feet across a small deep avalanche groove, losing my hat during this difficult move. It righted itself and quickly rolled on its brim down the slabs. Just an old felt hat gathering speed -- I wonder?
-The climbing now became spectacular, balance very important. I worked my way slowly to a small secure rock in that slope and asked Don to belay. He suggested an icy-looking gully on the left. I favoured climbing the almost vertical slabs to the crest - both very difficult - a 50-ft. pitch either way. I felt we must gain the ridge and, although in a fever of excitement, was confidant it would go. A moment's hesitation, then Don was climbing quickly down the slope, nearly pulling me off my insecure stance. The idea was absurd, we couldn't climb it, and we should try further around to the right. Amazed, I said nothing, while down below Brian was stating in a rather curt impersonal voice that he was willing to back me in the attenpt. We both sensed the feeling of uncertainty in the party, both at a loss how to deal with it, separated as we were by two short lengths of rope.
+The climbing now became spectacular, balance very important. I worked my way slowly to a small secure rock in that slope and asked Don to belay. He suggested an icy-looking gully on the left. I favoured climbing the almost vertical slabs to the crest - both very difficult - a 50-ft. pitch either way. I felt we must gain the ridge and, although in a fever of excitement, was confidant it would go. A moment's hesitation, then Don was climbing quickly down the slope, nearly pulling me off my insecure stance. The idea was absurd, we couldn't climb it, and we should try further around to the right. Amazed, I said nothing, while down below Brian was stating in a rather curt impersonal voice that he was willing to back me in the attempt. We both sensed the feeling of uncertainty in the party, both at a loss how to deal with it, separated as we were by two short lengths of rope.
 We moved off reluctantly, down a few hundred feet, and carefully worked out way across to finish again below the crest. There was still a horrible drop here, but it didn't seem to matter. We were like people caught in a drama, half-audience, half-actors. I heartily wished I had never set foot on the mountain.
@@ Line 183: / Line 183: @@
 Then we were there - at last - moving as quickly as possible down the buttress. We were still in danger of stones above, but the worst part was over. The rest was normal climbing until we reached the snow slope below the buttress. Here Brian accidentally started an avalanche, but was held by the rope.
-A sharp trot across the glacier and down the rough path brought us to the hut about 6.0 p.m. - it was a welcame sight. The warden had arrived and was pleased to see us, the warden's daughter very surprised. Evidently both had expected to find our bodies on the glacier the following morning. A guide inside the hut made no comment when Don proudly told of the new route we had made on the face, then packed his gear and disappeared quickly through the doorway, bound for Grindelwald. Don had got his peak - that was enough for him.
+A sharp trot across the glacier and down the rough path brought us to the hut about 6.0 p.m. - it was a welcome sight. The warden had arrived and was pleased to see us, the warden's daughter very surprised. Evidently both had expected to find our bodies on the glacier the following morning. A guide inside the hut made no comment when Don proudly told of the new route we had made on the face, then packed his gear and disappeared quickly through the doorway, bound for Grindelwald. Don had got his peak - that was enough for him.
 We made a cryptic entry in the log-book "climbed Wetterhorn - dangerous snow conditions - a novel ascent with certain novel happenings". The guide looked in the book and gave a quiet smile as we said goodbye. We trudged wearily down the path in the gathering darkness.
@@ Line 223: / Line 223: @@
 ----
-EXPERIMENTS IN ERADICTION OF MISTLETOE.
+===== Experiments In Eradication Of Mistletoe. =====
 (Taken from "Main Roads" - dated March 1953 - Information extracted by David Ingram.)
-Tests for the eradication of mistletoe on roadside trees by the application of hormone sprays have recently been carried out by the Forestry Commission of N,S.W. and the Department of Main Roads, in co-operation.
-Surveys previously made by the Forestry CornLission revealed that along roadways, in parklands, water catchment a.:1:Eas and private Property which have been partly cleared, mistletoe infestation was moderate to intense, and seemed to be increasing-from year to ycar. The distribution of mistletoe is highest in the northern tablelands, and follows the coastal and tableland strip, diminishing in the southern part of the State. Mistletoe attacks not only Eucalypts, Casuarinas and scrub woods but also such trees as the Cypress and Kurrajong.
+Tests for the eradication of mistletoe on roadside trees by the application of hormone sprays have recently been carried out by the Forestry Commission of N.S.W. and the Department of Main Roads, in co-operation.
-Mistletoe, a member of the loranthaceae family, is a
-parasite, deriving deriving water and mineral salts from its host tne,while synthesising its own carbohydrates in the same way as ordinary green leaf plants.
+Surveys previously made by the Forestry Commission revealed that along roadways, in parklands, water catchment areas and private Property which have been partly cleared, mistletoe infestation was moderate to intense, and seemed to be increasing from year to year. The distribution of mistletoe is highest in the northern tablelands, and follows the coastal and tableland strip, diminishing in the southern part of the State. Mistletoe attacks not only Eucalypts, Casuarinas and scrub woods but also such trees as the Cypress and Kurrajong.
-Birds, flying foxes and Possibly possums and koala bears are usually the disseminators of the mistletoe seed, which is covered with a mucilaginous substance Which enables it to adhere to the bark of trees. The seed establishes itself in an axial area at the junccn of two or more branches and penetrates the bark by means of a root-
-like structure. This root taps the host tree for water and minerals in solution, so that the branch beyond the mistletoe is deprived of
+Mistletoe, a member of the loranthaceae family, is a semi-parasite, deriving deriving water and mineral salts from its host tree, while synthesising its own carbohydrates in the same way as ordinary green leaf plants.
-food and eventually dies. The mistletoe thus appears fixed finally at the end of the branch.
-Mistletoe shows definite seasonal response. In the Sydney area
+Birds, flying foxes and possibly possums and koala bears are usually the disseminators of the mistletoe seed, which is covered with a mucilaginous substance which enables it to adhere to the bark of trees. The seed establishes itself in an axial area at the junction of two or more branches and penetrates the bark by means of a root-like structure. This root taps the host tree for water and minerals in solution, so that the branch beyond the mistletoe is deprived of food and eventually dies. The mistletoe thus appears fixed finally at the end of the branch.
-flowering takes place in November-December, and fruit setting in
-January-February.
+Mistletoe shows definite seasonal response. In the Sydney area flowering takes place in November-December, and fruit setting in January-February.
-The normal life of mistletoe an Eucalypts is computed at
-approximately ten years under favourable conditions. One host tree
+The normal life of mistletoe on Eucalypts is computed at approximately ten years under favourable conditions. One host tree may support twenty or more separate mistletoes all in a state of healthy development. The most notable effect on the host tree is loss of vitality, disfigurement, and stunting, laying the tree open to fungus infection. Mistletoe can kill a tree in the course of years.
-may support twenty or more separate mistletoes all in a state of healthy development. The most notable effect on the host tree is
-loss of vitality, disfigurement, and stunting, laying the tree open to fungus infection. Mistletoe can kill a tree in the course of years.
+There are two possible reasons for the prolixity of mistletoe on roadside trees; first, such trees are most accessible to birds bearing the seeds, and secondly, mistletoe is dependent on a good supply of sunlight in order to carry out its process of photosynthesis,
-There are two possible reasons for the prolixity of mistletoe on roadside trees; first, such trees are most accessible to birds bearing the seeds, and seccndly, mistletoe is dependent on a good supply of sunlight in order to carry out its process of photosynthesis,
-Control Measures.
+=== Control Measures. ===
------77-75777E177 Commission had carried out earlier investigations, which indicated that promising results could be achieved by the use of hormone sprays, but it was realised that further tests were necessary in order to assess the permanent effectiveness of sprays.
+The Forestry Commission had carried out earlier investigations, which indicated that promising results could be achieved by the use of hormone sprays, but it was realised that further tests were necessary in order to assess the permanent effectiveness of sprays.
 In 1949 the Forestry Commission approached the Department of Main Roads with a view to collaboration on further tests on mistletoe eradication by the use of hormone sprays.
-On main road No.154 from Kingswood. to Bowmants Creek in the Municipality of Penrith, eucalypts on the roadside showed considerable infestation of mistletoe, arid these trees were selected for the purpose of the tests.
-The tests were carried out on 8th November 1949 under the direction of the Division of Wood Technology of the Forestry Commissim The Division of Wood Technology supplied the chemicals and directed the mixinp; and spraying. The Department of Main Roads provided transport and labour, and carried out the spraying, except for knapsack spraying which was carried cut by the Division of Wood Technology.
+On main road No.154 from Kingswood to Bowman's Creek in the Municipality of Penrith, eucalypts on the roadside showed considerable infestation of mistletoe, and these trees were selected for the purpose of the tests.
-Spraying equipment, apart from the knapsack spray, was lent by the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. This consisted of a power- operated spray with a 150-gallon tank with an agitator for the purpose of keeping the spraying solution moving and preventing the settlement of chemicals.
-.
+The tests were carried out on 8th November 1949 under the direction of the Division of Wood Technology of the Forestry Commission. The Division of Wood Technology supplied the chemicals and directed the mixing and spraying. The Department of Main Roads provided transport and labour, and carried out the spraying, except for knapsack spraying which was carried out by the Division of Wood Technology.
-PHOTOGRAPHY ! !
-You press the button, we'll do the rest !
+Spraying equipment, apart from the knapsack spray, was lent by the Hawkesbury Agricultural College. This consisted of a power-operated spray with a 150-gallon tank with an agitator for the purpose of keeping the spraying solution moving and preventing the settlement of chemicals.
-or
-Leica films
+A small numbered galvanised tag was nailed to each tree treated. In all, 126 trees were treated, extending over a length of four miles.
-deserve the best SERVICE
-LEICA PHOTO SERVICE
-Macquarie Place
-SYDNEY N.S.W.
-.
-A'small numbered galvanised tag was nailed to each tree treated. In all, 126 trees were treated, extending over a length of four miles.
 About one-quarter of a gallon of spray was sufficient to treat one tree. Four different treatments were used an four separate sections of the road :-
-. (Trees No.1 - 72) 0.3 per cent, solution of 2:4D sodium salt plus a wetting agent in proportion of 1 pint to 50 gallons,
-. (Trees No.73 - 108) a proprietary'product diluted, etc., in accordance with the instrtcticins Of the manufacturer.
+  - (Trees No.1 - 72) 0.3 per cent, solution of 2:4D sodium salt plus a wetting agent in proportion of 1 pint to 50 gallons.
-. (Trees No.109-112) 0.2 per cent, solution of 2:4D Ethyl Ester 20 per cent. plus 2:4t5T Butyl Ester 20 per cent.
+  - (Trees No.73 - 108) a proprietary product diluted, etc., in accordance with the instructions of the manufacturer.
-. (Trees No.113-126) 0.2 per cent, solution of 2:4:5T Ester Concentrate.
+  - (Trees No.109-112) 0.2 per cent. solution of 2:4D Ethyl Ester 20 per cent. plus 2:4t5T Butyl Ester 20 per cent.
-Inspection of the area three weeks later showed a marked withering of the mistletoe.. In some cases the foliage was drying and falling from the plants. There was no withering of the host trees.
+  - (Trees No.113-126) 0.2 per cent, solution of 2:4:5T Ester Concentrate.
+Inspection of the area three weeks later showed a marked withering of the mistletoe. In some cases the foliage was drying and falling from the plants. There was no withering of the host trees.
 No difference in results was observable from the four different treatments used; each was equally effective. At this inspection it was noticed also that some colouring agent in the solution was necessary to ensure consistent spraying.
-A further inspection in July 1951, revealed va ftations in the "kill" of the mistletoe. As far, as could be judged, the bulk of the mistletoe had died, and it was suggested that the variations in results might have resulted from variations in the consistence of spraying. Apart from the loss of the tree branch beyond the mistletoe growth, no damage to the tree was discernable from the treatment.
+A further inspection in July 1951, revealed variations in the "kill" of the mistletoe. As far, as could be judged, the bulk of the mistletoe had died, and it was suggested that the variations in results might have resulted from variations in the consistence of spraying. Apart from the loss of the tree branch beyond the mistletoe growth, no damage to the tree was discernable from the treatment.
 These tests have contributed valuable information on the control of this pest. The Division of Wood Technology of the Forestry Commission is continuing research in the application of hormones at ground level by means of pastes.
-Glowing with virtue, BrianfAnderson left the bookshop, clutdhing his First Aid Book. After all, if he was going to Tasmania with just one companion it was only reasonable that one should swot up on the vital knowledge. You never knew. Your mate might not have a clue if aa accident happened. Now, Ted v:eavers 0.. struth! He was a permanent ambulance officer.
-Continuing the Anderson saga (does no one else do anything worth reporting in this show?) - it is understood that he committed the ultimate breach by leaving a member of his party alone at a critical moment of the Arethusa Gorge trip. In detail, it was aatside the pub at Emu Plains. 'Honest Dick" Hoffman, who resides in the Parramatta district and recorded his name and address correctly in the Visitors Book, was warned off - he wasn't bona fide - and had to wait outside whilst Meadows quaffed the beer ordered on his behalf.
+----
-. BUSHWALKING IN A PILGRIM LAND.
-By Marie B. Byles. "Green grow the rushes, 01"
+=== Photography!?!?! ===
-How many bushwalkers who sing this song realise that the first bushwalhers, or people who walked only for pleasure, were the pilgrims to the Holy Land of Palestine, and that this was one of the chants they' sung? For six weeks I have been wandering through another pilgnh land, the land of the Ganges River basin, only partly on my own feet, I om afraid, but I have seen many hardy Tibetans who make use of conveyances as little as possible, and who as soon as they alight from the train, stride off with their curious frame rucksacks on their backs.
-My first stopping place was Rajgir, thidh is a pilgrim centre for those of many different religions. Hindus, Moslems, ains and Buddhists have shrines and temples there, mony of them 2500 years old, and generally situated near the top t of hills - if bushwalkers bag - trig stations, pilgrims bag temples, and it is amazing how women in saris down to their ankles trip up those hills for this purpose: Most of the Ganges basin consists of Perfectly flat lard cut up into small fields bounded bt. low mud walls serving as footpaths arid with villages every mile or so, and each village with its mango grove. But occasionally there are hills, like the Warrumbungles geologically, aad here one gets a prickly bushland, which would appeal to the really "tiger?' bushwalker, but whidh for most, as for the pilgrims, would be better penetrated by the tracks Which lead to all the shrines.
+You press the button, we'll do the rest!
-Those really tough Tibetans, I mentioned, sleep out in the open wrapped in their big cloaks, and cook their own meals like bushwalkers But the wealthier Tibetans, as well as the pilgrims from other countries, prefer to make use of a dharmasala, a guest house for religious purposes (satemething like the medeaeval monastery) and this is what I have done, though, unlike others, I have often taken my sleeping bag and slept under a mango tree. Most pilgrims bring their own servants to cook for them, but those travelling alone, like myself find it easier to arrange with the dharmasala servant to do the cooking and also the buying of the food in the village. Every guest brings his own bedding and spreads it an the string bed or wooden bed that is provided. Very superior I have felt with my lightweight "PaddyPallin" instead of the cumbersome bedrolls Which others carry.
-My last place of pilgrinage was Lumbini where the Buddha was born, and to reach it, I partly rode and partly walked twelve miles along the foot of the mighty Himalayan peaks. I was most fortunate, for it rained and cleared the air of dust, so that when I woke at Lumbini'the next rhorning, I saw those stupendous mountains rising, imagine, about 24,000 feet above me. I have seen Mount Cook from the sea towering over 12,000 feet above. But never before have I seen mountains so remote and so ethereal as this, my first glimpse of the Himalayas.
+Finegrain Developing. Sparkling Prints. Perfect Enlargements. Your Rollfilms or Leica films deserve the best service.
-' And do these pilgrims have their "Green grow the rushes, 0!"? Yes, but, as they chant in Tibetan, Pali or Sanscrit, I do not know what they sing. I only know that their chants are often very haunting and sometimes strangely beautiful.
-.
+Leica Photo Service.
-THE FARTHER COUNTRY.
-(Based an a trip carried out in Feb./March,1953). By Jim Brown.
+Macquarie Place, Sydney, N.S.W.
-A best-seller written by Nevil Shute several years ago and titleC
-The Far Country" had for its locale the country around Mansfield in Victoria. Mansfield itself was disguised as "Banbury", but Merrijig, 12 miles east, and the Howqua River were given their correct names. Although the author did not have much to say about the adjacent highlands, they provide some of the finest walking country in the Australian Alps, so, for this information" article on the high countn near Mounts Buller, Cobbler and Howitt, we have adapted Nevil Shute's title.
+----
-The ranges east of Mansfield form the watersheds for a number of rivers: the Delatite and Howqua flowing into the Goulburn: the King, Rose, Catherine and Dandongadale, which go to join the Ovens: south of the Main Dividing Range the Wonnangatta, Macalister and Jamieson, all flowing south to Gippsland End the sea. The tops themselves have their summit at Mt. Buller (5,911-ft.), but Sterling (5:800'), Cobbler (5,342'), Speculation (5,6001), Howitt (5,715') and Magdala (5,600') are all within a few miles. The horizon countains Buffalo Plateau to the north and Bogong-Hotham-Feathertop in the north east.
-From all these main tops, and quite a number of the lesser summits superb views are to be had. As a purely selfish reaction, I liked the scenery as well as that of the Lake St.Clair-Cradle Mountain Reserve in Tasmania, but perhaps I was prejudiced by reason of the agreeable camping conditions. I certainly preferred this country to all of the Kosciusko Alpine area, with the exception of the views of the west face from Townsend Lad Twynam, Whidh the Victorian scene rather resembles in grandeur. A tilted rock'strata, Which appears to be a variety of sandstone aad conglomerate; layered with belts of reddish shale, runs through most of the range, and this gives the effect of real peaks instead of the plateau-meadow formation of our N.S.W. alpine country.
+Glowing with virtue, Brian Anderson left the bookshop, clutching his First Aid Book. After all, if he was going to Tasmania with just one companion it was only reasonable that one should swot up on the vital knowledge. You never knew. Your mate might not have a clue if an accident happened. Now, Ted Weavers... struth! He was a permanent ambulance officer.
-As a result, the walking is much more "hilly" than one expects in our relatively flat alpine terrain. Between the main tops are saddles dropping down to 41600-ft., and it is possible in el comparatively short day's march of 8 or 10 miles to climb over 2,000-ft0 in stages of from 200-ft. to 800-ft. and to descend an equal amount, camping at the same height as one started. For this reason'it is usually advisable to limit each day's stage to about 10 miles, unless the party is a strong one.
-A certain amount of time must be allowed for pathfinding if unfamiliar with the ground as, in some places, it cculd mean a bad delay if the track were lost. Because of heillt variations, the vegetation is subject to much wider change than that encountered an Kosciusko plateau. Up to 4,000-ft. there is normal forest cover, with much wattle and similar rubbish: from 4,000 ft. to about 4,500 ft. a more open forest with woolly butt and snow grasses, and light law cover of one of the red-and.:.yellow flowering pea shrubs: from 4,500 ft. up to 5,000 (sometimes 5,200 ft.) snow gum and grass and a little small
+----
-.
-shrubbery: while the top levels, above about 5;200-ft, are generally tree-less or with scattered stunted snow gum.
+Continuing the Anderson saga (does no one else do anything worth reporting in this show?) - it is understood that he committed the ultimate breach by leaving a member of his party alone at a critical moment of the Arethusa Gorge trip. In detail, it was outside the pub at Emu Plains. "Honest Dick" Hoffman, who resides in the Parramatta district and recorded his name and address correctly in the Visitors Book, was warned off - he wasn't bona fide - and had to wait outside whilst Meadows quaffed the beer ordered on his behalf.
-Tater supply is a greater problem than in our local alps, where every little hollow has its stream, every gentle vale a strong creek. Probably because the snow fall is lighter, and certainly because of the steep slope of the ground, run-off is rapid, and it may sometimes be necessary to descend quite a distance to find water. By the end of a dry st1mmer, only main streams and certain permanent springs are flowing, and the latter may be trampled by the cattle Which graze on the highlands during summer.
-Camp sites are often dictated by water supply, and it would be unwise to press on from a sure spring late in the afternoon. Otherwisc camping conditions are generally excellent, with soft couches of snow- grass and abundance of dry snow gum for firewood. The region above thtree-line is so limited in extent that one need never fear being caught out on a completely exposed place.
+----
-Like the Kosciusko country, it is summer time walking caantry. Without local weather reports, it would be chancy to walk there before November or after the end of March. The weather on the high points then resembles May in the Blue Mountains.
-Our trip, deliberately planned to be easy, was
+===== Bushwalking In A Pilgrim Land. =====
-Day 1: Car from Mansfield to Mt. Buller. Camp near Ivor Whittaker Memorial Lodge. Afternoon went to summit, generally viewing lay-out of country (about 2 miles).
-Day 2: Alons, jeep track to Mt. Sterling (descent 11200-ft., ascent 1:300-ft.): over Memorial Hill: camp near Hearne's Hut (8 miles.)
+By Marie B. Byles.
-Day 3: Descent to King River (descent 2,000-ft.) Mislaid track and
-had bad trip in thick scrub. On River for lunch. Camped
+"Green grow the rushes, O!"
-mile downstream near King River Hut (6 miles for day). 22y_i: Ascended to Cobbler Plateau (about 1,800-ft.) At Cobbler Hut
-for lunch. Picked up stores left for us (5 miles for day).
+How many bushwalkers who sing this song realise that the first bushwalkers, or people who walked only for pleasure, were the pilgrims to the Holy Land of Palestine, and that this was one of the chants they sung? For six weeks I have been wandering through another pilgrim land, the land of the Ganges River basin, only partly on my own feet, I am afraid, but I have seen many hardy Tibetans who make use of conveyances as little as possible, and who as soon as they alight from the train, stride off with their curious frame rucksacks on their backs.
-L In the morning without packs to Mt. Cobbler and back to Hut.
-(8 miles - ascent and descent about 1,800-ft.)
+My first stopping place was Rajgir, which is a pilgrim centre for those of many different religions. Hindus, Moslems, Jains and Buddhists have shrines and temples there, many of them 2500 years old, and generally situated near the top of hills - if bushwalkers bag trig stations, pilgrims bag temples, and it is amazing how women in saris down to their ankles trip up those hills for this purpose! Most of the Ganges basin consists of perfectly flat land cut up into small fields bounded by low mud walls serving as footpaths and with villages every mile or so, and each village with its mango grove. But occasionally there are hills, like the Warrumbungles geologically, and here one gets a prickly bushland, which would appeal to the really "tiger" bushwalker, but which for most, as for the pilgrims, would be better penetrated by the tracks which lead to all the shrines.
-Day 6: South across Cobbler Plateau to Mts. Koonika nad Speculation. (about 8 miles - ascent of over 2,000-ft.)
-Day 7: Over Speculation and Cross Cut Saw to Mt. Howitt and Macalist-
+Those really tough Tibetans, I mentioned, sleep out in the open wrapped in their big cloaks, and cook their own meals like bushwalkers. But the wealthier Tibetans, as well as the pilgrims from other countries, prefer to make use of a dharmasala, a guest house for religious purposes (something like the medeaeval monastery) and this is what I have done, though, unlike others, I have often taken my sleeping bag and slept under a mango tree. Most pilgrims bring their own servants to cook for them, but those travelling alone, like myself find it easier to arrange with the dharmasala servant to do the cooking and also the buying of the food in the village. Every guest brings his own bedding and spreads it on the string bed or wooden bed that is provided. Very superior I have felt with my lightweight "Paddy-Pallin" instead of the cumbersome bedrolls which others carry.
-.
-ar Springs (ascents totalling 2,700-ft. - about 6 miles - a
+My last place of pilgrimage was Lumbini where the Buddha was born, and to reach it, I partly rode and partly walked twelve miles along the foot of the mighty Himalayan peaks. I was most fortunate, for it rained and cleared the air of dust, so that when I woke at Lumbini the next morning, I saw those stupendous mountains rising, I imagine, about 24,000 feet above me. I have seen Mount Cook from the sea towering over 12,000 feet above. But never before have I seen mountains so remote and so ethereal as this, my first glimpse of the Himalayas.
-short but rugged day with heavy packs - no water en route). Day 8 Rest day at Macalister Springs. Walked a little way toward
--- Hewitt Hut - appears to be a fairly flat ridge far to south. Day_ 9: Over Mt. Howitt, Big Hill: Magdala: No.1 Divide to camp near
+And do these pilgrims have their "Green grow the rushes, O!"? Yes, but, as they chant in Tibetan, Pali or Sanscrit, I do not know what they sing. I only know that their chants are often very haunting and sometimes strangely beautiful.
-Mt. Lovick (The Cairn) (about 8i miles - ascents of 2:500 ft.) 21/12: Over The Cairn, descent 2:300-ft., an to Sixteen Mile Creek,
-Howqua River and Ritchie's Hut (about 1 miles).
+----
-: Doirn the Howqua about 6 miles (only 2-4 hours walking).
-Day 12: Down the Howqua to Fry's Homestead (about 5 miles - many fords bout 2i hours walking).
+===== The Farther Country. =====
-Day 13: Out to Merrijig (8 miles). Car to Mansfield.
-With the except ion of the stage from Mt. Speculation for about
+(Based an a trip carried out in Feb./March, 1953).
--4 miles across the Cross Cut Saw, we were on cattle pads all the way, sometimes blossoming into main stock routes. It was good walking, and
-.
+By Jim Brown.
-easy on feet and footwear. A.little care in pathfinding needed in places where cattle have congregated near water cv sadd7. On the south end of Cross Cut Saw and again near Mt. Magdala the cattle tracks form useful sidlings which avoid topping every minor summit. Cross Cut Saw, by the way, is a kind of extended and peaky Narrow Neck, dropping into steep valleys on each flank.
-Flies were pestilential an the Howqua, and wite numerous enough on the highlands also. Perhaps the warm, dry weather we met caused them to be more active than usual.
+A best-seller written by Nevil Shute several years ago and titled "The Far Country" had for its locale the country around Mansfield in Victoria. Mansfield itself was disguised as "Banbury", but Merrijig, 12 miles east, and the Howqua River were given their correct names. Although the author did not have much to say about the adjacent highlands, they provide some of the finest walking country in the Australian Alps, so, for this "information" article on the high country near Mounts Buller, Cobbler and Howitt, we have adapted Nevil Shute's title.
-MAPS: The map we used was one produced by the Victorian Mountain TFEEpinc Club, which has made a study of this particular area. It was entirely adequate, a mott admirable job of tapping and kept well up to date. Copies of this, and adjoining naps, may be obtained from Stuart Brookes, of the V.M.T.C., 34 Orange Grove, Camberwell, E.6: Victoria, and cost approximately 3/. to 3/6d. each. A refer-11(e copy of the maps, donated by the V.M.T.C., is held in the Clubts =.) library. The sheets concerned are :-
-. Watersheds of King, Howqua, Jamieson and Macalister Rive. (the sheet used on our trip). Scale 1 inch to 100 chains (apz)rox.).
+The ranges east of Mansfield form the watersheds for a number of rivers: the Delatite and Howqua flowing into the Goulburn: the King, Rose, Catherine and Dandongadale, which go to join the Ovens: south of the Main Dividing Range the Wonnangatta, Macalister and Jamieson, all flowing south to Gippsland and the sea. The tops themselves have their summit at Mt. Buller (5,911'), but Sterling (5,800'), Cobbler (5,342'), Speculation (5,600'), Howitt (5,715') and Magdala (5,600') are all within a few miles. The horizon contains Buffalo Plateau to the north and Bogong-Hotham-Feathertop in the north east.
-. Macalister River Watershed - Scale 1 inch to 2 miles. Covers most of the area we were on, but in less detail, and a 1a2ce regionto the south and east.
-. Snowy Plains (track from Howitt Hut to Lain Tarli Karns and Mt. Wellington - south from the region we traversed). Scale 1 inch to 1 mile.
+From all these main tops, and quite a number of the lesser summits superb views are to be had. As a purely selfish reaction, I liked the scenery as well as that of the Lake St.Clair-Cradle Mountain Reserve in Tasmania, but perhaps I was prejudiced by reason of the agreeable camping conditions. I certainly preferred this country to all of the Kosciusko Alpine area, with the exception of the views of the west face from Townsend and Twynam, which the Victorian scene rather resembles in grandeur. A tilted rock strata, which appears to be a variety of sandstone and conglomerate, layered with belts of reddish shale, runs through most of the range, and this gives the effect of real peaks instead of the plateau-meadow formation of our N.S.W. alpine country.
-. Ben Cruachan and Environs showing trails smith from Mt.Wellington. Scale 1 inch to 1 mile.
-STORES: Mansfield is a town of reasonable size (notwithstanding the comment by a citizen of Sheffield, Tasmania (I) inscribec3 on the wall of the Gents Public Lavatory nMansfield is a. hicks town". 77iere is
+As a result, the walking is much more "hilly" than one expects in our relatively flat alpine terrain. Between the main tops are saddles dropping down to 4,600-ft., and it is possible in a comparatively short day's march of 8 or 10 miles to climb over 2,000-ft. in stages of from 200-ft. to 800-ft. and to descend an equal amount, camping at the same height as one started. For this reason it is usually advisable to limit each day's stage to about 10 miles, unless the party is a strong one.
-also a store at the timber settlement of Mirimbah at the f.,:ct. Jf: Mt. Duller;
-Mr. Bennie, who has a property on the Rose River Mt. Cobbler, will arrange to take stores up to Goner flu horses. He should be written in 'advance, and the goo to him C/- Thitfield Railway Station. He packed two pal. about 50 lbs. up to Cobbler Hut for us at a cost of 4. from Sydney was 32/-.
+A certain amount of time must be allowed for pathfinding if unfamiliar with the ground as, in some places, it could mean a bad delay if the track were lost. Because of height variations, the vegetation is subject to much wider change than that encountered an Kosciusko plateau. Up to 4,000-ft. there is normal forest cover, with much wattle and similar rubbish: from 4,000 ft. to about 4,500 ft. a more open forest with woolly butt and snow grasses, and light low cover of one of the red-and-yellow flowering pea shrubs: from 4,500 ft. up to 5,000 (sometimes 5,200 ft.) snow gum and grass and a little small shrubbery: while the top levels, above about 5,200-ft, are generally tree-less or with scattered stunted snow gum.
-t
-by pack isigned
+Water supply is a greater problem than in our local alps, where every little hollow has its stream, every gentle vale a strong creek. Probably because the snow fall is lighter, and certainly because of the steep slope of the ground, run-off is rapid, and it may sometimes be necessary to descend quite a distance to find water. By the end of a dry summer, only main streams and certain permanent springs are flowing, and the latter may be trampled by the cattle which graze on the highlands during summer.
-weight
-freight
+Camp sites are often dictated by water supply, and it would be unwise to press on from a sure spring late in the afternoon. Otherwise camping conditions are generally excellent, with soft couches of snow-grass and abundance of dry snow gum for firewood. The region above the tree-line is so limited in extent that one need never fear being caught out on a completely exposed place.
-Mr. Fred Fry: of Howqua Homestead, will also undertake :;Lmilar jobs. I daresay parcels would have to be nailed to him C/- Merrijig, via Mansfield. He would be able to pack stores to part of
-Howqua River, or to Howitt Hut, 7 miles muth-east of tale mountain of that name aid 6 miles from Macalister Springs.
+Like the Kosciusko country, it is summer time walking country. Without local weather reports, it would be chancy to walk there before November or after the end of March. The weather on the high points then resembles May in the Blue Mountains.
-c.)w
-TRANSPORT: If entering the region from Cobbler side, tho approach 77117Sr7rom wangaratta through Whitfield. For a party of any size it would probably be best to hire a car at Wancaratta.
+Our trip, deliberately planned to be easy, was:
-To come in to Buller or the Howqua River, Benalla is the detraining point. A 'bus leaves Benalla for Mansfield at 7.45 p m. daily, excluding Sunday, returning from Mansfield at 8.30 in the
-.
+__Day 1__: Car from Mansfield to Mt. Buller. Camp near Ivor Whittaker Memorial Lodge. Afternoon went to summit, generally viewing lay-out of country (about 2 miles).
-morning. Distance 40 miles, fare 9/- single, 15/. return (don't know currency of return tickets). Several hire care proprietors at Mansfid or Mirimbah will do the Mt. Buller trip,and would probably go most of the way to Howqua in good weather. Our man charged 4.10.0 for the Mansfield-Mt. Duller trip.
-Owing to delays involved in 'bus travel, a party with little time to spare may be advised to hire a car right through from Benalla (67 miles to Buller, 52 to Merrijig). There is a 'bus service from Mansfield to Mirimbah (beyond Merri jig and at the foot of Duller), and at certain tiMes this plies as far as the top of Duller, but the servio is infrequent, and enquiry should be made before relying on this.
+__Day 2__: Along jeep track to Mt. Sterling (descent 1,200-ft., ascent 1,300-ft.), over Memorial Hill, camp near Hearne's Hut (8 miles.)
-MIINIMIDNII=m1711M116414101M117.1=0
-FEDERATION NOTES - JANUARY.
+__Day 3__: Descent to King River (descent 2,000-ft.) Mislaid track and had bad trip in thick scrub. On River for lunch. Camped 1 mile downstream near King River Hut (6 miles for day).
+__Day 4__: Ascended to Cobbler Plateau (about 1,800-ft.) At Cobbler Hut for lunch. Picked up stores left for us (5 miles for day).
+__Day 5__: In the morning without packs to Mt. Cobbler and back to Hut. (8 miles - ascent and descent about 1,800-ft.)
+__Day 6__: South across Cobbler Plateau to Mts. Koonika and Speculation. (about 8 miles - ascent of over 2,000-ft.)
+__Day 7__: Over Speculation and Cross Cut Saw to Mt. Howitt and Macalister Springs (ascents totalling 2,700-ft. - about 6 miles - a short but rugged day with heavy packs - no water en route).
+__Day 8__: Rest day at Macalister Springs. Walked a little way toward Howitt Hut - appears to be a fairly flat ridge far to south.
+__Day 9__: Over Mt. Howitt, Big Hill, Magdala, No.1 Divide to camp near Mt. Lovick (The Cairn) (about 8 1/2 miles - ascents of 2,500 ft.)
+__Day 10__: Over The Cairn, descent 2,300-ft., on to Sixteen Mile Creek, Howqua River and Ritchie's Hut (about 7 1/2 miles).
+__Day 11__: Down the Howqua about 6 miles (only 2 - 2 1/2 hours walking).
+__Day 12__: Down the Howqua to Fry's Homestead (about 5 miles - many fords - about 2 1/2 hours walking).
+__Day 13__: Out to Merrijig (8 miles). Car to Mansfield.
+With the exception of the stage from Mt. Speculation for about 3-4 miles across the Cross Cut Saw, we were on cattle pads all the way, sometimes blossoming into main stock routes. It was good walking, and easy on feet and footwear. A little care in pathfinding needed in places where cattle have congregated near water or in saddles. On the south end of Cross Cut Saw and again near Mt. Magdala the cattle tracks form useful sidlings which avoid topping every minor summit. Cross Cut Saw, by the way, is a kind of extended and peaky Narrow Neck, dropping into steep valleys on each flank.
+Flies were pestilential on the Howqua, and quite numerous enough on the highlands also. Perhaps the warm, dry weather we met caused them to be more active than usual.
+__Maps__: The map we used was one produced by the Victorian Mountain Tramping Club, which has made a study of this particular area. It was entirely adequate, a most admirable job of tapping and kept well up to date. Copies of this, and adjoining maps, may be obtained from Stuart Brookes, of the V.M.T.C., 34 Orange Grove, Camberwell, E.6, Victoria, and cost approximately 3/- to 3/6d. each. A reference copy of the maps, donated by the V.M.T.C., is held in the Club's map library. The sheets concerned are :-
+  - Watersheds of King, Howqua, Jamieson and Macalister Rivers (the sheet used on our trip). Scale 1 inch to 100 chains (approx.).
+  - Macalister River Watershed - Scale 1 inch to 2 miles. Covers most of the area we were on, but in less detail, and a 1arge region to the south and east.
+  - Snowy Plains (track from Howitt Hut to Lain Tarli Karng and Mt. Wellington - south from the region we traversed). Scale 1 inch to 1 mile.
+  - Ben Cruachan and Environs - showing trails south from Mt. Wellington. Scale 1 inch to 1 mile.
+__Stores__: Mansfield is a town of reasonable size (notwithstanding the comment by a citizen of Sheffield, Tasmania (!) inscribed on the wall of the Gents Public Lavatory "Mansfield is a hicks town"). There is also a store at the timber settlement of Mirimbah at the foot. of Mt. Buller.
+Mr. Bennie, who has a property on the Rose River below Mt. Cobbler, will arrange to take stores up to Cobbler Hut by pack horses. He should be written in advance, and the goods consigned to him C/- Whitfield Railway Station. He packed two parcels, weight about 50 lbs. up to Cobbler Hut for us at a cost of £4. Rail freight from Sydney was 32/-.
+Mr. Fred Fry, of Howqua Homestead, will also undertake similar jobs. I daresay parcels would have to be mailed to him C/- Merrijig, via Mansfield. He would be able to pack stores to part of Howqua River, or to Howitt Hut, 7 miles south-east of the mountain of that name and 6 miles from Macalister Springs.
+__Transport__: If entering the region from Cobbler side, the approach would be from Wangaratta through Whitfield. For a party of any size it would probably be best to hire a car at Wangaratta.
+To come in to Buller or the Howqua River, Benalla is the detraining point. A 'bus leaves Benalla for Mansfield at 7.45 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, returning from Mansfield at 8.30 in the morning. Distance 40 miles, fare 9/- single, 15/- return (don't know currency of return tickets). Several hire car proprietors at Mansfield or Mirimbah will do the Mt. Buller trip, and would probably go most of the way to Howqua in good weather. Our man charged £4.10.0 for the Mansfield-Mt. Buller trip.
+Owing to delays involved in 'bus travel, a party with little time to spare may be advised to hire a car right through from Benalla (67 miles to Buller, 52 to Merrijig). There is a 'bus service from Mansfield to Mirimbah (beyond Merrijig and at the foot of Buller), and at certain tiMes this plies as far as the top of Buller, but the service is infrequent, and enquiry should be made before relying on this.
+----
+===== Federation Notes - January. =====
 By Allen A. Strom.
- EUSHWALKER BALL: Organiser wanted, Any volunteers? Phone W32528.
-FRAZER PARK: Wyong Shire Council will investigate the quarrying of EFFver an the Park.
+=== 1954 Bushwalker Ball: ===
-MORTON PRIMITIVE AREA: The Fauna Protection Panel approved of the Te7=-7177-7-1=-hs a Faunal Reserve in 1950. The Federatian hos asked that the Panel proceed with the routine necessary to have the dedication completed.
-BUNGONIA GORGE: The Mines Department has agreed that mining pursuits a*E-77nr4=757ve interfered with the panorama from The Lookdown. They say that certain conditions embodied in the Mining Leases will prevent the destruction of the Gorge. The Federation is not satisfied with the conditions and will attempt to obtain improvements.
+Organiser wanted, Any volunteers? Phone WB2528.
-BARREN.GROUNDS AND BUDDEROO: The local M.L.A. has agreed to assist in EnTE's the area dedicated as a National Park. The finding of two rare species of birds .. the Bristle Bird and the Ground Parrot .. on the Barren Grounds, has prompted the Federation to ask the Fauna Protection Panel to have that area dedicated as a Faunal Reserve.
-BOUDDI NATURAL PARK: About one third of the Park was destroyed by fire 377717777-rgcenber 21st. A brochure has been prepared and printed giving the location of the Park and outlining the aims of the trustees. Copies readily available from A. Strom (WB2528). Volunteers for work parties and patrols within the Park are still urgently required.
+=== Frazer Park ===
-KARIONG PARK PROPOSAL: The District Surveyor says that he should be FET-677-EM a recommendation about the area shortly. The Lands Department has been awaiting a report before taking any aotion. The next visit to the area will be on the weekend, February 19,20,21. You are invited to come and bring your friends. Contact A.W. Dingeldei at
-UA2983. KEDUMBA  VALLEY: Reported that the Kedumba Valley Pastoral Company
+Wyong Shire Council will investigate the quarrying of gravel on the Park.
-Trespon's11:77 for the new track down from the Queen Victoria Homes to Kedumba Valley) will ha7e 4,000 acres of freehold near Maxwell's "Kedumba House". Federation will enquire into the boundaries of this property.
-$'
+=== Morton Primitive Area: ===
--**
-'
+The Fauna Protection Panel approved of the dedication of Morton as a Faunal Reserve in 1950. The Federation has asked that the Panel proceed with the routine necessary to have the dedication completed.
-/
-,a110111MIWW:ip 11,511101OW"
+=== Bungonia Gorge: ===
-VA
-I
+The Mines Department has agreed that mining pursuits at Bungonia have interfered with the panorama from The Lookdown. They say that certain conditions embodied in the Mining Leases will prevent the destruction of the Gorge. The Federation is not satisfied with the conditions and will attempt to obtain improvements.
-Here is a copy of letter recently
-received by Paddy.
+=== Barren Grounds and Budderoo: ===
-Some short time ago you repaired a Paddymadeirucsac for me which, purchased about five years ago, was beginning to show signs of slight strain on two seams.
+The local M.L.A. has agreed to assist in having the area dedicated as a National Park. The finding of two rare species of birds... the Bristle Bird and the Ground Parrot... on the Barren Grounds, has prompted the Federation to ask the Fauna Protection Panel to have that area dedicated as a Faunal Reserve.
+=== Bouddi Natural Park: ===
+About one third of the Park was destroyed by fire on Monday, December 21st. A brochure has been prepared and printed giving the location of the Park and outlining the aims of the trustees. Copies readily available from A. Strom (WB2528). Volunteers for work parties and patrols within the Park are still urgently required.
+=== Kariong Park Proposal: ===
+The District Surveyor says that he should be able to make a recommendation about the area shortly. The Lands Department has been awaiting a report before taking any action. The next visit to the area will be on the weekend, February 19,20,21. You are invited to come and bring your friends. Contact A.W. Dingeldei at UA2983.
+=== Kedumba Valley: ===
+Reported that the Kedumba Valley Pastoral Company (responsible for the new track down from the Queen Victoria Homes to Kedumba Valley) will have 4,000 acres of freehold near Maxwell's "Kedumba House". Federation will enquire into the boundaries of this property.
+----
+===== Paddy Made. =====
+Here is a copy of letter recently received by Paddy.
+Some short time ago you repaired a Paddymade rucsac for me which, purchased about five years ago, was beginning to show signs of slight strain on two seams.
 Your store refused payment for this service on the grounds that the seams should not have started, and I feel prompted to thank you for this excellent spirit, which is nowadays so rarely found.
-My rucsack has in recent years done unfailing, duty in many parts of the world unc'er all manner of conditions, from the Cuillins of Skye to Kosciusko, from the Austrian Dolomites to the mountains of Ceylon.
+My rucsack has in recent years done unfailing duty in many parts of the world under all manner of conditions, from the Cuillins of Skye to Kosciusko, from the Austrian Dolomites to the mountains of Ceylon.
 Incidentally, my constant companions included a whole range of your equipment, two man hike tent, etc.
-V:ith good wishes to you and your organisation in 1954.
-STOP PRESS: Triple hob-nails now in stock.
-PADDY PAWN
-Lightweight Camp Gear
-CASTLEREAGH St SYDNEY
-M2678
-,00-
-117'As`
+With good wishes to you and your organisation in 1954.
+__Stop Press__: Triple hob-nails now in stock.
+Paddy Pallin. Lightweight Camp Gear.
+Castlereagh St., Sydney. M2678
+----