User Tools

Site Tools


195702

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision
Previous revision
195702 [2018/10/26 13:03] tyreless195702 [2018/10/29 13:09] (current) tyreless
Line 53: Line 53:
 The President informed us that Nadgee, a coastal area near a high range just over the Victorian border, an area not unlike Era, and with plentiful lagoons and bird life, had been declared a fauna reserve. The President informed us that Nadgee, a coastal area near a high range just over the Victorian border, an area not unlike Era, and with plentiful lagoons and bird life, had been declared a fauna reserve.
  
-The Secretary asked for notification of changes of address to be supplied within the next month, also notice of aay Constitutional alterations.+The Secretary asked for notification of changes of address to be supplied within the next month, also notice of any Constitutional alterations.
  
 Woods Creek was fixed as the site of our Re-Union on March 16th and 17th, with Long Angle Gully as an alternative if required. Peter Stitt, Colin Putt, Brian Anderson and Bill Henley were appointed as the Re-Union Committee with power to co-opt. Woods Creek was fixed as the site of our Re-Union on March 16th and 17th, with Long Angle Gully as an alternative if required. Peter Stitt, Colin Putt, Brian Anderson and Bill Henley were appointed as the Re-Union Committee with power to co-opt.
Line 115: Line 115:
 We gather courage in both hands and press on. A little intrepid climbing and we reach another gorge, not the twenty foot fall but we need the rope and over we go, no hand holds, no toe holds, we dangle in mid air with water below. John has his water wings at the ready but the breeze takes them along and they float ahead of us. Sheila and Henry minister to the not so intrepid swimmers and we all make it, only to find sheer cliffs along which we follow Molly who seems to be fitted with suction pads to her feet. Can't let the side down, if she can do it so can we. We hold our breath, this is surely it, but no, our time has not come, we've made it. We gather courage in both hands and press on. A little intrepid climbing and we reach another gorge, not the twenty foot fall but we need the rope and over we go, no hand holds, no toe holds, we dangle in mid air with water below. John has his water wings at the ready but the breeze takes them along and they float ahead of us. Sheila and Henry minister to the not so intrepid swimmers and we all make it, only to find sheer cliffs along which we follow Molly who seems to be fitted with suction pads to her feet. Can't let the side down, if she can do it so can we. We hold our breath, this is surely it, but no, our time has not come, we've made it.
  
-A hurried lunch - no time to rest yet, we must press on today so that we can rest tomorrow. But our leaders say 7.15 a.m. start and so we brave the Bloody Kowmung once again. John decided that swimming is too intrepid for him and lures Sheila to the hills. Party waits one hour for them to descend to the river again. Jack whiles away the time by spinning stones across the waters, patience and tolerance at work. Some of the P.W.F's. try their hand and almost decaptate Henry who exclaims "You never know how you die." Ah, here they come, must make up some time, but alack the waters of the Kowmung are ahead of us again.+A hurried lunch - no time to rest yet, we must press on today so that we can rest tomorrow. But our leaders say 7.15 a.m. start and so we brave the Bloody Kowmung once again. John decided that swimming is too intrepid for him and lures Sheila to the hills. Party waits one hour for them to descend to the river again. Jack whiles away the time by spinning stones across the waters, patience and tolerance at work. Some of the P.W.F's. try their hand and almost decapitate Henry who exclaims "You never know how you die." Ah, here they come, must make up some time, but alack the waters of the Kowmung are ahead of us again.
  
 This time Bill and Betty take to the hills followed by John and Frank. Up and up they go, can't get down, cliffs ahead. Patience and tolerance working full blast down below, whilst the swimming party cool their heels. We are reminded of the waterfall ahead, Betty and John pale visibly; they are promised that those doing the pushing will perform gently should their courage fail, and so with these happy thoughts we continue to spring less lightly from rock to rock, trying not to dither; our leaders have spoken. This time Bill and Betty take to the hills followed by John and Frank. Up and up they go, can't get down, cliffs ahead. Patience and tolerance working full blast down below, whilst the swimming party cool their heels. We are reminded of the waterfall ahead, Betty and John pale visibly; they are promised that those doing the pushing will perform gently should their courage fail, and so with these happy thoughts we continue to spring less lightly from rock to rock, trying not to dither; our leaders have spoken.
Line 170: Line 170:
 ---- ----
  
-===== Federaton Report, December. =====+===== Federation Report, December. =====
  
 - Allen A. Strom. - Allen A. Strom.
  
-__The Eureka Youth League Bushwalking Club__ has asked for an interview regarding Contitution's Code of Ethics and Organisation of Club Procedures desired by the Federation.+__The Eureka Youth League Bushwalking Club__ has asked for an interview regarding Constitution's Code of Ethics and Organisation of Club Procedures desired by the Federation.
  
 __The Publicity Officers__ of Federation are to arrange for a public lecture to be given by Mr. Jerg Marnet, a member of the Swiss Everest-Lhotse Expedition during the period February 8th to 23rd, 1957. The lecture will show details of the Expedition in coloured slides. __The Publicity Officers__ of Federation are to arrange for a public lecture to be given by Mr. Jerg Marnet, a member of the Swiss Everest-Lhotse Expedition during the period February 8th to 23rd, 1957. The lecture will show details of the Expedition in coloured slides.
Line 184: Line 184:
 A road along the Williams Range, (between the Allyne and Williams Rivers, __Barrington Tops Area__) has been cut illegally by local timber getters. We are combining with Newcastle Conservation Bodies in an effort to have the Forestry Commission prevent further activity. A road along the Williams Range, (between the Allyne and Williams Rivers, __Barrington Tops Area__) has been cut illegally by local timber getters. We are combining with Newcastle Conservation Bodies in an effort to have the Forestry Commission prevent further activity.
  
-We are pleased to report that the Minister for Lands has approved of the establishzent of a __Nadgee Faunal Reserve__ over 28,000 acres in the South Eastern corner of New South Wales. In accordance with all Faunal Reserves, the area will be reserved in perpetuity after formal approval by the Executive Council.+We are pleased to report that the Minister for Lands has approved of the establishment of a __Nadgee Faunal Reserve__ over 28,000 acres in the South Eastern corner of New South Wales. In accordance with all Faunal Reserves, the area will be reserved in perpetuity after formal approval by the Executive Council.
  
 Investigation of the proposed mining of limestone in the __Colong - Church Creek Caves Area__ is proceeding. An effort is being made to determine the true nature of the situation before attempting to persuade the Department Of Mines to refuse further operations. Investigation of the proposed mining of limestone in the __Colong - Church Creek Caves Area__ is proceeding. An effort is being made to determine the true nature of the situation before attempting to persuade the Department Of Mines to refuse further operations.
Line 192: Line 192:
 __Junior Walks__: A walk was held on December 1st/2nd down Heathcote Creek. Four boys attended, the low numbers being due to a hitch in the organisation of the activity. The next walk will be held in February. __Junior Walks__: A walk was held on December 1st/2nd down Heathcote Creek. Four boys attended, the low numbers being due to a hitch in the organisation of the activity. The next walk will be held in February.
  
-A report was to hand that land near National Park Station was to be provided for a __Museum of Old Trains and Trams__. Federation agred to take no action.+A report was to hand that land near National Park Station was to be provided for a __Museum of Old Trains and Trams__. Federation agreed to take no action.
  
 ---- ----
Line 237: Line 237:
 We then walked down the valley, having lunch on the way, until met by Laurie Goldman's friend, Charlie Quelch of Paleroo, in his Land Rover. His property is near Killarney Gap, and he had come out to meet us and then took us right to our camp at the Gap. We then walked down the valley, having lunch on the way, until met by Laurie Goldman's friend, Charlie Quelch of Paleroo, in his Land Rover. His property is near Killarney Gap, and he had come out to meet us and then took us right to our camp at the Gap.
  
-We had intended to spend a day going north from Killarney Gap to Grattai but had already used the day, so Allen and I decided to return soon for a further look. We maaaged this in the last week of August, the party consisting of Teddy Grey, Geoff Douglas, Louie French, Allen and the Moppett family.+We had intended to spend a day going north from Killarney Gap to Grattai but had already used the day, so Allen and I decided to return soon for a further look. We managed this in the last week of August, the party consisting of Teddy Grey, Geoff Douglas, Louie French, Allen and the Moppett family.
  
 First we made an overnight visit to Kaputar, then went round through Narrabri to Killarney Gap and camped there. First we made an overnight visit to Kaputar, then went round through Narrabri to Killarney Gap and camped there.
Line 271: Line 271:
 This area would be of interest to any bushwalker, but remember in normal times water is not plentiful. Even after this year's heavy rains, most creeks not fed by springs are dry. This area would be of interest to any bushwalker, but remember in normal times water is not plentiful. Even after this year's heavy rains, most creeks not fed by springs are dry.
  
-It is hoped, after furthur investigations, to put forward proposals for a National Park in the Nandewars.+It is hoped, after further investigations, to put forward proposals for a National Park in the Nandewars.
  
 ---- ----
Line 281: Line 281:
 At first glance there appear to be two very unusual and exciting features on the current Walks Programme. - Firstly there is a social item tantalisingly entitled "The Flora and Fauna of Sydney Beaches" on the night of January 30th. The flora would seem to be a trifle scarce but there is definitely no dearth of interesting fauna, if this refers to what we think and hope it might!! At first glance there appear to be two very unusual and exciting features on the current Walks Programme. - Firstly there is a social item tantalisingly entitled "The Flora and Fauna of Sydney Beaches" on the night of January 30th. The flora would seem to be a trifle scarce but there is definitely no dearth of interesting fauna, if this refers to what we think and hope it might!!
  
-The second is the curious combination of two still more curious walks led by the Putts' and scheduled for Feb. 1-2-3. The routes selected for these two exclusive escapades would appear to be something more than a coincidence and we can't help wondering just how much fraternisation is going to take place between the opposing factions. Any contact between the paties should prove extremely interesting.+The second is the curious combination of two still more curious walks led by the Putts' and scheduled for Feb. 1-2-3. The routes selected for these two exclusive escapades would appear to be something more than a coincidence and we can't help wondering just how much fraternisation is going to take place between the opposing factions. Any contact between the parties should prove extremely interesting.
  
 By the time this has gone to press, both of these promises should have been brought to fulfilment. Let's hope that our thoughts in retrospect are as equally intriguing; and somewhat more enlightened. By the time this has gone to press, both of these promises should have been brought to fulfilment. Let's hope that our thoughts in retrospect are as equally intriguing; and somewhat more enlightened.
Line 299: Line 299:
 (An account from early Australian History, obtainable at the Mitchell Library, which will be of particular interest to Bushwalkers as it concerns the earliest trip into some of our popular walking country. - Dot Butler) (An account from early Australian History, obtainable at the Mitchell Library, which will be of particular interest to Bushwalkers as it concerns the earliest trip into some of our popular walking country. - Dot Butler)
  
-Francis Barrallier was a trained surveyor and entineer who as a civilian had been brought out by Governor King and who, on arrival had been appointed to a vacancy in the N.S.W. Corps. He planned an expedition from Parranatta to attempt a crossing of the Blue Mountains. Owing to some military order that soldiers were not to be taken off regimental duty, Gov. King was "obliged to effect a ruse" - he dispensed with Barrallier's services in the N.S.W.Corps but claimed him as his aide-de-camp and sent him on an embassy to the King of the Mountains so that he might carry out his exploration. Accordingly, on 6th Nobember 1802, Barrallier (aged 29) set out with four soldiers, five prisoners and a native, Gogy, who was afterwards joined by others. Barrallier, according to his journal, travelled 147 miles into the mountains beyond the Nepean (this distance is an overstatement), over rough and almost inaccessible country, but his difficulties proved so great and his equipment was so meagre he failed to reach the Great Divide.+Francis Barrallier was a trained surveyor and engineer who as a civilian had been brought out by Governor King and who, on arrival had been appointed to a vacancy in the N.S.W. Corps. He planned an expedition from Parramatta to attempt a crossing of the Blue Mountains. Owing to some military order that soldiers were not to be taken off regimental duty, Gov. King was "obliged to effect a ruse" - he dispensed with Barrallier's services in the N.S.W.Corps but claimed him as his aide-de-camp and sent him on an embassy to the King of the Mountains so that he might carry out his exploration. Accordingly, on 6th November 1802, Barrallier (aged 29) set out with four soldiers, five prisoners and a native, Gogy, who was afterwards joined by others. Barrallier, according to his journal, travelled 147 miles into the mountains beyond the Nepean (this distance is an overstatement), over rough and almost inaccessible country, but his difficulties proved so great and his equipment was so meagre he failed to reach the Great Divide.
  
 On 6th November the party crossed the Nepean a few miles above the present town of Camden at a ford called by the natives Binheny. The surrounding country was known as the Cow Pastures owing to the fact that there was at the time a herd of several hundred wild cattle there, apparently confined to the valley of the Nepean, offspring of five cows and two bulls which strayed from Sydney in 1788, and were not discovered till many years later. On 6th November the party crossed the Nepean a few miles above the present town of Camden at a ford called by the natives Binheny. The surrounding country was known as the Cow Pastures owing to the fact that there was at the time a herd of several hundred wild cattle there, apparently confined to the valley of the Nepean, offspring of five cows and two bulls which strayed from Sydney in 1788, and were not discovered till many years later.
Line 309: Line 309:
 On Nov.10th three men were sent back with the waggon for provisions. The others proceeded west on foot following a creek (probably Shea's) down a precipitous gorge to the Nattai River, about 6 miles above its junction with the Wollondilly. On Nov.10th three men were sent back with the waggon for provisions. The others proceeded west on foot following a creek (probably Shea's) down a precipitous gorge to the Nattai River, about 6 miles above its junction with the Wollondilly.
  
-(Cambage, the historian, in speaking of the first road which by 1833 had been oonstructed into the Burragorang, describes a wild scene; "The inaccessible appearance of the rocky cliffs and the sublime depths of the valleys they enclose present a striking contrast to the flatness of the higher country by which the road approaches Burragorang. The descent by road into the tremendous ravines of the Nattai and Wollondilly is tedious and very difficult. An old man, Larry Tanny, lives below and subsists on what he earns by helping passengers up or down. The country first reached on descending is the bed of the Nattai, which joins the Wollondilly 6 miles further down. Pasturage is good and water abundant, and by 1833 there were many stations.") But let us continue Barrallier's journey, 30 years earlier, into this virgin country.+(Cambage, the historian, in speaking of the first road which by 1833 had been constructed into the Burragorang, describes a wild scene; "The inaccessible appearance of the rocky cliffs and the sublime depths of the valleys they enclose present a striking contrast to the flatness of the higher country by which the road approaches Burragorang. The descent by road into the tremendous ravines of the Nattai and Wollondilly is tedious and very difficult. An old man, Larry Tanny, lives below and subsists on what he earns by helping passengers up or down. The country first reached on descending is the bed of the Nattai, which joins the Wollondilly 6 miles further down. Pasturage is good and water abundant, and by 1833 there were many stations.") But let us continue Barrallier's journey, 30 years earlier, into this virgin country.
  
 Barrallier reports that he found a slate mine at the end of Shea's Creek, very soft slate which broke under the slightest pressure, in which were embedded fossil impressions of ferns and tree leaves. (These soft slate deposits are Permo-Carboniferous shale beds and coal measures containing fossils. Iron is also present.) He describes the surrounding mountains as being "generally accessible up to a certain height, but at an altitude of a quarter of a mile they are perpendicular and their summit forms a kind of leaden wall." (The accessible portion would be sloping decomposed Permo-Carboniferous shales. The leaden wall would be the Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs.) Barrallier reports that he found a slate mine at the end of Shea's Creek, very soft slate which broke under the slightest pressure, in which were embedded fossil impressions of ferns and tree leaves. (These soft slate deposits are Permo-Carboniferous shale beds and coal measures containing fossils. Iron is also present.) He describes the surrounding mountains as being "generally accessible up to a certain height, but at an altitude of a quarter of a mile they are perpendicular and their summit forms a kind of leaden wall." (The accessible portion would be sloping decomposed Permo-Carboniferous shales. The leaden wall would be the Hawkesbury sandstone cliffs.)
Line 325: Line 325:
 Barrallier and his party climbed three quarters of the way up South Peak, where "immense overhanging rocks which seemed to be attached to nothing offered an appalling scene." The men rested and gazed at the plain from that great height with a feeling of admiration mingled with awe. The country was alive with rock wallabies; one  was shot by a soldier who had gone to look for a way up the eastern face of the mountain. The party then turned back. They had hardly left South Peak when natives unfriendly to one Gogy in Barrallier's party caused the whole expedition to return to the depot at Nattai. Barrallier and his party climbed three quarters of the way up South Peak, where "immense overhanging rocks which seemed to be attached to nothing offered an appalling scene." The men rested and gazed at the plain from that great height with a feeling of admiration mingled with awe. The country was alive with rock wallabies; one  was shot by a soldier who had gone to look for a way up the eastern face of the mountain. The party then turned back. They had hardly left South Peak when natives unfriendly to one Gogy in Barrallier's party caused the whole expedition to return to the depot at Nattai.
  
-On Nov.22nd Barrallier set out again with five of the strongest men and two young natives. At the junotion of the Nattai and the Wollondilly he met the previously hostile natives, including Goondel the chief, but obtained no information from them. By noon of the third day the party was back at South Peak, then they continued into "a country of brushes, going over hills which stood in all directions." (These would be the deeply dissected talus slopes from the Permo-Carboniferous shale and sandstone mountains on the right. The present track fo11ows his route.) The party rested by Alum Hill Creek or Green Creek, then passed over an area of rock described by Barrallier as granite, but actually it is felsite. This would indicate he passed to the south of Square Rock (Little Rick), but he does not mention it. Little Rick covers about 40 acres and is a remarkable remnant of the Permo-Carboniferous Age. Its base slopes slightly, its upper part presents four high perpendicular faces of sandstone absolutely inaccessible (to anyone but Bushwalkers, that is). Seen from the north its peculiar appearance is very striking, but it is not particularly noticeable from the south. Trees passed on the 24th were bluegums and ironbark of medium height. No further ironbarks were seen after the 24th, the high country being too cold for them.+On Nov.22nd Barrallier set out again with five of the strongest men and two young natives. At the junction of the Nattai and the Wollondilly he met the previously hostile natives, including Goondel the chief, but obtained no information from them. By noon of the third day the party was back at South Peak, then they continued into "a country of brushes, going over hills which stood in all directions." (These would be the deeply dissected talus slopes from the Permo-Carboniferous shale and sandstone mountains on the right. The present track fo11ows his route.) The party rested by Alum Hill Creek or Green Creek, then passed over an area of rock described by Barrallier as granite, but actually it is felsite. This would indicate he passed to the south of Square Rock (Little Rick), but he does not mention it. Little Rick covers about 40 acres and is a remarkable remnant of the Permo-Carboniferous Age. Its base slopes slightly, its upper part presents four high perpendicular faces of sandstone absolutely inaccessible (to anyone but Bushwalkers, that is). Seen from the north its peculiar appearance is very striking, but it is not particularly noticeable from the south. Trees passed on the 24th were bluegums and ironbark of medium height. No further ironbarks were seen after the 24th, the high country being too cold for them.
  
 By noon on Nov.25th the party reached a large and rapid stream (Colong Creek) containing what Barrallier described as large red and blue granite stones (actually felsite). Wild duck were plentiful and there were many wombats. He saw three openings ahead, the central one half a mile wide with perpendicular sides, and through this he passed (now called Barrallier Pass). The one to the north is situated just south of Mt. Colong or Big Rick. Through the one to the south the Bindook track now passes. By noon on Nov.25th the party reached a large and rapid stream (Colong Creek) containing what Barrallier described as large red and blue granite stones (actually felsite). Wild duck were plentiful and there were many wombats. He saw three openings ahead, the central one half a mile wide with perpendicular sides, and through this he passed (now called Barrallier Pass). The one to the north is situated just south of Mt. Colong or Big Rick. Through the one to the south the Bindook track now passes.
Line 355: Line 355:
 ---- ----
  
-TIE AIRD-WAGG KOWMUNG TRIP CHRISTMAS 156.+===== The Aird-Wagg Kowmnung Trip Christmas '56===== 
 - Dung Khan. - Dung Khan.
-The five starters Grace, Geoff, Don and Tina Matthews and I arrived at Blackheath at 7.14 p.m. It was clear to nB at the outset that the others had loaded themselves with too much junk. A chemist shop scales confirmed this judgement. Geoff Waggis pack weighed no less than 42 lbs. and the others were all about the 30 mark whereas mine barely brought the needle around to 26. The same scales gave my body weight as 11 stone 7 lbs., giving me a power to weight ration of 6.2. Clearly I would have a decided advantage on this trip. A hire car took us to Whalant clearing on the Kanangra road where we bedded down for the night. + 
-Next morning (Wed.) found us fit and eager to be off. Geoff +The five starters Grace, Geoff, Don and Tina Matthews and I arrived at Blackheath at 7.14 p.m. It was clear to me at the outset that the others had loaded themselves with too much junk. A chemist shop scales confirmed this judgement. Geoff Wagg'pack weighed no less than 42 lbs. and the others were all about the 30 mark whereas mine barely brought the needle around to 26. The same scales gave my body weight as 11 stone 7 lbs., giving me a power to weight ration of 6.2. Clearly I would have a decided advantage on this trip. A hire car took us to Whalan'clearing on the Kanangra road where we bedded down for the night. 
-and Grace breakfasted on T-bone steak, onions and a few eggs followed by peaches and cream; Don and Tina consumed Some sausages, chops and other titbits while I ate Some Vita-Weets, a slice of salami and a piece of cheese. After this we were really ready to begin thinking about preparing to move off. The map was spread out before us and our leader laid her index finger on the cartological represertution of our immediate destination, Morong Falls. We tittered as we + 
-18. +Next morning (Wed.) found us fit and eager to be off. Geoff and Grace breakfasted on T-bone steak, onions and a few eggs followed by peaches and cream; Don and Tina consumed some sausages, chops and other titbits while I ate some Vita-Weets, a slice of salami and a piece of cheese. After this we were really ready to begin thinking about preparing to move off. The map was spread out before us and our leader laid her index finger on the cartological representation of our immediate destination, Morong Falls. We tittered as we recollected the ludicrous performance put up by Dot Butler and party  in trying to reach these falls from this spot three weeks earlier. However we weren't morons, we certainly shouldn't have any difficulty in following down the stream on which we were camped until we came to the falls about six miles distant. 
-recollected the ludicrous performance put up by Dot Butler and party  in trying to reach these falls from this spot three Weeks earlier. However we weren't morons, we certainly shouldn't haveanydifficulty in following down the stream on which we were camped until we came to the falls about six miles distant. + 
-In fact we could afford to take chances so we set off on a compass bearing to cut off a large loo ll of the creak. We met the creek again at the appointed spot and began to follow it down walking a little up the side of the valley. Presently we came to a deep side valley; "Hell" we thought as we crossed it "it wont be much fun crossing these things all the time, let's get a little higher up; keeping the creek in sight all the time of course". Due to visibility in the thick stands of saplings being limited to six feet it was not possible to comply with this last resolutinn but good progress was made and we walked steadily onwards over gully after gully, clearly we could regain Morong Creek at any time by following one of these gullies down. +In fact we could afford to take chances so we set off on a compass bearing to cut off a large loop of the creek. We met the creek again at the appointed spot and began to follow it down walking a little up the side of the valley. Presently we came to a deep side valley; "Hell" we thought as we crossed it "it wont be much fun crossing these things all the time, let's get a little higher up; keeping the creek in sight all the time of course". Due to visibility in the thick stands of saplings being limited to six feet it was not possible to comply with this last resolution but good progress was made and we walked steadily onwards over gully after gully, clearly we could regain Morong Creek at any time by following one of these gullies down. 
-As the day wore on, and we were still crossing gullies, a strange feeling came over the party. We should have been at Morong Falls hours ago. Just where the hell were we? These gullies could be running into Morong, or directly into the Kowmung or anywhere. After a study of the map it was unanimously agreed that we should be marching West not South so we all orientated ourselves westward and Don led off at a fast pace, however after about ten paces he began to veer southwards agaiA like a guided missile"Hey" we shouted, "where are you going", but he did not hear us he was southbound, all we could do was follow. At last we trapped him on the side of a sizeable fast moving stream. Fearing that this top trotting could go on for ever the rest of the party moved strongly that we should follow it down. The creek became steeper and steeper as we followed it, culminating in some formidable falls. After a scramble we succeeded in sidling a,ound to a spur which led down to the KowmUng. We had a swim and made camp. As Grace peeled a pineapple and a couple of pawpaws Geoff sat in deep thought before his map. "Where are we", I at length ventured to ask between munches of my Vita-Weet. "Somewhere on the Kowmung", he replied. + 
-Next day (Thurs.) we set off down the river, making rather fast progress. Maybe we had COMB in too far downstream or maybe the river was abnormally low but at any rate, in view of the repttation of the Kowmung, the going seemed very easy; although we came to a bit of a narrow about mid-morning which most of us swum. Some folk thought this to be Rudders Rift, others the Lower Kowmung Canyon, and this debate into which were thrown a dozen other hypothes6s provided conversation throughout the day. In the afternoon tie came to a real box gorge. Even old Dry-Foot Matthews had to swim this one. This was more like I had imagined the whole Kowmung to be, a swift current rushing between vertical walls of granite and shooting over little 2 to 3 foot falls, but alas it lasted for only about half a mile. +As the day wore on, and we were still crossing gullies, a strange feeling came over the party. We should have been at Morong Falls hours ago. Just where the hell were we? These gullies could be running into Morong, or directly into the Kowmung or anywhere. After a study of the map it was unanimously agreed that we should be marching West not South so we all orientated ourselves westward and Don led off at a fast pace, however after about ten paces he began to veer southwards again like a guided missile"Hey" we shouted, "where are you going", but he did not hear us he was southbound, all we could do was follow. At last we trapped him on the side of a sizeable fast moving stream. Fearing that this top trotting could go on for ever the rest of the party moved strongly that we should follow it down. The creek became steeper and steeper as we followed it, culminating in some formidable falls. After a scramble we succeeded in sidling around to a spur which led down to the Kowmung. We had a swim and made camp. As Grace peeled a pineapple and a couple of pawpaws Geoff sat in deep thought before his map. "Where are we", I at length ventured to ask between munches of my Vita-Weet. "Somewhere on the Kowmung", he replied. 
-We made camp very early, at about 4 o'clock in fact, and that evening the first plausible theory of our whereabouts was put forward by Geoff Wagg. "That gorge we came through this afternoon must have been Rudders Rift" he said "and that creek we crossed just before camping must have been Waterfall Creek which means the creek before + 
-19. +Next day (Thurs.) we set off down the river, making rather fast progress. Maybe we had come in too far downstream or maybe the river was abnormally low but at any rate, in view of the reputation of the Kowmung, the going seemed very easy; although we came to a bit of a narrow about mid-morning which most of us swum. Some folk thought this to be Rudders Rift, others the Lower Kowmung Canyon, and this debate into which were thrown a dozen other hypotheses provided conversation throughout the day. In the afternoon we came to a real box gorge. Even old Dry-Foot Matthews had to swim this one. This was more like I had imagined the whole Kowmung to be, a swift current rushing between vertical walls of granite and shooting over little 2 to 3 foot falls, but alas it lasted for only about half a mile. We made camp very early, at about 4 o'clock in fact, and that evening the first plausible theory of our whereabouts was put forward by Geoff Wagg. "That gorge we came through this afternoon must have been Rudders Rift" he said "and that creek we crossed just before camping must have been Waterfall Creek which means the creek before that must have been Wongledang Creek and the next one we will come to tomorrow will be Lannigans Creek." This argument seemed unanswerable and meant we had come into the Kowmung only about a mile below Morong Falls. 
--..that must have been Wongledang Creek and the next one we will come + 
-to tomorrow will be Lannigans Creek." This argument seemdd unanswerable and meant we had come into the Kowmung only about a mile below Morong Falls. +Friday proved the theory correct, the going became even easier and we were at Church Creek by 11 a.m. We took a couple of hours off for a swim and lunch and then walked on and entered the Bulga-Denis Canyon. Once more we took to the water. This was perhaps the best part of the trip, it was a hot day and it was wonderful drifting along with the river between the magnificent towering orange bluffs; another two knots on the river would have made it really intrepid. 
-Friday proved the theory correct, the going becdme even easier and we were at Church Creek by 11 a.m. We took a couple of hours off for a swim and lunch and then walked on and entered the Bulga-rDenis Canyon. Once more we took to the water4 This was perhaps the best part of the trip, it was a hot day and it was wonderful drifting along with the river between the magnificent towering orange bluffs; another two knots on the river wuld have made it really intrepid. + 
-On Saturday morning I left the others as I had to be baok at work on the Monday. We were not quite out of the Canyon and, dreading the thought of a swim so early in the morning, I climbed up over a saddle which cut off the last loop of the gorge. It was very pleasant walking along the river early in the morning, when it was swarming with kangaroos having their last drink but soon I was to have a nerve shattering experience. +On Saturday morning I left the others as I had to be back at work on the Monday. We were not quite out of the Canyon and, dreading the thought of a swim so early in the morning, I climbed up over a saddle which cut off the last loop of the gorge. It was very pleasant walking along the river early in the morning, when it was swarming with kangaroos having their last drink but soon I was to have a nerve shattering experience. 
-As I walked along a track on a narrow part of the river I was suddenly confronted by a small mob of wild cattle coming upstream. + 
-On seeing me the cattle stopped and the leader, an enormous ferocious bull with razor sharp horns orientated in a most business-like manner, worked his way to the front. At any minute it seemed he would start pawing the earth and charge, but suddenly, seeming to realise that he was no match for me, he turned and fled, followed by his harem and offspring. "Hell", I thought "this sort of thing means nothing to me, but what would happen if people whose nerves were not made of steel were to meet a bull like that? What would happen if Geoff Wagg were to meet it tomorrow for instance? An animal can detect the slightest suggestion of fear in a person and it would almost certainly charge straight at him and rip him to shreds, not tarn and flee as it had in my case." +As I walked along a track on a narrow part of the river I was suddenly confronted by a small mob of wild cattle coming upstream. On seeing me the cattle stopped and the leader, an enormous ferocious bull with razor sharp horns orientated in a most business-like manner, worked his way to the front. At any minute it seemed he would start pawing the earth and charge, but suddenly, seeming to realise that he was no match for me, he turned and fled, followed by his harem and offspring. "Hell", I thought "this sort of thing means nothing to me, but what would happen if people whose nerves were not made of steel were to meet a bull like that? What would happen if Geoff Wagg were to meet it tomorrow for instance? An animal can detect the slightest suggestion of fear in a person and it would almost certainly charge straight at him and rip him to shreds, not turn and flee as it had in my case." 
-With such thoughts I walked on. I had planned to have lunch at Gingra Creek, but Gingra seemed never to cone+ 
-Shortly before noon I came across a couple of stockmen. "You!ve walked from Gingkin have you?" they said. "No" I said, "from ---" +With such thoughts I walked on. I had planned to have lunch at Gingra Creek, but Gingra seemed never to come. 
-"Ah, from Gingkin eh" they replied. "Well actually only fr---" + 
-"Yes I know Gingkin well" went on one of them. It was no use, I had to admit it, I had come from Gingkin but no sooner had I done so than they eyed MB suspiciously and observed slyly "You've done mighty well to get down here in three and a half days." You can't win. +Shortly before noon I came across a couple of stockmen. "You've walked from Gingkin have you?" they said. "No" I said, "from ---" "Ah, from Gingkin eh" they replied. "Well actually only fr---" "Yes I know Gingkin well" went on one of them. It was no use, I had to admit it, I had come from Gingkin but no sooner had I done so than they eyed me suspiciously and observed slyly "You've done mighty well to get down here in three and a half days." You can't win. 
-Soon afterwards I passed a wide valley coming in from the left. "This must be Gingra" I thought, but no it carried no stream not even a dry pebble bed, it must be quite a short stream despite its appearance. Later however the river began to close up and I knew I must be entering the Lower Kowmung Canyon. That spot where I saw the stockmen must have been Gingra after all. Knowing now that I was making good progress I stopped and had lunch. I followed this by a swim and pressed on. It was very hot now but I could dunk myself in the river every twenty minutes or do and this made walking very pleasant. However, soon I was to have my second nerve shattering + 
-20. +Soon afterwards I passed a wide valley coming in from the left. "This must be Gingra" I thought, but no it carried no stream not even a dry pebble bed, it must be quite a short stream despite its appearance. Later however the river began to close up and I knew I must be entering the Lower Kowmung Canyon. That spot where I saw the stockmen must have been Gingra after all. Knowing now that I was making good progress I stopped and had lunch. I followed this by a swim and pressed on. It was very hot now but I could dunk myself in the river every twenty minutes or do and this made walking very pleasant. However, soon I was to have my second nerve shattering experience; ahead was heavy smoke, it was clear that I would have to walk through a fire. "Hell" I thought once more, "this is not so bad while I'm on the Kowmung, I can throw myself into the river if I am about to be engulfed by searing flames, but what will happen if I am overtaken by fire on White Dog or Narrow Neck?" Then "Hell" I thought again "even on the Kowmung I'm not so safe, that smoke must be thick, the sun looks like a blood red ball, suppose I should suffocateThen again, suppose a five foot fire maddened goanna should climb onto my head to escape the flames, or a wombat try to climb inside my bathers for protection?" Undeterred by the danger ahead I walked onwards until I could hear the crackle of the flames. At this stage I put on a few clothes for protection and then plunged on again. I found that the fire was very extensive the whole right of the canyon being alight; nevertheless it was not as hot or smoky as I had anticipated being mostly a grass and rubbish fire. Danger came from an entirely unsuspected quarter. Broken rocks, their binding of vegetation destroyed, hailed down continuously from the steep right wall of the canyon. Once more I spared a thought for the other walkers who would have to pass through this canyon, walkers whose reflexes perhaps were not quite perfect and who could not neatly side-step to avoid a half-ton boulder which was thundering down upon them, with that agility, speed and delicacy of style which came so naturally to me. The nervy too, they would suffer terribly on this trip. 
-experience; ahead was heavy smoke, it was clear that I would have to walk through a C. "Hell" I thought once more, "this is not so bad while I'm on the Kowmung, I can throw myself into the river if I am about to be engulfed by searing flames, but what will happen if I am overtaken by fire on White Dog or Narrow Neck?" Then "Hell" + 
-I thought again "even on the Kowmung I'm not so safe, that smoke must be thick, the sun looks like a blood red ball, suppose I should suffocate Then again, suppose a five foot fire maddened goanna should climb onto my head to escape the flames, or a wombat try to climb inside my bathers for protection?" Undeterred by the danger ahead I walked onwards until I could hear the crackle of the flames. At this stage I put on a few clothes for protection and then plunged on again. I found that the fire was very extensive the whole right of the canyon being alight; nevertheless it was not as hot or smoky as I had anticipated being mostly a grass and rubbish fires Danger came from an entirely unsuspected quarter. Broken rocks, their binding of vegetation destroyed, hailed down continuously from the steep right wall of the canyon. Once more I spared a thought for the other walkers who would have to pass through this canyon, walkers whose reflexes perhaps were not quite perfect and whpcould not neatly side-step to avoid a half-ton boulder which was thundering down upon them, with theit agility, speed and delicacy of style which came so naturally to me. The nervy too, they would suffer terribly on this trip. +My one thought for the last hour or so had been "When am I going to get to the Cox" but when it came, it sneaked up on me, I suddenly found myself standing on its banks. I had intended camping here but there was still about 2 1/2 hours of daylight left and the horde of flies I had collected drove me mad when I stopped; besides which I did not find myself very good company, so I decided to press on. Next water would not be for some time so I lined the pockets of my pack with polythene food bags and filled them from the Kowmung. These two gallons felt like twenty as I climbed White Dog but by sunset I was at the foot of Mouin and here the track petered out so I decided to eat my last three Vita-Weets and get into my bag. 
-My one thought for the last hour or so had been "When am I going to get to the Cox" but when it came, it sneaked up on me, I suddenly found myself standing on its banks. I had intended camping here but there was still about 2i hours of daylight left and the horde of flies I had collected drove me mad when I stopped; besides which I did not find myself very good company, so I decided to press on. Next water would not be for some time so I lined the pockets of my pack with polythene food bags and filled them from the Kowmung. These two gallons felt like twenty as I climbed White Dog but by sunset I was at the foot of Mouin and here the track petered out so I decided to eat my last three Vita-Weets and get into my bag.+
 I arose on Sunday, consumed a slice of salami and a hunk of cheese and then set out across country to Debert's Knob. What happens to all the tracks in this region? After crossing four gullies I found myself climbing up the western side of Debert's through some really horrible prickly wild passion vines. I must have wasted a couple of hours on this performance. Once on top however my troubles were over and in a trice I was on Narrow Neck and taking my first look at Katoomba. It had been pleasant swimming down the Kowmung yesterday but I had been dreading this walk along Narrow Neck, however there was a westerly blowing across the tops and in actual fact it was very pleasant. I arose on Sunday, consumed a slice of salami and a hunk of cheese and then set out across country to Debert's Knob. What happens to all the tracks in this region? After crossing four gullies I found myself climbing up the western side of Debert's through some really horrible prickly wild passion vines. I must have wasted a couple of hours on this performance. Once on top however my troubles were over and in a trice I was on Narrow Neck and taking my first look at Katoomba. It had been pleasant swimming down the Kowmung yesterday but I had been dreading this walk along Narrow Neck, however there was a westerly blowing across the tops and in actual fact it was very pleasant.
-I reached Katoomba railway station at 1.30 p.m. Outside was 
-a scales. This was my chance to disprove this theory about needing 2lbs of food a day. I weighed my pack 21 lbs., only 5lbs. down: That proved it. Then I weighed myself, 11 stone; 71bs. down; maybe there's something in the theory after all 
-There was no train till 4 o'clock, so I set out along the 
-highway. Presently an oldish buckboard came along, wth 
-wife and kids crowded into the front. Alla, he looked a bighearted  chap. I made a gesture (horizontally), "I'm going to Parramatta-: mate" he shouted. 1 climbed aboard. I.was off. 
-ATTENTION ---- SWIMMING CARNIVAL 
-It's an again/ Here's a watery, lazy, communal weekend for everyone. Laze away at a pleasant, easy camp, take part inthose typically S.B.W. aquatic events, maybe win a trophy - who knots? Leader, Bill Henley will be there again to start tern off and bring. 'em in too, if necessary. You can go on the Saturday or the Sunday. 
-Where? At Lake Eckersly, of course. When? February 16th & 
-Which trains? 16th - 1.14 p.m. Electric from Central. 17th - 8.44 a.m, " tt 
-Heathcote. 
-INSTRUCTIONAL WEEK-END. 
-prosEectives  Members Young and Old. 
-Follow up the Swimming Carnival with the Instuctianal Weekend at Moorabinda on Feb. 23-24, led by BiSan Harvey (Phone JW1462). 
-Tickets to? 
-All prospectives should try members, instructionals can be a of you roll up - try it and see. Electric train leaves Central at Tickets to WaTerfall.their very best to attend, and ton of_fin and enjoyment if enough 
-1.14 p.m. on 23rd Feb. 
-SOCIAL NOTES FOR FEBRUARY. 
  
-Calling ALL Very Active Members --- Folks, this is what you've been waiting forStart saving your energy, and polish up that  technique for the big Table Tennis night on Feb20thOutright professionals and true-blue amateurs alike are all welcome. +I reached Katoomba railway station at 1.30 p.mOutside was scalesThis was my chance to disprove this theory about needing 2lbs of food a dayI weighed my pack 21 lbs., only 5lbs. down! That proved it. Then weighed myself11 stone; 71bsdown; maybe there'something in the theory after all!
-So.roll up and we'll wake up the old Ingersoll Hall with few +
-0 pings and pongs that it's never heard before. +
-AND if you can recover in time after this episode, don't forget to come along on Feb. 27th to see the Northern Territory Walkabout slides being shown by those two adventurous lasses, Bev Price and Joan Walker. Bev and Joan had themselves quite a time in the Territory last year and covered a lot of very interesting ground. You can share their experiences simply by turning up to have a bo-peep at this vary excellent set of slides. +
-re about this modern development next +
-month. +
-The deadline for this advertisement is r +
-15th of the month and of course if Paddy t..+
-were a methodical self respecting sort of &,,e +
-1 p, +
-business man it would be in the printers 7vJ,Vr - p +
-hands on the dot but instead of being on +
-+
-the Dot, the Dot (Dot Butler) is generally fp. I ^.. +
-on Paddy ringing furiously for the copy. J-e'+
-, +
-Now when she chuffs off to N.Z. Dot (Butler) +
-hands over to Dot Barr and when the ad is +
-not in on the Dot, Dot puts Paddy on the cSpot, so here fs Paddy sweating blood trying  +
-L1'' +
-to think of something bright and witty, +
-u scintillating with whatsit and youknowwhat. +
-There goes the Phone againll +
-What has Paddy got new? +
-, 4e, +
-I "Terylene" Poly-ester fibre filled sleeping +
-bags 602" standard type Alpine Bags +
-Mo +
-Screw top aluminium jars 3" diameter +
-5" high. They are cheap at 2/6d. each. +
-PADDY P.,-jLIN +
-Lightweight Cc( raw Gear +
-201 CASTLE REACH St SYDNEY+
  
 +There was no train till 4 o'clock, so I set out along the highway. Presently an oldish buckboard came along, with driver, wife and kids crowded into the front. Ah, he looked a bighearted  chap. I made a gesture (horizontally), "I'm going to Parramatta mate" he shouted. I climbed aboard. I was off.
  
 +----
 +
 +===== Attention - Swimming Carnival. =====
 +
 +It's an again! Here's a watery, lazy, communal weekend for everyone. Laze away at a pleasant, easy camp, take part in those typically S.B.W. aquatic events, maybe win a trophy - who knows? Leader, Bill Henley will be there again to start 'em off and bring 'em in too, if necessary. You can go on the Saturday or the Sunday.
 +
 +__Where__? At Lake Eckersly, of course.
 +
 +__When__? February 16th & 17th.
 +
 +__Which trains__? 16th - 1.14 p.m. Electric from Central. 17th - 8.44 a.m, Electric from Central.
 +
 +__Tickets to__? Heathcote.
 +
 +----
 +
 +===== Instructional Week-End. =====
 +
 +__Prospectives, Members Young and Old.__
 +
 +Follow up the Swimming Carnival with the Instructional Weekend at Moorabinda on Feb. 23-24, led by Brian Harvey (Phone JW1462).
 +
 +All prospectives should try their very best to attend,  and members, instructionals can be a ton of fun and enjoyment if enough of you roll up - try it and see.
 +
 +__Electric train__ leaves Central at 1.14 p.m. on 23rd Feb.
 +
 +__Tickets__ to Waterfall.
 +
 +----
 +
 +===== Social Notes For February. =====
 +
 +__Calling All Very Active Members__ - Folks, this is what you've been waiting for. Start saving your energy, and polish up that technique for the big Table Tennis night on Feb. 20th. Outright professionals and true-blue amateurs alike are all welcome.
 +
 +So.roll up and we'll wake up the old Ingersoll Hall with a few pings and pongs that it's never heard before.
 +
 +And if you can recover in time after this episode, don't forget to come along on Feb. 27th to see the Northern Territory Walkabout slides being shown by those two adventurous lasses, Bev Price and Joan Walker. Bev and Joan had themselves quite a time in the Territory last year and covered a lot of very interesting ground. You can share their experiences simply by turning up to have a bo-peep at this vary excellent set of slides.
 +
 +----
 +
 +===== Paddy Made. =====
 +
 +=== On The Dot. ===
 +
 +(or how this advert. gets here)
 +
 +The deadline for this advertisement is 15th of the month and of course if Paddy were a methodical self respecting sort of business man it would be in the printers hands on the dot but instead of being on the Dot, the Dot (Dot Butler) is generally on Paddy ringing furiously for the copy. Now when she chuffs off to N.Z. Dot (Butler) hands over to Dot Barr and when the ad is not in on the Dot, Dot puts Paddy on the Spot, so here's Paddy sweating blood trying to think of something bright and witty, scintillating with whatsit and youknowwhat.
 +
 +There goes the Phone again!!
 +
 +__What has Paddy got new__?
 +
 +"Terylene" Poly-ester fibre filled sleeping bags 6'2" standard type Alpine Bags... £8.8.3.
 +
 +More about this modern development next month.
 +
 +Screw top aluminium jars 3" diameter 5" high. They are cheap at 2/6d. each.
 +
 +Paddy Pallin. Lightweight Camp Gear.
 +
 +201 Castlereagh St., Sydney. Phone: BM2685.
 +
 +----
195702.txt · Last modified: 2018/10/29 13:09 by tyreless

Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki