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- | =====THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER===== | + | **THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER** |
A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers. | A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers. | ||
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'Phone JW1462 | 'Phone JW1462 | ||
- | 305 MAY 1960 Price 1/- | + | **305 MAY 1960 Price 1/-** |
|**Editor**|Don Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Pennant Hills. WJ3514.| | |**Editor**|Don Matthews, 33 Pomona Street, Pennant Hills. WJ3514.| | ||
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|The Horse' | |The Horse' | ||
|They Went to the Dogs!!|| | |They Went to the Dogs!!|| | ||
- | "There is an increasing feeling that wild land and wildlife may be strangely important far the preservation of Man, himself. With the unbridled growth of technological civilisation, | + | "There is an increasing feeling that wild land and wildlife may be strangely important far the preservation of Man, himself. With the unbridled growth of technological civilisation, |
" | " | ||
- | "From many sources of information have come the stories that numerous species of animals thou& to be very rare a- even extinct are again appearing in appreciable numbers. This has occurred in New South Wales where close protection and adequate cover in the form of natural environment have created a happy combination. The maintenance cf such conditions is the purpose of the wildlife refuge and Faunal Reserve system | + | "From many sources of information have come the stories that numerous species of animals thou& to be very rare even extinct are again appearing in appreciable numbers. This has occurred in New South Wales where close protection and adequate cover in the form of natural environment have created a happy combination. The maintenance cf such conditions is the purpose of the wildlife refuge and Faunal Reserve system |
From "Fauna Conservation and the Wildlife Refuge Idea". (Publication of the Fauna Protection Panel.) | From "Fauna Conservation and the Wildlife Refuge Idea". (Publication of the Fauna Protection Panel.) | ||
- | =====POSSUM.===== | + | =====Possum===== |
Kath McKay. | Kath McKay. | ||
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drawn to its full height, and her bright peeping | drawn to its full height, and her bright peeping | ||
over a Chair between me and the railing. | over a Chair between me and the railing. | ||
- | Her thick grey fur fluffs healthily around her and down her chest merges to creamy fawn with a long reddish streak beneath-the throat. Her bushy tail is black, and black her hands; | + | Her thick grey fur fluffs healthily around her and down her chest merges to creamy fawn with a long reddish streak beneath the throat. Her bushy tail is black, and black her hands; |
her eager nose, pale pink. She sniffs the biscuit, | her eager nose, pale pink. She sniffs the biscuit, | ||
and as I try to hold her little paw | and as I try to hold her little paw | ||
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as, biscuit done, She melts into the night. | as, biscuit done, She melts into the night. | ||
- | =====SOCIAL NOTES.===== | + | =====Social Notes===== |
- | Pam Baker. | + | Pam Baker |
Members have enjoyed Keith Renwick' | Members have enjoyed Keith Renwick' | ||
- | On May 25th, slides of the Butler-Putt expedition will be shown. (Six weeks in the N.Z. 2:aps.) | + | On May 25th, slides of the Butler-Putt expedition will be shown. (Six weeks in the N.Z. Alps) |
+ | |||
+ | ** | ||
+ | Easter Parade** | ||
- | ====EASTER PARADE==== | ||
All parties enjoyed fine weather after a wet Thursday night. | All parties enjoyed fine weather after a wet Thursday night. | ||
David Ingram' | David Ingram' | ||
Pincham was a popular spot - 15 cars, numerous rock climbers and a multitude of Scouts. | Pincham was a popular spot - 15 cars, numerous rock climbers and a multitude of Scouts. | ||
- | Snow Brown' | + | Snow Brown' |
- | + | ||
- | Frank Leyden' | + | |
- | Newnes base camp 18 adults and 20 children ... Day-trips included one by a party of 6 across the range to Glen Davis. The peace of the camp was shattered at frequent intervals (all hours, day and night) by the echoing bangs of rifles, as youthful shooters (' | + | Newnes base camp 18 adults and 20 children ... Day-trips included one by a party of 6 across the range to Glen Davis. The peace of the camp was shattered at frequent intervals (all hours, day and night) by the echoing bangs of rifles, as youthful shooters (' |
Page's (Jamberoo) - 8. | Page's (Jamberoo) - 8. | ||
- | Colin Putt's exploratory trip of Danjera and Bunbundah Creeks was hampered by rain and mist, but was otherwise successful for the all male party of 7. We hear of Little Kowmung-hike gorges, luxurious camp sites and a 100' waterfall. All this vas rounded off with a quick trio to Point Possibility. | + | Colin Putt's exploratory trip of Danjera and Bunbundah Creeks was hampered by rain and mist, but was otherwise successful for the all male party of 7. We hear of Little Kowmung-like gorges, luxurious camp sites and a 100' waterfall. All this vas rounded off with a quick trio to Point Possibility. |
Read about it in the June Magazine!! | Read about it in the June Magazine!! | ||
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Joan Walker and Frank Rigby, who have just announced their engagement. | Joan Walker and Frank Rigby, who have just announced their engagement. | ||
- | =====AT OUR APRIL MEETING===== | + | =====At Our April Meeting===== |
- | There were no new members to welcome, so business opened with the reaading | + | There were no new members to welcome, so business opened with the reading |
- | the minutes of the last meeting. Members who listened then understood, after interval of a month, what they had decided to do at that meeting. Correspondence contained a request for a volunteer - an adult lady - to educate some 600 girls in the art of bushwalking. As nobody of that description volunteered, | + | |
Motions for the annual August Conservation Conference were requested by next month. | Motions for the annual August Conservation Conference were requested by next month. | ||
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The Walks Secretary, Eric Adcock, reported that 8 of the 9 walks listed went generally as planned and one had no starters. Because of the reunion there were 251 starters on official walks. Jim Brown' | The Walks Secretary, Eric Adcock, reported that 8 of the 9 walks listed went generally as planned and one had no starters. Because of the reunion there were 251 starters on official walks. Jim Brown' | ||
- | A vote of thanks to the organisers of the reunion was moved by Edna Garrad, | + | A vote of thanks to the organisers of the reunion was moved by Edna Garrad, and members |
- | and members | + | |
- | Ron Knightlay told us that 16 members of the S.B.W. attended the Federation | + | Ron Knightlay told us that 16 members of the S.B.W. attended the Federation Reunion, and that they had all been good. |
- | Reunion, and that they had all been good. | + | |
- | Frank Young, Brian Harvey, Jack Gentle and Alex Colley were elected room stewards | + | Frank Young, Brian Harvey, Jack Gentle and Alex Colley were elected room stewards |
- | When it came to general business, Jack Gentle moved that we subscribe to the magazine " | + | When it came to general business, Jack Gentle moved that we subscribe to the magazine " |
- | time. Joan walker | + | time. Joan walker |
Votes of thanks being the order of the day, Jim Brown moved a vote of thanks to the 1959 committee for the good job done last year. The motion was passed before you could say " | Votes of thanks being the order of the day, Jim Brown moved a vote of thanks to the 1959 committee for the good job done last year. The motion was passed before you could say " | ||
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At the conclusion of the meeting it was decided that it was better at our June dance to pay 7/- a head for a caterer than to try providing our own supper. | At the conclusion of the meeting it was decided that it was better at our June dance to pay 7/- a head for a caterer than to try providing our own supper. | ||
+ | |||
=====It Was Nearly Snow's Fault.===== | =====It Was Nearly Snow's Fault.===== | ||
- | '' | + | "Puffing Billy" |
" | " | ||
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" | " | ||
- | However, it appeared that no supper had yet arrived at the 1960 Federation | + | However, it appeared that no supper had yet arrived at the 1960 Federation |
" | " | ||
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"And vice versa", | "And vice versa", | ||
- | We turned right, and found ourselves surrounded by Kamerukas; turned left and | + | We turned right, and found ourselves surrounded by Kamerukas; turned left and found Rucksack Clubbers all around; forged ahead, straight into the C.M.W. forces; dammit - all the ground was taken, except the fringe of one clearing on which obviously would go the main campfire. The choice lay between this and a hundred yard walk to the clearing further on. We chose this. |
- | found Rucksack Clubbers all around; forged ahead, straight into the C.M.W. forces; dammit - all the ground was taken, except the fringe of one clearing on which obviously would go the main campfire. The choice lay between this and a hundred- yard walk to the clearing further on. We chose this. | + | |
- | Two tents went up, two fires were lit, and one man busily gathered wood. No doubt about our Jack; in ten minutes we had a wood heap like the woodchop at the Royal Show - and some pieces were conveniently Paddy-sized for warning off the poachers who later appeared. | + | Two tents went up, two fires were lit, and one man busily gathered wood. No doubt about our Jack; in ten minutes we had a wood heap like the woodchop at the Royal Show and some pieces were conveniently Paddy-sized for warning off the poachers who later appeared. |
The S.B.W. contingent came trickling in. "Is this where we're camping?" | The S.B.W. contingent came trickling in. "Is this where we're camping?" | ||
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"Bit early isn't it?" asked Snow. "As a matter of fact, I haven' | "Bit early isn't it?" asked Snow. "As a matter of fact, I haven' | ||
- | Slowly, my eyes went from him to Bill Ketas and his 250 frankfurts. "So the reputation of S.B.W as providers of supper at the Federation Reunion is to hang on a fiddle and a string of snags," I mused. | + | Slowly, my eyes went from him to Bill Ketas and his 250 frankfurts. "So the reputation of S.B.W as providers of supper at the Federation Reunion is to hang on a fiddle and a string of snags" I mused. |
- | "No, really", | + | "No, really", |
- | The new arrivals set about tenting, fire lighting, water ',Ducketing | + | |
Bert Whillier arrived with daughter Lynette straight from the pages of Harper' | Bert Whillier arrived with daughter Lynette straight from the pages of Harper' | ||
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Most of the S.B.W. disappeared to our own campfire where gallons of cocoa were coaxed along. They never explained whether the water that heated the frankfurts subsequently went into the cocoa and we discreetly refrained from asking. Those of us who didn't cook the cocoa remained to watch the concert, but we didn't seem to see much of it as we were busily buttering 250 bread rolls, placing therein 250 hotted up frankfurts and then dabbing thereon 250 splashes of tomato sauce. | Most of the S.B.W. disappeared to our own campfire where gallons of cocoa were coaxed along. They never explained whether the water that heated the frankfurts subsequently went into the cocoa and we discreetly refrained from asking. Those of us who didn't cook the cocoa remained to watch the concert, but we didn't seem to see much of it as we were busily buttering 250 bread rolls, placing therein 250 hotted up frankfurts and then dabbing thereon 250 splashes of tomato sauce. | ||
- | We do remember Jim Brown and Geof Wagg giving a racy version of " | + | We do remember Jim Brown and Geoff Wagg giving a racy version of " |
- | Finally, the call rang out: " | + | Finally, the call rang out: " |
Thinking that the time had come, I passed a quiet word around and retired to the cocoa fire where I was soon joined by the remainder of the S.B.W. So we passed the bottles around - sherry, muscatel and the like - until Snow arrived loudly proclaiming the virtues of a small phial he carried. | Thinking that the time had come, I passed a quiet word around and retired to the cocoa fire where I was soon joined by the remainder of the S.B.W. So we passed the bottles around - sherry, muscatel and the like - until Snow arrived loudly proclaiming the virtues of a small phial he carried. | ||
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"Here - have a try of my cactus juice" | "Here - have a try of my cactus juice" | ||
- | I tried, but I regretted it. It was cactus juice; with the cactus still in it. | + | I tried, but I regretted it. It was cactus juice, with the cactus still in it. |
- | Geof Wagg grabbed a song book and of course we started singing. This continued until we were interrupted by Der Feuhrer, correctly titled President of the S.S.S. He presented himself, along with a one-gallon plastic demijohn of claret-coloured fluid. | + | Geoff Wagg grabbed a song book and of course we started singing. This continued until we were interrupted by Der Feuhrer, correctly titled President of the S.S.S. He presented himself, along with a one-gallon plastic demijohn of claret-coloured fluid. |
"Good stuff" he confided. " | "Good stuff" he confided. " | ||
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At a lull in the singing, I facetiously remarked to Keith Renwick "Tell us about the Carlsbad Caverns, Keith" | At a lull in the singing, I facetiously remarked to Keith Renwick "Tell us about the Carlsbad Caverns, Keith" | ||
- | "Ah yes" said Keith with meditative mien. "The Carlsbad Caverns. You drive up in a car and then it's about a hundred yards walk to the entrance. Most of the Yanks can manage that. Then there' | + | "Ah yes" said Keith with meditative mien. "The Carlsbad Caverns. You drive up in a car and then it's about a hundred yards walk to the entrance. Most of the Yanks can manage that. Then there' |
- | Bed time came and I went; dawn came and I got up. Some bods were still | + | Bed time came and I went; dawn came and I got up. Some bods were still recumbent by the fire and apart from a hand or two stretched out to accept a cuppa, they hadn't moved when a few of us left at 10.30 for some rock scrambling above Fitzgerald' |
- | recumbent by the fire and apart from a hand or two stretched out to accept a cuppa | + | |
- | they hadn't moved when a few of us left at 10.30 for some rock scrambling above Fitzgerald' | + | |
- | A half dozen of us spent a pleasant two hours wandering up and down the crags, | + | A half dozen of us spent a pleasant two hours wandering up and down the crags, but I did find it a trifle bewildering to scramble up a chimney, claw my way to the top, and find a set of silver-lacquered finger nails straight out of Harper' |
- | but I did find it a trifle bewildering to scramble up a chimney, claw my way to the top, and find a set of silver-lacquered finger nails straight out of Harper' | + | |
Down again to the camp to find a motley collection from a number of clubs clustered round my fire. I didn't mind them cluttering up the dining room, as they had made a bucket of tea which was just the right medicine. | Down again to the camp to find a motley collection from a number of clubs clustered round my fire. I didn't mind them cluttering up the dining room, as they had made a bucket of tea which was just the right medicine. | ||
- | Then off up the hill we all went; three Browns, three Waggs and the rest of us. But not before we had carefully distributed all bods over the available cars, to save them the trouble of the walk to Warrimoo; and from the empression | + | Then off up the hill we all went; three Browns, three Waggs and the rest of us. But not before we had carefully distributed all bods over the available cars, to save them the trouble of the walk to Warrimoo; and from the impression |
- | Carlsbad Caverns. | + | |
- | =====" | + | =====" |
Grace Noble. | Grace Noble. | ||
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This all leads up to a tale of far off times and long ago - I was one of the rabbits who was always getting mixed up in tiger trips. My technique was to hang round hopefully with mouth open until someone invited me whereupon I always said " | This all leads up to a tale of far off times and long ago - I was one of the rabbits who was always getting mixed up in tiger trips. My technique was to hang round hopefully with mouth open until someone invited me whereupon I always said " | ||
- | On this particular occasion I really did consider my companions - at the | + | On this particular occasion I really did consider my companions - at the beginning there were two nice, juicy, rosy-cheeked, |
- | beginning there were two nice, juicy, rosy-cheeked, | + | |
- | and more indigestible - Ray Kirkby. As things turned out, the first two faded out | + | |
- | at the last minute (Bill suddenly discovered he was 21 and had to attend his own 21st birthday party) so that left me with the aforesaid Ray - then a very new member - plus the plans for a fortnight' | + | |
- | Camped first night just out of Moruya by some revoltingly brackish water where the true wackiness of the trip started to emerge. Peter Page had drawn us a beautifully detailed map of the route over the ranges to Bendethra. In an excess of | + | Camped first night just out of Moruya by some revoltingly brackish water where the true wackiness of the trip started to emerge. Peter Page had drawn us a beautifully detailed map of the route over the ranges to Bendethra. In an excess of lightweight zeal, we had posted this on to Araluen instead of the South-east Tourist map - which must now suffice (it did). Ray's pack was peculiarly bulky; this was due to his having been told "X pounds of bread or substitute" |
- | lightweight zeal, we had posted this on to Araluen instead of the South-east Tourist | + | |
- | map - which must now suffice (it did). Ray's pack was peculiarly bulky; this was due to his having been told "X pounds of bread or substitute" | + | |
- | Likewise for " | + | Likewise for " |
Our first stage was up and over the range to the west of us, rising like a giant staircase to 3, | Our first stage was up and over the range to the west of us, rising like a giant staircase to 3, | ||
- | It was about this time that the Leader gained (and kept) a lead of about half a mile on the Tail. He kept just within sight (but not earshot) nor, unfortunately, | + | It was about this time that the Leader gained (and kept) a lead of about half a mile on the trail. He kept just within sight (but not earshot) nor, unfortunately, |
- | Next morning Ray, whose beard by now suggested Blackheart the Spanish Pirate, remarked " | + | Next morning Ray, whose beard by now suggested Blackheart the Spanish Pirate, remarked " |
- | "I hear Ed Garrad' | + | |
- | Car to Braidwood, camp the night by the river under the willows in an icy wind, but just outside at evening saw the alluring jagged outline of Budawang-Currockbilly range and swore to climb it; and ever afterwards think of it-when I read Chris Brennan' | + | Car to Braidwood, camp the night by the river under the willows in an icy wind, but just outside at evening saw the alluring jagged outline of Budawang-Currockbilly range and swore to climb it; and ever afterwards think of it when I read Chris Brennan' |
"O desolate eves along the way, how oft despite your bitterness, was I warm at heart! Not with the glow of remember' | "O desolate eves along the way, how oft despite your bitterness, was I warm at heart! Not with the glow of remember' | ||
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loneliness to yield its triumph room". | loneliness to yield its triumph room". | ||
- | Next day, off by car to Nerriga (still no more food available), and straight | + | Next day, off by car to Nerriga (still no more food available), and straight into the gorge to follow the (to us) unexplored Bulee. This was a delight - purple black walls, deep sapphire pools, and once, a solitary peach-tree in full bloom, dark gleaming branches leaning downstream across pale, pale gold sand. So to the Shoalhaven, and on to the Horseshoe Bends - the weather becoming so warm that I remember Ray sitting in the river to drink his tea. It was here we met a couple of horsemen who assured us that the Block-up was quite impassable - "a mile of straight river clean through rock walls" |
- | into the gorge to follow the (to us) unexplored Bulee. This was a delight - purple | + | |
- | black walls, deep sapphire pools, and once, a solitary peach-tree in full bloom, dark | + | |
- | gleaming branches leaning downstream across pale, pale gold sand. So to the Shoalhaven, and on to the Horseshoe Bends - the weather becoming so warm that I remember Ray sitting in the river to drink his tea. It was here we met a couple of horsemen who assured us that the Block-up was quite impassable - "a mile of straight river clean through rock walls" | + | |
- | We reached the Block-up at evening, camping on the left bank on a little square | + | We reached the Block-up at evening, camping on the left bank on a little square of rock cut like a nick out of the gorge just at the entrance. A few feet below was the grey-green, clean, wonderfully-shining water, unfathomable and silently flowing. Above soared those tremendous lilac-grey walls, with a single cleft where the late sunlight fell in misty radiance, no tree, no sign of life but for a solitary bird |
- | of rock cut like a nick out of the gorge just at the entrance. A few feet below was the grey-green, clean, wonderfully-shining water, unfathomable and silently flowing. Above soared those tremendous lilac-grey walls, with a single cleft where the late sunlight fell in misty radiance, no tree, no sign of life but for a solitary bird | + | |
flying through, whose call echoed from side to side. To float down these waters tomorrow - would we even get through, or would we too sink into silence? The Swan of Tuonela must surely move through here at nightfall. | flying through, whose call echoed from side to side. To float down these waters tomorrow - would we even get through, or would we too sink into silence? The Swan of Tuonela must surely move through here at nightfall. | ||
- | Morning, as always, brought a change of mood. Everything sparkled and danced, | + | Morning, as always, brought a change of mood. Everything sparkled and danced, packs were tied in groundsheets and launched gently while we followed swimming after - not such a very long swim after all, but a series of short ones, with ledges and clefts every so often to give one a breathing space. Still, it was with quite a sense of accomplishment that we reached the downstream side - a " |
- | packs were tied in groundsheets and launched gently while we followed swimming after - | + | |
- | not such a very long swim after all, but a series of short ones, with ledges and clefts every so often to give one a breathing space. Still, it was with quite a | + | |
- | sense of accomplishment that we reached the downstream side - a " | + | |
- | On again, camping at the junction of Bungonia Creek, where we actually had a half-day' | + | On again, camping at the junction of Bungonia Creek, where we actually had a half-day' |
- | fishy-smelling mark in the billy, even he, skin and bones as he was, might provide some pickings. As he insisted on drinking the juice (the bodies were now like rubber), I thought " | + | |
Inevitably, and rather sadly, the river and its banks become gentler, prettier, milder as one goes further downstream. Noon one day found us at a wide lake-like expanse of the river, grassy banks crowned with trees - and contact with " | Inevitably, and rather sadly, the river and its banks become gentler, prettier, milder as one goes further downstream. Noon one day found us at a wide lake-like expanse of the river, grassy banks crowned with trees - and contact with " | ||
- | Our last camp B.F. (before food) was at the junction of the Kangaroo River. Here we had the fun of watching a wombat swim the river towards us from the far | + | Our last camp B.F. (before food) was at the junction of the Kangaroo River. Here we had the fun of watching a wombat swim the river towards us from the far side. He lumbered through the water like an old tug-boat, and beached himself practically at our feet, so puffed and out of breath that he didn't lift an eyebrow when I patted him. Last meal next morning consisted of half a vitaweet biscuit, one dried apricot, and half a boiled egg each - at least our packs were light. All through that last lighthearted swing along the Kangaroo River I was haunted by a Beethoven concerto - both banks of the river were lined by tall flowering wattles, and as the track swung round bends to the rhythm of the music, the golden trees on the far bank, those on the nearest, and the mysterious green-gold ones reflected in the depths of the river wove a counterpoint which was one with the music in my head. |
- | side. He lumbered through the water like an old tug-boat, and beached himself practically at our feet, so puffed and out of breath that he didn't lift an eyebrow when I patted him. Last meal next morning consisted of half a vitaweet biscuit, one dried apricot, and half a boiled egg each - at least our packs were light. All through that last lighthearted swing along the Kangaroo River I was haunted by a Beethoven concerto - both banks of the river were lined by tall flowering wattles, and as the track swung round bends to the rhythm of the music, the golden trees on the far bank, those on the nearest, and the mysterious green-gold ones reflected in the depths of the river wove a counterpoint which was one with the music in my head. | + | |
Hustling into Kangaroo Valley village to refuel before the shops should close at noon, we made it only just in time, and then went to the local shop-cum-cafe for immediate replenishment. The dame behind the counter looked us over and said "Oh I remember you, you were here last year on your honeymoon" | Hustling into Kangaroo Valley village to refuel before the shops should close at noon, we made it only just in time, and then went to the local shop-cum-cafe for immediate replenishment. The dame behind the counter looked us over and said "Oh I remember you, you were here last year on your honeymoon" | ||
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Ray: (virtuously drawing back his skirts) "Well, it wasn't me". | Ray: (virtuously drawing back his skirts) "Well, it wasn't me". | ||
- | Whereupon the dame gives me a look, and we shake the dust of the town off very rapidly and cut across-country to Brogher' | + | Whereupon the dame gives me a look, and we shake the dust of the town off very rapidly and cut across-country to Brogher' |
- | of no enthusiasm, but am too polite to say so. (I have outgrown this.) Being | + | |
- | brought tea in sleeping-bag in the morning was enough to get me out, however. | + | |
- | A bright spring dawn everything to order, but where was the sun rising? Certainly | + | |
- | not over the ocean (I suppose any truly scientific types would have worked this out), but far to the north across the hillside. A few muttered remarks from me about false pretences, but the rocks themselves, curious surrealist shapes, more | + | |
- | grotesque than ever with that pale unearthly light casting strange long shadows, were more than enough compensation. | + | |
- | And so down and on to Saddleback and into Kiama. Here, I say to myself, I | + | And so down and on to Saddleback and into Kiama. Here, I say to myself, I shall become once again truly feminine. I have a clean skirt (it may hang in festoons due to the loss of inches round the waist, and my sneakers are tied on with string) and at last I emerge for the Leader' |
- | shall become once again truly feminine. I have a clean skirt (it may hang in festoons due to the loss of inches round the waist, and my sneakers are tied on with string) and at last I emerge for the Leader' | + | |
"My God, you look like a refugee", | "My God, you look like a refugee", | ||
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E.K.H | E.K.H | ||
- | For some time I had considered making a return to Bushwalking but thought better of it. Then, at the Reunion, after hearing the sad lament of Sunday walks being diverted to spine bashes I thought "After all, why shouldn' | + | For some time I had considered making a return to Bushwalking but thought better of it. Then, at the Reunion, after hearing the sad lament of Sunday walks being diverted to spine bashes I thought "After all, why shouldn' |
- | find a collection of eager young walkers keen to give me a nice easy- day. More robust spirits may complain, but this is just what I have been waiting for! | + | |
- | Admittedly 7 miles M on the programme brought back unhappy memories of walks that had turned out to be anything but that, but of course, things have changed now. When the leader thoughtfully asked one of the prospectives at Waterfall if he had done | + | Admittedly 7 miles M on the programme brought back unhappy memories of walks that had turned out to be anything but that, but of course, things have changed now. When the leader thoughtfully asked one of the prospectives at Waterfall if he had done much walking I should have woken up, but by the time the bus had dropped us at Bola Creek it was too late. |
- | much walking I should have woken up, but by the time the bus had dropped us at Bola Creek it was too late. | + | |
A few yards after we started I nearly fainted with horror. After years of inactivity was I expected to go down there? To cut a harrowing story short, I was, and I did! Hurriedly forgetting all I had been told as a prospective (don't use your hands - You'll wear the seat of your shorts out - etc..) I dropped back and came down on hands, seat, and anything else that seemed appropriate at the time. The rest of the party kept dry but I soon decided that the water was the only place for me if I was to finish in one piece. | A few yards after we started I nearly fainted with horror. After years of inactivity was I expected to go down there? To cut a harrowing story short, I was, and I did! Hurriedly forgetting all I had been told as a prospective (don't use your hands - You'll wear the seat of your shorts out - etc..) I dropped back and came down on hands, seat, and anything else that seemed appropriate at the time. The rest of the party kept dry but I soon decided that the water was the only place for me if I was to finish in one piece. | ||
- | Strangely enough, after lunch and a swim I was almost beginning to enjoy myself, | + | Strangely enough, after lunch and a swim I was almost beginning to enjoy myself, and by the time we had climbed to Uloola Heights I began to think Bushwalking wasn't so bad after all. On the tops, even the bush played tricks, with a beautiful display of Christmas Bells, heath and ti-tree. With the worst of the walk over I began to remember the staghorns, orchids and mosses of Bola Creek. |
- | and by the time we had climbed to Uloola Heights I began to think Bushwalking wasn't so bad after all. On the tops, even the bush played tricks, with a beautiful display | + | |
- | of Christmas Bells, heath and ti-tree. With the worst of the walk over I began to remember the staghorns, orchids and mosses of Bola Creek. | + | |
When we reached the Waterfall track our valiant leader said Oh: did they mark it as Medium? I should have said Rough. They disallowed it as a test walk because we took the bus!" | When we reached the Waterfall track our valiant leader said Oh: did they mark it as Medium? I should have said Rough. They disallowed it as a test walk because we took the bus!" | ||
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Courage, you energetic ones, you can stretch your legs on Some Sunday walks! | Courage, you energetic ones, you can stretch your legs on Some Sunday walks! | ||
- | =====Is Your Wife Active?===== | + | **Is Your Wife Active?** |
Our Treasurer offers these words of economic logic :- One active husband plus one non-active wife | Our Treasurer offers these words of economic logic :- One active husband plus one non-active wife | ||
- | E2.7.6 One active husband plus one active wife | + | L2.7.6 One active husband plus one active wife |
+ | |||
+ | ===== Walking Guide ===== | ||
- | WALKING GUIDE. | ||
Walks for May 21-22 meet at Euroka - See Notice board for further details of the Barbecue. Map: Liverpool Military. | Walks for May 21-22 meet at Euroka - See Notice board for further details of the Barbecue. Map: Liverpool Military. | ||
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=====Ninety Miles on Creek and River (Concluded) ===== | =====Ninety Miles on Creek and River (Concluded) ===== | ||
- | - Molly Rodgers | + | Molly Rodgers |
- | The ridge up from the Kanangra was very steep and each member took his own time. | + | The ridge up from the Kanangra was very steep and each member took his own time. I was considerably hindered because my feet, clad in two pairs of Paddy' |
- | I was considerably hindered because my feet, clad in two pairs of Paddy' | + | |
- | sliding out over the back of my sneakers. However, on arrival at the saddle we were rewarded with magnificent views of Kanangra Walls and we could look into the velvet | + | |
- | folds of Thurat Rift, Danae Brook and the Thurat Spires. | + | |
- | The march flies hurried us on and soon we were sidling around towards the hump on the end of Craft' | + | The march flies hurried us on and soon we were sidling around towards the hump on the end of Craft' |
- | and had retrieved their hidden food and after a short rest we proceeded down the | + | |
- | ridge to Gingra Creek. Once more through that lovely patch of flannel flowers where Irene and I had posed far photographs over two weeks ago and soon we saw Gingra Creek sparkling through the trees. Frank turned off to the left in search of our food cache and the rest of us went on taking a wide berth around what resembled a diamond snake but which could have been, we discovered later, the dangerous hoplocephalus bungaroides! | + | |
- | Frank arrived soon after with one of the tins of food and our mouths (and those of the Matthews') watered as he produced, among other things, the tin of peaches, the Christmas pudding, fresh potatoes and onions, rum and the piece de resistance, a flask | + | Frank arrived soon after with one of the tins of food and our mouths (and those of the Matthews) watered as he produced, among other things, the tin of peaches, the Christmas pudding, fresh potatoes and onions, rum and the piece de resistance, a flask of wine. |
- | of wine. | + | |
- | When we bad had our swim, lunched and resorted our food, we left our pleasant | + | When we had had our swim, lunched and resorted our food, we left our pleasant lunch site and ambled on. The air was suddenly rent by the noise of four kerosene tins being bashed by two strong men prior to being buried (the tins I mean). |
- | lunch site and ambled on. The air was suddenly rent by the noise of four kerosene tins being bashed by two strong men prior to being buried (the tins I mean). | + | |
The afternoon was very warm, our packs heavy, but we were in no hurry. We had time to spare and had decided to make camp at the first suitable site. The going was much easier than anticipated. In fact there was a good track all the way. Suddenly we saw a bull charging in ungainly manner towards us but as soon as he saw us he turned abruptly off up the ridge. Close on his heels came civilisation in the form of three horsemen with dogs. We chatted awhile and they asked us if we had passed any cattle. We hadn't nor had we seen any fresh signs. | The afternoon was very warm, our packs heavy, but we were in no hurry. We had time to spare and had decided to make camp at the first suitable site. The going was much easier than anticipated. In fact there was a good track all the way. Suddenly we saw a bull charging in ungainly manner towards us but as soon as he saw us he turned abruptly off up the ridge. Close on his heels came civilisation in the form of three horsemen with dogs. We chatted awhile and they asked us if we had passed any cattle. We hadn't nor had we seen any fresh signs. | ||
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After leaving them, we continued on and on. There were no special camp sites offering and the water was somewhat cow-y but before long we found ourselves at the Kowmung. How good it was to see it again! After a rest, during which we eyed off two civilians with rifle, downstream, we decided to go upstream and camp at the first suitable place. This turned out to be an elevated, level, grassy area on the left bank. There was little argument about the pitching of tents that night. | After leaving them, we continued on and on. There were no special camp sites offering and the water was somewhat cow-y but before long we found ourselves at the Kowmung. How good it was to see it again! After a rest, during which we eyed off two civilians with rifle, downstream, we decided to go upstream and camp at the first suitable place. This turned out to be an elevated, level, grassy area on the left bank. There was little argument about the pitching of tents that night. | ||
- | The next day, New Year's Eve, was declared a rest day. We rose late and after breakfast we washed our clothes and hung them to dry on lines strung between the tents. The day was hot and everything dried quickly. We swam and lazed about. In the afternoon, Alex, Frank and Bill summoned up enough energy to go for a walk and I | + | The next day, New Year's Eve, was declared a rest day. We rose late and after breakfast we washed our clothes and hung them to dry on lines strung between the tents. The day was hot and everything dried quickly. We swam and lazed about. In the afternoon, Alex, Frank and Bill summoned up enough energy to go for a walk and I decided to make pikelets for supper in buckled plates over an open fire in the hot sun. Never again! |
- | decided to make pikelets for supper in buckled plates over an open fire in the hot sun. Never again! | + | |
As we lay back after dinner watching the stars and catting there came a sharp explosion from the direction of the fire. We all jumped. Conversation resumed, then Crack! again. | As we lay back after dinner watching the stars and catting there came a sharp explosion from the direction of the fire. We all jumped. Conversation resumed, then Crack! again. | ||
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intrigued. Crack, Crack! | intrigued. Crack, Crack! | ||
- | Willy started laughing and then handed out crackers to all as part of the New | + | Willy started laughing and then handed out crackers to all as part of the New Year celebrations. We all exploded our crackers, some deservedly behind Will. Don made several abortive attempts to explode his inside an empty milk tin in the fire and Will let off a whole string at once. The Kowmung echoed the explosions and no doubt there were raised eyebrows in the civilian camp down yonder. Afterwards pikelets, glazed with oily butter, and wine were served but we couldn' |
- | Year celebrations. We all exploded our crackers, some deservedly behind Will. Don made several abortive attempts to explode his inside an empty milk tin in the fire and Will let off a whole string at once. The Kowmung echoed the explosions and no doubt there were raised eyebrows in the civilian camp down yonder. Afterwards pikelets, glazed with oily butter, and wine were served but we couldn' | + | |
- | the New Year in. | + | |
Our packs were the heavier by 2 dampers next day, Alex's plain one and my fruit one, which Frank entreated us to keep intact till he photographed them. | Our packs were the heavier by 2 dampers next day, Alex's plain one and my fruit one, which Frank entreated us to keep intact till he photographed them. | ||
- | The day was very hot and humid and we were glad to dunk ourselves at every | + | The day was very hot and humid and we were glad to dunk ourselves at every possible |
- | nossible | + | |
- | creations. | + | |
- | We were in no great hurry to move but we had to push on. The water was the | + | We were in no great hurry to move but we had to push on. The water was the only thing that made the day pleasant. Once we passed Frank and Bill submerged except for hat and boots and a few yards further on Don and Tine. Will put down his pack and assuming that he intended to join Bill and Frank, I went in search of a pool for myself. When Frank and Bill passed me, I hastened to join them. After awhile we discovered that Will wasn't with us. I thought he was behind, they thought he was ahead. We waited awhile and then Don discovered footprints ahead. So we went on till we came to a beautiful big, deep pool. We all stopped with one accord and wished that Willy wasn't ahead of us. We downed packs and Frank hurried ahead emitting fearful bellows guaranteed to be heard down on the Cox. The rest of us couldn' |
- | only thing that made the day pleasant. Once we passed Frank and Bill submerged except for hat and boots and a few yards further on Don and Tine. Will put down his pack and assuming that he intended to join Bill and Frank, I went in search of a | + | |
- | pool for myself. When Frank and Bill passed me, I hastened to join them. After | + | |
- | awhile we discovered that Will wasn't with us. I thought he was behind, they thought he was ahead. We waited awhile and then Don discovered footprints ahead. So we went on till we came to a beautiful big, deep pool We all stopped with one accord and | + | |
- | wished that Willy wasn't ahead of us. We downed packs and Frank hurried ahead emitting fearful bellows guaranteed to be heard down on the Cox. The rest of us couldn' | + | |
- | We spent so much time in this lovely green water that we decided to camp by | + | We spent so much time in this lovely green water that we decided to camp by the side of it but next morning we hurried to get breakfast over before the sun came over the ridge. Then down to the Junction and along the Cox. |
- | the side of it but next morning we hurried to get breakfast over before the sun came over the ridge. Then down to the Junction and along the Cox. | + | |
What a terrible day it was! The sun became oppressive early, shining out of a hazy sky. Everything was still and lifeless. The sun beat down on us and the heat rose in suffocating waves from beneath our feet. In spite of my big hat, I could feel my skin tightening and the perspiration trickled down my body. When would we come to shade! We passed the malodorous body of a dead walleroo mid stream and hurried on. Shade at last, and deeper water. I couldn' | What a terrible day it was! The sun became oppressive early, shining out of a hazy sky. Everything was still and lifeless. The sun beat down on us and the heat rose in suffocating waves from beneath our feet. In spite of my big hat, I could feel my skin tightening and the perspiration trickled down my body. When would we come to shade! We passed the malodorous body of a dead walleroo mid stream and hurried on. Shade at last, and deeper water. I couldn' | ||
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We lingered awhile and had a swim and Tine and I half-hoped that we might camp here. There was a debate in which Alex pointed out that the further we could go that afternoon in the cool the easier it would be for us the next day. Seeing the sense of this argument we went on. | We lingered awhile and had a swim and Tine and I half-hoped that we might camp here. There was a debate in which Alex pointed out that the further we could go that afternoon in the cool the easier it would be for us the next day. Seeing the sense of this argument we went on. | ||
- | The next creek we came to was the last water till Derrigal | + | The next creek we came to was the last water till Merrigal |
Before we left the next morning we disposed of everything we could, rather than carry it. Then, with heavy hearts, we poured the contents of a flask of rum into the Cox and gave the flask a decent burial. | Before we left the next morning we disposed of everything we could, rather than carry it. Then, with heavy hearts, we poured the contents of a flask of rum into the Cox and gave the flask a decent burial. | ||
- | The rest of the trip was made in dull, humid weather. We made use of every | + | The rest of the trip was made in dull, humid weather. We made use of every inviting pool and the very last fragments of food were disposed of at our lunchsite. |
- | inviting pool and the very last fragments of food were disposed of at our lunchsite. | + | |
That afternoon it rained heavily and we perspired profusely under our groundsheets. Sheltering from the rain on Mrs. Carlon' | That afternoon it rained heavily and we perspired profusely under our groundsheets. Sheltering from the rain on Mrs. Carlon' | ||
- | It was just possible that Mitchell' | + | It was just possible that Mitchell' |
- | come and sure enough in a very few minutes they arrived bringing back Frank and Will. At the ford, they stopped and gave us time to wash and change into clean clothes (except for three conscientious objectors.. Ed) and then sped us back to civilisation. | + | |
- | On the train home Frank went methodically over his food list with me, adding to some quantities and reducing others. | + | On the train home Frank went methodically over his food list with me, adding to some quantities and reducing others. |
- | caches, but infinitely better than carrying nine days' food. | + | |
There was yet another meeting two weeks later to conclude finances and then our Organised Trip was officially over. | There was yet another meeting two weeks later to conclude finances and then our Organised Trip was officially over. | ||
=====The Horse' | =====The Horse' | ||
- | - Kath Brown. | + | Kath Brown |
Having been charmed by Bill Ketas' music-making first at our own Re-union Campfire and then at the one held by the Federation, I thought I would ask him to show my little daughter Chris what a violin looked like close up. Like so many children of this age she had never seen one. Bill did not mind showing his treasure - so on that golden Sunday morning at Low, Angle Gully he took it out of its case, unwrapped the silk wrapping cloth, and demonstrated how to make the strings sing. He also told me that his violin was 200 years old. " | Having been charmed by Bill Ketas' music-making first at our own Re-union Campfire and then at the one held by the Federation, I thought I would ask him to show my little daughter Chris what a violin looked like close up. Like so many children of this age she had never seen one. Bill did not mind showing his treasure - so on that golden Sunday morning at Low, Angle Gully he took it out of its case, unwrapped the silk wrapping cloth, and demonstrated how to make the strings sing. He also told me that his violin was 200 years old. " | ||
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=====They Went to the Dogs!!===== | =====They Went to the Dogs!!===== | ||
- | Eight members, three prospective members and two visitors made up the party of the alternate Anzac Weekend Official Walk to Splendour Rock, when the opportunity was taken to lay a wreath on the Bushwalkars' War Memorial, in memory of our four late Club members. Publicity of this act was given in Column 8 of the " | + | Eight members, three prospective members and two visitors made up the party of the alternate Anzac Weekend Official Walk to Splendour Rock, when the opportunity was taken to lay a wreath on the Bushwalkers' War Memorial, in memory of our four late Club members. Publicity of this act was given in Column 8 of the " |
- | =====Second-Hand Pack (Child' | + | **Second-Hand Pack (Child' |
Can anyone sell us a pack for a four-year-old girl? Cash buyers. Alternatively, | Can anyone sell us a pack for a four-year-old girl? Cash buyers. Alternatively, | ||
196005.1358407200.txt.gz · Last modified: 2013/01/17 18:20 by colin