SBW Magazine & History Project

User Tools

Site Tools

Trace:
196105

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
196105 [2016/02/17 15:10] – tyreless196105 [2016/02/17 15:43] (current) – tyreless
Line 52: Line 52:
 Walkers, novice or old buffer,\\ Walkers, novice or old buffer,\\
 Very very seldom suffer\\ Very very seldom suffer\\
-\\Gynephobia - craven feah\\+Gynephobia - craven feah\\
 Of girls, the Weaker Sex (oh yeah?)\\ Of girls, the Weaker Sex (oh yeah?)\\
 And so far we have not observed\\ And so far we have not observed\\
Line 86: Line 86:
 In correspondence was a letter offering hospitalisation and 24-hour nursing service for any alcoholics in need of it. An alcoholic specialist would be in attendance. A query as to whether the letter was correctly addressed evoked the reply that there could be no doubt about it coming to the right address. In correspondence was a letter offering hospitalisation and 24-hour nursing service for any alcoholics in need of it. An alcoholic specialist would be in attendance. A query as to whether the letter was correctly addressed evoked the reply that there could be no doubt about it coming to the right address.
  
-Our Social Secretary said that 190, including 59 children, had attended the Reunion and our thanks were due to Malcolm McGregor anf his entertainers for organising such an enjoyable camp fire.+Our Social Secretary said that 190, including 59 children, had attended the Reunion and our thanks were due to Malcolm McGregor and his entertainers for organising such an enjoyable camp fire.
  
 The Walks Secretary (Wilf Hilder) told us that 230 had signed the visitors' book at the Federation Reunion. The Yalwal walk had been cancelled because transport difficulties, but 14 prospectives and 9 members had attended the Instructional Weekend, and nine more had turned up at Burning Palms on Jim Brown's Sunday walk. Eighteen members had been on the official Easter walk to the Castle, and had a most enjoyable 4 days with marvellous views from the Castle. Nine had gone on Gordon Redman's walk from Kanangra, David Ingram led a walk around Brindabella and another party started from Currockbilly. The Walks Secretary (Wilf Hilder) told us that 230 had signed the visitors' book at the Federation Reunion. The Yalwal walk had been cancelled because transport difficulties, but 14 prospectives and 9 members had attended the Instructional Weekend, and nine more had turned up at Burning Palms on Jim Brown's Sunday walk. Eighteen members had been on the official Easter walk to the Castle, and had a most enjoyable 4 days with marvellous views from the Castle. Nine had gone on Gordon Redman's walk from Kanangra, David Ingram led a walk around Brindabella and another party started from Currockbilly.
Line 148: Line 148:
 At one touchdown en route, you'd have thought we were nearing Reiby Place, except for the ice and snow around us. The sign on the airport said, "SYDNEY". At one touchdown en route, you'd have thought we were nearing Reiby Place, except for the ice and snow around us. The sign on the airport said, "SYDNEY".
  
-Just after dark we landed at Stephenville, Newfoundland - snow drifting down, smow-blowers scooting up and down the runways and icicles hanging from the noses of the ground crew. We then had a 50-mile taxi ride to our destination - fifty miles of hard, black ice in between six-foot walls of snow, leading, us to Cornerbrook, a lumber and paper port.+Just after dark we landed at Stephenville, Newfoundland - snow drifting down, snow-blowers scooting up and down the runways and icicles hanging from the noses of the ground crew. We then had a 50-mile taxi ride to our destination - fifty miles of hard, black ice in between six-foot walls of snow, leading, us to Cornerbrook, a lumber and paper port.
  
 Next day, we wished to visit an installation on the other side of the port - about three miles across the bay, or fifteen miles round by road. Next day, we wished to visit an installation on the other side of the port - about three miles across the bay, or fifteen miles round by road.
Line 204: Line 204:
 If you are interested in our propositions, then lend a hand to achieve them. The first step is to visit the Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve, No. 7, either on our official activity or "freelance". If you are interested in our propositions, then lend a hand to achieve them. The first step is to visit the Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve, No. 7, either on our official activity or "freelance".
  
-JuneE 10-11-12: Queen's Birtday Weekend. Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve, No. 7. Between Berrara and Red Head on the coast south of Milton.+June 10-11-12: Queen's Birthday Weekend. Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve, No. 7. Between Berrara and Red Head on the coast south of Milton.
  
 How to get to Cudmirrah: Follow Princes Highway south from Nowra. A little south of the Sussex Inlet turnoff (and between 25m to 26m from Nowra) is the Red Head Turnoff on the left. A fingerboard says "To Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve", along the Red Head Road. Follow the Red Head Road for three miles (approx.) to a fingerboard which points to left (north) indicating route to "Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve". (Red Head Read continues straight ahead - east). How to get to Cudmirrah: Follow Princes Highway south from Nowra. A little south of the Sussex Inlet turnoff (and between 25m to 26m from Nowra) is the Red Head Turnoff on the left. A fingerboard says "To Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve", along the Red Head Road. Follow the Red Head Road for three miles (approx.) to a fingerboard which points to left (north) indicating route to "Cudmirrah Faunal Reserve". (Red Head Read continues straight ahead - east).
Line 260: Line 260:
 It is difficult to visualise Colin Putt sallying forth on a long trip without his trusty "Puttmobile", but even this vehicle has its limitations, for it has never been known to become airborne for more than a few seconds (on the roughest roads in the State) nor to become completely amphibious beyond fording a few doubtful crossings of lesser streams. Colin, however, we are pleased to say, has no such limitations for soon he will have to become airborne and cross some unknown. rivers. It is difficult to visualise Colin Putt sallying forth on a long trip without his trusty "Puttmobile", but even this vehicle has its limitations, for it has never been known to become airborne for more than a few seconds (on the roughest roads in the State) nor to become completely amphibious beyond fording a few doubtful crossings of lesser streams. Colin, however, we are pleased to say, has no such limitations for soon he will have to become airborne and cross some unknown. rivers.
  
-About 5th June he putts off for Netherlands New Guinea, and with five colleagues from the New Zealand Alpine Club will make an attempt to climb Mt. Carstensz, a 16,500 footer, the top 3,000 being composed of glaciers and snow. They will fly from Sydney to Hollandia, where their gear and supplies, mostly from bw Zealand, will be repacked into smaller packages covered with plastic (I.C.I. of course!) and hessian for air drops.+About 5th June he putts off for Netherlands New Guinea, and with five colleagues from the New Zealand Alpine Club will make an attempt to climb Mt. Carstensz, a 16,500 footer, the top 3,000 being composed of glaciers and snow. They will fly from Sydney to Hollandia, where their gear and supplies, mostly from New Zealand, will be repacked into smaller packages covered with plastic (I.C.I. of course!) and hessian for air drops.
  
 Colin has been chosen leader of the expedition, and has put in a tremendous lot of work in the organisation of visas, transport etc. as well as choosing suitable gear - from steaming jungle to bitter perpetual snow conditions. Colin has been chosen leader of the expedition, and has put in a tremendous lot of work in the organisation of visas, transport etc. as well as choosing suitable gear - from steaming jungle to bitter perpetual snow conditions.
Line 285: Line 285:
 The expedition will meet in Sydney with the exception of Dow, who is in Wau New Guinea. The expedition will meet in Sydney with the exception of Dow, who is in Wau New Guinea.
  
-The five Sydney and N.Z. memers will fly to Lee where Dow will meet them on June 6 and then fly to Hollandia, capital of Dutch New Guinea.+The five Sydney and N.Z. members will fly to Lee where Dow will meet them on June 6 and then fly to Hollandia, capital of Dutch New Guinea.
  
 Stores and equipment are being shipped direct to Hollandia to be available when the expedition arrives. Stores and equipment are being shipped direct to Hollandia to be available when the expedition arrives.
Line 329: Line 329:
 Whilst musing through a train window on a wet cold morning in May my thoughts, naturally enough, turned to methods of keeping warm in similar conditions, perhaps somewhere between Kanangra and the Cox.  Whilst musing through a train window on a wet cold morning in May my thoughts, naturally enough, turned to methods of keeping warm in similar conditions, perhaps somewhere between Kanangra and the Cox. 
  
-Fueling up the body with plenty of good tucker and moving at a  brisk pace is O.K. bu how to conserve that precious heat.+Fueling up the body with plenty of good tucker and moving at a  brisk pace is O.K. but how to conserve that precious heat.
  
 Emulate Tibetian monks who are reputed to be able to keep warm by sheer will power? Sounds a dubious method to the likes of me. Just have to resort to insulation, that's pretty well proven. Now what's in stock at the shop to answer that one? Emulate Tibetian monks who are reputed to be able to keep warm by sheer will power? Sounds a dubious method to the likes of me. Just have to resort to insulation, that's pretty well proven. Now what's in stock at the shop to answer that one?
Line 370: Line 370:
 =====Walking Guide.===== =====Walking Guide.=====
  
-|May 19-20-21|Colong Caves - Private Transport. Maps: Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist, Mles Dunphy's "Bindook Highlands" Map. See __Leader Ben Esgate__ for further details.|+|May 19-20-21|Colong Caves - Private Transport. Maps: Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist, Myles Dunphy's "Bindook Highlands" Map. See __Leader Ben Esgate__ for further details.|
  
 "We hunted around and found the entrance to Lannigan's Cave above the Arch Cave and about 150' above the creek. A small opening led down into the cave, and through a narrow squeeze hole we came to King Solomon's Temple. This chamber contained five large columns about 40' high..... the end of this chamber a small opening to the right led to the Water Cave. This cave positively beggars description. Numerous stalagmites were observed in the bed of the underground river, the water of Which appeared to be of the faintest green....  one grotto resembled a jewel show with the shawls on the edges sparkling like diamonds. Opposite these shawls were pillars of a delicate pink shade, while another little grotto had a group of pure white stalactites like so many icicles...." "We hunted around and found the entrance to Lannigan's Cave above the Arch Cave and about 150' above the creek. A small opening led down into the cave, and through a narrow squeeze hole we came to King Solomon's Temple. This chamber contained five large columns about 40' high..... the end of this chamber a small opening to the right led to the Water Cave. This cave positively beggars description. Numerous stalagmites were observed in the bed of the underground river, the water of Which appeared to be of the faintest green....  one grotto resembled a jewel show with the shawls on the edges sparkling like diamonds. Opposite these shawls were pillars of a delicate pink shade, while another little grotto had a group of pure white stalactites like so many icicles...."
Line 379: Line 379:
 |June 2-3-4|Tallong - Long Point - Lake Louise- Cedar Flat - __Bungoiia Gorge__ - King Pin - Tallong. Maps: Yalwal Military. Sketch Map of Shoalhaven River (Stuart Brooks, Bill Carter, Ron Knightley 1947.) Extensive views of the river gorge from Long Point. Steep descent to the River, pleasant walking past casuarina-lined Lake Louise to Cedar Flat. Rock hop up Bungonia Creek. See tilted Silurian slates, huge limestone boulders in the creek bed, 1000' sheer walls of the famous Gorge. __Leader: Bill Rodgers.__| |June 2-3-4|Tallong - Long Point - Lake Louise- Cedar Flat - __Bungoiia Gorge__ - King Pin - Tallong. Maps: Yalwal Military. Sketch Map of Shoalhaven River (Stuart Brooks, Bill Carter, Ron Knightley 1947.) Extensive views of the river gorge from Long Point. Steep descent to the River, pleasant walking past casuarina-lined Lake Louise to Cedar Flat. Rock hop up Bungonia Creek. See tilted Silurian slates, huge limestone boulders in the creek bed, 1000' sheer walls of the famous Gorge. __Leader: Bill Rodgers.__|
 |Queen's Birthday - June 9-10-11-12|Cars to Kanangra Road, Sally Camp Creek - __Davies Caryon__ - Kanangaroo - Breakfast Creek - Katoomba. A rugged trip for those in good form. Mighty waterfalls and cascades in the Canyon. Scrambling, sliding, rock hopping, wading. Pleasant walking along Kanangra River from the Jenolan Creek junction, and up Cox's River and Breakfast Creek. Maps: Jenolan Military, Myles Dunphy's Map of Gangerangs. __Leader: Alan Round.__| |Queen's Birthday - June 9-10-11-12|Cars to Kanangra Road, Sally Camp Creek - __Davies Caryon__ - Kanangaroo - Breakfast Creek - Katoomba. A rugged trip for those in good form. Mighty waterfalls and cascades in the Canyon. Scrambling, sliding, rock hopping, wading. Pleasant walking along Kanangra River from the Jenolan Creek junction, and up Cox's River and Breakfast Creek. Maps: Jenolan Military, Myles Dunphy's Map of Gangerangs. __Leader: Alan Round.__|
-| |Blackheath - Blue Gum - __Grose Valley__ - Richmond. Steep descent to the forest - magnificent stand of Blue Gums - easy walking for a few miles down the Grose, then roughish mostly to about Wood's Creek level. Rugged gorge scenery. Maps: Katoomba and Windsor Military, Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist. __Leader: John -Canham.__|+| |Blackheath - Blue Gum - __Grose Valley__ - Richmond. Steep descent to the forest - magnificent stand of Blue Gums - easy walking for a few miles down the Grose, then roughish mostly to about Wood's Creek level. Rugged gorge scenery. Maps: Katoomba and Windsor Military, Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist. __Leader: John Canham.__|
 | |Blackheath - Car Kanangra - __Cloudmaker__ - Tiwilla Buttress - Kowmung River - Cox River - Narrow Neck - Katoomba. Extensive views from Kanarrra Tops. Steep climb to Mt. Cloudmaker (quartzite ridges) with views into Kanangra Deep and across to Yerranderie, Wild Dogs, etc. See the hundred man cave at the head of Tiwilla Creek. Pleasant walking on Kowmung, some scrambling towards Cox's Junction. Maps: Jenolan Military, Map of Gangerangs - Myles Dunphy, Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist. __Leader: Roy Craggs.__| | |Blackheath - Car Kanangra - __Cloudmaker__ - Tiwilla Buttress - Kowmung River - Cox River - Narrow Neck - Katoomba. Extensive views from Kanarrra Tops. Steep climb to Mt. Cloudmaker (quartzite ridges) with views into Kanangra Deep and across to Yerranderie, Wild Dogs, etc. See the hundred man cave at the head of Tiwilla Creek. Pleasant walking on Kowmung, some scrambling towards Cox's Junction. Maps: Jenolan Military, Map of Gangerangs - Myles Dunphy, Blue Mountains and Burragorang Tourist. __Leader: Roy Craggs.__|
  
-LORD HOWE IaLAND.+=====Lord Howe Island.===== 
 - Brian G. Harvey. - Brian G. Harvey.
-If these is one place in this fair State of N.S.W. which the Sydney Bushies have neglected, it is Lord Howe Island. Before the war, a couple of pe rtii:s sailed over in the old S.S. "Ebrinda" - and Bob Savage is still remertered - my, what a  reputation: Post war, I think ten have been rver, Jean and I havinc made four tripe Kevin Irdi1l had to be dragged away after wprldnc there for nine months. Well, working of a sort, if taking out parties of beautiful females on boat in: tripe and picnics waS a hardship: 
-Lying 430 miles E.N.E. of Sydney, it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and ie the most southerly coral island. Passage is made by flying-boat out of Rose Bay, the return fare'being about E35. Owing to the necessit of having to land in the lagoon at high tide, one leaves any time from 2 FIJI, until 11 a m. The aircraft are old, so there is the added thrill uon(1.erinf if you are going to make it: Landing on the Olean, li,ehtgreen translucent waters of the lpgool, is something never to be fargotten, as the bow-wave curls up outside the plane window with shining golden sand below. But before you arrive, away on the starboard siie is Pyrapid Rock:rising sheer 1800' out of the sea, just waiting for a climber. We had the good fortune to fly dawn to it last time and Frank and I got good shots through the least salt-smeared windows in the plane - in the toilet: The next thinv to catch the walker's eye before landing are two basalt mountains poking up into the sky - Gower (2833') and Lidgbird (2504), joined by a saddle and occupying the southern half of the Island. The island is crescent shaped, with the conmex'sIde facing the perpetual Pacific rollers from the east. On the concave western side, the tips of the crescent are almost joined by a coral reef, enclosing a lagoon about 600 yards wide and three miles long, skirted by an almost unbroken golden-sandy bead.- on the shore side. From a glass-bottomed boat one can peer dawn into beautiful cora: depths, with myriad coloured fish dartitig about. Or the more intrepid can go out a-snorkeling or aqua-lunging from a specially fitted up launch, and view the submarie, scenery close at hand. 
-It is quite non-Australian ashore, with no gams, being mainly palm trees (thausands of them), banyans and trees of the fig type, with tree ferns and lianas and tree orchids. no more land than necessary has been cleared, so that a creat part of the total of 3220 acres remains in an almost virgin state. This is due to the excellent provisions of the Lord Howe Island ect -which has turned the island into a veritable National Park, coupled with the "islanders zeal to maintain their island home in as beautiful condition as possible. There is no sin of vandalism, no tins, ImaT)ers nor broken glass. In fact, better than any of our so-called National Prks on the mainland. 
-One of the outstaranE features from the walker's point of view is that there nre no snakes or biting spiders or insects, b-Ir a few mossies. Even the lawyer vines have shorter barbs! So one can barge through anywhere free of-oeing aSsaulted by a venomous beastie. Where there are some but, or merely marked, tracks, there are _some super severeone day walks of Test Standard for those who get down the rugged east coast in the steep jungle, back over the saddle into the basalt-boulder-strewn Erskine Valley and along the breathtaking ledge 3001 above jagged rocks. Take your hob-nails for this job. Go prepared as for a Sunday walk - your rucksack is indispensable for photographic gear, swimming togs, lunch and billy. There are many good one day walks to be done in spite of the seeming saallness of the seven-mile isle. 
  
-One dare not be without a camera one instant there's a scene at every turn - +If there is one place in this fair State of N.S.W. which the Sydney Bushies have neglected, it is Lord Howe Island. Before the war, a couple of parties sailed over in the old S.S. "Morinda" - and Bob Savage is still remembered - my, what a reputation! Post war, I think ten have been over, Jean and I having made four trips. Kevin Ardill had to be dragged away after working there for nine months. Well, working of a sort, if taking out parties of beautiful females on boating trips and picnics was a hardship! 
-and then the scene changes with the time of day - every colour of the spectrum - + 
-and golden sunsets as the sun sizts beneath the western sea. There are living corals in the pools at low tide to be photographed, star fish, girls, beach scenes, palm framed shots, girls, hibiscus blooms, sea-birds, the plane coning in and taking eff, girls, etc. Then the great fishing for them what likes it - off the rocks for +Lying 430 miles E.N.E. of Sydney, it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world, and is the most southerly coral island. Passage is made by flying-boat out of Rose Bay, the return fare being about £35. Owing to the necessity of having to land in the lagoon at high tide, one leaves any time from 2 a.m. until 11 a.m. The aircraft are old, so there is the added thrill wondering if you are going to make it! Landing on the clean, light-green translucent waters of the lagoon is something never to be forgotten, as the bow-wave curls up outside the plane window with shining golden sand below. But before you arrive, away on the starboard side is Pyramid Rock rising sheer 1800' out of the sea, just waiting for a climber. We had the good fortune to fly down to it last time and Frank and I got good shots through the least salt-smeared windows in the plane - in the toilet! The next things to catch the walker's eye before landing are two basalt mountains poking up into the sky - Gower (2833') and Lidgbird (2504'), joined by a saddle and occupying the southern half of the Island. The island is crescent shaped, with the convex side facing the perpetual Pacific rollers from the east. On the concave western side, the tips of the crescent are almost joined by a coral reef, enclosing a lagoon about 600 yards wide and three miles long, skirted by an almost unbroken golden-sandy beach on the shore side. From a glass-bottomed boat one can peer dawn into beautiful coral depths, with myriad coloured fish darting about. Or the more intrepid can go out a-snorkeling or aqua-lunging from a specially fitted up launch, and view the submarine scenery close at hand. 
-trevalley, blueLfish, cod. Out in Clive Wilson's boat for yellow-tailed kingies, deep sea salmon, with garfish in the lagoon off the wharf. Three miles of golden lagoon beach for swimming or the surf at Blinkie (no patrol) or still waters at Ned 's Beach. One side of the island is always wind-free. No sharks in the day time. + 
-A camping holiday is out. It must be appreciated that the "islanders" exist sole2y by the tourist trade, but here again the holidv-Lahers are called "visitors" - you are "visiting" their island,. their home, so that you are not about to be taken dawn for a few bob. You are made genuinely welcome and the muro often you go back, the happier time you have. It is therefore necebsary to stay at a guest-house and this will cost you about El$ per week. Remember, air-freighted food is expensive. There is fortunately no hotel but one may purchasea drop of the doings at the Government bond, that is, for one health''s sake, of c-yulise. The smaller guesthouses are pleased to put up a bit of lunch and supply a billy, but ynu mi7ht like to take your awn. There are tanks at places where water is scarce in spite of the heavy rainfall of 65 inches, blit the southern end has excellent, creeers in the basalt country; one waterfall after heavy rain is 2000' hit, the second highest in the world, it is said. . +It is quite non-Australian ashore, with no gums, being mainly palm trees (thousands of them), banyans and trees of the fig type, with tree ferns and lianas and tree orchids. No more land than necessary has been cleared, so that a great part of the total of 3220 acres remains in an almost virgin state. This is due to the excellent provisions of the Lord Howe Island Act which has turned the island into a veritable National Park, coupled with the "islanders" zeal to maintain their island home in as beautiful condition as possible. There is no sin of vandalism, no tins, papers nor broken glass. In fact, better than any of our so-called National Parks on the mainland. 
-Mr. Lidgbird is like a sec,ment of a circle lying on its end with the sharp end towards the sky, steep, with a rock climb before the summit, Which is so narrow it can be straddled. Gower, altho*h 300' higher, is eaSier of approach but a mighty steep safe alimb. Last November, in spite of our age, we were up on top at 7.45 a m. after rising at 3.25 to avoid photographic ultra-violet haze. One is not permitted to climb either mountain without a guide - not that the islanders doubt one's ability, + 
-but there have been so maw S &R's by otherwise very busy people looking for benighted inexperienced bods, that the Board made it a strict rule and to offend is infra dig. The view fromGower is aerial, with the island at one's feet half-a-mile below. The shades of light blues, greene and the gold of the lagoon from this height have to be seen to be fully appreciated, and coupled with the white breakers on the reef and the Reckitt's blue sea outside, it's sure a sight to behold.' The top is heavily clothed in semi-tropical forest, with tree fermsand giant mosses. 11 perpetual spring is amystery to geologists. There's a swim to refresh one on the way home. +One of the outstanding features from the walker's point of view is that there are no snakes or biting spiders or insects, bar a few mossies. Even the lawyer vines have shorter barbs! So one can barge through anywhere free of being assaulted by a venomous beastie. Where there are some cut, or merely marked, tracks, there are some super severe one day walks of Test Standard for those who get down the rugged east coast in the steep jungle, back over the saddle into the basalt-boulder-strewn Erskine Valley and along the breathtaking ledge 300' above jagged rocks. Take your hob-nails for this job. Go prepared as for a Sunday walk - your rucksack is indispensable for photographic gear, swimming togs, lunch and billy. There are many good one day walks to be done in spite of the seeming smallness of the seven-mile isle. 
-For those in the Club who are not partial to a hPrd-walkinc holiday on dried veges. and soup powders, particularly if they are otherwise regular walkers throughout the year, the Island presents one of the most scenic and relaxinr ;places to recuperate to face another year of toil in the salt mines. .Lieb rt from the Lord, there is + 
-little other expense beyond hiring the very necessary rush bike.. There are pictures, 0 dances twice a _week., fish barbeques, library and general store. Most of all, there's the carefree unharMed atmosphere inshorts (longs far dinner please), o?en necked, shirts, Kodachrome, fiShing lines, sea breezes, the sun and a friendly welcome -wherever you go. New South -i:rales' own Bali Hai. Come!:+One dare not be without a camera one instant - there's a scene at every turn - and then the scene changes with the time of day - every colour of the spectrum - and golden sunsets as the sun sinks beneath the western sea. There are living corals in the pools at low tide to be photographed, star fish, girls, beach scenes, palm framed shots, girls, hibiscus blooms, sea-birds, the plane coming in and taking off, girls, etc. Then the great fishing for them what likes it - off the rocks for trevalley, bluefish, cod. Out in Clive Wilson's boat for yellow-tailed kingies, deep sea salmon, with garfish in the lagoon off the wharf. Three miles of golden lagoon beach for swimming or the surf at Blinkie (no patrol) or still waters at Ned's Beach. One side of the island is always wind-free. No sharks in the day time. 
 + 
 +A camping holiday is out. It must be appreciated that the "islanders" exist solely by the tourist trade, but here again the holiday-makers are called "visitors" - you are "visiting" their island, their home, so that you are not about to be taken down for a few bob. You are made genuinely welcome and the more often you go back, the happier time you have. It is therefore necessary to stay at a guest-house and this will cost you about £l8 per week. Remember, air-freighted food is expensive. There is fortunately no hotel but one may purchase a drop of the doings at the Government bond, that is, for one health's sake, of course. The smaller guesthouses are pleased to put up a bit of lunch and supply a billy, but you might like to take your own. There are tanks at places where water is scarce in spite of the heavy rainfall of 65 inches, but the southern end has excellent creeks in the basalt country; one waterfall after heavy rain is 2000' high, the second highest in the world, it is said.
  
 +Mt. Lidgbird is like a segment of a circle lying on its end with the sharp end towards the sky, steep, with a rock climb before the summit, which is so narrow it can be straddled. Gower, although 300' higher, is easier of approach but a mighty steep safe climb. Last November, in spite of our age, we were up on top at 7.45 a.m. after rising at 3.25 to avoid photographic ultra-violet haze. One is not permitted to climb either mountain without a guide - not that the islanders doubt one's ability, but there have been so many S & R's by otherwise very busy people looking for benighted inexperienced bods, that the Board made it a strict rule and to offend is infra dig. The view from Gower is aerial, with the island at one's feet half-a-mile below. The shades of light blues, greens and the gold of the lagoon from this height have to be seen to be fully appreciated, and coupled with the white breakers on the reef and the Reckitt's blue sea outside, it's sure a sight to behold. The top is heavily clothed in semi-tropical forest, with tree ferns and giant mosses. A perpetual spring is a mystery to geologists. There's a swim to refresh one on the way home.
  
 +For those in the Club who are not partial to a hard-walking holiday on dried veges. and soup powders, particularly if they are otherwise regular walkers throughout the year, the Island presents one of the most scenic and relaxing places to recuperate to face another year of toil in the salt mines. Apart from the board, there is little other expense beyond hiring the very necessary push bike. There are pictures, dances twice a week, fish barbeques, library and general store. Most of all, there's the carefree unhurried atmosphere in shorts (longs for dinner please), open necked, shirts, Kodachrome, fishing lines, sea breezes, the sun and a friendly welcome wherever you go. New South Wales' own Bali Hai. Come!!
196105.1455682236.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/02/17 15:10 by tyreless
Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki