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+ | =====Editorial.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===How Natural Nature?=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Earlier this month is was my good fortune to visit Japan, a country which is vastly different in background, culture and attitude to our own. Whilst dining one evening in a Tokyo restaurant I commented to my host what a sweet juicy melon it was I was eating. My host's reply was "Ah yes, that is a very special melon. When the vine is young, the farmer picks out the best flower and cuts all the others off, thus all the goodness of the vine is concentrated into that one piece of fruit." | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====The Adventures Of Owen.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | By Owen Marks. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Lately you may have came across that blase bushwalking bore who has conquered puny Peruvian peaks; or else has walked 14 days in waist deep mud in Tasmania and has the turn of mind to rave about it. Let me tell you how I conquered the Himalayas and achieved my life's ambition; Annapurna was my destination. Apart from Everest, it was the only mountain I'd ever heard of apart from Rum Doodle, and accompanied by two assistants and two porters, we all set out from Pokhara in western Nepal and headed north towards China. | ||
+ | |||
+ | But first I shall tell you about my preparations here in Sydney. It was very simple, I was outfitted by the St. Vincent de Paul second-hand shop at Newtown. Woollen evening pants with a shiny satin stripe (my two offsiders Helen Gray and Frank Taeker bought the same), some lovely boots that were comfy with two pairs of sox and an old windjacket that had no buttons. From my extensive wardrobe at home I took a woollen tummy band, a balaclava and my yellow long pants that have been a constant companion over the years; yes, the same ones that have been with me in the Snowy Mountains, on top of Adams Peak in Ceylon, filtered my drinking water in Central Lombok, but they are not the ones that I have worn to the Opera House. Those ski-ing pants that I wore to Joan Sutherland' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Having not walked for 6 months and being physically unfit I decided to meet Frank and Helen in Darjeeling (they were fiddling in Burma whilst I was burning in Bangladesh). Walking around the bazaars in Darjeeling and visiting friends at Kalimpong on the Sikkim border and seeing the Tibetan Refugee Camp near the West Bengal/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Back to our trip. With our walk permits all valid, we arrived at Pokhara late in the afternoon and commenced to walk due north until we could find porters. Through the town - no porters! Passed the outer suburbs to the famous Shining Hospital; still no porters. Away up the valley could be seen the Tibetan Refugee Camp in the evening gloom. 25 minutes to go and I had a terrific headache, so much so I had to lay down when I reached the funny " | ||
+ | |||
+ | I was snoring around 8 p.m. all three of us in the same room. At dawn opened the window and lo! Guess what was in view. Macchupuchare (The Fishtail). I awoke my offsiders and called "Here is my New Years present!" | ||
+ | |||
+ | Our porters were very odd. Both Tibetan. The eldest had two cotton shirts and a pair of jeans; the youngest had 3 pairs of pants on and 4 shirts. No parkas, no balaclavas, no sox either, or gloves. The eldest had lice. The younger spoke English. Of course they were not really porters at all. It seems they had nothing to do and were just filling in time. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Our Journey.=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Set out along this wide valley with snow peaks an one side and waltzed from tea shop to tea shop. A straw hat with a kettle boiling and the inevitable Tibetan lady and the basket of mandarins. At the bottom of a cliff the path stopped at a few huts and then the steps commenced. (Only a few thousand feet to lunch.) What sights there are; puny porters carrying baskets with holes in the back. Sick people are carried and face backwards. The young porters literally jump from step to step and the person being carried is jogged beyond belief. Still it is better than walking and I thought what a good idea. Quite reasonable, from memory it was 32 rupees a day ($2). At the top of the hill was a village where we had lunch. It was nearly always omlette and tea. The shops had quite a remarkable lot of goods for sale. We would have no trouble in buying spray to drive away bed bugs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We wound along a ridge always up, passing fields of what seems to be mustard seed or digitalis. Frank tried to lift a load that a Tibetan gent had just taken off. 20 gallons of kerosene and a sewing machine head. Impossible to move. Mule trains with lobs of dull bells around their necks wind their way all the time. They have red plumes and exotic tails wound with red wool. The track is always interesting. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Men in nice suits carrying valises going from nowhere to nowhere; Nepali women in their colourful aprons carrying roofing slates that weigh 50 lbs; kids going to school (I wonder how Aussie youngsters would like climbing 3000 ft of a morning and returning at night - I saw this myself later at Gandrung, whilst recovering from hallucinatory experiences in the Dreaded Rhododendron Forest). Actually this is the main road to Tibet, rice goes northwards and salt goes south. Passes a vilIage here and there, but mainly rice terraces all dry at the moment, this area has no water. | ||
+ | |||
+ | That evening we arrived at a village called Chandrakot a collection of lodges all called Annapurna. Let me stop and I will in all modesty describe an overnight in a Tibetan inn. On the ground floor is a table and benches, with a kitchen attached. Rugs are always rolled up and you can grab one and plonk down, which our porters did. The aristocracy slept upstairs. The first floor is nothing but beds and blankets with a miniature window that is always closed. It is also the storeroom. Bags of dried corn cobs, rice, potatoes, etc., with bottles of rice wine, kero against the walls near the ladders. No stairs, I forgot to mention. There is no charge for accommodation. Dinner is always rice and a sprinkling of vegies, breakfast is fried egg (poached is cheaper - no oil, see!) with chappatis. There is never any washing facilities or any toilets of any description. You go anywhere. Seven rupees per person will cover all expenses bar wine. Seven rupees = 42c. Which is not too bad. Add lunch and say 8 cups of tea and the whole day will come to less than $1 Aust. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Here in Chandralot we came across a wide variety of walkers. Kiwis, Yanks, French and a weird Japanese family. The two-year old baby was carried by his own porter and had a sunshade. The proud parents were dripping with movie cameras and tape recorded the songs of passing locals. They gave us peanut butter sandwiches. The father was one of a group that a few years ago parachuted onto Everest and skiied down it. | ||
+ | |||
+ | That morning from the front fence was a view of Annapurna 1 (or was it 2 or 3). Climbing down to the valley below, its snowy peak was always visible between the trees. I reached the swinging bridge and found the porters who said that they had no permits to go further, and so they said they would climb around the police checkpoint, I was to tell the police I had no porters. Then they vanished up a hill. Panic. Will they run off with all our gear. I rush back to find my assistants, calmly drinking tea. I went berserk. I had been waiting 30 minutes and Frank and Helen couldn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Thackeray if he was writing this episode would have noticed the sheer 1000 ft cliffs covered in moss and vines, described in detail how the filtered sunshine sparkled in the limpid pools, have mentioned the contrasts between the harsh natural marble river bed and the light airy faerie nothingness of the ferns and Daphne bushes that surround you on all sides. He would have described with loving detail how the hot sun sent its shiny shafts into the gloomy Rhododendron forests, of how every limb was covered in moss, with hairs 5" long and giving that ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | I never mentioned the episode of serenading a Tibetan family of porters. Helen and I came across Mother-Father-Son all resting their awe-inspiring loads. I said " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Back to our lunch spot. The porters pointed up in the air and said that is where we'll stay for the night. Up in the clouds perched on a cliff was Helle. Only 3000 ft up all those stairs. Horse trains passed us coming down as did a young chap carrying a dead body strapped onto a basket on his back. Climbing became so hot I decided to take my yellow pants off and walk in my underpants. (My singlet came down to my knees.) The local maidens always giggled when they saw me and they made vulgar signs with their index finger assuming I had nothing on underneath. I would stop still, and then when they were silent and still, I would whip up my singlet. Screams of laughter would echo in the valleys. It became my standard trick. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Helle was a 5 house village and I bought a tin of condensed milk in a pokey shop. Saw some Coca Cola too. Next morning we were to climb to 10,000 ft through dark forests, so we went to bed early, about 8. Next morn we climbed up and up; such Rhododendrons (as big as 300 year old oaks) but only in bud. For lunch that day a-rare treat. The porters were amazed when we had a spoonful of condensed milk, each spoonful carefully placed in each palm of the hand. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Up and up and the porters and my two offsiders were far ahead when I decided to have a short lay down in the sun underneath some pink rhododendrons. I was attacked by hallucinations. Vivid dreams yet I was awake. Too weird to write down. I got a trifle worried and decided to catch the party up. Helen was drinking tea and Frank was looking at monkeys. I told them what had happened and we all laughed. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Up on the horizon was the mountain pass of Gorepanne (Horses Water) and we arrived at 4 p.m. We dumped our baggage in a most fabulous inn, and zoomed up another 500 ft to the top of the pass and a hill to the left. This view is the best we saw. The entire western Himalayas with Dalaghiri at the centre. To our right was Annapurna 1, 2, 3 and behind us was Macchupuchare. | ||
+ | |||
+ | (Owen' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Obituary.===== | ||
- | Page 2 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April 1976 | ||
- | HOW NATURAL NATURE? | ||
- | Earlier this month is was my good fortune to visit Japan, a country which is uastly different in background, culture and attitude to our own. Whilst dining one evening inaTokyo restaurant I commented to my host what a sweet juicy melon it was I was eating. My host's reply was "Ah yes, that is a very special melon. When the vine is young, the farmer picks out the best flower and cuts all the others off, thus all the goodness of the vine is concentrated into that one piece of fruit." | ||
- | vine (perhaps our approach) would be quite alien. The ancient art of Bonsai adopts a similar approach. An object of beauty | ||
- | is created, with the help of Nature, but using disfigurement | ||
- | as a tool. In Japan the azalea and camelia bushes are stripped of their flower buds except for a few of the very best, thus ensuring that those flowers which do bloom are exquisite specimend. Those beautiful Japanese garoens we imagine, and see pictures of, are carefully tended, pruned and manicured to give an impression of Nature and of naturalness. We ourselves cultivate rose bushes which have to be regularly pruned to give the best display, and bowling green flat lawns which demand constant and neverending attention to ensure the exclusion of extraneous vegetation. Is this Nature? It's not plastic, so it must be Nature! But is it natural, that is the question. It also struck me in Japan that the people in general have tremendous environmental awareness. Almost any subject under discussion will sooner or later touch on environmental issues. Further thought made me conclude that this is what one would expect from a population of 110 million people, crowded onto a small group of islands, and dependant on their processing industries for survival.J-urthermore, | ||
- | natural environment (at least in part) still exists for | ||
- | us, on our doorstop. We need only to ensure its perpetuation, | ||
- | ********** | ||
- | Lately you may have came across that blas6 bushwalking bore who has conqUered puny Peruvian peaks; or else has walked 14 days in waist deep mud in Tasmania and has the turn of mind to rave about it. Let me tell you how I conquered the Himalayas and achieved my life's ambition; Annapurna was my destination. Apart from Everest, it was the only mountain I'd ever heard of apart from Rum Doodle, and accompanied by two assistants and two porters, we,all set out from Pokhara in western Nepal and headed north towards China. | ||
- | But first I shall tell you about my preparations here in Sydney. It was very simple, I was outfitted by the St.Vincent de Paul second-hand shop at Newtown. Woollen evening pants with a shiny satin stripe (my two offsiders Helen Gray and Frank Tadker bought the same), some lovely boots that were comfy with two pairs of sox and an old windjacket that had no buttons. From my extensive wardrobe at home I took a woollen tummy band, a balaclava and my yellow long pants that have been a constant companion over the years; yes, the same ones that have been with me iii the Snowy Mountains, on top of Adams Peak in Ceylon, filtered my drinking water in Central Lombok, but they are not the ones that I have worn to the Opera House. 'Those ski-ing pants that I wore to-Joan Sutherland' | ||
- | Having not walked for 6 months and being physically unfit I decided to meet Frank and Helen in Darjeeling (they were fiddling in Burma whilst I was burning in Bangladesh). Walking around the bazaars in Darjeeling and visiting friends at Kalimpong on the Sikkim border and seeing the Tibetan Refugee Camp near the West Bengal/ | ||
- | Back to our trip. With our walk permits all valid, we arrived at Pokhara late in the afternoon and commenced to walk due north until we | ||
- | April, 1976. | ||
- | THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER | ||
- | Page 3 | ||
- | 63) | ||
- | by Owen Marks, | ||
- | Page 4. 5YD14.711Y BUSIIVILLICER April, 3_976. | ||
- | could find porters. Through the town - no porters; Pass e& the outer suburbs to the famous Shining Hospital; still no porters. Away up the valley could be seen the Tibetan Refugee Camp in the evening gloom. 25 minutes to go and I had a terrific headache, so much so I had to lay down when I reached the funny " | ||
- | I was snoiing around 8 pr all three of us in the same room. At dawn of)ened-the windoa and leS (LCS8 what was in view. Macchupuchare (The Fishtail). I awoke my offsidefs and called Here is my New Years pre-entInJ glos_leuss mountafn ;yet ouse route and destination lay further behind it and we were awaiting cur porters for an early start. Breakfast was ordered for 7.30 and were surp: | ||
- | Back in civilization we all toad to sa:G ice mueh anyway. | ||
- | Our potter-S 1-,ere very odd. -Beth T ': | ||
- | porters at all It seeras they had nothing to do and were just filling in time. | ||
- | Ass journe-T | ||
- | Set out along this wide valley with snow peaks an one side and | ||
- | waltzed from tea shop ie isa shop. A, straw hat with a kettle boiling and the inevitable Tibetan lady t,z..e d the *basket of mandarins At the bottom of a cliff the path ebopied es a few huts and then the stePs commenced.. (Only a few thousand feet to lunch.) What sights there are; puny porters carrying baskets with holes in the back. Sick people are carried and | ||
- | face backwards. The yeee:g pertess 1: | ||
- | memory it was 32 rupees a day ($2). .:-..t the top of the hill was a village | ||
- | where *0 had lunch. It was ne-rly always amlette and tea. The shops had quite a remarkable lot of goods for sale. We would have no trouble in buying spray to drive away bed. bugs. | ||
- | We wouna along a ridge always up, passing fields of what seems to be mustard seed or digitalis. 'Frank tried to lift a loa& that a Tibetan gent had. just taken off .20 gallons of kerosene and a sewing machine heaa. Impossible to move. Mule traThs with lobs of dull bells around | ||
- | their necks wind their 'rvay all inc tim,- They have red plumes aid exotictails wound with red liveol. The trade: is always interesting. | ||
- | Page 5 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April 1976 | ||
- | Page 6 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976, | ||
- | Man in nice ui- carrying valises going from nowhere to nowhere; Nepali women in their colourful aprons carrying roofing slates that weigh 50 ibs; kids going to schbol (I wonder how Aussie youngsters would like climbing' | ||
- | . mainly rice terraces all dry at the moment, this area has no water. | ||
- | That evening we arrived at a village called Chandrakot a collection of lodges all called Annapurna. Let me stop and I will in all modesty describe an overnight in a Tibetan inn. On the ground floor is a table | ||
- | , and. benches, with a kitchen attached. Rugs are always rolled up and yoU | ||
- | , can grab, one and plonk down, which our porters did. The aristocracy slipt | ||
- | , upstairs. The first floor is nothing but beds and blankets with a . | ||
- | miniature window that is always closed. It is also the storeroom., s Ba | ||
- | 1 | ||
- | of dried corn cobs, rice, potatoes, etc., with bottles of rice wine,,ker, against the walls near the ladders. No stairs-, I forgot to mention' | ||
- | There is no-charge for accommodation. Dinner is always rice and a sprink... ling of vegies, breakfast is fried egg (poached is cheaper - no oil, see) | ||
- | , with chapipatis. There is never any washing facilities or any toilets (:)' any description. You go anywhere. Seven rupees per person will cover all expenses bar wine. Seven rupees = 4200 Which is not too bad. Add lunch and say 8 cups of tea and the whole day will 00MG to less than $1 Aust. | ||
- | ere in Chandral:ot we came across a wide variety of walkers. Kiwis, Yanks, French and a weird Japanese family. The two-year old baby was carried by his own porter and had a sunshade. The proud parents were dripp4.ng with movie cameras and tape recorded the songs of passing locals. They gave us peanut butter sandwiches. The father was one of a group that a few years ago parachuted onto Everest and skiied down it. | ||
- | That morning. from the front fence was a view of Annapurna I (or was it 2 or 3). Climbing down to the valley below, its snowy peak was always visible between the trees. I reached the swinging bridge and found the porters who said that they had no permits to go further, and so they said they would climb around the police checkpoint, I was to tell the police 1 had-no porters. Then they vanished up a hill. Panic. Will they rUn off with all OUT gear, T rush back to find my assistants, calmly drinking tea, I went berserk. I had been waiting 30-minutes and Frank and Helen couldn' | ||
- | persuaded them to rush through the village and chase our absconding, . thieving, always hungry porters. We finally found them sitting in the sun, acting casual. | ||
- | | ||
- | Page 7 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | ||
- | in moss,with hairs 5" long and giving that ' | ||
- | I never mentioned the episode of serenading a Tibetan family of porters.- -Holen and I came across Mother-Father-Son all resting their awe-inspiring loads. I said " | ||
- | Back to our lunch spot. The porters pointed up in the air and said that is where we'll stay for the night. Up in the clouds perched on a cliff was Hello.- Only 3000 ft up all those stairs. Horse trains passed us coming down as did a young chap carrying a dead body strapped onto a basket on his back. Climbing became so hot I decided to take my yellow pants off c,,nd walk in my underpants. (bly singlet came down to my knees.) The local maidens always gizgled when they saw me and they made vulgar signs with their index finger assuming I had nothing on underneath. I would stop still, and then when they were silent and still, I would whip up my singlet. Screams of laughter would echo in the valleys, It became my standard trick. | ||
- | Hello was a 5 house village and I bought a tin ofcondensed milk in a pokey shop. Saw some Coca Cola too. Next morning we were to climb to 10,000 ft through dark forests, so we went to bed earl, about 8. Next morn we climbed up and up; such Rhododendrons (as big as 300 year | ||
- | old oaks) but only in bud. For lunch that day a-rare treat. The porters were amazed when we had a spoonful of condensed milk, each spoonful carefully placed in each palm of the hand. | ||
- | Up and up and the porters and my two offsiders were far ahead when | ||
- | I decided to have a short lay down in the sun underneath some pink rhododendrons. I was attacked. by hallucinations. Vivid dreams yet I was awake. Too weird to write down. I got a trifle worried and decided to catch the party up. Helen was drinking tea and Frank was looking at monkeys. I told them what had happened and we all laughed. | ||
- | Up on-the horizon was the mountain pass of Gorepanne (Horses Water) and we arrived at 4 p m, We dumped our baggage in a most fabulous inn, and zoomed up another 500 ft to the top of the pass and a hill to the left. This view is the best we saw. The entire western Himalayas with Dalaghiri at the centre. To our right was Annapurna 1, 2, 3 and behind us was Macchupuchare. ****)(40(** (Owen' | ||
- | Page 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April 1976 | ||
- | OBITUARY | ||
It is with the deepest regret that we record the passing away on 13th. April, 1976, of | It is with the deepest regret that we record the passing away on 13th. April, 1976, of | ||
- | JACK DESERT. | + | **Jack Debert**, |
- | aged 76 years. | + | |
- | Jack was a Foundation Member of the Sydney Bush Walkers and contributed significantly to its formation and growth. He held the office of Club President in 1928/29 and was a member of the Editorial Committee in 1936 as well as carrying out many other functions. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. | + | Jack was a Foundation Member of the Sydney Bush Walkers and contributed significantly to its formation and growth. He held the office of Club President in 1928/29 and was a member of the Editorial Committee in 1936 as well as carrying out many other functions. |
- | Page 9 THE SY-LIMY BUSHWALKER Apri 1,, 1976 | + | |
- | THE ANNUAL GENERAL MUTING. | + | He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him. |
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====The Annual General Meeting.==== | ||
by Jim Brown. | by Jim Brown. | ||
- | The Annual General Meeting of '76 could. be coupted | + | |
- | First, two new members were welcomed Bill Blackburn and John Fox and we heard the February Minutes, with no questions arising. Correspondence contained the usual bulletins and magazines, a letter recording the payment by the Electricity Commission of $150 for the damage caused | + | The Annual General Meeting of '76 could be counted |
- | at Coolana by the easement for a transmission line, and the notice of rates by Shoalhaven Council on the property, which also amounts to about $150 and will be settled in quarterly instalments. A further item related to an amendment to the Myall Lakes National Park and to this Alex Colley, Conservation Secretary, indicated he had prepared a reply saying the proposal represents quite a pleasing improvement, | + | |
- | answer. | + | First, two new members were welcomed Bill Blackburn and John Fox - and we heard the February Minutes, with no questions arising. Correspondence contained the usual bulletins and magazines, a letter recording the payment by the Electricity Commission of $150 for the damage caused at Coolana by the easement for a transmission line, and the notice of rates by Shoalhaven Council on the property, which also amounts to about $150 and will be settled in quarterly instalments. A further item related to an amendment to the Myall Lakes National Park and to this Alex Colley, Conservation Secretary, indicated he had prepared a reply saying the proposal represents quite a pleasing improvement, |
- | Next the special Annual Meeting affairs with the Annual Report and thn. the Financial Statement being taken as read and adopted without quibble. Standing orders were suspended to allow election of officers to go on concurrently with other normal business, the s: | + | |
- | The voting, which then got under way7 went on in quite an animated fashion, with two or more people offering themselves for most pf the posts. The results were given in the March magazine. | + | Next the special Annual Meeting affairs with the Annual Report and then the Financial Statement being taken as read and adopted without quibble. Standing orders were suspended to allow election of officers to go on concurrently with other normal business, the system |
- | In intervals between electing officials, we learned that the ready cash in oui' | + | |
- | The report commenced with Jim Vatiliotis' | + | The voting, which then got under way, went on in quite an animated fashion, with two or more people offering themselves for most of the posts. The results were given in the March magazine. |
- | Page 1O THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976e | + | |
- | jointly led trip by Elaine Brown and Len Newland in Kangaroo Creek found trails overgrown, but the walking quite pleasant. | + | In intervals between electing officials, we learned that the ready cash in our account at end of February stood at $1189, and then launched into a recital of walks activities which was interrupted on several occasions to proceed with voting. |
- | Over the weekend 20-22nd February Oliver Crawford took a trip into the Bungonia territory. Evidently the way down was in a rather precipitous creek and as the Shoalhaven was not reached till late Saturday afternoon, the trip was curtailed | + | |
- | For the final weekend of February, Alastair Battye had a team down in the Wolgan Valley, looking for the southern leg of a pass which goes over the divide into the Capertee. The ascent to the plateau was quite successful, but as the weather broke down and since the Capertee Pass was already known, the party returned to Newnes. Bill Burke' | + | The report commenced with Jim Vatiliotis' |
- | the trip "gets better every year", there was a lot of water flowing through the boulders of Bungonia Gorge, and the 8-year-ola pushing through the scrub in Barber' | + | |
- | Of Margaret Reid's trip to Rocky Ponds on 29th February, Marcia Shappert reported 30 present, pleasant weather, and said it was her first walk in about 4 years. On to the final weekend reported, when Roy Higginbotham' | + | Over the weekend 20-22nd February Oliver Crawford took a trip into the Bungonia territory. Evidently the way down was in a rather precipitous creek and as the Shoalhaven was not reached till late Saturday afternoon, the trip was curtailed |
- | Arising from the Federation report (included in the March issue) Dot Butler suggested some funds may be available from the Paddy Pallin Foundation to-assist | + | |
- | The only topic which really brought earnest debate was the fixing of the Club's annual subscription and entrance fee. Retiring Treasurer Frank Roberts, pointed to a fairly heavy excess of expenditure over incamo-on magazine production, and since this could be expected to inflate with higher | + | For the final weekend of February, Alastair Battye had a team down in the Wolgan Valley, looking for the southern leg of a pass which goes over the divide into the Capertee. The ascent to the plateau was quite successful, but as the weather broke down and since the Capertee Pass was already known, the party returned to Newnes. Bill Burke' |
- | Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | + | |
- | that more than a year's supply of covers were already printed and the cost would be stable therefore. So long as we covered expenditure, | + | Of Margaret Reid's trip to Rocky Ponds on 29th February, Marcia Shappert reported 30 present, pleasant weather, and said it was her first walk in about 4 years. On to the final weekend reported, when Roy Higginbotham' |
- | .Gladys Roberts now put up a second | + | |
- | Spiro Hajinakitas had a constitutional amendment, and it was carried without dissentient, | + | Arising from the Federation report (included in the March issue) Dot Butler suggested some funds may be available from the Paddy Pallin Foundation to assist production of a "de luxe" magazine to celebrate the Club's 50th birthday in 1977. As an alternative Kath Brown wondered if same funds would be available for the acquisition of more gear suitable for beginners at the walking game as part of the Club's equipment hire service. |
- | We haa almost got to the announcements and advertisements section, when Peter Miller moved (and it was oarried-with acclamation) that we carry a vote of thanks to the retiring Committee. Having said it once - only to have another question raised briefly afterwards - the retiring President, Barry Wallace, tapped the Bone tenderly on the table and | + | |
- | said in the time-honoured phrase "Let us Re-unen. It was just on 10.25 p m. | + | The only topic which really brought earnest debate was the fixing of the Club's annual subscription and entrance fee. Retiring Treasurer Frank Roberts, pointed to a fairly heavy excess of expenditure over income |
- | **************** | + | |
- | THE SOW-WEST OF THE SOU '-EST. PART I | + | Gladys Roberts now put up a second amendment - an increase of 50 cents only, and the mover this time did not rise to the bait. After further talking in which Alastair Battye wondered if the incoming Treasurer had experience in " |
- | IT Frank Rigby. | + | |
+ | Spiro Hajinakitas had a constitutional amendment, and it was carried without dissentient, | ||
+ | |||
+ | We had almost got to the announcements and advertisements section, when Peter Miller moved (and it was carried | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====The Sou'-West Of The Sou' | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Frank Rigby. | ||
One sunny day in 1971 I stood on top of the New Harbour Range which encloses the western side of Tasmania' | One sunny day in 1971 I stood on top of the New Harbour Range which encloses the western side of Tasmania' | ||
- | Christmas Eve, 1975 breakfast at home in Canberra, out of the big jet at Hobart Airport, straight into a tiny plane and a cut lunch on the beach at Cox Bight for Joan-and. me. The physical transition from ordered Canberra to the Tasmanian wilderness is too rapid for the mental adjustment | + | |
- | Page 1 2 THE SYDNEY BUSHW.A.LICER April' 1976. | + | Christmas Eve, 1975; breakfast at home in Canberra, out of the big jet at Hobart Airport, straight into a tiny plane and a cut lunch on the beach at Cox Bight for Joan and. me. The physical transition from ordered Canberra to the Tasmanian wilderness is too rapid for the mental adjustment |
- | Sleep soundly to the lullaby of a roaring surf and a new day is early upon us. Strangely, the overcast dissolves into a blue vault in the space of thirty- minutes and our world is born anew; sunlight glitters everywhere, bouncing-baok from water, sand and quartzite peak, and it feels really great to be alive. It happens to be Christmas Day back in,the turmoil of civilisation but here it is nothing more than Day 2 for us. Indeed, the rest of mankind and its institutions might have suddenly ceased to exist for we have five kilometers of beach to ourselves; there is only simplicity, | + | |
- | peace and. beauty and I begin to wonder if we ourselves are unwelcome intruders, who perhaps should not have entered this place. | + | Sleep soundly to the lullaby of a roaring surf and a new day is early upon us. Strangely, the overcast dissolves into a blue vault in the space of thirty minutes and our world is born anew; sunlight glitters everywhere, bouncing |
- | Day 3 begins all hustle and bustle, and we are away with 38 pounds on our backs, a mild shock on a morning with the promise of heat to come. On the route to "Melaleuoa" | + | |
- | It is well into Day 4 before we -20 atop the South-West Cape Range and having our first glimpse of the west coast. It is strikingly-beautiful; to the north Port Davey,and its offshore islands, below us Window Pane Bay like a big blue jewel. The curving stretch of its beach is dissected by the Cola-colourbd | + | Day 3 begins all hustle and bustle, and we are away with 38 pounds on our backs, a mild shock on a morning with the promise of heat to come. On the route to "Melaleuca" |
- | . It is not hard to be a lotus-eater in such a place, so we stay put the next day too, the fourth in a row full of golden sunshine. At 9 p m. a flattened fireball of a sun quenches itself in the southern ocean and an hour later it is dark enough to go to bed - one must not waste the 15recibus | + | |
- | Day 6 is planned for early up-and-doing, | + | It is well into Day 4 before we are atop the South-West Cape Range and having our first glimpse of the west coast. It is strikingly beautiful; to the north Port Davey and its offshore islands, below us Window Pane Bay like a big blue jewel. The curving stretch of its beach is dissected by the Cola-coloured |
- | the weather will holds | + | |
- | (TO BE CONTINUED) | + | It is not hard to be a lotus-eater in such a place, so we stay put the next day too, the fourth in a row full of golden sunshine. At 9 p.m. a flattened fireball of a sun quenches itself in the southern ocean and an hour later it is dark enough to go to bed - one must not waste the precious |
- | Page 1 3 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976 | + | |
- | *-******-**.**-******if-** | + | Day 6 is planned for early up-and-doing, |
- | MOUNTAIN | + | |
- | ****xx************** | + | (To be continued) |
- | ********************** | + | |
- | EQUIPMENT | + | ---- |
- | ****************** | + | |
- | IF YOU ARE | + | =====Walking In Zululand.===== |
- | BUYING OR HIRING HIRING OR BUYING | + | |
- | BUYING OR HIRING HIRING OR BUYING | + | by Patrick McBride. |
- | GEAR FOR | + | |
- | WALKING | + | Last December I spent two fascinating and very enjoyable weeks in South Africa and Rhodesia, most of it not relevant to bushwalking, |
- | THINK OF | + | |
- | MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT | + | I drove up from Durban on the Friday afternoon, equipped with a box of groceries from Woolworths (usual disclaimers) on the back seat and my trusty Spiro Ketas sandshoes on the floor beside me. Since no vehicles are allowed to travel the reserve |
- | 17 Alexander Street Crow's Nest 2065 (On the corner of Falcon Street) Telephone 439-3454. | + | |
- | for | + | We were relaxing outside our huts afterwards in deck chairs, enjoying the last rays of sunlight and scanning the hillside opposite with binoculars when I had my first introduction to the style of African hiking (" |
- | FAIRYDOWN SLEEPING BAGS | + | |
- | HIGH LOAD PACKS (Weight 3 lb 10 oz) | + | The following morning was cool and sunny and we set off soon after breakfast, walking in single file with the Trails Officer in the lead and a non-white ranger, also armed, bringing up the rear. This may seem undesirable regimentation in what should be one of the most free of sports, but the presence of dangerous animals makes an armed and experienced guide a reasonable safety measure. In practice the trail was just like a three-day bushwalk with the Trails Officer as leader and the party proved one of the most easy-going and companionable groups have walked with. Never did I feel a stranger in a strange land. |
- | AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS YOU COULD POSSIBLE NEED | + | |
- | * * * * * * * * | + | The bushveld through which we travelled was curiously park-like, consisting of gently rolling hills with a grass cover and scattered low trees, hardly the sort of background |
- | 404000 | + | |
- | 000406 | + | We followed the trail upwards to a small hill which dropped away sharply on the other side to the river. Here was a large rock which made an excellent lookout point and we sat down and relaxed to admire the view below us. The bed of the river was wide and choked with sandbanks, a result of farming methods up-river which cause severe erosion and fast run-off. The water itself was muddy and slow moving. On the opposite bank tall spreading fig trees shaded an expanse of bright green grass which gave way to bushveld further inland. A troop of baboons was squabbling somewhere on the scarp below us and a flock of heron-like birds were calling with raucous voices as they flew along the water. |
- | April, 1976. | + | |
- | T BUSHWALKER | + | Our rest over, we scrambled |
- | Page 14 | + | |
- | t t ) -141 | + | Our two nights on the trail were spent at a semi-permanent camp beside the White Umfolozi River where we enjoyed the luxury of tents and stretchers. The only other furniture was the seating round the campfire which consisted of two logs and a rhino skull so the wilderness |
- | %-"1 ) | + | |
- | L." | + | As far as walking itself went the pace was leisurely and we covered about 16 km each day, mostly following pads made by the animals, although the countryside is open enough to allow walking in any direction. Our provisions and gear for the night were carried in on asses so we had no more than cameras, binoculars and lunch to weigh us down. Temperatures were mild in the morning turning to hot and humid by midday and then in the early afternoon a brief thunderstorm generally occurred to bring cooler conditions. We spent the hottest part of the day with a lunch stop and siesta, after cooling ourselves off with a swim in the river. There are crocodiles in the Umfolozi but the water is too muddy to see them and no-one seems much concerned. |
- | -4 | + | |
- | Last December I spent two fascinating and very enjoyable weeks in South Africa and Rhodesia, most of it not relevant to bushwalking, | + | What made this trip out of the ordinary was the feeling of excitement always present of not knowing what animal might lie ahead behind a bush or over the next rise. The richness of South African fauna is incredible and makes the Australian bush seem a desert by comparison. It was a rare ten minutes that we did not catch sight of nyala, warthog or a herd of impala or hear the sneezy snorts of wildebeeste as they sensed our presence. Teeming with game is the only expression. |
- | wilderness area and visitors are only allowed entry on a twice-weekly " | + | |
- | I drove up from Durban on the Friday afternoon, equipped with a box of groceries from Woolworths (usual disclaimers) on the back seat and my trusty Spiro Ketas sandshoes on the floor beside me. Since no vehicles are allowed to travel the reeerve | + | |
- | We were relaxing outside our huts afterwards in deck chairs, | + | |
- | enjoying the last rays of sunlight and scanning the hillside opposite with binoculars when I had my first introduction to the style of African hiking (" | + | |
- | wild6beeste | + | |
- | The following morning was cool and sunny and we set off soon after breakfast, walking in single file with the Trails Officer in the lead and a non-white ranger, also armed, bringing up the rear. This may seam undesirable regimentation in what should be one of the most free of sports, but the presence of dangerous animals makes an armed and experienced guide a reasonable safety measure. In practice the trail | + | |
- | Page 15 THE SYDNEY BUSINALKER April, 19760 | + | |
- | was just like a three-day bushwalk with the Trails Officer as leader and the party proved one of the-most easy-going and companionable groups have walked with Never did I feel a stranger in a strange land. | + | |
- | The bushveld through which we travelled was curiously park-like, consisting of gently rolling hills with a grass cover and scattered low trees, hardly- the sort of Eackground | + | |
- | We followed the trail upwards to a small hill which dropped away sharply on the other side to the river. Here was a large rock which mado an excellent lookout point and we sat down and relaxed to admire the view below us. The bed of the river was wide and choked with sandbanks, a result of farming methods up-river which cause severe erosion and fast rum-off. The water itself was muddy and slow moving. On the opposite bank tall spreading fig :tees shaded an expanse of bright green grass which gave way to bushveld further inland. A troop of baboons was squabbling somewhere on the scarp below us and a flock of heron-like birds were calling with raucous voices as they flew along the water. | + | |
- | Out rest over, we scraMbled | + | |
- | Our two nights on the trail were spent at a semi-permanent camp beside the White Umfolozi River where we enjoyed the luxury of tents and stretchers. The only other furniture was the seating round the campfire which consisted of two logs and a rhino skull so the wil, | + | |
- | As far as walking itself went the pace was leisurely and We covered about 16 km each day, mostly following pads made by the animals, although the countryside is open enough to allow walking in any direction. Our provisions and gear for the night were carried in on asses so we had no more than cameres, binoculars and lunch to weigh us down. Temperatures were mild in the morning turning to hot and humid by midday and then in the early afternoon a brief thunderstorm generally occurred to bring cooler conditions. We speht the hottest part of the day with a lunch stop and siesta, after cooling ourselves off with a swim in the river. There are crocodiles in the Umfolozi but the water is too muddy to see them and no-one seems much concerned. | + | |
- | What made this trip out of the ordinary was the feeling of excitement always present of not knowing what animal might lie ahead behind a bush | + | |
- | Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | + | |
- | or over the next rise. The richness of South African fauna is incredible and makes the Australian bush seem a desert by comparison. It was a rare ten minutes that we did not catch sight of nyala, warthog or a herd of impala or hear the sneezy snorts of wildebeeste as they sensed our presence. Teeming with game is the only expression. | + | |
Despite the numbers of the wildlife, and particularly of rhino, dangerous encounters are rare and we had only one mildly alarming experience. | Despite the numbers of the wildlife, and particularly of rhino, dangerous encounters are rare and we had only one mildly alarming experience. | ||
- | The party was filing down a gentle slope of scattered thornbush and rather more strung out than was desirable. While not actually drowsy the heat of the afternoon and the steady walking had us less alert than usual. | + | |
- | was walking right at the back and closest to the Zulu boy when he clicked a warning and pointed to a clump of bushes ahead. Two rhino were resting there, partly concealed and motionless, no doubt half asleep on this warm afternoon. A couple of seconds later before we could warn them the front of the party nearly walked into the rhino and man and beast suddenly became aware of each other. | + | The party was filing down a gentle slope of scattered thornbush and rather more strung out than was desirable. While not actually drowsy the heat of the afternoon and the steady walking had us less alert than usual. |
- | With a muffled snort the rhino dashed to the side and then stopped abruptly, looking very agitated as they tried to size up the situation. Their agility and speed was amazing and quite alarming at such close Quarters. Allen and his offsider had just moved to action stations between us and the rhino when the latter displayed their renowned unpredictability and charged. Before we had time to seek safety in the nearest tree (and six of us would have looked funny trying to all fit in a three- metre thornbush) two quick shots rang out as Allen fired near the feet of the leading rhino and caused them both to veer away from us. | + | |
- | When the sound of heavy bodies crashing through the bush had died away we settled down in the shadeto | + | With a muffled snort the rhino dashed to the side and then stopped abruptly, looking very agitated as they tried to size up the situation. Their agility and speed was amazing and quite alarming at such close quarters. Allen and his offsider had just moved to action stations between us and the rhino when the latter displayed their renowned unpredictability and charged. Before we had time to seek safety in the nearest tree (and six of us would have looked funny trying to all fit in a three-metre thornbush) two quick shots rang out as Allen fired near the feet of the leading rhino and caused them both to veer away from us. |
- | All too quickly the three days were up and we found ourselves back at MAsinda, regretting the end of the walk and exclaiming what a pity it was to have to return to our work-a-day lives - at least the others were | + | |
- | was still on holidays | + | When the sound of heavy bodies crashing through the bush had died away we settled down in the shade to let our adrenalin burn off and someone asked Allen the inevitable question - which animal did he consider the most dangerous? At the time the rest of us had the feeling it ought to be rhino but he nominated lion, giving as reason that he had had more dangerous encounters with lion. His rifle holds three bullets and the first is always a soft-nosed one to stop a charging lioness. |
+ | |||
+ | All too quickly the three days were up and we found ourselves back at Masinda, regretting the end of the walk and exclaiming what a pity it was to have to return to our work-a-day lives - at least the others were, I was still on holidays! | ||
Seeing Africa this way left a very vivid impression and I can still recall the exhilaration of walking the bushveld as I write these lines. If you get the chance to visit Africa, take it. | Seeing Africa this way left a very vivid impression and I can still recall the exhilaration of walking the bushveld as I write these lines. If you get the chance to visit Africa, take it. | ||
- | Not all hiking in South Africa is like the Wilderness Trail and there are many Reserves without dangerous animals such as Giants Castle where normal hiking is practised. If you wish to walk in Umfolozi it is necessary to book about three months ahead and further details may be obtained, from the writer or from- Natal Parks, Game and Fish Preserv- | + | |
- | ation Board, P.O. Box 662, Pietermaritzburg, | + | Not all hiking in South Africa is like the Wilderness Trail and there are many Reserves without dangerous animals such as Giants Castle where normal hiking is practised. If you wish to walk in Umfolozi it is necessary to book about three months ahead and further details may be obtained from the writer or from Natal Parks, Game and Fish Preservation |
- | * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | Page 1 7 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Apri]71976. | + | ---- |
- | WERONG FEBRUARYt_121611. | + | |
+ | =====Werong - February, 1976.===== | ||
by Jim Brown. | by Jim Brown. | ||
- | Returning from a telephone discussion with Editor Neville Page | + | |
- | about the material in a forthcoming. magazine, Kath said " | + | Returning from a telephone discussion with Editor Neville Page about the material in a forthcoming magazine, Kath said " |
- | - Now I kno* Kath doesn' | + | |
+ | Now I know Kath doesn' | ||
It was the day walk of 15th February - a sultry, sticky day if ever. At Otford Station we had 20 starters, with five of the Younger clan to join us on the top road. Explaining what was ahead of us, I told the party we would go over the hill, down to Bulgo, along the rocks to Werong or Hell Hole Beach, which I said "was one of those nominated as a legitimate nude bathing beach, but because of the difficulty of approach, I didn't think anyone would take it up". | It was the day walk of 15th February - a sultry, sticky day if ever. At Otford Station we had 20 starters, with five of the Younger clan to join us on the top road. Explaining what was ahead of us, I told the party we would go over the hill, down to Bulgo, along the rocks to Werong or Hell Hole Beach, which I said "was one of those nominated as a legitimate nude bathing beach, but because of the difficulty of approach, I didn't think anyone would take it up". | ||
- | Well, that's where I was wrong. We went up a hill, down a hill, and along about mile of rocks in the oppressive heat, and when we got | + | |
- | to Werong, the nudists were there. About 25 or 30 people were at Werong, and of these perhaps 10 or 12 male bathers or sunbakers were in a state of nature. Of the 3 cr 4 women present all were wearing bikinis or more. | + | Well, that's where I was wrong. We went up a hill, down a hill, and along about 3/4 mile of rocks in the oppressive heat, and when we got to Werong, the nudists were there. About 25 or 30 people were at Werong, and of these perhaps 10 or 12 male bathers or sunbakers were in a state of nature. Of the 3 or 4 women present all were wearing bikinis or more. |
- | Having a mixed party including some of reasonably tender years, I decided to consult an oracle. The only oracle available was another Past President in Bob Younger and he wasn't much help. I asked him if he intended to be "with it" and then, :as an afterthought "or without it". He told me it was a damned ambiguous question and he proposed | + | |
- | Observations so far suggested the Werong contingent was made up | + | Having a mixed party including some of reasonably tender years, I decided to consult an oracle. The only oracle available was another Past President in Bob Younger and he wasn't much help. I asked him if he intended to be "with it" and then, as an afterthought "or without it". He told me it was a damned ambiguous question and he proposed |
- | of habitues. Of those on the beach only one or two had a white-skinned area around the loins indicating they usually wore trunks. I felt sure the Savage | + | |
- | " | + | Observations so far suggested the Werong contingent was made up of habitues. Of those on the beach only one or two had a white-skinned area around the loins indicating they usually wore trunks. I felt sure the savage |
- | He saw a batch of mermaids combing out their locks. The naked truth upset him and he ended on the rocks." | + | |
- | The mermaids never appeared. Werong is no place for the male voyeur. It may qualify for Cleo magazine. I did notice that the lantana around Werong is thicker than usual, but someone seems to have been at some pains to clear the tracks. I can understand that. I would clear the lantana if I were in the habit of going about in the altogether. About 2.30 p m. we finally left Werong and its swinging colony to the sun and surf and the lantana. On the way up the track we passed several parties still moving towards the beach. Maybe the place is growing notorious. | + | " |
- | Page 18 THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER April, 1976. | + | (Here a missing couplet I couldn' |
- | *************** Box 553 P.O., Christchurch, | + | He saw a batch of mermaids combing out their locks.\\ |
- | FOR THE CHEAPEST GEI1R IN AUSTRALASIA. | + | The naked truth upset him and he ended on the rocks." |
- | We have a prompt mail order service to Australian customers | + | |
- | We prefer payment by bank draft in New Zealand currency. | + | The mermaids never appeared. Werong is no place for the male voyeur. It may qualify for Cleo magazine. I did notice that the lantana around Werong is thicker than usual, but someone seems to have been at some pains to clear the tracks. I can understand that. I would clear the lantana if I were in the habit of going about in the altogether. About 2.30 p.m. we finally left Werong and its swinging colony to the sun and surf and the lantana. On the way up the track we passed several parties still moving towards the beach. Maybe the place is growing notorious. |
- | Typhoon Oilskin parkas Standard model $ 21.00 | + | |
- | (all sizes) | + | ---- |
- | Cagoules, neoprene coated nylon 18040 | + | |
- | Zip parkas, neoprene coated nylon 23.00 | + | =====Alp Sports.===== |
- | Long woollen socks 4050 | + | |
- | Short woollen socks 2,75 | + | ===For the cheapest gear in Australasia.=== |
- | Jumpers, 100% natural black greasy wool 20.00 | + | |
- | Jumpers, pure wool, fairisle patterns 19.00 | + | We have a prompt mail order service to Australian customers |
- | Balaclavas, pure wool 2.40 | + | |
- | Hats, pure wool, fairisle patterns 2,75 | + | |Product|$| |
- | Light woollen shirts, check patterns 9.50 | + | |Typhoon Oilskin parkas |
- | Ranger, heavy wool shirts, check patterns 14.50 | + | |Typhoon Oilskin parkas - Delux model|24.00| |
- | Mountaineer, | + | |Cagoules, neoprene coated nylon|18.40| |
- | Trousers, woollen tweed 14.50 | + | |Zip parkas, neoprene coated nylon|23.00| |
- | Day sacs from 15,00 | + | |Long woollen socks|4.50| |
- | K-2 double wall tents 94.00 | + | |Short woollen socks|2.75| |
- | L-2 special medium rucksacks 65.00 | + | |Jumpers, 100% natural black greasy wool|20.00| |
- | K-2 special large rucksacl-s | + | |Jumpers, pure wool, fairisle patterns|19.00| |
- | K-2 standard medium rucksacks 61.50 | + | |Balaclavas, pure wool|2.40| |
- | K-2 standard large rucksacks 63.00 | + | |Hats, pure wool, fairisle patterns|2.75| |
- | K-2 Intermediate rucksacks 47.50 | + | |Light woollen shirts, check patterns|9.50| |
- | K-2 Junior rucksacks 35.00 | + | |Ranger, heavy wool shirts, check patterns|14.50| |
- | K-2 Aarn I climbing & skitouring | + | |Mountaineer, |
- | K-2 Aarn II pack 44,50 | + | |Trousers, woollen tweed|14.50| |
- | Wintest nylon, tents from 37.00 | + | |Day sacs from|15.00| |
- | Everest sleeping bags from 77.00 | + | |K-2 double wall tents|94.00| |
- | Everest Mummy sleeping bags from 73.00 | + | |K-2 special medium rucksacks|65.00| |
- | Twenty Below sleeping bags from 61.50 | + | |K-2 special large rucksacks|66.00| |
- | Explorer sleeping bags from 50.00 | + | |K-2 standard medium rucksacks|61.50| |
- | AND MUCH MORE WRITE FOR A PRICE LIST (Address above) | + | |K-2 standard large rucksacks|63.00| |
- | Page 19 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1.976. | + | |K-2 Intermediate rucksacks|47.50| |
- | ,403 | + | |K-2 Junior rucksacks|35.00| |
- | 7*.1 By | + | |K-2 Aarn I climbing & ski-touring |
- | \ Puffing Billy | + | |K-2 Aarn II pack|44.50| |
- | There I was, enjoying my super-lightweight, | + | |Wintest nylon, tents from|37.00| |
- | " | + | |Everest sleeping bags from|77.00| |
- | " | + | |Everest Mummy sleeping bags from|73.00| |
- | darting around in search of hypothetical conspirators, | + | |Twenty Below sleeping bags from|61.50| |
+ | |Explorer sleeping bags from|50.00| | ||
+ | |||
+ | And much more - write for a price list (Address above) | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Reunion ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | By Puffing Billy. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There I was, enjoying my super-lightweight, | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
"Say no more," I urged. "With enemies like that, who dares refuse?" | "Say no more," I urged. "With enemies like that, who dares refuse?" | ||
- | So here it is | + | |
- | Having read the instruotions | + | So here it is... |
- | spiel at the Annual General, we parked the car and looked around for the | + | |
- | promised bamboo tent poles. "Have to find them," I assured my chauffeur. | + | Having read the instructions |
- | " | + | |
Bamboo tent poles? Never a sign of bamboo tent poles. Muttering curses at the perfidy of women and Dot in particular, we started down the hill, gathering tent-poles, abdul sticks and scarce-at-the-camping-spot firewood. | Bamboo tent poles? Never a sign of bamboo tent poles. Muttering curses at the perfidy of women and Dot in particular, we started down the hill, gathering tent-poles, abdul sticks and scarce-at-the-camping-spot firewood. | ||
- | Somewhere down the hill, staggering along behind my armful of timber, I suddenly found ileople | + | |
- | making johnny cakes and Dot. | + | Somewhere down the hill, staggering along behind my armful of timber, I suddenly found people... and tents... and camp fires... and Putto making johnny cakes... and Dot. |
- | " | + | |
- | Having too much appreciation of the ridiculous to be angry"for long, (and don't you need it in S.D.W0?)9 we forgave her and set about reuning. Having also an appreciation of the priorities, we unfolded the chairs, broke out the necessities from the esky, settled back with a couple of iced tubes and remarked in plaintive, suitably-loud voices that we couldn' | + | " |
- | Lunch over and tent up, we made our first inspection of the S.B.W. hectares comprising Coolana. From the group near the terrace earmarked for the reunion campfire, we proceeded down the road past the spot where the Browns were dining in regal seclusion - until latex corners | + | |
- | Page 20 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | + | Having too much appreciation of the ridiculous to be angry for long (and don't you need it in S.B.W.?), we forgave her and set about reuning. Having also an appreciation of the priorities, we unfolded the chairs, broke out the necessities from the esky, settled back with a couple of iced tubes and remarked in plaintive, suitably-loud voices that we couldn' |
- | the Kath and Jim Browns. The Snow-Browns, along with the Don Finches, had given advance notice of nonattendance | + | |
- | Suddenly, as we rounded a curve and dipped over a hill, our ears were assailed. by sounds of voices commanding, hammers hammering and female chattering. And right there, before our boggling eyes was a skeletons | + | Lunch over and tent up, we made our first inspection of the S.B.W. hectares comprising Coolana. From the group near the terrace earmarked for the reunion campfire, we proceeded down the road past the spot where the Browns were dining in regal seclusion - until later comers |
- | the skeleton of a monstrous shelter shed, with foremen Gray, Shappert, Beck, Hodgson, Cotton and Vaattiliottis (as Spiro said, you can't spell these Greek names in striae) supervising a whole anthill of workers. | + | |
- | How was that for opportunism? | + | Suddenly, as we rounded a curve and dipped over a hill, our ears were assailed by sounds of voices commanding, hammers hammering and female chattering. And right there, before our boggling eyes was a skeleton: |
- | With the trusses up, a truce was called, buckets were filled from the laidon | + | |
- | Came dark, the fun began. Under the batton of maestro Bob Younger, by the light of the PuttHajinaketas | + | How was that for opportunism? |
- | Dot Butler spun us the great Gilbertian yarn of the "Nancy Bell". | + | |
- | An " | + | With the trusses up, a truce was called, buckets were filled from the laid-on |
- | ..... gave a hitch to his trousers which | + | |
- | Is a trick all seamen | + | Came dark, the fun began. Under the batton of maestro Bob Younger, by the light of the Putt-Hajinaketas |
- | And having got rid of a thumping quid | + | |
+ | Dot Butler spun us the great Gilbertian yarn of the "Nancy Bell". An " | ||
+ | |||
+ | "..... gave a hitch to his trousers which\\ | ||
+ | Is a trick all seamen | ||
+ | And having got rid of a thumping quid\\ | ||
He spun this painful yarn." | He spun this painful yarn." | ||
We were then regaled with the story of how J.B. was marooned with his fellow mariners and in the last dire distress of starvation ate them all up (even Spiro!) until in the end: | We were then regaled with the story of how J.B. was marooned with his fellow mariners and in the last dire distress of starvation ate them all up (even Spiro!) until in the end: | ||
- | " He never larfs, and he never smiles | + | |
- | Ana he never larks nor plays, | + | "He never larfs, and he never smiles\\ |
- | But he sits and croaks, and a single joke | + | And he never larks nor plays,\\ |
- | He has, which is to says | + | But he sits and croaks, and a single joke\\ |
- | 'Oh, I am the cook, and the captain bold | + | He has, which is to say:\\ |
- | And the mate of the Nancy brig, | + | 'Oh, I am the cook, and the captain bold\\ |
- | And the bosun tight and the midshipmite | + | And the mate of the Nancy brig,\\ |
- | And the crew of the captain' | + | And the bosun tight and the midshipmite\\ |
- | Lest we should doubt their virtuosity, a quartet of the same crew, miraculously reincarnated, | + | And the crew of the captain' |
- | Page 21 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | + | |
- | a a.41 | + | Lest we should doubt their virtuosity, a quartet of the same crew, miraculously reincarnated, |
- | " | + | |
- | Warms your inside when you're crawling through mud, So send us a scout troop, | + | " |
- | We don't care what blood group, | + | Warms your inside when you're crawling through mud,\\ |
- | And see us go loop-loop | + | So send us a scout troop,\\ |
+ | We don't care what blood group,\\ | ||
+ | And see us go loop-loop\\ | ||
For their beautiful blood." | For their beautiful blood." | ||
+ | |||
They continued their deliberations until walkers were seen coming down the Squeeze Hole track, when they closed with the anthem: | They continued their deliberations until walkers were seen coming down the Squeeze Hole track, when they closed with the anthem: | ||
- | "With joy we watch our prey parade Over mossy logs thru' jungle shade Resting their limbs in grassy glade - | + | |
- | In grassy glade. | + | "With joy we watch our prey parade\\ |
- | And always we have found before They bring to us a goodly store Of flowing, red, nutritious gore. | + | Over mossy logs thru' jungle shade\\ |
- | Bushwalkers, | + | Resting their limbs in grassy glade -\\ |
+ | In grassy glade.\\ | ||
+ | And always we have found before\\ | ||
+ | They bring to us a goodly store\\ | ||
+ | Of flowing, red, nutritious gore.\\ | ||
+ | Bushwalkers, | ||
Our old bloody mates!" | Our old bloody mates!" | ||
- | Next in line was Owen Marks, usurping S.A.Premier Don Dunstan' | + | |
- | "The Lady Jane was tall and slim, | + | Next in line was Owen Marks, usurping S.A. Premier Don Dunstan' |
- | The Lady Jane was fair3 | + | |
- | And Sir Thomas, her Lord, was stout of limb, | + | "The Lady Jane was tall and slim,\\ |
- | But his cough was short, and his eyes were dim, | + | The Lady Jane was fair;\\ |
- | And he wore green " | + | And Sir Thomas, her Lord, was stout of limb,\\ |
- | And his hat was remarkably broad in the brim, | + | But his cough was short, and his eyes were dim,\\ |
- | And she was uncommonly fond of him, And they were a loving pair." But alas and alacki | + | And he wore green " |
- | Dung Khan, the Dalai Lama, was just loosening his vocal chords for | + | And his hat was remarkably broad in the brim,\\ |
- | a special request | + | And she was uncommonly fond of him,\\ |
- | Among all this, it was discovered that Robyn Preston has always | + | And they were a loving pair." |
- | As signals from the subsidiary fire made it known that supper was nearly cooked, Helen Gray was inducted as our new President with that unique mixture of pomp and comic relief that only hoary Past Presidents and the S.B,W. rabble can amalgamate. As our fourth woman President, Helen was vested with the President' | + | |
- | Page 22 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 19760 | + | But alas and alack! |
- | Barry Wallace, Spiro Hajindketas, | + | |
+ | Dung Khan, the Dalai Lama, was just loosening his vocal chords for a special request; but was eclipsed by the sudden onset of the initiation of new members. Carol Gibbons, Rudolph Werner, Frank Roberts, Stephen Knightley, Bill Blackburn and John Fox were blindfolded, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Among all this, it was discovered that Robyn Preston has always | ||
+ | |||
+ | As signals from the subsidiary fire made it known that supper was nearly cooked, Helen Gray was inducted as our new President with that unique mixture of pomp and comic relief that only hoary Past Presidents and the S.B.W. rabble can amalgamate. As our fourth woman President, Helen was vested with the President' | ||
The moment for salivating now having arrived, we all queued up for the snag sandwiches and tomato sauce. Women and children last, would you believe? | The moment for salivating now having arrived, we all queued up for the snag sandwiches and tomato sauce. Women and children last, would you believe? | ||
- | Sunday morning brought back the hammering hammers again as the roof went up on the shed, the Frank Bigbys | + | |
- | At 10.30, the cry of "Hero Come The Judge!" | + | Sunday morning brought back the hammering hammers again as the roof went up on the shed, the Frank Rigbys |
- | Possessing, himself, a slight pollution of the taste buds, he called upon a substitute taster in the form of Helen Rowen, who showed her true diplomacy by declaring a dead heat, one female and one male - the creators thereof being Joan Rigby and Frank Roberts. "And they used Ely flour!" | + | |
- | As we repaired to the river where hardy types like Bob Hodgson, Jim Vatiliotis, Peter Stitt and various kinder went for a voluntary swim (and Dot Stitt went for a not-so-voluntary, one), we were joined by the Frank Youngs from across the river by canoe, Rowan ma and pa from Bundanoon, | + | At 10.30, the cry of "Here Come The Judge!" |
- | and the Raymondes, with Dorothy Hasluck, from being lost the night before. They had. read. the instructions and knew there' | + | |
- | And so the weekend was nearly over. We went back to our fire, eased our way between the vaa..ious | + | Possessing, himself, a slight pollution of the taste buds, he called upon a substitute taster in the form of Helen Rowen, who showed her true diplomacy by declaring a dead heat, one female and one male - the creators thereof being Joan Rigby and Frank Roberts. "And they used __my__ |
- | But not, of course, before consulting Jim Brown' | + | |
- | ************ | + | As we repaired to the river where hardy types like Bob Hodgson, Jim Vatiliotis, Peter Stitt and various kinder went for a voluntary swim (and Dot Stitt went for a not-so-voluntary one), we were joined by the Frank Youngs from across the river by canoe, Rowan ma and pa from Bundanoon, and the Raymondes, with Dorothy Hasluck, from being lost the night before. They had read the instructions and knew there' |
+ | |||
+ | And so the weekend was nearly over. We went back to our fire, eased our way between the various | ||
+ | |||
+ | But not, of course, before consulting Jim Brown' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Paddymade.===== | ||
Lightweight bushwalking and camping gear. | Lightweight bushwalking and camping gear. | ||
- | H FRAME PACKS | + | |
- | THE MOUNTAINEER DE-LUXE | + | ===H Frame packs - the Mountaineer De-luxe=== |
- | This capacious pack can comfortably carry 70 tbs or more. The bag is made from tough lightweight terytene/ cotton, proofed fabric with special P.V.C. reinforced base. Bag size 20" x 17" x 9" and has proofed nylon extension throat complete with double draw cord for easy positive closure, The large protective flap has full sized zip pocket of waterproof nylon. It has liberal sized outside pocket. The whole bag is quickly and easily detached from the frame to form a 3' sleeping bag cover for cold, wet conditions. The frame is specially designed for comfortable load carrying with complete nylon web back harness and chrome tanned leather shoulder straps and three inch breeching strap for long hard wear. Weight 6lbs. | + | |
- | BUNYIP RUCKSACK | + | This capacious pack can comfortably carry 70 lbs or more. The bag is made from tough lightweight terytene/ |
- | SENIOR RUCKSACK | + | |
- | A single pocket, shaped rucksack. Suitable for overnight camping. Weight 1%lbs. | + | ===Bunyip rucksack=== |
- | BUSHMAN RUCKSACK | + | |
- | Has sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying Will hold 30lbs. 2 pocket model 11/4lbs. 3 pocket model l'Albs. | + | This ' |
- | PIONEER RUCKSACK | + | |
- | Extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40Ibs of camp gear. Weight 2%lbs. | + | ===Senior rucksack=== |
- | KIANDRA MODEL Hooded bag. | + | |
- | Extra well | + | A single pocket, shaped rucksack. Suitable for overnight camping. Weight 1 1/2 lbs. |
- | filled. Very | + | |
- | compact. | + | ===Bushman rucksack=== |
- | Approx | + | |
- | HOTHAM MODEL Super warm | + | Has sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying. Will hold 30lbs. 2 pocket model 1 1/4 lbs. 3 pocket model l 1/2 lbs. |
- | box quilted. | + | |
- | Added leg | + | ===Pioneer rucksack=== |
- | room. | + | |
- | Approx | + | Extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40 lbs of camp gear. Weight 2 1/4 lbs. |
- | SUPER LIGHT MODEL Half the | + | |
- | weight and packed size of regular bags. 9" x SW' | + | ===Kiandra model=== |
+ | |||
+ | Hooded bag. Extra well filled. Very compact. Approx | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Hotham model=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Super warm box quilted. Added leg room. Approx | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Superlight model=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Half the weight and packed size of regular bags. 9" x 5 1/ | ||
Everything for the bushwalker from blankets and air mattresses, stretchers, boots, compasses, maps, books, stoves and lamps to cooking ware and freeze dried and dehydrated foods. | Everything for the bushwalker from blankets and air mattresses, stretchers, boots, compasses, maps, books, stoves and lamps to cooking ware and freeze dried and dehydrated foods. | ||
- | 69 LIVERPOOL ST. SYDNEY -- 26-2686 61-7215 | + | |
- | Page 24 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | + | Paddy Pallin |
- | ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS | + | 69 Liverpool St. Sydney |
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Annual subscriptions.===== | ||
Annual subscriptions are now due and the rates are:- | Annual subscriptions are now due and the rates are:- | ||
- | Ordinary member $8,50 | + | |
- | Married couple $10.50 | + | |Ordinary member|$8.50| |
- | Student member $5,00' | + | |Married couple|$10.50| |
- | Non-active member | + | |Student member|$5.00| |
- | for magazine if required Magazine subscriptions for non,members $4.00 | + | |Non-active member|$1.50 plus $4.00 for magazine if required| |
- | Subscriptions may be paid to Jim Vatiliotis (Treasurer) or John Holly in the club rooms or may be posted | + | |Magazine subscriptions for non-members|$4.00| |
- | The Treasurer, | + | |
- | The Sydney Bush Walkers, | + | Subscriptions may be paid to Jim Vatiliotis (Treasurer) or John Holly in the club rooms or may be posted |
- | Box 4476 G.P.O. Sydney. 2001. | + | |
- | Note:- Receipts for payments by cheque will not be posted out unless | + | The Treasurer, The Sydney Bush Walkers, Box 4476 G.P.O. Sydney. 2001. |
- | requested. | + | |
- | ***************** | + | __Note__:- Receipts for payments by cheque will not be posted out unless requested. |
- | WALKS NOTES.by Len Newland. | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Walks Notes.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Len Newland. | ||
The winter walks programme is due for publication shortly, so I would like to ask all members to consider walks for that programme now. | The winter walks programme is due for publication shortly, so I would like to ask all members to consider walks for that programme now. | ||
+ | |||
The walks for May are:- | The walks for May are:- | ||
- | 7, 8, 9 - A test walk at Kanangra Walls presented by Tom Wenman. | + | |
- | 8, 9 Barbara Evans and Ian Waltmarsh have ,a medium standard walk from Wentworth Falls to Et.- Solitary. | + | |May| | |
- | Sunday 9 -- Another test walk, this time at Cowan. The leader is Peter Miller. | + | |7, 8, 9|A test walk at Kanangra Walls presented by Tom Wenman.| |
- | | + | |8, 9|Barbara Evans and Ian Waltmarsh have a medium standard walk from Wentworth Falls to Mt. Solitary.| |
- | 14, | + | |Sunday 9|Another test walk, this time at Cowan. The leader is Peter Miller.| |
- | 14, | + | |8 - 23|Victor Lewin presents the sequel to his grand tour in Lamington National Park last year.| |
- | Sunday 16 - A nice pleasant day in the hands of Gladys Roberts at Bobbin Head. | + | |14,15,16|Neville Page is giving an on-site lesson in finding your way about - at Bonnum Pic, where this ability can be very useful.| |
- | 21, | + | |14,15,16|Hans Beck leads a 36 km walk on the Nattai River.| |
- | Page 25 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April, 1976. | + | |Sunday 16|A nice pleasant day in the hands of Gladys Roberts at Bobbin Head.| |
- | May-. . | + | |21,22,23|Another test walk at Kanangra, led on this occasion by Tony Marshall.| |
- | 21,22,23 In the Yerranderie area, Bill Burke is running another walk of test standard from Bat's Camp. | + | |21,22,23|In the Yerranderie area, Bill Burke is running another walk of test standard from Bat's Camp.| |
- | Sunday 23 Margaret Reid's outing from Wondabyne to Pindar Cave an easy day walk. Please board the 8.30 C train in the last carriage. Wondabyne station is so small that this is the | + | |Sunday 23|Margaret Reid's outing from Wondabyne to Pindar Cave an easy day walk. Please board the 8.30 C train in the last carriage. Wondabyne station is so small that this is the only carriage that stops at the platform.| |
- | only carriage that stops at the platform. | + | |28,29,30|Walks from a base camp at Airly (Glen Davis area), led by John Redfern.| |
- | 28,29,30 Walks from a base camp at Airly (Glen Davis area), led. by John Redfern. | + | |28,29,30|Hilltop to the Nattai River with Barbara Evans.| |
- | 28,29,30 Hilltop to the Nattai River with Barbara Evans. | + | |Sunday 30|Joe Marton leads the way to Mt. Solitary and all the scenic wonder of the Blue Mountains at Katoomba. A very early start.| |
- | Sunday 30 Joe Marton leads the way to Mt. Solitary and all the scenic wonder of the Blue Mountains at Katoomba. A very early start. | + | |Sunday 30|The Bundeena - Marley walk. Travel by relaxing ferry to nice seaboard |
- | | + | |
- | *************** | + | ---- |
- | OBSERVER'S NOTEBOOK | + | |
+ | =====Observer's Notebook.===== | ||
The stork has certainly been busy this month: | The stork has certainly been busy this month: | ||
- | Sunday 30 | + | |
- | Firstly, | + | Firstly, to Snow Brown and Clarrie |
- | o Snow Brown and Clarrio | + | |
- | and Heather Finch, a daughter | + | And to Don and Heather Finch, a daughter by name of Kylie. |
- | orn a son, whom they | + | |
- | by name of KyliP. your bushwalking | + | Congratulations |
- | ********** | + | |
- | be movi phen hol ion Dale Hire Off esign th | + | ---- |
- | for ale to make of these | + | |
- | ng to Melbourne ds two official gate (with Commi icer. Becauseof GS0 positions wh ction at the May a nomination, or positions, come | + | Stephen Harvey will soon be moving to Melbourne |
- | positions ttee | + | |
- | his ich | + | ---- |
- | Stephen Harvey will soon because of a job transfer. | + | |
- | ********** | + | ====Owen's Theatre Party.==== |
- | Page 26 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER April 1976 | + | |
- | OWEN'S THEATRE PARTY A theatre party has been organised by Owen Marks to see. the Swedish film version of "The Magic Flute" on Monday 3rd. May. Price per seat is S2.50. If interested speak to Owen and reserve your place/s. His telephone number is 30.1827. | + | A theatre party has been organised by Owen Marks to see the Swedish film version of "The Magic Flute" on Monday 3rd. May. Price per seat is S2.50. If interested speak to Owen and reserve your place/s. His telephone number is 30.1827. |
- | ********** BUSHWALKER5' | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Bushwalkers' | ||
A barbecue is to be held in honour of Ray M. Tyson to celebrate his retirement. | A barbecue is to be held in honour of Ray M. Tyson to celebrate his retirement. | ||
- | You are invited to attend the function which is to be held at Colin Putt's place, 65 Burdett Street Hornsby. The date is Friday night 14th. May, 1976, commencing at 6.30 p m. | + | |
- | Subscription: | + | You are invited to attend the function which is to be held at Colin Putt's place, 65 Burdett Street Hornsby. The date is Friday night 14th. May, 1976, commencing at 6.30 p.m. |
- | Salads, Tea, Coffee etc. | + | |
- | You should provide your favourite cut of meat and grog. also | + | Subscription: |
- | Bring your own eating irons, cup, plates and glass, song book. There will be a campfire singsong as well. | + | |
+ | This cost is to cover presentation to Ray, and Salads, Tea, Coffee etc. | ||
+ | |||
+ | You should provide your favourite cut of meat and grog. Also bring your own eating irons, cup, plates and glass, song book. There will be a campfire singsong as well. | ||
Should you desire to stay the night bring your sleeping bag etc. | Should you desire to stay the night bring your sleeping bag etc. | ||
+ | |||
The event will be held wet or fine and cover will be provided in the event of rain. | The event will be held wet or fine and cover will be provided in the event of rain. | ||
- | R.S.V.P. NOT LATER THAN: 8th, May 1976, and enclose your cheque, money order etc. to cover the cost, to | ||
- | N. Melville, | ||
- | 90 Beaconsfield Road, CHATSWOOD N.S.W. 2067. | ||
- | Telephone 412,1653 | ||
+ | R.S.V.P. not later than 8th, May 1976, and enclose your cheque, money order etc. to cover the cost, to: | ||
+ | |||
+ | N. Melville, 90 Beaconsfield Road, Chatswood, N.S.W. 2067. Telephone 412,1653 |
197604.1472014947.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/08/24 15:02 by tyreless