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+ | =====The June General Meeting.===== | ||
- | THE JUNE GENERAL MEETING. | ||
by Jim Brown. | by Jim Brown. | ||
- | Being inconveniently placed only a couple of days ahead of the June holiday weekend, the General Meeting was fairly late getting going when all the transport and campsite plans for coming trips had been thrashed out. Not that this mattered greatly, as all the indications were of a fairly short business programme, and in fact the meeting lasted just 34 minutes, from 8.28 to 9.20p m. | + | Being inconveniently placed only a couple of days ahead of the June holiday weekend, the General Meeting was fairly late getting going when all the transport and campsite plans for coming trips had been thrashed out. Not that this mattered greatly, as all the indications were of a fairly short business programme, and in fact the meeting lasted just 34 minutes, from 8.28 to 9.20 p.m. |
One new member, Ray Turton, was welcomed, and we skipped through the minutes for May. Arising from our questioning of the fee for our P.M.G. box, it was mentioned that our box appeared to be the second smallest size available, and it was added that recent press announcements suggested a likely review of charges, possibly to our monetary advantage. | One new member, Ray Turton, was welcomed, and we skipped through the minutes for May. Arising from our questioning of the fee for our P.M.G. box, it was mentioned that our box appeared to be the second smallest size available, and it was added that recent press announcements suggested a likely review of charges, possibly to our monetary advantage. | ||
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Amongst correspondence, | Amongst correspondence, | ||
- | The Treasurer next told us that working funds, boosted by the inflow of annual subscriptions at this time of year, and augmented by the 05 from the auction and other unusual incomings, had risen from $1146 to $1576 during May. | + | The Treasurer next told us that working funds, boosted by the inflow of annual subscriptions at this time of year, and augmented by the $55 from the auction and other unusual incomings, had risen from $1146 to $1576 during May. |
- | A Federation report was presented, but as the monthly Newsletter now accompanies | + | A Federation report was presented, but as the monthly Newsletter now accompanies |
- | Walks activities were next reported, beginning with Neville Page's trip to Bonnum Pic on May 14/15/16. Intended to give instruction to newcomers, only one prospective member appeared, so the teaching "did not play a major part". Neville reported that, evidently following some earth tremors, Bonnum Pic is collapsing at the rim and the visitors' | + | Walks activities were next reported, beginning with Neville Page's trip to Bonnum Pic on May 14/15/16. Intended to give instruction to newcomers, only one prospective member appeared, so the teaching "did not play a major part". Neville reported that, evidently following some earth tremors, Bonnum Pic is collapsing at the rim and the visitors' |
- | The second week-end under review had two advertised Friday starting trips, but the Kowmung jaunt of Tony Marshall did not proceed. Out towards Yerranderie, | + | The second week-end under review had two advertised Friday starting trips, but the Kowmung jaunt of Tony Marshall did not proceed. Out towards Yerranderie, |
Over the 28/29/30 May week-end Barry Wallace took over the programmed Capertee Valley trip, finding many small cliffs which don't feature on the map. Several of the party topped Pantoney' | Over the 28/29/30 May week-end Barry Wallace took over the programmed Capertee Valley trip, finding many small cliffs which don't feature on the map. Several of the party topped Pantoney' | ||
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In General Business, Neville Page enquired if we had submitted any proposals for the Paddy Pallin Foundation allocations. He was advised no, we hadn' | In General Business, Neville Page enquired if we had submitted any proposals for the Paddy Pallin Foundation allocations. He was advised no, we hadn' | ||
+ | ---- | ||
- | ************ MEMO FROM THE SECRETARY. | + | ====Memo from the Secretary.==== |
- | Any amendments to the constitution to be included in the agenda | + | |
- | for the Half Yearly General Meeting must be in the hands of the Secretary | + | |
- | ====== The S.B.W. India Trip ====== | + | Any amendments to the constitution to be included in the agenda for the Half Yearly General Meeting must be in the hands of the Secretary not later than the August General Meeting. |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====The S.B.W. India Trip (Episode 4).===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Marcia Shappert. | ||
+ | |||
+ | For some reason none of us liked Bombay as soon as we arrived. We booked into a hotel, then went into the city (we were half-an-hour away by train) to try to change our departure date. We were told our confirmed (in Sydney) seats were only stand-by. After a lot of haggling we finally got confirmed seats on the day we were originally booked. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We split up in Bombay. Len wanted to stay close to the city to be near the trains. All through India he was much more interested in trains than temples. | ||
+ | |||
+ | That evening Wayne, Neil and I went out for dinner and a few beers. Neil had heard about the red light area, called "The Cages" and we decided to have a look. We got a taxi to the area. It was one very narrow dark street, with young girls (they looked about 12-15 to me) sitting in small cubicles with bars on the doors. As I was getting out of the taxi, one woman ran up to me and pulled me towards one of the cages by my breasts! I screamed and ran off down the street, with Neil and Wayne after me. For the rest of the evening I stayed between the two guys. What an experience! Some kids ran up to Wayne, grabbed him by the leg and called " | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following day we all had a late start. We decided as long as we couldn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | During the one-hour ferry ride to the islands Neil complained of pains in his chest. We all told him it was all the excitement of the " | ||
+ | |||
+ | By the time we got back to Bombay, Neil was having difficulty breathing and could not walk unassisted. We helped him to the nearest hotel, which was the huge Taj Mahal, where we asked if a doctor could examine Neil. We were told that was a privilege only accorded house guests! Someone offered the information that there was a hospital nearby and we got Neil there in a taxi. The doctor' | ||
+ | |||
+ | By this time it was nearly midnight. We wrote a letter to the Australian Consulate explaining the situation, tried to locate Len and arrived back at our hotel about 2.30 a.m. Much to our surprise Len was in our room when we arrived. Wayne, Denise and I decided to sit up and play cards till 4.30 a.m. when Denise had to leave for the airport for the flight to Aurangabad. (Neil was supposed to go with Denise, with the rest of us following on the 10 a.m. flight.) It was a long night. I barely got to sleep - about 5 a.m. - when the bell boy called me to the phone. They had been unable to contact any of Neil's relatives back in Australia. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wayne and I had an early start to get Neil's things to him in hospital and back to the airport by 9 a.m. When we checked in at the airport we were told our flight had been cancelled. That meant poor Denise was waiting at the Aurangabad airport for us with only 15 Rs (U.S. $1.50). We really had to make lots of noise before we got an assurance we would be put on the next day's flight. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The airlines put us up at a nice modern hotel and we all had a room to ourselves. We spent the day catching up on sleep and washing. Wayne spent the day trying to get a phone call through to Australia and Neil's family. Then he spent __all__ night on the phone arguing with the phone operator about who would pay. It seems the hotel receptionist didn't understand what " | ||
+ | |||
+ | We arrived in Aurangabad and had a very happy reunion with Denise. We took our packs to a hotel and left immediately for a bus tour of Ajanta. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The caves are a series of subterranean Buddhist temples. There are 30 caves in all, carved out of a horseshoe-shaped cliff, itself surrounding a deep valley. "The caves and their artworks were not the product of one particular era but were created over a period of 8 or 9 hundred years - from about 200 B.C. to about 650 A.D. - and nothing is known about the monks and/or artisans who created them beyond the obvious fact that the Ajanta site was as remote in those days as it is today. The work, in other words, was that of an isolated religious order, executed through centuries of dedication."# | ||
- | 15PISODE 41 by Marcia Shappert. | ||
- | For some reason none of us liked Bombay as soon as we arrived. We booked into a hotel, then went into the city (we were half-an-hour away | ||
- | by train) to try to change our departure date. We were told our confirmed (in Sydney) seats were only stand=by. After a lot of haggling we finally got confirmed seats on the day we were originally booked. | ||
- | We split up in Bombay. Len manted to stay close to the city to be near the trains. All through India he was much more interested in trains than temples. | ||
- | That evening Wayne, Neil and I went out for dinner and a few beers. Neil had heard about the red light area, called "The Cages" and we decided to have a look. We got a taxi to the area. It was one very narrow dark street, with young girls (they looked about 12-15 to me) sitting in small cubicles with bars on the doors. As I was getting out of the taxi, one woman ran up to me and pulled me towards one of the cages by my breasts! I screamed and ran off down the street, with Neil and Wayne after me. For the rest of the evening I stayed between the two guys. What an experience! Some kids ran up to Wayne, crabbed him by the leg and called " | ||
- | The following day we all had a late start. We decided as long as we couldn' | ||
- | the island date back to the 8th century but were vandalized by the Portugese who used them as cattle shecband artillery grounds. | ||
- | During the one-hour ferry ride to the islands Neil com2lained of pains in his chest. We all told him it was all the exciteclent of the " | ||
- | We arrived at 4 p m. only to learn the last ferry left at 6 p m. There | ||
- | were millions of people there, so we decided to get into line at 50 It was already very long. We stood in line until 8 p m. before we finally got on a ferry. It had been dark for a few hours, so it wasn't until we | ||
- | got aboard the ferry we noticed how ill Neil looked - and we still had an | ||
- | hour's trip aheqd of us. | ||
- | By the time we got back to Bombay, Neil was having difficulty breathing and could not walk unassisted. We helped him to the nearest hotel, which was the huge Taj Mahal, where we asked if a doctor could examine Neil. We were told that was a privilege only accorded house guests! Someone offered the information that there was a hospital nearby and we got Neil there in a taxi. The doctor' | ||
- | we felt we really couldn' | ||
- | care of. | ||
- | Page 5, THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER July, 1976. | ||
- | By this time it was nearly midnight. We wrote a letter to the | ||
- | Australian Consulate explaining the situation, tried to locate Len and arrived back at our hotel about 2.30 a m. Much to our surprise Len was | ||
- | in our room when we arrived. Wayne, Denise and I decided to sit up and play cards till 4.30 a m. when Denise had to leave for the airport for the flight to Aurangabad. (Neil was supposed to go with Denise, with | ||
- | the rest of us following on the 10 a m. flight.) It was a long night. | ||
- | I barely got to sleep - about 5 a m. - when the bell boy, called me to the | ||
- | phone. They had been unable to contact any of Neil's relatives back in Australia. | ||
- | Wayne and I had an early start to get Neil's things to him in hospital and back to the airport by 9 a m. When we checked in at the airport we | ||
- | were told our flight had been cancelled. That meant poor Denise was | ||
- | waiting at the Aurangabad airport for us with only 15 Rs (U.S4 1.50). We really had to make lots of noise before we got an assurance we would be put on the next day's flight. | ||
- | The airlines put us up at a nice modern hotel and we all had a room | ||
- | to ourselves. We spent the day catching up on sleep and washing. Wayne spent the day trying to get a phone call through to Australia and Neil's family. Then he spent all night on the phone arguing with the phone operator about who would pay. It seems the hotel receptionist didn't | ||
- | understand what " | ||
- | to by choice. | ||
- | We arrived in Aurangabad and had a very happy reunion with Denise. | ||
- | We took our packs to a hotel and left immediately for a bus tour of Ajanta. | ||
- | The caves are (7,, series of subterranean Buddhist temples. There are | ||
- | 30 caves in all, carved out of a' | ||
- | ing a deep valley. "The caves and their artworks were not the product of one particular era but were created over a period of 8 or 9 hundred years - from about 200 B.C. to about 650 A.D. - and nothing is known about the monks and/or artisans who created them beyond the obvious fact that the Ajanta site was as remote in those days as it is today. The work, in other words, wgs that of an isolated religious order, executed through centuries of dedication." | ||
The interior of the caves are covered with paintings depicting both myth and legend along with real life. Unfortunately, | The interior of the caves are covered with paintings depicting both myth and legend along with real life. Unfortunately, | ||
- | We spent the day at Ajanta, returning to Aurangabad that evening. The next morning we took another bus to Ellora. Here there are 34 cave temples built from the 7th to the 13th centuries A.D. We had all heard about Ellora9 but were really not prepared for what we saw. Each temple is carved out of what once was a solid mass of rock, without scaffolding, | ||
- | WINO | + | We spent the day at Ajanta, returning to Aurangabad that evening. The next morning we took another bus to Ellora. Here there are 34 cave temples built from the 7th to the 13th centuries A.D. We had all heard about Ellora, but were really not prepared for what we saw. Each temple is carved out of what once was a solid mass of rock, without scaffolding, |
- | been monumental. Yet, each figure is perfectly proportioned, | + | |
All of us were overwhelmed and spent the day exploring them. | All of us were overwhelmed and spent the day exploring them. | ||
+ | |||
On the Jaipur airport I got talking to two Americans on their way to Aurangabad. They were going to stay at one of the caves at Ellora. I spent some time looking for them and almost found them, but fell, gashing open my leg. Richard had been living in India for 8 years so living in a cave for a month was nothing new to him. | On the Jaipur airport I got talking to two Americans on their way to Aurangabad. They were going to stay at one of the caves at Ellora. I spent some time looking for them and almost found them, but fell, gashing open my leg. Richard had been living in India for 8 years so living in a cave for a month was nothing new to him. | ||
- | -Lan, Denise and I got a motorized tri-shaw back to Aurangabad, | + | |
- | leaving the others to catch another. However the tri-shaw driver wouldn' | + | Len, Denise and I got a motorized tri-shaw back to Aurangabad, leaving the others to catch another. However the tri-shaw driver wouldn' |
- | We went from Aurangabad to Hyderabad. by train - a 12-hour trip starting at 11 p m. We were told there were only 4 seats available for the 6 of us, but not too long after the trip started two more seats were available. There were three of us in two compartments. Each compartment held ten, four on each seating facing each other and two on the luggage racks above. It was quite a night. I finally laid down on the floor between the two scats. I had to keep my eyes closed the whole time. There was an Indian man who had his foot dangling right above my face, and there were huge sores all over it. Wayne, Denise and Heather in the next compartment had a party all night with booze we had brought along from Aurangabad. Heather, at one point, got 16ughing | + | |
- | We arrived in Hyderabad about 11 a m. and had to leave for Madras | + | We went from Aurangabad to Hyderabad by train - a 12-hour trip starting at 11 p.m. We were told there were only 4 seats available for the 6 of us, but not too long after the trip started two more seats were available. There were three of us in two compartments. Each compartment held ten, four on each seating facing each other and two on the luggage racks above. It was quite a night. I finally laid down on the floor between the two seats. I had to keep my eyes closed the whole time. There was an Indian man who had his foot dangling right above my face, and there were huge sores all over it. Wayne, Denise and Heather in the next compartment had a party all night with booze we had brought along from Aurangabad. Heather, at one point, got laughing |
- | at 8 p m., so we saw very little of that city. We did spend a few hours at the Salar Jung Museum. It houses the fantastic collection of one man in 78 rooms. I'm sure thet if we hadn't all been so tired we would have appreciated it more. | + | |
- | From there we went to the Char Minar (an immense arch with four minarets) and the street of bangles. One shop after another sold brightly coloured bangles. "For a handful of rupees - maybe a dollar' | + | We arrived in Hyderabad about 11 a.m. and had to leave for Madras at 8 p.m., so we saw very little of that city. We did spend a few hours at the Salar Jung Museum. It houses the fantastic collection of one man in 78 rooms. I'm sure that if we hadn't all been so tired we would have appreciated it more. |
+ | |||
+ | From there we went to the Char Minar (an immense arch with four minarets) and the street of bangles. One shop after another sold brightly coloured bangles. "For a handful of rupees - maybe a dollar' | ||
From Hyderabad we flew to Madras, arriving at our hotel a few minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve. | From Hyderabad we flew to Madras, arriving at our hotel a few minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve. | ||
- | * * * * * * * * (To be continued) | ||
- | **" | ||
- | , | ||
- | **************** Box 553 P.O., Christchurch, | ||
- | We have a prompt mail order service to Australian customers - FREE POSTAGE ON ALL ORDERS. Below is a list of some of the gear we stock - prices quoted in New Zealand dollars (NZ ;11 A 0.83). | ||
- | We prefer payment by bank draft in New Zealand currency. | ||
- | Typhoon Oilskin parkas - standard model $ 21.00 | ||
- | (all sizes) deluxe model 24.00 | ||
- | Cagoules, newprene-coated nylon 18.40 | ||
- | Zip parkas, newprene-coated nylon 23.00 | ||
- | Long woollen socks 4,50 | ||
- | Short woollen socks 2.75 | ||
- | Jumpers, 100% natural black greasy wool 20.00 | ||
- | Jumpers, pure wool, fair-isle patterns 19.00 | ||
- | Balaclavas, pure wool 2.40 | ||
- | Hats, pure wool, fair-isle patterns 2.75 | ||
- | Light woollen shirts, check patterns 9.50 | ||
- | Ranger, heavy wool shirts, check patterns 14.50 | ||
- | Mountaineer, | ||
- | Trousers, woollen tweed 14.50 | ||
- | Day sacks, from 15.00 | ||
- | K-2 double wall tents 94.00 | ||
- | K-2 special mediull rucksacks 72.00 | ||
- | K-2 special largo rucksacks 74.00 | ||
- | K-2 standard medium rucksacks 69.00 | ||
- | K-2 standard large rucksacks 70.00 | ||
- | K-2 intermediate rucksacks 55.00 | ||
- | K-2 junior rucksacks 42.00 | ||
- | K-2 bivouac rucksacks 16.75 | ||
- | K-2 Aarn I climbing and ski-touring pack 58.50 | ||
- | K-2 Aarn II pack 51.00 | ||
- | Wintest nylon tents from 37.00 | ||
- | 10airydown Everest sleeping bags from 91.00 | ||
- | Everest Mummy sleeping bags from 86.00 | ||
- | Twenty Below sleeping bags from 72.00 | ||
- | Explorer sleeping bags from 58.23 Mountain Mule rucksacks s | ||
- | Featherlite standard - large 58.00 | ||
- | Heavy Duty standard 61.00 | ||
- | Heavy Duty super 67.50 | ||
- | Expedition standard 58.00 | ||
- | Expedition super 63.50 | ||
- | Mammoth 77.00 | ||
- | AND MUCH MORE WRITE FOR A PRICE LIST (Address above) | ||
+ | (To be continued) | ||
- | ====== The Collector ====== | + | #" |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Alp Sports.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Box 553 P.O., Christchurch, | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===For the cheapest gear in Australasia.=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | We have a prompt mail order service to Australian customers - **free postage on all orders**. Below is a list of some of the gear we stock - prices quoted in New Zealand dollars (NZ $1 = A $0.83). We prefer payment by bank draft in New Zealand currency. | ||
+ | |||
+ | | |$| | ||
+ | |Typhoon Oilskin parkas - standard model|21.00| | ||
+ | |Typhoon Oilskin parkas - deluxe model|24.00| | ||
+ | |Cagoules, neoprene-coated nylon|18.40| | ||
+ | |Zip parkas, neoprene-coated nylon|23.00| | ||
+ | |Long woollen socks|4.50| | ||
+ | |Short woollen socks|2.75| | ||
+ | |Jumpers, 100% natural black greasy wool|20.00| | ||
+ | |Jumpers, pure wool, fair-isle patterns|19.00| | ||
+ | |Balaclavas, | ||
+ | |Hats, pure wool, fair-isle patterns|2.45| | ||
+ | |Light woollen shirts, check patterns|9.50| | ||
+ | |Ranger, heavy wool shirts, check patterns|14.50| | ||
+ | |Mountaineer, | ||
+ | |Trousers, woollen tweed|14.50| | ||
+ | |Day sacks, from|15.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 double wall tents|94.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 special medium rucksacks|72.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 special large rucksacks|74.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 standard medium rucksacks|69.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 standard large rucksacks|70.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 Intermediate rucksacks|55.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 Junior rucksacks|42.00| | ||
+ | |K-2 Bivouac rucksacks|16.75| | ||
+ | |K-2 Aarn I climbing and ski-touring pack|58.50| | ||
+ | |K-2 Aarn II pack|51.00| | ||
+ | |Wintest nylon tents from|37.00| | ||
+ | |Fairydown Everest sleeping bags from|91.00| | ||
+ | |Everest Mummy sleeping bags from|86.00| | ||
+ | |Twenty Below sleeping bags from|72.00| | ||
+ | |Explorer sleeping bags from|58.23| | ||
+ | |Mountain Mule Rucksacks:| | | ||
+ | |Featherlite standard - large|58.00| | ||
+ | |Heavy Duty standard|61.00| | ||
+ | |Heavy Duty super|67.50| | ||
+ | |Expedition standard|58.00| | ||
+ | |Expedition super|63.50| | ||
+ | |Mammoth|77.00| | ||
+ | |||
+ | And much more - write for a price list (Address above). | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====The Collector.===== | ||
by Owen Marks. | by Owen Marks. | ||
- | Most people have hobbies. Some people count bushwalking as a baby. But what do bushwalkers do for a hobby? Idiot types of bushwalkers have a list of mountains they have climbed, canyons that have been descended or similar rare and wonderful deeds that they themselves hold quite important yet others deem as mad. 19 too, have an achievement that is quite unique, yet one that has come upon me quite by accident. | ||
- | I suppose it all started in Burma. I had booked a three day boat rideup the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay to Mykina, and suffering from brain disease at that time, I went first class. I would sit all alone under a canvas awning on the captain' | ||
- | stardhed white uniform and would eat off a starched white tablecloth. I would see Burma passing by whilst eating and drinking water from cut glass tumblers. A succession of dirty villages, seediness all around. At night the boat would pull up at some wharf and I'd walk around and talk to all and sundry. I was asked home by a local and when I walked in the mother laughed so much she was rolling around the floor in pain. She had seen us coming and it reminded her of the legend of the black and white swan. I never found out what the legend was. Anyway in three days the boat was arriving at Mykina, which is quite close to the Chinese border, when I was down at the back of the ship and I saw the cook bringing up buckets of river water. You have guessed correctly) that is what I had been drinking the whole trip. I never knew it then, but it was the beginning. My hobby ..... Famous Rivers I Have Drunk. | ||
- | In Egypt lies the Everest of River Drinkers. The Nile starts in | ||
- | two places - Uganda and Ethiopia. Both Blue and White Nile pass thousands | ||
- | of towns until they converge at Khartoum. Then through the Sudan, down | ||
- | the cataracts until Egypt is reached. Lake Nasser extends from the | ||
- | border to Luxor where the famous dam is. At Luxor I shall start my story. | ||
- | I was the only passenger of European complexion on the 3rd class section, which happens to be a long punt that is pulled by a boat complete with engine and houses the first class riff-raff. Even though I was first aboard the punt when it arrived all the crew sold spaces to the passengers. This they'd do by spreading out carpets. There was a space | ||
- | about one foot wide with no carpet on it and my sleeping bag was there | ||
- | in 20 seconds, and I lay down immediately. Fait accomplit. I wasn't | ||
- | very popular. The train arrived from Cairo snd the punt was overloaded by the wildest looking mob in history. My section of the punt was then | ||
- | occupied by a family of throe camel traders, who would place their own carpets down and await the trip. They were quite remarkable. It | ||
- | turned out that they had sold 1000 camels which they had driven down from the Sudan to Cairo or somewhere. I asked how much camels were | ||
- | worth' in Cairo 100 each it seems. Times 1000 = a small fortune. They were armed and as well had curved knives on their upper arms under their robes. They had no fear from me, so they became quite friendly. I gave them my eyedrops, but the oldest started to drink it. I told | ||
- | him to lay down and I would drop in the liquid. He was very frightened | ||
- | and I think he thought I was going to kill him. I was down on the | ||
- | carpet on my back and he was shouting in Arabic and jumping on my stomach. His sons pulled him off me and I gazed at the ruins passing by and brushed off this incident. | + | Most people have hobbies. Some people count bushwalking as a hobby. But what do bushwalkers do for a hobby? Idiot types of bushwalkers have a list of mountains |
- | Abu Simbel ahead, and the boat pulled in and I was the only 3rd class person off. There were two New Zealanders, retired, from 1st class plus four or five Nubian | + | |
- | The Kiwis laughed and said "They will return soon". Two hours later they weren' | + | I suppose it all started in Burma. I had booked a three day boat ride up the Irrawaddy River from Mandalay |
- | We were paraded before | + | |
- | In the U.S.A. is the state of Montana. A lovely part of the world and the beginnings | + | In Egypt lies the Everest |
- | In Switzerland the River Drinker can knock Off the Rhine and Rhone | + | |
- | in only a few hours of walking, or with a car in half an hour. There is a pass called the Purka. On one side is the Rhone, the other the Rhine. Both are drinkable and indeed it is THE thing to do. While I will admit that the Beautiful People and Jetsetters are noted by their absence, groups of tourists in V.W.s and cyclists drink from the snow and glacier fed streams. I was cycling around Switzerland and the only water available | + | I was the only passenger of European complexion on the 3rd class section, which happens to be a long punt that is pulled by a boat complete with engine and houses the first class riff-raff. Even though I was first aboard the punt when it arrived all the crew sold spaces to the passengers. This they'd do by spreading out carpets. There was a space about one foot wide with no carpet on it and my sleeping bag was there in 20 seconds, and I lay down immediately. Fait accomplit. I wasn't very popular. The train arrived from Cairo and the punt was overloaded by the wildest looking mob in history. My section of the punt was then occupied by a family of three camel traders, who would place their own carpets down and await the trip. They were quite remarkable. It turned out that they had sold 1000 camels which they had driven down from the Sudan to Cairo or somewhere. I asked how much camels were worth in Cairo. £100 each it seems. Times 1000 = a small fortune. They were armed and as well had curved knives on their upper arms under their robes. They had no fear from me, so they became quite friendly. I gave them my eyedrops, but the oldest started to drink it. I told him to lay down and I would drop in the liquid. He was very frightened and I think he thought I was going to kill him. I was down on the carpet on my back and he was shouting in Arabic and jumping on my stomach. His sons pulled him off me and I gazed at the ruins passing by and brushed off this incident. |
- | The Amazon but not quite. Outside Cuzco is a slight pass that all the tourists cross going to Macchu Pitcchu. The train climbs out of the ancient lake bed and goes down the Urubamba Valley. The famous Peruvian | + | |
- | fortress where I was fortunate to camp in, got its drinking water from the hill overlooking the town. This same water flows into the UrUbamba | + | Abu Simbel ahead, and the boat pulled in and I was the only 3rd class person off. There were two New Zealanders, retired, from 1st class plus four or five Nubian types. Abu Simbel was swarming with Swedish engineers with 2 ft. long syringes that they were injecting into the porous stone that makes up this rock cut temple. (If you cast your mind back, this was the temple that was to have been jacked up to avoid being flooded. It finally was cut up and rebuilt with U.N. help on a cliff above its old site.) Myself and Kiwis wandered around with these Swedes as our guides and we all had a wonderful time. Going out into the sunshine, we were flabbergasted. The boat was gone. No toot, no nothing. There going upstream and rounding the bend was our transport. |
- | which in turn becomes the ULayali, becomes the Maranon (the Amazon' | + | |
- | original name) and that in turn becomes the Amazon as we know it today. I had drunk from a steam that fed into the Amazon' | + | The Kiwis laughed and said "They will return soon". Two hours later they weren' |
- | Last Xmas with Helen Gray and Frank Taeker we were in beautiful down-town Benares. The Holy Ganges flows through to the Bay of Bengal | + | |
- | all the way from Tibet. Early one morning we all walked down to the steps near the tilted submerged temple. Let me describe the surroundings. Behind us were 100 yards of steps climbing up to the base of the palaces. These buildings have a remarkable drainage and sewerage works. Simply it works like this - channel onto the top step and it will cascade down | + | We were paraded before the captain like naughty children and I was asked to join in a meal 1st class. I asked the waiter if the water was from the Nile because I could recognise the taste. We laughed and I went back to my friends. I always have happy memories of Abu Simbel; nowadays there is a hydrofoil express service and it's all changed. |
- | to the river. While we Were watching along came a lad with a flat stone under his arm and a parcel under the other. It turned out to be a | + | |
- | young goat that may have been killed for a sacrifice that very morning. He tied the stone to the animal and heaved it into the river only 20 ft. | + | In the U.S.A. is the state of Montana. A lovely part of the world and the beginnings of the Missouri. I was hitching and the driver said, "How about a drink of the Missouri?" |
- | or so from where the pilgrims were immersed in their ablutions and prayers. Upstream 100 yards or so the burning ghats were blazing merrily and bones | + | |
- | and ash were being plopped into the murky waters. Maybe you think that the ashes purify the water? That would be cancelled out by the ruling that all small-pox victims along with lunatics and babies are thrown in without burning or any preparation at all, apart from prayers. | + | In Switzerland the River Drinker can knock off the Rhine and Rhone in only a few hours of walking, or with a car in half an hour. There is a pass called the Furka. On one side is the Rhone, the other the Rhine. Both are drinkable and indeed it is THE thing to do. While I will admit that the Beautiful People and Jetsetters are noted by their absence, groups of tourists in V.W.s and cyclists drink from the snow and glacier fed streams. I was cycling around Switzerland and the only water available |
- | We wera assured by these very same devout Hindus that here in Benares a miracle takes place. (Benares is the centre of the Hindu | + | |
- | cosmos. When the world will came to an end, Benares will miss out. Good for an investment, eh?) The River Ganges at this very spot where we stood, becomes pure. It has been proven beyond all doubt. The scientists at the Universities; | + | The Amazon but not quite. Outside Cuzco is a slight pass that all the tourists cross going to Macchu Pitcchu. The train climbs out of the ancient lake bed and goes down the Urubamba Valley. The famous Peruvian fortress where I was fortunate to camp in, got its drinking water from the hill overlooking the town. This same water flows into the Urubamba |
- | and so have thousands of ordinary Indians who have been drinking it for | + | |
- | centuries or millenia. They take it home in bottles for their loved | + | Last Xmas with Helen Gray and Frank Taeker we were in beautiful down-town Benares. The Holy Ganges flows through to the Bay of Bengal all the way from Tibet. Early one morning we all walked down to the steps near the tilted submerged temple. Let me describe the surroundings. Behind us were 100 yards of steps climbing up to the base of the palaces. These buildings have a remarkable drainage and sewerage works. Simply it works like this - channel onto the top step and it will cascade down to the river. While we were watching along came a lad with a flat stone under his arm and a parcel under the other. It turned out to be a young goat that may have been killed for a sacrifice that very morning. He tied the stone to the animal and heaved it into the river only 20 ft. or so from where the pilgrims were immersed in their ablutions and prayers. Upstream 100 yards or so the burning ghats were blazing merrily and bones and ash were being plopped into the murky waters. Maybe you think that the ashes purify the water? That would be cancelled out by the ruling that all small-pox victims along with lunatics and babies are thrown in without burning or any preparation at all, apart from prayers. |
- | ones and for their local temples and shrines. | + | |
- | Of course I didn't drink it. Not enough dedication or drive. | + | We were assured by these very same devout Hindus that here in Benares a miracle takes place. (Benares is the centre of the Hindu cosmos. When the world will came to an end, Benares will miss out. Good for an investment, eh?) The River Ganges at this very spot where we stood, becomes pure. It has been proven beyond all doubt. The scientists at the Universities; |
- | Certainly my hobby is now in tatters; River Collecting is all over for | + | |
- | good. There must be other interesting things to collect! No doubt | + | Of course I didn't drink it. Not enough dedication or drive. Certainly my hobby is now in tatters; River Collecting is all over for good. There must be other interesting things to collect! No doubt there are other readers of this magazine who collect strange things, and are bursting to tell. I'm sure the Editor would like to hear from you; this magazine will publish anything. |
- | there are other readers of this magazine who collect strange things, and are bursting to tell. -I'm sure the Editor would like to hear from | + | |
- | you; this magazine will publish anything. | + | Happy Collecting! |
- | HAPPY COLLECTING! | + | |
- | Page THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July, 1976. | + | ---- |
- | ******************* MOUNTAIN | + | |
- | -*********************** | + | =====David' |
- | *************************EQuIPMENT | + | |
- | #*-******************* | + | |
- | IF YOU ARE | + | |
- | BUYING OR HIRING HIRING OR BUYING | + | |
- | BUYING OR HIRING HIRING OR BUYING | + | |
- | GEAR FOR | + | |
- | WALKING CAI:WING 000000 CLIMBING 000000 CANOEING | + | |
- | WALKING 600000 CAMPING 000000 CLIMBING CANOEING 0000000 | + | |
- | THINK OF | + | |
- | MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT | + | |
- | 17 Alexander Street, Crow' | + | |
- | for | + | |
- | FAIRYDOWN SLEEPING BAGS | + | |
- | HIGH LOAD PACKS (Weight 3 lb 10 oz) | + | |
- | AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS YOU COULD POSSIBLY NEED *Xxxie# | + | |
- | Page 12. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July 1976 | + | |
- | DAVID3S BEE WALK, SEPTEMBER 1975. | ||
by David Cotton. | by David Cotton. | ||
+ | |||
This little trip attracted 52 people, quite a remarkable effort considering that they had organised transport arrangements themselves as I was rather busy at the time. Whilst people were arriving and getting settled down to do a little relaxing in the sun, I was rushing around tidying up the place, putting the door on the toilet and getting organised. | This little trip attracted 52 people, quite a remarkable effort considering that they had organised transport arrangements themselves as I was rather busy at the time. Whilst people were arriving and getting settled down to do a little relaxing in the sun, I was rushing around tidying up the place, putting the door on the toilet and getting organised. | ||
- | The show began in a rather confused vein, as I | + | |
- | had mislaid my set of notes and had to work from a set of ' | + | The show began in a rather confused vein, as I had mislaid my set of notes and had to work from a set of ' |
- | Whilst morning tea was in progress I spent a few hectic moments hunting a small group of people out of | + | |
- | my little humpy, When I am busy, housework slips sadly to the bottom of my job list, and besides, housework is not an area in which I shine. | + | Whilst morning tea was in progress I spent a few hectic moments hunting a small group of people out of my little humpy. When I am busy, housework slips sadly to the bottom of my job list, and besides, housework is not an area in which I shine. |
- | The walk was a little late in starting, so after a brief stop to inspect the' | + | |
+ | The walk was a little late in starting, so after a brief stop to inspect the waterfall it was off downstream. After a rather hurried lunch we continued our walk down the creek to the track leading | ||
All in all it was a rather hurried business and we could have done with at least another hour to have really enjoyed the pleasant walking conditions, weather and scenery. | All in all it was a rather hurried business and we could have done with at least another hour to have really enjoyed the pleasant walking conditions, weather and scenery. | ||
- | I was amazed that no one had become lost on the walking part of the trip 9 quite a lot of people were observed scrambling out of the bush in many different places and some were even caught disapearing along wrong tracks and ridges. | ||
- | An added bonus for the finish of the trip was a visit to the ' | ||
- | varieties on display). Quite a few people indulged in modest purchases of rare and exotic cacti in small | ||
- | square pots. This was a tremendous finish to what I felt had turned out to be a very exciting and pleasant day. | ||
- | DETAILS OF DAVID COTTON'S BEE WALK. | + | I was amazed that no one had become lost on the walking part of the trip, quite a lot of people were observed scrambling out of the bush in many different places and some were even caught disappearing along wrong tracks and ridges. |
+ | |||
+ | An added bonus for the finish of the trip was a visit to the ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Details of David Cotton's Bee Walk.==== | ||
To be held on Sunday 291h August at Glenburnie Orchard, Darkes Forest. | To be held on Sunday 291h August at Glenburnie Orchard, Darkes Forest. | ||
+ | |||
The program will begin at 9-30 am., with a short discussion on the social and biological life of the honey bee. This will be followed by a practical demonstration of inspecting a bee hive. | The program will begin at 9-30 am., with a short discussion on the social and biological life of the honey bee. This will be followed by a practical demonstration of inspecting a bee hive. | ||
+ | |||
Morning tea will be provided consisting of bread, butter and honey-comb fresh from the hive. Please bring your own cup. | Morning tea will be provided consisting of bread, butter and honey-comb fresh from the hive. Please bring your own cup. | ||
- | After morning tea a short easy walk will be undertaken down 0', area Oreek via a picturesque waterfall and through a delighttialarea | + | |
- | HOW TO GET THERE. | + | After morning tea a short easy walk will be undertaken down 0'Hares Creek via a picturesque waterfall and through a delightful area of natural bushland where a lunch break will be enjoyed at one of the many tranquil pools along the way. |
- | Travel south along the Princes Highway through Waterfall, keeping to the Highway, DO NOT take the tollway, Darkes Forest turn-off is about 4 miles south of the Stanwell Park turn-off, and Glenburnie Orchard is the | + | |
- | first farm on the right hand side about 2miles | + | ===How to get there.=== |
- | Persons requiring transport should see me at the | + | |
- | clubrooms. | + | Travel south along the Princes Highway through Waterfall, keeping to the Highway, DO NOT take the tollway, Darkes Forest turn-off is about 4 miles south of the Stanwell Park turn-off, and Glenburnie Orchard is the first farm on the right hand side about 2 miles from the Highway. |
- | *** *** *** *** | + | |
- | BEE FILM NIGHT. | + | Persons requiring transport should see me at the clubrooms. |
- | To be held on Wednesday night 25th August at the clubrooms, The films to be screened are different to those shown some time ago and include 'SECRET IN THE HIVE' | + | |
- | and 'HONEY HARVEST'. These films are on loan by courtesy of The Australian Honey Board, and should provide an an enjoyable evening of fascinating entertainment. | + | ====Bee film night.==== |
- | *** *** *** *** *** *** | + | |
- | Page 1 4. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALIM July9 1976. | + | To be held on Wednesday night 25th August at the clubrooms, The films to be screened are different to those shown some time ago and include 'Secret in the hive', 'Honey, natures liquid gold', narrated by Roger Climpson, and 'Honey harvest'. These films are on loan by courtesy of The Australian Honey Board, and should provide an an enjoyable evening of fascinating entertainment. |
- | Lightweight bushwalking and camping | + | |
- | H FRAME PACKS | + | ---- |
- | THE MOUNTAINEER DE-LUXE | + | |
- | This capacious pack can comfortably carry 70 lbs or more. The bag is made from tough lightweight | + | =====Paddymade.===== |
- | BUNYIP RUCKSACK | + | |
- | This ' | + | Lightweight bushwalking and camp gear. |
- | SENIOR RUCKSACK | + | |
- | A single pocket, shaped rucksack, Suitable for overnight camping. Weight | + | ===H Frame Packs - The Mountaineer De Luxe.=== |
- | BUSHMAN RUCKSACK | + | |
- | Has sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying. Will hold 30Ibs. 2 pocket model 1%lbs. 3 pocket model 11/21bs. | + | This capacious pack can comfortably carry 70 lbs or more. The bag is made from tough lightweight |
- | PIONEER RUCKSACK | + | |
- | Extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40Ibs of camp gear. Weight | + | ===Bunyip rucksack.=== |
- | KIANDRA MODEL | + | |
- | Hooded bag. Extra well filled, Very compact. Approx 3%lbs. | + | This ' |
- | HOTHAIsil MODEL | + | |
- | Super warm box quilted. Added leg | + | ===Senior rucksack.=== |
- | room. | + | |
- | Approx | + | A single pocket, shaped rucksack. Suitable for overnight camping. Weight |
- | SUPER LIGHT MODEL | + | |
- | Half the weight and packed size of regular bags. 9" x 57/2" dia. 2lbs. | + | ===Bushman rucksack.=== |
- | Everything for the bushwalker,, from blankqts | + | |
- | dehydrated foods. | + | Have sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying. Will hold 30 lbs. 2 pocket model 1 1/4 lbs. 3 pocket model 1 1/2 lbs. |
- | 69 LIVERPOOL ST. SYDNEY -- 26-2686 61-7215 | + | |
- | rage 15, THE SYDNEY BUSHUALKER duly9 1976. | + | ===Pioneer rucksack.=== |
+ | |||
+ | Is an extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40 lbs of camp gear. Weight | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Kiandra model.=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Hooded bag. Extra well filled. Very compact, Approx 3 1/4 lbs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Hotham model.=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Super warm. Box quilted. Added leg room. Approx | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Superlight model.=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Half the weight and packed size of regular bags. 9" x 5 1/2" dia. 2 lbs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Everything for the bushwalker, from blankets | ||
+ | |||
+ | Paddy Pallin | ||
+ | 69 Liverpool St., Sydney. 26-2686, 61-7215. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Bushwalker Bob.==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | [Cartoon with four rabbits in foreground with paws on ears and pained expressions. Behind are three bushwalkers walking, the last with headphones on. The first walker is turning to talk to the second walker.] | ||
"New walking shoes?" | "New walking shoes?" | ||
- | WALK NOTES. by Len Newland.* (Phone 432419 (13) | + | |
- | WALKS FOR. AUGUST , Refer to Walks Programme for route details, TEST WALKSI | + | ---- |
- | August | + | |
- | 69 79 8 - Kamamgra | + | =====Walks Notes.===== |
- | with some big descents and ridge cliMbing, | + | |
- | Sunday 8 - Narrow Neck - 20 kna with Joe Marton. Look over Katoonla | + | by Len Newland. (Phone 432419 (13)) |
- | and Jamison Valley from the very narrow ridge. Ropes may be needed talk to 'leader first. Rough going in Cedar Creek. | + | |
- | 13,14915 - M' | + | ====Walks for August.==== |
- | alongside water almost all the way in the- famOn2 | + | |
- | Sunday 22 - Mt, Hay Road.(Bluo_Mountains | + | Refer to Walks Programme for route details. |
- | Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHTIALIaR July, 1976. | + | |
- | WEEKEND WALKS | + | ===Test walks:=== |
- | August | + | |
- | 69 79 8 - Cox's River Exploratory trip with Geoff Bridger. | + | |August| | |
- | Could be rough - distanco | + | |6,7,8|Kanangra |
- | 13914915 | + | |Sunday 8|Narrow Neck - 20 km with Joe Marton. Look over Katoomba |
- | 20, | + | |13,14, |
- | 28 29 - Cox's River area - Saturday morning start. Hans Stichter is going overseas and will not be able to load this walk. | + | |Sunday 22|Mt. Hay Road.(Blue Mountains |
- | A volunteer | + | |
- | walk for prospectives with beautiful scenery and intoresting | + | ===Weekend walks:=== |
- | DAY WALKS: | + | |
- | Sunda 1 ' | + | |August| | |
- | - Waterfall to Engadine via Kangaroo Creek with Meryl Watman. 18 km Easy.. No water at lunch stop, so no fires. Train 3.20 E. - tickets to Waterfall. | + | |6,7,8|Cox's River Exploratory trip with Geoff Bridger. Could be rough - distance |
- | - The Basin - West Head Road with Peter Miller. When he put this walk on the programme. Peter didn't look up the tide table, but your feet at least are guaranteed to get wet. | + | |13,14,15|Myall Lakes with Tony Denham. Those beautiful lakes north from Newcastle are threatened by the sandminers.| |
- | - Blaxland to Springwood with Jim Brown 15 km. A walk uphill up Glenbrook Creek is probably what makes this walk medium. Most people | + | |20,21,22|Kangaroo Valley area with John Fox (who now has a home telephone No. 416955). Exploratory trip from Fitzroy Falls to Coolana. Could be rough.| |
- | - Minto - Georges River with David Ingram. Roads, tracks and a little scrub along parts of George' | + | |28,29|Cox's River area - Saturday morning start. Hans Stichter is going overseas and will not be able to lead this walk. A volunteer |
- | Waterfall - Kangaroo Creek with Sheila Binns. Track walking in an area where the spring flowers should. be on display. | + | |
- | - Bee Walk at Darkes Forest with David Cotton. Contact David at The club room about transport, rendezvous and time. David has beehives and a lot of knowledge about bees. Maybe honey for morning tea. This can be just a picnic, or a walk around Darkes Forest as well. | + | ===Day walks:=== |
- | FUTURE W2,LICS: Closing date for the Spl' | + | |
- | 1 | + | |Sunday |
- | " 15 | + | |Sunday 1|Waterfall to Engadine via Kangaroo Creek with Meryl Watman. 18 km Easy. No water at lunch stop, so no fires. Train 8.20 E. - tickets to Waterfall.| |
- | " 15 | + | |Sunday 15|The Basin - West Head Road with Peter Miller. When he put this walk on the programme Peter didn't look up the tide table, but your feet at least are guaranteed to get wet.| |
- | ". 22 | + | |Sunday 15|Blaxland to Springwood with Jim Brown 15 km. A walk uphill up Glenbrook Creek is probably what makes this walk medium. Most people |
- | It 29 | + | |Sunday 22|Minto - Georges River with David Ingram. Roads, tracks and a little scrub along parts of George' |
- | " 29 | + | |Sunday 29|Waterfall - Kangaroo Creek with Sheila Binns. Track walking in an area where the spring flowers should be on display.| |
- | Page 1 7, THE SYDEEY BUSHWAL= July 9 1976. | + | |Sunday 29|__Bee Walk__ |
- | A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO KALA PATTAR! | + | |
+ | ===Future walks:=== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Closing date for the Spring | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====A funny Thing Happened On The Way To Kala Pattar!===== | ||
by Gordon Lee. | by Gordon Lee. | ||
- | Here I sit in a grotty, noisy, rat-infested, | + | |
- | hazards, the obstacles, which had to be overcome getting there. | + | Here I sit in a grotty, noisy, rat-infested, |
- | Bangkok, for example. If you can survive the chaotic traffic | + | |
- | (definitely no place for the unwary) and the pollution, then watch your | + | Bangkok, for example. If you can survive the chaotic traffic (definitely no place for the unwary) and the pollution, then watch your step, you may be caught from above. Literally millions of martins (I think) roost on the overhead wires at dusk and if __they__ |
- | step, you may be caught from above. Literally millions of martins (I think) roost on the overhead wires at dusk and if Ltelieez | + | |
- | I have digressed - peacefully, when a string of longtails longtailing in | + | Back to the traffic again. Pedestrian crossings in Bangkok are only a means of gathering the citizens in one place so that the motorist can bag one - somewhat like the beaters on a shoot. Someone informed me on good authority that there were 100,000 traffic rules in Bangkok - one for each driver. Still there seems to be few accidents. |
- | the opposite dIrection threaten to swamp your frail craft with their huge bow waves. | + | |
- | Baal: to the traffic again. Pedestrian crossings in Bangkok are only a means of gathering the citizens in one place so that the motorist | + | Language of course has to be coped with wherever you are, and when you get your songs and (psalms) sams (numbers) mixed, then you're in trouble. Or perhaps it's the kais and KAIS chicken and egg depending on pitch - so you order an egg and instead get a confounded chicken. |
- | can bag one - somewhat like the beaters on a shoot. Someone informed | + | |
- | me on good authority that there were 100,000 traffic rules in Bangkok - one for each driver. Still there seems to be few accidents. | + | And when browsing |
- | Language of course has to be coped with wherever you are, and when you get your songs and (psalms) sams (nuMbers) mixed, then you're in trouble. Or perhaps it's the kais and KAIS chicken and egg depending on pitch - so you order an egg and instead get a confounded chicken. | + | |
- | And when brousing | + | The public transport system works well. No bus in Bangkok is ever full - there is always room for one or more passengers. They hang out of the doors like a human bunch of grapes with hangers-on on the hangers-on. If you survive all this and make the maze of the bus routes work for you, then you can travel anywhere in the city for 75 setung (1,000 = $1). But don't become too blase. Just to confuse you, now and again a bus appears where it shouldn' |
- | summoning of word power to prevent being whisked off by the Grrrl, | + | |
- | luscious (nice) young ladies leaning on the parking meters. Lin was no end of assistance. I have since had my arm replaced in its socket. Couldn' | + | Eventually we arrived in Kathmandu. Once again the battle to get to Kala Pattar |
- | undressed, so the tops remained covered and bottoms unrevealled. | + | |
- | The public transport system works well. No bus in Bangkok is aver full - there is always room for one or more passengers. They hang out | + | "Yes, we have flight," |
- | of the doors like a human bunch of grapes with hangers-on on the hangers-on. If you survive all this and make the maze of the bus routes work for you, then you can travel anywhere in the city for 75 setung (1000 = | + | |
- | But don't become too blase. Just to confuse you, now and again a bus appears where it shouldn' | + | "Yes, we have - " - you only half listen, dragging, dull, hopelessly you get out to the airport once more. Gee, our stuff is actually being loaded. Surprise, surprise |
- | Eventually we arrived in Kathmandu. Once again the battle to get to Kala Patter | + | |
- | Page 18 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July, 1976. | + | But confidence drains to a low ebb when you look out to see a wingtip brushing a dirty great mountain, or you look down as you go over the pass before the strip to see what looks like 10 feet of air under the wheels. And there' |
- | across the Lamjura Pass at 11, | + | |
- | a whole plane. Thinking we were all set to fly out for a1.8.35 we fronted up in the afternoon to confirm. "So sorry, no flight, they flying in rice." Fair enough, rice is more important than bodies. Next time, " | + | So we step out into this fairyland at 9,000' |
- | "Yes, we have flight," | + | |
- | (we've heard that before). Sorry,I forgot to mention the snow and the weather and - Wheefl | + | That afternoon we once again joined a young Sherpa we had met and talked to at the airport. He invited us to visit his home, to which we agreed, it being about 1/2 hrs. walk from the strip. So off we set in high spirits. It transpired that Ung Pemba was in higher spirits than we had Suspected. The local chung and rukshi had (to put it mildly) caused a state of inebriation. And don't think the happy drunk Aussie husband who brings home some of his tipsy mates "to see the missus and have a feed" is unique. Here we were in Nepal 1, |
- | ' | + | |
- | "Yes, we have - " - you only half listen, dragging; dull, hopelessly you get out to the airport once more. Gee, our stuff'is actually being | + | However the atmosphere cleared, friendly relations were established when you heard a heavy clearing of throat above you. To be hit by a flying " |
- | loaded. Surprise, surprise | + | |
- | But confidence drains to a low ebb When you look out to see a wingtip brushing a dirty great mountain, or you look down as you go over the pass before the strip to see what looks like 10 feet of air under the | + | But thank heavens it is peaceful and quiet after the bustle of Bangkok. Things quieten down after 8/9 p.m. and by midnight the space is as still as a grave. Where the myriads of people disappeared to was and has remained a mystery. |
- | wheels. And there' | + | |
- | eiderdown, ruptured | + | When shopping in K'du it is advisable to wear a "crash hat" or World War II tin hat for the Nepalese have devised a method of stunning intending |
- | pilot! | + | |
- | So we step out into this fairyland at 9,0001 in brilliant sunshine and. blue Skies. We were at the starting point of our trek, the object of the visit to Nepal. | + | Every day you run the gauntlet of "Hello one rupee"; |
- | That afternoon we once again joined a young Sherpa we had met and talked to at the airport. He invited us to visit his home, to which we agreed, it being about -R,hrs. walk from the strip. So off we set in high spirits. It transpired that Ung Pemba was in higher spirits than we had | + | |
- | Suspected. The local chung and rukshi had (to put it mildly) caused a state of inebriation. And don't think the happy drunk Aussie husband | + | If this is not enough to bend the mind you are faced with the riddle of the maze of the old City street system. These are strung together spiderweb-fashion and from any one of the many " |
- | who brings home, some of his tipsy mates "to see the missus and have a feed" is unique. Here we were in Nepal 1, | + | |
- | sober. Because the language was Nepalese and the people Sherpa made | + | Flying out of Kathmandu to Lukla, or trying to was again fraught with hazards. A word of explanation. Kala Pattar is virtually the end point of the Everest Base Camp Trek to the east of K'du. There are several ways of getting there. Walking is one. You have to walk anyway to cover the final stretch. You could fly to Jiri, Paphlu, Lukla or Songhoche. Each of those in order brought you closer to your objective. The most popular and easiest (?) was to get a flight to Lukla. This put you about 6 days walk from Kala Pattar. |
- | no difference, the reactions were universal. | + | |
- | However the atmosphere cleared, friendly relations were established | + | The decision had. been made to fly in and walk out. Normal walking route is commenced from Lamsangu, some 5/6 hours bus ride from Kathmandu, then 150 miles walk across the grain of the country, rising at one stage and we were fed and watered, plied with hootch |
- | Page 19 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July9 1976e | + | |
- | when you heard a heavy clearing of throat above you. To be hit by a | + | We were asked to stay the night. Having nothing better to do we agreed. Were provided with bedding, a bed and a room. Lovely. But pause, dear reader, to take stock. |
- | flying " | + | |
- | spits, and the streets and pavements (to give them a title) are literally | + | Now I am not young anymore and my bladder is the same age, well worn but worn well, but aged. During the night, pitch black inside the house, likewise inside the head, my bladder gives me the message. Not wishing to disappoint anyone, let alone myself, I must of necessity, exit. Get up, put on boots, struggle with unfamiliar door bars, lift leg, duck head, stretch over bench, miss table - quietly, quietly and hang there teetering |
- | cemented by spitt:e. Everyone in K'du seems to be afflicted by the dreaded | + | |
- | But thank heavens it is peaceful and quiet after the bustle of Bangkok. | + | Outside the air is sharp-edged cold, the gems of the heavens picked out on a midnight blue and the shimmering, dancing sheen of the descending moonbeams lights this wonderland with a pearly luminance. Return to bed eventually after more acrobatics, only to find in the morning that our hosts had thoughtfully |
- | Things quieten down after 8/9 p m0 and by midnight the space is as still | + | |
- | as a grave. Where the myriads of people disappeared to was and has remained a mystery. | + | Engaging porters can be quite engaging, time consuming, infuriating and costly. Since not even the best of us can tell what the effect of altitude will be it was decided to hire 2 porters, mine at lest till I found out how I was going to perform. Like the "new chums" we were, we hired one for Rs.20 and one for 15 plus food - a big mistake as we were to find out. |
- | When shopping in K'du it is advisable to wear a "crash hat" or World War II tin hat for the Nepalese have devised a method of stunning intending | + | |
- | tongue as knee hits chin, and don't dent yOur dome, and don't trip then you have successfully entered - but wait, but wait, as with spider and fly you have came into the 1)arlour9 | + | We moved off just before dinner for Thumbug, below Namche Bazaar. After about an hour I took my pack for an hour (it was about 16 kg) and found it no trouble, however I saw trouble but didn' |
- | than it was to & | + | |
- | Every day you run the gauntlet of "Hello one rupee"; | + | The sheer joy of " |
- | " | + | |
- | If this is not enough to bend the mind you are faced with the riddle of the maze of the old City street system. These are strung together spiderweb-fashion and from any one of the many " | + | I have never been a cow's best friend, nor would I say I was enamoured of the type of animal these hill people use as beasts of burden. On the contrary I have never been agin 'em, I haven' |
- | Flying out of Kathmandu to Lukla, or trying to was again fraught with hazards. A word of explanation. Kala Pattar is virtually the end point of the Everest Base Camp Trek to the east of Kidu. There are several ways of getting there. Walking is one You have to walk anyway to cover the final stretch. You could fly to Jiri, Paphlp., Lukla or Songhoche. Each of those in order brought you closer to your Objective. The most popular and easiest (?) was to get a flight to Lukla. This put you about 6 days walk from Kala Pat-bar. | + | |
- | The decision had. been made to fly in and walk out. Normal walking route is commenced from Lamsangu, some 5/6 hours bus ride from Kathmandu, then 150 miles walk across the grain of the country, rising at one stage | + | Two thousand feet to Namche Bazaar soon went underboot, we turned a corner and there it was, the largest Sherpa village, with its rows and rows of fawn brown stone buildings, snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon. There we found traces of the Calnans, they had passed through the checkpost the day before. |
- | Page 20. THE S/DNEY BUSHWAIKER July _976. | + | |
- | Mtlemimemommw.... | + | I paid off my porter - it cost me of course - I had decided to go it alone and decision was taken to press on to Tenghoche. Laughing at altitude the party was wheeling along in fine fashion. But the altitude demon of the Himalayas, the real yeti, bared his teeth. An hour and a half from Teng. I thought I'd exchanged my hikeboots with a deepsea diver, my pack for a bag of corn and my lungs for bellows. Glad was I to see the gate of the monastry and gladder still to throw off my pack and sit down. |
- | and we were fed and watered, plied with hootch rukshi - almost to the state of our Sherpa friend - given our first taste of Sherpa Tea', prepared in traditional manner in traditional vessel likened unto a crude bilge pump. The brew is an almost undrinkable mixture of some Tibetan stuff (which must came from Tibet), rancid yak butter, tea and salt. Duhd Chiar (milk tea with sugar - when you ask for tea this is what you get) made in the same manner was beaut. | + | |
- | We were asked to stay the night. Having nothing better to do we agreed. Were provided with bedding, a bed and a room. Lovely. But pause, dear reader, to take stock. | + | That greybearded, |
- | Now I am not young anymore and my bladder is the same age, well worn but worn well, but aged. During the night, pitch black inside the house, likewise inside the head, my bladder gives me the messaEo. Not wishing to disappoint anyone, let alone myself, I must of necessity, exit. Get | + | |
- | up, put on boots, struggle with unfamiliar, door bars, lift leg, duck head, stretch over bench, miss table - quietly, quietly and hang there tettering | + | Washing - simple matter. Washing machine, soap powder, a couple of rinses and hang it out. Eliminate the machine, take the source of the water 400 yds. away - downhill, and add 12" or so of snow, then lower the temperature minus something |
- | on which to 10.1E3, At last you get thl ouh the door, cross the room, | + | |
- | along the landing - that was easy - miss the sharp right, backtrack | + | |
- | plished | + | |
- | of unknown substance on loft. But this is easy, there2s | + | |
- | 'Outside the air is sharp-edgea co:.d, the gems of the heavens picked out on a midnight blue and the shimaring, dancing sheen of the descending moonbeams lights this wonderland with a pearly luminance. Return to bed eventually after ,core acrobatics, only to flnd in the morning that our hosts had thoaghtful-y | + | |
- | Engaging porters can be quite engaging, time consuming, infuriating and costly. Since not even the best of us can tell what the effect of altitude will be it was decided to hire 2 porters, mine at lest till I found out how I was going to perform. Like the "new chums" we were, we hired one for,lls.20 and one for 15 plus food - a big mistake as we were to find out. | + | |
- | We moved off just before dinner for Thuthbug, below Namche Bazaar. After about an hour I took my pack for an hour (it was 6' at 16 kg) and found it no trouble, however I saw trouble but didnIt | + | |
- | no, hillocks of rice these fellows shovelled down their gullets you | + | |
- | realised the Zoolish: -3ss of your agreement. And it' | + | |
- | that disappeared but several. | + | |
- | Page 21, THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July, 1976. | + | |
- | The sheer joy of " | + | |
- | I have never been a cow's best friend, nor would I say I was enamoured of the type of animal these hill people use as beasts of burden. On the contrary I have never been agin 'em, I haven' | + | |
- | Two thousand feet to Namche Bazaar soon went underboot, we turned a corner and there it rras, the largest Sherpa village, with its rows and rows of fawn brown stone buildings, snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon. There we found traces of the Calnans, they had passed through the checkpost the day before. | + | |
- | I paid off my porter - it cost me of course - I had decided to go it alone and decision was taken to press on to Tenghoche. Laughing at altitude the party was wheeling along in fine fashion. But the altitude demon of the Himalayas, the real yeti, bared his teeth. An hour and a half from Tong. I thought I'd exchanged my hikeboots with a deepsea diver, | + | |
- | my pack for a bag of corn and my lungs for bellows. Glad was I to see | + | |
- | the gate of the monastry and gladder still to throw off my pack and sit down. | + | |
- | That greybearded, | + | |
- | on all the Calrans | + | |
- | Washing - simple matter. Washing machine, soap powder, a couple of | + | |
- | rinses and hang it out,. Eliminate the machine, take the source of the water 400 ydsb away - downhill, and add 12" or so 'of snow, then lower the | + | |
- | temperature minus something | + | |
- | Having done your washing, try to get it dry - ice evaporates with difficulty. Heavens! Clouds have blown up, get the washing, What you get is not | + | |
- | what you expect. Instead of cold, wet, clammy flexible stuff you wonder | + | |
- | what the hell you're going to do with these icecold, plywood cut-outs. In sunlight inside the house at Pangboche they refused to thaw. After having been thawed and part dried by the fire, damp tracksuits to go to bed in at -10C can be uncomfortable!! | + | |
(To be continued) | (To be continued) | ||
- | * *.* * * * * | + | |
- | Page 22. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July 1976. | + | ---- |
- | Dinner before the next General Meeting will be at the STONED CROW in Willoughby Road Crows Nest. Meet there at 6.00 p m. Licenced Australian style food | + | |
- | WEDNESDAY AUGUST 11TH. ALL WELCOME | + | ====S.B.W. Epicurians.==== |
- | Suggestions needed for CHEAP and INTERESTING | + | |
- | ********** | + | Dinner before the next General Meeting will be at the Stoned Crow in Willoughby Road Crows Nest. Meet there at 6.00 p.m. Licenced |
- | 'J\J | + | |
- | 17- | + | Wednesday August 11th. All welcome. |
- | d (LT | + | |
- | o ci | + | Suggestions needed for cheap and interesting |
- | The next Coolana working bee will eld on :13e | + | |
- | 7th.-8th. August. Remember, many hands make light | + | ---- |
- | work. And you can recover the following Wednesday | + | |
- | at the Stoned Crow. For details contact George Gray telephone 86-6263 | + | ====Working Bee.==== |
- | ********** | + | |
- | ta \I-C-1\ ' | + | The next Coolana working bee will held on 7th.-8th. August. Remember, many hands make light work. And you can recover the following Wednesday at the Stoned Crow. For details contact George Gray - telephone 86-6263. |
- | )I ) 0 ) ("---T-1 I I,/ | + | |
- | --r\--- ---f. | + | ---- |
+ | |||
+ | ====Wanted.==== | ||
Barry Tarver is interested in purchasing the following items second hand: | Barry Tarver is interested in purchasing the following items second hand: | ||
- | 1 two man tent | ||
- | 1 Child' | ||
- | Anythino to offer? If so contact Barry Tarver | ||
- | at 6/30 Cleland Road Artarmon, 2054. | ||
- | ********** | ||
- | dr(F-Th s | ||
- | If you haven' | ||
- | crossing off names. Act now! Send him something to cheer him up. | ||
- | Member | ||
- | Married Couple Student | ||
- | NonActive Member | ||
- | 8.50 | ||
- | $10.50 | ||
- | $5.00 | ||
- | $1.50 | ||
- | Magazine (if not a full member) $4.00 | ||
+ | 1 two man tent. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 1 child' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Anything to offer? If so contact Barry Tarver at 6/30 Cleland Road Artarmon, 2064. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Subs.==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you haven' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |Member|$8.50| | ||
+ | |Married Couple|$10.50| | ||
+ | |Student|$5.00| | ||
+ | |Non-Active Member|$1.50| | ||
+ | |Magazine (if not a full member)|$4.00| | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- |
197607.1472599749.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/08/31 09:29 by tyreless