This is an old revision of the document!
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Established June 1931. Z. monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney .Bush Walkers, Box 4476 G.P.O., Sydney, 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.30 pm at the Wireless Institute Building, 14 Atchison Street, St. Leonards. Enquiries concerning the Club should be reirred to Ann Ravn, Telephone 798,8607. * * * * * * * * * * 7DITOR: Helen Gray, 209 Malton Road, Epping, 2121. Telephone 86,6263. BUSINESS MANAGER: Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, 2118. Telephone 871,1207. TYPIST: Xath Brown. DUPLICATOR OPEMATOR: Phil Butt. * * * * * * * * * * JULY, 1981. SAID THE LEADER “HOURS BINDMITTAGONG TO KATOOMBA DAVID ROSTRON'S WAY HE PADDY PALLIN FOUNDATION - 1981 GRANTS BACKGROUND TO BUSHWALKING - 1968-80 - PART II SOCIAL NOTES FOR AUGUST EASTWOOD CAMPING CENTRE AD TEE JUNE GENERAL METING CHANGES TO DAY WALKS Page by Barrie Murdoch 2 John Redfern 4 6 Jim Brown 7 Peter Miller 11 12 Barry Wallace 13 14 Page 2 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July, 1981. SAID.152 LEADER “HOURS BEHIND:” by Barrie Murdoch. Boyd Range Track - Lannigan's Spur - Kowmung River - East Christy's Creek - Cottage Rock - Gingra Track - Kanangra - 15,16,17 May. Participants: John Redfern (Leader), Jim Laing, Tony Marshall, Oliver Crawford, Scott Crawford, Greta Davis, Len Newland, Ainslie Morris, Bill Holland, Lawrie Quaken, Gary Huish, Margot Buish, Jo Van Sommers, Geoffrey Broom, Don Williams, Roy Higginbottom, Brian Holden, Bruce Campbell, Barrie Ilurdoch. Saturday….le left Boyd's Crossing at abaut 8 am in cars to find the start of the Boyd Range Track and thereafter to do a car swap so that almost all the cars would be at the finishing point of the walk - the car park at Kanangta. We made a mistake as to where the track started and a confused . passing and repassing of cars took place. The Keystone Cops could not have done better. About one hour later we started down the track and arrived at the northern end of Wheengee Whungee Swamps. Here we stopped while John Redfern and Tony Marshall investigated a route which would take us dawn the eastern side of the swamps. This process provided an entertaining spectacle as first John and then Tony would suddenly appear out of the bush. As he passed the stationary party the one would enquire whether the other had been seen. Decisions were made and we walked down the eastern side of the swamps to some stony outcrops. We had Some more fan here as first John Redfern, Tony- Marshall and Roy Higginbottom combed the area looking for the track and then we all combed the area looking for Roy's pack which he had put down somewhere and couldn't find. Eventually the pack was discovered and we rztarted again. The trip was taking on the appearance of a Leader's Nightmare. John Redfern was heard muttering “Hours behind time, hours behind!” There were no further incidents as we moved along the track past _ Mount Goondel, Mount Savage and down Lannigan's Spur to the Kbymung. Mere iiss some debate about whether water from the Kowmung was fit to drink. Everyone decided that it was and showed the courage of their convictions by drinking large quantities. Almost immediately afterwards we found a good reason for not drinking Kowmung water - one very sick Hereford apparently shot in the jaw. . We then did some rock climbing 11.10 a ridge forming a neck to Billy's Point. The rocks seemed to be of the consistency of crumbly breakfast cereal biscuits. Just as we were enjoying our elation at surviving the climb, John Redfern pricked our respective balloons. by telling us that a much safer route had been worked out but we had blundered on without waiting for the good word. Chastened, we scuttled downstream to a campsite at the junction of Shadforth Gully and the Kowmung. Sunday. …We left about 8 am and making frequent river crossings we passed over the hallowed ground of Murdoch Point and then on to Church Creek. There was some dispute as to the identity of Church Creek but let it be remembered that Redfern was right. It was here that while wading . Page 3 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July, 1981. a' across the river.iGN#alell-in. , The restrofus didn't laugh (well, not too loudly) , After all-; -we- might have-I-Ten- ridxt Camb'age Spire soonappeared and we stopped for morning tea at Christy's Creek. Oliver. Crawford andiTony Marshall left us here to climb Cambage Spire and Bullhead Range. The rest of us (minus one who had made an un- announced bolt i-ie_ver to- be seen again; are his bones whitening-beside some branch of Christyls Creek?) rock hopped up the cork-scre*ing bed of Christy's Creek. Following Christy's Creek proved an easy way of climbing about 850 vertical feet enlivened by interesting things to do such ass- (I) Waging across a deep cold pool with pack in plastic bag and then climbing through a gap. 2) Rock climbing across a sloping rock. Climbing across a small waterfall. (4) Wading across a deep pool followed by clambering around a rock and further wading. (5) Climbing over a smooth rock (convenient foothole provided but you naeded to be about six feet in height). (6) Climbing across the mossy face of a rock using a convenient tree followed by further rock climb - optional-Redfern rope lift for packs. This was all good fun, spoiled a little by heavy rain after lunch. We then scrambled up the ridge to Cottage .3.ock. We were rewarded on the way by the sight of a five inch long grey moth newly hatched from its cocoon. At Cottage Rock about two-thirds of the party who had the required skill, energy or assistance climbed to the top to enjoy the view by sunset. We than moved quickly along Gingra Track to the Coal Seam and then up through a cleft on to the plateau. Darkness slowed us down as we crossed to the Walls and, then on to the car park, where we arrived at about 6.45 in. Thanks, John, for an enjoyable walk and excellent navigation. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDERITS. Are there any proposed Constitutional Amendments to be presented at the Half-Yearly General Meeting in September? If so, notify Secretary Sheila Binns no later than the August General Meeting. NEW RAILWAY TIMETABLES. New timetables came into force on 5th July and there are several changes, particularly on the Illawarra line, that may affect day walkers. Members should check train times with the leader for the rest of the Winter Walks Programme. Page. 4 THE SYDNEY BUSEWALKER July, 1981. ….mmwdonaMINIMMENMMINV
.MITTAGONG TO KATOOKEL- DAVID ROSTRONIB W1Y... by-John Redfen.
..I. became interested in this walk when David told me how, when flying into Sydney once,. he was attracted by Lacy's Tableland BiMlcw,Tableland and Broken Rock Range as a route for a Viittagong to Katoomba walk.. Flexitime allowed me to take off the Tuesday following the Queen's.Birthday-weekella, as four days were required.
All four starters i.e. David, Ray and Fusae Dargan and I caught the .
5.23 Southern Highlands Express on Friday evening. Fusae, who arrived early at the train, bravely kept our seats. It was a very pleasant two hours to Ilittagong in the nicely warm carriage. After we spread out the maps, David outlined what was in store for us! At Elttagong, the cab driver whom David had contacted, said he wouldn't mind if we had dinner before we started.. It was a very cold night there, however,in'Charlie's Place” it was warm and very pleasant. I thought of how we could have been caught up in holiday traffic,and wondered if we should not plan more trips like this. The taxi wassoon out on the Wombeyan Caves road. The driver expressed, somewhat to our surprise, that he would give the Wanganderry road a try. It fell to me, .being next to the driver, to open and close the gates - I don't' know why but this seems to be traditional. Jumping from the warm cab into the cold night was my biggest challenge so far. The driver seemed to be really enjoying himself, and I think would have tried to drive us to Katoomba had we not persuaded him to turn back, when we were 1 km from the start of the Burnt Flat Creek fire trail. We camped right on the fire trail, just down past the second creek .crossing. The night, after threatening rain in Sydney, was perfectly clear and since we had dropped off the High Range area not all that cold. We had just finished breakfast on Saturday morning when the rain, which remained around all day, started. We soon picked up the Water Board road and set off at a fast pace around the bottom of Bonnum Pic. have never been right under it before and found it quite imposing Fusae, who appears not much taller than the length of David's legs, had to jog frequently tp stay in line. We waded across the Wollondilly at the junction of Bonnum Pic Creek at 9.25 am and followed a road downstream. After skirting around the Jooriland property, much of which looks deserted, we picked up the Sheepwalk Road and later crossed the Jooriland River. About 2 km before the junction with the Yerranderie Road we dropped off to the left down to Byrnes Creek for lunch. 'It-Wad-rairi-ing-,Cold-and the creek was dry. I figured it would be rather nice back at “Charlie's Place”! However, after. dome searching we found some water and, sheltered by a willow, soon had a fire going and some hot soup made. After lunch we crossed the Yerranderie Road and started on a bearing for Lacy's Gap in the Tonalli Walls We walked across one-time farming land and passed three lots of ruins. I imagine these places were cut off when Lake Burragorang was formed. It was pleasant walking thraligh,thP.J9ng, soft, golden grass. There were many kangaroos in this area, including one herd of forty. After the Tonalli River which we reached at 2.45 pm i there Page 5 THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER ,..^ were several deep gullies before the climb of 520m,to_ the Tonalli Walls. We reache Lacs-apa47liJ Pt*. Th-kind –dp high was cold and the rain bad returned. Phil Butt had told us of the possibilities of Caves in the walls, and we quickly found one. Really it was an overhang, but well protected by scrub and black boys. With a fire going it made good shelter, we all slept for ten hours. Qn Sunday there was a big improvement in the weather. We quickly climbed through Lacy's Gap and on to Lacy's Tableland. From the western rim we looked out on to the end of the Axehead Range. I think it is from this area that Jim Brown considers you get some of the best views in the Bite Mountains. The scrub is heavy around the walls, however towards the ,;(3entre it is more open with some quite tall trees. We crossed a low rock shelf on to the narrower and rougher Bimlow Tableland at 10.00 am. From here you can look through Green Wattle Saddle to Niedlow Gap. About 11.00 am we came to the “Amphitheatre”, a way down to Green Wattle Creek. The north-west walls of Bimlow Tableland are broken, fragile and exposed - we were reminded of the Red Rocks. Behind the walls The scrub is thick and creeks that flow down to the lower south-easterly . walls create deep gullies. About mid-afternoon we checked out some gaps in the walls in order to descend to Green Wattle Creek, but we were beaten by lower cliff lines. We decided to high camp. Ray and I filled one wine skin from a lone pool in a creek and David filled one from rock pools. I noticed Ray scooped out quite a trough where his tent was going and I thought FUsae may have introduced some Japanese method of sleeping: We were all pleased finally that we had camped high as the sunset over Broken Rock Range was magnificent. , First light an Monday saw us away. Our purpose was to find a slot that Phil Butt had once used to descend to Green Wattle Creek after crossing Bimlow Tableland from Lacy's Creek. The sunrise highlighted the great fog cverage over the lake. Later it illuminated the vast Green Iattle valley and we could see the whole of the massive Broken Rock Range in isolation. The going was slow, we reached a slot that exactly fitted the description given by Phil. However, David did have some worries about the map reference. The thought crossed my mind - could Phil Butt be wrong?: It proved to be a good way down:through the cliff lines and probably not used since Phil was there, as it was knee-deep in leaves. We had an early lunch on Green Wattle Creek, then climbed through a saddle underneath Black Coola an the end of Broken Rock Range. It was 4.30 pm when we reached Butcher's Creek. Of the twelve hours since we had arisen probably ten had been spent walking and we were ready to stop. We found a good flat camp spot. I noticed Ray seemed to be guarding the only ditch and I thought he was going to put his tent over it: Actually he was putting the fire there. David and I were awakened on the Tuesday morning, before 5.00 am, by that terrible sound of breaking sticks. Ray, who has an alarm watch, and seems to like getting up early, was busy with the fire. We thought we would let him get it well established,.'iowever our consciences soon forced us out as we had another long day ahead. We climbed to the Scott's Main Range road and strode out for lit.Cookem, diverging only to look at the view down the Kowmung to the Cox from Cookem Walls. Personally I find this one of the July, 1981. Page 6 THE SYDNEY BUSHULKER July, 1981. best views in the Blue Mountains. Mt. Cookem was reached at 10.00 am and we descended to the Cox. First we crossed the Kowmung then the Cox near the weir. Both rivers were high and flowing fast and we needed good Poles to retain our footing. After an early lunch we set out up White Dog and finally along Narrow Neck under 'acold purple sky soon after sunset. We had time for dinner and a couple of bottles of wine at Young's before catching the 7.20 pm train for Sydney. All of us agreed it was -one of our best walks. * * * * * * * * * * * THE PADDY PLILIN FOUNDATION - 1981 GRANTS. The Committee consisting of Wilf Hilder, Tim Lamble, Peter Harris, Colin Watson, Robert and Paddy Pallin, approved only three of this years applications to receive grants. The successful applicants were:- 1.. Federation of.Vict orian Walking Clubs $1000 towards the costs of holding an initial national conference to hopefully form a national bushwalking body from the state federations. 2. Rainforest Action Centre $500 towards administration expenses to fight the importqnt battle for retention of the remains of rainforests in N.S.W. 3. South West Tasmania Committee (N.S.W.) 31000 towarew a “Major advert. 'ising .campaign to increase public awareness”. The making of only three grants does not mean the committee considered the other applicants unworthy but in most cases funds were 'available from other sources. The committee felt strongly that members of clubs and organisations should be willing to contribute to their own smaller projects, since many of the proposals submitted were for gams that should have been easily raised within the respective groups. On the other hand, the aims of the Foundation limit the funds to be spent on conservation because the modest scope of the Foundation is unable to meet the enormous gams required in this very worthy but never-ending work. The committee considered an important area for funds to be allocated at this stage is for land to be bought suitable for bush camping. Because c)* this interest the committee has held back $5000 as a starting point. The Foundation would be pleased to' hear from organisations or persons with suggestions on this matter by June 30th 1981. There are some unallocated finds available which may also be put to this use. The committee feels any such land should be vested in the Federation of Bush Walking Clubs or similar body. Any grants from previous years that have not been claimed will be available for reallocation by the committee. Grants for 1981 should be claimed by December 31st, 1981, or will be available for reallocation. 1st May, 1981. * * * * * * * * * * * * Page THE SYDNEY BUSHULKER June, 1981. , BACKGROUND TO BUSE7ALK1NG - 1968-80 - PART II. by Jim Brown. (An abridged:version ol'-lthe 'presentation covering the Years 1968 to 1980 as played atthe 1981 Re-:union in March) Don Then We- were into 1971. Jim Research has failed to produce any big news items for this year, so we feel the following, which'thight be called hardy perenniels, can be mentioned Barbara There was a rumour in the press of a romantic attachment for Prince Charles. Bob The Vietnam war dragged an, as did th-e'Pgris-Conference, seeking a basis for peace. The usual war threats in the Middle East… Dot In April the Australian Defence Minister, a Yr. J.M. Fraser, resigned, declining to continue serving under Prime Minister John Gorton. Jim This brought down the Prime Minister, and set the said J.M. Fraser on the path to Prime Ministership…. Of course, there had to be quite a deal more under-arm bowling before that came to pass. Don This was the year the Club twice changed its residence. Barbara First, in June, we went to Anzac House, because there seemed a likelihood our old home in Reiby Place Would be demolished. Bob Then in September, when Anzac House proved unsatisfactory - no guarantee of an assured meeting night and nowhere to stow our records and equipment - we came to St. Leanards. At first the shift was not well received by some eastern and southern suburban members. Dot Tree planting continued at Coo],ana, but a bush fire wiped out the old hut which had been there at the time of the purchase. Don Myall Lakes became a major conservation target - sand miners and local land owners set on “development” were the villains. Barbara As always there were a few members who didn't do the right thing. - .1-1, scattered party on the Wollondilly left gates open and the farmers were not amused. Bob While the President, referring as delicately as possible to the unhygienic disposal of human waste, urged members to “emulate the cat”…. _ All (Song - to “Wrap me up in my tarpaulin jacket And bury me deep down below….” We agree that you can't take it with you; To burn or to bash were absurd2 But at least you can do what the cats do And be sure that each turd is interred. Dot Two trips in the Budawangs at Anzac Day came together for the Saturday night camp, where there were no less than sirby-two meabers. Page 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER June, 1981. ……. _ Bob Theriltw-ad-,1972'. Dot U.S. Prsident Nixon was elected for a second term. Jim And dialogue began between the United States and Communist China, Barbara At the Munich Olympic Games terrorists attacked some competitors; Don Various battles raged in the conservation field - there was Lake Pedder in Tasmania Bob And that was one round we lost to the spoilers. Dot Nearer at hand we heard of a power line to go through the saddle just south of Clear Hill, Jim And of a possible natural gas pipe line in the Wollongambe area. Don That last one wa6 stopped. Barbara For the first time we find mention of petrol shortages and trips cancelled for lack of wheels. Bob , One day walk was alleged to have gone through a patch of hakea “to prove it wasn't impenetrable”. Jim- At the Reunion at Macarthur's Flat, the newly elecged President was seen hurrying around with a can of kerosene, proposing to light the campfire “with a small girl”. Bob That was .me. I'd got tired of rubbing together the oldest and newest members. Don Came 1273. Barbara In the Middle East the “Yom Kippur” war - Israel versus the Rest - with a narrow win to the Israelis. Jim . An agreement reached over South Vietnam, and the withdrawal of the half-million U.S. and Allied troops began. Bob The oil-producing countries got together, and in 1973-74 there were huge increases in petroleum prices. Dot In October the Sydney Opera House was opened. .Don A very wet year wasn't confined to Sydney. A S.B.W. party in the Macdonnell Ranges, Central Australia, was washed out by a flash flood one wintry dawn. Dot The Water Board told us completion of the Tallowa Dam would inundate about 16 acres at Coolana. In compensation they offered a bushy 27-acre block plus $700 cash We accepted. Jim As we planted trees .at Coolana the Water Board cut down the trees on the river banks. Bob A walking party on the Nattai found a signed and uncrossed cheque for more than $200 lying on the trail they tore it up. Don Access to the Budawangs via Sassafras was closed by the Army, oatendibly because of unexploded shells and bombs towards Folly Point. Page 9 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Jtine,, 1981. Dot But we noted that timber millers were still using the trail. _ Barbara And:we .didn't really believe the authorities felt that timber cutters were expendable, and bush walkers were not. Jim At the August General Meeting there was no Social Report - the Social Sec on holidays; no Walks Report - the Walks Sec's boss had appendicitis, his child had measles and his car a broken crankshaft'. Dot Even more convincing - no Treasurer's Report - the Treasurer was having a baby. Bob 1974 followed. Don A new political regime in Portugal freed its colonial possessions, leading to strife in some African ex-colonies and later in Timor. .Barbara ' New Guinea secured its independence. ;…. President Nixon “abdicted” following the Watergate Scandal. (This item was missed from the script for the Reunion performance) Jim The Club year began with an assault on a prospective member - the aggressor a pugilistic kangaroo at Era. Dot Another soggy year, with heavy rain from January through to July. Don That with high water in-rivers and overgrown tracks, a party on the Grose River in March reached their destination at Faulconbridge at 2.0 am an Monday, after an eighteen-hour day. Barbara Winter gales stripped most of the sand from south coast beaches. Bob And more petrol shortages….this was becoming the recurring decimal. Barbara And next, 12.75.. Jim International tensions seamed to focus an South-east Asia, where North Vietnam quickly overwhelmed the South, and the infamous Pol Pot government took control in Campuchea. Dot While Indonesia intervened in former Portuguese Timor. Bob In the Australian political scene, November 11 assumed a new significance.. Refused monetary “supply” by a hostile Upper House, the Whitlam -Labour Government was in difficulties, and was ousted by act of ths Governor General. Don Metrication of weights and measures was proceeding. Jim A party in Davies Canyon reported members had to jump 50 ft into a pool: within a month the boast was challenged by a Jerrara Creek party claiming 60 ft. Bob Those measurements are much. more impressive than 15 or 18 metres. Dot In April it was decided to build a shelter at Coolana, with George Gray as architect, consulting engineer, builder and works foreman - Quite a Pooh Bah contract. Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSEWAIKER June, 1981. IM=1~ Don Shoalhaven Shire sent us a massive document “Requirements for a dwelling”; To which we replied “No dwelling….just a shelter”. Barbara We protested against a Council plot to establish a garbage dump on the hill above Coolana. Bob In conservation, a triumph over proposals to rip up the native forest on Boyd Plateau for pine plantations. Dot In May it was reported of a party coming up to Evans Lookout after a Blue Gum trip that “two prospectives didn't make it”. Don What happened to them? Dot The leader didn't say. I hope the lyre birds covered them with leaves like the Babes in the Woods. Barbara And in the report for one weekend, it was claimed Claustral Canyon was too wet to negotiete and the Cox River too low for a li-b trip. Ail (SONG) To “Rock my Saul….” So dry you can't go li-loing, So wet you can't go canyoning, No gas to go out motoring - I'm staying at home. Too hot to go bushwalking, Too bleak for downhill ski-ing, Rail strike, there's no trains running - I'm staying at home. Frayed rope - can't go abseiling, Lost my torch, -I-can't go caving, Sunday night will find me raving - I'm staying at home. Jim Let's press on to 1976. Bob In June a hi-jacked French airplane landed at Entebe in Uganda. When the monstrous Idi Amin dallied over release of the hostages, the Israelis mounted an airborne assault that released the luckless people with minimal loss of life. Don Jimmy Carter was elected U.S. President. Dot The death of Chairman Mao allowed some reform in the style of
government in China.
Barbara More recent reports make one wonder if Mao is now looked on as the fifth column of the gang of four. Jim At Soweto, Johannesburg, negro demonstrators came under gunfire. Bob Conservationists saw logging the Border Ranges as part of the
ugly face of the timber industry. A lot more was to follow on the score of cutting in rain forests.
Don Anyone who was anyone in S.B.17. was in India that year. You could hardly walk the streets of Delhi without being jostled by a Bushie.
Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKffi June, 1981.
pot One was shipped home with a suspected heart condition - all a mistake.
Barbara A magazine story begins 117e entered India as illegal immigrants…“
Jim There were only two reasons zhey were not slapped into the Black Hole of Calcutta… (1) Surah-ud-Dowlah had died about 200 years before and (2) They were a long way. from Calcutta and the trains were too crowded.
Bob In April founding member Jack Debert died, aged 76.
Don Amongst the more rugged trips was one where the party arrived home Tuesday after being cut off at Barrallier by the flooded Wollondilly. Their escape route involved a 16 km walk to Wombeyan Caves and thel.hire of taxis for a 200 km drive via
Goulburn and Berrima tb the .River.
Jim The Club's first toreador was in action doing a bull-dogging act with an intractable bull in the Grose valley.
Bob Further dOW.n an even more intractable land-owner refused the same party passage across his'propertY.
Bob%
Don) (SONG) To Toreador's Song .. Carmen.
'T8iador;?walking down the Grose, Dori67be'fverbose
Or comatose.
need,' all yours wits about you to defeat 'Farmers or bulls ydii may meet.;
But-you'll be eVermore
Our own- Victor -.
Our lone Toreador.
TO 'BE CONTINUED.
XXX
SO.CT4L NOTES FOR AUGUST.
by Peter Miller.
August 19th ARCTIC DOINGS (Slides aria Films).
Dot Butler will show slides and two filns on canoeing the Yukon and climbing in Norway and Lapland. This will be a very interesting
evening showing areas visited by few club members.
DINNER before the meeting will be held at Chehades Lebanese Restaurant, 270 Pacific Highway, Crows Nest, at 6.30 pm.
August 26th MUSICAL EVENING - THE SCRUB-BASHERS. i,
The ,Scrub-bashers will sing us some of the new songs:they have been practising. There will be musical items by'membersof the group who will also accompany the singers.
If any other club members would l*e-to-conttlqate musical items they will be most welcome. Please contact the Social Secretary.
I BUS HWALK ERS
ILightweight Tents Sleeping Bags Rucksacks Climbing & Caving Gear Maps Clothing Boots Food. . . CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Large Tents Stoves Lamps- Folding Furniture. I
DISTRIBUTORS OF:
Paddymade Karrimor Berghaus Hallmark Bergans Caribee Fairydown Silva Primus Companion and all leading brands.
Proprietors: Jack & Nancy Fox Sales Manager: David Fox
Rowe Street
EASTWOOD CANVAS GOODS & CAMPING SUPPLIES 3 Ti viaWn(ly St lastwooxl NSW 2122 Phone. 8b8 2775
Rutledge Street
Page 13 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July, 1981.
0111
THE JITNE GAL MEETING.
%-
by:Barry Wallace.
The clock lounged at an angle of 2020 hours,the President ,lounged in “The Chair”, and about 15 or so members sat bolt upright when' :Lie rang the gang and called for what is loosely termed order.,
There were no apologies. New member Karl Ley- rOma:1- failed to present
himself, but Mary Unwin answered her call and was welObmed,intothe, Club.
We also took the opportunity of welcoming James Field who had been unable to be present at a previous G.M.
The Minutes were read and received, with no business arising. Correspondence comprised outgoing letters to ihe_LandsOffice in NOwra regarding a reduction in the area of our permissive ,a6oupanoy at Coolana,
to the N.P.W.S. regarding the Plan oflianagement for,,McirtonNational Park
(penned by the Conservation Secretary) and to our-new'M'embers. We received
letters from: Chris Percy advising of-her move to Broken Hill, Colin Broad
advising on status of Coolana account fands-as ClUb property:, Australia Post
advising changes to requirements for bulk postage and Paddy Pallin Foundation advising on grants for 1980-91.
The Treasurer's-Report indicated a starting balance of $2091.17,
Income of $609.50, Expenditure of $348.00 and a closing balance of '2352.67. The ,Coolana account balance was unchanged at $50.10..
7
Our captive Federation Delegate (Peter Franks) adVised:Ahat the last meeting had been brief, and covered only routine matters.
All of which was mere preamble to the event of the evening - - the Walks Report. John Redfern opened the whole thing by repotting that his Boyd Trail to Kanangra via East Christie's Creek had been a good walk despite some minor navigational difficulties. There were 13 members, 5 prospectives and 2 visitors, who kept trying to hand. in their tickets. The other weekend trip was Ian Debert's Megalong Valley-triP'…_ :When 9 'members, one prospective and one visitor turned out for the occasion, Ian lengthened the walk in order not to disappoint such a crowd. There was no report of Peter. Christian's walk from Leura:to Katoomba, but Jim Brown had 16 members and one prospective on his Watrfall to Lilyvale trip on what was described as a good day. There was no report on David Cotton's Bee Walk.
The following weekend, 22,23,24 May saw Tony Masshall keeping his powder dry by driving all the way in to Yerranderie and staging an easy weekend with a party of 7. Gordon Lee's Camping Made Easy trip failed to attract starters. There was no report of Peter Christian's.Sunday walk to. Bluegum, but Sheila Binns' Waterfall through -Waterfall –CO Audley attracted 8 starters for a ver-ry wet trip. Two people dropped out or sank during lunch, one climbed to higher ground atHeathcote and the survivors struggled out to Loftus and the train – in rain - Trom Spain.
Peter Harris had 5 starters an his Budawang Wilderness trip an 29,50,31 ',May, one of whom required hospital treatment after a falling-rock-type mishap. The Peter Miller bicycle trip was reduced to a rather wet Sunday
Page 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER July, 1981.
trip with an unknown number .of _starters.. _John Newman was unable to lead his Otford to Lilyvale Sunday walk and one can only suspect he had inside information. Jim Brown was substitute leader of 20 people in rain, rain,
rain. The twelve who opted out at lunch were joined by the remainder of
the party on the early train home. Joe Marton led 5 members and two tirospectives on his Waterfall to Lilyvale jaunt in the same rain. They
net Jim Brown's party on the early train and were able to compare notes on
the wild leeches of the area.
The following weekend, 5,6,7 June saw David Rostron and 4 others Competing (?) in his Mittagong to Katoomba'4-day trip. They reported some rain on the Saturday and herds of Troos in the Wollondilly area. Ian Debert's
Yerranderie base camp had 6 members and one prospective, and they reported - snow, sun, rain and fireworks, although not necessarily in that order. On the Monday they returned to Sydney via Wombeyan Caves. Peter Ftanks' trip from Newnes did not go.
The Coolana Committee Report brought news that the land swap for our ” front entrance area is now complete. The National Trust, in a response to our request for monies from the Marie Byles Estate to purchase contiguous land parcels, has offered to buy up our permissive occupancy and lease it back to us. The Committee believe that our per. occ. is secure as it is and recommend against accepting the offer. Our rates notices require correction yet again. . George Gray has been asked to check out problems with the Coolana water supply and a large scale contour map of the property is to be obtained.
Of General Business there was none, so once the announcements were done with, the President closed the meeting, for he was so inclined, at an angle of 2059 hours.
* * * * * * * * * * *
CHANGES TO DAY WALKS. SuncI.ay 2nd August. Leader: DAVID INGRAM.-
M1120– East Manto - George's River - Bushwalkers Basin -Mint. EASY. 13 km.
Transport arrangements: 9.04 am Riverstone train Central Electric - LidcoMbe.
CHANGE AT LIDCOMBE: 9.29 am Campbelltown train to Minto. Tickets - Mini fare to Minto.
ZDNMAY, 30th August. Leader: JIM PERCY.
7Not Saturday 29t0.
- WATERFALL - Engadine- 13 km. MEMUM.
Train: 8.06 am Electric. (Note new train time),,
FOUND: A colour slide of the Opera House, with a green sticker 64, was found after the last Members' Slide Night. Apply to Don Cornell.