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Resort was then had to the river, where bathing, liloing and canoeing were as popular as ever. Here the conversation turned naturally to health food (can anyone remember __any__ bushwalk or other S.B.W. function in which the main topic isn't food?). Marcia Shappert suggested that recipes for favourite bushwalking foods should be published in the magazine, one of which could be her bran bread, an offer which she followed up with a large sample chunk, which drew much appreciation from all taste-testers. The idea seems a good one, and other recipes are sought of foods which are suitable in one way or another for bushwalking. What about toasted muesli, marinaded steaks and the like? Please send them in - we'd love to try them. And it isn't necessary in every instance to send a sample. | Resort was then had to the river, where bathing, liloing and canoeing were as popular as ever. Here the conversation turned naturally to health food (can anyone remember __any__ bushwalk or other S.B.W. function in which the main topic isn't food?). Marcia Shappert suggested that recipes for favourite bushwalking foods should be published in the magazine, one of which could be her bran bread, an offer which she followed up with a large sample chunk, which drew much appreciation from all taste-testers. The idea seems a good one, and other recipes are sought of foods which are suitable in one way or another for bushwalking. What about toasted muesli, marinaded steaks and the like? Please send them in - we'd love to try them. And it isn't necessary in every instance to send a sample. | ||
- | Another | + | Another |
On the way up from the river we paused to admire the new tank which collects rain from the roof. Prepared by Wayne Steele and friends with an impressive array of bolts, the tank was recently brought in and installed by George Gray and Gordon Lee. Given a few heavy showers the tank should be able to supply enough water for any number of people camping in the area even if the creek dries up. A most useful acquisition. | On the way up from the river we paused to admire the new tank which collects rain from the roof. Prepared by Wayne Steele and friends with an impressive array of bolts, the tank was recently brought in and installed by George Gray and Gordon Lee. Given a few heavy showers the tank should be able to supply enough water for any number of people camping in the area even if the creek dries up. A most useful acquisition. | ||
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The Colong Committee commissioned Michael Bell to draw up a Washpool National Park proposal, and Roger Lembit, Federation Conservation Secretary, to draw up plans for extension of Barrington Tops National Park. The FBW has been asked to contribute towards the cost of the Barrington proposal. The cabinet rainforest sub-committee will now have before it specific proposals for the reservation of the four largest rainforest areas - the Border Ranges, Washpool, Hastings and Barrington. | The Colong Committee commissioned Michael Bell to draw up a Washpool National Park proposal, and Roger Lembit, Federation Conservation Secretary, to draw up plans for extension of Barrington Tops National Park. The FBW has been asked to contribute towards the cost of the Barrington proposal. The cabinet rainforest sub-committee will now have before it specific proposals for the reservation of the four largest rainforest areas - the Border Ranges, Washpool, Hastings and Barrington. | ||
- | In October last year the World Heritage Council listed 11 new World Heritage sites. Three of these are in Australia. Kakadu was chosen because it possesses | + | In October last year the World Heritage Council listed 11 new World Heritage sites. Three of these are in Australia. Kakadu was chosen because it possesses |
In the U.S. the Sierra Club presented a petition carrying more than a million signatures to the U.S. Senate, calling on Congress to replace Interior Secretary James Watt and resist the anti-environmental legislation of the Reagan Government. The campaign appears to have inspired Watt's surprise statement on February 21st in which he announced that the Reagan administration will seek legislation to ban energy and mineral development in the Nation' | In the U.S. the Sierra Club presented a petition carrying more than a million signatures to the U.S. Senate, calling on Congress to replace Interior Secretary James Watt and resist the anti-environmental legislation of the Reagan Government. The campaign appears to have inspired Watt's surprise statement on February 21st in which he announced that the Reagan administration will seek legislation to ban energy and mineral development in the Nation' | ||
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---- | ---- | ||
+ | ===== New Zealand Memories. ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Patrick McBride. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The calm evening air was filled with flying insects of all types, ranging from swarms of tiny gnats to fluttering half-size grey butterflies. Seated by a hot fire in woollen clothing I was led to reflect that, despite my impression of the ambient temperature, | ||
+ | |||
+ | I was sitting alone now, drinking in the spectacular beauty of this glen in its evening garb and waiting to see if the soft silver of moonlight would reveal a new aspect. Spiro had finally given up the strain of focussing on his current paperback fiction and followed the other members of the party (Wendy Lippiat, Wayne Steele and Bill Capon) to tents and sleeping bags. The air was quite still and Turnbull Thomson Falls, one kilometre upstream, provided a background murmur. Nearer to hand Kitchener Creek, deflected by the grassy promontory on which we were camped, whispered its tale of tussock and glacier. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The past day had been good fun but a bit of a circus. Embarrassing too, in that Sisyphus is considered a tramper' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Perhaps this minor repulse heralded greater things to come, as had been the case earlier when our brush with Mount Jumbo had finished in wet retreat? | ||
+ | |||
+ | We had trekked up 1300 metres of loose scree gully from Jumboland Flats with the object of crossing directly to the Albert Burn and after some scrambly route-finding managed to gain a small top beside Mount Jumbo. From this vantage point, bodies braced against the wind and eyes half closed against the fine rain, we peered down a very sporting knife edge ridge which led to white unknowns in the swirling mist. At this time the leader acknowledged what the party had been in various degrees advocating for the last 600 metres; a return to the seductive greenness of the Wilkin Flats would bring greater delights than any matching of the challenge posed by the crossing into Albert Burn. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following five days were spent exploring the upper Wilkin Valley which we would otherwise have missed and which proved a princely compensation. At Top Forks Hut I could hardly concentrate on my evening game of chess with Spiro as my eyes were drawn to the incredible peaks of Castor and Pollux sparkling 1900 metres above us. Following up the North Branch had brought the excitement of ice floe hopping on a glacial lake where surrounding grey scree slopes and bare, moisture-blackened rock provided a setting of antarctic starkness. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Suddenly the grass beside the camp blazed silver against the backdrop of shadow-darkened forest. Tatters of mist about the top of Sisyphus had parted to reveal the friendly disc of the near-full moon and in moments the whole valley was bathed in light. None of the daytime grandeur was lost. The sweep of the 1600 metre Kitchener Cirque was now like another dimension above, too remote for mortals, a playground of the gods. Round to the north, ice cliffs and snow slopes on the ridge leading to Fastness shone clear and bright over black rock, their soft luminosity holding the eyes with a gentle enticement so much more appealing than the glare of sunlight. At last the tiredness from a day's tramping in the mountains could be held at bay no longer, and slow steps led to a tent already sparkling with dew, and one final gaze back. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Three days later we were tramping uphill beside Hester Pinney Creek, boots wet from crossing the East Matukituki and our camp below at Junction Flat still in the blueness of early morning shadow. Ours was the only movement in this sombre world of moss and tree trunks. For all their luxuriant greenness of ferns and epiphytes, temperate rainforests are faunal deserts. Not even the air was stirring and one could sense eddies and ripples being created by our passing. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Abruptly we reached the treeline and after winding through a few scrubby outliers found ourselves in open country. Crossing the ecotone between forest and alpine grassland was always a landmark of practical if rather prosaic import since only the former is habitat for sandflies. High country brought the party relief from sandflies and the leader relief from complaints about sandflies. Several trip members were a bit paranoid about these insects even though it was only once, at the last camp in Fiordland, that sandflies were numerous enough to constitute a nuisance. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Long easy ridges now led upwards in graceful undulations, | ||
+ | |||
+ | From near the top the view was breathtaking. Far below was our home at Junction Flat, a green triangle held by ribbons of translucent turquoise. Two lone beech trees growing near the centre of the flat proclaimed their enterprise and character. I thought of the relief map used as a display at Aspiring National Park Headquarters - if only the leaden-souled tourists shambling around that clay image could see the scintillating colours and Olympian scale of the real country they would cast off their coats of lethargy and dance to the hills. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The ridge flowed smoothly down to Albert Burn saddle, a garden path of crushed slate from which protruded scattered tufts of grass and herbs steadfastly persisting in their efforts to colonise this barren ground. Some snow leads remained from last week's fall, blushing pink in patches where algae had multiplied on the surface. From the saddle the Albert Burn stood revealed as a beautiful classic glacier valley, a grassy paradise eminently suited to trampers and I resolved to sample its glories on a future trip. | ||
+ | |||
+ | While ambling downwards the idea came to bathe in one of the tarns we had passed coming up - the day was too good to hurry back to camp. The others made some excuse about washing in the Matuki and continued on. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reclining on the softness of sun-warmed tussock I could see across the reflections in the tarn to a panorama of snow and rock. Mount Aspiring easily dominated all the other peaks, well deserving the poetry of its name. To the north one mountain was in soft contrast to all the craggy summits; Glacier Dome, a mound of shining ice capped by a tiny knob of rock. From time to time small avalanches of snow and rocks produced by the sun's heat would echo hollowly across the valley, sometimes discernible to the eye but more often on a hidden face or blended with a ribbon waterfall. I closed my eyes to fix the image and drew in a slow breath of the warm scented air. This was the real New Zealand that I would return to again and again. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== The Annual General Meeting. ===== | ||
- | NEW ZEALAND MEMORIES.April, | ||
- | ..... .., | ||
- | The calm evening air was filled with flying insects of all types, ranging from swarms of tiay gnats to fluttering half-size grey buttetflies. ------ Seated by a hot fire in woollen clothing I was led to reflect that, despite. . | ||
- | NjAy impression of the ambient temperature, | ||
- | by an6ircling walls. For us in January 1982 the days blazed lOng and golden, before easing to a slow twilight that left enough brightness in the sky to | ||
- | read fine print at 10 pm. | ||
- | I was sitting alone now, drinking in the spectacular beauty of this | ||
- | glen in its evening garb and waiting to see if the soft silver of moonlight | ||
- | would reveal a new aspect. Spiro had finally given up the strain of focussing on his current paperback fiction and followed the other members of the- party (Wendy Lippiat, Wayne Steele and Bill Capon) to tents and ' | ||
- | The air was quite still and Turnbull Thomson Falls, one kilometre upstream, | ||
- | provided a backgraund murmur. Neardt to hand Kitchener Cre6k, deflected by the grassy promontory on which we were camped, whispered its tale of tussock and glacier. | ||
- | The past day had-been good fan but a bit of a circus. Embarrassing too, in that Sisyphus is considered a tramper' | ||
- | for a Pritikin dieter: However my cringing stomach was soon forgotten as the fabulous view -unfold0d. MOuri- ...Aaiiiriiig-St-ood. proud and. regal over a world of snowfields and glaciers which -hitherto we ,had only seen as white walls atop the Kitchener CirqUe. | ||
- | . Perhaps this minorrepulse heralded greater. things to come, as had been the case earlier when our brush With Mount- Jumbo 'had finished in wet tetreat? | ||
- | We had trekked up 1300 metres of loose scree gully from Jumboland Flats with the object of crossing directly to the Albert Burn and after some scrambly route-finding managed to gain a small 'top beside Mount Jumbo. | ||
- | prom this vantage point, bodies braced against the wind and eyes half closed against the fine Tain, .we peered down a very sporting knife edge ridge which led to white unknowns in the swirling mist. At this time the leader acknowledged what the party had been in various degrees advocating for the last 600 metres; a return to the seductive greenness of the Makin Flats would bring greater del;ights than any matching of. the challenge Dosed by the crossing into Allprt Burn. | ||
- | The following fIVO, | ||
- | Page 9 THE SYDNEY MEM= April, 1982. | ||
- | 1.41.1.111.1m1111m1MIONIMI.MmINI=100FM, | ||
- | sparkling 1900 metres above us. Following up the North Branch had brought the excitement of ice floe hoPping on a glacial lake where surrounding grey | ||
- | scree slopes and bare, moisture-blackened rock provided a setting of | ||
- | antarctic starkness. | ||
- | , | ||
- | Suddenly the grass beside the camp, blazed silver against the backdrop | ||
- | of shadow-darkened forest. Tatters ,of mist about the top of Sisyphus had | ||
- | parted to reveal the friendly disc of the near-full moon and in moments the whole valley was bathed in light. None of the daytime grandeur was lost.' | ||
- | The sweep of the 1600 metre Kitchener ,Cirque was now like another dimension | ||
- | above, too remote for mortals, a playground of the gods. Round to the-noth, | ||
- | ice cliffs and snow slopes on the ridge leading to Fastness shone clear and | ||
- | bright over black rock, their soft luminosity, holding the eyes with a gentle | ||
- | enticement so much more appealing than the glare of sunlight. At last the tiredness from a day's tramping in the mountains could be held at bay no longer, and slow steps led to a tent already sparkling with dew, and one | ||
- | final gaze back. | ||
- | Three days later we were tramping uphill beside Hester Pinney Creek, | ||
- | boots wet from crossing the East Matukituki and our camp below at Junction | ||
- | Flat' still in the blueness of early morning shadow. Ours was the only moveMent in this sombre world of moss and tree trunks. For all their luxuriant greenness of ferns and epiphytes, temperate rainforests are faunal | ||
- | deserts. Not even the air was stirring and one could sense eddies and Fipples being ' | ||
- | , Abruptly we reached the treeline and after winding through a few scrubby outliers fauna ourselves in open country. Crossing the ecotone between forest and alpine grassland was always a landmark of practical if rather prosaic import since only the former is habitat for sandflies. High country brought the party relief fram.sandflies and the leader relief from | ||
- | Oomplaints about sandflies. Several-trip meMbers were a bit paranoid about these insects even though it was only once, at the last camp in Fiordland, | ||
- | that sandflies were numerous enough to constitute a nuisance. | ||
- | Long easy ridges now led upwards in graceful undulations, | ||
- | From near the top the view was breathtaking. Far below was our .home | ||
- | at Junction Flat, a green triangle held by ribbons of translucent turquoise. | ||
- | Two lone beech trees growing near the centre of the flat proclaimed their | ||
- | enterprise and character. I thought of the relief map used as a display | ||
- | at Aspiring National Park Headquarters - if only the leaden-souled tourists shambling around that clay image could see the scintillating colours and | ||
- | Page 10 Er.: SYDNEY BIISHWALKER April, | ||
- | ..... | ||
- | plympian scale of the real country they would cast off their coats of lethargy and dance to the hills. | ||
- | The ridge flowed smoothly down to Albert Burn saddle, a garden path of crushed slate from which protruded scattered tufts of grass and herbs steadfastly persisting in their efforts to colonise this barren ground. Some snow leads remained from last week's fall, bluahing pink in patches where algae had multiplied on the surface. From the saddle the Albert | ||
- | Burn stood revealed as a beautiful classic glacier valley, a grassy paradise eminently suited to trampers and I resolved to sample its glories on a - future trip. | ||
- | While ambling downwards the idea came to bathe in one of the tarns we had passed coming up - the day was too good to hurry back to camp. The | ||
- | others made some excuse about washing in the Matuki and continued on. | ||
- | Reclining on the softness of sun-warmed tussock I could see across the | ||
- | reflections in the tarn to a panorama of snow and rock. Mount Aspiring | ||
- | easily dominated all the other peaks, well deserving the poetry of its name. | ||
- | To the north one mountain was in soft contrast to all the craggy summits; Glacier Dome, a mound of shining ice capped by a tiny knob of rock. From | ||
- | time to time small avalanches of snow and rocks produced by the sun's heat would echo hollowly across the valley, sometimes discernible to the eye but more often on a hidden face or blended with a ribbon waterfall. I closed | ||
- | niy eyes to fix the image and drew in a slow breath of the warm scented air. This was the real New Zealand that I would return to again and again. | ||
- | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * | ||
- | 'ilih ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING. | ||
by Barry Wallace. | by Barry Wallace. | ||
+ | |||
The times were a little out of joint my friends, for there for collection were copies of the Annual Report. It seems there was not time for them to be mailed out, so they were held for collection. | The times were a little out of joint my friends, for there for collection were copies of the Annual Report. It seems there was not time for them to be mailed out, so they were held for collection. | ||
- | Nonetheless, | + | |
- | members present to order at around 2009 hours. | + | Nonetheless, |
The Minutes of the previous general meeting were read with no business arising. | The Minutes of the previous general meeting were read with no business arising. | ||
- | Correspondence brought letters from Mary Unwin regarding the Washpool | + | |
- | State Forest enclosing a letter from the Minister for Planning and the Environment on the subject, from the-South-West Tasmania | + | Correspondence brought letters from Mary Unwin regarding the Washpool State Forest enclosing a letter from the Minister for Planning and the Environment on the subject, from the South-West Tasmania |
- | of a "No Dams" rally, from Kath Brown proposing the creation of a position | + | |
- | of " | + | The Annual Reports were then formally presented, and after a three minute reading period, taken as read. The Financial Report was presented and adopted with some passing queries about magazine covers and investments. So then we had reached the glorious moment of - "the suspension |
- | and circulars. | + | |
- | The Annual Reports were then formally presented, and after a three | + | |
- | minute reading period, taken as read. The Financial Report was presented | + | |
- | and adopted with some passing queries about magazine | + | |
- | Page 11 THE SIDNEY BUSHWAIKER April, | + | |
- | cf such of the Standing Orders as would permit the election of officers to proceed concurrently with the business of the meeting" | + | |
You all know who was elected to what, it was in last month' | You all know who was elected to what, it was in last month' | ||
+ | |||
The Treasurer' | The Treasurer' | ||
- | Federation Report indicated that that organisation is examining a | + | |
- | proposal to take out collective-insurance | + | Federation Report indicated that that organisation is examining a proposal to take out collective insurance |
- | an audio visual presentation on the Washpool Wilderness is available, that | + | |
- | the F.B.W. Re-union will be held an the Shoaihaven, that there will be a | + | In a break with tradition, the Walks Report began with a report of David Rostron' |
- | S. & R. abseiling instructional weekend held 20,21 March, a S. & R. exercise over 3,4 April and a ' | + | |
- | Federation conservation report brought mention of proposed roads in the Apsley Wilderness, a study to be undertaken on the Barrington Tops area and a request from Span Unlimited for permission to place a memorial plaque near | + | The following weekend 19,20,21 February saw Wayne Steele' |
- | the Camels Hump access route to Claustral Canyon. | + | |
- | In a break with tradition, the Walks Report began with a report of | + | There was another Jim Percy trip the weekend of 26,27,28 February. Ian Debert led that one, with 12 starters enjoying the luxury of Coolana. Charlie |
- | David RostronIsM(mmag | + | |
- | The following weekend 19,20,21 February saw Wayne Steele' | + | |
- | There was another Jim Percy trip the weekend of 26,27,28 February. Ian Debert led that one, with 12 starters enjoying the luxury of Coolana. Charlie | + | |
Over the weekend of 5,6,7 March Tony Marshall reported low river conditions for the five people who attended his Kangaroo River trip, whilst Bob Hodgson cancelled his second attempt on the Cess Pit Canyon. Gordon Lee had four people on his rock climbing day on the Saturday and 12 people on the Sunday abseiling instructional. Meryl Watman reported 7 people on her Heathcote to Waterfall walk, finishing the walk at 1405; and the Walks Report. | Over the weekend of 5,6,7 March Tony Marshall reported low river conditions for the five people who attended his Kangaroo River trip, whilst Bob Hodgson cancelled his second attempt on the Cess Pit Canyon. Gordon Lee had four people on his rock climbing day on the Saturday and 12 people on the Sunday abseiling instructional. Meryl Watman reported 7 people on her Heathcote to Waterfall walk, finishing the walk at 1405; and the Walks Report. | ||
- | Meanwhile, back at the ranch; the elctions | + | |
- | .111Dr | + | Meanwhile, back at the ranch; the elections |
- | April, 1982. | + | |
- | TETE SYLviEY.BUSIIT | + | Then there was a motion of thanks to the retiring committee, carried by acclamation, |
- | Page 12 | + | |
- | of Annual Subs raged to and fro, and back again. At one stage the meeting passed a motion which was subsequently ruled invalid under the Constitution. I guess we got it right, in the end. | + | ---- |
- | Then there was a motion of thanks to the retiring committee, carried | + | |
- | by acclamation, | + | ===== A Tree Falls In The Blue Gum. ===== |
- | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | | + | |
by Jim Brown. | by Jim Brown. | ||
- | Somewhere recently - and it may have been in the Federation supplement which often accompanies the magazine - I read that most of the mature trees | + | |
- | in Blue Gum Forest are of similar age, and that the day would cone when quite a big portion of the trees would die simultaneously. | + | Somewhere recently - and it may have been in the Federation supplement which often accompanies the magazine - I read that most of the mature trees in Blue Gum Forest are of similar age, and that the day would cone when quite a big portion of the trees would die simultaneously. |
- | I was reminded of this a few days ago when passing one week-day | + | |
- | noon through the Forest. It was flat calm - not a puff of wind in the valley - and several days since the idrevious | + | I was reminded of this a few days ago when passing one week-day |
- | culminating in a thunderous crash. Looking in the direction of the noise | + | |
- | T could see flying leaves and.fragments of bark. | + | A little later I explored. A large tree, but not one of the very largest in the forest, had evidently been rotten at the base. I don't think the decay would have been evident to a casual observer. At all events, it had suddenly shattered and fallen, and its trunk had became entangled with branches of a smaller tree, which had also been uprooted and shattered. The ground around for thirty or forty metres was covered with broken branches, |
- | A little later I exploced. A large tree, but not one of the very largest in the forest, had evidently been rotten at the base. I don't think the decay would have been evident to a casual observer. At all events, it had suddenly shattered and fallen, and its trunk had became entangled with branches of a smaller tree, which had also been uprooted and shattered. The ground around for thirty or forty metres was covered with broken branches, | + | |
- | Of course, camping in Blue Gum Forest has been prohibited by the Parks | + | Of course, camping in Blue Gum Forest has been prohibited by the Parks & Wildlife Service for some years, but judging from the recent fireplaces and collections of firewood, the ban is neither observed nor strictly policed. On other grounds, however, it seems that it may be wise to refrain from camping in an area where quite a colony of trees may be approaching the end of their normal life span. |
- | & Wildlife Service for some years, but judging from the recent fireplaces and collections of firewood, the ban is neither observed nor strictly policed. On other grounds, however, it seems that it may be wise to refrain from camping in an area where quite a colony of trees may be approaching the end of their normal life span. | + | |
- | XXXXXXXXXXX* | + | ---- |
- | Page 13 THE SYDN:EY BUSHWALICER April, | + | |
- | PROPOSED EXPEDITION TO THE SOUTH-WEST CORNER OF FIORDLAND NATIONAL PAR/c, NEff ZEALAND - FEBRUARY-'83. | + | ===== Proposed Expedition To The South-West Corner Of Fiordland National Park, New Zealand |
- | (Cascade Cove, Dusky' | + | |
- | . by Peter Harris. | + | === (Cascade Cove, Dusky Sound - Chalky Inlet) |
- | . The south-west corner of Fiordland National Park is a remote alpine wilderness, little visited by trampers and climbers. The peaks rise to about 49500 metres above a myriad of glacial lakes and deep, wild river valleys. It is an area which pits the human soul against some of nature' | + | |
- | lifetime-lasting memory of rocky ramparts, | + | by Peter Harris. |
- | survival against the combined wild elements of torrential rain and snow, | + | |
- | electrical thunderstorms which split peaks asunder, and the human element of maintaining high morale against countless natural difficulties. | + | The south-west corner of Fiordland National Park is a remote alpine wilderness, little visited by trampers and climbers. The peaks rise to about 4,500 metres above a myriad of glacial lakes and deep, wild river valleys. It is an area which pits the human soul against some of nature' |
The criteria for survival is impeccable planning and research, time, physical fitness, experience in extended walking trips to remote wilderness, and continuation of a high morale at all times and on all occasions. | The criteria for survival is impeccable planning and research, time, physical fitness, experience in extended walking trips to remote wilderness, and continuation of a high morale at all times and on all occasions. | ||
- | In February 1980, four of us successfully completed a difficult first crossing from Lake Manapouri to Cascade Cove, Dusky Sound, via the peaks of the Heath Mountains, Dark Cloud Range and Evans Range. We successfully | + | |
- | accomplished the first traverse of the Evans Range including the first ascent | + | In February 1980, four of us successfully completed a difficult first crossing from Lake Manapouri to Cascade Cove, Dusky Sound, via the peaks of the Heath Mountains, Dark Cloud Range and Evans Range. We successfully accomplished the first traverse of the Evans Range including the first ascent of Mt. Evans, and the third ascent of Mt. Sparrman (first climbed in 1773 by Anders Sparrman from Captn. James Cook's " |
- | of Mt. Evans, and the third ascent of Mt. Sparrman (first climbed in 1773 by | + | |
- | Anders Sparrman from Captn. James Cook's " | + | It is proposed to conduct a second expedition to this area, commencing after a flight to Cascade Cove, and pre-placement of food deposits in several |
- | of a forward route made the trip more demanding. The region of complete | + | |
- | and total spiritual bliss was discovered in the Evans Range, and in the many | + | |
- | glacial lakes to the south (towards Preservation Inlet and Chalky Sound). | + | |
- | It is proposed to conduct a second expedition to this area, commencing | + | |
- | after a flight to Cascade Cove, and pre-placement of food deposits in several | + | |
- | this wild remote wilderness with all its magnificent natural features. It will involve walking only; there will be nO technical climbing involved. | + | |
Initially it is proposed that the activity will occur over a three-week period in Feb/March 1983, since the weather is most stable at this time of year. All participants will assist with the planning and preparation which should start by June, 1982. | Initially it is proposed that the activity will occur over a three-week period in Feb/March 1983, since the weather is most stable at this time of year. All participants will assist with the planning and preparation which should start by June, 1982. | ||
- | Participation is invited from members of the Sydney Bush Walkers who | + | |
- | desire to visit one of the most beautiful wilderness areas on earth. There | + | Participation is invited from members of the Sydney Bush Walkers who desire to visit one of the most beautiful wilderness areas on earth. There probably won't be a second chance! Exposure to forceful natural |
- | probably won't be a second chance! Exposure to forcefulnnatural | + | |
- | and the necessity to maintain a high morale require that the walk be graded. | + | Should you wish to participate, |
- | hard; however because of pre-placed food drops and a high frequency of | + | |
- | proposed one-day walks from a variety of different. base camps, the standard | + | P.S. There are no sandflies above the treeline! |
- | of walking is only of medium grade. The key is safety, experienced leadership, party involvement in planning and decision-making. The party does - | + | |
- | Page | + | ---- |
- | 14. | + | |
- | TEE SYDNEY BUSEWALKER April, | + | ===== Kedumba Connection. ===== |
- | - | + | |
- | question your abilities, phone me one night (80-0322(H), | + | by Bill Gamble. |
- | it further. It is an expedition to a wild area of remote wilderness which you won't forget in a lifetime of walkiniand | + | |
- | P.S. There are no sandflies above the treelinel | + | Most bushwalkers will have covered the well-worn path from the Scenic Railway or Golden Stairs to Mount Solitary. It is a brisk day walk with time for a side visit to Ruined Castle and leisurely lunch at Chinaman' |
- | * * * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | KEDUMBA CONNECTION. by Bill Gamble. | + | Ian Debert has included both sections in the walks programme for the last two years in overnight |
- | Most bushwalkers will have covered the well-worn path from the Scenic Railway or Golden Stairs to Mount Solitary. It is a brisk day walk with | + | |
- | time for a side visit to Ruined Castle and leisurely lunch at Chinaman' | + | It is necessary to arrange a car swop before the walk commences, or road bash about six miles from Wentworth Falls if using public transport, which may be a little |
- | may be considered a good or bad thing depending upon one's viewpoint); and, as a consequence, | + | |
- | Ian Debert has included both sections in the walks programme for the last two years in overdight | + | The starting point is beyond the Sanatorium on the King's Tableland - take the Kedumba Valley Road which passes to the right of the hospital and continue down to the locked gate. While waiting for the car swop to be completed, or resting after the road bash, there are spectacular cliff-top views to be seen a mere thirty yards from the roadside, and from the gate if one wishes to sit or stand on it. |
- | It is necessary to arrange a car swop before the walk commences, or road bash about six miles from Wentworth Falls if using public transport, | + | |
- | while. Do not be dissuaded. | + | In 1980 Ian had about fourteen people on this walk, and of the eight who turned up in 1981, five had come the previous year. For the record, the 1981 party comprised Ian Debert, Joy Hynes, Sue and Bill Capon, |
- | The starting point is beyond the Sanatorium on the King's Tableland - | + | |
- | take the Kedumba Valley Road which passes to the right of the hospital and | + | The walk proper starts from the gate and proceeds for about fifty minutes along the dirt road which passes through the cliffs to the buttress below Kedumba Walls. There the route turns off the road (rather subtly I might add, about five minutes |
- | continue down to the locked gate. While waiting for the car swop to be completed, or resting after the road bash, there are spectacular cliff-top views to be seen a mere thirty yards from the roadside, and from the gate if one wishes to sit or stand on it. | + | |
- | In 1980 Ian had about fourteen people on this walk, and of the eight who turned up in 1981, five had come the previous year. For the record, | + | The route from the road down to Kedumba |
- | the 1981 party comprised Ian Debert, Joy Hynes, Sue and Bill Capon, | + | |
- | The walk proper starts from the gate and proceeds for about fifty | + | The campsite of 1980 had taken a bit of a battering in between visits and the fire in 1981 was lighted on a much reduced bench of packed sand above the creek. Considering the drought |
- | minutes along the dirt road which passes through-the cliffs to the buttress below Kedumba Walls. There the route.turns.off the road (rather subtly | + | |
- | I might add, about five mites along a flat 'section of the road running | + | The need to boil water is an excuse for a generous campfire and plentiful brews of tea. Overnight cold and damp tend to fall heavily on the campsite and a warmer alternative may be to camp about one hundred feet above the creek on the opposite side - it just means a little more effort to draw water and find wood. An advantage could be to place one at the beginning of the ridge walk up to The Col on Mount Solitary, without having |
- | generally south and parallel to Kedumba Walls) on to a little-used route down to Kedumba Creek. The road walk is not without interest, as one | + | |
- | not Move-in bad weather conditions. | + | Last year, on the Sunday morning, we walked up through thick mist to a beautiful, cloudless day atop Mount Solitary - at one stage we seemed to be adrift on a sea of mist - whereas in 1980 it had been clear throughout. |
- | Should you wish to participate, | + | |
- | Page ' | + | Probably, the most satisfying part of the walk - and this is what is missed by those who only day walk from the other end - is the climb from Kedumba |
- | ,' | + | |
- | "cannot but be impressed by the eneineering | + | |
- | The route from the road down to Xedumba | + | |
- | Understood | + | |
- | than trying to understand my description. Briefly, though, | + | |
- | Which bears left around the back of a gully and sidles down its faritor | + | |
- | Seaaanal | + | |
- | The campsite of 1980 had taken a bit of a battering in between visits | + | |
- | and the fire in 1981 was lighted on a much reduced bench of packed sand - above the creek. Considering the draught | + | |
- | one can but speculate on the force of the flash flood which ripped through the original campsite. There is still the choice of a tent pitched on the | + | |
- | hard sand or a few yards away among the tall trees which dominate this part pf the creek flats. | + | |
- | The need to boil water is an excuse for a generous campfire and plentiful brews of tea. Overnight cold and damp tend to fall heavily on the campsite and a warmer alternative may be to camp about one hundred feet | + | |
- | above the creek on the opposite side - it just means a little more effort to draw water and find wood. An advantage could be to place one at the beginning of the ridge walk up to The Col on Mount Solitary, without having | + | |
- | 4-,o cross the creek first up. | + | |
- | Last year, on the Sunday morning, we walked up through thick mist to a beautiful, cloudless day atop Mount Solitary - at one stage we seemed to | + | |
- | be adrift on a sea of mist - whereas in 1980 it had been clear thoaughout. | + | |
- | Probably, the most satisfying part of the walk - and this is what is | + | |
- | missed by those who only day walk from the other end - is the climb from | + | |
- | KeduMba | + | |
- | steady at first but increasing in steemess | + | |
- | hands and feet are necessary. At the top of the buttress a dead-end track | + | |
- | sidles. around the cliff line to the north, while the track to The Col forks and continues steeply. About two-thirds of the way up, there is an | + | |
- | abundance of bellbirds and the air is filled with their sounds - it is like | + | |
- | walking through an aviary. At The Col are fine views to east and south-east | + | |
- | and to Lake Burragorang. The track between there and Chinaman 's Cave, across | + | |
- | the top of Mount Solitary, is generally clear and keeps to the Katoomba side | + | |
- | until shortly before descending to the cave, when it swings to the opposite side giving the opportunity for good views south beyond Cox's River. | + | |
There is no need to describe the familiar route out to the Scenic Railway - for Sydney Bushwalkers it seems to become an excuse for a headlong rush along a beaten track, or a time to spread out, lost in their thoughts and the 4.55 pm deadline for the last ride of the day on the railway. | There is no need to describe the familiar route out to the Scenic Railway - for Sydney Bushwalkers it seems to become an excuse for a headlong rush along a beaten track, or a time to spread out, lost in their thoughts and the 4.55 pm deadline for the last ride of the day on the railway. | ||
- | * * * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | Page 16 ME SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER April, | + | ---- |
- | CANCEING THE SHOALHAVEN RIVER. | + | |
+ | ===== Canoeing The Shoalhaven River. ===== | ||
by Geoff Davidson. | by Geoff Davidson. | ||
- | (Over the past year or so, several S.B.W. parties have carried out trips by canoe on the waters of Tallowa Dam, at the junction of the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Rivers. The following | + | |
- | canoe. from Sewells Point (near Nerriga) to Tallowa Dam, covers six | + | (Over the past year or so, several S.B.W. parties have carried out trips by canoe on the waters of Tallowa Dam, at the junction of the Shoalhaven and Kangaroo Rivers. The following account of a trip by canoe. from Sewells Point (near Nerriga) to Tallowa Dam, covers six days in January, 1982, and was written by Geoff Davidson, a member of both the River Canoe Club of N.S.W. and S.B.W., and was originally published in the March issue of " |
- | days in January, 1982, and was written by Geoff Davidson, a member | + | |
- | of both. the River Canoe Club of N.S.W. and S.B.W., and was originally | + | === Day 1. === |
- | published in the March issue of " | + | |
- | Days 4,5 and 6 of the trip also relate to parts of the river often visited by walking parties. Ed.) | + | On Saturday morning 11 canoeists, 8 assorted canoes and a few hanger-ons were seen clambering down and up the steep side of the Shoalhaven River at Sewells Point. For the benefit of future trippers, the best way to tackle |
- | pay 1 | + | |
- | . .On Saturday morning 11 canoeists, 8 assorted canoes and a few hanger- | + | Lunch was had after the first trip, and after the cars had left for Tallowa Dam the remainder made their second trip. Each downward trip took an hour and the upward trip half as long, but generous |
- | ans 7m:23 seen clambering down and up the steep side of the Shoalhaven River | + | |
- | at Sewells Point. For the benefit of future trippers, the best way to tackle | + | === Day 2. === |
- | the gea-n in rucksacks, and the canoes empty, and if anything is put down hold onto it or it will continue on its way without you. | + | |
- | Lnnch was had after the first trip,and after the cars had left for Tallowa Dam the remainder made their second trip. Each downward trip took an hour and the upward trip half as long, but gemerous | + | Day two dawned fine and we were all eager to begin the trip. Due partly |
- | low but excellent for swimming and all slept well, after prayers for rain. Day 2 | + | |
- | two dawned fine and we were all eager to begin the trip. Due | + | At morning tea much discussion over maps ensued but despite having |
- | partly | + | |
- | be repaed. | + | The day's casualties had included one paddle and one canadian, but the best was yet to come, in the form of rain. As we sat around the fire cooking |
- | At morning tea much discussion over maps ensued but despite having | + | |
- | our pror,-cess. After. morning tea the trip proceeded more smoothly, although with mu. ::12 scraping. That evening we camped surprisingly close to where | + | === Day 3. === |
- | the leaC.r | + | |
- | TL' | + | Fortunately |
- | cooking | + | |
- | activityz | + | === Day 4. === |
- | fnry su=rised | + | |
- | up the poles, a sea of mud washed through the camp and we all had to evacuate our ciam];: | + | Surprisingly |
- | Day 3 | + | |
- | ...Fc-n., | + | In a number of places there were spectacular, |
- | Page 17 THE SYDNEY.BUSHWALIORR April, | + | |
- | leisurely, trying to sort out the previous evening' | + | It was towards the end of our lunch stop that the river seemed to rise at least 15 cm in about half an hour, and one canoe took off on its own down two rapids. That afternoon while two canadians again made use of their repair kits - for the continuing after effects of that first day - most of us took a look at the old chimneys and marvelled at what must have been for some few years a very active copper mining and smelting operation. That evening we had a communal dinner consisting of mixed Vesta curries and baked potatoes, washed down with wine and followed by prunes, blackberries and custard. |
- | 40Z-4 | + | |
- | _Surprisingly | + | === Day 5. === |
- | Okhe of our members had done the trip a couple of years before and we all made tie mistake of relying on his memory to tell us where this rapid was. Aonce we came across it we couldn' | + | |
- | 9f photographers on rock pinnacles. Our illustrious leader donned crash hat and proceeded to show us how to do it. Yours truly also donned crash hat' | + | This day was not notable for anything in particular, just an enjoyable, |
- | Shot it successfully. After that came fan and games for all, with one young lady managing to capsize three tithes, while the other canadian went in for 4 good " | + | |
- | In a number of places there were spectacular, | + | === Day 6. === |
- | stopped for a long lunch at Fordham Canyon. Our intended campsite that | + | |
- | qVening | + | Began warm and sunny and we all donned suntan lotion and neck protectors. We had lunch at Billy Bulloo' |
- | been planted a week and a half before. | + | |
- | It was towards the end of our lunch stop that the river seemed to rise. at least.15 cm in about half an hour, and one canoe took off on its.oun down two rapids. That afternoon while two canadians again made use of their repair kits - for the continuing after effects of that first day - most of us tooka look at the old chimneys and marvelled at what must have been for some few | + | There remained |
- | Years a very active copper mining and smelting operation. That evening we | + | |
- | had a communal dinner consisting of mixed Vesta curries and baked potatoes, | + | ---- |
- | Day 5 | + | |
- | This day was not notable for anything in particular, just an enjqyablel. | + | ===== Safe Canoeing. ===== |
- | relaxing, leisurely day, paddling an excellent river with interesting but npt difficult rapids. Louise Reach was paddled with ease due to the currant | + | |
- | so we all proceeded down the left, hand side, which was in itself quite interest- | + | === Some suggestions from the R.C.C. |
- | ing. That afternoon we stopped early at Tryers Gorge -where We were promised | + | |
- | a, nice, deep, clear pool for swimming, by our leader. This was not to be,, | + | The individual should equip himself with safety gear such as buoyancy vest, crash hat, sandshoes |
- | but it was a very pleasant campsite, with clean water. | + | |
- | Dpy 6-- began warm and sunny and we all donned suntan lotion and neck pro- | + | A basic first aid kit and repair kit should be carried, and any necessary spare clothing. Gear should be tied in in such a way that it cannot entangle the feet in a capsize in rough water. If capsized don't try to turn the canoe back upright in the water. Guide it to the bank upside |
- | tectors. We had lunch at Billy Bulloo' | + | |
- | Grade 3 rapid with plenty of pressure waves and haystacks, and our leaaer, who was not wearing his bash hat, managed to capsize where most of us had little trouble. Later at Fossicker' | + | |
- | Page 18 1E6 SYDNEY. BUSHWALKER April, | + | |
- | and Molly' | + | |
- | There remainod | + | |
- | tunately | + | |
- | go on to Nora for an excellent Chinese meal, where we all agreed that it had been an epic trip that none of us would have missed. | + | |
- | * * * * * * * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | SAFE CANOEING | + | |
- | The individual should equip himself with safety gear such as buoyancy | + | |
- | vest, crash hat, Sanddhoes | + | |
- | A basic first aid kit and repair kit should be carried, and any necessary | + | |
- | canoe back upright in the water. Guide it to the bank upside | + | |
- | of air, then right it. Don't change places in canoes. | + | |
Never less than three canoes in a group. | Never less than three canoes in a group. | ||
- | When a rapid is encountered, | ||
- | XXXXXX,WAXX | ||
- | SOCIAL NOTES FOR MAY. by Jo Van Sommers. | ||
- | Wednesday, May 19th. - Films from the National Film Board of Canada. | ||
- | " " | ||
- | Ice Birds. Winter climbing of the Crystal Pillar icefall. | ||
- | How to .Build. an Igloo. A block by block description of how it is done, | ||
- | DINNER-befbre the -meeting will be held at Chdhades Lebanese Restaurant, 270 Pacific Highway, Crow's Nest at 6.30 pm. | + | When a rapid is encountered, stop, inspect |
- | Wednesday, May 26th. - Ski .Touring. Slides | + | |
- | ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS. by Basr-JeMurdock. Treasurer. | + | |
- | The Annual Subscriptions are now due. Please see Barrie Murdoch who | + | |
- | will be pleased to receive your cash or cheque. Or post to Box 4476 G.P.O. | + | |
- | 2001. | + | |
- | Rates; | + | |
- | , Married couple $12 | + | |
- | Full-time student $ 7 | + | |
- | Non-active member $ 2 | + | |
- | Prospective member $ 3 - (See New Members Sec.) | + | |
- | Magazine rates for non-active members or others - $5 posted. | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Social Notes For May. ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Jo Van Sommers. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Wednesday, May 19th. === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Films from the National Film Board of Canada. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Tomorrow Winter Comes__. A group of downhill skiers decide to desert the crowded slopes and learn to ski cross-country. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Ice Birds__. Winter climbing of the Crystal Pillar icefall. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __How to Build an Igloo__. A block by block description of how it is done. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dinner before the meeting will be held at Chehades Lebanese Restaurant, 270 Pacific Highway, Crow's Nest at 6.30 pm. | ||
+ | |||
+ | === Wednesday, May 26th. === | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ski Touring. Slides and commentary by David Rostran and Craig Austin. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Annual Subscriptions. ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Barrie Murdock. Treasurer. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Annual Subscriptions are now due. Please see Barrie Murdoch who will be pleased to receive your cash or cheque. Or post to Box 4476 G.P.O. 2001. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Rates: | ||
+ | |||
+ | |Single active member|$ 9| | ||
+ | |Married couple|$12| | ||
+ | |Full-time student|$ 7| | ||
+ | |Non-active member|$ 2| | ||
+ | |Prospective member|$ 3 - (See New Members Sec.)| | ||
+ | |Magazine rates for non-active members or others|$5 posted| | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- |
198204.1548722839.txt.gz · Last modified: 2019/01/29 11:47 by tyreless