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 Having left Lorraine Bloomfield in Queenstown to receive treatment for badly blistered heels, there were only six of us on this ramble in the Route Burn area:- Bill Gamble (Leader), Ian Debert, Joy Hynes, John Newman, Stan Madden and Keith Docherty (prospective). Having left Lorraine Bloomfield in Queenstown to receive treatment for badly blistered heels, there were only six of us on this ramble in the Route Burn area:- Bill Gamble (Leader), Ian Debert, Joy Hynes, John Newman, Stan Madden and Keith Docherty (prospective).
  
-It was a fine, hazy morning when we crossed the suspension bridge over the Route Burn at the start of our walk along the famous Routeburn Track. We had been told that it was a well-maintained and clearly marked track ("a manicured track" as one American walker described it), but it was a suprise to see the first person we met was wearing open sandals. He had no problems walking the track in such footwear but we were not going to remain on the track so we wore the boots and gaiters that had proved invaluable on the Dart/Rees walk. A couple of hours of pleasant walking through the beech forest brought us to the Routeburn Flats Hut where we filled in the Intentions Book and made a brew of tea on the gas rings.+It was a fine, hazy morning when we crossed the suspension bridge over the Route Burn at the start of our walk along the famous Routeburn Track. We had been told that it was a well-maintained and clearly marked track ("a manicured track" as one American walker described it), but it was a surprise to see the first person we met was wearing open sandals. He had no problems walking the track in such footwear but we were not going to remain on the track so we wore the boots and gaiters that had proved invaluable on the Dart/Rees walk. A couple of hours of pleasant walking through the beech forest brought us to the Routeburn Flats Hut where we filled in the Intentions Book and made a brew of tea on the gas rings.
  
-The Hut Warden advised Bill about the best route to the North Branch and at 1245 hours we were on our way. I don't think that Warden liked Australians. Following his insructions we were soon bashing our shins against moss-covered logs hidden by thick vegetation. Had we crossed the stream it would have been an easy walk across grassy flats. We determined to use an easier route when we returned. Fortunately the bad patch was soon negotiated and for a while the walking became easier. We traversed tussock, scrub and beech forest on the way to our campsite on the third flat. Holes between the clumps of tussock made walking difficult at times. On one occasion I heard an exclamation from John and turned around to see him disappear completely.+The Hut Warden advised Bill about the best route to the North Branch and at 1245 hours we were on our way. I don't think that Warden liked Australians. Following his instructions we were soon bashing our shins against moss-covered logs hidden by thick vegetation. Had we crossed the stream it would have been an easy walk across grassy flats. We determined to use an easier route when we returned. Fortunately the bad patch was soon negotiated and for a while the walking became easier. We traversed tussock, scrub and beech forest on the way to our campsite on the third flat. Holes between the clumps of tussock made walking difficult at times. On one occasion I heard an exclamation from John and turned around to see him disappear completely.
  
 After setting up camp on the true right of the stream Bill, Stan and John decided to cross over and try to climb to a hanging valley above a spectacular waterfall. Their goal turned out to be further away than it had appeared and approaching darkness forced them to abandon the attempt. However the magnificent views made their efforts worth while. After setting up camp on the true right of the stream Bill, Stan and John decided to cross over and try to climb to a hanging valley above a spectacular waterfall. Their goal turned out to be further away than it had appeared and approaching darkness forced them to abandon the attempt. However the magnificent views made their efforts worth while.
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 The scramble up the final slopes to North Col was exciting and the view back down the North Branch improved as we climbed higher. There were large patches of snow in the couloir and fantastic caves and pillars had been formed underneath them by the thaw and the action of streams. We didn't investigate too closely for fear of the snow collapsing. Instead we scrambled across the steep scree slopes. Occasionally a rock would be dislodged and go bounding down the slope to disappear beneath the snow. The scramble up the final slopes to North Col was exciting and the view back down the North Branch improved as we climbed higher. There were large patches of snow in the couloir and fantastic caves and pillars had been formed underneath them by the thaw and the action of streams. We didn't investigate too closely for fear of the snow collapsing. Instead we scrambled across the steep scree slopes. Occasionally a rock would be dislodged and go bounding down the slope to disappear beneath the snow.
  
-We reached the Col at 1230 hrs and ate lunch while we acimired the view and watched pipits and dark brown butterflies flitting among the alpine flowers. Bill, Stan and I ventured down the other side of the Col and climbed a hill to the west to be rewarded with views of Bidden Falls Creek and the Hollyford Valley. Our Olympus cameras were very busy.+We reached the Col at 1230 hrs and ate lunch while we admired the view and watched pipits and dark brown butterflies flitting among the alpine flowers. Bill, Stan and I ventured down the other side of the Col and climbed a hill to the west to be rewarded with views of Bidden Falls Creek and the Hollyford Valley. Our Olympus cameras were very busy.
  
 On the return journey we met a well strung out party of high school students walking across the snow in the couloir. The fact that the snow was hollowed out beneath and a fall would have dropped them four or five metres onto rocks didn't seem to worry them. Later in the evening this school party straggled past our camp on their way to the Routeburn Flats Hut. Several hours separated the front runners from the tail-enders. We learned later that the tail-enders blundered in well after dark. All the torches were in the packs of the front runners! On the return journey we met a well strung out party of high school students walking across the snow in the couloir. The fact that the snow was hollowed out beneath and a fall would have dropped them four or five metres onto rocks didn't seem to worry them. Later in the evening this school party straggled past our camp on their way to the Routeburn Flats Hut. Several hours separated the front runners from the tail-enders. We learned later that the tail-enders blundered in well after dark. All the torches were in the packs of the front runners!
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 After a brief stop to fill in the Intentions Book at the Routeburn Flats Hut we continued on up the steep track through beech forest to the Routeburn Falls Hut. The view from this hut is magnificent and, as we were going no further that day, we had plenty of time to admire it. After a brief stop to fill in the Intentions Book at the Routeburn Flats Hut we continued on up the steep track through beech forest to the Routeburn Falls Hut. The view from this hut is magnificent and, as we were going no further that day, we had plenty of time to admire it.
  
-Soon the tents were spread out on the grass to thaw and dry out and socks and underwear were washed and hung on lines strung between the verandah posts. Bill and Stan made an exploratory trip to the Harris Saddle while the rest of us sunbathed and talked to the Canadian, American, Japanese, English, Australian and New Zealand walkers staying at the hut. There are 20 bunks in the Routeburn Falls Hut and they were all occupied that night. After the almost deserted Dart/Rees Track the Routeburn Track was a busy thoroughfare. Canadians seeemd to outnumber all other nationalities on the Routeburn Track by about three to one. After dinner John played cards with three nurses from Queenstown (he was making sure he would be well looked after if he was sick or suffered an accident on the track). Ian, Joy and I had an interesting conversation with a Canadian girl who had walked extensively in the Nelson Lakes National Park, the location of our next ramble.+Soon the tents were spread out on the grass to thaw and dry out and socks and underwear were washed and hung on lines strung between the verandah posts. Bill and Stan made an exploratory trip to the Harris Saddle while the rest of us sunbathed and talked to the Canadian, American, Japanese, English, Australian and New Zealand walkers staying at the hut. There are 20 bunks in the Routeburn Falls Hut and they were all occupied that night. After the almost deserted Dart/Rees Track the Routeburn Track was a busy thoroughfare. Canadians seemed to outnumber all other nationalities on the Routeburn Track by about three to one. After dinner John played cards with three nurses from Queenstown (he was making sure he would be well looked after if he was sick or suffered an accident on the track). Ian, Joy and I had an interesting conversation with a Canadian girl who had walked extensively in the Nelson Lakes National Park, the location of our next ramble.
  
 We left Routeburn Falls Hut at 0728 hrs next morning and had a quick look at the falls before setting off for the Harris Saddle, which we reached after one hour's walking. A few spots of rain fell soon after we started walking but not enough to wet us. The rest of the day it was cloudy with sunny periods. We left Routeburn Falls Hut at 0728 hrs next morning and had a quick look at the falls before setting off for the Harris Saddle, which we reached after one hour's walking. A few spots of rain fell soon after we started walking but not enough to wet us. The rest of the day it was cloudy with sunny periods.
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 Two Canadian girls were making popcorn when we arrived and they shared it with us and asked us about bushwalking in New South Wales. At dinner we shared a table with five Venturer Scouts from Dunedin. It turned out a rather hilarious evening. One of the boys was ribbed unmercifully when he attempted to eat his soup with a fork. They were very curious about the weird mob of Australians and they wanted to know what we all did for a living. When asked to guess one of the girls said she thought we were all farmers. John convinced them that I was a psychiatrist, Ian a geologist and Stan a millionaire. However, he failed to convince them that Joy was a brain surgeon. Their descriptions of walking on Stewart Island filled us with the desire to go there someday. Two Canadian girls were making popcorn when we arrived and they shared it with us and asked us about bushwalking in New South Wales. At dinner we shared a table with five Venturer Scouts from Dunedin. It turned out a rather hilarious evening. One of the boys was ribbed unmercifully when he attempted to eat his soup with a fork. They were very curious about the weird mob of Australians and they wanted to know what we all did for a living. When asked to guess one of the girls said she thought we were all farmers. John convinced them that I was a psychiatrist, Ian a geologist and Stan a millionaire. However, he failed to convince them that Joy was a brain surgeon. Their descriptions of walking on Stewart Island filled us with the desire to go there someday.
  
-The keas arrived at the hut hefore dawn next morning and stole a sock that a Canadian girl had left drying on the verandah. The Venturer Scouts left very early to walk to the Divide on their way home, but before they left they gave us their surplus bread, cheese and tomatoes.+The keas arrived at the hut before dawn next morning and stole a sock that a Canadian girl had left drying on the verandah. The Venturer Scouts left very early to walk to the Divide on their way home, but before they left they gave us their surplus bread, cheese and tomatoes.
  
 A misty drizzle was falling when we set off at 0900 hrs on a day walk to Lake Howden. The track led through beech forest that was very mossy in places. Poor visibility caused by low cloud and misty rain prevented us taking any decent photographs of the impressive Earland Falls. Fortunately the cloud lifted and the rain stopped briefly when we reach Lake Howden at 1130 hrs. Inside the Lake Howden Hut was like a steam bath. The windows were closed and the fuel stove was going full blast. All of the bunks were occupied and an Austrian girl with a penetrating voice was talking incessantly. We remained inside only long enough to fill in the Intentions Book then returned to the fresh air and sandflies. A misty drizzle was falling when we set off at 0900 hrs on a day walk to Lake Howden. The track led through beech forest that was very mossy in places. Poor visibility caused by low cloud and misty rain prevented us taking any decent photographs of the impressive Earland Falls. Fortunately the cloud lifted and the rain stopped briefly when we reach Lake Howden at 1130 hrs. Inside the Lake Howden Hut was like a steam bath. The windows were closed and the fuel stove was going full blast. All of the bunks were occupied and an Austrian girl with a penetrating voice was talking incessantly. We remained inside only long enough to fill in the Intentions Book then returned to the fresh air and sandflies.
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 It wasn't exactly an intrepid party that left Mackenzie Hut at 0745 hrs next day to cross Emily Pass. The maps in the Routeburn Track huts had Emily Pass marked "For experienced alpinists only". Bill, the dour optimist, thought we had enough experience in our party, but Moir's Guide didn't inspire much confidence with - "Unlike Harris Saddle however, there is no marked track over Emily Pass, and the route is not obvious in poor visibility. The route is only suitable for those prepared to tackle untracked bush and scrub, and steep snowgrass and scree". The visibility was poor with mist and low cloud but the route past the lake and up to the pass was quite straightforward. However, care had to be taken on the scree and negotiating three patches of snow. We halted for lunch on top of the pass and a curious kea flew down to inspect us. Stan decided to try for a really close up photograph of the bird but he forgot that his wide-angle lens would make it appear further away than it actually was. We all laughed when he took his eye from the viewfinder and looked over the camera to see the kea's wickedly hooked beak only a few centimetres away from his nose. It wasn't exactly an intrepid party that left Mackenzie Hut at 0745 hrs next day to cross Emily Pass. The maps in the Routeburn Track huts had Emily Pass marked "For experienced alpinists only". Bill, the dour optimist, thought we had enough experience in our party, but Moir's Guide didn't inspire much confidence with - "Unlike Harris Saddle however, there is no marked track over Emily Pass, and the route is not obvious in poor visibility. The route is only suitable for those prepared to tackle untracked bush and scrub, and steep snowgrass and scree". The visibility was poor with mist and low cloud but the route past the lake and up to the pass was quite straightforward. However, care had to be taken on the scree and negotiating three patches of snow. We halted for lunch on top of the pass and a curious kea flew down to inspect us. Stan decided to try for a really close up photograph of the bird but he forgot that his wide-angle lens would make it appear further away than it actually was. We all laughed when he took his eye from the viewfinder and looked over the camera to see the kea's wickedly hooked beak only a few centimetres away from his nose.
  
-Visibility was much better on the other side of the pass and we had good views of the Raateburn Flats and the North Branch, but clouds still hid the hilltops.+Visibility was much better on the other side of the pass and we had good views of the Routeburn Flats and the North Branch, but clouds still hid the hilltops.
  
-The steep descent to the Routeburn Flats was an exciting experience. Most of the party chose to scramble down the right-hand side of the gut where sparse anowgrass offered a precarious handhold, but I found it easier and quicker to walk down the scree in the centre of the gut. At the bottom of the gut we climbed down a rocky drop beside a small waterfall and sidled across steep snowgrass slopes to a scrub-covered basin above the tree line. The thick, springy scrub was difficult to walk over (it was too dense to walk through, so we had to walk over it), and where it had covered boulders care was needed to avoid stepping into holes. Once into the bush the descent to the Routeburn Track was very steep but thick moss covering the tree trunks and forest floor ensured a soft landing if one slipped.+The steep descent to the Routeburn Flats was an exciting experience. Most of the party chose to scramble down the right-hand side of the gut where sparse snowgrass offered a precarious handhold, but I found it easier and quicker to walk down the scree in the centre of the gut. At the bottom of the gut we climbed down a rocky drop beside a small waterfall and sidled across steep snowgrass slopes to a scrub-covered basin above the tree line. The thick, springy scrub was difficult to walk over (it was too dense to walk through, so we had to walk over it), and where it had covered boulders care was needed to avoid stepping into holes. Once into the bush the descent to the Routeburn Track was very steep but thick moss covering the tree trunks and forest floor ensured a soft landing if one slipped.
  
 Rain began to fall soon after we arrived at the Routeburn Flats Hut at 1645 hrs. It increased in intensity and became a torrential downpour that lasted all night. We were pleased to be in the hut rather then cowering in our tents in that downpour. However, that was when we discovered just how far the toilet was away from the hut. Rain began to fall soon after we arrived at the Routeburn Flats Hut at 1645 hrs. It increased in intensity and became a torrential downpour that lasted all night. We were pleased to be in the hut rather then cowering in our tents in that downpour. However, that was when we discovered just how far the toilet was away from the hut.
  
-As usual Joy organised the evening meal but Stan prepared the dessert. He took over the dessert-making duties after Joy served up a bright green, Staminade-flavoured rice padding early on the Dart/Rees walk. Some of the packets were unlabelled and Joy had throught she was mixing lime-flavoured instant pudding with the rice. It had an interesting flavour though, and we survived without any ill effects. After the meal I did the washing up and Ian did the drying.+As usual Joy organised the evening meal but Stan prepared the dessert. He took over the dessert-making duties after Joy served up a bright green, Staminade-flavoured rice padding early on the Dart/Rees walk. Some of the packets were unlabelled and Joy had thought she was mixing lime-flavoured instant pudding with the rice. It had an interesting flavour though, and we survived without any ill effects. After the meal I did the washing up and Ian did the drying.
  
-Bill was up early next morning trying to light a fire in the pot-bellied stove. Gas rings were provided for cooking so the fire wasn't necessary, but Bill thought it would make for a more cheerful breakfast if the pot-bellied stove was throwing out some heat. Rain dripping down the chiney had flooded the stove and the beech wood refused to burn. Bill was determined to light that fire but even after liberal splashes of kerosene, help from Stan and the use of a gas ring he couldn't get that wood to burn. Eventually, after more than an hour of valiant efforts, he had to admit defeat.+Bill was up early next morning trying to light a fire in the pot-bellied stove. Gas rings were provided for cooking so the fire wasn't necessary, but Bill thought it would make for a more cheerful breakfast if the pot-bellied stove was throwing out some heat. Rain dripping down the chimney had flooded the stove and the beech wood refused to burn. Bill was determined to light that fire but even after liberal splashes of kerosene, help from Stan and the use of a gas ring he couldn't get that wood to burn. Eventually, after more than an hour of valiant efforts, he had to admit defeat.
  
 The rain had eased by the time we left at 0855 hrs but it was still heavy enough to test our new parkas. Despite the rain we had a pleasant walk through the beech forest to reach our waiting Toyota mini-bus at Track Head at 1030 hrs. The rain had eased by the time we left at 0855 hrs but it was still heavy enough to test our new parkas. Despite the rain we had a pleasant walk through the beech forest to reach our waiting Toyota mini-bus at Track Head at 1030 hrs.
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 So ended the second ramble with Gamble. So ended the second ramble with Gamble.
  
-Having failed in her attempts to trap a millionaire and with her heels healed, "B1iSters" looked forward tooining us for our third and final Ramble with Gamble.+Having failed in her attempts to trap a millionaire and with her heels healed, "B1isters" looked forward to joining us for our third and final Ramble with Gamble.
  
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 ===== Skiing - Australia And U.S.A. ===== ===== Skiing - Australia And U.S.A. =====
  
-by Dcrothy Stitt.+by Dorothy Stitt.
  
 The Skiing Season 1982!!? April brought the first snowfalls of the year - a promise of greater things to come? A little more in May and a little less in early June, with almost drought conditions by the end of the month. The Skiing Season 1982!!? April brought the first snowfalls of the year - a promise of greater things to come? A little more in May and a little less in early June, with almost drought conditions by the end of the month.
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 Having made the usual Kandahar Lodge bookings some months before, Bill Burke with the "first week in July" mob in tow, arrived in Perisher Valley to find conditions somewhat less than ideal for skiing. Perhaps it would be possible to do a bit of crosscountry skiing? Saturday afternoon was spent testing non-waxed and waxed skis (some purists among us) by walking, or rather picking our way, up Back Perisher and stumbling down again, more greenery than snow. With a party comprising Don Finch, Bob Hodgson, Phil Butt, Barry Wallace, Jim Vatiliotis, George Gray, Denise Dalton, two Rostrons, two Stitts, Uncle Tom Cobbly and all, it was obvious we would seek greener pastures or preferably whiter slopes. Our crafty leader had honourably sustained a slightly sprained ankle BEFORE leaving Sydney, and was heard to murmur, "Someone up there must love me, providing a reason to be inactive and so not cranky about the lack of snow!" Having made the usual Kandahar Lodge bookings some months before, Bill Burke with the "first week in July" mob in tow, arrived in Perisher Valley to find conditions somewhat less than ideal for skiing. Perhaps it would be possible to do a bit of crosscountry skiing? Saturday afternoon was spent testing non-waxed and waxed skis (some purists among us) by walking, or rather picking our way, up Back Perisher and stumbling down again, more greenery than snow. With a party comprising Don Finch, Bob Hodgson, Phil Butt, Barry Wallace, Jim Vatiliotis, George Gray, Denise Dalton, two Rostrons, two Stitts, Uncle Tom Cobbly and all, it was obvious we would seek greener pastures or preferably whiter slopes. Our crafty leader had honourably sustained a slightly sprained ankle BEFORE leaving Sydney, and was heard to murmur, "Someone up there must love me, providing a reason to be inactive and so not cranky about the lack of snow!"
  
-A sunny Sunday morning, clear blue sky, transport to Charlotte Pass, and we were away to a flying start, on snow, up the summit road. Our party had grown to 15 with the addition of Di and Ian Chung, Tim Henderson and Michael Palmer, all from Technology Lodge. Leaving the road short of the saddle below Seaman's Hut we had a gentle run and climb to Mt. Clarke, and then on to the base of Mt. Northcote. Lunch was quickly consumed as the temperature did not invite lingering. Without more ado we climbed to the summit of Northcote and headed along the way of the ridge top trail with turns being practised on the run towards Mt. Lee. There were turns intentional and otherwise - some even Telemarks! Finally we all congregated at the trig on Mt. Carruthers - took photos, admired the beauty of the Main Range, watched the clouds rising in billows from Lady Northcote's Canyon and then turned our attention to the aim of the day. That long, gentle, beautiful run down Carruthers to the Snowy. It was all of that, only the last kilometre or less was a bit bushyand grassy and necessitated some quick manoeuvres to avoid disaster. Jim had an argument with a rock, and didn't win. In fact, we did not have to remove skis until we had crossed the Snowy below Charlotte Pass.+A sunny Sunday morning, clear blue sky, transport to Charlotte Pass, and we were away to a flying start, on snow, up the summit road. Our party had grown to 15 with the addition of Di and Ian Chung, Tim Henderson and Michael Palmer, all from Technology Lodge. Leaving the road short of the saddle below Seaman's Hut we had a gentle run and climb to Mt. Clarke, and then on to the base of Mt. Northcote. Lunch was quickly consumed as the temperature did not invite lingering. Without more ado we climbed to the summit of Northcote and headed along the way of the ridge top trail with turns being practised on the run towards Mt. Lee. There were turns intentional and otherwise - some even Telemarks! Finally we all congregated at the trig on Mt. Carruthers - took photos, admired the beauty of the Main Range, watched the clouds rising in billows from Lady Northcote's Canyon and then turned our attention to the aim of the day. That long, gentle, beautiful run down Carruthers to the Snowy. It was all of that, only the last kilometre or less was a bit bushy and grassy and necessitated some quick manoeuvres to avoid disaster. Jim had an argument with a rock, and didn't win. In fact, we did not have to remove skis until we had crossed the Snowy below Charlotte Pass.
  
 The weather continued fine and clear for another 24 hours and the slopes became browner. Today is Tuesday 6th July, we sit and wait for the lightly falling snow to increase in quality and quantity, hoping for a day or two of downhilling before the week's end. This seems an appropriate time to tell of other skiing experiences further afield. As you are probably aware, the Duncans - Bob and Rosslyn with children Emma and Michael - are spending 12 months in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. Corresponding with Rosslyn since their arrival in Boulder last October, I have been regaled with descriptions of seemingly endless skiing trips, which you might like to read about:- The weather continued fine and clear for another 24 hours and the slopes became browner. Today is Tuesday 6th July, we sit and wait for the lightly falling snow to increase in quality and quantity, hoping for a day or two of downhilling before the week's end. This seems an appropriate time to tell of other skiing experiences further afield. As you are probably aware, the Duncans - Bob and Rosslyn with children Emma and Michael - are spending 12 months in Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A. Corresponding with Rosslyn since their arrival in Boulder last October, I have been regaled with descriptions of seemingly endless skiing trips, which you might like to read about:-
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 __24.2.82__ - "Now to tell you about Aspen. It was just marvellous - if you come to the States for skiing __that__ is where to go. Four ski areas if you count Buttermilk (a beginner/intermediate area) and we skiied them all. They are all linked by free shuttle buses which run every 15 minutes. We stayed at a very nice hotel at Aspen Highlands, 10 minutes from Aspen Town, with the ski area just across the road. I was a bit nervous about skiing at Aspen because it lists 75% of the areas as most difficult and 25% less difficult - actually it was superb. The most difficult runs are the steeply moguled sections - the rest is beautifully groomed, some steep, some not so, and the tows start right where the town finishes. An old mining town, it is full of lovely Victorian wooden and brick buildings with lots of stained glass, old-fashioned street lamps, horse-drawn sleighs and hansom cabs, and the shops are full of marvellous things. Last Wednesday I went to Winter Park with friends - it was pretty there but the runs were not very long and there were a lot of flat areas which you had to pole across. Last Saturday we went to Arapahoe Basin which is 70-odd miles from here. The top is 12,500 ft and well above the tree line. Again marvellous views. Here there was a great variety of skiing - moguls, groomed slopes, cornices, a long traverse around one wall of the basin before a steep fast run back to the tow. We had discount coupons, so it was only $9 for Bob and me and $5 each for the kids. About the clothing - the advice given is to wear layers of loose clothing in very cold weather. You really do need them too - the down parkas have nice wide sleeves so everything fits easily underneath. The parkas here are much more padded than the ones at home. Two caps make a big difference in really cold weather too. 0°F is a lot different from 0°C! __24.2.82__ - "Now to tell you about Aspen. It was just marvellous - if you come to the States for skiing __that__ is where to go. Four ski areas if you count Buttermilk (a beginner/intermediate area) and we skiied them all. They are all linked by free shuttle buses which run every 15 minutes. We stayed at a very nice hotel at Aspen Highlands, 10 minutes from Aspen Town, with the ski area just across the road. I was a bit nervous about skiing at Aspen because it lists 75% of the areas as most difficult and 25% less difficult - actually it was superb. The most difficult runs are the steeply moguled sections - the rest is beautifully groomed, some steep, some not so, and the tows start right where the town finishes. An old mining town, it is full of lovely Victorian wooden and brick buildings with lots of stained glass, old-fashioned street lamps, horse-drawn sleighs and hansom cabs, and the shops are full of marvellous things. Last Wednesday I went to Winter Park with friends - it was pretty there but the runs were not very long and there were a lot of flat areas which you had to pole across. Last Saturday we went to Arapahoe Basin which is 70-odd miles from here. The top is 12,500 ft and well above the tree line. Again marvellous views. Here there was a great variety of skiing - moguls, groomed slopes, cornices, a long traverse around one wall of the basin before a steep fast run back to the tow. We had discount coupons, so it was only $9 for Bob and me and $5 each for the kids. About the clothing - the advice given is to wear layers of loose clothing in very cold weather. You really do need them too - the down parkas have nice wide sleeves so everything fits easily underneath. The parkas here are much more padded than the ones at home. Two caps make a big difference in really cold weather too. 0°F is a lot different from 0°C!
  
-__31.3.82__ - "Since I last wrote we have had a weekend at Vail, but Aspen is still far and away our favourite. To appreciate Vail we should have gone there first. We spent the Saturday skiing Vail - it is a very large area so we didn't cover anything like all the runs. These seem to be mostly easy or rather difficult, with not much in between. On Sunday we went to Beaver Creek, a new area 10 miles away and run by the same people as Vail. We liked it a lot better than Vail, but it was bitterly cold. To get to the very top (a rise of 3,340 ft) takes three chair lifts and 40 minutes. By the second time up, Bob had a frost-bitten nose and I was frozen through despite al1 my thick lothes. We came down to the bottom of the topmost lift where there is a restaurant, had lunch and thawed out. That day was far and away the coldest we have had skiing. Vail village is only 20 years old. It has been built after the style of an Austrian village and is very attractive, but to our way of thinking can't compare with a genuine 100-year-old mining town as Aspen is.+__31.3.82__ - "Since I last wrote we have had a weekend at Vail, but Aspen is still far and away our favourite. To appreciate Vail we should have gone there first. We spent the Saturday skiing Vail - it is a very large area so we didn't cover anything like all the runs. These seem to be mostly easy or rather difficult, with not much in between. On Sunday we went to Beaver Creek, a new area 10 miles away and run by the same people as Vail. We liked it a lot better than Vail, but it was bitterly cold. To get to the very top (a rise of 3,340 ft) takes three chair lifts and 40 minutes. By the second time up, Bob had a frost-bitten nose and I was frozen through despite al1 my thick clothes. We came down to the bottom of the topmost lift where there is a restaurant, had lunch and thawed out. That day was far and away the coldest we have had skiing. Vail village is only 20 years old. It has been built after the style of an Austrian village and is very attractive, but to our way of thinking can't compare with a genuine 100-year-old mining town as Aspen is.
  
-"Some other skiing items:- At Arapahoe Basin which is the highest skiing area in the U.S.A., there are some very steep runs. There are various signs such as "Warning - unmarked obstacles", but the one I really liked said "Caution - Cliffs!" Needless to say, I didn't go anywhere near there. At another area, Breckenridge, we skiied the steepest slope I've ever been on - fortunately the snow conditions were perfect, no ice, no moguls. A sign at the top had a skull and crossbones and then "Dangerous Terrain - Expert Skiiers Only". Well, down we went and it was great - it was so steep that little snow balls went rolling away from under our skis all the way down and it was a long slope. As for moguls - we found one run at Copper Mountain with the worst mogul slope I've ever been on - 2,000 vertical feet of it. It is cold enough here for the moguls to get really hard and carved and stay that way. These were wedge-shaped with the lower edges vertical or undercut. The only way to handle them, it seems, is to jump down them, several at a go. Not one of us stayed the course. The ski season ends on llth or 18th April depending on the area - so the season is not that long. Arapahoe Basin being so high sometimes stays open until June."+"Some other skiing items:- At Arapahoe Basin which is the highest skiing area in the U.S.A., there are some very steep runs. There are various signs such as "Warning - unmarked obstacles", but the one I really liked said "Caution - Cliffs!" Needless to say, I didn't go anywhere near there. At another area, Breckenridge, we skiied the steepest slope I've ever been on - fortunately the snow conditions were perfect, no ice, no moguls. A sign at the top had a skull and crossbones and then "Dangerous Terrain - Expert Skiiers Only". Well, down we went and it was great - it was so steep that little snow balls went rolling away from under our skis all the way down and it was a long slope. As for moguls - we found one run at Copper Mountain with the worst mogul slope I've ever been on - 2,000 vertical feet of it. It is cold enough here for the moguls to get really hard and carved and stay that way. These were wedge-shaped with the lower edges vertical or undercut. The only way to handle them, it seems, is to jump down them, several at a go. Not one of us stayed the course. The ski season ends on 11th or 18th April depending on the area - so the season is not that long. Arapahoe Basin being so high sometimes stays open until June."
  
 __18.5.82__ - "We go skiing for the last time next_weekand. Last week there was very heavy snow in the mountains and when we went skiing on Saturday there was more snow than there has been all winter. It was very beautiful. It is nowhere near as cold skiing now, in fact much like skiing in Australia. Now we are planning a two-week trip in mid-June to Yellowstone and hopefully across to Seattle - the distances are very great. The long weekend coming up we are going to Dinosaur National Park in the N.W. corner of Colorado. The trees are greening up, everything looks so different now. I went walking last Tuesday with a group from the Y.W.C.A. It was good to get out again." __18.5.82__ - "We go skiing for the last time next_weekand. Last week there was very heavy snow in the mountains and when we went skiing on Saturday there was more snow than there has been all winter. It was very beautiful. It is nowhere near as cold skiing now, in fact much like skiing in Australia. Now we are planning a two-week trip in mid-June to Yellowstone and hopefully across to Seattle - the distances are very great. The long weekend coming up we are going to Dinosaur National Park in the N.W. corner of Colorado. The trees are greening up, everything looks so different now. I went walking last Tuesday with a group from the Y.W.C.A. It was good to get out again."
  
-__3.6.82__ - We went skiing for the last time on May 23rd, although there is still a lot of snow up there. We have just had a four-day-long weekend in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. There had been a lot of rain in the previous three weeks so the countryside was incredibly green. There were masses of wild flowers too, including wild irises which are as big as the garden varieties, with narrower petals. We took the obligatory photos of the Presidents' Heads at Mt. Rushmore - actually they are pretty impressive. The scenic drives in that area are quite something. We saw wild buffalo in the Custer State Park near there. Across to the Badlands National Park 80 miles east - this is erosion on a grand scale. Because the grass was so green round about and the eroded parts are striped red, it was very colourful. Next weekend we are leaving for our trip to Yellowstone National Park. We are going to cross the Rockies by the Trail Ridge Road, which was only cleared of snow last weekend. It is above 10,000 ft for abaut 20 miles and is supposed to be one of the most scenic roads in the world. We are really looking forward to it."+__3.6.82__ - We went skiing for the last time on May 23rd, although there is still a lot of snow up there. We have just had a four-day-long weekend in the Black Hills and Badlands of South Dakota. There had been a lot of rain in the previous three weeks so the countryside was incredibly green. There were masses of wild flowers too, including wild irises which are as big as the garden varieties, with narrower petals. We took the obligatory photos of the Presidents' Heads at Mt. Rushmore - actually they are pretty impressive. The scenic drives in that area are quite something. We saw wild buffalo in the Custer State Park near there. Across to the Badlands National Park 80 miles east - this is erosion on a grand scale. Because the grass was so green round about and the eroded parts are striped red, it was very colourful. Next weekend we are leaving for our trip to Yellowstone National Park. We are going to cross the Rockies by the Trail Ridge Road, which was only cleared of snow last weekend. It is above 10,000 ft for about 20 miles and is supposed to be one of the most scenic roads in the world. We are really looking forward to it."
  
 By October we will be welcoming the Duncans back to Sydney and look forward to seeing their photos and hearing more stories of their 12 months in the U.S.A. By October we will be welcoming the Duncans back to Sydney and look forward to seeing their photos and hearing more stories of their 12 months in the U.S.A.
Line 313: Line 313:
 ---- ----
  
-PUBLIC LECTURE BY SIR EDKUND HILARY+===== Public Lecture By Sir Edmund Hilary===== 
-Using colour slides and some dramatic film footage Sir Edmund Hilary + 
-will share with us some of the memorable moments of his adventure packed life - his 1953 Everest blimb, his subsequent climbing, L-eti hunting and expeditions in the Himalayas, his journeyto the South Pole in converted farm tractors, and his recent journey through Tibet with an American expedition attempting the formidable Kangshung face of Everest. Another highlight of the evening will be the screening of the international award winning film "Beyond Everest" which features some of the recent activities of Sir Edmund and his son Peter in the Everest region. There will be time to ask Sir Edmund queStions at the end of the lecture. Part of the proceeds of the evening will go towards the HialUayan Trust's schoolbuilding and other activities in Nepal. +Using colour slides and some dramatic film footage Sir Edmund Hilary will share with us some of the memorable moments of his adventure packed life - his 1953 Everest climb, his subsequent climbing, yeti hunting and expeditions in the Himalayas, his journey to the South Pole in converted farm tractors, and his recent journey through Tibet with an American expedition attempting the formidable Kangshung face of Everest. Another highlight of the evening will be the screening of the international award winning film "Beyond Everest" which features some of the recent activities of Sir Edmund and his son Peter in the Everest region. There will be time to ask Sir Edmund questions at the end of the lecture. Part of the proceeds of the evening will go towards the Himalayan Trust's schoolbuilding and other activities in Nepal. 
-Sydney Town Hall, Saturday Sept. 18th at 8 pm. Tickets $9 adults, 0.50 Students and pensioners. Further information contact Mile Dillon 76 9554. + 
-xxxxxxxx +Sydney Town Hall, Saturday Sept. 18th at 8 pm. Tickets $9 adults, $7.50 Students and pensioners. Further information contact Mile Dillon 76 9554. 
-SOCIAL NOTES FOR SEPTEKBER by Jo Van Sommers. + 
-Sept.15 Anne Sheahan will take us through the complex story of tracing ancestors, beginning in the deserted goldfields of Victoria. DINNER before the meeting will be at a New Venue at the Malaya Restaurant, 73 Mount Street., North Sydney, within walking distance of North Sydney station. Malayan, Chinese and Indonesian dishes, licensed. +---- 
-Sept.22 Films from Austrian Consulate, titles depending on availability. Sept.29 David Cotton, photographic exhibition. + 
-Page 17 THE SYDNEY BUSHMALKER August 1982. +===== Social Notes For September. ===== 
-THE JULY GENERAL1TERTING+ 
 +by Jo Van Sommers. 
 + 
 +=== Sept.15 === 
 + 
 +Anne Sheahan will take us through the complex story of tracing ancestors, beginning in the deserted goldfields of Victoria. DINNER before the meeting will be at a __New Venue__ at the Malaya Restaurant, 73 Mount Street, North Sydney, within walking distance of North Sydney station. Malayan, Chinese and Indonesian dishes, licensed. 
 + 
 +=== Sept.22 === 
 + 
 +Films from Austrian Consulate, titles depending on availability. 
 + 
 +=== Sept.29 === 
 + 
 +David Cotton, photographic exhibition. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== The July General Meeting===== 
 + 
 by Barry Wallace. by Barry Wallace.
 +
 The meeting began at about 2015 with 30 or so members present. There were apologies from Sandra Hynes, Elwyn Morris, Jutta Dubiel, Denise Shay and Roy Franklin. The meeting began at about 2015 with 30 or so members present. There were apologies from Sandra Hynes, Elwyn Morris, Jutta Dubiel, Denise Shay and Roy Franklin.
-A total of 7 new members were listed for welcome. Of thewe Judy McMillan, Scott Crawford, Karen Holland and Malcolm Steele were present; Jutta Dubiel, Sandra Hynes and Roy Franklin must wait for another day. + 
-In a departure from the usual routine we then had some announcements. Christine Jorm, from Uni. of N.S.W., had come to the meeting, with committee's approval, to ask members to fill in survey forms on first-aid and injuries an bushwalks. Committee have conferred Honorary Active Membership on Alex Colley and this has been accepted. Sheila Binns has resigned as Secretary for health reasons, and a presentation was made to Sheila in thanks for her extensive service to the Club. Barbara Bruce, the Assistant Secretary, indicated he was willing to carry on as Secretary and was elected to that position. +A total of 7 new members were listed for welcome. Of these Judy McMillan, Scott Crawford, Karen Holland and Malcolm Steele were present; Jutta Dubiel, Sandra Hynes and Roy Franklin must wait for another day. 
-The Minutes were read and received. Correspondence brought advice of letters from Sheila .Binns.aniairistine aorm and letters to our 7 new members, to Alex Colley, to the advising them that we have vacated the premisesin Atchison Street, and to North Sydney Council requesting additional storage space in the new premises. There was also a reply letter from Alex Colley.+ 
 +In a departure from the usual routine we then had some announcements. Christine Jorm, from Uni. of N.S.W., had come to the meeting, with committee's approval, to ask members to fill in survey forms on first-aid and injuries on bushwalks. Committee have conferred Honorary Active Membership on Alex Colley and this has been accepted. Sheila Binns has resigned as Secretary for health reasons, and a presentation was made to Sheila in thanks for her extensive service to the Club. Barbara Bruce, the Assistant Secretary, indicated she was willing to carry on as Secretary and was elected to that position. 
 + 
 +The Minutes were read and received. Correspondence brought advice of letters from Sheila Binns and Christine Jorm and letters to our 7 new members, to Alex Colley, to the W.I.A. advising them that we have vacated the premises in Atchison Street, and to North Sydney Council requesting additional storage space in the new premises. There was also a reply letter from Alex Colley.
  
 The Treasurer's Report advised that we started the period with $3502.10, spent $1043.18, gained $423.00 and closed the month with a balance of $2861.92. The Coolana Account showed a closing balance of $99.53. The Treasurer's Report advised that we started the period with $3502.10, spent $1043.18, gained $423.00 and closed the month with a balance of $2861.92. The Coolana Account showed a closing balance of $99.53.
 +
 There was no Federation Report for this month. There was no Federation Report for this month.
-The Walks Report began with a no-go report for Gordon Lee's ski-touring trip of 18,19920 June - something to do with inadequate snow. There was no + 
-report on Len Newland's Bluegum walk but Frank Taeker did have 11 starters on his Budawangs trip, although this shrank to 8 with some dropouts. Of the two day walks John Newman reported 32 people on his Lilyvale walk. The weather held up until lunch, and then the rains came. Despite that they all caught the train O.K. Steve and Wendy Hodgman had 14 riders on their Woodford to Glenbrook bike trip. +The Walks Report began with a no-go report for Gordon Lee's ski-touring trip of 18,19,20 June - something to do with inadequate snow. There was no report on Len Newland's Bluegum walk but Frank Taeker did have 11 starters on his Budawangs trip, although this shrank to 8 with some dropouts. Of the two day walks John Newman reported 32 people on his Lilyvale walk. The weather held up until lunch, and then the rains came. Despite that they all caught the train O.K. Steve and Wendy Hodgman had 14 riders on their Woodford to Glenbrook bike trip. 
-Jim Percy's Cloudmaker trip scheduled for 25,26,27 June did not go. + 
-Bill Capon, that same weekend, had an unknown number of people on his Budawangs walk which was described as a good trip. George Walton had an average of 6 people on his Mt. Solitary day walk and Ralph Penglis had 39 starters o4 his Bundeena to Audley walk that same day. * - +Jim Percy's Cloudmaker trip scheduled for 25,26,27 June did not go. Bill Capon, that same weekend, had an unknown number of people on his Budawangs walk which was described as a good trip. George Walton had an average of 6 people on his Mt. Solitary day walk and Ralph Penglis had 39 starters on his Bundeena to Audley walk that same day. 
-The following weekend, 2,3,4 July, Bill Holland led 10 people on his + 
-Victoria Falls/Bluegum walk in fine weather. Steve and Wendy Hodgman's bike +The following weekend, 2,3,4 July, Bill Holland led 10 people on his Victoria Falls/Bluegum walk in fine weather. Steve and Wendy Hodgman's bike trip did not go but John Redfern had 13 people on his Airly walk. There was no report of Derek Wilson's Waterfall to Otford day walk, but David Ingram had 25 people on his Waterfall to Waterfall trip. 
-.(rip did not go but John Redfern bad 13 people on his Airly walk. There was ho report of Derek Wilson's Waterfall to Otford day walk, but David Ingram had 25 people on his Waterfall to Waterfall trip. + 
-Ian Debert led 11 people on his Mt. Carrialoo exploratory trip over the weekend of July 9,10,11. Ainslie Morris had 15 starters on her Bluegum walk on the Sunday and Jim Laing reported 11 people and no navigation +Ian Debert led 11 people on his Mt. Carrialoo exploratory trip over the weekend of July 9,10,11. Ainslie Morris had 15 starters on her Bluegum walk on the Sunday and Jim Laing reported 11 people and no navigation problems on his Ruined Castle walk the same day. All of which ended the Walks Report. 
-Page TH-R SYDNEY BUSHWAIKER August, 1982: +
-problems on his Ruined Castle walk the same day. All of which ended the Walks Report.+
 Dot Butler then presented the report of the latest Coolana Committee meeting. Dot Butler then presented the report of the latest Coolana Committee meeting.
-In General Business Gordon Lee presented a draft of a letter of complaint to a manufacturer of sporting footwear. The meeting resolved that the + 
-Secretary re-draft the letter before mailing. +In General Business Gordon Lee presented a draft of a letter of complaint to a manufacturer of sporting footwear. The meeting resolved that the Secretary re-draft the letter before mailing. 
-A motion that the Club obtain gear for hire to prespectives was defeated on the voices. The meeting resolved that the Club adopt the present hall as its permanent home and there was a vote of thanks to Denise Shaw for her efforts in obtaining use of the premises. .+ 
 +A motion that the Club obtain gear for hire to prospectives was defeated on the voices. The meeting resolved that the Club adopt the present hall as its permanent home and there was a vote of thanks to Denise Shaw for her efforts in obtaining use of the premises. 
 A motion of a vote of thanks to Sheila Binns was passed by acclamation. A motion of a vote of thanks to Sheila Binns was passed by acclamation.
 +
 So then it was just a matter of announcements and it was all over at 2119. So then it was just a matter of announcements and it was all over at 2119.
-** ****44-**** + 
-ALTEMTION TO WALK FOR 27,28,29 AUGUST - LEADER+---
-The exploratory trip shown for this date will CLARENCE - Glowworm Tunnel - Newnes Wolgan River MediumMap:- Glen Alice 1:50,000 + 
-IAN DEBERT - 982,2615 (H) +=== Alteration to walk for 27,28,29 August. === 
-now be replaced by:said return. 20 km + 
-LET'S PUT OUR DANCING SHOES ON & GET TOGETHER FOR THE ANNUAL N.S.W. FEDERATION OF BUSHWALKERS BALL:  Date: FRIDAY - SEPTEMBER 24th, 1982. +LeaderIan Debert - 982,2615 (H) 
-Venue: LANE COVETOMT HAIL (T15per) + 
-Longueville.Road, Entrance in Phoenix Street (Council car park at rear and in Little Street) +The exploratory trip shown for this date will now be replaced by:- CLARENCE - Glowworm Tunnel - Newnes Wolgan River and return. 20 km - Medium - Map:- Glen Alice 1:50,000. 
-Time: 8.00 pm - 1.00 am + 
-Cost: $6.00 Single - BYO 4- Plate+---
 + 
 +Let's put our dancing shoes on and get together for  
 + 
 +=== The Annual N.S.W. Federation of Bushwalkers Ball! === 
 + 
 +Date: Friday, September 24th, 1982. 
 + 
 +Venue: Lane Cove Town Hall (Upper)Longueville Road. Entrance in Phoenix Street (Council car park at rear and in Little Street) 
 + 
 +Time: 8.00 pm - 1.00 am 
 + 
 +Cost: $6.00 Single - BYO Plate 
 Dress: Casual or Semi-formal (whatever you fancy) Dress: Casual or Semi-formal (whatever you fancy)
-We would like S.B.W. to be represented by a large, lively, funloving + 
-group this year. You don't need a partner - just come along and join our table: See DENISE SHAW for tickets on sale in Clubroom or phone bookings on 922-6093 (H) or BARBARA BRUG2 (after August 23) 669-0514 (Bus.)and +We would like S.B.W. to be represented by a large, lively, funloving group this year. You don't need a partner - just come along and join our table: See Denise Shaw for tickets on sale in Clubroom or phone bookings on 922-6093 (H) or Barbara Bruce (after August 23) 669-0514 (Bus.)and 546-6570 (H). 
-546-6570 (H). + 
-There's no Fancy Dress theme this year, but there is a prize for the best decorated table. So let us have your ideas: +There's no Fancy Dress theme this year, but there is a prize for the best decorated table. So let us have your ideas! 
-XXXXXXXX** + 
-CONGRATULATIONS to Margaret and Hans Stichter an the birth of their second Son EVAN'on 6th July last.+---- 
 + 
 +=== Congratulations === 
 + 
 +To Margaret and Hans Stichter an the birth of their second son Evan on 6th July last. 
 + 
 +----
198208.1549418763.txt.gz · Last modified: 2019/02/06 13:06 by tyreless

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