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198507 [2014/05/22 21:03] – [AND IT RAINED FOR FORTY DAYS & FORTY NIGHTS..... 24,25,26,27,28th April, 1985.] simon198507 [2014/05/23 21:50] (current) – [NEW MEMBERS.] simon
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 fit. Several people have smeared their lips and noses with white cream as a protection from the sun. Our hats are colourful and stylish and range from purple spotted cotton, orange terry towelling to Army felt styles. It is February 1985 and we are mainly members of Sydney Bush Walkers. fit. Several people have smeared their lips and noses with white cream as a protection from the sun. Our hats are colourful and stylish and range from purple spotted cotton, orange terry towelling to Army felt styles. It is February 1985 and we are mainly members of Sydney Bush Walkers.
  
-The green-grey mountains are sweeping down to the lake. This mountain is covered in a carpet of silver Snow Daisies, yellow Billy Buttons with oval heads and lilac wildflowers. Scattered over two +The green-grey mountains are sweeping down to the lake. This mountain is covered in a carpet of silver Snow Daisies, yellow Billy Buttons with oval heads and lilac wildflowers. Scattered over two ridges are huge grey boulders and patches of green grass. A track leads down to the Blue lake.
-ridges are huge grey boulders and patches of green grass. A track leads down to the Bite lake.+
  
-"Is this morning tea or early lunch?" enquires one of the walkers. \\+"Is this morning tea or early lunch?" enquirers one of the walkers. \\
 "It's early lunch." \\ "It's early lunch." \\
 "It's very lovely here, even though some of the Snow Daisies are a bit tired," says Barbara Evans. "Funny day, isn't it, a bit overcast but O.K. for walking."\\ "It's very lovely here, even though some of the Snow Daisies are a bit tired," says Barbara Evans. "Funny day, isn't it, a bit overcast but O.K. for walking."\\
 "Yes," I replied as I ate my lunch. "Yes," I replied as I ate my lunch.
  
-We left the cars at Charlotte's Pass and started walking at 9.30 this morning. The track is covered with blue metal and there is a drop of 900' before we climb. Not a tree can be seen as we go up the steep +We left the cars at Charlotte's Pass and started walking at 9:30 this morning. The track is covered with blue metal and there is a drop of 900' before we climb. Not a tree can be seen as we go up the steep 
-grey-green mountains. At 11.15 we stop for a rest and to admire the scenery.+grey-green mountains. At 11:15 we stop for a rest and to admire the scenery.
  
-I decide to walk to the Lake. A March fly is biting me on the foot and there's a cool breeze as I +I decide to walk to the Lake. A March fly is biting me on the foot and there's a cool breeze as I go down the track. I can see a "snow patch" which hasn't melted. Suddenly I look back at the mountain.
-go down the track. I can see a "snow patch" which hasn't melted. Suddenly I look back at the mountain.+
  
 My friends are silhouetted against the slope of the ridge blending into the sky. They are leaving without me and I hurry back to catch them. As I reach the ridge I see a family with a four-year old boy who is wearing a pack on his back. My friends are silhouetted against the slope of the ridge blending into the sky. They are leaving without me and I hurry back to catch them. As I reach the ridge I see a family with a four-year old boy who is wearing a pack on his back.
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 "Isn't it fantastic. Let's take a photo," I say. "Isn't it fantastic. Let's take a photo," I say.
  
-"We're on top of the mountain, the top of the world mid it's beautiful. Let's stay here and enjoy it," says Elaine as we throw ourselves on the grass.+"We're on top of the mountain, the top of the world and it's beautiful. Let's stay here and enjoy it," says Elaine as we throw ourselves on the grass.
  
 "We should throw our watches away," Barry Zieren exclaims. "You can't capture it on camera, all these carpets of pom poms, Snow Daisies and grass shivering in the breeze. We're on Mt. Carruthers and it's 2,140 metres high." "We should throw our watches away," Barry Zieren exclaims. "You can't capture it on camera, all these carpets of pom poms, Snow Daisies and grass shivering in the breeze. We're on Mt. Carruthers and it's 2,140 metres high."
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 "There's a little bird leading us away from its nest," warns Christa as we trudge on. "And don't walk past without seeing this bunch of eight tiny white crocuses." "There's a little bird leading us away from its nest," warns Christa as we trudge on. "And don't walk past without seeing this bunch of eight tiny white crocuses."
  
-The track is narrow here and we're going around a craggy outcrop of boulders. The ground falls away into a chasm. Lake Albina is below. We're on the long trail back with impressive views. It's a climb down to +The track is narrow here and we're going around a craggy outcrop of boulders. The ground falls away into a chasm. Lake Albina is below. We're on the long trail back with impressive views. It's a climb down to the bottom of the valley now through the alpine daisies. A small stream is trickling through the beds of moss and yellow candle heath. Further down there's a bog.
-the bottom of the valley now through the alpine daisies. A small stream is trickling through the beds of moss and yellow candle heath. Further down there's a bog.+
  
 "We have one last long climb." "We have one last long climb."
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 I have heard this expression a number of times but, not surprisingly, the "magic" is not always there. At least not for me. Of course I always like the place but there is a difference between liking and loving. In times of drought, or when the weather is cold and overcast, vital elements are missing. I have heard this expression a number of times but, not surprisingly, the "magic" is not always there. At least not for me. Of course I always like the place but there is a difference between liking and loving. In times of drought, or when the weather is cold and overcast, vital elements are missing.
  
-But on Sunday, January 27, the middle day of Fred George's classic walk (Rock Slabs Creek - Ettrema Tullyangela Creek), the magic of Ettrema was turned on at full volume. For starters the water was flowing (not always so). Not a big flow, mind you, nothing like it was in the spring, but enough to bring the small cascades alive with fluid movement. The famous pools were full, as clear as crystal and at just the right temperature. The sunshine bursting from a cloudless sky combined with gently moving she-oaks to fill the gorge with a sparkling, dancing light.+But on Sunday, January 27, the middle day of Fred George's classic walk (Rock Slabs Creek - Ettrema - Tullyangela Creek), the magic of Ettrema was turned on at full volume. For starters the water was flowing (not always so). Not a big flow, mind you, nothing like it was in the spring, but enough to bring the small cascades alive with fluid movement. The famous pools were full, as clear as crystal and at just the right temperature. The sunshine bursting from a cloudless sky combined with gently moving she-oaks to fill the gorge with a sparkling, dancing light.
  
 Fred, an expert on Ettrema, had planned the walk so that the entire day would be spent in the main gorge of Middle Ettrema, from Myall Creek down to Tullyangela Creek. At a total distance of about twelve kilometres it was nothing more than a pleasant stroll, just the way this place should be enjoyed. With the promise of heat to come, a suitable response to those inviting pools surely could not long be delayed. Fred, an expert on Ettrema, had planned the walk so that the entire day would be spent in the main gorge of Middle Ettrema, from Myall Creek down to Tullyangela Creek. At a total distance of about twelve kilometres it was nothing more than a pleasant stroll, just the way this place should be enjoyed. With the promise of heat to come, a suitable response to those inviting pools surely could not long be delayed.
  
-And neither it was! Within a kilometre or so the sounds of splashing and joyous shouts could be heard ahead. An advance group of the twelve- strong party was already at it - diving, bombing, swimming or just lolling in the clear cool shallows. That first pool of the day proved irrestible to one and all.+And neither it was! Within a kilometre or so the sounds of splashing and joyous shouts could be heard ahead. An advance group of the twelve strong party was already at it - diving, bombing, swimming or just lolling in the clear cool shallows. That first pool of the day proved irresistible to one and all.
  
-I do not know how many beautiful swimming pools grace Middle Ettrema. I do know there were many more than the party could use in that day's walking. They came in all shapes, sizes, depths and surroundings - one +I do not know how many beautiful swimming pools grace Middle Ettrema. I do know there were many more than the party could use in that day's walking. They came in all shapes, sizes, depths and surroundings - one had infinite variety along the way. The water had such clarity that, ten feet down, every pebble on the bottom was clearly defined in shape and colour. The lunchtime pool was a particular gem; who could face a suburban swimming pool after that?
-had infinite variety along the way. The water had such clarity that, ten feet down, every pebble on the bottom was clearly defined in shape and colour. The lunchtime pool was a particular gem; who could face a suburban swimming pool after that?+
  
-The popular mode of dress for "tween the pools" was now shirt or top only. Throwing off the pack and garment, before plunging, was simplicity itself, leading to routine. In the usual individual ways of bushwalkers not everyone swam together, for a "five star" pool to one might be "only mediocre" to another, such were we spoilt. Sometimes I would emerge and stagger for three minutes around the corner, there to find something even better than the beauty I had just left behind. Much discipline was then +The popular mode of dress for "tween the pools" was now shirt or top only. Throwing off the pack and garment, before plunging, was simplicity itself, leading to routine. In the usual individual ways of bushwalkers not everyone swam together, for a "five star" pool to one might be "only mediocre" to another, such were we spoilt. Sometimes I would emerge and stagger for three minutes around the corner, there to find something even better than the beauty I had just left behind. Much discipline was then required to keep moving. As the afternoon advanced, a wind so hot that it must have been blowing straight off the Hobs of Hell generated ever more frequent dipping. I remember that I now plunged in shirt and all for the cooling effect of wet clothes. Without the pools I'm sure that day could have proved "a real stinker", as they say.
-required to keep moving. As the afternoon advanced, a wind so hot that it must have been blowing straight off the Hobs of Hell generated ever more frequent dipping. I remember that I now plunged in shirt and all for the cooling effect of wet clothes. Without the pools I'm sure that day could +
-have proved "a real stinker", as they say.+
  
 And so, in the fullness of that memorable day we came to Tullyangela junction in leisurely fashion, there to have a final plunge. But no, it was not, for after making camp some were so hot that it was back to the water yet again. In my time I have enjoyed countless walks in all sorts of places but the Ettrema of that day will stand proudly with the best. And so, in the fullness of that memorable day we came to Tullyangela junction in leisurely fashion, there to have a final plunge. But no, it was not, for after making camp some were so hot that it was back to the water yet again. In my time I have enjoyed countless walks in all sorts of places but the Ettrema of that day will stand proudly with the best.
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 Just prior to this it was decided to form a Nomenclature Committee of Coast and Mountain Walkers of N.S.W. members, and this was the basis of the formation of The Budawang Committee. Information was gathered through research at The Mitchell Library, Field books of surveyors at the archives section of The Public Library, old local identities were interviewed and Major Jim Sturgiss' information was investigated. The committee also found that Ken Angel had named some of the features after his friends and it was obvious the Geographical Names Board would not accept these names. Just prior to this it was decided to form a Nomenclature Committee of Coast and Mountain Walkers of N.S.W. members, and this was the basis of the formation of The Budawang Committee. Information was gathered through research at The Mitchell Library, Field books of surveyors at the archives section of The Public Library, old local identities were interviewed and Major Jim Sturgiss' information was investigated. The committee also found that Ken Angel had named some of the features after his friends and it was obvious the Geographical Names Board would not accept these names.
  
-After much deliberation one hundred and twenty five names were submitted to the Geographical Names Board on 30 October 1967, as required by Section 15 of the Geographical Names Act 1966. In July 1966 we wrote +After much deliberation one hundred and twenty five names were submitted to the Geographical Names Board on 30 October 1967, as required by Section 15 of the Geographical Names Act 1966. In July 1966 we wrote to Ken Angel on our findings and proposed name changes. A letter also went to Keith Renwick on 8 December 1966 on the proposed change of name. It must be remembered the Nomenclature Committee was guided by the Geographical Names Board ruling regarding use of names. They never accepted our submission of "Angel Falls". The Board decided it was "Crooked Falls" on "Angel Creek". (See Jan. '67 and June '68 editions George Elliott's maps.) The third edition map came out in Jan. '67 with the new names. The fourth edition map June '68 was published with the corrected names according to the Geographical Names Board decisions. A note on this edition of the map states that "the Place Names on this map were assigned by Lands Department Notice of 2 February 1968".
-to Ken Angel on our findings and proposed name changes. A letter also went to Keith Renwick on 8 December 1966 on the proposed change of name. It must be remembered the Nomenclature Committee was guided by the Geographical Names Board ruling regarding use of names. They never accepted our submission of "Angel Falls". The Board decided it was "Crooked Falls" on "Angel Creek". (See Jan. '67 and June '68 editions George Elliott's maps.) The third edition map came out in Jan. '67 with the new names. The fourth edition map J4me '68 was published with the corrected names according to the Geographical Names Board decisions. A note on this edition of the map states that "the Place Names on this map were assigned by Lands Department Notice of 2 February 1968".+
  
 In September 1978 I spoke to the Geographical Names Board as to why the new names were not appearing on the C.M.A. Maps, and I was told that all maps were gradually being corrected. The latest 1:25000 Second Edition Milton and Corang Sheets are correct except that some of the names are in the wrong spot (e.g. Trawalla Falls). Confusion has been caused by the late change of names by government departments and perhaps some explanation should have been made in "Pigeon House and Beyond". In September 1978 I spoke to the Geographical Names Board as to why the new names were not appearing on the C.M.A. Maps, and I was told that all maps were gradually being corrected. The latest 1:25000 Second Edition Milton and Corang Sheets are correct except that some of the names are in the wrong spot (e.g. Trawalla Falls). Confusion has been caused by the late change of names by government departments and perhaps some explanation should have been made in "Pigeon House and Beyond".
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 A motion was then put that the Club purchase 3 abseiling ropes and 6 sets of abseiling harness for use on abseiling instructional weekends, total estimated cost $600.00. This was passed after a brief debate; it then emerged that no-one had checked with the Treasurer to ascertain that funds would be available from the year's budget. After some minor procedural wrangles the Treasurer was able to tell us that such a purchase would require cashing one of the Club's securities. A motion was then passed requiring the Club Committee to determine appropriate means of financing the purchase. Barry Wallace gave notice of his intention to move a recission motion at the next General Meeting, citing the lack of a thorough debate and the question of possible legal liabilities which may be incurred by such a move. A motion was then put that the Club purchase 3 abseiling ropes and 6 sets of abseiling harness for use on abseiling instructional weekends, total estimated cost $600.00. This was passed after a brief debate; it then emerged that no-one had checked with the Treasurer to ascertain that funds would be available from the year's budget. After some minor procedural wrangles the Treasurer was able to tell us that such a purchase would require cashing one of the Club's securities. A motion was then passed requiring the Club Committee to determine appropriate means of financing the purchase. Barry Wallace gave notice of his intention to move a recission motion at the next General Meeting, citing the lack of a thorough debate and the question of possible legal liabilities which may be incurred by such a move.
  
-All of which brought us to the Walks Report. Our Walks Secretary was not present so Ainslie Morris stood in. Curiously enough the first walk reported was that of 10,11,12th May led by Bill Capon. Alas there +All of which brought us to the Walks Report. Our Walks Secretary was not present so Ainslie Morris stood in. Curiously enough the first walk reported was that of 10,11,12th May led by Bill Capon. Alas there was no report. Malcolm Steele's Kanangra walk that same weekend was cancelled because the leader was sick with 'flu. Oliver Crawford's walk up The Castle went. There were 17 starters, the weather was fine and the views magnificent. There was also some muttering about getting back to the cars in the dark, but it was winter after all.
-was no report. Malcolm Steele's Kanangra walk that same weekend was cancelled because the leader was sick with 'flu. Oliver Crawford's walk up The Castle went. There were 17 starters, the weather was fine and the views magnificent. There was also some muttering about getting back to the cars in the dark, but it was winter after all.+
  
 The day walks that weekend didn't fare much better. Morag Ryder's Katoomba to Leura walk did not go, Gordon Lee's rockscrambling and abseiling instructional was cancelled and of Ralph Penglis's beach walk there was no news. The day walks that weekend didn't fare much better. Morag Ryder's Katoomba to Leura walk did not go, Gordon Lee's rockscrambling and abseiling instructional was cancelled and of Ralph Penglis's beach walk there was no news.
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 The following weekend, 17,18,19th May, Don Finch led a party of unspecified size on his Capertee/Wolgan River trip. It seems that three people dropped out at lunchtime on the first day and the trip had to be truncated somewhat. Ian Debert's trip to Russel's Needle was deferred until July. Peter Christian's Hue Mountains day walk was slowed somewhat as a pictorial record of the journey was made, but one imagines the party of 31 was spurred on by the deteriorating weather which was reported. Jim Brown led a party of 34 on his Wondabyne area trip. It seems that they may have experienced similar weather, as there was a report of a stampede for home and the early train. The following weekend, 17,18,19th May, Don Finch led a party of unspecified size on his Capertee/Wolgan River trip. It seems that three people dropped out at lunchtime on the first day and the trip had to be truncated somewhat. Ian Debert's trip to Russel's Needle was deferred until July. Peter Christian's Hue Mountains day walk was slowed somewhat as a pictorial record of the journey was made, but one imagines the party of 31 was spurred on by the deteriorating weather which was reported. Jim Brown led a party of 34 on his Wondabyne area trip. It seems that they may have experienced similar weather, as there was a report of a stampede for home and the early train.
  
-Over the weekend of 24,25,26th May, Bill BLirke's Splendour Rock walk was deferred to the following weekend, Jim Laing's reduced Three Peaks Trip was cancelled, and only Jan Mohandas carried the overnight banner with 11 starters on his high speed dash from Glenbrook to Springwood. Of the day walks, there were no details of Hans Stichter's Bouddi National Park walk, and Errol Sheedy's Heathcote trip was reported as led by Derek Wilson with no other details.+Over the weekend of 24,25,26th May, Bill Burke's Splendour Rock walk was deferred to the following weekend, Jim Laing's reduced Three Peaks Trip was cancelled, and only Jan Mohandas carried the overnight banner with 11 starters on his high speed dash from Glenbrook to Springwood. Of the day walks, there were no details of Hans Stichter's Bouddi National Park walk, and Errol Sheedy's Heathcote trip was reported as led by Derek Wilson with no other details.
  
-Cancellations continued to be a feature of the Walks Programme over the weekend of 31st May, lst/2nd June, with Jim Percy and Jan Mohandas both cancelling trips. The ones that did get away were Ainslie Morris's The Castle, Mt. Owen trip, reporting a party of 8 sharing a rainy Saturday night and a gale-torn Sunday, not to mention knee problems and airborne waterfalls; Bill Burke's deferred Splendour Rock ramble with a party of 14 sharing the snug comfort of a large fire while the rain pelted down outside Kcipbs Soak cave; and Bill Holland reporting eparty of 25 plus 4, no make that 9, out of the Grand Canyon, which they reported to be grand indeed, at 1700 Sunday evening. (No, Virginia, I don't think there is any prize for long sentences, just happen to think that way, sometimes.)+Cancellations continued to be a feature of the Walks Programme over the weekend of 31st May, lst/2nd June, with Jim Percy and Jan Mohandas both cancelling trips. The ones that did get away were Ainslie Morris's The Castle, Mt. Owen trip, reporting a party of 8 sharing a rainy Saturday night and a gale-torn Sunday, not to mention knee problems and airborne waterfalls; Bill Burke's deferred Splendour Rock ramble with a party of 14 sharing the snug comfort of a large fire while the rain pelted down outside Mobbs Soak cave; and Bill Holland reporting a party of 25 plus 4, no make that 9, out of the Grand Canyon, which they reported to be grand indeed, at 1700 Sunday evening. (No, Virginia, I don't think there is any prize for long sentences, just happen to think that way, sometimes.)
  
-The June long weekend saw Ian Debert with a party of 14 revellers firing off fireworks at Yerranderie, and bagging the odd peak in their spare time. Bill Capon led a party of 7 people on a speed-blurred tour of some spectacular Budawangs scenery and Gordon Lee and Peter Harris both cancelled their trips in order not to break with tradition. Of the day walks, Ralph Penglis led 23 starters on his Sydney Harbour walk, and Carol Bruce led 21 starters and 15 finishers on a Benowie Track walk, on which the pace was +The June long weekend saw Ian Debert with a party of 14 revellers firing off fireworks at Yerranderie, and bagging the odd peak in their spare time. Bill Capon led a party of 7 people on a speed-blurred tour of some spectacular Budawangs scenery and Gordon Lee and Peter Harris both cancelled their trips in order not to break with tradition. Of the day walks, Ralph Penglis led 23 starters on his Sydney Harbour walk, and Carol Bruce led 21 starters and 15 finishers on a Benowie Track walk, on which the pace was described as brisk. It is also reported that the Sydney Harbour walk crew lunched at the Aschanti Restaurant at Balmoral. Coverage of this event probably rests with the Social Secretary rather than the Walks Report.
-described as brisk. It is also reported that the Sydney Harbour walk crew lunched at the Aschanti Restaurant at Balmoral. Coverage of this event probably rests with the Social Secretary rather than the Walks Report.+
  
 The Walks Report over, we proceeded to the social and walks announcements and then to the close at 2141 hours, and it was all over for another three months save for the ravaging of the coffee and biscuits. The Walks Report over, we proceeded to the social and walks announcements and then to the close at 2141 hours, and it was all over for another three months save for the ravaging of the coffee and biscuits.
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 | | | Phone  | | | | Phone  |
 |JOSEPH, Vincent | 30 Carlow Street, Crow's Nest, 2065 | 929,2418 | |JOSEPH, Vincent | 30 Carlow Street, Crow's Nest, 2065 | 929,2418 |
-| HARRIS, Gordon | 1/16-18 BOronia Street, DeeWhy, 2099 | 982,4799 | +| HARRIS, Gordon | 1/16-18 Boronia Street, Dee Why, 2099 | 982,4799 | 
-| HOSKINS, Simon | 330 MOrrison Road, Ryde, 2112 | 807,4076 |+| HOSKINS, Simon | 330 Morrison Road, Ryde, 2112 | 807,4076 |
 | KING, Robert | 78/1C Kooringa Road, Chatswood, 2067 | 412,3337 | | KING, Robert | 78/1C Kooringa Road, Chatswood, 2067 | 412,3337 |
  
198507.1400756584.txt.gz · Last modified: 2014/05/22 21:03 by simon
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