User Tools

Site Tools


198606

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Last revisionBoth sides next revision
198606 [2019/03/12 09:40] tyreless198606 [2019/03/12 12:58] tyreless
Line 64: Line 64:
 ---- ----
  
 +===== Colo-rific. =====
  
-COLO - RIFIC.  
 by Jim Brown. by Jim Brown.
-This sketch-with-songs was presented at the Reunion Campfire by Dot Butler, Barbara Bruce, Ainslie Morris, Mike Reynolds and Jim Brown. It + 
-had to do with the recent spate of walks into the Colo River catchment, and was preceded by an introductory section spoken by the performers in +This sketch-with-songs was presented at the Reunion Campfire by Dot Butler, Barbara Bruce, Ainslie Morris, Mike Reynolds and Jim Brown. It had to do with the recent spate of walks into the Colo River catchment, and was preceded by an introductory section spoken by the performers in turn. The Introduction can be summarised as follows - 
-turn. The Introduction can be summarised as follows - + 
-The four letters "CO.. LO" crop up repeatedly - right from the +The four letters "CO...LO" crop up repeatedly - right from the beginnings of life. For example, COLO-STRUM is the very first mother's milk produced after a mammal has given birth. Then we in Australia were long considered COLO-NIALS. In America there is a River and a State both called COLO-RADO, whilst the smallest woodwind musical instrument is a PIC-COLO. 
-beginnings of life. For example, COLO-STRUM is the very first mother's + 
-milk produced after a mammal has given birth. Then we in Australia were +Which makes us think of the River COLO and all the walkers who have attempted it; beginning with the Gordon Smith / Max Gentle team about 1930, and a large S.B.W. party in 1934. About 15 years ago there was a sequence of three walks which covered almost the whole of the main valley from Glen Davis to Colo Heights. 
-long considered COLO-NIALS. In America there is a River and a State both + 
-called COLO-RADO, whilst the smallest woodwind musical instrument is a PIC-COLO. +In the last year there have been 23 programmed walks in the Colo country - many in the Wollongambe Wilderness - but also a new version of the series of trips covering the main stream. These were led by Don Finch and Oliver Crawford, with an additional Christmas walk led by Matthew Walton which went all the way in one stage. 
-Which makes us think of the River COLO and all the walkers who have attempted it; beginning with the Gordon Smith/Max Gentle team about 1930, and a large S.B.W. party in 1934. About 15 years ago there was a sequence + 
-of three walks which covered almost the whole of the main valley from Glen Davis to Colo Heights. +The sketch-with-songs about these recent walks begins with a ballad by an ageing walker who wants to "do" the Colo before he's completely over the hill. (This was a snide device to allow the author to claim he did know something of what he was writing about, albeit ten years earlier.) 
-In the last year there have been 23 programmed walks in the Colo country - many in the Wollongambe Wilderness - but also a new version of the series of trips covering the main stream. These were led by Don Finch and + 
-Oliver Crawford, with an additional Christmas walk led by Matthew Walton which went all the way in one stage. +__Song__: (To "Rolling Down to Rio") 
-The sketch-with-songs about these recent walks begins with a ballad by an ageing walker who wants to "do" the Colo before he's completely over the hill. (This was a snide device to allow the author to claim he did + 
-know something of what he was writing about, albeit ten years earlier.) +I've walked the Grose and Nattai, I've walked along the Cox,\\ 
-aaa: (To "Rolling Down to Rio"+I've trudged the Wollondilly with grass seeds in my sox,\\ 
-I've walked the Grose and Nattai, I've walked along the Cox, I've trudged the Wollondilly with grass seeds in my sax, But ah....ah....ah....0h+But ah....ah....ah....Oh!\\ 
-But never done the Colo +But never done the Colo\\ 
-From Wolgan to Wollemi, +From Wolgan to Wollemi,\\ 
-And a madman you may deem me +And a madman you may deem me\\ 
-But it's there that you may see me, +But it's there that you may see me,\\ 
-Even tho' November's steamy +Even tho' November's steamy\\ 
-I've simply got to go, +I've simply got to go,\\ 
-For ah....ah....ah....0h!+For ah....ah....ah....Oh!\\
 The Capertee and Colo that's where I've got to go. The Capertee and Colo that's where I've got to go.
-There are three trips that I see here with Crawford or with Finch + 
-Right down to Angorawa, I know they're not a cinch, +There are three trips that I see here with Crawford or with Finch\\ 
-But ah....ah....ah....Ohl +Right down to Angorawa, I know they're not a cinch,\\ 
-So I would try the Colo +But ah....ah....ah....Oh!\\ 
-And I think that I can follow +So I would try the Colo\\ 
-All along that cliff-lined hollow, +And I think that I can follow\\ 
-My dignity I'll swallow +All along that cliff-lined hollow,\\ 
-And in the quicksands wallow. +My dignity I'll swallow\\ 
-I know I've got to go, For ah....ah....ah....Ohl+And in the quicksands wallow.\\ 
 +I know I've got to go,\\ 
 +For ah....ah....ah....Oh!\\
 The Capertee and Colo that's where I've got to go. The Capertee and Colo that's where I've got to go.
-Now the first of the three main-stream trips was a car-swap. One party went downstream from Glen Davis and the others came up from the + 
-,Culoul Range at Six Brothers, and went upstream. Of course, it was harder +Now the first of the three main-stream trips was a car-swap. One party went downstream from Glen Davis and the others came up from the Culoul Range at Six Brothers, and went upstream. Of course, it was harder for the upstream party, mainly because the flood debris usually points down-river, but also because they had some trouble in identifying "Pass Six", the chosen way into the Colo Gorge. In fact, they finally scrambled down by "Unauthorised Route"... here's the story.... 
-for the upstream party, mainly because the flood debris usually points + 
-June, 1986.-  THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 5 +__Song__: (To "The Fox") 
-down-river, but also because they had some trouble in identifying "Pass Six", the chosen way into the Colo Gorge. In fact, they finally scrambled down by "Unauthorised Route"... here's the story.... + 
-SONG: (To "The Fox"+A crowd went out one Friday night\\ 
-A crowd went out one Friday night +And hoped that the moon would give them light\\ 
-And hoped that the moon would give them light To make Six Brothers in moonshine bright +To make Six Brothers in moonshine bright\\ 
-On the trail out to the Colo....Colo....Colo.... +On the trail out to the Colo....Colo....Colo....\\ 
-But the drive out gave them no delight,+But the drive out gave them no delight,\\
 There were bogs on the road to the Colo. There were bogs on the road to the Colo.
-They had some strife along Pass Six + 
-And once they wer& in an awkward fix, +They had some strife along Pass Six\\ 
-But with the aid of a few smart tricks +And once they were in an awkward fix,\\ 
-They finally, reached their goal-c....goal-o....goal-.... And nobody crossed the River Styx +But with the aid of a few smart tricks\\ 
-Before they reached the Colo. +They finally, reached their goal-o....goal-o....goal-....\\ 
-By Saturday night at Girribung Creek +And nobody crossed the River Styx\\ 
-They were pretty tired and ready to peek, +Before they reached the Colo. 
-For all were scratched and some felt weak + 
--' It -wasn't a simple stroll-o....stroll-o....stroll-o.... But the prospect didn't look so bleak,+By Saturday night at Girribung Creek\\ 
 +They were pretty tired and ready to peek,\\ 
 +For all were scratched and some felt weak\\ 
 +It wasn't a simple stroll-o....stroll-o....stroll-o....\\ 
 +But the prospect didn't look so bleak,\\
 They'd walked so much of the Colo. They'd walked so much of the Colo.
-The downstream party there they'd see + 
-Who'd come down from the Capertee, +The downstream party there they'd see\\ 
-Discussed the trip and they'd all agree +Who'd come down from the Capertee,\\ 
-You don't have a bludge on the Colo....Colo....Colo.... Exchanged the news and the old car key+Discussed the trip and they'd all agree\\ 
 +You don't have a bludge on the Colo....Colo....Colo....\\ 
 +Exchanged the news and the old car key\\
 And slept on the banks of the Colo. And slept on the banks of the Colo.
-The next day it was on again, + 
-A final dash for Davis Glen, +The next day it was on again,\\ 
-A resolute crowd of girls and men +A final dash for Davis Glen,\\ 
-As the river took its toll-o....toll-o....toll-0.... They tramped twelve hours and then....and then.... At last they had done the Colo, +A resolute crowd of girls and men\\ 
-And one car hit a kangaroo near Lithgow, and its crew came home by +As the river took its toll-o....toll-o....toll-o....\\ 
-train with the milkman in the early hours of Monday... and the leader billed +They tramped twelve hours and then....and then....\\ 
-all taking part the sum of $25.60 for repairs to the car - not the kangaroo. +At last they had done the Colo
-The second mainstream walk was rather shorter, from a bit below the Wollemi down to Canoe Creek, and all the party went downstream. Apart from a soggy Friday night on Culoul, the weather was warm and many floated down the somewhat swollen river, while a few determined types trudged along the scrubby And sandy banks. + 
-aONG: (To-,"Bonnie3anks of Clyde"+And one car hit a kangaroo near Lithgow, and its crew came home by train with the milkman in the early hours of Monday... and the leader billed all taking part the sum of $25.60 for repairs to the car - not the kangaroo. 
-Raining and complaining + 
-As the Culoul miles slip past. +The second mainstream walk was rather shorter, from a bit below the Wollemi down to Canoe Creek, and all the party went __downstream__. Apart from a soggy Friday night on Culoul, the weather was warm and many floated down the somewhat swollen river, while a few determined types trudged along the scrubby and sandy banks.... 
-Feigning it's not raining + 
-Till we pitch our tents at last. +__Song__: (To "Bonnie Banks of Clyde") 
-Then mosquitoes in the camp + 
-Seeking shelter from the damp -+Raining and complaining\\ 
 +As the Culoul miles slip past.\\ 
 +Feigning it's not raining\\ 
 +Till we pitch our tents at last.\\ 
 +Then mosquitoes in the camp\\ 
 +Seeking shelter from the damp -\\
 Oh, it's lovely when you get out to the Colo. Oh, it's lovely when you get out to the Colo.
-Page 6 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1986. + 
-SONG (cont.)  +Yawning in our awning\\ 
-Yawning in our awning +Over muesli or weet-bix,\\ 
-Over muesli or weet-bix, +Yawning in the dawning\\ 
-Yawning in the dawning +And again we'll seek Pass Six.\\ 
-And again we'll seek Pass Six. +Well, we find the way this trip\\ 
-Well, we find the way this trip Even time to take a dip+Even time to take a dip\\
 As we start out floating down the Colo. As we start out floating down the Colo.
-Gloating as we're floating + 
-Along the river's tides Noting while we're floating +Gloating as we're floating\\ 
-That some others walk the sides. +Along the river's tides\\ 
-While they're getting scratched and sore +Noting while we're floating\\ 
-We can drift a whole lot more.+That some others walk the sides.\\ 
 +While they're getting scratched and sore\\ 
 +We can drift a whole lot more.\\
 Oh, it's lovely when you're floating down the Colo. Oh, it's lovely when you're floating down the Colo.
 +
 But there was one casualty that weekend. One that went un-noticed and was callously ignored by the walkers.... Let us go back to the Friday night on the Culoul Range, when the mosquitoes appeared.... here is their humming chorus.... But there was one casualty that weekend. One that went un-noticed and was callously ignored by the walkers.... Let us go back to the Friday night on the Culoul Range, when the mosquitoes appeared.... here is their humming chorus....
-Zizz....zizz....zizz.... TEe raindrops are falling on our heads! SONG: (To "Pop-eye the Sailor Man4 + 
-Mostyn mosquito is dead, +Zizz....zizz....zizz.... The raindrops are falling on our heads! 
-Raindrops fell "plop!" on his head, And when he was found + 
-We saw he was drowned,+__Song__: (To "Pop-eye the Sailor Man"
 + 
 +Mostyn mosquito is dead,\\ 
 +Raindrops fell "plop!" on his head,\\ 
 +And when he was found\\ 
 +We saw he was drowned,\\
 Alas, his spirit had fled. Alas, his spirit had fled.
 +
 Chorus: Zizz....zizz....zizz....Raindrops keep falling on our heads! Chorus: Zizz....zizz....zizz....Raindrops keep falling on our heads!
-If he'd got under a leaf + 
-His life need not have been brief. He gave one last hum +If he'd got under a leaf\\ 
-Then fell on his... tail. We're laden with rain and grief.+His life need not have been brief.\\ 
 +He gave one last hum\\ 
 +Then fell on his... tail.\\ 
 +We're laden with rain and grief. 
 Chorus: Zizz....zizz....zizz....Raindrops keep falling on our heads! Chorus: Zizz....zizz....zizz....Raindrops keep falling on our heads!
-Giants appear with a light + 
-And they're distressed by our plight, While the rain pelters +Giants appear with a light\\ 
-They're building us shelters - We'll be blood-brothers to-night! +And they're distressed by our plight,\\ 
-Chorus: Zizz....zizz....zizz.... Raindrops stop falling on our heads+While the rain pelters\\ 
 +They're building us shelters -\\ 
 +We'll be blood-brothers to-night! 
 + 
 +Chorus: Zizz....zizz....zizz.... Raindrops stop falling on our heads
 The last of the three main-stream trips, from Canoe Creek to Angorawa and out to Drip Rock, took place on the weekend that introduced the summer. There was also expected to be a full moon. However, persistent showers, including a downpour on Saturday and some rain on Sunday, made it less than summer-ish. The last of the three main-stream trips, from Canoe Creek to Angorawa and out to Drip Rock, took place on the weekend that introduced the summer. There was also expected to be a full moon. However, persistent showers, including a downpour on Saturday and some rain on Sunday, made it less than summer-ish.
-SONG: (To "Shenandoah"+ 
-Oh, bright full moon, I'd like to see you +__Song__: (To "Shenandoah") 
-Round and gold and boldly beaming Instead of which I must agree you + 
-Have hid your face to-night....+Oh, bright full moon, I'd like to see you\\ 
 +Round and gold and boldly beaming\\ 
 +Instead of which I must agree you\\ 
 +Have hid your face to-night....\\
 ....And the rain is teeming.... ....And the rain is teeming....
-SONG (cont.)  + 
-Oh, summer sun, shine on our river, Don't be coy - just let us sizzle, +Oh, summer sun, shine on our river,\\ 
-And while we float don't make us shiver, Don't menace us with rain.... ...Rain and mist and drizzle.... +Don't be coy - just let us sizzle,\\ 
-On Saturday we felt and saw a +And while we float don't make us shiver,\\ 
-Deluge storm as we neared Tambo, By Sunday's lunch at Angorawa +Don't menace us with rain....\\ 
-We felt restored again....+...Rain and mist and drizzle.... 
 + 
 +On Saturday we felt and saw a\\ 
 +Deluge storm as we neared Tambo,\\ 
 +By Sunday's lunch at Angorawa\\ 
 +We felt restored again....\\
 ....Fit and tough as Rambo.... ....Fit and tough as Rambo....
-Then as we hump our swag and bluey + 
-Sodden legs to Drip Rock wending, +Then as we hump our swag and bluey\\ 
-Send her down....0h, send her Hughie.... +Sodden legs to Drip Rock wending,\\ 
-Don't change the pattern now....+Send her down....0h, send her Hughie....\\ 
 +Don't change the pattern now....\\
 ....Soggy start and ending.... ....Soggy start and ending....
 +
 So the sequence of trips was over and the main part of the Colo had been "done" again. So the sequence of trips was over and the main part of the Colo had been "done" again.
 +
 For those who took part in the trips, I guess the memories will be "Colo-rific". In fact, you may come to remember it as a high spot in your walking.... For those who took part in the trips, I guess the memories will be "Colo-rific". In fact, you may come to remember it as a high spot in your walking....
-SONG: (To "Red River Valley"+ 
-You'll remember the wild Colo Valley, You'll remember that you battled on, You'll remember the scrub and the sallee+__Song__: (To "Red River Valley") 
 + 
 +You'll remember the wild Colo Valley,\\ 
 +You'll remember that you battled on,\\ 
 +You'll remember the scrub and the sallee\\
 When a lot of your memories have gone. When a lot of your memories have gone.
-Perhaps at the time it seemed rougher + 
-Than you'd thought you were going to find; But at least you could meet it and suffer+Perhaps at the time it seemed rougher\\ 
 +Than you'd thought you were going to find;\\ 
 +But at least you could meet it and suffer\\
 And pretend "Oh, it's all in the mind". And pretend "Oh, it's all in the mind".
-In those mem'ries one day you may treasure How you trudged out Culoul in the rain. + 
-It's the tough ones that give us such pleasure.... And you'll wish you could do it again. +In those mem'ries one day you may treasure\\ 
-* * * * * * * * * * * * * +How you trudged out Culoul in the rain.\\ 
-NEW MEMBERS.+It's the tough ones that give us such pleasure....\\ 
 +And you'll wish you could do it again. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== New Members===== 
 Please add the following names to your List of Members.   Please add the following names to your List of Members.  
-COYLE, Ross, 35 Camelot Court, Carlingford, 2118 Phone 630 4061 + 
-KENNY, Rosemary, 5 Fisher Street, Balgowlah Heights 2093 94  +  * Coyle, Ross, 35 Camelot Court, Carlingford, 2118Phone 630 4061. 
-   5974 +  * Kenny, Rosemary, 5 Fisher Street, Balgowlah Heights209394 5974. 
-MOORE, Lesley, 50 Smith Road, Artarmon, 2064 411 2096 +  * Moore, Lesley, 50 Smith Road, Artarmon, 2064411 2096. 
-NIVEN, Jeffrey, Lot 1 Perentie Road, Belrose, 2085 452 5526 +  * Niven, Jeffrey, Lot 1 Perentie Road, Belrose, 2085452 5526. 
-OXLEY, Jim, 11/242 Blaxland Road, Ryde, 2112 807 2128 +  * Oxley, Jim, 11/242 Blaxland Road, Ryde, 2112807 2128. 
-WILLCOCKS, Carolyn, 41 Rofe Street, Leichhardt, 2040 568 2462 +  * Willcocks, Carolyn, 41 Rofe Street, Leichhardt, 2040568 2462. 
-******** + 
-ADVANCE NOTICE OF EXTENDED WALK MITTAGONG TO KATOOMBA.+---- 
 + 
 +=== Advanced notice of extended walk - Mittagong to Katoomba=== 
 6 days - October 10th to 16th. Details phone George Walton 498 7956 before 9 pm. 6 days - October 10th to 16th. Details phone George Walton 498 7956 before 9 pm.
-BUSH DANCE - Wilderness Society. "Hard Yakker", Petersham Town Hall 7.30 pm.+ 
 +---- 
 + 
 +=== Bush Dance. === 
 + 
 +Wilderness Society. "Hard Yakker", Petersham Town Hall 7.30 pm. 
 $7 - Concession $5. Beer, wine and food Available. $7 - Concession $5. Beer, wine and food Available.
- BUSHWAUCERS + 
-ILightweight Tents  Sleeping Bags  Rucksacks  Climbing Et Caving Gear  Maps  Clothing  Boots  Food. CAMPING EQUIPMENT +---- 
-Large Tents  Stoves Lamps - Folding Furniture. + 
-DISTRIBUTORS OF+=== Eastwood Camping Centre. === 
-Paddymade  Karrimor  Berghaus  Hallmark  Bergans  Caribee  Fairydown  Silva  Primus  Companion  and all leading brands. + 
-EASTWOOD CANVAS GOODS lb CAMPING SUPPLIES 3 Tratiawney St Eastwood NSW 2122 Phone: 858 2775 +__Bushwalkers__. 
-Proprietors: Jack Et Nancy Fox Sales Manager: David Fox + 
-Rowe Strait +Lightweight Tents Sleeping Bags Rucksacks Climbing Caving Gear Maps Clothing Boots Food. 
-a + 
-g.- +__Camping equipment__. 
-Rutied9e Strom + 
-June, 1986THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 9 +Large Tents Stoves Lamps - Folding Furniture. 
-TANTANGARA TO BRINDABELLA  + 
-by Janet Waterhouse. PART 2 - THE RIVER SECTION. (Leader - Don Finch) +__Distributors of__: 
-Thursday: An optional side trip to Little Peppercorn Hut (PEPPERCORN: 480613) was suggested by our illustrious leader and as the six starters assembled awaiting instruction and guidance Don announced that he was joining the frail and old and remaining in camp. The leaderless waifs trudged off across the baking plain and saw en route four brumbies (one of which David claimed was not a stallion as he "couldn't see the parts") and two wallabies. + 
-We inspected the relic of Little Peppercorn Hut and examined an old kerosene fridge which we had mistaken for a car, so we had a conversation about taking it for Sunday afternoon drives around the countryside anyway. 14-3 had no time to explore the pretty Peppercorn Creek gully and returned to camp avoiding the tussock wherever possible.+Paddymade Karrimor Berghaus Hallmark Bergans Caribee Fairydown Silva Primus Companion and all leading brands. 
 + 
 +Proprietors: Jack Nancy FoxSales Manager: David Fox. 
 + 
 +Eastwood Canvas Good & Camping Supplies. 
 + 
 +3 Trelawney St., Eastwood, NSW, 2122. Phone 858 2775. 
 + 
 +---
 + 
 +===== Tantangara To Brindabells===== 
 + 
 +by Janet Waterhouse. 
 + 
 +=== Part 2 - The River Section=== 
 + 
 +(Leader - Don Finch) 
 + 
 +__Thursday__: An optional side trip to Little Peppercorn Hut (Peppercorn: 480613) was suggested by our illustrious leader and as the six starters assembled awaiting instruction and guidance Don announced that he was joining the frail and old and remaining in camp. The leaderless waifs trudged off across the baking plain and saw en route four brumbies (one of which David claimed was not a stallion as he "couldn't see the parts") and two wallabies. 
 + 
 +We inspected the relic of Little Peppercorn Hut and examined an old kerosene fridge which we had mistaken for a car, so we had a conversation about taking it for Sunday afternoon drives around the countryside anyway. We had no time to explore the pretty Peppercorn Creek gully and returned to camp avoiding the tussock wherever possible. 
 On our return we admired then ate two magnificent wholemeal dampers Wendy had cooked under Bill's expert guidance. The party having been set a departure time of 1400 behaved with their usual paranoia about being last ready, so at 1335 without the chance for a last minute rest Little Hitler had us march off without delay. Rather than retrace our steps to Coolamine Homestead, we opted for the quiet cool pools of a Caves Creek tributary. As we waded and floundered through a deep sea of tussock, briar rose and occasional wild raspberry vines we wondered at our unflappable faith in our leader's ability as a water diviner. We wondered all the way to Caves Creek where the majority of the party hesitated only to divest themselves of a thousand grass seeds, gaiters and a range of vestments before plunging into the nearest icy cold pool. On our return we admired then ate two magnificent wholemeal dampers Wendy had cooked under Bill's expert guidance. The party having been set a departure time of 1400 behaved with their usual paranoia about being last ready, so at 1335 without the chance for a last minute rest Little Hitler had us march off without delay. Rather than retrace our steps to Coolamine Homestead, we opted for the quiet cool pools of a Caves Creek tributary. As we waded and floundered through a deep sea of tussock, briar rose and occasional wild raspberry vines we wondered at our unflappable faith in our leader's ability as a water diviner. We wondered all the way to Caves Creek where the majority of the party hesitated only to divest themselves of a thousand grass seeds, gaiters and a range of vestments before plunging into the nearest icy cold pool.
 +
 A couple of passing tourists were heard to observe that we looked like "Extras out of a scene of John the Baptist". A couple of passing tourists were heard to observe that we looked like "Extras out of a scene of John the Baptist".
-Refreshed, and out of grass seed country at long last, we took off downstream on a superb track which wanted to believe would continue to the Goodradigbee. At the first spectacular waterfall downstream the track dwindled and was gone, leaving us to flounder over crags and bluffs, 6 ft high weed, briar and then to a grinding halt while the leader dispatched two of us to explore the limestone canyon. + 
-The gorge country there is very spectacular and exciting, and negotiation along the steep rock shelves proved to me once again the usefulness of +Refreshed, and out of grass seed country at long last, we took off downstream on a superb track which we wanted to believe would continue to the Goodradigbee. At the first spectacular waterfall downstream the track dwindled and was gone, leaving us to flounder over crags and bluffs, 6 ft high weed, briar and then to a grinding halt while the leader dispatched two of us to explore the limestone canyon. 
-a herringbone tread. After determining further progress downstream would be fraught with difficulty, the party beat a strategic retreat to the cliff tops up a steep, sun-baked, airy, rocky ridge from where we had a fantastic view up and down the hairpin bends in the gorge. After bashing through various degrees of scrub and jungle we stumbled upon an old four-wheel-drive track running all the way down the nose of the ridge between Caves Creek and the Goodradigbee River, where we established camp (PEPPERCORN: 557567) amongst swarms of very persistent tiny black beetles. We were all satisfied that we had put in a really good afternoon's walk.+ 
 +The gorge country there is very spectacular and exciting, and negotiation along the steep rock shelves proved to me once again the usefulness of a herringbone tread. After determining further progress downstream would be fraught with difficulty, the party beat a strategic retreat to the cliff tops up a steep, sun-baked, airy, rocky ridge from where we had a fantastic view up and down the hairpin bends in the gorge. After bashing through various degrees of scrub and jungle we stumbled upon an old four-wheel-drive track running all the way down the nose of the ridge between Caves Creek and the Goodradigbee River, where we established camp (Peppercorn: 557567) amongst swarms of very persistent tiny black beetles. We were all satisfied that we had put in a really good afternoon's walk. 
 After hot rum and lemon drinks and a good deal of discussion about whether the rum would last the distance, a few of us went for another swim - such bliss to have water deep enough to submerge. Dinner that night was a W. Burke production of curry and rice followed by an apple lemon cake and vanilla pudding. After hot rum and lemon drinks and a good deal of discussion about whether the rum would last the distance, a few of us went for another swim - such bliss to have water deep enough to submerge. Dinner that night was a W. Burke production of curry and rice followed by an apple lemon cake and vanilla pudding.
-Friday: Much to everyone's surprise Don was up first and fooled us all by lighting the fire without breaking any sticks. When I stirred in my snug cocoon I peeped from beneath the fly-sheet and watched David and Don quietly building the fire up and marvelled at the tranquility of our campsite. + 
-Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1986.+__Friday__: Much to everyone's surprise Don was up first and fooled us all by lighting the fire without breaking any sticks. When I stirred in my snug cocoon I peeped from beneath the fly-sheet and watched David and Don quietly building the fire up and marvelled at the tranquility of our campsite. 
 I watched the leaping flames setting their peaceful faces aglow and knew I would always remember this walk. The rat-race seemed just so far away. I watched the leaping flames setting their peaceful faces aglow and knew I would always remember this walk. The rat-race seemed just so far away.
 +
 At breakfast Steve was initiated into the art of damper making with huge success, and Lynne amazed us all by dragging out yet another clean neatly pressed blouse to wear. At breakfast Steve was initiated into the art of damper making with huge success, and Lynne amazed us all by dragging out yet another clean neatly pressed blouse to wear.
 +
 Our next two days would be on the Goodradigbee, so with considerable anticipation and arming ourselves with personally selected scrub-bashers, we set off to push our way through the gorge country following faint tracks where possible to avoid the briars. Before long David found a wild apple tree which we sampled, Barry picking extra apples to tempt any possible "Eves". Our next two days would be on the Goodradigbee, so with considerable anticipation and arming ourselves with personally selected scrub-bashers, we set off to push our way through the gorge country following faint tracks where possible to avoid the briars. Before long David found a wild apple tree which we sampled, Barry picking extra apples to tempt any possible "Eves".
 +
 After fairly slow progress rock-hopping and pushing through scratchy scrub, David took a fancy to a short cut over a small saddle. Due to Wendy'a insistence that in doing so we had side-stepped the much spoken about Ben Esgate tunnel, Don was dispatched to investigate by which time the front runners had crossed the river. I remained very quiet about my two dry feet when everyone took delight at the rock turning to water under David's feet. After fairly slow progress rock-hopping and pushing through scratchy scrub, David took a fancy to a short cut over a small saddle. Due to Wendy'a insistence that in doing so we had side-stepped the much spoken about Ben Esgate tunnel, Don was dispatched to investigate by which time the front runners had crossed the river. I remained very quiet about my two dry feet when everyone took delight at the rock turning to water under David's feet.
-Joan, Wendy and Steve turned back to explore a slit in the rock which Don had found and what a prize it held! The slit penetrated deep into the cliff and was filled with limestone formations - shawls, flow-stone and + 
-asses of pie white crystals. They went as far as the unwaterproofed torches would allow in swiftly flowing, freezing cold water which was up to Joan's chin (even when on her tippy-toes). I was quite envious when I realised the prize I had missed.+Joan, Wendy and Steve turned back to explore a slit in the rock which Don had found and what a prize it held! The slit penetrated deep into the cliff and was filled with limestone formations - shawls, flow-stone and masses of pure white crystals. They went as far as the unwaterproofed torches would allow in swiftly flowing, freezing cold water which was up to Joan's chin (even when on her tippy-toes). I was quite envious when I realised the prize I had missed. 
 We ade our way slowly down the banks as far as possible until we were forced into the river by thick scrub, where we discovered that rock-hopping on submerged rocks lacks a certain charm and can really take one unawares. We stopped to admire a spectacular split waterfall, cascade and pool near Basin Creek, then continued the slog. Most of that day went by in a blurr of concentration whilst trying to remain approximately vertical, Joan discovering the skill of stepping between instead of on rocks in her boots. She had quite mastered it by Saturday! We ade our way slowly down the banks as far as possible until we were forced into the river by thick scrub, where we discovered that rock-hopping on submerged rocks lacks a certain charm and can really take one unawares. We stopped to admire a spectacular split waterfall, cascade and pool near Basin Creek, then continued the slog. Most of that day went by in a blurr of concentration whilst trying to remain approximately vertical, Joan discovering the skill of stepping between instead of on rocks in her boots. She had quite mastered it by Saturday!
 +
 That afternoon we lost David for a while after a great deal of confusion about a possible retreat to a fire-trail. It was too early with too many unknown hazards still ahead to stop at the only really good campsite, so, late that afternoon, tempers were a little frayed as we bashed our way up through the scrub to a level place in the forest. This was starting to feel like a "S.B.W. weekend walk" - what had happened to our holiday? That afternoon we lost David for a while after a great deal of confusion about a possible retreat to a fire-trail. It was too early with too many unknown hazards still ahead to stop at the only really good campsite, so, late that afternoon, tempers were a little frayed as we bashed our way up through the scrub to a level place in the forest. This was starting to feel like a "S.B.W. weekend walk" - what had happened to our holiday?
 +
 Despite my tiredness I think for me this was actually one of the more special campsites of the trip and most certainly the only one in wilderness. I enjoyed the sounds of the rushing untamed river and could not absorb enough the gorge country through which we'd passed. Mosquitoes kept us awake for a while although the insect repellant worked wonders. Despite my tiredness I think for me this was actually one of the more special campsites of the trip and most certainly the only one in wilderness. I enjoyed the sounds of the rushing untamed river and could not absorb enough the gorge country through which we'd passed. Mosquitoes kept us awake for a while although the insect repellant worked wonders.
-Saturday: We awoke to the cracking of sticks and the morning chorus of birds - we were getting the hang of it by now - and after breakfast we scrambled down-through the scrub to the river where we found Don gazing into a deep pool where the trout should have been. Again we selected scrub- bashers, Joan taking pity on David whose stick had been "left forlornly leaning against a tree" (or so she claimed....).+ 
 +__Saturday__: We awoke to the cracking of sticks and the morning chorus of birds - we were getting the hang of it by now - and after breakfast we scrambled down through the scrub to the river where we found Don gazing into a deep pool where the trout should have been. Again we selected scrub-bashers, Joan taking pity on David whose stick had been "left forlornly leaning against a tree" (or so she claimed....). 
 The morning progressed as the previous afternoon - rock hopping, slithering and sliding and hanging by our toe nails to the edges of rock ledges. After morning tea and disillusioned by our slow progress on the river we took to the hills, David in the lead with Don playing samurai with his scrub basher with what seemed like much too much surplus energy. This culminated in Don and David's Tai Chi fight and brought us some comic relief. The morning progressed as the previous afternoon - rock hopping, slithering and sliding and hanging by our toe nails to the edges of rock ledges. After morning tea and disillusioned by our slow progress on the river we took to the hills, David in the lead with Don playing samurai with his scrub basher with what seemed like much too much surplus energy. This culminated in Don and David's Tai Chi fight and brought us some comic relief.
-June, 1986. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 11+
 Back at the river for lunch after a dunking to wash off the perspiration and leaves, the sky began to look ominous and we cursed David for tempting the gods to produce rain. As the first big drops fell and we all contemplated how much worse rock hopping would be in the rain, David put his raincoat on and Joan ceremonially dragged out her scout hat, and the rain promptly stopped. Back at the river for lunch after a dunking to wash off the perspiration and leaves, the sky began to look ominous and we cursed David for tempting the gods to produce rain. As the first big drops fell and we all contemplated how much worse rock hopping would be in the rain, David put his raincoat on and Joan ceremonially dragged out her scout hat, and the rain promptly stopped.
 +
 At long last we reached the fire trail which crosses the Goodradigbee and left the river behind, making our way to a far less than perfect campsite for our last night. As Barry commented "For someone who'd nearly run out of toilet paper perhaps we should have been grateful". Nonetheless it sufficed and had the advantage of a large swimming pool in which Joan and I indulged and so, we believed, did the trout. At long last we reached the fire trail which crosses the Goodradigbee and left the river behind, making our way to a far less than perfect campsite for our last night. As Barry commented "For someone who'd nearly run out of toilet paper perhaps we should have been grateful". Nonetheless it sufficed and had the advantage of a large swimming pool in which Joan and I indulged and so, we believed, did the trout.
-That evening the Pritikin-powered Steve suffered a 'flame-out and crawled into his sleeping bag with no decent mountains to tempt him and Don fell asleep under a tree while the stayers sang on into the night to the appreciative audience of Bill who had made his bed under the stars. + 
-Sunday: After breakfast of rice, porridge, stewed fruit and anything else we could force down, we road-bashed our way to Brindabella, stopping to chat to the farmer on our way. We made good time, stopping only to pick large handfuls of what David decided were the best blackberries he'd ever tasted, and reached Brindabella an hour ahead of schedule. As we waited for our bus we were reintroduced to the ways of society as 4WDs and trail bikes passed covering us in dust. The apples Wendy picked along the road were fresh and sweet and were a reminder of the simple pleasures in life to which we had all become accustomed.+That evening the Pritikin-powered Steve suffered a 'flame-out', and crawled into his sleeping bag with no decent mountains to tempt him and Don fell asleep under a tree while the stayers sang on into the night to the appreciative audience of Bill who had made his bed under the stars. 
 + 
 +__Sunday__: After breakfast of rice, porridge, stewed fruit and anything else we could force down, we road-bashed our way to Brindabella, stopping to chat to the farmer on our way. We made good time, stopping only to pick large handfuls of what David decided were the best blackberries he'd ever tasted, and reached Brindabella an hour ahead of schedule. As we waited for our bus we were reintroduced to the ways of society as 4WDs and trail bikes passed covering us in dust. The apples Wendy picked along the road were fresh and sweet and were a reminder of the simple pleasures in life to which we had all become accustomed. 
 The bus journey back was subdued as we savoured the last of our escape from society and pondered our return. Steve was dreaming of a box full of mangoes, Bill of a good sharp razor, Wendy of clean hair, Joan of a radox bath, Lynne of clean clothes and me of my next escape from the rat-race - the sooner the better. The bus journey back was subdued as we savoured the last of our escape from society and pondered our return. Steve was dreaming of a box full of mangoes, Bill of a good sharp razor, Wendy of clean hair, Joan of a radox bath, Lynne of clean clothes and me of my next escape from the rat-race - the sooner the better.
-* * * * * * * * * * + 
-COMMITTEE MEETING 4.6.86. +---- 
 + 
 +===== Committee Meeting 4.6.86. ===== 
 The Draft Constitution will be discussed, then retyped and printed for distribution to all members with notification of the Half-Yearly Meeting in September, when changes to the Constitution can be considered. The Draft Constitution will be discussed, then retyped and printed for distribution to all members with notification of the Half-Yearly Meeting in September, when changes to the Constitution can be considered.
 +
 A motion will be put to the next General Meeting concerning the costs of preparing the history booklet and preliminary work on the archives. A motion will be put to the next General Meeting concerning the costs of preparing the history booklet and preliminary work on the archives.
 +
 The abseiling equipment will be bought for $454. The abseiling equipment will be bought for $454.
-********* + 
-,k7fe;/ a o~:nee4'   +---- 
-FIFTY-FOUR YEARS AGO THIS MONTH:-+ 
 +===== Just A Minute===== 
 + 
 +=== Fifty-four years ago this month:- === 
 From the Committee Meeting of Friday, 10th June, 1932. From the Committee Meeting of Friday, 10th June, 1932.
-Blue Mountains National Park: Mr. Dunphy reported on a proposal to have a large area of land on the Blue Mountains, as a Blue Mountains National Park9 and stated that he was endeavouring to get the support of all walking clubs in order to add weight to his representations in this matter. + 
-265 VICTORIA ROAD GLADESvILLE, 2111 PHONE (02) 817 MO HOURS - MON.-FRI. 9-6 +__Blue Mountains National Park__: Mr. Dunphy reported on a proposal to have a large area of land on the Blue Mountains, as a Blue Mountains National Park, and stated that he was endeavouring to get the support of all walking clubs in order to add weight to his representations in this matter. 
-THURS94 + 
-SAT. 9-4 +---- 
-(PARKING AT REAR OFF POTWATER ROAD+ 
-LARGE RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHTQUALITYBUSHWALKING Et CAMPING GEAR +=== Canoe & Camping. === 
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOOD FOR BACKPACKERS AND CANOEISTS + 
- COLD WEATHER PROTECTION CLOTHING AND RAINGEAR +265 Victoria Road, Gladesville, 2111. Phone (02) 817 5590. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Thurs9-8, Sat. 9-4(Parking at rear off Pittwater Road)
- MAPSBOOKS AND LEAFLETS + 
- INFORMATION SERVICE FOR CANOEISTS AND WALKERS +large range of lightweightqualitybushwalking & camping gear: 
- KNIVES  COMPASSES  SURVIVAL GEAR + 
-WE STOCK THE LARGEST RANGE OF CANOEING GEAR IN N.S.W. +  * Lightweight food for backpackers and canoeists 
-QUALITY TOURING CRAFT OF ALL TYPES HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCE COMPETITION CRAFT +  * Cold weather protection clothing and raingear 
- HUGE RANGE Of PADDLES FOR ALL TYPES OF CANOEING  wErSuITS  SURF SKIS +  * Mapsbooks and leaflets 
- ALL TYPES OF SPRAY COVERS  WIDE RANGE OF JACKETS CAGS  FACE MASKS +  * Information service for canoeists and walkers 
- FOOTWEAR  MANY TYPES OF BUOYANCY LIFE VESTS  HELMETS +  * Knives 
-June, 1986. THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 13 +  * Compasses 
- %C.+  * Survival gear 
 + 
 +We stock the largest range of canoeing gear in N.S.W. 
 + 
 +Quality touring craft of all types. High quality, performance competition craft. 
 + 
 +  * huge range of paddles for all types of canoeing 
 +  * Wetsuits 
 +  * Surf skis 
 +  * All types of spray covers 
 +  * Wide range of jackets cags 
 +  * Face masks 
 +  * Footwear 
 +  * Many types of buoyancy life vests 
 +  * Helmets 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 THE TRANS-KOWMUNG  PUSH BIKES. THE TRANS-KOWMUNG  PUSH BIKES.
 by Puffing Billy. by Puffing Billy.
198606.txt · Last modified: 2019/03/12 14:51 by tyreless

Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki