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199105 [2016/04/08 09:52] tyreless199105 [2016/04/20 12:31] (current) tyreless
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-=====The Sydney Bushwalker.=====+======The Sydney Bushwalker======
  
 Established June 1931 Established June 1931
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 A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Incorporated, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milson's Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. To advertise in this magazine please contact the Club Secretary. A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Incorporated, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milson's Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. To advertise in this magazine please contact the Club Secretary.
  
-|Editor|Judy O'Connor, 43 Pine Street, Cammeray 2062 Telephone 929 8629| +|**Editor**|Judy O'Connor, 43 Pine Street, Cammeray 2062 Telephone 929 8629| 
-|Production Manager|George Gray Telephone 876 6263| +|**Production Manager**|George Gray Telephone 876 6263| 
-|Typist|Kath Brown| +|**Typist**|Kath Brown| 
-|Illustrator|Morag Ryder| +|**Illustrator**|Morag Ryder| 
-|Printers|Kenn Clacher, Les Powell, Margaret Niven, Barrie Murdoch & Kay Chan|+|**Printers**|Kenn Clacher, Les Powell, Margaret Niven, Barrie Murdoch & Kay Chan|
  
 ====May 1991==== ====May 1991====
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 by Errol Sheedy by Errol Sheedy
  
-Geoff and his twelve faithful followers set off from the Wog Wog entrance at 8.30 am on a morning of mists and low cloud. Distant vistas were scarce and fleeting because of  the constanty enveloping cloud - although a brief meteorological debate was waged at one point as to whether it was fog or cloud. Morning tea was had on the edge of the track, south of Goodsell Basin, with a fine view of grey.+Geoff and his twelve faithful followers set off from the Wog Wog entrance at 8.30 am on a morning of mists and low cloud. Distant vistas were scarce and fleeting because of  the constantly enveloping cloud - although a brief meteorological debate was waged at one point as to whether it was fog or cloud. Morning tea was had on the edge of the track, south of Goodsell Basin, with a fine view of grey.
  
 A side trip to Admiration Point was cancelled, in view of the conditions, as was the ascent of Corang Peak. We continued on to Corang Arch where most of the party walked over the top of the arch, and Geoff drew some startled gasps with fancy footwork on the wet rocks approaching the summit. After this excitement we descended the conglomerate slope and had lunch, sheltering from the rain in one of the eroded caves. A side trip to Admiration Point was cancelled, in view of the conditions, as was the ascent of Corang Peak. We continued on to Corang Arch where most of the party walked over the top of the arch, and Geoff drew some startled gasps with fancy footwork on the wet rocks approaching the summit. After this excitement we descended the conglomerate slope and had lunch, sheltering from the rain in one of the eroded caves.
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 Lunch was in the shade of a large snowgum on the slopes above the creek, out of sight of the squads of day walkers marching along the roads. Lunch was in the shade of a large snowgum on the slopes above the creek, out of sight of the squads of day walkers marching along the roads.
  
-Later, we made a slight detour to climb Mt. Nelse North, and persuaded a tourist to take our photos. This was definitely photographers country, with wide and lovely views in all directions. Uninterrupted views of The Fainters and Bogong Jack Saddle - our lunch spot on day One. We left the track at Duane Spur, and lounged under the trees swatting flies while Brenda dicovered she had lost one of her spare joggers. Ian explored, and found us a campsite with wonderful views. All the eastern Alps were spread before us, glowing in the afternoon light.+Later, we made a slight detour to climb Mt. Nelse North, and persuaded a tourist to take our photos. This was definitely photographers country, with wide and lovely views in all directions. Uninterrupted views of The Fainters and Bogong Jack Saddle - our lunch spot on day One. We left the track at Duane Spur, and lounged under the trees swatting flies while Brenda discovered she had lost one of her spare joggers. Ian explored, and found us a campsite with wonderful views. All the eastern Alps were spread before us, glowing in the afternoon light.
  
 ===Sunday, December 30=== ===Sunday, December 30===
  
-Back up Diane Spur and down to Big River for morning tea. On the way we saw several people coming up - including Judy MacMillan and Colin Barnes! Big River was beautiful, much like Kanangra, and like Kanangra, the climb out was long and steep. It was now boiling hot and I was very glad to drop my pack on the grass at T-Spur Knob. A whole 1 1/2 hours to sit in the shade and drink tea, before strolling up to the head of the creek and the ruins of Maddisons Hut. Filled our waterbags and staggered uphill to a quiet campsite, thickly wooded with flowering snowgums. I took the oportunity to do my laundry, which dried in about 5 minutes.+Back up Diane Spur and down to Big River for morning tea. On the way we saw several people coming up - including Judy MacMillan and Colin Barnes! Big River was beautiful, much like Kanangra, and like Kanangra, the climb out was long and steep. It was now boiling hot and I was very glad to drop my pack on the grass at T-Spur Knob. A whole 1 1/2 hours to sit in the shade and drink tea, before strolling up to the head of the creek and the ruins of Maddisons Hut. Filled our waterbags and staggered uphill to a quiet campsite, thickly wooded with flowering snowgums. I took the opportunity to do my laundry, which dried in about 5 minutes.
  
 A group went to Howman Falls, which were beautiful - a spectacular series of cascades falling through a dark rock defile, with a 'rock garden' on one side and bright green ferns on the other. Some swam in the large rock pool - they swore it wasn't cold. This campsite had even better views than the last one, with the added bonus of a mass of towering cumulus cloud in the northeast. As the sun sank, it slowly turned strawberry pink, while the ranges below turned midnight blue. A group went to Howman Falls, which were beautiful - a spectacular series of cascades falling through a dark rock defile, with a 'rock garden' on one side and bright green ferns on the other. Some swam in the large rock pool - they swore it wasn't cold. This campsite had even better views than the last one, with the added bonus of a mass of towering cumulus cloud in the northeast. As the sun sank, it slowly turned strawberry pink, while the ranges below turned midnight blue.
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 ===Monday, December 31=== ===Monday, December 31===
  
-Slight cloud in the morning, but still very warm. We passed quite a lot of campers down the valley, before turning uphill past the large and well kept Cleve Cole Hut. Fanned by a cool breeze, we went up the ridge to Mt. Bogong. Whole tribes of day walkers were doing the same, but at least there were a few flowers - cattle are banned on Bogong. The views were marvelous of course, but the strong, cold wind soon brought us to our feet, and we went out to West Peak, for a look over Kiewa Valley. The track now took us over Quartz Knob, which was short and steep, and down Quartz Ridge, which was long and steep.+Slight cloud in the morning, but still very warm. We passed quite a lot of campers down the valley, before turning uphill past the large and well kept Cleve Cole Hut. Fanned by a cool breeze, we went up the ridge to Mt. Bogong. Whole tribes of day walkers were doing the same, but at least there were a few flowers - cattle are banned on Bogong. The views were marvellous of course, but the strong, cold wind soon brought us to our feet, and we went out to West Peak, for a look over Kiewa Valley. The track now took us over Quartz Knob, which was short and steep, and down Quartz Ridge, which was long and steep.
  
 Back in storm damage country again... struggling through tangled branches to a cramped little lunch spot. Down, down, knee-jarringly down. At the bottom was an overgrown firetrail, a creek, and several other campers. We followed the road a little to an old helipad. Rather exposed and not many good tentsites, but the views towards Mt. Buffalo were 'million dollar'. Once again I tucked my fly among the bushes, deciding that the clouds which were building up over the ranges __would__ bring rain. Back in storm damage country again... struggling through tangled branches to a cramped little lunch spot. Down, down, knee-jarringly down. At the bottom was an overgrown firetrail, a creek, and several other campers. We followed the road a little to an old helipad. Rather exposed and not many good tentsites, but the views towards Mt. Buffalo were 'million dollar'. Once again I tucked my fly among the bushes, deciding that the clouds which were building up over the ranges __would__ bring rain.
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 From Lukla onwards we joined the very popular trekking route to the Everest Base Camp. The altitude, not a significant factor hitherto, now became very important, determining our progress. The altitude also meant that temperatures could be quite low, and conditions difficult. We embarked on this part of the trip with mixed feelings as we had so enjoyed the walk thus far, with the friendliness of the inhabitants and the remoteness from other walking groups. From Lukla onwards we joined the very popular trekking route to the Everest Base Camp. The altitude, not a significant factor hitherto, now became very important, determining our progress. The altitude also meant that temperatures could be quite low, and conditions difficult. We embarked on this part of the trip with mixed feelings as we had so enjoyed the walk thus far, with the friendliness of the inhabitants and the remoteness from other walking groups.
  
-As soon as we joined the main route we began encountering many more walkers, indeed there seemed to be a virtual avalanche of them returning from the (very) high country. Many were Germans or German speaking and all had a very serious demenour. So much so, that we began to wonder exactly what did lie ahead. Tony, with his friendly enquiring attitude was at great pains to obtain from the returning trekkers, their impressions as to the conditions and why many of them looked so glum. However apart from the information that it was colder no particular reason could be ascertained for their lack of happiness.+As soon as we joined the main route we began encountering many more walkers, indeed there seemed to be a virtual avalanche of them returning from the (very) high country. Many were Germans or German speaking and all had a very serious demeanour. So much so, that we began to wonder exactly what did lie ahead. Tony, with his friendly enquiring attitude was at great pains to obtain from the returning trekkers, their impressions as to the conditions and why many of them looked so glum. However apart from the information that it was colder no particular reason could be ascertained for their lack of happiness.
  
 We were delighted to meet once again, Angela and David who had been staying at the village of Phakding (just past Lukla) awaiting our arrival. Angela seemed to have fully recovered, and we were happy that the group was now complete. We were delighted to meet once again, Angela and David who had been staying at the village of Phakding (just past Lukla) awaiting our arrival. Angela seemed to have fully recovered, and we were happy that the group was now complete.
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 The track was very busy and consequently very dusty. Frequently there was considerable traffic congestion, where trekkers, porters, sherpas, yaks and zopchioks converged on a bottle neck, however notwithstanding all this hustle, bustle and dust, the constant vision of the now, not so distant peaks and ridges provided an inspiration for our progress. We entered Sagarmatha National Park through a significant pass to which we had climbed from Phakding. Our trekking permits were checked and we descended once again to the Dudh Kosi. This we followed crossing several times, eventually by a dramatic suspension bridge high above a deep gorge, when we finally left it for the climb to Namche Bazaar. Our progress through the Pine and Juniper trees though slow due to the gradient and other traffic was quite delightful. A window on the next part of our trek was provided at the Everest View tea house where we were able to obtain the first view of the top of Everest and its surrounding mountains which we had had on the trek. A tantalising glimpse of what was to come. The track was very busy and consequently very dusty. Frequently there was considerable traffic congestion, where trekkers, porters, sherpas, yaks and zopchioks converged on a bottle neck, however notwithstanding all this hustle, bustle and dust, the constant vision of the now, not so distant peaks and ridges provided an inspiration for our progress. We entered Sagarmatha National Park through a significant pass to which we had climbed from Phakding. Our trekking permits were checked and we descended once again to the Dudh Kosi. This we followed crossing several times, eventually by a dramatic suspension bridge high above a deep gorge, when we finally left it for the climb to Namche Bazaar. Our progress through the Pine and Juniper trees though slow due to the gradient and other traffic was quite delightful. A window on the next part of our trek was provided at the Everest View tea house where we were able to obtain the first view of the top of Everest and its surrounding mountains which we had had on the trek. A tantalising glimpse of what was to come.
  
-A special mention should be made of Nannche Bazaar, because, apart from the rather poor campsite in the stockyard attached to the hotel, and with possibly one of the most revolting toilets encountered so far, it marked quite significantly our entry into the world of the high peaks which we had come so far to see.+A special mention should be made of Namche Bazaar, because, apart from the rather poor campsite in the stockyard attached to the hotel, and with possibly one of the most revolting toilets encountered so far, it marked quite significantly our entry into the world of the high peaks which we had come so far to see.
  
 Here we enjoyed a so called rest and acclimatization day during which we climbed up to the National Park Head Quarters. Here, on a splendidly located site, overlooked by some mighty rock and snow ridges we had the most superb view of the concentration of high peaks surrounding Everest, as well as Everest itself crowning the Nuptse Ridge which lay before it. The view looked right up the valley of the Dudh Kosi which we were due to continue to follow and included the beautiful and somewhat isolated peak of Ama Dablam (6856 m). Here we enjoyed a so called rest and acclimatization day during which we climbed up to the National Park Head Quarters. Here, on a splendidly located site, overlooked by some mighty rock and snow ridges we had the most superb view of the concentration of high peaks surrounding Everest, as well as Everest itself crowning the Nuptse Ridge which lay before it. The view looked right up the valley of the Dudh Kosi which we were due to continue to follow and included the beautiful and somewhat isolated peak of Ama Dablam (6856 m).
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 Here another rest and acclimatization day where most of us struggled up a local hill to about the height we would camp, on the next day. Once again we watched the sun go down on the peaks further up the valley until only the highest were illuminated, Makalu, Nuptse and Everest. Further entertainment was provided in the house where we had dinner, where the lady of the house was making Yak butter and several of the party tried their hand at churning the milky liquid. Tony proved the most adept at a very demanding operation. Here another rest and acclimatization day where most of us struggled up a local hill to about the height we would camp, on the next day. Once again we watched the sun go down on the peaks further up the valley until only the highest were illuminated, Makalu, Nuptse and Everest. Further entertainment was provided in the house where we had dinner, where the lady of the house was making Yak butter and several of the party tried their hand at churning the milky liquid. Tony proved the most adept at a very demanding operation.
  
-Day 20 of our trek and -10° night but again a clear and sunny morning for the walk to the highest campsite of the trek, Lobuche (4930 m). Well and truely amongst the high mountains of the world our walk began along a pleasantly grassed valley in warm sunshine, with white mountain ridges, peaks, sharp rock walls, ice falls and morraine looking down on us from either side. Leaving the pleasant valley we climbed up over the rocks and rubble which formed the terminal morraine of the Khumbu glacier. Our breathing became more laboured and a cool wind tempered the warm benevolence of the sun. The mountain streams were fringed by ice and the whole area revealed a barren wilderness dominated by the surrounding mountains.+Day 20 of our trek and -10° night but again a clear and sunny morning for the walk to the highest campsite of the trek, Lobuche (4930 m). Well and truly amongst the high mountains of the world our walk began along a pleasantly grassed valley in warm sunshine, with white mountain ridges, peaks, sharp rock walls, ice falls and morraine looking down on us from either side. Leaving the pleasant valley we climbed up over the rocks and rubble which formed the terminal morraine of the Khumbu glacier. Our breathing became more laboured and a cool wind tempered the warm benevolence of the sun. The mountain streams were fringed by ice and the whole area revealed a barren wilderness dominated by the surrounding mountains.
  
 Lobuche (4930 m) was a not a pretty sight and we resigned ourselves to camping amongst the dust, rubbish and other trekkers for two nights. As with previous evenings when the sun went down, the temperature dropped rapidly - down eventually to -13°. Notwithstanding the grottiness of our surroundings, we were more than consoled by a beautiful sunset on Nuptse, watching the now golden ridge top fade against a scattering of pink flecked dove grey clouds, in a blue grey sky. Lobuche (4930 m) was a not a pretty sight and we resigned ourselves to camping amongst the dust, rubbish and other trekkers for two nights. As with previous evenings when the sun went down, the temperature dropped rapidly - down eventually to -13°. Notwithstanding the grottiness of our surroundings, we were more than consoled by a beautiful sunset on Nuptse, watching the now golden ridge top fade against a scattering of pink flecked dove grey clouds, in a blue grey sky.
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 Than when he was more youthful. Than when he was more youthful.
  
-=====The April General Meeting.+=====The April General Meeting.=====
  
 by Barry Wallace by Barry Wallace
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 Of General Business there was nil, so the meeting closed at around 2112. Of General Business there was nil, so the meeting closed at around 2112.
  
 +=====Conservation News.=====
 +
 +====Sydney's Water Supply At Risk.====
  
-CONSERVATION NEWS 
-SYDNEY'S WATER SUPPLY AT RISK 
 The Wilderness Society, Colong Foundation for Wilderness, Australian Conservation Foundation and National Parks Association have called for the Minister for the Environment, Mr Tim Moore to protect Sydney's water supply by saving the Nattai wilderness. The Wilderness Society, Colong Foundation for Wilderness, Australian Conservation Foundation and National Parks Association have called for the Minister for the Environment, Mr Tim Moore to protect Sydney's water supply by saving the Nattai wilderness.
-"The proposed logging and clearing for market gardening in part of the Nattai wilderness may have enormous repercussions for the quality of Sydney's water supply. Allowing the proposal to proceed will add to the mounting siltation and turbidity of Lake Burragorang thereby adding to the incidence of toxic algal blooms", said Rod Bennison, Executive Officer of the National Parks Association, + 
-Geoff Lambert, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society is concerned that "the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Tim Moore, has apparently done'nothing Since being alerted about the potential destruction of the Nattai Wilderness near Sydney". Mr Lambert said, "Mr Moore's silence will be the downfall of this forest wilderness and lead to unacceptable pollution of our water supplies"+"The proposed logging and clearing for market gardening in part of the Nattai wilderness may have enormous repercussions for the quality of Sydney's water supply. Allowing the proposal to proceed will add to the mounting siltation and turbidity of Lake Burragorang thereby adding to the incidence of toxic algal blooms", said Rod Bennison, Executive Officer of the National Parks Association
-Mr Keith Muir, spokesperson for the Colong Foundation says that "'the beautiful Blue + 
-Gum forests of the Nattai valley can be saved from the chainsaws. The Water Board muSt not be complacent in condemning the proposal within this catchment reserve. Strong protection of drinking water supplies should be the Board's top priority".+Geoff Lambert, spokesperson for The Wilderness Society is concerned that "the Minister for the Environment, the Hon Tim Moore, has apparently done nothing since being alerted about the potential destruction of the Nattai Wilderness near Sydney". Mr Lambert said, "Mr Moore's silence will be the downfall of this forest wilderness and lead to unacceptable pollution of our water supplies". 
 + 
 +Mr Keith Muir, spokesperson for the Colong Foundation says that "the beautiful Blue Gum forests of the Nattai valley can be saved from the chainsaws. The Water Board must not be complacent in condemning the proposal within this catchment reserve. Strong protection of drinking water supplies should be the Board's top priority". 
 Sue Salmon, spokesperson for ACF said that "Mr Moore's strategy puts wilderness at risk. The Government should protect the Nattai wilderness while it is still wilderness". Sue Salmon, spokesperson for ACF said that "Mr Moore's strategy puts wilderness at risk. The Government should protect the Nattai wilderness while it is still wilderness".
-* * * * * * * * *. * 
-TREK THE TROPICS 
-Akt- 
-, 
- Light packs 
- Magnificent scenery 
- Beautiful swimming pools 
- Ancient Aboriginal art 
- Good food 
-For details of our complete bushwalking program in Kakadu, the Kimberley and central Australia, write to: 
-Willis's Walkabouts 
-12 Carrington Street Ph: (089) 85 2134 
-Miler NT 0810 Fax: (089) 85 2355 
-The perfect holiday 
  
 +=====Social Program.=====
  
-SOCIAL PROGRAM by Fran Holland+by Fran Holland 
 + 
 +Our meetings are held at The Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street Kirribilli in the Gallery Room on the first floor except on the 3rd Wednesday of each month when we use the downstairs room on the left of the entrance verandah.
  
-Our meetings are held at The Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy St. Kirribilli in the Gallery Room on the first floor except on the 3rd Wednesday of each month when we use the downstairs room on the left of the entrance verandah. 
 If you are coming straight from work why don't you meet other members over a pre-meeting dinner. Unless otherwise indicated on the programme we meet for dinner at The Brasserie Restaurant, Cnr Fitzroy & Broughton Sts at about 6.30pm. If you are coming straight from work why don't you meet other members over a pre-meeting dinner. Unless otherwise indicated on the programme we meet for dinner at The Brasserie Restaurant, Cnr Fitzroy & Broughton Sts at about 6.30pm.
 +
 Later this month we have two special events, Later this month we have two special events,
-May 22nd BUSH PHOTOGRAPHY - How to get the best results Talks and slides by Henry Gold.  + 
-29th CLUB CULTURE NIGHT - a chance to see and hear the Club's talented members. Coffee and cakes for the interval. +|May 22nd|Bush Photography - How to get the best results Talks and slides by Henry Gold.| 
-Contact-Helen Gray 876-6263 for further details.+|May 29th|Club Culture Night - a chance to see and hear the Club's talented members. Coffee and cakes for the interval. Contact __Helen Gray__ 876-6263 for further details.
 The following is the social programme for June. The following is the social programme for June.
-JUNE 5th COMMITTEE MEETING 
-12th GENERAL MEETING - Supper with wine & variety of cheese 
-XXX 19th SLIDE NIGHT - SKIING - come and whet your appetite for the coming season. Learn how to build a snow cave. 
-26th 'THE EFFECT OF SUN ON SKIN' - talk by Dr. Ian Younger 
-xxx Dinner at La Trattoria (Italian restaurant, 34 Burton St. 
-Here is advance notice of two important functions in July. On the 17th July there will be the Club Debate when.we plan to have four teams cogpeting for the 1991 title. Later in the month, 31st July, we have organised a Club visit to the Sydney Observatory. 
-Telephone 484' 6636 (H) 
-CLUB CONCERT 
-Here's the chance to see just how much tale there is in the SBW., 
-Cello   piano  folk songs  poetry.  singers  and more 
-Supper of coffee and cakes. Admission FREE !!! 
  
 +|June 5th|Committee Meeting|
 +|June 12th|General Meeting - Supper with wine & variety of cheese|
 +|June 19th|Slide Night - Skiing - come and whet your appetite for the coming season. Learn how to build a snow cave. Dinner at La Trattoria (Italian restaurant, 34 Burton St.)|
 +|June 26th|'The Effect of Sun on Skin' - talk by Dr. Ian Younger|
 +
 +Here is advance notice of two important functions in July. On the 17th July there will be the Club Debate when we plan to have four teams competing for the 1991 title. Later in the month, 31st July, we have organised a Club visit to the Sydney Observatory.
 +
 +Telephone 484 6636 (H)
 +
 +----
 +
 +====Club Concert.====
 +
 +Here's the chance to see just how much talent there is in the SBW.
 +
 +Cello... piano.... folk songs.... poetry... singers....  and more.
 +
 +Supper of coffee and cakes. Admission FREE !!!
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