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 |  Page| | | | |  Page| | | |
 |  | |**Regular Features**| |  | |**Regular Features**|
-|  6| |From The Blubroom |Jan Roberts | +|  6| |From The Clubroom |Jan Roberts | 
 |  11| |General Meeting Notes|Barry Wallace | |  11| |General Meeting Notes|Barry Wallace |
-|  | |**Trip Stories**||+|  | |**Trip Stories**|
 |  13| |The Sydney Water babies (Feb '71) An oldie, but a goody, and well worth reading again|Ray Hookway   | |  13| |The Sydney Water babies (Feb '71) An oldie, but a goody, and well worth reading again|Ray Hookway   |
 |  5| |A Few Days at Coolana|George Mawer  | |  5| |A Few Days at Coolana|George Mawer  |
-|  | |**Vale**|+|  | |**Vale** |
 |  2| |Tim Coffey| | |  2| |Tim Coffey| |
 |  5| |Kath Brown| | |  5| |Kath Brown| |
-|  | |**General**|+|  | |**General** |
 |  3| |Be a Coolana Friend| | |  3| |Be a Coolana Friend| |
 |  | |A Christmas Wish ?| |  | |A Christmas Wish ?|
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 **Reg Alder** **Reg Alder**
 +
  
 ====== Be a Coolana Friend ====== ====== Be a Coolana Friend ======
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-======  +  
-'Coolana' ======+======'Coolana' ======
    
 Aboriginal for **'Happy Meeting Place'** Aboriginal for **'Happy Meeting Place'**
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 **George Mawer** **George Mawer**
  
-====== FROM THE CLUBROOM ======+ 
 + 
 +====== From The Clubroom ======
    
 **By Jan Roberts** **By Jan Roberts**
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 We expect strong demand for this course and with numbers limited early bookings are advisable. Phone me on 484 6636 We expect strong demand for this course and with numbers limited early bookings are advisable. Phone me on 484 6636
 +
  
  
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 **Helen Gray** **Helen Gray**
 +
  
  
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 The insurance year ends on 30 August. Personal accident cover can be taken out at any time during the insurance year, however, there is no pro rata payment arrangement.  The insurance year ends on 30 August. Personal accident cover can be taken out at any time during the insurance year, however, there is no pro rata payment arrangement. 
 +
 +
  
 ====== Campfires, bushfires and walkers. ====== ====== Campfires, bushfires and walkers. ======
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 * Put out the fire before you leave an area. Pour water on the fire to put it out. Before leaving check the ground underneath the fire - if it is warm the fire is not out.  * Put out the fire before you leave an area. Pour water on the fire to put it out. Before leaving check the ground underneath the fire - if it is warm the fire is not out. 
  
 +====== The January 1996 General Meeting. ======
 +
 +**Barry Wallace**
  
-The January 1996 General Meeting. 
-Barry Wallace 
 Approximately 20 members had found their way into the hall by 2030 so the president opened the meeting with an official dong and cough. There were apologies for Don Brooks, Alex Colley and Dot Butler. Approximately 20 members had found their way into the hall by 2030 so the president opened the meeting with an official dong and cough. There were apologies for Don Brooks, Alex Colley and Dot Butler.
-There were no new members for welcome so we went on to the minutes, of the previous meeting. These were read and received with nO matters arising. + 
-Correspondence was next. We received a letter from Morie Ward thanking us for the flowers sent during his recent stay in hospital and from Jim Brown thanking us for the flowers sent to Kath who is also in hospital. There was a letter from Marion Lloyd offering materials from the club's past. We also received a further letter from the NSW Department of Mineral resources assuring us that although there has been damage to Bungonia Gorge due to the nearby mining activities it is expected that new techniques will prevent this in future. They also indicated that the company concerned, Blue Circle Southern Cement is willing to discuss the matter with us should we wish. A letter from Confederation provided information on the cover provided by their personal accident insurance policy. We received a letter from Dot Butler thanking us for participation in the extended search for Wade. Two letters went out to Margaret Butler indicating our support and concern and providing donations from the club, and from individual members. Margaret has also written to us expressing her thanks. We have written to Dick Smith thanking him for his generous support for the search activities.+There were no new members for welcome so we went on to the minutes, of the previous meeting. These were read and received with no matters arising. 
 + 
 +Correspondence was next. We received a letter from Morrie Ward thanking us for the flowers sent during his recent stay in hospital and from Jim Brown thanking us for the flowers sent to Kath who is also in hospital. There was a letter from Marion Lloyd offering materials from the club's past. We also received a further letter from the NSW Department of Mineral Resources assuring us that although there has been damage to Bungonia Gorge due to the nearby mining activities it is expected that new techniques will prevent this in future. They also indicated that the company concerned, Blue Circle Southern Cement is willing to discuss the matter with us should we wish. A letter from Confederation provided information on the cover provided by their personal accident insurance policy. We received a letter from Dot Butler thanking us for participation in the extended search for Wade. Two letters went out to Margaret Butler indicating our support and concern and providing donations from the club, and from individual members. Margaret has also written to us expressing her thanks. We have written to Dick Smith thanking him for his generous support for the search activities. 
 The treasurer's report was next, with the news that we started the month with a balance of $1,750 and closed with $1,369. The treasurer's report was next, with the news that we started the month with a balance of $1,750 and closed with $1,369.
 +
 The walks report was not preceded by statistics this time. Perhaps the strain of collation, calculation and analysis is beginning to take its toll. This is wrong, I hear you cry, the walks report should at least tell us where we have been, how far we have come and who we really are. How are we to face the new millennium without getting in touch with our true selves, or at least just metaphorically holding hands with whomever we have become. It won't do Eddie! The walks report was not preceded by statistics this time. Perhaps the strain of collation, calculation and analysis is beginning to take its toll. This is wrong, I hear you cry, the walks report should at least tell us where we have been, how far we have come and who we really are. How are we to face the new millennium without getting in touch with our true selves, or at least just metaphorically holding hands with whomever we have become. It won't do Eddie!
-The 15, 16, 17 December saw Kenn Clacher engaging in nonelastic bungy jumping at Kanangra + 
-with a party of 7 for the descent of Kalang Falls on the Saturday and 5 enjoying Wallara canyon on Sunday. There was no report of Wilf Hilder's stage 4 of the Port Jackson saga or of Alan Well's Bell Creek li-b trip on the Saturday. Peter Miller's Wondabyne to Girrakool and return walk on the Sunday had a party of 10 and was reported as routine. Errol Sheedy had 11 on his Cronulla to Bundeena walk which went to program in fine conditions with some swims for the brave.+The 15, 16, 17 December saw Kenn Clacher engaging in nonelastic bungy jumping at Kanangra with a party of 7 for the descent of Kalang Falls on the Saturday and 5 enjoying Wallara canyon on Sunday. There was no report of Wilf Hilder's stage 4 of the Port Jackson saga or of Alan Well's Bell Creek lilo trip on the Saturday. Peter Miller's Wondabyne to Girrakool and return walk on the Sunday had a party of 10 and was reported as routine. Errol Sheedy had 11 on his Cronulla to Bundeena walk which went to program in fine conditions with some swims for the brave. 
 December 23 saw Alan Donnelley reporting Hole In The Wall canyon as a great trip with four abseils for the party of 4 who ventured on the trip that day. Jim Calloway's walk from Helensburgh to Otford on December 26 had a party of 7, at least some of whom succumbed to the dreaded wetting by larger than expected waves along the way. December 23 saw Alan Donnelley reporting Hole In The Wall canyon as a great trip with four abseils for the party of 4 who ventured on the trip that day. Jim Calloway's walk from Helensburgh to Otford on December 26 had a party of 7, at least some of whom succumbed to the dreaded wetting by larger than expected waves along the way.
-The extended walks over Christmas attracted large numbers. Morrie Blume had 17 on his walk in the Victorian high country. Conditions were hotter, and the walk tougher than anticipated. So much so that the decision was made to split the party over the last days of the trip to provide an out for the rabbits that involved a shorter and easier route. They even Moved New Years eve forward a day for the purpose. The tigers went on to rendezvous with the transport and re-direct it to collect the rest of the party.+ 
 +The extended walks over Christmas attracted large numbers. Morrie Blume had 17 on his walk in the Victorian high country. Conditions were hotter, and the walk tougher than anticipated. So much so that the decision was made to split the party over the last days of the trip to provide an out for the rabbits that involved a shorter and easier route. They even moved New Years Eve forward a day for the purpose. The tigers went on to rendezvous with the transport and re-direct it to collect the rest of the party. 
 Jim Rivers had 6 on his Morton National Park trip over 26 to 31 December. Here too they truncated the walk somewhat due to problems with covering their ground. George Walton's trip in the north section of the Snowys over the same period had 11 starters, around 50% of whom were navigators, and went to program, plus or minus a bit here and there. Jim Rivers had 6 on his Morton National Park trip over 26 to 31 December. Here too they truncated the walk somewhat due to problems with covering their ground. George Walton's trip in the north section of the Snowys over the same period had 11 starters, around 50% of whom were navigators, and went to program, plus or minus a bit here and there.
-George Mawer led a party of 20 over the period 26 December to 1 January in much the same area as George, though never the twain did meet. The weather was fine and warm, up to New years Eve that is, when the deluge arrived. The continuing inclemency persuaded the party to opt for a more direct exit route than originally planned. fan Rennard's trip from the Cobberras to 'Fhredbo had 16 starters and fine weather for most of the way. They ran into the same conditions as George's party at New Year and reached the same conclusion that a rapid exit was warranted. + 
-Tony Holgate's Tuross River walk was cancelled when Tony did his back in in Tasmania a week or so earlier. David Trinder led a come as you please stay at a lodge in Smiggin Holes over the period 4 to 11 January with a cast that varied from 10 to 8 over that time. r> continued on P12 +George Mawer led a party of 20 over the period 26 December to 1 January in much the same area as George, though never the twain did meet. The weather was fine and warm, up to New years Eve that is, when the deluge arrived. The continuing inclemency persuaded the party to opt for a more direct exit route than originally planned. Ian Rennard's trip from the Cobberras to Tredbo had 16 starters and fine weather for most of the way. They ran into the same conditions as George's party at New Year and reached the same conclusion that a rapid exit was warranted. 
-PAGE 12 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER FEBRUARY 1996 + 
- .momaMo +Tony Holgate's Tuross River walk was cancelled when Tony did his back in in Tasmania a week or so earlier. David Trinder led a come as you please stay at a lodge in Smiggin Holes over the period 4 to 11 January with a  cast that varied from 10 to 8 over that time.  continued on P12 
-Be a Coolana Friend + 
-We are co-operating with the "Water Board" in their routine weed eradication program in the Shoalhaven district. This involves making access easier along the Coolana river flats. We have had one working bee and plan to have three more in the next few weeks. There is some hard yakka involved, good company, cleared paths to the river for swimming and perhaps a social gathering at the Valley pub afterwards. If you can join us on any of these planne4 dates, please ring George Mawer (02) 707 1343 or Helen Gray (044) 641 724. + 
-DatesMon and Tues 12 and 13 February Mon and Tues 19 and 20 February Mon and Tues 26 and 27 February +  
-What do we do? We slash and stamp tracks on an established grid through the rubbish, clear fallen wood then widen and improve with a brush cutter. A considerable part of this was done at the beginning of the month. The less energetic may help with seed removal and systematic weeding in our bush areas, or just enjoy Coolana. +====== Be a Coolana Friend ====== 
-What do we need? Six to eight people for track work; chain saw and brush cutter owners particularly welcome but brush cutters will be hired. Bring bush saws, heavy duty gloves, slashers and secateurs if you have them Boots gaiters and long trousers are recommended, protective goggles may be useful. + 
-Why come? Coolana is beautiful but the weeds, having taken over the :flats, are now invading the bushland. This is a one off chance to reduce the threat and try to recoyer our river access. It is not a cure but should give us a chance for partial and easier control. +We are co-operating with the "Water Board" in their routine weed eradication program in the Shoalhaven district. This involves making access easier along the Coolana river flats. We have had one working bee and plan to have three more in the next few weeks. There is some hard yakka involved, good company, cleared paths to the river for swimming and perhaps a social gathering at the Valley pub afterwards. If you can join us on any of these planned dates, please ring George Mawer (02) 707 1343 or Helen Gray (044) 641 724. 
-Joan Rigby (06) 247 2035General meeting notes+ 
 +|**Dates** | Mon and Tues 12 and 13 February
 +| | Mon and Tues 19 and 20 February
 +| | Mon and Tues 26 and 27 February| 
 + 
 + 
 +**What do we do?** We slash and stamp tracks on an established grid through the rubbish, clear fallen wood then widen and improve with a brush cutter. A considerable part of this was done at the beginning of the month. The less energetic may help with seed removal and systematic weeding in our bush areas, or just enjoy Coolana. 
 + 
 +What do we need? Six to eight people for track work; chainsaw and brush cutter owners particularly welcome but brush cutters will be hired. Bring bush saws, heavy duty gloves, slashers and secateurs if you have themBootsgaiters and long trousers are recommended, protective goggles may be useful. 
 + 
 + 
 +**Why come?** Coolana is beautiful but the weeds, having taken over the flats, are now invading the bushland. This is a one off chance to reduce the threat and try to recover our river access. It is not a cure but should give us a chance for partial and easier control.  
 + 
 +Joan Rigby (06) 247 2035 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== General meeting notes =====
 continued from P 11 continued from P 11
-They stayed amused by doing day walks to.: various locations around the area. Geoff Dowsed cancelled his South West Tasmania trip scheduled for the same time. + 
-The weekend of 5, 6, 7, January saw a no report for Ian Wolfe'li-b trip in the Wollongambe. Maureen Carter reported numbers falling from a peak of 26 down to 9 as the weather varied across a wide range of conditions in the days leading up to her walk on the Sunday. Margaret Read had 3 on her family walk out from Blackheath the same day. They reported light rain and fog in the morning clearing to a sunny afternoon to conclude the walks reports for yet another month.+They stayed amused by doing day walks to various locations around the area. Geoff Dowsed cancelled his South West Tasmania trip scheduled for the same time. 
 + 
 +The weekend of 5, 6, 7, January saw a no report for Ian Wolfe'lilo trip in the Wollongambe. Maureen Carter reported numbers falling from a peak of 26 down to 9 as the weather varied across a wide range of conditions in the days leading up to her walk on the Sunday. Margaret Read had 3 on her family walk out from Blackheath the same day. They reported light rain and fog in the morning clearing to a sunny afternoon to conclude the walks reports for yet another month. 
 There being no Alex there was no Conservation report. There being no Alex there was no Conservation report.
 +
 Confederation report indicated. that the 'Sydney Water Corporation Limited regulations have been regazetted, this time in an amended form that permits camping in the National Parks areas. Confederation have written to the appropriate body regarding intrusions into Ettrema Creek by 4 Wheel Drive vehicles. The proposal for a Mount Hay wilderness area has been generally supported by other bodies and Confederation will proceed with it. Confederation report indicated. that the 'Sydney Water Corporation Limited regulations have been regazetted, this time in an amended form that permits camping in the National Parks areas. Confederation have written to the appropriate body regarding intrusions into Ettrema Creek by 4 Wheel Drive vehicles. The proposal for a Mount Hay wilderness area has been generally supported by other bodies and Confederation will proceed with it.
-There were no items of general business, so after an extended costumed recitation by Eddie in support of contributions to the walks programme, the meeting closed at about21270 + 
-S&R Response Team+There were no items of general business, so after an extended costumed recitation by Eddie in support of contributions to the walks programme, the meeting closed at about 2127.  
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +====== S&R Response Team ====== 
 The interest shown by many members has been most encouraging. We already have 18 walkers registered and are now in a much better position to respond quickly to a call out. The interest shown by many members has been most encouraging. We already have 18 walkers registered and are now in a much better position to respond quickly to a call out.
 +
 If you are thinking of registering, please keep in mind that most alarms are raised on a Monday morning. ( She / He / They didn't come out on the Sunday night ). If Bushwalker S & R are to be involved, SBW will be notified early Monday to get a team on standby for departure on the Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. If you are thinking of registering, please keep in mind that most alarms are raised on a Monday morning. ( She / He / They didn't come out on the Sunday night ). If Bushwalker S & R are to be involved, SBW will be notified early Monday to get a team on standby for departure on the Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.
-This means that you have to be available on weekdays. Possibly Wednesday through Sunday. Ask yourself "Do I have a better than 50% chance of being available". If yes, register - we need you+ 
 +This means that you have to be available on weekdays. Possibly Wednesday through Sunday. Ask yourself "Do I have a better than 50% chance of being available". If yes, register - we need you
 Training? - Yes there will be. Training? - Yes there will be.
-George Mawer phone/fax 707 1343. + 
-FEBRUARY 1996 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 13 +**George Mawer** phone/fax 707 1343. 
-The Sydney Water Babies. + 
-Ray Hookway (Reprinted from February 1971 Bushwalker)+ 
 + 
 +====== The Sydney Water Babies. ====== 
 + 
 +**Ray Hookway**  
 +(Reprinted from February 1971 Bushwalker) 
 The trip was advertised as a bludge trip thus leaving myself open to charges of false advertising. The trip was advertised as a bludge trip thus leaving myself open to charges of false advertising.
-On the wedriesday night at the club several people declined saying "January is too hot for the Budawangs". Poor deluded fools! + 
-Thirteen gullible people signed on, but Owen Marks due either to second sight or superstition, classified by him as incipient influenza, made a last minute cancellation and so on the friday night twelve people found themselves in 3 cars edging through the fog on Mt Ousley. The light rain that fell all the way to Sassafras was a foretaste of things to `come. +On the Wednesday night at the club several people declined saying "January is too hot for the Budawangs". Poor deluded fools! 
-The Tomerong-Braidwood road was a greasy, sliding, slithering, quagmire and rumblings of discontent began to be heard from the back seat. Remarks such as "where is the nearest Pub?" and "I wonder what the weather is like on Pebbly beach?"+ 
 +Thirteen gullible people signed on, but Owen Marks due either to second sight or superstition, classified by him as incipient influenza, made a last minute cancellation and so on the Friday night twelve people found themselves in 3 cars edging through the fog on Mt Ousley. The light rain that fell all the way to Sassafras was a foretaste of things to come. 
 + 
 +The Tomerong-Braidwood road was a greasy, sliding, slithering, quagmire and rumblings of discontent began to be heard from the back seat. Remarks such as "where is the nearest pub?" and "I wonder what the weather is like on Pebbly Beach?" 
 The bad weather appeared to have set in so I hurriedly shepherded the party into Major Sturgess' barn and barricaded the door with a large log. After a good nights sleep broken only by the scuffling of some large mice we woke to steady rain and a misty landscape. The bad weather appeared to have set in so I hurriedly shepherded the party into Major Sturgess' barn and barricaded the door with a large log. After a good nights sleep broken only by the scuffling of some large mice we woke to steady rain and a misty landscape.
 +
 We breakfasted in the barn and set off down the road to Tanderra Camp. The road was very muddy and as the rain appeared to become a permanent feature of the weekend we left the cars at the top of a particularly bad hill and set off, thus adding an extra ten miles to the round trip. Brian Griffith carried an umbrella which remained open for most of the weekend. We breakfasted in the barn and set off down the road to Tanderra Camp. The road was very muddy and as the rain appeared to become a permanent feature of the weekend we left the cars at the top of a particularly bad hill and set off, thus adding an extra ten miles to the round trip. Brian Griffith carried an umbrella which remained open for most of the weekend.
-'The road from the Red Ground turn-off to the last creek before Styles creek is badly overgrown with large Broom-like Weed and it was a very wet party which slushed its way to Styles creek pausing briefly to feed the leeches at the above creek.+ 
 +'The road from the Red Ground turn-off to the last creek before Styles creek is badly overgrown with large Broom-like weed and it was a very wet party which slushed its way to Styles creek pausing briefly to feed the leeches at the above creek. 
 The view across the valley was not reassuring. The thick fog completely obscured Mt Houghton and Hoddles Castle appeared only occasionally through the swirling mist and falling rain. The view across the valley was not reassuring. The thick fog completely obscured Mt Houghton and Hoddles Castle appeared only occasionally through the swirling mist and falling rain.
-We slushed our way across the valley over a beautiful carpet of large Christmas bells and up the slope of Mt Houghton. Skirting Houghton the first incident of the wekend occurred, I slipped and a sharp burnt stake + 
-penetrated the heel of the palm of my left hand. Fearing that the more rebellious members of the party might use +We slushed our way across the valley over a beautiful carpet of large Christmas Bells and up the slope of Mt Houghton. Skirting Houghton the first incident of the weekend occurred, I slipped and a sharp burnt stake 
-this incident as an excuse to abandon the walk I bravely hid my agony and we pressed on. +penetrated the heel of the palm of my left hand. Fearing that the more rebellious members of the party might use this incident as an excuse to abandon the walk I bravely hid my agony and we pressed on. 
-We paused at the Fusiliers cave to dry out, eat a leisurely lunch, and to decide whether to push on over Mt Tarn which was shrouded in fog, or to camp at the cave till morning on the off chance that the mist may clear.+ 
 +We paused at the Fusiliers Cave to dry out, eat a leisurely lunch, and to decide whether to push on over Mt Tarn which was shrouded in fog, or to camp at the cave till morning on the off chance that the mist may clear. 
 At 3.50pm we set off across Mt Tarn steering by compass through the mist, again walking over carpets of large Christmas bells. I counted up to 12 bells on one stalk. At 3.50pm we set off across Mt Tarn steering by compass through the mist, again walking over carpets of large Christmas bells. I counted up to 12 bells on one stalk.
-The mist and the rain stayed with us till we reached Mt Cole just before 6pm and set up camp in the cave on the southern end of Cole where a large waterfall thundered down into a normal trickling creek.+ 
 +The mist and the rain stayed with us till we reached Mt Cole just before 6pm and set up camp in the cave on the southern end of Cole where a large waterfall thundered down into a normal trickling creek.  
 We spent a dry and warm night and awoke to more mist and rain. We spent a dry and warm night and awoke to more mist and rain.
-After breakfast six of us set out to complete the first stage of the wa lk leaving five white ants and Max Crisp who was experiencing trouble from an old knee injury, to nurse the fire and to sip their private morale restorer. The rain during the night had been steady and heavy and the whole length of Mt Cole was a series of thundering waterfalls and cascades, several of which could only be negotiated by passing under them. John Campbell insisted on testing all with his head.+ 
 +After breakfast six of us set out to complete the first stage of the walk leaving five white ants and Max Crisp who was experiencing trouble from an old knee injury, to nurse the fire and to sip their private morale restorer. The rain during the night had been steady and heavy and the whole length of Mt Cole was a series of thundering waterfalls and cascades, several of which could only be negotiated by passing under them. John Campbell insisted on testing all with his head. 
 The three camping caves on the western side of Mt Cole were all dry and stocked with wood and each would have accommodated our party. The three camping caves on the western side of Mt Cole were all dry and stocked with wood and each would have accommodated our party.
-The floor of the small treefern filled gully between Mt Cole and Mt Donjon was under ten inches of water and presented a lovely sight in the eerie light.+ 
 +The floor of the small tree fern filled gully between Mt Cole and Mt Donjon was under ten inches of water and presented a lovely sight in the eerie light. 
 We entered Monolith Valley by a slightly different route than normal. Walking up the slight saddle alongside the Seven Gods Pinnacles before dropping down into the tunnel to the rain forest, we bore slightly left and climbed higher to follow a grassy slope skirting the rock on the eastern side of the tunnel and joined the Monolith Valley track on the eastern side of the rain forest. The track appears well used but may not be known to some club members. We entered Monolith Valley by a slightly different route than normal. Walking up the slight saddle alongside the Seven Gods Pinnacles before dropping down into the tunnel to the rain forest, we bore slightly left and climbed higher to follow a grassy slope skirting the rock on the eastern side of the tunnel and joined the Monolith Valley track on the eastern side of the rain forest. The track appears well used but may not be known to some club members.
 +
 Monolith Valley presented a magnificent but unusual sight with the monoliths wreathed in mist, and water cascading down every crevice, a big change from the last time I saw it bathed in the light of a full moon. Monolith Valley presented a magnificent but unusual sight with the monoliths wreathed in mist, and water cascading down every crevice, a big change from the last time I saw it bathed in the light of a full moon.
 +
 Visibility at Mt Boorang was down to 50 feet so I grudgingly dropped climbing the Castle from the walk and headed for the camping cave in the gully on the western side of Mt Owen. Visibility at Mt Boorang was down to 50 feet so I grudgingly dropped climbing the Castle from the walk and headed for the camping cave in the gully on the western side of Mt Owen.
-continued on P14 r> +
-PAGE , 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER FEBRUARY 1996 +
-<I continued from P13+
 The creek through the gully was over two feet deep. The low cave on the right in the first gully was dry and stocked with wood but the area in front was ten inches under water. The creek through the gully was over two feet deep. The low cave on the right in the first gully was dry and stocked with wood but the area in front was ten inches under water.
 +
 The overhangs in the main gully were a disaster area (I had planned to camp there!) The picture was made more depressing by the large heap of old cans and bottles left by previous visitors. The overhangs in the main gully were a disaster area (I had planned to camp there!) The picture was made more depressing by the large heap of old cans and bottles left by previous visitors.
 +
 We headed back to our camp via the Natural Arch and the Tunnel, with a side trip to inspect the cave on the Northern side of Mt Donjon, this is approached from the valley between Donjon and Cole. This cave was also dry but from bitter experience it is a miserable place when the wind is blowing from the north. We headed back to our camp via the Natural Arch and the Tunnel, with a side trip to inspect the cave on the Northern side of Mt Donjon, this is approached from the valley between Donjon and Cole. This cave was also dry but from bitter experience it is a miserable place when the wind is blowing from the north.
-The rain had been falling steadily all morning and the thoughts of the three drivers had been dwelling on the state of the Sassafras road so after lunch we decided to head 'back and camp at Styles cave. This would ensure that we had several hours of daylight to dig out the cars on Monday if necessary. + 
-The walk back was uneventful until we reached Yarrabee Brook below Mt Hoddle. The brook was running a banker. We scouted up and down for a place to cross but the water was running fast and deep and to step off the bank was to step in up to your waist. Eventually Max got across and a rickety bridge was constructed from several logs. The bridge gave a shaky crossing collapsing finally as Brian Griffith, the tail end charlie, stepped off onto the bank.+The rain had been falling steadily all morning and the thoughts of the three drivers had been dwelling on the state of the Sassafras road so after lunch we decided to head back and camp at Styles cave. This would ensure that we had several hours of daylight to dig out the cars on Monday if necessary. 
 + 
 +The walk back was uneventful until we reached Yarrabee Brook below Mt Hoddle. The brook was running a banker. We scouted up and down for a place to cross but the water was running fast and deep and to step off the bank was to step in up to your waist.  
 + 
 +Eventually Max got across and a rickety bridge was constructed from several logs. The bridge gave a shaky crossing collapsing finally as Brian Griffith, the tail end charlie, stepped off onto the bank. 
 We pushed on, Adding the valley high on the side of Mt Hoddle to avoid the lake that we knew must be in the valley floor. We pushed on, Adding the valley high on the side of Mt Hoddle to avoid the lake that we knew must be in the valley floor.
 +
 Several Kangaroos were flushed and they looked most puzzled at the sight of our waterlogged party as we squelched our way across the valley. Several Kangaroos were flushed and they looked most puzzled at the sight of our waterlogged party as we squelched our way across the valley.
-We continued around the valley till we met the fire trail from Mt Quay and followed it to Styles creek. Two further creek crossings on this road were running high and fast making crossing extremely difficult. Styles creek was also high and running fast, the force of the water being great enough to sweep you off your feet. Geoff Mattingley after testing the firmness of the far bank with a large stone, attempted to leap across from one shallow spot to another but the bank collapsed under him and he disappeared under the water, surfaced and grabbed some bushes a few yards downstream on the same side of the creek. + 
-We finally proceeded up the valley on the eastern side of Quilty's Mountain for about 114 mile and crossed the+We continued around the valley till we met the fire trail from Mt Quilty and followed it to Styles creek. Two further creek crossings on this road were running high and fast making crossing extremely difficult. Styles creek was also high and running fast, the force of the water being great enough to sweep you off your feet. Geoff Mattingley after testing the firmness of the far bank with a large stone, attempted to leap across from one shallow spot to another but the bank collapsed under him and he disappeared under the water, surfaced and grabbed some bushes a few yards downstream on the same side of the creek. 
 + 
 +We finally proceeded up the valley on the eastern side of Quilty's Mountain for about 1/4 mile and crossed the
 creek using a large dead tree and climbed up to the Quilty cliff line. creek using a large dead tree and climbed up to the Quilty cliff line.
 +
 Styles cave consists of two overhangs about 60 yards apart, the southern one being adjacent to a very large slab of rock which has slid down off the face of the mountain leaving a large white patch visible from the valley floor. There were small waterfalls at each cave. As the floor of each cave is very rocky and each would only sleep 6 or 7 we split up for the night. Styles cave consists of two overhangs about 60 yards apart, the southern one being adjacent to a very large slab of rock which has slid down off the face of the mountain leaving a large white patch visible from the valley floor. There were small waterfalls at each cave. As the floor of each cave is very rocky and each would only sleep 6 or 7 we split up for the night.
 +
 At about 6pm the rain stopped and next morning by about 8.30am the clouds had cleared and the trees and scrub appeared already dry. The air was clear and clean and the views of Tarn, Houghton and Hoddle were magnificent. At about 6pm the rain stopped and next morning by about 8.30am the clouds had cleared and the trees and scrub appeared already dry. The air was clear and clean and the views of Tarn, Houghton and Hoddle were magnificent.
-The long walk back to the cars passed without incident and we lunched at the cars at about one o'clock. No troubles were experienced with the road and we proceeded to Tianjarra creek to wash up and to inspect the falls which were spectacular with the run off from the continuous rain.+ 
 +The long walk back to the cars passed without incident and we lunched at the cars at about one o'clock. No troubles were experienced with the road and we proceeded to Tianjarra Creek to wash up and to inspect the falls which were spectacular with the run off from the continuous rain. 
 Two further incidents highlighted the trip, Geoff left his Rollei camera at the lunch spot and his wallet at Nowra hospital where we went to get treatment for my hand. Both were recovered and after a 'wet' dinner in Nowra we proceeded home without further incident. Despite, or possibly because of, the weather I enjoyed the walk as I suspect all other participants did despite their frequent cries of "sh-o-c-k-ing","the leader is a liar" and similar remarks. To see the Budawangs under such spectacular conditions was certainly worth the minor discomfort of a little water. It also taught me several lessons. Two further incidents highlighted the trip, Geoff left his Rollei camera at the lunch spot and his wallet at Nowra hospital where we went to get treatment for my hand. Both were recovered and after a 'wet' dinner in Nowra we proceeded home without further incident. Despite, or possibly because of, the weather I enjoyed the walk as I suspect all other participants did despite their frequent cries of "sh-o-c-k-ing","the leader is a liar" and similar remarks. To see the Budawangs under such spectacular conditions was certainly worth the minor discomfort of a little water. It also taught me several lessons.
 +
 1.All bushwalkers should have anti-tetanus injections. 1.All bushwalkers should have anti-tetanus injections.
 +
 2.The creeks and streams in the area should not be taken too lightly. 2.The creeks and streams in the area should not be taken too lightly.
 +
 3 Compass bearings of area landmarks should be checked when the visibility is good not when it is zero. 3 Compass bearings of area landmarks should be checked when the visibility is good not when it is zero.
 +
 4.You should not rely on finding dry caves when the weather is bad unless you have been there in similar conditions. 4.You should not rely on finding dry caves when the weather is bad unless you have been there in similar conditions.
-But the main lesson was that the Budawangs is good walking country even in bad weather and that ru be going back frequently.+ 
 +But the main lesson was that the Budawangs is good walking country even in bad weather and that I'll be going back frequently.
  
199602.1586077083.txt.gz · Last modified: 2020/04/05 18:58 by ljclarke6

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