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- | AUGUST 1999 | + | **AUGUST 1999 Issue No. 777** |
- | Issue No. 777 | + | |
- | 2. The June General Meeting | + | |
- | reported by & | + | |
- | reported by Bill H011and 4. Request for the return of | + | |
- | SBW records | + | |
- | 6. NAY 90 Navigation Contest reported by ken Smith | + | |
- | 6. Confederation Bush Dance notice of event date & venue | + | |
- | 7. Alex Colley' | + | |
- | 7. Some Problems With Coolana. | + | |
- | letter by Elwyn Morris | + | |
- | 11. Taking Teenagers Walking by Christine Austin | + | |
- | 13. SBW photograph and Slide competition | + | |
- | 14. Wiles Great Escarpment Walk Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus | + | |
- | 15. Vale Greg Bridge | + | |
- | by Alan Mewett | + | |
- | 16. Budawangs. | + | |
- | Pigeon House to Byangee by Libby Harrington | + | |
- | 16, Vale Bill Hall | + | |
- | Eulogy by Bob Younger | + | |
- | THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565. To advertise in this magazine, please contact | + | |The June General Meeting reported by Barry Wallace |4. | |
- | Editor: | + | |The July General Meeting reported by Bill Holland |4. | |
- | Business Manager: Elizabeth Miller 1 The Babette, Castlecrag, 2068 Telephone 9958 7838 | + | |Request for the return of SBW records |6. | |
- | Production Manager: Frances Holland Printers: Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven, Les Powell, Tom Wenman, | + | |NAV 99 Navigation Contest reported by Ken Smith |6. | |
+ | |Confederation Bush Dance notice of event date & venue |7. | | ||
+ | |Alex Colley' | ||
+ | |Some Problems With Coolana, letter by Elwyn Morris |11. | | ||
+ | |Taking Teenagers Walking by Christine Austin |13. | | ||
+ | |SBW photograph and Slide competition |14. | | ||
+ | |Wilfs Great Escarpment Walk Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus |15. | | ||
+ | |Vale Greg Bridge by Alan Mewett |16. | | ||
+ | |Budawangs. Pigeon House to Byangee by Libby Harrington | 16. | | ||
+ | |Vale Bill Hall, Eulogy by Bob Younger | | ||
- | THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in 1927. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli- (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. | ||
- | President: Eddy Giacomel | ||
- | Vice-President: | ||
- | Public Officer: Fran Holland | ||
- | Treasurer: Edith Baker, | ||
- | Secretary: Rosemary MacDougal | ||
- | Walks Secretary: Bill Capon | ||
- | Social Secretary Elwyn Morris | ||
- | Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace | ||
- | New Members Secretary: Frank Grennan | ||
- | Conservation Secretary: Bill Holland | ||
- | Magazine Editor: Ray Hookway | ||
- | Committee Members: Anthony Crichton & Spiro Hajinakitas | ||
- | Delegates to Confederation: | ||
- | ADVERTISERS | + | THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565. |
- | Alpsport front cover | + | |
- | Eastwood Camping Centre 9 | + | |
- | Ecotrek | + | |
- | Bogong Jack Adventures 3 | + | |
- | Outland - 13 | + | |
- | Paddy Pallin back cover | + | |
- | U Relax 4 We'll Drive 10 | + | |
- | Willis' | + | |
- | **The June 1999 General Meeting.** | + | To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager. |
- | Reported by Brry Wallace | + | |
+ | |**Editor**| Ray Hookway Telephone 9411 1873 | | ||
+ | |**Business Manager**| Elizabeth Miller 1 The Babette, Castlecrag, 2068 Telephone 9958 7838| | ||
+ | |**Production Manager**| Frances Holland | | ||
+ | |**Printers** | Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven, Les Powell, Tom Wenman | | ||
+ | |||
+ | THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in 1927. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |**President**| Eddy Giacomel | | ||
+ | |**Vice-President**| Tony Holgate | | ||
+ | |**Public Officer**| Fran Holland | | ||
+ | |**Treasurer**| Edith Baker| | ||
+ | |**Secretary**| Rosemary MacDougal | | ||
+ | |**Walks Secretary**| Bill Capon | | ||
+ | |**Social Secretary**| Elwyn Morris | | ||
+ | |**Membership Secretary**| Barry Wallace | | ||
+ | |**New Members Secretary** | Frank Grennan | | ||
+ | |**Conservation Secretary** | Bill Holland | | ||
+ | |**Magazine Editor**| Ray Hookway | | ||
+ | |**Committee Members**| Anthony Crichton & Spiro Hajinakitas | | ||
+ | |**Delegates to Confederation**| Jim Callaway & Wilf Hilder | | ||
+ | |||
+ | ADVERTISERS\\ | ||
+ | Alpsport front cover\\ | ||
+ | Eastwood Camping Centre 9\\ | ||
+ | Ecotrek\\ | ||
+ | Bogong Jack Adventures 3\\ | ||
+ | Outland | ||
+ | Paddy Pallin back cover\\ | ||
+ | U Relax 4 We'll Drive 10\\ | ||
+ | Willis' | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Reported by Barry Wallace | ||
There were some 20 or so Members present when the president called the meeting to order at around 20.08. The call for apologies brought forth one response for Bill Capon, due to family illness. New members Helen Jones, Robert Robinson and John Slade were called for welcome in the usual way. | There were some 20 or so Members present when the president called the meeting to order at around 20.08. The call for apologies brought forth one response for Bill Capon, due to family illness. New members Helen Jones, Robert Robinson and John Slade were called for welcome in the usual way. | ||
Line 61: | Line 64: | ||
The treasurer' | The treasurer' | ||
- | In Bill Capon' | + | In Bill Capon' |
The 14, 15, 16 May saw Peter Kaye coping with some navigation problems on his walk out from Barallier. The party of 8 also encountered a cold change that brought a brief shower. They emerged onto the Wollondilly from Tomat Creek at 17.00 and the return to the cars at 19.00 was accomplished despite darkness. Alan Donnelly' | The 14, 15, 16 May saw Peter Kaye coping with some navigation problems on his walk out from Barallier. The party of 8 also encountered a cold change that brought a brief shower. They emerged onto the Wollondilly from Tomat Creek at 17.00 and the return to the cars at 19.00 was accomplished despite darkness. Alan Donnelly' | ||
- | Eddy Giacomel' | + | Eddy Giacomel' |
+ | |||
+ | Although the initial response for Carol Lubbers' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Alan Wells' weekend exploratory walk in the Wollemi over the weekend of 5, 6 June opened the new walks program with a no report and Tom Wemnan' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Bill Holland reported two 11 day segments for his Conducted walk in the Kimberley. There were 10 people, a range of conditions and at one Stage, Bill, standing pensively on a snake, all unknowing, while his companions fumbled to phrase the warning that would not make things worse. It all ended OK but we have no report from the snake. The walks reports ended about there. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Conservation report indicated that we have lodged a submission on the proposed Grose Valley wilderness areas. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Although there has been a Confederation meeting our delegates, hampered by illness and business commitments, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The President reported the following committee activities to the meeting. The Coolana sub committee is progressing. It is anticipated the report will be included with the September magazine and a question and answer night will be programmed for 27th October. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ute Foster has volunteered to assist with the sorting out of the archives. Committee, has discussed a letter received from the hon solicitor providing advice on competency standards for abseiling activities. A sub committee will be formed to review abseiling instructional processes within the club. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A new lens and an adapter unit have been ordered for the club projector. | ||
+ | |||
+ | General business saw passage of a motion that the club take out insurance cover through Confederation for Public Liability and Personal Accident. This may lead to a small increase in subscriptions next year, in the order of $2.00 per head. | ||
+ | |||
+ | There was no further general business so after announcements the meeting closed at around 21.16. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | **A Request for the return of missing SBW records** | ||
+ | |||
+ | As reported in Barry' | ||
+ | |||
+ | They have found that there is a dearth of records. for the period since 1994 and they request that former office bearers of the club conduct a search of their premises and forward copies of any SBW documentation they find to Bill Holland. | ||
- | Although the initial response for Carol Lubbers' | ||
- | The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 | ||
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers inc. | ||
- | The Sydney Bushvisdker, | ||
- | that was one of those reports we mentioned earlier. | ||
- | Alan Wells' weekend exploratory walk in the Wollemi over the weekend of 5, 6 June opened the new walks program with a no report and Tom Wemnan' | ||
- | Bill Holland reported two 11 day segments for his Conducted walk in the ICirnberley. There were 10 people, a range of conditions and; at one Stage, Bill, standing pensively on a snake, all unknowing, while his companions fumbled to phrase the warning that would not make things worse. It all ended OK but we have no report from the snake. The walks reports ended about there. | ||
- | The Conservation report indicated that we have lodged a. submission on the proposed Grose Valley wilderness areas. | ||
- | Although there has been a Confederation meeting our delegates, hampered by illness and business commitments, | ||
- | The president reported the following committee activities to the meeting. The Coolana sub committee is progressing. It is anticipated the report will be rriailtd with the September magazine and a question and answer night will be programmed for 27th October. Ute Foster has volunteered to | ||
- | Xartgaroo Cana' | ||
- | 1/VaCk with the 1471Co r fife! | ||
- | Easy walks to historic lighthouses, | ||
- | through flowering bushlancl | ||
- | Visit Remarkable Rocks & A Penguin Colony | ||
- | Walk among sea lions at Seal Bay | ||
- | Spotlight nocturnal wildlife | ||
- | All tours fully escorted | ||
- | Day Pack only, Small Groups | ||
- | Farmstay accommodation | ||
- | ECOTREK: BOGONG JACK ADVENTURES | ||
- | PO BOX 4 KANGARILLA SA 5157 | ||
- | Phone 0.8/ | ||
- | Email ecotrekgozemail com au | ||
- | assist with the sorting out of the archives. Committee, has discussed a letter received from the hon.. solicitor providing advice on competency standards for abseiling activities. A sub committee will be formed to review abseiling instmctional processes within the club... | ||
- | . . | ||
- | A new lens and an ,adapter unit have been ordered for the club projector. | ||
- | .._General ' | ||
- | There was no further general, business so after announcements the meeting closed at around 2116. | ||
- | A Request for ,the return of missing SEW records | ||
- | As reported in Barry' | ||
- | They have found that there is a dearth of records. for the period since 1994 and they _request that former office bearers of the club ,conduct a search of their premises and.. forward copies of any SBW documentation 'they find to Bill Holland. | ||
Records sought include: | Records sought include: | ||
Copies of general correspondence such as letters to new members. | Copies of general correspondence such as letters to new members. | ||
- | 'Inward correspondence. etc. | + | Inward correspondence. etc. |
Confederation reports. | Confederation reports. | ||
Financial records ie. invoices, statements, (As an incorporated body financial records must be held for five years.) | Financial records ie. invoices, statements, (As an incorporated body financial records must be held for five years.) | ||
- | The July General Meeting | + | |
+ | |||
+ | ====== | ||
+ | |||
Reported by Bill Holland | Reported by Bill Holland | ||
- | This article is published to bring the monthly, reports up to date and make them more relevant, not as a comparison of literary styles. Ed | + | |
- | Your usual scribe had taken his pen to the snow country so President Eddy gave yours truly the task of recording the Jul' | + | This article is published to bring the monthly reports up to date and make them more relevant, not as a comparison of literary styles. Ed |
- | Apologies were followed by an enthusiastic welcome to new members, Jennie Stillwell, Marie Rose and Robert Barrie. On to correspondence, | + | |
+ | Your usual scribe had taken his pen to the snow country so President Eddy gave yours truly the task of recording the July general meeting and proceeded to open the meeting at 8-15 pm with about twenty members present. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Apologies were followed by an enthusiastic welcome to new members, Jennie Stillwell, Marie Rose and Robert Barrie. On to correspondence, | ||
Bill Capon was absent due to family reasons and was unable to deliver all those reports sent in by obedient leaders so Patrick James put his good ear to the fore and delivered the walks report. | Bill Capon was absent due to family reasons and was unable to deliver all those reports sent in by obedient leaders so Patrick James put his good ear to the fore and delivered the walks report. | ||
- | The October long weekend started with Spiro' | + | |
- | The reports continued; Wilf Hilder, spurred on by the chairman' | + | The October long weekend started with Spiro' |
- | . The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 | + | |
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | The reports continued; Wilf Hilder, spurred on by the chairman' |
- | , | + | Cronulla. Tuesday 13th July saw Ian Rannard, undaunted by a little rain, starting with 10 on his walk but 2 became daunted and quit early rather than endure what Ian described as his wettest walk since 1960. |
- | J. | + | |
- | - | + | Somehow the Confederation' |
- | The Sydney Bushivalkei-, | + | |
- | my pen was running dry but I do remember something about Tony Crichton breaking his wrist (cracking ice in his swimming pool?), and the high cost of walking with Roger Treagus in Ku-Ring-Gal NP if you include the $61 parking fine that several members had to pay. Maureen Carter had 15 members on her Glenbrook walk on 4th July and Frank Grennan 19 members including 8 prospectives on his walk in the lower Blue Mountains on Saturday 10th July, starting at the respectable time of 10 am and finishing at 4 pm - definitely a lowering of SBW standards! Tony Crichton' | + | On to the conservation report with letters from Govt Depts assuring us that all that was possible was being done to protect the environment. From the confederation report we learnt that access to Bonham Pic is still being negotiated and that Confederation (and SBW) are supporting a NPWS application for funding to improve the Coastal Track. |
- | Cronulla. Tuesday 13th July Saw Ian Rannard, undaunted by a little rain, starting with 10 on his walk but 2 became daunted and quit early rather than endure what Ian described as his wettest walk since 1960. | + | |
- | Somehow the Confederation' | + | Then, finally to matters of general business which included advice that Duke Energy will close part of the Sassafras Road for the month of October. Unless you're travelling in a specified two hour period Monday- Friday you won't get to Ettrema, North Budawangs |
- | Morton | + | |
- | On to the conservation report with 'letters from Govt Depts. assuring us that all that was' | + | |
- | Then, finally to matters of general business which included advice that Duke Energy will close part of the Sassafras, Road for the month of October. Unless you're travelling in a specified two hour period Monday- Friday you won't get to Ettrema, North Buda wangs etc. This will still of course require Shoalhaven Council approval. We wait with bated breath. On this happy note the meeting closed at 9-30 pm. | + | |
- | Where will you be when the 1900's end and the year 2000 begins? | + | ====== |
- | Will you join the frantic throngs in the city, partying on while worrying about the millennium bug? | + | |
- | Or will you seek a tranquil spot in the bush where you can relax and let the madness pass you by. | + | |
- | Willis' | + | The 1999 Emergency Services Navigation Shield event organised by Confederation' |
- | 12 Carrington St Milner NT 0810 Email: walkabout@ais net au | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, August 1999 | + | A total of 116 teams, comprising about 450 competitors took part in the events. No teams represented SBW although some SBW members as members of teams from other organizations used the event as an opportunity to test and improve their navigation skills. |
- | NAV99 | + | |
- | Reported by Ken Smith | + | The map was a printed A2 composite |
- | The 1999 Emergency Services Navigation Shield event organised by Confederation' | + | |
- | A total of 116 teams, comprising about 450 competitors took part in the events. No teams represented SBW although some SBW memberszas | + | The weather was perfect, clear days and nights although the nights were rather cold with moonrise being about 9pm. At night the admin area was very adequately lit by a variation on the " |
- | The map was a printed A2 cornposite | + | |
- | The weather was perfect, clear days and nights although the nights were rather cold with moonrise being about 9pm. At night the admin. area was very adequately lit by a variation on the " | + | |
The awards for the one-day event were presented by the local Police Commander and the awards for the two-day event were presented by Cannel Tebbutt, the Minister for Juvenile Justice, representing the Premier. | The awards for the one-day event were presented by the local Police Commander and the awards for the two-day event were presented by Cannel Tebbutt, the Minister for Juvenile Justice, representing the Premier. | ||
- | Results Points (The maximum possible | + | |
- | point-score was 2290.) | + | Results Points (The maximum possible point-score was 2290) |
- | eventTwda C las s -1 (top three) | + | Two Day Event Class 1 (top three) |
Springwood Bushwalkers 1600 | Springwood Bushwalkers 1600 | ||
- | Shoalhaven Ambulance Team 1400 Kangaroo Valley Bushfire Brigade 1380 01_ le....._-14, | + | Shoalhaven Ambulance Team 1400 |
+ | Kangaroo Valley Bushfire Brigade 1380 | ||
+ | One Day Event Class 1 (top three) | ||
Victorian SES Central 680 | Victorian SES Central 680 | ||
Wild Dogs Bushwalking Club 650 | Wild Dogs Bushwalking Club 650 | ||
Berowra Bushwhackers 630 | Berowra Bushwhackers 630 | ||
- | 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 | + | |
- | CHEAP SNOWFIELD ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE | + | |
- | Edelweiss Lodge Perisher | + | **CONFEDERATION BUSH DANCE** |
- | September 10 17. 3 vacancies September 11 12. 2 vacancies Accommodation only. $50 per night. Contact Christine Kirby 9487 1843 | + | |
+ | Another important date to mark on your 1999 social calendar. | ||
The last Bushwalkers Confederation Bush Dance to be held in this Millenium will be held at the Petersham Town Hall on September 17th Why not organise a party? | The last Bushwalkers Confederation Bush Dance to be held in this Millenium will be held at the Petersham Town Hall on September 17th Why not organise a party? | ||
- | opp000p | + | |
- | 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 | + | |
- | CONFEDERATION BUSH | + | ====== |
- | DANCE | + | |
- | Another important date to | + | Reported by Ray Hookway. |
- | mark on your 1999 social | + | |
- | | + | Perfect winter sunshine bathed the rear lawn of 7 Terrigal Avenue Turramurra on Sunday August 1 where more than 120 people from as far away as Tasmania, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra assembled to help Alex celebrate his 90th birthday. Alex's daughter Frances, her husband David and Alex's two grandchildren, |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 | + | |
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | Newer members who attended, aided by the stick-on name tags, were able to put faces to the names of many past members that regularly come up in club conversation and club magazine articles, and the number of octogenarians and nonagenarians members present was a good advertisement for the healthy benefits of bushwalking. |
- | The Sydney Bushviralker, | + | |
- | Alex Colley' | + | Shirley Dean did a marvellous job of organising and supervising the smooth running of the proceedings assisted by willing |
- | Reported by Ray Hookway Perfect winter sunshine bathed the rear lawn of 7 Terrigal Avenue Turramurra on Sunday August 1 where more than 120 people from as far away as Tasmania, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra assembled to help Alex celebrate his 90th birthday. Alex's daughter Frances, her husband David and Alex's two grandchildren, | + | |
- | Colin and Jane Putt popped in briefly, to wish Alex congratulations, | + | Gourmet Chef Spiro excelled himself preparing and serving eight delicious legs of lamb, cooked on efficiently tended |
- | Newer members who attended, aided by the stick-on name tags, were able to put faces to the names of many past members that regularly come up in club conversation and club magazine articles, and the number of octogenarians and nonagenarians members present was a good advertisement for the healthy benefits of bushwalldng. | + | |
- | Shirley Dean did a marvellous job of organising and.-. supervising the smooth running of -, | + | |
- | Gourmet Chef Spiro excelled himself preparing and serving eight delicious legs | + | |
- | three Webbers by stoker Barry grilled seasoned accompanied by | + | |
beautiful salads and other trimmings followed by fruit and cake provided by many of Alex' | beautiful salads and other trimmings followed by fruit and cake provided by many of Alex' | ||
- | Helen (Rowen) Goldstraw stayed up late Saturday evening at the Austin' | + | |
- | Foundation' | + | Helen (Rowen) Goldstraw stayed up late Saturday evening at the Austin' |
A beautiful large birthday card containing one of Henry Gold's superb black and white photos of the central Budawangs, was presented to Alex by Henry, and was soon full of the signatures and best wishes of the gathering. | A beautiful large birthday card containing one of Henry Gold's superb black and white photos of the central Budawangs, was presented to Alex by Henry, and was soon full of the signatures and best wishes of the gathering. | ||
+ | |||
It was obvious that everyone had a most enjoyable day and in particular, the guest of honour. | It was obvious that everyone had a most enjoyable day and in particular, the guest of honour. | ||
Congratulations Alex on reaching your 90th year in such an active and useful state and many thanks to all of those people who happily contributed to making the event so enjoyable and successful. | Congratulations Alex on reaching your 90th year in such an active and useful state and many thanks to all of those people who happily contributed to making the event so enjoyable and successful. | ||
- | 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 | + | |
- | Letter to the Editor | + | |
- | SOME PROBLEMS WITH COOLANA | + | **Letter to the Editor** |
+ | ====== Some Problems With Coolana ====== | ||
by Elwyn Morris | by Elwyn Morris | ||
+ | |||
This letter is the only one received by me favouring a possible future sale of Coolana and for that reason it is printed in its entirety. It raises most of the matters being discussed by members and should be read in conjunction with the letters and articles on the subject in the April issue. Ed | This letter is the only one received by me favouring a possible future sale of Coolana and for that reason it is printed in its entirety. It raises most of the matters being discussed by members and should be read in conjunction with the letters and articles on the subject in the April issue. Ed | ||
- | The Club owns an 140-acre property, Coolana, in the Kangaroo Valley. If, as is being proposed at the moment, a Voluntary Conservation-area Agreement (VCA) is made with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the agreement only being able to be rescinded by the Minister for the Environment an unlikely scenario this would greatly affect the value of the Club's most valuable possession.If only PART of the property is covered by a VCA, | + | |
- | of lamb, cooked on efficiently tended | + | The Club owns an 140-acre property, Coolana, in the Kangaroo Valley. If as is being proposed at the moment, a Voluntary Conservation-area Agreement (VCA) is made with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, with the agreement only being able to be rescinded by the Minister for the Environment an unlikely scenario this would greatly affect the value of the Club's most valuable possession. If only PART of the property is covered by a VCA, this would help protect its value for the future (rated by one local estate agent as round $200,000), but only if space is left for a house and garden. A partial VCA would also allow SBW itself to make improvements. A wide strip adjoining the track, and areas just below the cliffs (for a possible car-camping area) and from the hut to the toilet and water source could be excluded from the VCA, so that the Club would be free to improve these in future. |
- | Wallace. The | + | |
- | lamb was | + | Such an important decision should only be made after thorough investigation, |
- | Page 8. The Sidney tiusbli; | + | |
- | this Would help protect its value for the future (rated by one local estate agent as round $200,000), but only if space is left for a house and garden. A partial VCA would also allow SBW itself to make improvements. A wide Strip adjoining the | + | There are some ongoing problems with Coolana: |
- | track., and areas just below the cliffs (for a possible car-camping area) and from the hut to the toilet and water source could be excluded from the VCA, so that the Club would be free to improve these in future.. | + | |
- | Such an important decision should only be made after thorough investigation, | + | 1. OWNERSHIP OF RIVERFRONT. |
- | There are some ongoing problems with | + | |
- | C oolana: 7 | + | |
- | 1., OWNERSHIP OF RWERFRONT. | + | |
The most used and attractive part on the river flats is NOT OWNED by the Club but is only held on licence from the Water Board. If the Board decides to revoke the licence or open its waterfront land to the public, who can land by boat or canoe, the remaining bushy, slope owned by the Club would lose some of its appeal. | The most used and attractive part on the river flats is NOT OWNED by the Club but is only held on licence from the Water Board. If the Board decides to revoke the licence or open its waterfront land to the public, who can land by boat or canoe, the remaining bushy, slope owned by the Club would lose some of its appeal. | ||
+ | |||
2. CONSERVATION. | 2. CONSERVATION. | ||
- | To make Coolana a true conservation area, it _would | + | To make Coolana a true conservation area, it would have to be enclosed with a high chicken wire fence against foxes and other feral animals. (Foxes are currently being baited there). This would be very expensive, and cut across access to the river flats, the most used part. It could be argued that the large Morton National Park not far away is more suited to Conservation efforts, as Kangaroo Valley is primarily agricultural, |
- | .3. NEVER-ENDING WORK. CD | + | |
- | The Weeds on the Water Board land need Money spent and,, constant attention, provided by a small, willing band of volunteers. | + | 3. NEVER-ENDING WORK. |
- | 4. EXPENSES; | + | The Weeds on the Water Board land need money spent and constant attention, provided by a small, willing band of volunteers. |
- | Rates come to less than $2,000 a year, but could be reduced if part of the property becomes coveted by a VCA. | + | |
- | Maintenance up to $2,000; The Water Board licence is cheap, a Coolana fund, now, $23 338, was donated to cover expenses but this investment no longer earns much intrest. | + | 4. EXPENSES. |
- | 5. LACK OF USE., | + | Rates come to less than $2,000 a year, but could be reduced if part of the property becomes coveted by a VCA. Maintenance up to $2,000; The Water Board licence is cheap, a Coolana fund, now, $23 338, was donated to cover expenses but this investment no longer earns much interest. |
- | Only a small proportion of club members regularly use Coolana. Some of the original supporters are now deceased, and some older and less fit members can't carry gear down and up the steep hillside. . | + | |
- | . There may be several reasons for its lack of Use 7 | + | 5. LACK OF USE. |
- | a) It is not on public transport, with the only bus stopping 8km away. It requires one and a half to two hours driving from Sydney, the last part on narrow winding | + | Only a small proportion of club members regularly use Coolana. Some of the original supporters are now deceased, and some older and less fit members can't carry gear down and up the steep hillside. |
- | b) There is difficult access, down a very water-eroded track, from the car pa rking area, (which is on Crown loif Of. club land), to the Over .flats , camping area. This makes it difficult for older and less fit members, | + | |
- | It is unlikely that a cash-strapped NPWS would improve the road, as it only Seems to invest where profit can be made from visitors. The track' | + | There may be several reasons for its lack of use |
- | c) There is difficult, steep access to the river, with only one tiny. beach, so that any canoes have to be launched from the Bendeela Ponds _campground | + | a) It is not on public transport, with the only bus stopping 8km away. It requires one and a half to two hours driving from Sydney, the last part on narrow winding |
- | c.1) It is not quiet at peak holiday periods because of this very large, free | + | b) There is difficult access, down a very water-eroded track, from the car parking |
- | camp ground opposite, with easy road and river access, flush toilets and cold showers, and river views | + | It is unlikely that a cash-strapped NPWS would improve the road, as it only seems to invest where profit can be made from visitors. The track' |
- | e) There are few walks from Coolana itself; driving is necessary, Not many walks take | + | c) There is difficult, steep access to the river, with only one tiny. beach, so that any canoes have to be launched from the Bendeela Ponds campground |
- | The Sydney Buskwalker: First Edition July 1931 | + | (c.1) It is not quiet at peak holiday periods because of this very large, free camp ground opposite, with easy road and river access, flush toilets and cold showers, and river views |
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | e) There are few walks from Coolana itself; driving is necessary, Not many walks take place as people tend to stay at the bottom once they get there. |
- | Eastwood Camping Centre is a | + | f) There are many other camp spots on the Upper Kangaroo River and its tributaries, |
- | privately owned business, estabished in 1970 | + | (g) Sewerage. It is possible that the Water Board may object to two hole-in-the-ground toilets in a water catchment area, composting toilets would be expensive to install. |
- | by Nancy and Jack Fox. | + | (h) Training Weekends. Though socially successful and useful, there is a possibility that some prospectives and new members |
- | After 28 years experience we can confidently offer the best | + | |
- | service in Sydney at the lowest prices. | + | ALTERNATIVES? |
- | We carry the most extensive of camping gear | + | |
- | alccessories in Sydney, specialising in: | + | |
- | '. backpacks | + | |
- | sleeping bags | + | |
- | - rock climbing & abseiling gear | + | |
- | walking, boots | + | |
- | gas equiprnent (I.igh. s, stoves, spares) | + | |
- | For further enquiries and expert advice | + | |
- | give us a call and talk to our fulltime staff: | + | |
- | Paul Lidgard | + | |
- | Toby Watson | + | |
- | Margaret Fox | + | |
- | Brett Murphy | + | |
- | Matt de Belin | + | |
- | Nancy Fox | + | |
- | eastwood | + | |
- | camping | + | |
- | centre Phone: 02 9858 3833 | + | |
- | 3 Trelawney Street Eastwood | + | |
- | rage 10 The Sydney Bushwalker, August 1999 | + | |
- | place as people tend to stay at the bottom once they get there. | + | |
- | f) There are many other camp spots on the | + | |
- | Upper Kangaroo River and its tributaries, | + | |
- | free, on river-banks, | + | |
- | There are alsb farms with camping, | + | |
- | Quaker | + | |
- | h) Training Weekends. Though socially successful and useful, there is a possibility that some prospectives and new member, | + | |
In the early days of the club, there seem to have been many well-attended weekend camps in places such as the best Royal National Park surfing beaches like Era, and to judge from the photos they also stayed at youth hostels and guest houses. | In the early days of the club, there seem to have been many well-attended weekend camps in places such as the best Royal National Park surfing beaches like Era, and to judge from the photos they also stayed at youth hostels and guest houses. | ||
- | To 'unify the Club, to attract prospectives and new members, and to allow easier socializing, | + | |
- | a) As a stopover on friday | + | To unify the Club, to attract prospectives and new members, and to allow easier socializing, |
+ | a) As a stopover on Friday | ||
b) As a base for day walks, which otherwise involves up to five hours travel and | b) As a base for day walks, which otherwise involves up to five hours travel and | ||
- | c) As somewhere for retired members to use | + | c) As somewhere for retired members to use midweek with a financial contribution |
- | midweek with a financial contribution | + | |
to rates, maintenance and electricity. Costs range from around $100,000 for houses and $25,000 for land. | to rates, maintenance and electricity. Costs range from around $100,000 for houses and $25,000 for land. | ||
+ | |||
This will probably never happen, but it's a thought. | This will probably never happen, but it's a thought. | ||
- | I shall leave it to others. to state the case for keeping Coolana and making all of it a VCA, but whatever happens, a postal, ballot is in my view the only democratic way to decide, with an option to cover only part of it with a VCA. 0 | + | |
- | P Reading a 1948 Bushwalker recently I noted that 25 SBW club ' | + | I shall leave it to others to state the case for keeping Coolana and making all of it a VCA, but whatever happens, a postal, ballot is in my view the only democratic way to decide, with an option to cover only part of it with a VCA. |
- | I understand that the Special Coolana Committee report will advise that the Coolana Trust Deed states that any change to the status of Coolana can only occur by a j vote of a general meeting after all members have been advised of the proposed change by letter 14 days before that meeting. Ed. | + | |
- | "U RELAX 4 WE 'LL DRIVE" | + | PS Reading a 1948 Bushwalker recently I noted that 25 SBW club ' |
- | Experience Tropical North Queensland as you wish, the choice is yours. We specialise in customised tours for small special interest parties | + | |
- | # Trek in pristine rainforests or rugged sandstone country. | + | I understand that the Special Coolana Committee report will advise that the Coolana Trust Deed states that any change to the status of Coolana can only occur by a vote of a general meeting after all members have been advised of the proposed change by letter 14 days before that meeting. Ed. |
- | # See the Daintree and Bloomfield regions plus quaint Cooktownujwhile it still is!) # Visit remote aboriginal, areas, meet | + | |
- | the locals and learn about their culture. # Experience the Gulf Savannah Region. An exciting area seldom visited. | + | |
- | # Adventure to central and far western Queensland - The real outback. | + | ====== |
- | # Visit the Reef - dive or snorkel. | + | |
- | # Trek, cycle, balloon, kayak, canoe, snorkel, dive, sail, bird watch or just relax. | + | |
- | #2 bedroom self contained unit available in Cairlis at very reasonable rates. | + | |
- | # All tours in luxury, airconditioned 8 seater | + | |
- | 4 wheel drive vehicles. Fully guided. | + | |
- | Contact John Hogan (SBW member) on: | + | |
- | (07) 4054 2111 or (041) 773 3352 to plan | + | |
- | " | + | |
- | The ,Vdney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 | + | |
- | Official publication or The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushvialker, | + | |
- | Taking Teenagers Walking | + | |
by Christine Austin | by Christine Austin | ||
- | | + | |
- | Austin (y) years, Dane Austin (17) years and Noni-Austin (14-15) years. | + | Participants - the author (x) years, Craig Austin (y) years, Dane Austin (17) years and Noni Austin (14-15) years. |
- | Taking teenagers walking (from Katoomba | + | |
- | to Kanangra via the Kowmung River in April) first involved some hard talking. Their mother, seeing their independence as the next step, decided that an extended walk in the Blue Mountains would be beneficial to their ftiture | + | Taking teenagers walking (from Katoomba to Kanangra via the Kowmung River in April) first involved some hard talking. Their mother, seeing their independence as the next step, decided that an extended walk in the Blue Mountains would be beneficial to their future |
- | Noni's first problem was solved by Craig escaping for the state-election weekend with an old friend, Ian. Olsen, locating 100 Man Cave and hiding three days' food. 'They had a wild and windy night in the cave while Sydney was engulfed in election fever. | + | |
- | | + | Easter Sunday was a drizzly and uninspiring day in Blackheath as we waited for the taxi to take us to the locked gate on Narrowneck. Surprisingly, |
- | Were they 'determined to be stoical? However, all of us were relieved to lunch at the cave on the western:side of Narrowneck, our parkas dripping from thesandstone | + | |
- | at the ladders themselves which athletic son climbed several times just for the heck of it. Pausing for afternoon tea at Kennel Flat a new problem arose. Armies of leeches assaulted us and with evening approaching, | + | Gone was the convivial atmosphere which had permeated this campsite where we had spent our last night on David Rostron' |
- | were not. Gone was the convivial | + | |
- | atmosphere which had permeated this | + | About midnight, a Hitchcock-like howl awoke me violently and there was reluctant daughter, sitting up and pointing wildly to her back. " |
- | campsite where we had spent our last night on David Rostron' | + | |
- | " | + | By morning, with the rain commencing seriously, things began to look even grimmer. |
- | But she was correct and I flicked the intruder into the darkness outside. She settled back to sleep but this happened once more during the night. Life was degenerating rapidly. | + | |
- | By morning, with the rain commencing seriously,, things began to look even grimmer. | + | Then a miracle occurred. Whilst eating lunch and contemplating |
- | "I want to go home!" she whimpered. | + | |
- | I was beginning to agree with her. Craig and Dane, under their fly, were also getting extremely wet, so a conference was called. We agreed to pack up quickly and back track to a small cave on the western side of M. Wan-igal, which we had passed yesterday. | + | The next day, Tuesday, sun glinting from the rain soaked trees, we farewelled our cave and descended to the Cox. Now all was easeful walking, the bush looking all the more beautiful for the rain. Crossing the full and flowing Cox proved to be quite easy using care and we set up camp early at Konangaroo |
- | This cave proved to be a godsend. Wood, collected quickly by four cold people, soon became a cheerful, warming blaze and billies | + | |
- | A magazine is only as good as its contributors. | + | It was now Wednesday and reluctant daughter' |
- | Articles are always very welcome | + | |
- | .iite 12. The Sydney BUshwalker, August 1999 | + | At Mt Cloudmaker, I noted that they both showed, quiet satisfaction in having succeeded in this climb and then it was down to 100 Man cave to find the food. During the descent, we saw numerous colourful fungi, their variety resembling an underwater |
- | *ere filled by the cascading torrents from the rocks. above us. Smiles began to return, but also stronglint | + | |
- | Then a miracle occurred. Whilst eating lunch and Contemplating | + | Afternoon light slanted invitingly into the cave as I beheld it again after twenty years. Having such a wide choice of sleeping places was a luxury. There was a rush for the food drop, cunningly concealed by Craig. And here was the reward for all her efforts! A box of birthday Belgian chocolates, Lebanese cakes and mud cake. It was a cheerful night spent in the cave, eating the goodies and reminiscing about all the people who had made this cave their temporary home. |
- | the Sun appeared. There was a Mad dash for Splendour Rock and then another miracle! They were impressed | + | |
- | The net day, Tuesday, sun glinting from the rain soaked trees, we farewelled our cave and descended to the Cox. Now all was easeful | + | The good spirits which surrounded this evening extended to the following day (Thursday) when a navigational oops was accepted with great equanimity. From Campagnoni' |
- | Crossing the full and flowing Cox proved to be quite easy using care and we set up camp early at Konangarbo | + | Camp was made that night beside the clean and gently flowing Kowmung. Last year it had been muddied- from the bush fires, but now its clarity revealed every pebble. Greatly disturbing it was however, to see the decrease in camp sites and the corresponding increase in weed growth since last seen the river. All manner of weeds were growing in profusion - croften weed, cobbler' |
- | It was now Wednesday and reluctant | + | |
- | daughter' | + | Friday arrived and we wandered slowly along the river, watching the morning light glisten on the trees and looking for that ideal swimming |
- | horrible look. Surprising herself with the ease with which she climbed the ridge, we arrived at Dex Creek in time for an early | + | |
- | basked in the sunlight and enjoyed a cup of teat . | + | On a casuarina backlit by low sunlight shone with the full spectrum of colours - a bush Christmass |
- | At Mt Cloudmaker, I noted that they both Showed, quiet satisfaction in having succeeded in this climb and then it was down to 100 Man cave to find the food. During the descent, we saw numerous colourful fungi, their variety resembling an underwater | + | |
- | Afternoon light slanted invitingly into the cave as I beheld it again after twenty years. Having such a wide choice of sleeping places was a luxury. There was a rush for the food drop, cunningly concealed by Craig. And here was the reward for all her efforts! A 'box of birthday Belgian chocolates, Lebanese cakes and mud cake. It was a cheerful night spent in the cave, eating the goodies and reminiscing about all the people who had made this cave their temporary home. | + | What person |
- | The good spirits which surrounded this evening extended to the following day (Thursday) when a navigational oops was accepted with great equanimity. From Campagnoni' | + | |
- | Camp was made that night beside the clean and gently flowing Kowmung. Last year it had been muddied- from the bushfires, but now its clarity revealed every pebble.. Greatly disturbing it was however,.. to see the decrease in camp sites and the corresponding increase in weed growth since last seen the river. All manner of weeds were growing in profusion - croften weed, , | + | |
- | Friday arrived and we wandered slowly along the river, watching the morning light glisten on the trees and looking for that ideal swirnrning | + | Footnote: Recently Reg Alder sent me an article from the June 1955 SBW magazine. Into the Cumulus by Alex Colley and Brian Harvey describes a wet 1955 Easter trip from Kanangra to Katoomba. Their experiences were so similar to ours that it shows that things don' |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker First Edition July 1931 | + | |
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, August 1999 Page 13 | + | **SBW PHOTOGRAPH AND SLIDE COMPETITION** |
- | | + | |
- | on a casuarina backlit by low sunlight shone with the full 'spectrum of colours - a bush Christ rims tree: | + | |
- | What_ p erson could fail to be iMpressed | + | |
- | . | + | |
- | gasp of genuine awe and amazement as they beheld the mighty | + | |
- | had been in the perSiiadingi | + | |
- | . . | + | |
- | , | + | |
- | Footnote: Recently Reg Alder sent me an article from the June 1955 SBW magazine. Into the Cumulus" | + | |
- | 0000000 | + | |
- | Something new at the top of the Blue Mountains ... | + | |
- | Expeditions | + | |
- | di rig. Trail trekking, Mont Banc | + | |
- | trekking, Nepal | + | |
- | ; Plus' | + | |
- | cheap flights, permits, | + | |
- | visas complete expedition | + | |
- | management service | + | |
- | Gear Jan us on the verandah | + | |
- | Relax with a free coffee | + | |
- | while you wait for your | + | |
- | buskwaildng mates | + | |
- | TAN =amok' gear on the noticeboapd. | + | |
- | Iffall out a rain stone with old copies of Wild, Geo, Rock and Outdoor. | + | |
- | We're open 7 days | + | |
- | 22 -Station St Mt Victoria (Opp the:Pubj freecaii for a bros./lulls 7800 Al3SEL (02 4787 :1777) | + | |
- | Courses | + | |
- | intro to climbing | + | |
- | , intro to abseiling | + | |
- | remote area Wit reSponder | + | |
- | vertical rescue | + | |
- | roping & rescue | + | |
- | caryon leader | + | |
- | navgabon & survival | + | |
- | clothing | + | |
- | rainwear | + | |
- | hardware - rope | + | |
- | wetsuits - salefhire | + | |
- | thermals - hats | + | |
- | maps -compasses | + | |
- | books - guides | + | |
- | chaik pe | + | |
- | packs | + | |
- | SBW PHOTOGRAPH AND SLIDE COMPETITION | + | |
Wednesday 24th November 1999. $300 total prize value | Wednesday 24th November 1999. $300 total prize value | ||
- | For full details see page 6 of the May 1999 Magazine or the lt rear page of the | + | |
+ | For full details see page 6 of the May 1999 Magazine or the rear page of the | ||
Winter or Spring Walks programs. There will be a $50 gift voucher, for the winner of | Winter or Spring Walks programs. There will be a $50 gift voucher, for the winner of | ||
- | each category, kindly donated by the following bushwalking shops: | + | each category. |
- | . ALPSPORT EASTWOOD CAMPING KATHMANDU | + | |
- | 1045 VICTORIA ROAD 3 TRELAWNEY STREET Cnr KENT & BATHURST St | + | |
- | WEST RYDE NSW 2114 . EASTWOOD NSW 2112 SYDNEY NSW 2000 | + | |
- | Phone 9858 5844 H Phone 9858 3833 Phone 9261 8901 | + | |
- | MOUNTAIN DESIGNS MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT I PADDY PALLIN | + | |
- | . 499 KENT STREET 491 KENT STREET 507 KENT STREET | + | |
- | SYDNEY NSW 2000 SYDNEY NSW 2000 SYDNEY NSW 2000 | + | |
- | Phone 9267 3822 Phone 9264 5888 Phone 9264 2685 | + | |
- | Page 14 The Sydney BUshwilker, August 1999 | + | |
- | WILY'S GREAT ILLAWARRA ESCARPMENT WALK | + | |
- | A PERSPECTIVE Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger l' eagus | + | |
- | So it was that on the next walking day Bong Bong Pass wouldn' | + | |
- | line reached a high point near the cliffs. The tourists were let out here to look at the view barely 50 metres away. So worried: was the Water Board that the tourists might pollute the ' | + | |
- | The next day was long and hot. We now had to cross the valley of the Macquarie Rivulet to gain the southern section of the Illawarra..Range. | + | |
- | This proved difficult as our ' | + | |
- | floor. Our concept route used these benches to. run round to the southern side gaining the range again at Caloola Pass. | + | |
- | We descended Calderwood Pass and walked along the grassy bench contouring around the north rim and western wall of the valley to the Macquarie Rivulet. To reach public | + | |
- | transikefor the trip home we needed to get to Robertson on 'top of the plateau. The idea | + | |
- | was to leave the bench at Macquarie Rivulet and climb through a pass, (if one existed), near Macquarie Falls. | + | |
- | When we reached the Rivulet in Macquarie Pass NI). the ranger there said he thought there was a way up although he had not actually done it, himself (How well do rangers know 'their parks?). The dilemma was that if we attempted it and failed we would lose too much time and miss the only bus. (For one of our party the bus was the only connection to a plane to London the next morning!) The unpleasant but prudent option was taken of bashing on along the many kilometres of heavy traffic along the highway to the Robertson bus station. After hours of pavement pounding we arrived to find the timetable was wrong. But darkness turned to light when after a couple of beers the bus to Wollongong vv-ith Connections to Heathrow actually turned up. | + | |
- | Summer came and went before we took up the cudgels again in more pleasant walking temperatures. We now moved along a discontinuous bench on the southern side of the valley past the disused Tongarra colliery and onto the abandoned but intact Caloola Hut once the HQ of the Caloola walking | + | |
- | club (the club was absorbed into the NPA). It was set into a sandstone outcrop on a glorious site with the Caloola Pass above and a coastal panorama below. The actual Caloola Pass could not be found despite our | + | |
- | best reconnaissance efforts. The score was now Passes 4, Walkers 0. We beat a retreat to Albion Park via the beginnings of the " | + | |
- | We stuck to the lush basalt plateau from then on via Knights Hill heading back towards the | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker: First, | + | |
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, August 1999 Page 15 | + | |
- | coast via the Barren Grounds. Hoddles Pass | + | |
- | provides the access off the BarrenGrounds | + | |
- | ,, | + | |
- | to Saddleback Mountain and Kiarna. And once again no obvious way down could be located in the enveloping mists; at leaSt not until some substantial bush bashing brought us onto a veritable freeway of a track below the escarpment at 951587 on the Kiama sheet. | + | |
- | The penultimate stage of the Great Illawarra saw us based at Helen and George Gray's property near Woki4i.11-Oap, | + | |
- | Day I saw us back on the .Barren Grounds, this time coyeritig.., | + | |
- | On day two we walked the ridges adjacent to Wedding Cake Mountain as far as Carnbewarra | + | |
- | This left a final :stage to the Shoalhaven at Cdolendel | + | ====== Wilf's Great Illawarra Escarpment Walk ====== |
- | The route was from Cambewarra via Red Rocks NP and Bugong Gap with a camp at Coolana: (This may have been the first time Coolana was used as a camp on a through walk - would this be right?) That final stage was like all the others, never straightforward. This time it was the rain, light on the Saturday but solid on the Sunday, | + | |
- | And so ended an 18 month long event. Many people took part for one or more stages over this period and I got to know some of-the stayers well. It was rather like all being together on a shipwhich | + | A PERSPECTIVE Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus |
- | I thank Gretel. Woodward, Ian Rannard, Brian Hart and Richard | + | |
- | their property including a range of luxuries (how about hot home made soup for happy hour), | + | So it was that on the next walking day Bong Bong Pass wouldn' |
- | Mention should be made of the efforts of City Rail in ensuring that trackwork | + | line reached a high point near the cliffs. The tourists were let out here to look at the view barely 50 metres away. So worried was the Water Board that the tourists might pollute the catchment on alighting (what could they do in 50 metres?) that they got the tour operators to build "sheep pens" between the train and the lookout along which the tourists could be herded. I suppose the occasional free spirit who escaped the pens could be easily, rounded up by a blue heeler. The railway was being re-ballasted when we walked through with its oil sodden aggregate dumps, fettlers camps and motorised plant posing a much greater danger for pollution. Another great moment in catchment management! |
- | Robertson bus. This is Countrylink who apparently never talk to the foreigners in City Rail about the novel idea of having their Wollongong to Robertson service connect with trains from Sydney. The Wollongong Station master scored several brownie points in getting things right for us on the day. | + | |
- | Finally I extend a special thanks to WK leader, creative navigator and chief entertainer who over 18 months never wavered as a constant source of ripping yarns. Wilf is the only person I know who can walk into the bush on any bearing and have a track materialise in front of him, a talent fully utilised on the Great Illawarra Walk. | + | The next day was long and hot. We now had to cross the valley of the Macquarie Rivulet to gain the southern section of the Illawarra Range. |
- | 0000000 | + | |
- | Vale Greg Bridge | + | This proved difficult as our ' |
- | Bushwalkers were saddened by news of the death of Greg Bridge, a leader with NPA and SBW, and a confederation delegate/ for NPA. He was 50 years old and died from a brain tumour. At the funeral on Monday August 2, the eulogies were given by his sister, also by Stephen Bennet of NP A, and by Rosemary MacDougal of SBW. Confederation was represented by president Jim Calloway, secretary Prudence Tucker and vice-president Alex Tucker. Alan Mewett represented the Bush Club. It is at times like this that we feel part 'of the great fraternity of Bushwalkers a bond that goes beyond the limits of club membership. | + | floor. Our concept route used these benches to run round to the southern side gaining the range again at Caloola Pass. |
- | Alan Mewed_ | + | |
- | Page 16 The Sydney Bushwalker, August 1999 | + | We descended Calderwood Pass and walked along the grassy bench contouring around the north rim and western wall of the valley to the Macquarie Rivulet. To reach public transport for the trip home we needed to get to Robertson on top of the plateau. The idea was to leave the bench at Macquarie Rivulet and climb through a pass, (if one existed), near Macquarie Falls. |
- | Budawangs | + | |
- | Pigeon House to Byangee Walls | + | When we reached the Rivulet in Macquarie Pass NI) the ranger there said he thought there was a way up although he had not actually done it, himself (how well do rangers know their parks?). The dilemma was that if we attempted it and failed we would lose too much time and miss the only bus. (For one of our party the bus was the only connection to a plane to London the next morning!) The unpleasant but prudent option was taken of bashing on along the many kilometres of heavy traffic along the highway to the Robertson bus station. After hours of pavement pounding we arrived to find the timetable was wrong. But darkness turned to light when after a couple of beers the bus to Wollongong with connections to Heathrow actually turned up. |
- | AOril 30 May 2 | + | |
- | Wayne Steele (leader), Libby Hanington, Helen Jones (prospective), | + | Summer came and went before we took up the cudgels again in more pleasant walking temperatures. We now moved along a discontinuous bench on the southern side of the valley past the disused Tongarra colliery and onto the abandoned but intact Caloola Hut once the HQ of the Caloola walking club (the club was absorbed into the NPA). It was set into a sandstone outcrop on a glorious site with the Caloola Pass above and a coastal panorama below. The actual Caloola Pass could not be found despite our best reconnaissance efforts. The score was now Passes 4, Walkers 0. We beat a retreat to Albion Park via the beginnings of the " |
- | Libby' | + | |
- | The heavens opened with a vengeance as lift Sydney for the Budawangs | + | We stuck to the lush basalt plateau from then on via Knights Hill heading back towards the coast via the Barren Grounds. Hoddles Pass provides the access off the Barren Ground to Saddleback Mountain and Kiama. And once again no obvious way down could be located in the enveloping mists, at least not until some substantial bush bashing brought us onto a veritable freeway of a track below the escarpment at 951587 on the Kiama sheet. |
- | We woke to a beautiful crisp morning for the ascent to Pigeon House and breathtaking views of the Budawang area 'and our destination... Byangee Walls. We had a full day ahead so onward down Landslide Creek where we scrambled | + | |
- | We gave up trying to keep boots dry as we negotiated several creeks and the Clyde River, and eventually reached Castle Gap at nightfall. Navigating a vertical cliff by moonlight! Not a problem for Wayne, so we pushed and shoved bodies and packs through slots onto the plateau and our very welcome campsite where we enjoyed a perfect calm night. Clear skies, full moon, good tucker and great company. | + | The penultimate stage of the Great Illawarra saw us based at Helen and George Gray's property near Woodhill Gap at the entrance to the Kangaroo Valley. Day I saw us back on the Barren Grounds, this time covering the Southern section and Drawing Room Rocks, |
- | Sunday dawned another perfect day for our descent off the Walls at Pickering Point. A new ,experience for some as we made our way down 300 metres of vertical cliff face With the aid of rope, surges of adrenalin, and much swearing, reaching the Clyde River for lunch and a Very brisk Swim. | + | |
- | Our final challenge | + | On day two we walked the ridges adjacent to Wedding Cake Mountain as far as Cambewarra |
+ | This left a final stage to the Shoalhaven at Coolendel | ||
+ | |||
+ | The route was from Cambewarra via Red Rocks NP and Bugong Gap with a camp at Coolana (this may have been the first time Coolana was used as a camp on a through walk - would this be right?) That final stage was like all the others, never straightforward. This time it was the rain, light on the Saturday but solid on the Sunday, | ||
+ | |||
+ | And so ended an 18 month long event. Many people took part for one or more stages over this period and I got to know some of the stayers well. It was rather like all being together on a ship which finally found port after a long time at sea. | ||
+ | |||
+ | I thank Gretel Woodward, Ian Rannard, Brian Hart and Richard | ||
+ | their property including a range of luxuries (how about hot home made soup for happy hour), | ||
+ | |||
+ | Mention should be made of the efforts of City Rail in ensuring that track work was scheduled on many of the walk days. The vastly inferior replacement buses were a nightmare for Wilf's best laid plans. However, the public relations expertise award goes to the crowd that operate the Robertson bus. This is Countrylink who apparently never talk to the foreigners in City Rail about the novel idea of having their Wollongong to Robertson service connect with trains from Sydney. The Wollongong Station master scored several brownie points in getting things right for us on the day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Finally I extend a special thanks to Wilf leader, creative navigator and chief entertainer who over 18 months never wavered as a constant source of ripping yarns. Wilf is the only person I know who can walk into the bush on any bearing and have a track materialise in front of him, a talent fully utilised on the Great Illawarra Walk. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Bushwalkers were saddened by news of the death of Greg Bridge, a leader with NPA and SBW, and a confederation delegate for NPA. He was 50 years old and died from a brain tumour. At the funeral on Monday August 2, the eulogies were given by his sister, also by Stephen Bennet of NPA, and by Rosemary MacDougal of SBW. Confederation was represented by president Jim Calloway, secretary Prudence Tucker and vice-president Alex Tucker. Alan Mewett represented the Bush Club. It is at times like this that we feel part of the great fraternity of Bushwalkers a bond that goes beyond the limits of club membership. | ||
+ | Alan Mewett | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | April 30 - May 2 | ||
+ | Wayne Steele (leader), Libby Hanington, Helen Jones (prospective), | ||
+ | ** | ||
+ | Libby' | ||
+ | |||
+ | The heavens opened with a vengeance as we left Sydney for the Budawangs | ||
+ | |||
+ | We woke to a beautiful crisp morning for the ascent to Pigeon House and breathtaking views of the Budawang area and our destination Byangee Walls. We had a full day ahead so onward down Landslide Creek where we scrambled | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sunday dawned another perfect day for our descent off the Walls at Pickering Point. A new experience for some as we made our way down 300 metres of vertical cliff face With the aid of rope, surges of adrenalin, and much swearing, reaching the Clyde River for lunch and a very brisk swim. Our final challenge | ||
sighting of a large cave filled with Aboriginal rock art in pristine condition. There is apparently a community of Aboriginals who regularly visit the Budawang area to keep the tradition of rock art, bush craft etc. alive. What a treat! | sighting of a large cave filled with Aboriginal rock art in pristine condition. There is apparently a community of Aboriginals who regularly visit the Budawang area to keep the tradition of rock art, bush craft etc. alive. What a treat! | ||
- | We arrived back at the cars in moonlight with a wealth of memories and well exercised bodies. | + | |
- | Thanks Wayne for another exhilarating weekend and Wendy, Bob, John, Helen and Greg for great companionship. | + | We arrived back at the cars in moonlight with a wealth of memories and well exercised bodies. Thanks Wayne for another exhilarating weekend and Wendy, Bob, John, Helen and Greg for great companionship. |
- | 0900 OD 0 | + | |
- | Vale Bill Hall | + | |
+ | ====== | ||
+ | |||
As reported in the July Bushwalker, long time early club member Bill Hall died in Wollongong on July 21 aged 87. | As reported in the July Bushwalker, long time early club member Bill Hall died in Wollongong on July 21 aged 87. | ||
+ | |||
At his funeral service on July 24th Bob Younger read the following eulogy. | At his funeral service on July 24th Bob Younger read the following eulogy. | ||
- | 'A long time member of the SBW and the Bush club died on July 21 at Figtree near Wollongong. Bill was born in Inverell in 191! and was the youngest member of a family of several brothers and sisters. Bill is survived by his son Peter and daughter Fiona. | + | 'A long time member of the SBW and the Bush club died on July 21 at Figtree near Wollongong. Bill was born in Inverell in 1911 and was the youngest member of a family of several brothers and sisters. Bill is survived by his son Peter and daughter Fiona. |
Bill became a member of the SBW in the pre-war years and was member of a group of very strong walkers known as The Tigers. | Bill became a member of the SBW in the pre-war years and was member of a group of very strong walkers known as The Tigers. | ||
+ | |||
Bill always took an interest in the lives of fellow members and it was a delight to see his face light up when talking to their children. He also went out of his way to help new members and kept an eye out for any stragglers who were having difficulty. At river crossings being tall and strong he would carry the more fragile members of the opposite persuasion to the opposite bank. He was a reliable leader and members of his party could trust him to get them home safely and on time. | Bill always took an interest in the lives of fellow members and it was a delight to see his face light up when talking to their children. He also went out of his way to help new members and kept an eye out for any stragglers who were having difficulty. At river crossings being tall and strong he would carry the more fragile members of the opposite persuasion to the opposite bank. He was a reliable leader and members of his party could trust him to get them home safely and on time. | ||
+ | |||
Bill would not sleep in stockmen' | Bill would not sleep in stockmen' | ||
+ | |||
On Sunday walks at lunchtime Bill liked to collect water and firewood to boil his billy for the midday cup of tea. On these walks he would collect any litter left behind by others and carry it out for proper disposal. | On Sunday walks at lunchtime Bill liked to collect water and firewood to boil his billy for the midday cup of tea. On these walks he would collect any litter left behind by others and carry it out for proper disposal. | ||
- | Bill will be missed by his many friends and our sincere sympathy is extended to his family.' | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker. First Edition July 1931 | + | Bill will be missed by his many friends and our sincere sympathy is extended to his family. |
- | Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc. | + | |
199908.1450497044.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/12/19 14:50 by kennettj