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-AUGUST 1999 +**AUGUST 1999 Issue No. 777**
-Issue No. 777+
  
-The June General Meeting reported by Barry Wallace 4.  +|The June General Meeting reported by Barry Wallace |4. | 
-The July General Meeting reported by Bill Holland 4.  +|The July General Meeting reported by Bill Holland |4. | 
-Request for the return of SBW records 6.  +|Request for the return of SBW records |6. | 
-NAV 99 Navigation Contest reported by Ken Smith 6.  +|NAV 99 Navigation Contest reported by Ken Smith |6. | 
-Confederation Bush Dance notice of event date & venue 7.  +|Confederation Bush Dance notice of event date & venue |7. | 
-Alex Colley's Birthday reported by Ray Hookway 7.  +|Alex Colley's Birthday reported by Ray Hookway |7. | 
-Some Problems With Coolana, letter by Elwyn Morris 11.  +|Some Problems With Coolana, letter by Elwyn Morris |11. | 
-Taking Teenagers Walking by Christine Austin 13.  +|Taking Teenagers Walking by Christine Austin |13. | 
-SBW photograph and Slide competition 14.  +|SBW photograph and Slide competition |14. | 
-Wiles Great Escarpment Walk Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus 15.  +|Wilfs Great Escarpment Walk Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus |15. | 
-Vale Greg Bridge by Alan Mewett 16.  +|Vale Greg Bridge by Alan Mewett |16. | 
-Budawangs. Pigeon House to Byangee by Libby Harrington 16,  +|Budawangs. Pigeon House to Byangee by Libby Harrington | 16. |  
-Vale Bill Hall, Eulogy by Bob Younger+|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 Business Manager. +THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565.  
-Editor: Ray Hookway Telephone 9411 1873 + 
-Business Manager: Elizabeth Miller 1 The Babette, Castlecrag, 2068 Telephone 9958 7838 +To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager. 
-Production Manager: Frances Holland Printers: Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven, Les Powell, Tom Wenman,+ 
 +|**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. 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 +|**President**| Eddy Giacomel | 
-Alpsport front cover +|**Vice-President**| Tony Holgate | 
-Eastwood Camping Centre 9 +|**Public Officer**| Fran Holland | 
-Ecotrek +|**Treasurer**| Edith Baker| 
-Bogong Jack Adventures 3 +|**Secretary**| Rosemary MacDougal | 
-Outland - 13 +|**Walks Secretary**| Bill Capon | 
-Paddy Pallin back cover +|**Social Secretary**| Elwyn Morris | 
-U Relax 4 We'll Drive 10 +|**Membership Secretary**| Barry Wallace | 
-Willis's Walkabouts 5+|**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  13\\ 
 +Paddy Pallin back cover\\ 
 +U Relax 4 We'll Drive 10\\ 
 +Willis's Walkabouts 5\\ 
  
 +====== The June 1999 General Meeting ======
  
-**The June 1999 General Meeting.** 
 Reported by Barry Wallace  Reported by Barry Wallace 
  
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 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's Budawang walk involved a joyless cold evening huddled around the stoves on a high campsite. There was no indication of numbers present. Judi Jones and Colleen Hodder led a party of 12 on their Sydney Bridges walk on the Saturday in fine conditions on what was described as a good day. (See article by B.Bruce in July Mag.) There was no report for Tony Crichton's Sunday Blue Mountains walk although a body of opinion seem to believe it went. Phil Newman Jed his party of 19 through fine conditions on a mix of tracks, scrub, and cliffs for his walk out from Mount Colah, on the Sunday. There was no report available for David Robinson's Blue Mountains Sunday bike ride. 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's Budawang walk involved a joyless cold evening huddled around the stoves on a high campsite. There was no indication of numbers present. Judi Jones and Colleen Hodder led a party of 12 on their Sydney Bridges walk on the Saturday in fine conditions on what was described as a good day. (See article by B.Bruce in July Mag.) There was no report for Tony Crichton's Sunday Blue Mountains walk although a body of opinion seem to believe it went. Phil Newman Jed his party of 19 through fine conditions on a mix of tracks, scrub, and cliffs for his walk out from Mount Colah, on the Sunday. There was no report available for David Robinson's Blue Mountains Sunday bike ride.
  
-Eddy Giacomel's Saturday start weekend walk out from Carlons Farm over the weekend of 22, 23 May was deferred to a later weekend. Tony Crichton reported good weather after early overcast conditions for the 19 starters on his Saturday walk out from Pierces Pass. Morrie Ward had the 9 starters on his Sunday walk in the Watagan Ranges fighting off leeches and following the leader and his secatuers religiously (I think that's what they meant) -in some of the thicker areas.+Eddy Giacomel's Saturday start weekend walk out from Carlons Farm over the weekend of 22, 23 May was deferred to a later weekend. Tony Crichton reported good weather after early overcast conditions for the 19 starters on his Saturday walk out from Pierces Pass. Morrie Ward had the 9 starters on his Sunday walk in the Watagan Ranges fighting off leeches and following the leader and his secateurs religiously (I think that's what they meant) -in some of the thicker areas.
  
 Although the initial response for Carol Lubbers' weekend walk in the Gardens of Stone over the 28, 29, 30 May was a "no report" a conclusion gradually emerged that; yes it went, there were 9 people, and good weather. Jan Pieters had 6 on his walk in Ettrema Creek the same weekend. We are still wondering exactly what "a memorable walk" means. Will's Sunday walk from Bulli to Port Kembla was described in much less enigmatic fashion as 'good" for the 9 who went along. Errol Sheedy's Sunday walk from Cronulla to Sutherland went alright but that was one of those reports we mentioned earlier. Although the initial response for Carol Lubbers' weekend walk in the Gardens of Stone over the 28, 29, 30 May was a "no report" a conclusion gradually emerged that; yes it went, there were 9 people, and good weather. Jan Pieters had 6 on his walk in Ettrema Creek the same weekend. We are still wondering exactly what "a memorable walk" means. Will's Sunday walk from Bulli to Port Kembla was described in much less enigmatic fashion as 'good" for the 9 who went along. Errol Sheedy's Sunday walk from Cronulla to Sutherland went alright but that was one of those reports we mentioned earlier.
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 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.  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 instmctional processes within the club.+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.+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. 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.+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** **A Request for the return of missing SBW records**
  
-As reported in Barry's meeting notes, tUte Foster is assisting Bill Holland to organise SBW records for archiving purposes.+As reported in Barry's meeting notes, Ute Foster is assisting Bill Holland to organise SBW records for archiving purposes.
  
 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. 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.
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-**The July General Meeting** Reported by Bill Holland+====== The July General Meeting ====== 
 +  
 +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 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
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 Somehow the Confederation's Rogaining (Navshield) received a mention at this stage;(See article on page 7) 450 participants navigated their way through a part of Morton National Park. This rather upset the conservation secretary who pointed out that such events should be confined to State Forests Or Recreation Areas. However, it appears that the NPWS gave approval to ignore their own Plan of Management guidelines, so all was well. Somehow the Confederation's Rogaining (Navshield) received a mention at this stage;(See article on page 7) 450 participants navigated their way through a part of Morton National Park. This rather upset the conservation secretary who pointed out that such events should be confined to State Forests Or Recreation Areas. However, it appears that the NPWS gave approval to ignore their own Plan of Management guidelines, so all was well.
  
-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.+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.
  
 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 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. 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 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.
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-NAV99 Reported by Ken Smith+====== NAV99 ====== 
 + Reported by Ken Smith
  
 The 1999 Emergency Services Navigation Shield event organised by Confederation's Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue group was held on the weekend of July 3 & 4 in an area comprising Wingello State Forest, some of Morton National Park and some private properties, about two hours' drive south of Sydney. It was a very successful event. The base site was at a disused landing strip in the pine forest section of Wingello State Forest with some easy controls in the pine forest and the mid-range of the course in the native forest sections of the State Forest, some cliff-edge controls having spectacular views into and over the Bundanoon Creek and Tallowa Gully. The more distant controls were in, and on the southern side of Tallowa Gully in the Morton National Park with two sites overlooking the valley of the Shoalhaven River which in that area is Lake Yarruriga, formed by Tallowa Dam. In all, there were eight cliff-top controls of a total of 42, (plus three radio checkpoints), which was a bit of a luxury, but the spectacle was there to be shown off and enjoyed, so why not? The 1999 Emergency Services Navigation Shield event organised by Confederation's Bushwalkers Wilderness Rescue group was held on the weekend of July 3 & 4 in an area comprising Wingello State Forest, some of Morton National Park and some private properties, about two hours' drive south of Sydney. It was a very successful event. The base site was at a disused landing strip in the pine forest section of Wingello State Forest with some easy controls in the pine forest and the mid-range of the course in the native forest sections of the State Forest, some cliff-edge controls having spectacular views into and over the Bundanoon Creek and Tallowa Gully. The more distant controls were in, and on the southern side of Tallowa Gully in the Morton National Park with two sites overlooking the valley of the Shoalhaven River which in that area is Lake Yarruriga, formed by Tallowa Dam. In all, there were eight cliff-top controls of a total of 42, (plus three radio checkpoints), which was a bit of a luxury, but the spectacle was there to be shown off and enjoyed, so why not?
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 Results Points (The maximum possible point-score was 2290) Results Points (The maximum possible point-score was 2290)
-eventTwda Class 1 (top three)+Two Day Event Class 1 (top three)
 Springwood Bushwalkers 1600 Springwood Bushwalkers 1600
 Shoalhaven Ambulance Team 1400  Shoalhaven Ambulance Team 1400 
 Kangaroo Valley Bushfire Brigade 1380  Kangaroo Valley Bushfire Brigade 1380 
-01_ le....._-14,La_tentS1_ass-1 (top three)+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
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 +**CONFEDERATION BUSH DANCE**
  
-CONFEDERATION BUSH DANCE 
 Another important date to mark on your 1999 social calendar. 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?
  
-**Alex Colley's Birthday celebration.**+ 
 +====== Alex Colley's Birthday celebration ====== 
 Reported by Ray Hookway.  Reported by Ray Hookway. 
  
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 **Letter to the Editor** **Letter to the Editor**
-SOME PROBLEMS WITH COOLANA+====== 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, 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.+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.
    
 Such an important decision should only be made after thorough investigation, with a clear statement of arguments for and against, then there, should be a secret postal ballot, of all members, to be counted by an outsider. A Special General Meeting would be less democratic as many members couldn't get to it. Such an important decision should only be made after thorough investigation, with a clear statement of arguments for and against, then there, should be a secret postal ballot, of all members, to be counted by an outsider. A Special General Meeting would be less democratic as many members couldn't get to it.
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 2. CONSERVATION. 2. CONSERVATION.
-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, holiday and retirement territory.+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, holiday and retirement territory.
  
 3. NEVER-ENDING WORK. 3. NEVER-ENDING WORK.
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 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.  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 +There may be several reasons for its 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 roads into the Valley. 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 roads into the Valley.
-b) There is difficult access, down a very water-eroded track, from the car parking area, (which is on Crown land off club land), to the river flats camping area. This makes it difficult for older and less fit members, *lilies, and those with much gear to carry. Reunions require a four-wheel-drive to carry gear.+b) There is difficult access, down a very water-eroded track, from the car parking area, (which is on Crown land off club land), to the river flats camping area. This makes it difficult for older and less fit members, families, and those with much gear to carry. Reunions require a four-wheel-drive to carry gear.
 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's base would have to be built up, and bitumen put down to prevent erosion. (a very expensive process). 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's base would have to be built up, and bitumen put down to prevent erosion. (a very expensive process).
 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 opposite. 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 opposite.
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-**Taking Teenagers Walking** by Christine Austin+====== Taking Teenagers Walking ====== 
 +  
 +by Christine Austin
    
 Participants - the author (x) years, Craig 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 spiritual health. Reluctant daughter was especially dubious about her need for spiritual insurance, but felt heavy pack carrying would be the worst aspect of this trip she really "should do." Athletic son thought it might all be a big bore! 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.+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 spiritual health. Reluctant daughter was especially dubious about her need for spiritual insurance, but felt heavy pack carrying would be the worst aspect of this trip she really "should do." Athletic son thought it might all be a big bore! 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, it arrived on time and soon we were deposited in this same drizzle on the fire trail. We all smiled wanly as the kindly driver took our photographs. Soon we passed groups of young Duke of Edinburgh award students retreating rapidly from the Mountains because of the dismal weather. I listened for the first signs of mutiny in our party but didn't detect a word. 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 the sandstone pegs. Approaching Taro's Ladders, the drizzle unrelenting, a surprising interest was shown as I described my first meeting with this memorable man at SBW reunions when I was a child. Even more interest was shown 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, we hurried to Mt Merrimerrigal, knowing a campsite was there and hoping the leeches were not.  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, it arrived on time and soon we were deposited in this same drizzle on the fire trail. We all smiled wanly as the kindly driver took our photographs. Soon we passed groups of young Duke of Edinburgh award students retreating rapidly from the Mountains because of the dismal weather. I listened for the first signs of mutiny in our party but didn't detect a word. 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 the sandstone pegs. Approaching Taro's Ladders, the drizzle unrelenting, a surprising interest was shown as I described my first meeting with this memorable man at SBW reunions when I was a child. Even more interest was shown 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, we hurried to Mt Merrimerrigal, knowing a campsite was there and hoping the leeches were not. 
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 Gone was the convivial atmosphere which had permeated this campsite where we had spent our last night on David Rostron's Mittagong to Katoomba walk last May. Here, by a cheery fire glow, Wayne Steele had materialised from the bushes with wine and Tim Tams. Now all was cheerless drizzle, the loneliness more evident with last year's memories so vivid. However, the troops worked hard and soon we had prepared a three course dinner and with little else to do, retired to bed early. As the rain had ceased, there was potential that night for a sound sleep, but this was not to be.  Gone was the convivial atmosphere which had permeated this campsite where we had spent our last night on David Rostron's Mittagong to Katoomba walk last May. Here, by a cheery fire glow, Wayne Steele had materialised from the bushes with wine and Tim Tams. Now all was cheerless drizzle, the loneliness more evident with last year's memories so vivid. However, the troops worked hard and soon we had prepared a three course dinner and with little else to do, retired to bed early. As the rain had ceased, there was potential that night for a sound sleep, but this was not to be. 
  
-About midnight, a Hitchcock-like howl awoke me violently and there was reluctant daughter, sitting up and pointing wildly to her back. +About midnight, a Hitchcock-like howl awoke me violently and there was reluctant daughter, sitting up and pointing wildly to her back. "Leech!" she shrieked, to which I replied, "Impossible." 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. 
-"Leech!" she shrieked, to which I replied, "Impossible." + 
-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. Noni and I found ourselves floating in the tent on a therm-a-rest island. "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. Warrigal, which we had passed yesterday. This cave proved to be a godsend. Wood, collected quickly by four cold people, soon became a cheerful, warming blaze and billies were filled by the cascading torrents from the rocks above us. Smiles began to return, but also a strong hint of mutiny. However,logic prevailed as there seemed little point retreating in rain when we were so comfortable in our four man cave.
  
-By morning, with the rain commencing seriously, things began to look even grimmer. Noni and I found ourselves floating in the tent on a therm-a-rest island. +Then a miracle occurred. Whilst eating lunch and contemplating a quiet afternoon ahead of the sun appeared. There was a mad dash for Splendour Rock and then another miracle! They were impressed by the view and the quiet splendour of the place. This was the turning point of the trip. That night in the cave, so different from the previous one, we chatted happily whilst watching the stars and lights from the Hampden ridge.
-"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. Warrigal, which we had passed yesterday. This cave proved to be a godsend. Wood, collected quickly by four cold people, soon became a cheerful, warming blaze and billies were filled by the cascading torrents from the rocks above us. Smiles began to return, but also a strong hint of mutiny. However,logic prevailed as there seemed little point retreating in rain when we were so comfortable in our four man cave. +
-T +
-hen a miracle occurred. Whilst eating lunch and contemplating a quiet afternoon ahead of the Sun appeared. There was a mad dash for Splendour Rock and then another miracle! They were impressed by the view and the quiet splendour of the place. This was the turning point of the trip. That night in the cave, so different from the previous one, we chatted happily whilst watching the stars and lights from the Hampden ridge.+
  
-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 Konangarbo clearing by Kanangra Creek. The latter was clear and clean, diluting the muddy Cox below their junction. I was amazed at the changes to Konangaroo clearing, having not been there for twenty years. A impenetrable tangle of ferns, weeds and vines covered the river banks and no longer did it deserve the name "clearing."+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 clearing by Kanangra Creek. The latter was clear and clean, diluting the muddy Cox below their junction. I was amazed at the changes to Konangaroo clearing, having not been there for twenty years. A impenetrable tangle of ferns, weeds and vines covered the river banks and no longer did it deserve the name "clearing."
  
 It was now Wednesday and reluctant daughter's 15th birthday. She climbed out of our tent, surveying Strongleg ridge with a horrible look. Surprising herself with the ease with which she climbed the ridge, we arrived at Dex Creek in time for basked in the sunlight and enjoyed a cup of an early tea. It was now Wednesday and reluctant daughter's 15th birthday. She climbed out of our tent, surveying Strongleg ridge with a horrible look. Surprising herself with the ease with which she climbed the ridge, we arrived at Dex Creek in time for basked in the sunlight and enjoyed a cup of an early tea.
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 Friday arrived and we wandered slowly along the river, watching the morning light glisten on the trees and looking for that ideal swimming spot. But- dark clouds, then drops of rain appeared. Sitting under the fly at the bottom of Roots Ridge, we marked time as the day was too far advanced to attempt the climb. We ate our last dehyd meal whilst athletic son lapsed into dreams of barbeques and exotic delicacies. Friday arrived and we wandered slowly along the river, watching the morning light glisten on the trees and looking for that ideal swimming spot. But- dark clouds, then drops of rain appeared. Sitting under the fly at the bottom of Roots Ridge, we marked time as the day was too far advanced to attempt the climb. We ate our last dehyd meal whilst athletic son lapsed into dreams of barbeques and exotic delicacies.
  
 +On a casuarina backlit by low sunlight shone with the full spectrum of colours - a bush Christmass tree.
  
-on a casuarina backlit by low sunlight shone with the full spectrum of colours - a bush Christmass tree: +What person could fail to be impressed by their first ever view of Kanangra Walls? And so it was with our teenagers. There was a gasp of genuine awe and amazement as they beheld the mighty drop Kanangra Falls was thundering down and with it in view, we ate our final lunch, while I reflected that the walk had been a great success, and the hardest part had been in the persuading !
- +
-What person could fail to be impressed by their first ever view of Kanangra Walls? And so it was with our teenagers. There was a gasp of genuine awe and amazement as they beheld the mighty drop Kanangrag Falls was thundering down and with it in view, we ate our final lunch, while I reflected that the walk had been a great success, and the hardest part had been in the persuading !+
  
  
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 each category. each category.
  
-** + 
-Wilf's Great Illawarra Escarpment Walk** +====== Wilf's Great Illawarra Escarpment Walk ====== 
 A PERSPECTIVE Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus A PERSPECTIVE Part 2 (conclusion) by Roger Treagus
  
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 their property including a range of luxuries (how about hot home made soup for happy hour), and to Russ Evans for his 4 wheel drive backup plus an under cover afternoon tea on the wet final day of the walk. their property including a range of luxuries (how about hot home made soup for happy hour), and to Russ Evans for his 4 wheel drive backup plus an under cover afternoon tea on the wet final day of the walk.
  
-Mention should be made of the efforts of City Rail in ensuring that trackwork 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.+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. 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.
  
  
-**Vale Greg Bridge**+====== Vale Greg Bridge ====== 
  
 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. 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.
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-**Budawangs, Pigeon House to Byangee Walls**+====== Budawangs, Pigeon House to Byangee Walls ====== 
 April 30 - May 2 April 30 - May 2
-Wayne Steele (leader), Libby Hanington, Helen Jones (prospective), Bob Milne, Wendy Lippiatt, Greg (visitor), +Wayne Steele (leader), Libby Hanington, Helen Jones (prospective), Bob Milne, Wendy Lippiatt, Greg (visitor) 
- +** 
-Libby's Story+Libby's Story**
  
 The heavens opened with a vengeance as we left Sydney for the Budawangs with thoughts of a damp campsite. However after a few four wheel slides on the road to Pigeon House, we were greeted with a full moon, clear skies and the other half of our party who ushered us to our beds under the picnic shelter. The heavens opened with a vengeance as we left Sydney for the Budawangs with thoughts of a damp campsite. However after a few four wheel slides on the road to Pigeon House, we were greeted with a full moon, clear skies and the other half of our party who ushered us to our beds under the picnic shelter.
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-**Vale Bill Hall**+====== 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.
199908.1450762538.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/12/22 16:35 by kennettj
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