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- | "THE SYDNEY BUSH-WALKER" | + | ====== |
- | A Journal devoted to matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilt on St . , Sydney, N .8 | + | A Journal devoted to matters of interest to the\\ |
+ | Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton | ||
- | No. 29. MAY 1936. | + | No. 29. May 1936. |
- | PUBLISHING COMMITTEE | ||
- | Miss Marie Byles (Editor) | + | | ** Publishing Committee ** | |
+ | | | ||
+ | | Miss Dinah Hearfield (Sub-Editor) | ||
+ | | Misses Ada Frost, Doris Aldon, Messrs Peter Page, Ian Malcolm & Jack Debert. | ||
- | ) | + | | ** Contents ** | Page | |
+ | |Editorial| | ||
+ | |Emu Plains - Reunion, by L.D.| 4| | ||
+ | |Beware of Shi-ing, by Marie Byles| | ||
+ | |A Week-end with a Duchess and a Pig by Dinah Hearfield| | ||
+ | |" | ||
+ | |See Tasmania for Two Shillings, by Dot English| | ||
- | Miss Dinah Hearfield (Sub,-Edit or ) | + | ===== Editorial ===== |
- | Misses Ada Frost,Doris Aldon, Messrs Peter Page, Ian Malcolm & Jack Debert. | + | Easter is one of the best times of the year for bushwalking, and as usual, this Easter provided scope for a number of interesting trips, although rain marred the Sunday and Monday for those who sought the coastal districts. |
- | CONTENTS PAGE | + | The most popular trip was to Yerranderie and the Colong caves, the popularity being due to cheap bus fares from Camden arranged by an enterprising Yerranderie resident desiring to see his township a tourist resort and not merely a mining village. Of course, many of our members went considerably farther afield than the Caves, despite the various entertainments staged in Yerranderie for their benefit. |
- | Editorial 2 | + | Peter Page and Ray Birt took a small party over the end of Clear Hill and went with them to the " |
- | Emu Plains -,-, Reunion, by L.D. 4 | + | Grace Edgecombe and Marie Byles took several members from a recently formed society known as the Highbrow Hikers, (Double H, no relation to Too H) over the highlands behind Omega and Berry on the South Coast, and got the full benefit of the rains which swept in from the sea. |
- | Beware | + | Jean Trimble, Richard Croker, Tom Moppett, Dorothy Lawry, Phil [Phyllis Roots] and Wally Roots went from Oberon to Morong Falls above the Kowmung, and indicating the country we wish to see made into the Blue Mountains National Park, they met the following other parties at one stage or another |
- | A Week-end with a Duchess and a Pig by Dinah Hearfield 11 | + | The Coxs River saw a number of parties besides that of George Dibley' |
- | + | ||
- | " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | See Tasmania for Two Shillings, by Dot English 14 | + | |
- | + | ||
- | EDITORIAL | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Easter is one of the 1:,.est times of the year for bushwalking, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The most popular trip was to Yerranderie and the Oolong caves, the popularity being due to cheap bus fares from Camden arranged by an enterprising Yerranderie resident desiring to see his township a tourist resort and not merely a mining village. Of course, many of our members went can-. siderably farther afield than the Caves, despite the various entertainments staged in Yerranderie for their benefit. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Peter Page and Ray Birt took a small party over the end of Clear Hill and went with them to the " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Grace Edgecombe and Marie Byles took several members from a recently formed society known as the Highbrow Hikers, (Double H, no relation to Toe H) over the highlands behind Omega and Berry an the South Coast, and got the full benefit of the rains which swept in from the sea. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Jean Trimble, Richard Croker, Tom Moppett, Dorothy Lawry, Phil and Wally Roots went from Oberon to Morong Falls above the Kawmung, and indicating the country we wish to see made into the Blue Mountains National Park, they met the following other parties at one stage or another of their journey: The The Rigbys and Taro bound for Gingkin and the Tuglow River; George Dibley, Frank Freeguard, Tom Pennyroyal and Charlie Colberg bound for Mount Guouogang and dawn the Cox's River; Norman Colton and party aspiring to the Thurat Plateau and Kanangra. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The Coxis River saw a number of parties besides that of George Dibley' | + | |
If Easter trips are any indication, there is more than sufficient evidence as to which country is most loved by the Bush Walkers and why it is so urgently necessary that it should be converted into a Blue Mountains National Park. | If Easter trips are any indication, there is more than sufficient evidence as to which country is most loved by the Bush Walkers and why it is so urgently necessary that it should be converted into a Blue Mountains National Park. | ||
- | In addition to the Easter trips, we must record that taken prior to Easter by Jean Travis, Gordon Mannell and Jessie Martin from the south of the South Coast across the Tablelands to the Main Southern Line. From Moruya, the party went up the Deua River, crossed the Highlands, investigated the little known Bendithers | + | In addition to the Easter trips, we must record that taken prior to Easter by Jean Travis, Gordon Mannell and Jessie Martin from the south of the South Coast across the Tablelands to the Main Southern Line. From Moruya, the party went up the Deua River, crossed the Highlands, investigated the little known Bendethera |
- | - 3 | + | We are also surprised and relieved to be able to report that Frank Freeguard, Marie Byles, Suzanne Reichard and Dot English have returned safely from a rock-climbing expedition to the Warrumbungle Mountains in the company of the former president of what was generally known as the Katoomba Suicide Club. The expedition, or more precisely Dot and Dr. Dark, succeeded in making the first ascent of the Split Rock, involving a particularly difficult rock-climb. Dot's remarkable climbing ability probably accounted for their success and if she lived in a more mountainous land it would also probably make her almost world-famous. |
- | Ve are also surprised and relieved to be able to report that Frank Freeggard, Marie Byles, Suzanne Reichard and Dot English have returned safely from a rock-climbing expedition to the Warrumbungle Mountains in the company | + | In concluding this brief summary of various trips, we take the opportunity |
- | In concluding this brief summary of various trips, we take the opportunity of asking members to let the Editor know of any interesting expeditions taken, so that they may be recorded in The Bushwalker" | + | ===== Personal ===== |
- | + | ||
- | PERSONAL | + | |
We are pleased to announce the engagement of Fannie Ferrier and Vic Thorsen. | We are pleased to announce the engagement of Fannie Ferrier and Vic Thorsen. | ||
- | Overseas visitors recently entertained by the Club, or by members of the Club, include Miss Roberts from the New Zealand Alpine Club, Mr. Peter (Jock) Macpherson, and Social Secretary of the Tararua Tramping Club and Editor of its Journal and Miss Desbrisay of the Canadian Alpine Club. | + | Overseas visitors recently entertained by the Club, or by members of the Club, include Miss Roberts from the New Zealand Alpine Club, Mr. Peter (Jock) Macpherson, and (( [sic] )) Social Secretary of the Tararua Tramping Club and Editor of its Journal and Miss Desbrisay of the Canadian Alpine Club. |
Our new Treasurer is Mr. Cedric Barnes (Barney), and Bernard Edgar Yardley has been appointed to help him collect your ten shillings subscription. This is certainly an item of news in which you will be keenly interested. | Our new Treasurer is Mr. Cedric Barnes (Barney), and Bernard Edgar Yardley has been appointed to help him collect your ten shillings subscription. This is certainly an item of news in which you will be keenly interested. | ||
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" | " | ||
- | EMU PLAINS | + | ===== Emu Plains |
- | From 9 a.m, onward on Saturday, 14th. March, Sydney | + | From 9 a.m, onward on Saturday, 14th. March, Sydney |
The weather, which for weekend after dismal weekend had been consistently vile, now raised our hopes, and although we had several heavy showers during Saturday, we were fortunate in that we were not forced to take to the shelter of our tents, for more than a few minutes at a time. | The weather, which for weekend after dismal weekend had been consistently vile, now raised our hopes, and although we had several heavy showers during Saturday, we were fortunate in that we were not forced to take to the shelter of our tents, for more than a few minutes at a time. | ||
- | The River Canoe Club, | + | The River Canoe Club, apparently closely related to the Sydney Bushwalkers, |
- | + | ||
- | up in force - seven canoes all told, these having been brought | + | |
- | However, to return to the Reunion - wood is still as scarce as ever, and it proved no easy matter getting sufficient for the large camp-fire, a large dead tree having to be felled, | + | However, to return to the Reunion - wood is still as scarce as ever, and it proved no easy matter getting sufficient for the large camp-fire, a large dead tree having to be felled, |
- | About this time the smoke of a " | + | About this time the smoke of a " |
Just what the Social Committee had in store for us, we did not know; but very soon parties of twos and threes, guided by flickering torches, took up their positions near the dark heap of wood, and waited, not very patiently, for some sign of life from the said Committee. | Just what the Social Committee had in store for us, we did not know; but very soon parties of twos and threes, guided by flickering torches, took up their positions near the dark heap of wood, and waited, not very patiently, for some sign of life from the said Committee. | ||
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First came the late President, (also the Commodore mentioned earlier, now wrung out and dried) who chanted an incantation to the God of Fire, - it was apparent that he had not passed with honours from the College of Incantations. | First came the late President, (also the Commodore mentioned earlier, now wrung out and dried) who chanted an incantation to the God of Fire, - it was apparent that he had not passed with honours from the College of Incantations. | ||
- | Now for the ingenuity of the Committee - a ball of fire shot from a near-by tree into the heart of the wood pile, which burst into immediate flame -whilst the Club burst into song. | + | Now for the ingenuity of the Committee - a ball of fire shot from a near-by tree into the heart of the wood pile, which burst into immediate flame - whilst the Club burst into song. |
- | The Club officers and Committee then appeared in robes of spotless white, carrying each a lily, apparently a symbol of purity and not a wand of office, pacing in a slow, stately procession between the fire and the audience. That might also have been symbolical; if so it was unintentional; | + | The Club officers and Committee then appeared in robes of spotless white, carrying each a lily, apparently a symbol of purity and not a wand of office, pacing in a slow, stately procession between the fire and the audience. That might also have been symbolical; if so it was unintentional; |
- | ditty, claiming for themselves | + | A few songs by the better singers of the Club, then onlookers were treated to a series of parades, something on the lines of the following: |
- | A few songs by the better singers of the Club, then onlookers were treated to a series of parades, something on the lines of the following: "Will all those members of seven or more years' standing come forward?" | + | A light steady rain was falling throughout, whilst flickers of lightning showed a sky full of heavy clouds, "The rain" stated one member, "was sent by divine Providence to show the sheep from the goats" |
- | + | ||
- | those members of six years etc" and so on until the ones and less than ones had in turn appeared before the paity. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A light steady rain was falling throughout, whilst flickers of lightning showed a sky full of heavy clouds, "The rain" stated one member, "was sent by divine Providence to show the sheep from the goats" | + | |
Dawn found a few hardy spirits still chatting by the embers of the fire. | Dawn found a few hardy spirits still chatting by the embers of the fire. | ||
- | Sunday was a glorious, hot, summery day, so well before breakfast, swimmers and canoeists were speeding through the rapids, skidding off rocks and snags, only pausing to inspect bruises before trying again, until hunger drove them back to camp for breakrast: | + | Sunday was a glorious, hot, summery day, so well before breakfast, swimmers and canoeists were speeding through the rapids, skidding off rocks and snags, only pausing to inspect bruises before trying again, until hunger drove them back to camp for breakfast, after which they again set forth to the river; to skid off more rocks and lose more skin. |
Prior to lunch the Canoe Club paraded, then entering their crafts made a delightful picture, as, in very smart manner, they took station behind the Flagcanoe, and shot in a stately procession through the rapids, only one . coming to grief . Then: | Prior to lunch the Canoe Club paraded, then entering their crafts made a delightful picture, as, in very smart manner, they took station behind the Flagcanoe, and shot in a stately procession through the rapids, only one . coming to grief . Then: | ||
- | The signal was made for this grand fleet to anchor, | + | The signal was made for this grand fleet to anchor, |
- | + | They clewed up their topsails, stuck ** out** tacks and sheets,\\ | |
- | They clewed up their topsails, stuck out tacks and sheets, They stood by their stoppers, and brailea | + | They stood by their stoppers, and brailed |
+ | And anchored at last, did that noblest of fleets. | ||
Lunch over, tents began to fall, packs were made up and from 4 p.m. a steady procession passed to the station. Some hopeful walkers tried a little "hitch canoeing" | Lunch over, tents began to fall, packs were made up and from 4 p.m. a steady procession passed to the station. Some hopeful walkers tried a little "hitch canoeing" | ||
- | So passed another | + | So passed another |
Let us congratulate the founders that their toil has not been in vain, and say, with an unknown author: | Let us congratulate the founders that their toil has not been in vain, and say, with an unknown author: | ||
- | "By the sweat of your brows, by the ache of your bones In the sun, in the wind, in the chill of the rains, Ye sowed as ye knew, and ye know it was blown To be-trodden, and burned - ay, and that by your awn Who sneered at lean furrows and mocked at the stones. But ye stayed, and sawed on. And a little remains | + | "By the sweat of your brows, by the ache of your bones\\ |
+ | In the sun, in the wind, in the chill of the rains,\\ | ||
+ | Ye sowed as ye knew, and ye know it was blown\\ | ||
+ | To be-trodden, and burned - ay, and that by your own\\ | ||
+ | Who sneered at lean furrows and mocked at the stones.\\ | ||
+ | But ye stayed, and sowed on. And a little remains\\ | ||
Ye shall have for your faith. Ye shall reap for your pains" | Ye shall have for your faith. Ye shall reap for your pains" | ||
L.D. | L.D. | ||
- | C - | + | ===== Questions Answered ===== |
- | QUESTIONS ANSWERED | + | In this column our Bushwalking Expert, Reklawhsub (( [sic] (" |
- | In this column our Bus" | + | |Q. Don' |
+ | |A. We " | ||
- | (Q. DON'T YOU THINK THE MOCK WEDDING AT THE CLUB ROOM WAS FAR TOO | + | |Q. I always knit my own walking stockings; but they lose their colour in washing. Can you tell me a good dyed-in-the-wool yarn?| |
+ | |A. Yes. About the sheep that came to an untimely end.| | ||
- | QUIET AN AFFAIR | + | |Q. Do you think tents with eaves are preferable?| |
+ | |A. Can't say; I've never Adam.| | ||
- | (A. WE " | + | |Q. Are people who are once admitted to the club ever booted out?| |
+ | |A. No. They are just shooed away.| | ||
- | (Q. I ALWAYS ENIT MY 01AT1T WALKING STOCKINGS; BUT THEY LOSE THEIR COLOUR IN WASHING. CAN YOU TELL ME A GOOD DYED-IN-THE-WOOL YARN? | + | |Q. When on trips I have great trouble in getting my dampers to rise. What can I do?| |
+ | |A. Take Marie Byles with you.| | ||
- | (A. YES. ABOUT THE SHEEP THAT CAME TO AN UNTIMELY END. | + | |Q. Don't you think it deplorable that so many of our members do their walking in motor-cars? And do they really enjoy it?| |
+ | |A. Those who go with Frank Duncan have a rattling good time.| | ||
- | (Q. DO YOU THINK TENTS WITH EAVES ARE PREFERABLE? | + | |Q. If lost at night, how can I find my way back by the stars?| |
+ | |A. Purchase a " | ||
- | ( A. CANT SAY; I'VE NEVER ADAM. | + | |Q. How do you manage to get fires to burn in the wet?| |
+ | |A. I always have a few live m-embers with me.| | ||
- | (Q. ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ONCE ADMITTED TO THE CLUB EVER BOOTED OUT? | + | |Q. What disturbs Jewish people so much, when sleeping in the bush at night?| |
+ | |A. More-pork (( A type of owl? )), I believe.| | ||
- | (A. NO. THEY ARE JUST SHOOED AWAY. | + | |Q. Where can I see the devil' |
+ | |A. At the S.B.W. Club room Fridays, between 6 and 7.30 p.m.| | ||
- | (Q. WHEN ON TRIPS I HAVE GREAT TROUBLE IN GETTING MY DAMPERS TO RISE. WHAT CAN I DO? | + | |Q. My shorts, although comparatively new, always seem to split. Do you think the material is faulty?| |
+ | |A. So it seems.| | ||
- | (A. TAKE MARIE BYLES WITH YOU. | + | |Q. How will I get down the old goat track from Wentworth Falls to Kedumba Creek?| |
+ | |A. Probably with a sprained ankle, broken leg, and much bad language.| | ||
- | (Q. DON'T YOU THINK IT DEPLORABLE THAT SO MANY OF OUR MEMBERS DO THEM WALKING IN MOTOR-CARS? AND DO THEY REALLY ENJOY IT? | + | |Q. What club member has the biggest trip to their credit?| |
+ | |A. Griff - when she fell and broke her leg; but Esma Armstrong comes a good second.| | ||
- | (A. THOSE WHO GO WITH FRANK DUNCAN HAVE A R.AT-TLING GOOD TIME. | + | |Q. Has our club any royalties? |
+ | |A. No. But one of our members was recently presented at court.| | ||
- | (Q. IF LOST AT NIGHT, HOW CAN I FIND MY WAY BACK BY THE STARS? | + | ===== A Canadian Comment On Our Disparagement Of The Term " |
- | (4. PURCHASE A "PHOTO-PLAYa MAGAZINE AND SCATTER THE ILLUSTRATIONS AS YOU GO. | + | (( ? Possibly in reply to "The Federation |
- | (Q. HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO GET FIRES TO BURN IN THE WET? | + | ' Hiking |
- | (A. I ALWAYS HAVE A FEW LIVE M-EMBERS WITH ME. | + | But to take the sting away the letter continues, |
- | + | ||
- | (Q. WHAT DIST' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ( | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (A. MORE-PORK, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (Q. MTBF7E CAN I SEE THE DEVILtS GORGE? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (A. AT THE S.B.W. CLUB ROOM FRIDAYS, BETWEEN 6 AND 7.30 P.M. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (Q MY SHORTS, ALTHOUGH COMPARATIVELY NEW, ALWAYS SEEM TO SPLIT. DO YOU THINK THE MATERIAL IS FAULTY 2 | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (A. SO IT SEEMS. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (Q. HOW. WILL I GET DOWN THE OLD GOAT TRACK FROM WENTWORTH FALLS TO KEDUMBA CREEK? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (A. PROBABLY WITH A SPRAINED ANKLE, BROKEN LEG, AND MUCH BAD LANGUAGE. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (Q. WHAT CLUB MEMBER HAS THE BIGGEST TRIP TO THEIR CERDIT? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (A. GRIFF - WHEN SHE FELL AND BROKE HER LEG; BUT ESMA. ARMSTRONG COMES A GOOD SECOND. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (Q HAS OUR CLUB ANY ROYALTIES? | + | |
- | + | ||
- | (A. NO. BUT ONE OF OUR EMBERS WAS RECENTLY PRESENTED AT COURT. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | A, CANADIAN COMENT -ON OUR DISPARAGEMENT OF THE TERM " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | t IlHiking (tell the S.B.W.) means to us long tramps into unfrequented places where we cook meals hag " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | But to tako the sting L.*ay the letter continues, | + | |
Rita Rushworth | Rita Rushworth | ||
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(Alpine Club of Canada). | (Alpine Club of Canada). | ||
- | - 8 - | + | ===== Beware of Shi-ing ===== |
- | 'BEWARE OF SHD.,ING. | + | (( Just a quick note. I found it interesting to see 'ski' spelt as ' |
- | Shi-ing is often a branch of the activities of a tramping, hiking, or mountaineering club, and it will quite likely become a branch of bush-walking joys; in fact, there are already several good shi-ers in the club. However, so that you shall be under no delusions let me tell you of what happened to me. Jean, who is somewhat of an expert, induced me to accompany her to Kosciusko, | + | Shi-ing is often a branch of the activities of a tramping, hiking, or mountaineering club, and it will quite likely become a branch of bush-walking joys; in fact, there are already several good shi-ers in the club. However, so that you shall be under no delusions let me tell you of what happened to me. Jean, who is somewhat of an expert, induced me to accompany her to Kosciusko, |
- | but I cannot allege youth and innocence as an excuse for falling to her inducements, for I had been well warned by numerous | + | Of course, the Manager did object; |
- | ankles or broken their arms while in indulging | + | There was no snow for the first five miles to Smiggins, so we trudged up the muddy road with heavy packs and heavy shies, and long before we reached the end of that five miles, I had decided that shies on the feet were infinitely preferable to shies in the hand, - a matter about which I had previously had serious doubts, |
- | there is nothing | + | Arrived at Smiggins we donned shies and continued. It had rained and sleeted all the way from the hotel and the weather got worse as we went up. Just before Betts Camp. we passed the tractor stuck fast in the snow. This is a car rather |
- | one matter, namely, that we were going to Kosciusko to shi; not to dance, play | + | As it was dark by the time we reached Betts, Jean thought I should be wise to accept a seat on the tractor for the rest of the way. I rashly did so; froze, and vainly wished every time we stuck and many times when we didn' |
- | tennis or to do any of the other things you can do equally well in Sydney. | + | We arrived at the Chalet in snow, and it snowed all the time we were there; but each day we dutifully went out and slid down the slopes. Jean was most successful and quickly mastered the cryptic things known as snowploughs, |
- | That being so, we were going right on to The Chalet, 12 miles beyond | + | We were lucky in having Ernst from Austria, an expert imported to put Australia on the shi-ing map, so to speak, to instruct us. When he asked the Director of the Tourist Bureau if he would be re-imported next season, the answer was that this depended |
- | the afternoon of our arrival. The fact that I had never been on shies before | + | In addition to his other gifts, Ernst is a born teacher, and his lucid explanations would ring down the slope after our faltering headlong plunges, generally with the final addendum: "You did not fall, you sat down" - which was perfectly true; because when you sit down, you do so - not gracefully - but anyhow, comfortably. When you fall, anything may happen. Whenever |
- | and that the Manager | + | On the fifth day I gained courage and refused to sit down. The result |
- | Of course, the Manager did object; but we put our feet dawn with a firm hand, and after making sure, in the presence of numerous witnesses, that we were going on our awn responsibility and that he was doing nothing to help us | + | Meantime it continued to snow and the movie photographers began to hatch diabolical |
- | + | ||
- | go to destruction on the downward - or to be precise - the upward, path, we | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Trere allowed to departs | + | |
- | + | ||
- | There was no snow for the first five miles to Smiggins', | + | |
- | + | ||
- | preferable to shies in the hand, - a matter about which I had previously had | + | |
- | + | ||
- | serious doubts, in view of the accidents to my friends. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Arrived at Smiggins we donned shies and continued. It had rained and | + | |
- | + | ||
- | sleeted all the way from the hotel and the weather got worse as we went up. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Just before Betts' Camp. we passed the tractor stuck fast in the snow. This | + | |
- | + | ||
- | ia a car rather like the tanks used in the war, imported at enormous expense | + | |
- | + | ||
- | to convey pec,ple from the Hotel to the Chalet, quicker than they could shi; but to date it has always taken longer. This time it bore the Director of the | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Tourist Bureau and some movie photographers. It had had about five hours' more than we, and if it had not taken a sudden and unusual fit of energy soon after we met it, we should easily have beaten it ta Betts, but as it was, it arrived | + | |
- | + | ||
- | there just five minutes ahead, Meanwhile, I had been masAging fairly well, considering that it,was my firstcetempt; | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Ag it was dark by the time we reached Betts, Jean thought I should be | + | |
- | + | ||
- | wise to accept a seat on the tractor for the rest of the way. I rashly did so; froze, and vainly wished every time we stuck and many times when we didn' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | better time than the tractor, anyhow, and it was a bit too bad that it Should have again had an energetic spasm, so that it beat me in by about thirty seconds/ | + | |
- | + | ||
- | We arrived at the Chalet in snow, and it snowed all the time we were there; but each day we dutifully went out and slid dawn the slopes. Jean was most successful and quickly mastered the cryptic things known as snowploughs, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | We were lucky in having Ernst from Austria, an expert imported to put Australia on the shi-ing map, so to speak, to instruct us. When he asked the Director of the Tourist Bureau if he would be re-imported next season, the answer was that this depended on Mr. Ste-rens. " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | In addition to his other gifts, Ernst is a born teacher, and his lucid explanations would ring down the slope after our faltering headlong plunges, generally with the final addendum: *You did not fall, yaa sat dawn" -which was perfectly 'rue; because when you sit down, you do so - not gracefully - but anyhow, comfortably. When you fall, anything may happen. Whenever I sat down in preference to falling, it was because of that vivid picture in " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | On the fifth day I gained courage and refused to sit dawn. The result was a twisted ankle. Not oerious; but enough to "put the mind up" MB completely - especially as about a third of our number had their '.hac stitched up, or ankles sprained and were either hobbling around or laid up completely. Then the doctor added the last straw by saying he had used yards and yards of strapping since he came up, and would be pleased to add another yard or so to my ankle if I liked. I did not like, and anyhow the ankle was better the next day; but after that I gave up trying the fancy steps, without which you can never learn to shi, and contented myself with wandering round the hillsides and " | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Meantime it continued to snow and the movie photographers began to hatch diobolical | + | |
Scene 1: The experts, as they do their famous high jump, knocking an apple off the photographer' | Scene 1: The experts, as they do their famous high jump, knocking an apple off the photographer' | ||
- | Scene 11: The mugs coiled up at the bottom of the slope and trying to uncoil | + | Scene 11: The mugs coiled up at the bottom of the slope and trying to uncoil (that is I and a few others). |
- | + | ||
- | (that is I and a few others). | + | |
- | + | ||
Scene 111: Baby Margaret, aged three gracefully gliding down the slopes, coming to a stand on her feet and putting the rest of us to shame. | Scene 111: Baby Margaret, aged three gracefully gliding down the slopes, coming to a stand on her feet and putting the rest of us to shame. | ||
- | - 10 - | + | One morning it did get a little brighter. The movie cameras were produced, and we were treated to a fine show of slaloms, our hearts in our mouths as the experts came down the hill at 80 miles an hour, curving |
- | + | ||
- | One morning it did get a little brighter. The movie cameras were produced, and we were treated to a fine show of slalams, our hearts in our mouths as the experts came down the hill at 80 miles an hour, curvirE | + | |
- | Then Friday dawned a perfect morning, the first day that photography was really a pleasure. Jean and -I rose early, retired to secluded spot and endeavoured to take a series of photos more beautiful than the Norweigan | + | Then Friday dawned a perfect morning, the first day that photography was really a pleasure. Jean and I rose early, retired to secluded spot and endeavoured to take a series of photos more beautiful than the Norwegian |
- | That day the doctor permitted an invalid lad and his mother, | + | That day the doctor permitted an invalid lad and his mother, |
- | Before lunch snau fell once again, and Jean and Charlie, attempting to reach the summit, got only as far as Seaman' | + | Before lunch snow fell once again, and Jean and Charlie, attempting to reach the summit, got only as far as Seaman' |
- | That was the end of shi-ing. If you must go 1n for such a dangerous sport, yet cannot afford to be laid up for sit months - or maybe, two years as was one of my friends, with a sprained ankle - take my advice: Go easily, and as Ernst said, *Do not try to go full tilt downhill until you have learned to turn and stop", also, as Ernst did not say, "When in doubt, sit dawn". | + | That was the end of shi-ing. If you must go in for such a dangerous sport, yet cannot afford to be laid up for six months - or maybe, two years as was one of my friends, with a sprained ankle - take my advice: Go easily, and as Ernst said, "Do not try to go full tilt downhill until you have learned to turn and stop", also, as Ernst did **not** say, "When in doubt, sit down". |
Marie B. Byles. | Marie B. Byles. | ||
- | 110.11 | + | ---- |
- | Something hidden, go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges. Something lost behind the ranges. Lost, and waiting for yau. Go! | + | Something hidden, go and find it. Go and look behind the ranges.\\ Something lost behind the ranges. Lost, and waiting for yau. Go! |
R. Kipling. | R. Kipling. | ||
- | A WEEKEND WITH A DUCHESS AND A PIG. | ||
- | All Bushwalkers know Duch; but for the enlightenment of those who do not know " | + | ===== A Weekend With A Duchess And A Pig ===== |
- | wonder if a more affectionate appellation will be substituted Still, | + | All Bushwalkers know Duch; but for the enlightenment of those who do not know "The Pig", I must explain that it is the canoe that Duch has so named because of its " |
- | Groomed and ready for the trip dawn the Nepean, "The Pig" awaited us beneath a canopy of willow withes, and we lost little time in putting off. After the city's dust and heat, it was delightful to be free once again in | + | Groomed and ready for the trip down the Nepean, "The Pig" awaited us beneath a canopy of willow withes, and we lost little time in putting off. After the city's dust and heat, it was delightful to be free once again in the green world, the beauty of which a silvery sunshower intensified, |
- | the green world,the beauty | + | At the weir, after safely beaching and transporting "The Pig" to the lower water, we saw " |
- | the air fragrant | + | Duch and I made a leisurely trip to the Re-union site, with ample time in which to do all the little chores |
- | At the weir, after safely beaching | + | The fickle weather of the evening improved as the night advanced, and a score or so slept by the glowing remains of the fire, quite undisturbed - apparently, anyway. **I** awakened several times, tantalised by auricular recordings. There was a weird rumbling; a higher, half-staccato note and a sustained sizzling. I sleepily visualised |
- | lower water, we saw " | + | Sunday was calm and sunny, and Duch and I drifted down about two miles of yellow river, and lazed until it was time to paddle back to camp for lunch. Early afternoon was spent quietly; everyone being pleasantly drowsy; but after the photographing of the whole Re-union party, thoughts of the homeward journey caused tents, sleeping bags, aluminium ware and other paraphenalia to disappear into rucksacks. Duch and I enjoyed every minute of the paddling (sitting and otherwise), pulling and pushing that constituted |
- | law resounding " | + | We were tranquilly moving along, |
+ | We were tranquilly moving along, as the sun sank low, each engrossed in (( [sic] Duplicated in printed copy. )) quiet thought, when a 7" mullet struck me in the - er - bosom; but after a breif (( [sic] )) though sharp tussle - a la Zane Gray - I suffocated the scaley monster beneath a rubber cushion. There were cheers from the family later when I triumphantly produced it from my billy. | ||
- | and continue through | + | On reaching our destination, |
- | and finally plunged out of sight. Submersion, however, failed to damp the | + | Home again - hot water in a white bath - kind mother' |
- | + | ||
- | ardour of the two occupants, who presently bobbed up like laughing jacks-inboxes, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Duch and I made a leisurely trip to the Re-union site, with ample time | + | |
- | + | ||
- | in which to do all the little chores of making camp that we Bushwalkers so | + | |
- | + | ||
- | enjoy, and as evening fell, ate a savoury dinner close to our bright little fire. Thanks to the ckoncerted effort of those willing Ones who always turn up trumps when there is any work to be done, there was a wonderful fire, round which everyone settled on groundsheets and eiderdowns, enjoying once again that very comfortable feeling of palship and unity that is S'o typical of these gatherings. We certainly have some admirable characters in our club, and anyone unimpressed by the sincerity of the remarks addressed to the company, would he a dull clod indeed. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The fickle weather of the evening improved as the night advanced, and | + | |
- | + | ||
- | a score or so slept by the glowing remains of the fire, quite undisturbed - apparently, anyway. I awakened several times, tantalised by auricular recordings. There was a weird rumbling; a higher, half-staccato note and a sustained | + | |
- | + | ||
- | sizzling. I sleepily visualised "The Pig", escaped' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | maraud of the camp. Imagine my relief when I realised -well, at least that | + | |
- | + | ||
- | there was no cause for alarm, it being the normal accompaniment of the slumbers | + | |
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | + | ||
- | of two wellknawn members. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Sunday was calm and sunny, and Duch and I drifted down &lout two miles of yellow river, and lazed until it was time to paddle back to camp for lunch. Early afternoon was spent quietly; everyone being pleasantly drowsy; but after the photographing Of the whole Re-union party, thoughts of the homeward journey caused tents, sleering bags, aluminium ware and other paraphenalia to disappear into rucksacks. Duch and I enjoyed every minute of the paddling (sitting and otherwise), pulling and pushing that constituted the return upstream. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | We were tranquilly moving along, as the sun sank low, each engrossed in | + | |
- | + | ||
- | 712 - | + | |
- | + | ||
- | We were tranquilly moving along, as the sun sank law, each engrossed in quiet thought, when a 7" mullet struck me in the - er - bosom; but after a breif though sharp tussle - a la Zane Gray - I suffocated the scaley monster beneath a rubber cushion. There were cheers from the family later when I triumphantly produced it from my billy. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | On reaching our destination, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Home again - hot water in a white bath - kind mothers | + | |
Dinah Hearfield. | Dinah Hearfield. | ||
- | 50, | + | ---- |
- | Tell me not in mournful numbers Everything is changed and new, And no steadfast thing encumbers Man's disturbed and restless view. Say not so in accents bitter; Lo: whore camping | + | Tell me not in mournful numbers\\ |
+ | Everything is changed and new,\\ | ||
+ | And no steadfast thing encumbers\\ | ||
+ | Man's disturbed and restless view.\\ | ||
+ | Say not so in accents bitter;\\ | ||
+ | Lo! where camping | ||
+ | All the old familiar litter\\ | ||
+ | Lies as it has always lain. | ||
- | Kingdoms fall and empires totter, Creeds | + | Kingdoms fall and empires totter,\\ |
+ | Creeds | ||
+ | But the trade-mark of the squatter\\ | ||
+ | Still infests the bushland glade.\\ | ||
+ | As the years flash by and flitter\\ | ||
+ | Many things they re-arrange;\\ | ||
+ | Life moves onward; only litter\\ | ||
+ | Shows no earthly sign of change. | ||
- | Thus in spite of all suspicions Things are not so wholly black; If you seek the old traditions, Try the camping ground and track; Roadside places all remind us We can take our steadfast cue, And, departing, leave behind us Litter just like grandad knew. | + | Thus in spite of all suspicions\\ |
+ | Things are not so wholly black;\\ | ||
+ | If you seek the old traditions,\\ | ||
+ | Try the camping ground and track;\\ | ||
+ | Roadside places all remind us\\ | ||
+ | We can take our steadfast cue,\\ | ||
+ | And, departing, leave behind us\\ | ||
+ | Litter just like grandad knew. | ||
- | (Lucio in " | + | (Lucio in " |
- | -13 - | + | ---- |
- | PADDY COMES DOWN IN THE WORLD | + | ===== Paddy Comes Down In The World ===== |
- | Having tired of the exhilarating and rarified atmosphere of the second floor and being unable to redeem certain promises regarding an escalator and/or lift, Paddy has shifted | + | Having tired of the exhilarating and rarified atmosphere of the second floor and being unable to redeem certain promises regarding an escalator and/or lift, Paddy has shifted |
In these new roomy premises, Paddy has ample floor and shelf space adequately to display his gear. All Bushwalkers are cordially invited to come along and have a look. | In these new roomy premises, Paddy has ample floor and shelf space adequately to display his gear. All Bushwalkers are cordially invited to come along and have a look. | ||
- | FASHION NOTE: | + | **Fashion Note**: |
Sleeping bags are being worn extensively this season, Slumber Green being the popular colour, filled with the duckiest down. They may be fitted with hoods, frills, zipps or elastic tops according to individual taste. | Sleeping bags are being worn extensively this season, Slumber Green being the popular colour, filled with the duckiest down. They may be fitted with hoods, frills, zipps or elastic tops according to individual taste. | ||
- | ECONOMY HINTS: | + | **Economy Hints**: |
- | One of our young marrieds sends the following hint. Have your sleeping bag fitted with an 8 foot zipp and when not camping out, open up the bag and use it as a quilt (purple certificate to Mrs. GolightlyCoalheaver | + | One of our young marrieds sends the following hint. Have your sleeping bag fitted with an 8 foot zipp and when not camping out, open up the bag and use it as a quilt (purple certificate to Mrs. Golightly-Coalheaver |
- | HINT No, 2: | + | **Hint |
- | If the wintry weather works its way through your old bag, have Paddy put a few more ounces down in. It costs 1/1- per ounce for the dawn and 2/- for opening up the bag. 4 oz of down will generally fix the most obstinate case (Two out of ten to Miss Thora Winterbottom, | + | If the wintry weather works its way through your old bag, have Paddy put a few more ounces down in. It costs 1/- per ounce for the down and 2/- for opening up the bag. 4 oz of down will generally fix the most obstinate case (Two out of ten to Miss Thora Winterbottom, |
- | NEW ADDRESS | + | | |**New Address** |
+ | |**Phone B.3101.**|F.A. Pallin. | ||
+ | |:::|327 George Street, Sydney. | ||
+ | |::: |Opposite Palings. | ||
- | Phone B.3101. | + | ===== See Tasmania For Two Shillings ===== |
- | F. A. PALLI N. | + | Dot English [Dot Butler] |
- | 327 GEORGE STREET, SYDNEY. Opposite PALINGS. | + | In a weak moment I happened to mention to our newly-appointed Editress, Miss Byles, that I had just completed a 400-mile bicycle tour of Tasmania of a fortnight' |
- | - 14 | + | I am not going to burden you with a detailed day-to-day itinerary. I would have to spend hours pouring over a map to do this, and so would you, and I know you are just as lazy as I am. I shall, instead, tell you the interesting bits which stand out in my memory, and what I have forgotten is obviously not worthy of remembrance. |
- | SEE TASMANIA FOR TWO SHILLINGS, | + | The first important item, after purchasing my ticket for the small sum of £2:15:0 (( Two pounds, fifteen shillings )), was to get my bike aboard - preferably without paying for it. Accordingly I rode Lavinia down to the wharf at about 1 o' |
- | Dot English. | + | " |
- | In a weak moment I happened to mention to our newly-appointed Editress, Miss Hyles, that I had just completed a 400-mile bicycle tour of Tasmania of a fortnight' | + | "Receipt! What receipt?" |
- | I am not going to burden you with a detailed day-to-day itinerary. I would have to spend hours pouring over a map to do this, and so wbuld you, and I know you are just as lazy as I am. I shall, instead, tell you the interesting | + | "For **that**" |
- | The first important item, after purchasing my ticket for the small sum of Z2:150, was to get my bike aboard - preferably without paying for it. Accordingly | + | "Oh, that's all right", I smiled cheerfully, "The boy in the office says it goes as passenger's luggage |
- | "Receiptl What receipt?" | + | "Then he doesn' |
- | "For that" - indicating | + | "Well I haven' |
- | "Then he doesntt | + | "It would be if I didn' |
- | he strung off a list of wheeled vehicles, including bikes. | + | So here was a deadlock. We both just looked at each other. Suddenly a whistle |
- | + | ||
- | "Well I haven' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | "It would be if I didn't know about it," he replied, "But now that I knor about it I wouldn' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Sc here was a deadlock. We both just looked at each other. Suddenly a whistle | + | |
The boat sailed the next evening at 6 o' | The boat sailed the next evening at 6 o' | ||
- | -15 - | + | A little lass who came racing up, all breathless, to wave me a fond farewell a few minutes before the boat drew out, brought as a parting gift a packet of dried fruits; but as she was not allowed on board she tied it to a streamer I held, and the whole concourse of people watched with bated breath while I carefully drew up the precious packet on its flimsy attachment. As I finally reached out and grabbed |
- | + | ||
- | A little lass Who came racing up, all breathless, to wave me a fond farewell a few minutes before the boat drew oat, brought as a parting gift a packet of dried fruits; but as she was not allowed on board she tied it to a streamer I held, and the whole concourse of people watched with bated breath while I carefully drew up the precious packet on its flimsy attachment. As I finally reached out and grakbed | + | |
- | goon the last streamer was snapped, the last eye piped, the last handkerchief waved, and the crowd on the wharf faded from sight and we were Southward bound. | + | Soon the last streamer was snapped, the last eye piped, the last handkerchief waved, and the crowd on the wharf faded from sight and we were Southward bound. |
When the bell rang for dinner we weren' | When the bell rang for dinner we weren' | ||
Line 421: | Line 327: | ||
For the next half-hour everyone was too preoccupied with food to be conversational. However, meal over, we all went on deck to become acquainted. | For the next half-hour everyone was too preoccupied with food to be conversational. However, meal over, we all went on deck to become acquainted. | ||
- | While doing the rounds with others from our table, Fate saw fit to arrange a meeting between myself and an attractive young Danish lad. He had taken the trip to get away from =men, and I'ditto, ditto, ditto. ditto. to get away from men. As we had so much in common,'we immediatelt | + | While doing the rounds with others from our table, Fate saw fit to arrange a meeting between myself and an attractive young Danish lad. He had taken the trip to get away from women, and I ditto, ditto, ditto. ditto. to get away from men. As we had so much in common, we immediately |
Naturally, I was travelling light, so was unencumbered with kimino, topcoat, or the like. On the first morning, at the insistence of the second gong which was being violently clashed up and down the corridors, I fell out of my top bunk and made a hasty dash for the adjoining bathroom, draped in a ship's bed-spread. | Naturally, I was travelling light, so was unencumbered with kimino, topcoat, or the like. On the first morning, at the insistence of the second gong which was being violently clashed up and down the corridors, I fell out of my top bunk and made a hasty dash for the adjoining bathroom, draped in a ship's bed-spread. | ||
- | I was Somewhat | + | I was somewhat |
- | "I say, I'm sorry," | + | "I say, I'm sorry," |
" | " | ||
- | " | + | " |
Say that to an Australian and he'll be amused and think you're a good sport - say it to an Englishman and he'll think you're rough and uncouth - which just goes to prove that there' | Say that to an Australian and he'll be amused and think you're a good sport - say it to an Englishman and he'll think you're rough and uncouth - which just goes to prove that there' | ||
- | The young man was annoyed; I thought it time to retire from the contest, so, haughtily wrapping the bed-spread round me, I stepped into the nearest vacant bathroom. | + | The young man was annoyed. I thought it time to retire from the contest, so, haughtily wrapping the bed-spread round me, I stepped into the nearest vacant bathroom. |
"Yew cawn't go in there," | "Yew cawn't go in there," | ||
- | I bowed, smiled with my teeth, and prepared to enter the adjoining bathroom. "Yew cawn't go hin there hither," | + | I bowed, smiled with my teeth, and prepared to enter the adjoining bathroom. |
- | -16 - | + | "Yew cawn't go hin there hither," |
"Young man," said I, all sarcastic-like, | "Young man," said I, all sarcastic-like, | ||
- | So now you see haw it was that Eustace, being blood brother to the Head Steward, made use of him to spoke my wheel. | + | So now you see how it was that Eustace, being blood brother to the Head Steward, made use of him to spoke my wheel. |
- | Whenever I skulked into the bathroom to be sick, Eustace would crow delightedly, | + | Whenever I skulked into the bathroom to be sick, Eustace would crow delightedly, |
I would give him a withering look, intended to burn him up completely, and then forget all about him and my dignity while Mother Nature took the upper hand. Don't gather from this that I spent most of the time being sick. I think I bore up very well; and had a most enjoyable trip. Still, I did have my moments. | I would give him a withering look, intended to burn him up completely, and then forget all about him and my dignity while Mother Nature took the upper hand. Don't gather from this that I spent most of the time being sick. I think I bore up very well; and had a most enjoyable trip. Still, I did have my moments. | ||
- | 'You may sing of a life at sea, | + | ---- |
- | + | ||
- | With a yo-ho-ho for the winds that blow, | + | |
+ | 'You may sing of a life at sea, | ||
+ | With a yo-ho-ho for the winds that blow, | ||
But (as friend Ernest would say) that's all fiddle-de-de' | But (as friend Ernest would say) that's all fiddle-de-de' | ||
- | and I nearly went Arazy with joy when I went up on deck on the Monday morning and and discovered that we had arrived, and that there was firm land awaiting us. | + | and I nearly went crazy with joy when I went up on deck on the Monday morning and and discovered that we had arrived, and that there was firm land awaiting us. |
- | As the boat did not leave Burnie until evening, most of the passengers went ashore, and a crowd of us spent the day ' | + | As the boat did not leave Burnie until evening, most of the passengers went ashore, and a crowd of us spent the day ' |
" | " | ||
- | I should have taken that as an omen - but no, - I smiled a superior sort of smile as much as to say, "Ten miles? | + | I should have taken that as an omen - but no, - I smiled a superior sort of smile as much as to say, "Ten miles? |
- | "Oho I just keep going," | + | "Oh, I just keep going," |
- | I swallowed this in good faith for the first two days; but my illusions gradually vanished as time went by and I realised that the good road, like the Fata Morgana, retreated always before me as I pursued it. However, I reconciled myself by remembering that I had a whole fortnight in which to cover the journey. The countryside was magnificantj | + | I swallowed this in good faith for the first two days; but my illusions gradually vanished as time went by and I realised that the good road, like the Fata Morgana, retreated always before me as I pursued it. However, I reconciled myself by remembering that I had a whole fortnight in which to cover the journey. The countryside was magnificant (( [sic] magnificent )), and certainly did not warrant one's passing |
- | - 17 - | + | From Burnie for 25 miles the road follows the northern coast-line, giving one views of long stretches of blue ocean dotted with rugged, green-topped islets, and secluded little sandy beaches for swimming. |
- | From Burnie for 25 miles the "road fellews | + | From Devonport on the coast, |
- | FrOm Devonport on the coast, the road runs inland through typical English countryside - golden fields surrour_cled by hawthorn hedges, each field holding | + | Tasmania is a land of Lots-of-Time. In the countryside the amber air lies so quiet over the sleeping hills and dales, and even in the towns of Launceston |
- | Tasmania is a land of Lots-of-Time. In the countryside | + | The road has been mounting steadily all day, and I've been doing a deal of walking up hills. In the early afternoon I struck a trail of tomatoes, apparently shed from a passing cart. I followed them' up hill for about half a mile, collecting |
- | The road has been mounting steadily all day, and I've been doing a deal of walking up hills. In the early afternoon I struck a trail of tomatoes, apparently shed from a' | + | Being so preoccupied, I was entirely unprepared for the magnificent panorama which suddenly confronted me on topping the rise. About a mile below, the Tamar Valley stretched away into the far distance, |
- | Being so preoccupied, | + | As I stood propped against a post admiring |
- | As I stood propped against | + | He had been out a week now, and the hat was still shining in all its pristine glory. |
- | a nearby store and approached me, wheeling a bike. He was clad in our regulation Bushwalker garb as far up as the neck; but there the similarity ceased, for his head was graced by an immacultte Bond Street model, its noble lines somewhat disfigured by a tattered fly-veil, for Tasmania was supposed to be suffering from a plague of faies, He was holidaying per bike, as I was. Being unwilling | + | My companion was a very merry lad. He said I simply must come and stay with friends of his for the night, as he wouldn' |
- | - 18 | + | About eleven o' |
- | BB had been out a week now, and the hat was still shining in all its pristine glory. As we were both going the same wayiwe forthwith joined forces, and together raced down the mountain side, taking | + | Lavinia managed to achieve a puncture about nine miles from the nearest town, and as I had burst my pump three days ago I could not mend it. I had wheeled her hardly more than a hundred yards, when I encountered two youthful schoolboys in Dad's car, out to do a spot of shooting, with crows and rabbits as game. They had a pump which was made to fit my bike, and we soon had the damage repaired, the lads almost fighting to see who was to do the knightly act for the ladye (( [sic] Archaic spelling of lady )) in distress, while all the fayre (( [sic] )) ladye had to do was to look on and give praise for their remarkable speed and handiness with rubber solution and patches. They insisted on presenting me with a rabbit corpse, which I accepted so as not to hurt their feelings, despite the fact that the billy I carried was of such miniature proportions that not more than the beastie' |
- | my comrade celebrated his many narrow escapes from death dawn the mountain side, by promptly running into a P.M.G. car, which brought him up with a jerk that buckled his frame so badly it looked like the back of a camel. It was only now that I discovered this rash youth had been riding a fixed-wheel bike, converted into a free-wheeler, | + | One of the little inland towns - a sedate and charming place - is well-known for the good echo which can be awakened down by the banks of the river; but for the life of me I couldn' |
- | we spent the afternoon looking over the town; its museum, baths, gardens, shipping and, most important, its Cataract Gorge. This Gorge is a most delightful sight, made especially attractive for tourists. Here the Tamar River foams down an amazingly deep gorge. On one side of which a path has been constructed, | + | The East Coast is considered to have some of the finest scenery on the Island. Certainly, its beaches are exquisite, with sands as white as snow and sparkling water said to be as blue as the Aegean Sea; deep purple in the shadows. The numerous islets, some flat and some in the form of mountains rising sheer from the sea, make this coast-line so different from what we know on the mainland. |
- | + | ||
- | My companion was a very merry lad. He said I simply must COMR and stay with friends of his for the night, as he wouldn' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | About eleven o' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | pasted through a mining town, which looked like the crater of a volcano, with earth.dworks and dikes all over the place, and a large sluicing plant in operation. There was hardly a green thing to be seen, and the roads were terrible. However, | + | |
- | + | ||
- | very soon passed into more pleasant country, although the roads were still bad. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Lavinia managed to achieve a puncture about nine miles from the nearest town, and as I had burst my pump three days ago I could not mend it. I had wheeled her hardly more than a hundred yards, when I encountered two youthful schoolboys in Dad's car, out to do a spot of shooting, with crows and rabbits as game. They had a pump which was made to fit my bike, and we soon had the damage repaired, the lads almost fighting to see who WAS to do the knightly act for the ladye in distress, while all the fayre ladye had to do was to look on and give praise for their remarkable speed and handiness with rubber solution and patches. They insisted on presenting me with a rabbit corpse, which I accepted so as not to hurt their feelings, despite the fact that the billy I carried was of such miniature proportions that not more than the beastie' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | -19 | + | |
- | + | ||
- | One of the little inland towns - a. sedate and charming place is well-known for the good echo which can be awakened dawn by the banks of the river; but for the life of me I couldn' | + | |
- | + | ||
- | The East Coast is considered to have some of the finest scenery on the Island. Certainly, its beaches are exquisite, with sands as white as snow and sparkling water said to be as blue as the Aegean Sea; deep purple in the shadows. The numerous islets, some flat and some in the form of mountains rising sheer from the sea, make this coast-line so different from what we knau on the mainland. | + | |
Proceeding down this coast we came to the orchard country, where apples, pears and plums were being picked and packed. | Proceeding down this coast we came to the orchard country, where apples, pears and plums were being picked and packed. | ||
Line 513: | Line 403: | ||
Miles out of Hobart I met a boy wheeling his bike along. It was the usual story - a puncture and no pump. I offered to race into the next town, about five miles away, and buy him a pump, but he said it wouldn' | Miles out of Hobart I met a boy wheeling his bike along. It was the usual story - a puncture and no pump. I offered to race into the next town, about five miles away, and buy him a pump, but he said it wouldn' | ||
- | My newly-found friend | + | My newly-found friend |
- | Double-banking was impossible on the equally impossible roads, so we worked on the following system. I would ride the bike dawn a hill and up the next, at the top of which I would leave it by the roadside and walk on. By the time WRS at the bottom of the next hill my rear-man would have reached the bike, and would ride it down the hill and up the next, on whose summit he would leave it for me and walk on. In this way we achieved many miles. We were resting at the bottom of a steep hill, paddling in the creek and eating the interminable blackberry, when a lorry of road-,workers pulled up and offered us a lift for six or seven miles. This was very cheering; but the piece of information passed on by one of the men was far from cheering; to wit, that my map was decidedly faulty. (We still had twenty-nine miles to do to reach Hobart.) However, they told us that several timber lorries would be passing through within the two hours, and | + | Double-banking was impossible on the equally impossible roads, so we worked on the following system. I would ride the bike down a hill and up the next, at the top of which I would leave it by the roadside and walk on. By the time I was at the bottom of the next hill my rear-man would have reached the bike, and would ride it down the hill and up the next, on whose summit he would leave it for me and walk on. In this way we achieved many miles. We were resting at the bottom of a steep hill, paddling in the creek and eating the interminable blackberry, when a lorry of road-workers pulled up and offered us a lift for six or seven miles. This was very cheering; but the piece of information passed on by one of the men was far from cheering; to wit, that my map was decidedly faulty. (We still had twenty-nine miles to do to reach Hobart.) However, they told us that several timber lorries would be passing through within the two hours, and we could easily get a lift in. So we cheered up again, and sure enough, we hadn't left the road-workers more than a mile behind when a timber lorry pulled up, and we heaved the bike aboard and were driven right into town to the Mail Depot, where my companion of the road regained possession of his vehicle. I accompanied him to the local oxy-welder' |
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- | we could easily get a lift in. So we cheered up again, and sure enough, we hadn't left the road-workers more than a mile behind when a timber lorry pulled up, and we heaved the bike aboard and were driven right into town to the Mail Depot, where my companion of the road regained possession of his vehicle. I accompanied him to the local oxy-welder' | + | |
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- | - 20 - | + | |
Apparently Hobart is somewhat pre-War and conventional in its morals. The oxy-welding expert, a man of brawn and muscle, stared at me as I dismounted, with eyes that popped white from his grimy face. | Apparently Hobart is somewhat pre-War and conventional in its morals. The oxy-welding expert, a man of brawn and muscle, stared at me as I dismounted, with eyes that popped white from his grimy face. | ||
Line 533: | Line 419: | ||
" | " | ||
- | So I thought it prudent to go out to the back of his workshop and change into my longiuns. | + | So I thought it prudent to go out to the back of his workshop and change into my long'uns. |
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- | "They'll stare at you enough in that rig-out," | + | |
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- | Before I left I was given directions for finding the road to the top of Mount Wellington, where I had planned to camp. It was now almost dark, and as | + | |
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- | I didn't have a lamp I thought I'd better hurry; but I hadn't gone very far when the oxy-welder' | + | |
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- | I spent all the next day luxuriating on the beach, only going into town to find out haw the boats were running. As I had been a fortnight away, I.thought it time I returned to the bosom of my family, so finding that the Zealandia left the next morning at 9 o' | + | |
- | We left Hobart | + | " |
- | as the gangway | + | Before I left I was given directions for finding |
- | Books! 'Tis dull and endless strife: Come, hear the woodland linnet, Haw sweet his music on my life, There's more of wisdom in it. | + | I spent all the next day luxuriating on the beach, only going into town to find out how the boats were running. As I had been a fortnight away, I thought it time I returned to the bosom of my family, so finding that the Zealandia left the next morning at 9 o'clock, I booked my passage, was up bright and early, and soon had myself and Lavinia stacked aboard. |
- | Wo Warder/761'th, | + | We left Hobart in bright sunshine, and after two wet and drizzly days, arrived in a wet and drizzly Sydney. Still, there's something about one's home town that would warm the cockles of the heart no matter what the weather, and as the gangway was run up and I stepped ashore, I realised that it's good to have a home to return to, when all is said and done. It would be a lonely life to be a homeless wanderer always, although it's good fun for a fortnight. |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | Books! 'Tis dull and endless strife: | ||
+ | Come, hear the woodland linnet, | ||
+ | How sweet his music! on my life, | ||
+ | There' | ||
- | e. | + | W. Wordsworth. |
+ | ---- | ||
193605.1423016114.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/02/04 13:15 by elddawt