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Business Manager - Alec. Colley.\\ | Business Manager - Alec. Colley.\\ | ||
- | Edition 345 | + | Edition 345 \\ |
- | SEPTEMBER 1963 | + | SEPTEMBER 1963 \\ |
- | Price 1/- | + | Price 1/- \\ |
- | CONTENTS | + | **CONTENTS** |
- | Page | + | ^ ^ Page^ |
- | From your Editor 2 | + | |From your Editor |
- | August General Meeting 3 | + | |August General Meeting |
- | Hatswell' | + | |Hatswell' |
- | The Black Hole - Terry Thomas 6 | + | |The Black Hole - Terry Thomas |
- | Letters to the Editor 10 | + | |Letters to the Editor |
- | Social Notes 10 | + | |Social Notes |10| |
- | Paddy' | + | |Paddy' |
- | A Brief Skirmish with the | + | |A Brief Skirmish with the White Mountains - F. Rigby |12| |
- | White Mountains - F. Rigby 12 | + | |Day Walks |15| |
- | Day Walks 15 | + | |Science Naturally. |
- | Science Naturally. | + | |Federation Report - August. |
- | Federation Report - August. 19 | + | |
+ | ===== FROM YOUR EDITOR ===== | ||
+ | Hi, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some may wonder why we, in our leisure time, forego the amenities of civilisation and disappear into an apparently inhospitable bush when we could be sitting quietly in some pleasant locale, sipping something cool or hot as the season might dictate. | ||
- | The Sydney Bushwalker September, 1963 | ||
- | - | ||
- | Hi | ||
- | Some may wonder why we, in our leisure time, forego the amenities of civilisation and disappear into | ||
- | an apparently inhospitable bush when | ||
- | we could be sitting quietly in some | ||
- | pleasant locale, sipping something cool or hot as the season might dictate. | ||
Walking has been defined in a well-known authoritative work as "the art of progression by setting one foot methodically before the other - the most venerable and universal way of locomotion among mankind, as has been for a million years." | Walking has been defined in a well-known authoritative work as "the art of progression by setting one foot methodically before the other - the most venerable and universal way of locomotion among mankind, as has been for a million years." | ||
- | A little prosaic for the philosophically inclined? but wider research has something a little kinder to offer, like thisg- | + | |
- | . | + | A little prosaic for the philosophically inclined? but wider research has something a little kinder to offer, like this: |
- | ' | + | |
+ | " | ||
Those who walk in this broader sense are in good company Like, for example, Paul of Tarsus. | Those who walk in this broader sense are in good company Like, for example, Paul of Tarsus. | ||
- | He was on his way for the last time to rerusalem; having come | + | |
- | by boat from Phillippi to the Troad- Then he sent his company by ship around the peninsula to Assus - for so had he appointed; minding | + | "He was on his way for the last time to Jerusalem; having come by boat from Phillippi to the Troad. Then he sent his company by ship around the peninsula to Assus - for so had he appointed; minding himself to go afoot." |
- | himself to go afoot." | + | |
Or if Paul doesn' | Or if Paul doesn' | ||
- | "What I most regret," | + | |
+ | "What I most regret," | ||
so much, been so much myself, if I may dare to say it as when I went alone and afoot." | so much, been so much myself, if I may dare to say it as when I went alone and afoot." | ||
- | We in this club aim to lift walking above the plane of the methodical putting of one foot before the other and to enjoy the broader sense of walking and all it contains | + | |
- | September, 1963 The Sydney BuslawaIker | + | We in this club aim to lift walking above the plane of the methodical putting of one foot before the other and to enjoy the broader sense of walking and all it contains. |
===== THE AUGUST GENERAL MEETING ===== | ===== THE AUGUST GENERAL MEETING ===== | ||
Jim Brown. | Jim Brown. | ||
- | Now, why should some General Meetings take so long and others be so short? | + | |
- | The meeting was under weigh at 8.15 p m. and after Lawrence Quaken received his long deferred | + | Now, why should some General Meetings take so long and others be so short? |
- | Minutes were daily signed as a correct record and out of this Frank Ashdown asked if the Subcommittee looking into the question of Club Funds had done anything about the Era Funds. Ron ruled this | + | |
- | question out of order, pointing out that Frank' | + | The meeting was under weigh at 8.15 p m. and after Lawrence Quaken received his long deferred |
- | previous meeting was a notice of motion to be considered at the Half Yearly Meeting. Frank was assured that his motion would be featured on the Agenda for September. | + | |
+ | Minutes were daily signed as a correct record and out of this Frank Ashdown asked if the Subcommittee looking into the question of Club Funds had done anything about the Era Funds. Ron ruled this question out of order, pointing out that Frank' | ||
The President also pointed out that the suggested two walks for Sunday had been achieved on some weekends on the coming programme which needed filling. As ever, it was up to the members. | The President also pointed out that the suggested two walks for Sunday had been achieved on some weekends on the coming programme which needed filling. As ever, it was up to the members. | ||
- | Correspondence contained a letter of enquiry from a potential member who enquired if we had any uniform | + | |
- | sale. | + | Correspondence contained a letter of enquiry from a potential member who enquired if we had any uniform also an offer from a clothing manufacturer who was prepared to supply us with Club ties. In addition an organisation known as the Mountain Equipment Co. informed us they had tramping equipment imported from New Zealand for sale. |
- | There was an interruption at this stage as a heavily bearded newcomer approached. the Presidential table and deposited some documents there. Ron assured us it was not Ned Kelly, but only Paul Driver, Federation' | + | |
- | Blaxland in a simulated crossing of the Blue Mountains. The last | + | There was an interruption at this stage as a heavily bearded newcomer approached the Presidential table and deposited some documents there. Ron assured us it was not Ned Kelly, but only Paul Driver, Federation' |
- | patter from correspondence was advice that we had sent to Federation a cheque: | + | Blaxland in a simulated crossing of the Blue Mountains. The last patter from correspondence was advice that we had sent to Federation a cheque: covering sale of 110 copies of the latest Bushwalker Annual. Now we were on to reports, where Gordon Redmond told us we were 50 lighter in ready cash than we were at the end of June but this included the typewriter purchase. Cash at bank at 31.7.63 was about 197. |
- | Now we were on to reports, where Gordon Redmond. told us we were 50 | + | |
- | lighter in ready cash than we were at the end of 'June but this included the typewriter purchase. Cash at bank at 31.7.63 was about | + | The walks report contained the story of the 97 miler on 5-7th July (Katoomba |
- | 197. | + | |
- | The walks report contained the story of the 97 miler on 5-7th | + | On the same weekend a walk in the Mountain Lagoon area was programmed, but no report was received. A third weekend trip led by Geoff Boxsell went from Mt. Victoria via Lett and Cox River, Megalong Valley to Medlow Bath. The party of 5 came out by Blackheath Creek. |
- | July (Katoomba | + | |
- | 4. The Sydney Bushwalker September, 1963 | + | On 12-14th Wilf's track clearing |
- | High Range - Mittagong). Total ascents | + | |
- | good times were made and arrivals at Mittagong ranged between 2.30 and 4.15 p m. on Sunday. | + | Was it the personality of the leader that accounted for the roll-up of 6 members, 9 prospectives |
- | On the same weekend a walk in the Mountain Lagoon area was | + | |
- | programmed, but no report was received. A third weekend trip led by Geoff Boxsell went from Mt. Victoria via Lett and Cox River, Megalong Valley to Medlow Bath. The party of 5 came out -by Blackheath Creek. | + | A well organised S & R Practice was held at Toby's Glen, 5 miles from Woodford on 19/21st July. It was an excellent weekend, but only 4 S.B.W. were there. Over the same weekend Jack Perry had a trip from Robertson via Carrington Falls to Kiama - no report to hand yet. |
- | towards Gunyah Bay - report not yet available. | + | |
- | On 12-14th Wilf's track el-axing | + | Gordon Redmond' |
- | was attended by one other member (a prospective) only, Wilf commented that our Club has failed to do its share of this valuable work. Quite a lot is still to be done on this old pass into the Nattai valley. | + | |
- | The Instructional Walk listed for the same weekend was cancelled | + | Over the same weekend Sandra Bardwell and party of 4 did the "Three Peaks", |
- | leader injured and incapacitated. | + | |
- | Was it the personality of the leader that accounted for the roll- | + | Next weekend, 26-28th July, Colin Putt and party of 15 went in from the Vines area to Tarn Mt. and Angel' |
- | up of 6 members, 9 prnspectives | + | |
- | Pinnp, | + | Bob Godfrey took a party from The Wheel across the Labyrinth to Q.V. Homes and down Kedumba |
- | Holly and a party of five carried out the Sunday walk of 14th July - Cronulla - Bundoena | + | |
- | weather and excellent wildflowers reported. | + | Ron Knightley remarked that it may be as well for newcomers to know that we didn't always start our programmes with 97 milers. (" |
- | A well organised S & R Practice was held at Tcly's Glen, 5 miles from Woodford on 19/21st July. It was an excellent weekend, but only 4 S.B.W. were there. Over the same weekend Jack Perry had a trip from | + | |
- | Robertson via Carrington Falls to Kiama - no report to hand yet. | + | Having told us that the remaining reports would be " |
- | Gordon Redmond' | + | |
- | Over the same weekend Sandra Bardwell and party of 4 did the | + | |
- | "Three Peaks", | + | |
- | Next weekend, 26-28th July, Colin Putt and party of 15 went in from the Vines area to Tarn Mt. and Angel' | + | |
- | Falls was discovered- It is possibly the first party to reach the Falls. | + | |
- | 0 | + | |
- | September, 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker | + | |
- | Bob Godfrey took a party from The Wheel across the Labrth toQ.V. Homes and down KeduMba | + | |
- | Kangaroo Creek and Audley. It was the leader' | + | |
- | Ron Knightley remarked that it may be as well for newcomers to | + | |
- | know that we didn't always start our programmes with 97 milers. (" | + | |
- | Having told us that the remaining reports would be " | + | |
- | usual, Ron told us we were at general business, and he particularly wanted to say that it was not the right thing to bring visitors without conferring with the leader - recently a visitor who was not equal to the trip caused some complications on a day walk. | + | |
This was also the final chance to put forward Constitutional amendments for discussion at the Half Yearly Meeting - and time was running out if one didn't want to get a " | This was also the final chance to put forward Constitutional amendments for discussion at the Half Yearly Meeting - and time was running out if one didn't want to get a " | ||
- | In general business Frank Ashdown was still aggrieved that the summary of day walks published in the magazine | + | |
+ | In general business Frank Ashdown was still aggrieved that the summary of day walks published in the magazine | ||
===== THE BLACK HOLE. ===== | ===== THE BLACK HOLE. ===== | ||
Line 102: | Line 93: | ||
It's early Saturday morning and the Kurrajong-Lithgow road is behind us. Rick and I hear the cars less distinctly as we walk over the south Peak of Mt. Tomah, inadvertently driving a flock of sheep ahead of us. | It's early Saturday morning and the Kurrajong-Lithgow road is behind us. Rick and I hear the cars less distinctly as we walk over the south Peak of Mt. Tomah, inadvertently driving a flock of sheep ahead of us. | ||
- | "That must be the creek the Sydney Uni mob were talking about." | + | "That must be the creek the Sydney Uni mob were talking about." |
- | We push down a few hundred feet to the creek bed and cook breakfast. On top of each pack is 120 feet of nylon' rope, presumed breaking strength better than 3000 pound. This is sandstone country, on the edge of theGrose | + | We push down a few hundred feet to the creek bed and cook breakfast. On top of each pack is 120 feet of nylon' rope, presumed breaking strength better than 3000 pound. This is sandstone country, on the edge of the Grose Valley, and the creeks plunge to the level of the valley floor through deep narrow canyons. Sydney University |
- | We move off down the creek at a fair pace. Much of the way is open going through ferns and over mosscovered | + | We move off down the creek at a fair pace. Much of the way is open going through ferns and over moss covered |
- | At last we hear a roar aheadThe | + | |
- | We rope down to the cascade without trouble and pull the rope down after us, (The rope is used double and passes around the anchor point). No going back now, this is strictly | + | We rope down to the cascade without trouble and pull the rope down after us, (The rope is used double and passes around the anchor point). No going back now, this is strictly |
- | We set up the rope, using the full 240 feat. I clip on and start the descent. Having covered about 60 feet of sloping earth I reach the vertical rock wall and lean out. The walls drop sheer for about 100 feet to a band of ferns on either side.' | + | We set up the rope, using the full 240 feat. I clip on and start the descent. Having covered about 60 feet of sloping earth I reach the vertical rock wall and lean out. The walls drop sheer for about 100 feet to a band of ferns on either side. I can't see any water flowing between the ferns. The rope doesn' |
- | "Come on down Rick, we'll have to rope again from here." Rick joins me, and we set the rope up above a tree which appears to be growing from a ledge below us. Rick goes over the edge. A few minutes later he starts yelling. I can't hear him properly but he's off the rope and wants me to come down te a small stance on the cliff a few feet above him. I go down and look 1.round0 | + | "Come on down Rick, we'll have to rope again from here." Rick joins me, and we set the rope up above a tree which appears to be growing from a ledge below us. Rick goes over the edge. A few minutes later he starts yelling. I can't hear him properly but he's off the rope and wants me to come down to a small stance on the cliff a few feet above him. I go down and look around. We are really in trouble! The rock wall on our side of the canyon goes straight down. There is no sign of a ledge where the ferns are. There is no anchor point in the little niche I'm standing in. |
The tree we had placed all our hopes in grows from the other side, sort of leans over against our side and then grows out again. Below is a strip of darkness. I drop a rock into the depths. It bounces down out of sight and we hear it clatter downward for what seems to be half a minute. Rick is standing on the only branch in sight. It is about 9 inches long. He has tied himself to the tree. With about 20 feet | The tree we had placed all our hopes in grows from the other side, sort of leans over against our side and then grows out again. Below is a strip of darkness. I drop a rock into the depths. It bounces down out of sight and we hear it clatter downward for what seems to be half a minute. Rick is standing on the only branch in sight. It is about 9 inches long. He has tied himself to the tree. With about 20 feet | ||
Line 121: | Line 111: | ||
feels good, everything' | feels good, everything' | ||
- | We pull the rope down and it comes easily. It is incredibly narrow and dark below. We loop the rope around the tree we have just crossed and let the ends drop. "Think it reached the bottom?" | + | We pull the rope down and it comes easily. It is incredibly narrow and dark below. We loop the rope around the tree we have just crossed and let the ends drop. "Think it reached the bottom?" |
- | We both know that in a watersoaked place like this it doesn*b prove a thing. Without further comment he clips on and goes over the edge. | + | We both know that in a watersoaked place like this it doesn' |
I hear a yell and feel the rope. It's free. I start dawn. This descent in the darkness is unlike any other I have made. First my feet are on one side) then I am hanging free, now its the other. The narrowness accentuates the depth below. I can see Rick. Then I am standing in the stream bed. About five feet of rope is being washed around in the water, not a large margin of safety. We bring down the rope and Rick starts to coil it up. I should be helping him, but instead I walk upstream, deeper into the chasm, in a kind of trance. | I hear a yell and feel the rope. It's free. I start dawn. This descent in the darkness is unlike any other I have made. First my feet are on one side) then I am hanging free, now its the other. The narrowness accentuates the depth below. I can see Rick. Then I am standing in the stream bed. About five feet of rope is being washed around in the water, not a large margin of safety. We bring down the rope and Rick starts to coil it up. I should be helping him, but instead I walk upstream, deeper into the chasm, in a kind of trance. | ||
- | This tremendous slot snakes | + | This tremendous slot snakes |
- | Looking back we decide we have aptly named that canyon " | + | Looking back we decide we have aptly named that canyon " |
- | With my thin build the cold is taking toll of my strength but Rick pushes me on, telling lies about the glorious campsite around the next bend. There are yabbies everywhere. Finally this second canyon joins a third canyon and we are sure of our roeition | + | With my thin build the cold is taking toll of my strength but Rick pushes me on, telling lies about the glorious campsite around the next bend. There are yabbies everywhere. Finally this second canyon joins a third canyon and we are sure of our location |
- | Soon the rocks are spotted with blue light as the glow worms get under way. An occasional firefly floats through the ferns. About midnight heavy rain wakes us. We lie on one groundsheet with the other over us and our heads under a rock ledge. A lit' | + | Soon the rocks are spotted with blue light as the glow worms get under way. An occasional firefly floats through the ferns. About midnight heavy rain wakes us. We lie on one groundsheet with the other over us and our heads under a rock ledge. A little |
- | Next day we set off down this larger canyon, eyes alert for a quick escape route. | + | Next day we set off down this larger canyon, eyes alert for a quick escape route. |
- | Running on the spot and 0.P, rum bring the body temperature back to normal. " | + | Running on the spot and 0.P rum bring the body temperature back to normal. " |
- | "O.K. Rick, now we walk back to the car." "Wrongs | + | "O.K. Rick, now we walk back to the car." "Wrong, |
- | Rick lays out his sleeping bag and goes to sleep. I set off down the road. No road_ bash can mar the memory of a trip as unforgettable as Calcutta Canyon, first time down. | + | Rick lays out his sleeping bag and goes to sleep. I set off down the road. No road bash can mar the memory of a trip as unforgettable as Calcutta Canyon, first time down. |
===== FEDERATION BALL ===== | ===== FEDERATION BALL ===== | ||
- | PADDINGTON TOWN HALL FRIDAY, 11th OCTOBER | + | PADDINGTON TOWN HALL FRIDAY, 11th OCTOBER |
- | TICKETS | + | TICKETS |
- | DANCING 8.30 p m. 2.O am | + | DANCING 8.30 p m. 2.O am \\ |
===== SAW PIT CREEK ===== | ===== SAW PIT CREEK ===== | ||
- | This year saw the usual gathering at Sawpit Creek over the school holidays. S.B.T. was represented by the Moppetts, Coneys, Burkes, Brookses and Kirkbys, and as visitors, Les Galven and family, and Don Gordon and son, a total of twenty five bods. Spearheaded | + | This year saw the usual gathering at Sawpit Creek over the school holidays. S.B.W. was represented by the Moppetts, Coneys, Burkes, Brookses and Kirkbys, and as visitors, Les Galven and family, and Don Gordon and son, a total of twenty five bods. Spear-headed |
- | The Park Trust is slowly developing Sawpit Creek as a caravan and | + | |
- | cabin park and this year there was a fairsized contingent of caravanners and campers scattered around the flat, no doubt attracted by the all weather access roads. | + | The Park Trust is slowly developing Sawpit Creek as a caravan and cabin park and this year there was a fairsized contingent of caravanners and campers scattered around the flat, no doubt attracted by the all weather access roads. |
===== Letters t0 the Editor. ===== | ===== Letters t0 the Editor. ===== | ||
- | Dear Stuart, | + | Dear Stuart, |
- | How is your editorship of the going? Being editor in 1957-58 myself, I can offer you a modicum of sympathy | + | How is your editorship of the Mag going? Being editor in 1957-58 myself, I can offer you a modicum of sympathy it can be pretty hard to get sufficient |
- | Anyway, a small cnntribution enalosed. Last year on a tour of the U.S., my wife ang I tried a spot of bushwalking., I made some notes at the time and have finally got around to writing it up. Hope you can use it, | + | |
- | Yours sincerely, | + | Anyway, a small contribution enclosed. Last year on a tour of the U.S., my wife and I tried a spot of bushwalking. I made some notes at the time and have finally got around to writing it up. Hope you can use it, |
+ | |||
+ | Yours sincerely, | ||
Frank Rigby. | Frank Rigby. | ||
- | P.S. Just as passing news, perhaps you might mention that Team and I are back in London after a 4 month motorscooter tour of Europe. We are planning to leave England about end of August, riding the scooter overland to India. Barring revolutions and a few hundred other contingencies, | ||
- | ===== SOCIAL | + | P.S. Just as passing news, perhaps you might mention that Joan and I are back in London after a 4 month motorscooter tour of Europe. We are planning to leave England about end of August, riding the scooter overland to India. Barring revolutions and a few hundred other contingencies, |
+ | |||
+ | ===== SOCIAL | ||
On 18th September FRANK BARLOW will be talking to us about walking in the McPherson Ranges. You are sure to enjoy Frank' | On 18th September FRANK BARLOW will be talking to us about walking in the McPherson Ranges. You are sure to enjoy Frank' | ||
- | "GREG VALE FILM" is the Social Programme' | ||
- | 25th September. The title is most unpretentious, | ||
- | FOR SALE | ||
- | Cine Kodak Royal 16 Y.K. 3 speed Movie camera with Cine Ektar 1.9 'Lens. 7 years old, good con, | ||
- | ) | ||
- | 11 e*(4,: | ||
- | ennolomerugualk" | ||
- | t | ||
- | if I | ||
- | :.f. | ||
- | "ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT PACKS NECESSARY." | ||
- | One often sees this instruction or recommendation on the club walks programme for the more arduous trips. We all agree its very good advice. | ||
- | Well, just how lightweight can you get and still have the necessities of food, shelter and warmth for two nights and two days in the bush. | ||
- | There is a great interest in the super lightweight, | ||
- | lightweight shelter. | ||
- | " | ||
- | st 1 | ||
- | k | ||
- | /' | ||
- | v t (7, | ||
- | 1$ !I | ||
- | ; | ||
- | '14. 47 | ||
- | rv,n | ||
- | , , k | ||
- | 4C`*1-14: | ||
- | \ | ||
- | " | ||
- | N | ||
- | A | ||
- | Teta be very interested and are sure many others '-- ould appreciate some tips if the more inc..enious among you will be kind enough to let us have a typical list for an ultra lightweight two day weekend. We will print the four lightest received in the next issue. | ||
- | Don't forget eight hour weekend 5th, 6th, 7th October. | ||
- | 4"Ctia | ||
- | ' | + | "GREG VALE - FILMS" is the Social Programme' |
- | ,,re"...-4. | + | |
- | PADDY PALLIN PTY. LIMITED | + | |
- | Lightweight gear for bushwalkers | + | |
- | 201 Castlereagh Street, | + | |
- | Sydney. Phone 26-2685 | + | |
- | PADDY PA ill, t41 rit,1 | + | |
- | Lightuveight Ctsmo Gear | + | |
- | ,, _ , | + | |
- | 201 CASTLEREAGH 51. SYDNEY | + | |
- | 3M 68i | + | |
- | . , | + | |
- | , | + | |
- | , | + | |
- | 12. The Sydney | + | |
- | .M.1414.41.M....M.B.M.Y.1 | + | |
- | ===== A BRIEF SKIRMISH WITH THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ===== | + | **__ FOR SALE __** |
+ | Cine Kodak Royal 16 Y.K. 3 speed Movie camera with Cine Ektar 1.9 'Lens. 7 years old, good condition complete with carrying case and instruction book. £50 or Offer. Ring Kevin Dean 842469. | ||
+ | ===== A BRIEF SKIRMISH WITH THE WHITE MOUNTAINS ===== | ||
Frank Rigby. | Frank Rigby. | ||
- | "The region ahead has the worst weather in America. Turn back NOW if the weather looks bad." | + | |
- | Such is the warning which welcomes walkers to New Hampshirels | + | "The region ahead has the worst weather in America. Turn back NOW if the weather looks bad." |
- | Twenty four hours later we were struggling to get out again in possibly | + | |
- | After an exhilarating climb of 4,000 feet we stood on the White Mountain' | + | Such is the warning which welcomes walkers to New Hampshire' |
- | day pack - hardly S.B.W. style, but those huts could be more than welcome in a place where the weather changes from fair to furious at the drop of a hat; even so, more than forty people have perished from exposure within a generation. | + | |
- | Summer apparently starts here about June 15, so we could not cunt on the huts in any way. Instead we took a trail which struck out over the tops for half-a-mile before plunging down 2,000 feet into a valley where we hoped to camp. From the top we could see a small lake on the valley floor and prospects for a campsite looked reasonable. So down we went, scrambling and rock-hopping, | + | Twenty four hours later we were struggling to get out again in possibly |
- | September, 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 13. | + | |
- | then I spied a small open meadow through the trees on the other side | + | After an exhilarating climb of 4,000 feet we stood on the White Mountain' |
- | of the creek - surely here was a campsite. Alas on inspection the ground was found to consist of a mossy semi-liquid bog; but never say die, for in one corner was a relatively dry spot barely large enough for the tent - we pounced on it avidly. | + | |
- | With the tent up and a thick layer of spruce boughs covering | + | Summer apparently starts here about June 15, so we could not count on the huts in any way. Instead we took a trail which struck out over the tops for half-a-mile before plunging down 2,000 feet into a valley where we hoped to camp. From the top we could see a small lake on the valley floor and prospects for a campsite looked reasonable. So down we went, scrambling and rock-hopping, |
- | the moss, we had a snug little camp. On the only other dry patch | + | |
- | of ground we got a fire going -rith driftwood from the lake (which turned | + | With the tent up and a thick layer of spruce boughs covering the moss, we had a snug little camp. On the only other dry patch of ground we got a fire going with driftwood from the lake (which turned out to be a beaver dam). At last we wriggled into our bags and I took a final peep at the outside world - the stars shone brilliantly and the air was quiet and still; life was good. |
- | out to be a beaver dam). At last we wriggled into our bass and I took a final peep at the outside world - the stars shone brilliantly and the | + | |
- | air was quiet and still; life was good. | + | About midnight I awoke with that strange feeling one gets when all is not well. Gradually I realised what the trouble was - from the tree tops came a surging roar; I succeeded in ignoring it for an hour or so by sinking deeper into the bag, but as if angered by this human apathy, the wind now attacked the tent, which billowed and flapped like a sail in a gale. One fear kept recurring - if the wind was so fearsome as this in the valley, what must it be like above treeline |
- | About midnight I awoke with that strange feeling one gets when | + | |
- | all is not well. Gradually I realised what the trouble was - from the tree tops came a surging roar; I succeeded in ignoring it for an hour | + | We could hibernate in the tent and try to outstay the weather; but with the reputation of this region uppermost in our minds, we feared that the weather might outstay us. On the other hand, we could try to get out now, and as the wind just then dropped somewhat as if to tempt us, we decided to make a break for it. The going down the valley looked tough, particularly as "the trail (actually only a negotiable |
- | or so by sinking deeper into the bag, but as if angered by this human apathy, the wind now attacked the tent, which billowed and flapped like a sail in a gale. One fear kept recurring - if the wind was so fearsome | + | |
- | as this in the valley, what must it be like above troeline | + | |
- | We could hibernate in the tent and try to outstay the weather; but with the reputation of this region uppermost in our minds, we feared that the weather might outstay us. On the other hand, we could try to get out now, and as the wind just then dropped somewhat as if to tempt us, we decided to make a break for it. The going down the valley looked tough, particularly as "the trail (actually only a ner; | + | |
The wind and driving rain were now in our faces and as we gained height the conditions worsened. In fact the wind chill was now severe and fingers and toes were soon numb with cold. Our groundsheet-capes were almost useless as great gusts of wind threatened to tear them from us (oh, for a parka!) But bit by bit we climbed until Joan, who was leading, yelled back, " | The wind and driving rain were now in our faces and as we gained height the conditions worsened. In fact the wind chill was now severe and fingers and toes were soon numb with cold. Our groundsheet-capes were almost useless as great gusts of wind threatened to tear them from us (oh, for a parka!) But bit by bit we climbed until Joan, who was leading, yelled back, " | ||
- | The Sydney Bushwalker September, 1963 | + | |
- | Forttnate1y7there- | + | Fortunately there was a big rock just below the crest which offered reasonable shelter, and, we huddled |
- | Of course it didn' | + | |
- | We spent the next hour or so c, | + | Of course it didn' |
- | (1) The world' | + | |
- | (2) Covered by mist for 300 days ofthe year; | + | We spent the next hour or so coming |
- | (3) Average annual temperature = 20"F., lowest temperature ever record | + | (1) The world' |
- | (4) Average annual wind velocity 33 to 40 Mph; | + | (2) Covered by mist for 300 days of the year; \\ |
- | (5) Annual snowfall (if it fell on Mt.Washineton | + | (3) Average annual temperature = 20F., lowest temperature ever record |
+ | (4) Average annual wind velocity 33 to 40 Mph; \\ | ||
+ | (5) Annual snowfall (if it fell on Mt. Washington | ||
Conveniently, | Conveniently, | ||
- | And they call this a hikers' | + | |
- | September, 1963. | + | And they call this a hikers' |
- | The Sydney DaShWaiker 15 | + | |
- | ,e4 | + | |
===== DAY WALK GUIDE ===== | ===== DAY WALK GUIDE ===== | ||
- | .ft. ..11*Lva. an, n. | ||
SEPTEMBER 15. Two walks this Sunday:- | SEPTEMBER 15. Two walks this Sunday:- | ||
- | (q) Cronulla - around the beaches to Kurnell 7 miles easy. This will make a most enjoyable day out and will provide | + | (a) Cronulla - around the beaches to Kurnell 7 miles easy. This will make a most enjoyable day out and will provide |
- | thing a little different than usual and provide an opportunity | + | |
- | to see at first hand the flora at Lurnell | + | |
- | is of great interest. | + | |
Train 8.50 a m. electric, tickets to Cronulla. Fare: 5/6 return. | Train 8.50 a m. electric, tickets to Cronulla. Fare: 5/6 return. | ||
- | Leader: Margaret Wilson. ' | + | Leader: Margaret Wilson. ' |
- | OR | + | OR \\ |
(b) Berowra - Joe Crafts Creek - Cowan. 8 miles medium. | (b) Berowra - Joe Crafts Creek - Cowan. 8 miles medium. | ||
- | An excellent chance to view wild flowers in the Hawksbury | + | An excellent chance to view wild flowers in the Hawkesbury |
and this trip also takes in pleasant creek walking and is an excellent forerunner to test walks. | and this trip also takes in pleasant creek walking and is an excellent forerunner to test walks. | ||
Train 8.40 a m. Electric via the bridge, tickets return to Cowan. Change at Hornsby (9.26 a m.) Fare 7/7 return. | Train 8.40 a m. Electric via the bridge, tickets return to Cowan. Change at Hornsby (9.26 a m.) Fare 7/7 return. | ||
Leader: Alex Colley 'Phone 442707. | Leader: Alex Colley 'Phone 442707. | ||
+ | |||
SEPTEMBER 22. Two walks this Sunday also | SEPTEMBER 22. Two walks this Sunday also | ||
(a) Brooklyn - Porto Day - Edwards Trig - Cole Trig - Cowan. | (a) Brooklyn - Porto Day - Edwards Trig - Cole Trig - Cowan. | ||
- | 12 miles medium with rough sections. | + | 12 miles medium with rough sections. For those who would like to enjoy a really good walk, this trip will serve you well. It is of pattern test walk standard and is recommended to prospectives who have been " |
- | For those who would like to enjoy a really good walk, this trip | + | Train 7.54 a m. to Hawkesbury |
- | will serve you well. It is of pattern test walk standard and is | + | |
- | recommended to prospectives who have been " | + | |
- | Train 7.54 a m. to Hawkssbury | + | |
Walks Programme time appears incorrect, please check with leader. | Walks Programme time appears incorrect, please check with leader. | ||
- | Fare 12/3 return. Leader - Ron Knightley Phone 483747. OR | + | Fare 12/3 return. Leader - Ron Knightley Phone 483747. |
+ | OR \\ | ||
(b) Glenbrook - Campfire Creek Redhand Cave - Euroka - Glenbrook. 12 miles medium. | (b) Glenbrook - Campfire Creek Redhand Cave - Euroka - Glenbrook. 12 miles medium. | ||
- | An excellent trip in the blue labyrinth, There will be plenty of | + | An excellent trip in the blue labyrinth. There will be plenty of |
- | wildflowers as well as the notable Red Hand Cave of aboriginal fame. The walk is also a good test walk. Train 8,45 m. :to Glenbrook | + | wildflowers as well as the notable Red Hand Cave of aboriginal fame. The walk is also a good test walk. Train 8,45 m. to Glenbrook from Steam Train Terminal. Walks programme is incorrect for train time. Fare 14/5 return. Leader John Holly BU5585---- |
- | from Steam Train Terminal. Walks programme is incorrect for train time. Fare 14/5 return. Leader John Holly nu55557---- | + | |
- | SEPTEMBER 29. Waterfall - Mt, Westmacott Myuna Creek - Heathcote. 12 miles medium. | + | SEPTEMBER 29. Waterfall - Mt Westmacott |
- | and there is pleasant creek walking. Train 8.20 a m. Electrict | + | |
- | from Central. Tickets to Waterfall alight | + | |
OCTOBER 6. - No programmed walk. | OCTOBER 6. - No programmed walk. | ||
+ | |||
OCTOBER 13. Douglas Park - Nepean River - Menangle. 10 miles medium. | OCTOBER 13. Douglas Park - Nepean River - Menangle. 10 miles medium. | ||
This area has not been traversed for some time and will provide an | This area has not been traversed for some time and will provide an | ||
- | excellent day's excursion. If the weather is warm a quick swim could be arranged. Train 8,22 a m. Steam. Tickets to Douglas Park. Leader - Jim Drown - 812675. | + | excellent day's excursion. If the weather is warm a quick swim could be arranged. Train 8.22 a m. Steam. Tickets to Douglas Park. Leader - Jim Brown - 812675. |
- | 16. The Sydney Bushwalker September, 1963 | + | |
===== SCIENCE NATURALLY | ===== SCIENCE NATURALLY | ||
- | BowerBirds are restricted to Australia and New Guinea. They are about the size of the common pigeon and, except for their colouring, are rather ordinary looking birds with mediumsized | + | BowerBirds are restricted to Australia and New Guinea. They are about the size of the common pigeon and, except for their colouring, are rather ordinary looking birds with medium sized pointed beaks and fairly strong feet. |
- | However, bowerbirds are unique for several reasons, the best known being the remarkable display structure built by the male. Some species actually " | + | |
- | 717 | + | However, bowerbirds are unique for several reasons, the best known being the remarkable display structure built by the male. Some species actually " |
- | , | + | |
- | I r 1! ) 1 | + | We have seven different kinds or species, The 'Satin Bowerbird' |
- | / '),\ \'' | + | |
- | I i "/ AY\\\'' | + | |
- | I ;I | + | |
- | ! I | + | |
- | i lf; | + | |
- | \ \ . | + | |
- | , | + | |
- | 7 | + | |
- | ' '7= | + | |
- | - | + | |
- | \ Tht:I S:ttin Bower-bird iolci,'Fte'; rh h er nrATe | + | |
- | (r | ||
- | wer | ||
- | September, 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 17. | ||
- | n.., | ||
- | We have seven different kinds or species, The 'Satin Bowerbird' | ||
- | (male a sheeny blueblack; female a drab olive-Igreen) extends. through | ||
- | the coastal forests of the east from Melbourne to Cape York. The '' | ||
- | Bowerbird' | ||
- | the Spotted Bowerbird, is distributed right across the north of the continent. The extraordinary ' | ||
A number of different bowerbirds, some of them brilliantly coloured, are confined. to New Guinea. | A number of different bowerbirds, some of them brilliantly coloured, are confined. to New Guinea. | ||
- | Closely related to the bowerbirds are the green Catbirds (socalled | ||
- | because their call resembles the meowing of a cat), living in the rain | ||
- | forests of eastern Australia north from Cambewarra, near Nowra, N.S.W. | ||
- | These birds do not build display structures. | ||
- | The Bower: The display structures of the bowerbirds-may be of several | ||
- | different kinds. The Satin Bowerbird constructs two parallel walls of | ||
- | stocks, about 18 inches long and a foot high, in a clearing on the floor of the forest. The structure is Ieautifylly fashioned, as shown in the | ||
- | illustration. Around the bower (which has nothing to do with the nest) | ||
- | are strewn other fine sticks and dried grass and a variety of objects of | ||
- | two colours | ||
- | toys, and so on. Into the greenishyellow category come bleached snail | ||
- | shells, dried strands of grass and small yellow flowers that are renewed daily. In and around his bower the male sings and displays. Here most of his courting is done and his performance continues throughout the breeding | ||
- | season, the female alone building the nest and rearing the family. | ||
- | The bowers of the Spotted and Great Bowerbirds resemble those of the | ||
- | Satin Bowerbird, but the decorations are different, bleached shells and | ||
- | bleached bones being especially favoured. The Regent Bowerbird seldom | ||
- | builds a bower, and then it is only a small, flimsy structure. The Tooth | ||
- | billed Bowerbird merely decorates a cleared space on the jungle floor with large leaves, placed with the bottoms up so as to show their pale undersurface. The Golden Bowerbird, by contrast, constructs a gaint structure that bears little resemblance in shape to those of the commoner | ||
- | species. Sticks are piled against a pair of saplings, so that a "twin | ||
- | pyramid" | ||
- | structure recorded is one 9 feet high on one side and 6 feet 6 inches on the | ||
- | other. The area adjacent to the displayperch is decorated with moss, lichen and berries. | ||
- | 18. The Sydney Dushwalkor, | ||
- | September, 1963 | ||
- | Lamaresmarmwesuannatewn | ||
- | juplas This consists of hopping and " | ||
- | being brought, and the bird lifts and straightens the sticks that compose | ||
- | the walls. On occasions it also " | ||
- | low, rasping and guttural, with a certain amount of mimicry of other | ||
- | species. The dancing reaches a peak when the female alights near the bower and the male hops about her with wings extended and draped. | ||
- | The whole of the elaborate bowerbuilding and display of the bowerbirds | ||
- | is accepted today as being associated with courtship and with the maintenance of " | ||
- | territories are highly " | ||
- | for one adult male to sneak into his nuighbourls domain and, in a few | ||
- | minutes, completely flatten his bower. Should the owner return prematurely a wild chase and fight ensue0 the interloper twisting and turning through the trees as he socks to escape his enraged pursuer. The rebuilding of | ||
- | a bower takes a couple of days. | ||
- | Food: Dowerbirds as a whole eat insects, native berries and fruit. It | ||
- | has been pointed out by Dr. A.J. Marshall, the authority on the group, that the Satin Dowerbird of our eastern forests has her young just about | ||
- | the time cicadas are plentiful and that these form one of the main foods of the young. In autumn some of the bowerbirds, notably the Satih Dower bird, flock, and may then enter orchards and feed on fruit. | ||
- | Nesting: The nests of bowerbirds are cupchaped structures of sticks, generally built high up in trees. The nest need not be near the bower, | ||
- | and, in any event, has nothing to do with it. The male never shows the | ||
- | slightest interest in the nest from time it is started until the young | ||
- | leave. The eggs of the bowerbiras are varied in apPearance but in some, such as the Satin Dowerbird, they are beautifully streaked and marked. They take about a fortnight to hatch and the young are in the nest for a similar period. Young birds are ereenish in colouration, | ||
- | ===== PROSPECTIVES | + | Closely related to the bowerbirds are the green Catbirds (so called because their call resembles the meowing of a cat), living in the rain |
+ | forests of eastern Australia north from Cambewarra, near Nowra, N.S.W. These birds do not build display structures. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __The Bower__: The display structures of the bowerbirds may be of several different kinds. The Satin Bowerbird constructs two parallel walls of stocks, about 18 inches long and a foot high, in a clearing on the floor of the forest. The structure is beautifully fashioned, as shown in the illustration. Around the bower (which has nothing to do with the nest) are strewn other fine sticks and dried grass and a variety of objects of two colours blue and greenish yellow. Thus one finds blue parrot feathers, pieces of blue glass, bits of blue cloth, cardboard and broken plastic toys, and so on. Into the greenish yellow category come bleached snail shells, dried strands of grass and small yellow flowers that are renewed daily. In and around his bower the male sings and displays. Here most of his courting is done and his performance continues throughout the breeding season, the female alone building the nest and rearing the family. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The bowers of the Spotted and Great Bowerbirds resemble those of the Satin Bowerbird, but the decorations are different, bleached shells and bleached bones being especially favoured. The Regent Bowerbird seldom builds a bower, and then it is only a small, flimsy structure. The Tooth billed Bowerbird merely decorates a cleared space on the jungle floor with large leaves, placed with the bottoms up so as to show their pale undersurface. The Golden Bowerbird, by contrast, constructs a gaint structure that bears little resemblance in shape to those of the commoner species. Sticks are piled against a pair of saplings, so that a "twin pyramid" | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Display__: | ||
+ | |||
+ | The whole of the elaborate bower building and display of the bowerbirds is accepted today as being associated with courtship and with the maintenance of " | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Food__: Bowerbirds as a whole eat insects, native berries and fruit. It has been pointed out by Dr. A.J. Marshall, the authority on the group, that the Satin Bowerbird of our eastern forests has her young just about the time cicadas are plentiful and that these form one of the main foods of the young. In autumn some of the bowerbirds, notably the Satin Bowerbird, flock, and may then enter orchards and feed on fruit. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Nesting__: | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== PROSPECTIVES CLUB GEAR FOR HIRE. ===== | ||
- | Packs 71 per day | ||
- | Tents 2/- per day. | ||
- | Groundsheets are supplied fee with the above items. Gear can be picked up on Wednesday evenings and returned the following Wednesday. See FRANK SHDOWN or SANDRA DARDWELL to make arrangements for hire.' | ||
Financial prospective members can hire gear from the club at the following rates. | Financial prospective members can hire gear from the club at the following rates. | ||
- | September, 1963 The Sydney Bushwalker 19. | ||
- | ===== FEDERATION REPORT | + | Packs 71 per day \\ |
+ | Tents 2/- per day | ||
+ | Groundsheets are supplied free with the above items. Gear can be picked up on Wednesday evenings and returned the following Wednesday. See FRANK ASHDOWN or SANDRA BARDWELL to make arrangements for hire. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== FEDERATION REPORT - AUGUST 1963. ===== | ||
Wilf Hilder. | Wilf Hilder. | ||
- | Bouddi | + | |
- | been tar sealed and the trust are carrying out track maintenance and clearing in the park. The trust wants to rehabilitate Putty Beach | + | __Bouddi |
- | (disfigured by Rutile Mining) but is haored | + | |
- | order to raise finance for the park, the trust are now charging camping fees | + | __Timber |
- | Timber | + | |
- | proposal to cut Alpine Ash in two areas of the K.S.P (Further details | + | __Jooriland |
- | are given in the August issue of the National Parks Journal). Federation promptly dealt with this outrageous proposal by sending strong protests | + | |
- | to the Lands Department and the K.S.P. | + | __Hoddle's Track, Saddleback |
- | Jooriland | + | |
- | Board' | + | __Docker's Ladders - Perry' |
- | 17,000 acres in the Joorilands Creek area; County Camden parishes Nattai | + | |
- | and Wanganderry. Federation realised the amount of good that grazing animals do in reducing fire risk by grazing, keeping open and making trails | + | __Chairlift |
- | etc. This far outweighed the small amount of pollution they casued. The leases also eortified | + | |
- | Hoddle's Track Saddleback | + | __Grose |
- | well known track which descends from the Barren Grounds (Fauna Reserve) plateau and climbs onto Saddleback Mtn and joins the Kiama road. It is | + | |
- | now well blazed and cleared though still muddy and slipDery | + | __Duke |
- | Docker's Ladders - Perry' | + | |
- | Trust are reconstructing the Docker' | + | __Search |
- | wooden steps and reforming the whole trail, which has been very slippery in the past. | + | |
- | Chairlift | + | __Bimonthly Magazine__: A committee has been formed to look into all aspects of producing a Federation bimonthly magazine. Such a magazine is not intended to compete or do away with Club magazines, but would contain some reprints from Club magazines as well as new material etc. |
- | Grose Valley Primitive | + | |
- | on fire roads in adjacent areas to the Grose Valley Primitive Area, County Cook, parishes Blackheath, Irvine, Jamieson, Grose, Bilpin and Burralow. | + | __Reafforestations__ |
- | Duke of Edinburgh' | + | |
- | Award. Federation has offered to train these people in map reading, safety | + | __Information__: The Federation is seeking further information on a farmer who has allegedly prevented walkers from access to the Six Foot Track, County Cook, Parish of Megalong. Failing a settlement of the dispute in a friendly discussion Federation will seek legal advice. Federation is seeking further information on an Army proposal to construct a large artillery range in Nattai Valley. Also on a Water Board proposal to install a locked gate at Mt. Werong; Westmoreland County, Bonshea parish on the Oberon Stock Route road. This road is virtually impassible to ordinary vehicles at Ruby Creek bridge, Abercorn parish. |
- | a. 20. . The Sydney Bushwalkor September, 1963 | + | |
- | walking and camping by them unofficial prospective members of the various clubs and making sure that they are taught properly. | + | __New Maps__: Bulletin No 17 N.S.W. Mines Department, |
- | .Search | + | |
- | Federation and all bushwalkers. | + | A map of the Thunder Canyon area, County Cook, Irvine and Bilpin parishes, appears in the latest issue of the Kameruka magazine. This is a useful sketch map. |
- | , | + | |
- | . intended to compete or do away with Club magazines, but would contain some reprints from Club magazines as well as new material etc. | + | For a review of these maps and also a review of new books see the October issue of the magazine. |
- | Reafforestations | + | |
- | area. The Forestry Commission | + | |
- | Park Trust will also plant tress in selected areas in Garaw=aiand | + | |
- | Information: The Federation is seeking further information on a farmer who has allegedly prevented walkers from access to the Six Foot Track, County | + | |
- | Cook, Parish of Megalong. Failing a settlement of the dispute in a friendly discussion Federation will seek legal advice. | + | |
- | Federation is seeking further information on an Army proposal | + | |
- | to construct a large artillery range in Nattai Valley. Also on a Water Board proposal to install a locked gate at Mt. Werong; Westmoreland County, | + | |
- | Bonshea parish on the Oberon Stock Route road,'This. road. i e virtually impassible to ordinary vehicles at Ruby Creek bridge? Abercorn parish. | + | |
- | New Maa: Bulletin No 17 N.S.W. Mines Depafotment? | + | |
- | 1 inch to 1 mile do not show ridges only creeks and geological boundaries | + | |
- | and are extremely interesting, An explanatory | + | |
- | A revised edition of Myles Dunphy' | + | |
- | A map of the Thunder Canyon area? County Cook, Irvine and Bilpin parishes, | + | |
- | appears in the latest issue of the Kameruka magazine. This is a useful sketch map. | + | |
- | For a review of these maps and a:r so a review of new books see the | + | |
- | October issue of the magazine, | + | |
196309.txt · Last modified: 2014/03/13 21:18 by richard_pattison