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- | No. 11. February, 1933. | + | No. 11 February 1933 |
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__Publishing Committee: | __Publishing Committee: | ||
- | Misses Brenda White, (Editor), Marjorie Hill, Dorothy Lawry, Rene Browne and Mr. Myles Dunphy. | + | Misses Brenda White (Editor), Marjorie Hill, Dorothy Lawry, Rene Browne and Mr Myles Dunphy. |
===== Editorial ===== | ===== Editorial ===== | ||
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beloved Barrier. I have not yet heard of any aeroplane fiends in the Club but who knows what surprises 1933 holds in store? | beloved Barrier. I have not yet heard of any aeroplane fiends in the Club but who knows what surprises 1933 holds in store? | ||
- | | + | ===== Through the Granite Gorges ===== |
- | Jenolan Caves to Yerranderie via Council | + | |
- | Three o' | + | Jenolan Caves to Yerranderie via Council |
- | At six o' | + | |
+ | Three o' | ||
+ | |||
+ | At six o' | ||
A daybreak start had been decided on, but day did not break in the normal sense of the word, it came in the shape of a waterfall and the rain held us up. Just before nine we set off hoping that the rain had not been enough to register a rise in the rivers. | A daybreak start had been decided on, but day did not break in the normal sense of the word, it came in the shape of a waterfall and the rain held us up. Just before nine we set off hoping that the rain had not been enough to register a rise in the rivers. | ||
- | Our objective and the main feature of the trip was to reach the foot of Morong Falls which fall a distance of fifteen hundred feet from the Boyd Plateau into the Kawmung | + | |
- | After following the Kanangra Walls road along the Boyd Plateau for a distance of about half a mile, a cut was made off to the right into the head of Council Chambers | + | Our objective and the main feature of the trip was to reach the foot of Morong Falls which fall a distance of fifteen hundred feet from the Boyd Plateau into the Kowmung |
- | gding at the start had been more or less easy, but gradually the undulating slopes merged into steep and almost precipitous sides, and lunch time found us in the Hollanders River which is formed by numerous creeks like the one we came down, all | + | |
- | draining off the Boyd Plateau At ten past three we came to the junction of Budth: | + | After following the Kanangra Walls road along the Boyd Plateau for a distance of about half a mile, a cut was made off to the right into the head of Council Chambers |
At the next bend the last of the open spaces was left behind and the Hollander' | At the next bend the last of the open spaces was left behind and the Hollander' | ||
- | That night the tent WAS pitched | + | |
- | Setting off again the canyon was found to become steeper and rougher still, necessitating a great number of crossings, quite a few of them being extremely difficult. In all, twenty-three crossings were made on the Hollanders, and at eleven o' | + | That night the tent was pitched |
- | on to the Tuglaw | + | |
- | Tuglaw R5vor and then two rather weary walkers made their way downstream till one of the masterpieces of Nature | + | Setting off again the canyon was found to become steeper and rougher still, necessitating a great number of crossings, quite a few of them being extremely difficult. In all, twenty-three crossings were made on the Hollanders, and at eleven o' |
- | The river bends in an S curve through reddish granite, straightens out again and then plunges over the triple falls through a grey and white granite chasm, which appears to be carved from a solid block of stone by some mighty hand. Looking | + | |
- | into the valley of the Kowmung River which is formed by the merging of the two streams, the Hollanders and the Tuglow. After a terribly hard climb we reached the floor of the valley and made camp for the night. | + | The river bends in an S curve through reddish granite, straightens out again and then plunges over the triple falls through a grey and white granite chasm, which appears to be carved from a solid block of stone by some mighty hand. Looking |
- | .Just after tea we were treated to one of the most picturesque sunsets I have ever seen. The dying sun worked around the hillside into the chasm that makes | + | |
- | the Tuglaw | + | Just after tea we were treated to one of the most picturesque sunsets I have ever seen. The dying sun worked around the hillside into the chasm that makes the Tuglow |
- | Early morning found us out of bed and inspecting the falls of Tuglaw | + | |
- | backs were turned to the campsite and a course set down the Kawmung | + | Early morning found us out of bed and inspecting the falls of Tuglow |
- | continually rebuffed, tore and beat us. Just before lunch we reached the Tuglow limestone | + | most intent on the completion of our trip we admired this marvellous sight from a distance. The beginning of the granite gorge into which the river Morong |
- | crop is reputed to be honeycombed to the extreme and most dangerous. As we were | + | |
- | most intent on the completion of our trip we admired this marvellous sight from a distance. The beginning of the granite gorge into which the river Morang | + | A bend in the river brought us down and we came off the ridge at a point which marks a wonderful example of the beauty of Nature' |
- | falls was reached an hour or so after lunch. The river was absolutely impassable and we were forced high up on to a ridge on the right overlooking the river. | + | |
- | A bend in the river brought us dawn and we came off the ridge at a point which marks a wonderful example of the beauty of Nature' | + | From the divide between Horse Gully and Tuglow |
- | necessary to take to the hillsides, but with no appreciable success as we were forced | + | |
- | From the divide between Horse Gully and Tuglaw | + | Tuglow |
- | the eastern side are marvellous. One could not under any pretext call. them beautiful, but they are grand, inspiring and immense, dropping in places for easily a thousand feet into the river and but a degree or two out of the perpendicular, | + | |
- | Tvglow | + | The early morning sun found us up and at work again. While we agreed that it would be impossible to make the falls fully laden, there was just a chance that the way might be possible if one went empty handed and was prepared |
- | necessity small, threw only enough light to give the whole business a grotesque air. | + | |
- | The early morning sun found us up and at work again. While we agreed that it would be impossible to make the falls fully laden, there was just a chance that the way might be possible if one went empty handed and was pre pared to take a chance. Immediately after breakfast we began the journey, carrying only the camera, axe and scaling rope. The camera was wrapped in oiled silk as we were intent on reaching the falls even if it entailed a swim. When only a few hun- | + | At a quarter to eleven a descent was made into the river down a steep, treacherous slide of loose gravel. This brought us out on to a stretch of shell pink granite several hundred feet long, over which the water played as it went ever onward to the sea. Continuing on downstream for a little way our eyes were suddenly confronted with the most welcome sight of the trip - the tail end of Morong Falls. The upper fall is not visible from the river and a climb of about four hundred feet had to be undertaken. It was hard work but well rewarded. Falling sheer for hundreds of feet in an immense bridal veil the water gathers again in a big granite basin; then down a series of steep deep cascades to halt, momentarily, |
- | dred yards down the Kawmung | + | |
- | At a quarter to eleven a descent was made into the river dawn a steep, treacherous slide of loose gravel. This-brought us out on to a stretch of shell | + | We diamond blazed a tree to the left of the big fall and felt mighty proud while doing so, for we believe ourselves to be the first to ever reach the foot of these marvellous |
- | p: | + | |
- | Morong Falls. The upper fall is not visible from the river and a climb of about | + | Camp was reached again at two, and a rather belated dinner partaken of. It then being too late in the day to continue our journey, we decided to stop overnight in Tuglow Hole and start off bright and early in the morning. For the only time on the trip the sun was beaten out of bed, and at six o' |
- | four hundred feet had to be undertaken* It was hard work but well rewarded, Falling sheer for hundreds of feet in an immense bridal veil the water gathers again in a big granite basin; then down a series of steep deep cascades to halt, momentarily, | + | us faced with the alternative of climbing about nine hundred feet down into a creek or stepping off what we thought to be a cliff. We took the creek and for two hours had the struggle of a lifetime, fighting and climbing through the almost impenetrable jungle undergrowth, |
- | We diamond blazed a tree to the left of the big fall and felt mighty proud while doing so, for we believe ourselves to be the first to ever reach the foot of these marvellous | + | |
- | Camp was reached again at two, and a rather belated dinner partaken of. It then being too late in the day to continue our journey, we decided to stop overnight in Tuglow Hole and start off bright and early in the morning. For the only time on the trip the sun was beaten out of bed, and at six o' | + | The Kowmung |
- | light breakfast we set off up the mountain side from Tuglow Hole. Seven o' | + | |
- | found us blown and almost beaten; but on top. Shortly after reaching the top | + | After lunch and a good long spell we started off again, and then the fun began. Our last way out being left behind, the river began to play with us. It was very amusing for a little while; very - climbing up smooth slippery granite slopes anything up to fifty feet high and then hauling the packs up on the rope, swinging round corners on the rope like trained steeple jacks, hopping down the river on giant stepping stones, |
- | of the ridge Morong was sighted away on the left. It was a magnificnet | + | |
- | on the previous day. The ridge fizzled right out about nine o' | + | High concave walls drove us up for about a hundred feet to find that it was practically impossible to get down again; then up again, up a steep granite slide, I went up first using toes, fingers, knees and ankles. Next step was to climb round the cliff face through a forest of prickly shrubs before a descent was possible down a giant' |
- | us faced with the alternative of climbing about nine hundred feet down into a | + | |
- | creek or stepping off what we thought to be a cliff. We took the creek and for | + | It was well after four before we struck anything resembling a camp site in any shape, form or description. Then one could hardly call it a camp site. It was low; dangerously |
- | two hours had the struggle of a lifetime, fighting and climbing through the almost impenetrable jungle undergrowth, | + | |
- | The Kawmung | + | Just before dark I climbed round the bend in the river to see if perhaps fate, after buffeting |
- | After lunch and a good long spell NVB started off again, and then the fun began. Our last way out being left behind, the river began to play with us. | + | |
- | It was very amusing for a little while; very - climbing up smooth slippery granite slopes anything up to fifty feet high and then hauling the packs up an the rope, swinging round corners on the rope like trained steeple jacks, hopping down the river on giant stepping stones, | + | Finding it impossible to make the Boyd Range we set off around the foothills, but were again forced down into the river shortly after passing |
- | High concave walls drove us up for about a hundred feet to find that it was practically impossible to get down again; then up again, up a steep granite slide, I went up first using toes, fingers, knees and ankles. Next step was to climb round the cliff face through a forest of prickly shrubs before a descent was possible down a giant' | + | |
- | was necessary up a severe cleft in the gorge face itself. This last effort was | + | Checking up it was discovered that we were about four hundred yards downstream from the last gorge and it had taken us three hours and a climb up and down of about a thousand feet to do it. The country opened out rather well and about another |
- | required to dodge a piece of river about five yards long. The next sight almost | + | |
- | justified the effort. The river divided round an immense granite island | + | At six a.m. we rolled out of bed on what we hoped was going to be the last day of the trip. Setting off we found the going to be more than peculiar - sometimes over nice green sward, then up and over big rocks and bluffs, through dense undergrowth, |
- | river, forming again in a large rock-bound pool by way-of miniature waterfalls, | + | |
- | only to split again and join farther downstream. | + | After lunch the journey was resumed and at ten past four, after a most strenuous afternoon, |
- | It was well after four before we struck anything resembling a camp site in any shape, form or description. Then one could hardly call it a camp site. It | + | |
- | was law; dangerously | + | Bed was sought early that evening for we were nearly all in. But although tired out we were happy, for having come through the roughest and toughest part of the mountains we were nearly knocking at the back door of civilisation after nine strenuous nerve-racking days. The last day proved to be the hardest of all. The heat of the sun even at the early hour of six, was unbearable. |
- | Just before dark I climbed round the bend in the river to see if perhaps fate, after buffeting | + | |
- | any idea of a plan for getting past the waterfall which completely blocked our passage, and we wound up by making a most difficult detour which took over an hour | + | Our first view of Yerranderie was gained from the saddle above the coalseam on the range overlooking the Tonalli River. Another three quarters of an hour brought |
- | to complete and carried us about another forty yards downstream. In another two | + | |
- | and a half hours we were approximately a mile farther | + | I have heard this said of the Kowmung |
- | alternative, | + | |
- | Finding it impossible to make the Boyd Range we set off around the foothills, but were again forced down into the river shortly after passing | + | |
- | Checking up it was discovered that we were about four hundred yards downstream from the last gorge and it had taken us three; hours and a climb up and dawn of about a thousand feet to do it. The country opened out rather well and about *Another | + | |
- | At six a.m. we rolled out of bed on what we hoped was going to be the last day of the trip. Setting off we found the going to be more than peculiar - sometimes over nice green sward, then up and over big rocks and bluffs, through dense undergrowth, | + | |
- | After lunch the journey was resumed and at ten past four, after a most strenuous afternoon, | + | |
- | Bed was sought early that evening for we were nearly all ia. But although tired out we were happy, for having come through the roughest and toughest part of the mountains we were nearly knocking at the back door of civilisation after nine strenuous nerve .,racking days. The last day proved to be the hardest of all. The heat of the sun even at the early hour of six, was unbearable. | + | |
- | Our first view of Yerranderie was gained from the saddle above the coalseam on the range overlooking the Tonalli River. Another three quarters of an hour brought | + | |
- | I have heard this said of the Kawmung | + | |
It'll do me for a definition. | It'll do me for a definition. | ||
- | BARRY SAVAGE. | + | |
- | "BEND DOViN, RICHARD" | + | Harry Savage |
- | As he walked down the Kommung | + | |
- | One pleasant Eastertide, | + | ===== "Bend Down, Richard" |
- | Just five feet high a bough hung - To pass beneath he tried. | + | |
- | He found no matter how young | + | As he walked down the Kowmung\\ |
- | Or sprightly one might be, | + | One pleasant Eastertide,\\ |
- | The "glove was from his brow wrung | + | Just five feet high a bough hung -\\ |
+ | To pass beneath he tried.\\ | ||
+ | He found no matter how young\\ | ||
+ | Or sprightly one might be,\\ | ||
+ | The "glow" | ||
When he was six foot three. | When he was six foot three. | ||
- | 4c,< | + | |
- | This is not a tale of a walk, but a super-walk, to wit - a cycling trip one wintry Thursday in October 1932. Cycling and walking are closely related, perhaps enough to let this tale slip into the S.BX. Magazine. | + | |
- | Just about 6 on a crisp nippy morning, my feet parted company with Mother Earth to meet the old girl again at Campbelltawn | + | This is not a tale of a walk, but a super-walk, to wit - a cycling trip one wintry Thursday in October 1932. Cycling and walking are closely related, perhaps enough to let this tale slip into the SBW Magazine. |
- | Was a glorious day for walking or anything -beautiful roads and perfect silence save for song birds mnd a very occasional car, in fact all the joys of mid-bush plus a silent speedy gliding through cool scented air. | + | |
- | Rising out of Campbelltown on the Appin Rd. a gorgeous panorama spread out - nearby deep green meadows - grazing | + | Just about 6 on a crisp nippy morning, my feet parted company with Mother Earth to meet the old girl again at Campbelltown |
- | Gangerang and Colong like two mighty elephants in the far distance. South | + | |
- | Then, to add to it, light fleecy clouds began to float in - their shadows deep purple moving | + | Was a glorious day for walking or anything - beautiful roads and perfect silence save for song birds and a very occasional car, in fact all the joys of mid-bush plus a silent speedy gliding through cool scented air. |
- | Campbelltown to Appin is a gorgeous run; much of the roadside is lined with the gums that may have been there when the road was built. For quite a distance they meet overhead making a canopy of rare beauty with the dappling shadows on the red road, then far off ahead that little patch men call the sky. A swaggie was passing carrying the usual M.T.C. whopper pack. Some day I'll have the luck to see one open and in UBE). 'Tis said that way back in the city, dainty | + | |
- | Appin is a wee village with a big pa. and much wattle in its time. On to the Bulli Rd' | + | Rising out of Campbelltown on the Appin Road a gorgeous panorama spread out - nearby deep green meadows - grazing |
- | thrilling grilling filling swilling time. On again to Burn Lookout, a strong wind now putting life into everything - nice part here - plenty of flowers, trees | + | |
- | and water. The Lookout - and what a day for it. Pacific Ocean just a huge deep blue cloth with scalloped edges trimmed with foamy lace and yellow sand tints - | + | Then, to add to it, light fleecy clouds began to float in - their shadows deep purple moving |
- | every house and shack crystal clear way down Wollongong and on. The Five Dads. | + | |
- | as close as five minutes. On again along the top road, now perfect asphalt, | + | Campbelltown to Appin is a gorgeous run; much of the roadside is lined with the gums that may have been there when the road was built. For quite a distance they meet overhead making a canopy of rare beauty with the dappling shadows on the red road, then far off ahead that little patch men call the sky. A swaggie was passing carrying the usual M.T.C. whopper pack. Some day I'll have the luck to see one open and in use. 'Tis said that way back in the city, dainty |
- | more widespread landscape and often the ocean on the right. The wind now a shrieking fiend. Noon with an hour to burn. Pulled up near Waterfall in cosy shelter of road embankment and right by a crystal pool. On again . the familiar spots, | + | |
- | To those with a liking for stistioks, the distance oovered was 90 miles - tucker used, including breakfast: 1 plate porridge, 4 slices bread, 2 scones,-'lb. steak, 2 oz. cheese, half doz. giagernuts, 1 qt. tea. Now compare that foodliat | + | Appin is a wee village with a big pub and much wattle in its time. On to the Bulli Road and where George' |
- | Rains Rain!! RAIN!!! | + | as close as five minutes. On again along the top road, now perfect asphalt, more widespread landscape and often the ocean on the right. The wind now a shrieking fiend. Noon with an hour to burn. Pulled up near Waterfall in cosy shelter of road embankment and right by a crystal pool. On again - the familiar spots, |
+ | |||
+ | To those with a liking for stisticks, the distance oovered was 90 miles - tucker used, including breakfast: 1 plate porridge, 4 slices bread, 2 scones, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Says Taro. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Rain! Rain!! RAIN!!! | ||
If only it never rained. | If only it never rained. | ||
- | Haw we could cut the weight down. | + | |
- | We could go trotting round the bush with a blanket in one hand and a billy in the other and brave all perils with impunity. Unfortunately, | + | How we could cut the weight down. |
- | occasionally rain (as those of us who read the papers will know) and then we bless or curse the man Who made our camping gear. | + | |
- | Mf gear doesn' | + | We could go trotting round the bush with a blanket in one hand and a billy in the other and brave all perils with impunity. Unfortunately, |
- | only until it rains, what good is it? Better leave it at home or cut it up | + | |
- | for ration bags. And so with groundsheet, | + | If gear doesn' |
- | A. wise camper is never caught unprepared twice and if the recent rain found a weakness in your outfit, get it remedied now. Do not wait to be caught again. Paddy Pallin will willingly place his knowledge at your disposal, so do not hesitate to take old gear to him for alteration or repair. If new equipment is necessary a large stock of tested goods awaits your inspection. | + | |
- | The " | + | A wise camper is never caught unprepared twice and if the recent rain found a weakness in your outfit, get it remedied now. Do not wait to be caught again. Paddy Pallin will willingly place his knowledge at your disposal, so do not hesitate to take old gear to him for alteration or repair. If new equipment is necessary a large stock of tested goods awaits your inspection. |
- | It stands 5 feet high and holds two people and their gear easily, with room for another if necessary. Made in best quality japara, it weighs only ai ibs and | + | |
- | the price is W.-. Why go homeless. when 30/- will buy such a tent. | + | The " |
- | P.A. PALLIN, | + | |
- | 312 George Street, | + | F A Pallin\\ |
- | STOP PRESS: | + | 312 George Street, |
- | STOCK OF COMPASSES - Prismatic and ordinary, PEDOMETERS, PACEOMETERS & MAP MEASURES | + | (above Hallams, Chemists, opp Wynyard Station) |
- | NOW ON BAND. | + | |
- | KOSCIUSKO | + | __STOP |
- | The word " | + | STOCK OF COMPASSES - Prismatic and ordinary |
+ | __NOW ON HAND__ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== Kosciusko | ||
+ | |||
+ | The word " | ||
Further, as there is no bush neither can there be extended meetings round the camp fire at night with the consequent long vigils in bed in the morning and sumptuous meals at all hours. | Further, as there is no bush neither can there be extended meetings round the camp fire at night with the consequent long vigils in bed in the morning and sumptuous meals at all hours. | ||
- | Kosciusko is not for people who want these things. It is essentially | + | |
- | In Kosciusko we have a plateau 5000 to 7000 feet high stretching about sixty miles. The valleys within the plateau are about 1000 to 3.500 feet deep, while from the edge you may look dawn as much as 6000 feet. Wherever you go on that plateau even in the hottest weather, you will find clear, bracing air, cool breezes, wide views, sparkling streams bordered with myriads of starlike flowers, and the air | + | Kosciusko is not for people who want these things. It is essentially |
- | fragrant with swamp epacris and other sweet smelling things. You can walk for | + | |
- | hours on end without tiring and with scenery utterly different from anything you are accustomed to, scenery wild and rugged perhaps rather than beautiful, but with the fascination of far horizons and the grandeur of naked hills. | + | In Kosciusko we have a plateau 5000 to 7000 feet high stretching about sixty miles. The valleys within the plateau are about 1000 to 1500 feet deep, while from the edge you may look down as much as 6000 feet. Wherever you go on that plateau even in the hottest weather, you will find clear, bracing air, cool breezes, wide views, sparkling streams bordered with myriads of starlike flowers, and the air fragrant with swamp epacris and other sweet smelling things. You can walk for hours on end without tiring and with scenery utterly different from anything you are accustomed to, scenery wild and rugged perhaps rather than beautiful, but with the fascination of far horizons and the grandeur of naked hills. |
- | But in order to enjoy it to the full you need. to know beforehand what you may expect in the matter of weather and what differences, | + | |
- | put in a pair of warm gloves and a fly veil. There are no mosquitoes or sand- | + | But in order to enjoy it to the full you need to know beforehand what you may expect in the matter of weather and what differences, |
- | flies-, and the flies are no worse than on the beaches; still they are the one pest and a fly veil makes all the difference to one's enjoyment. An eiderdown sleeping bag is essential at night for it is usually chilly. In the matter of footwear, rubber or nailed shoes are desirable for the snow grass is even more slippery than the bush. For your tent you must prdvide | + | |
- | While there are a few scattered clumps of snow-gum on the plateau, they will probably not occur at the spot where you wish to camp. You therefore cannot expect the usual camp fire. There is, however, plenty of small wood from the heathery plants almost anywhere to boil your billy and cook your dinner, Apart from that, a camp fire is scarcely called for, beacuse | + | While there are a few scattered clumps of snow-gum on the plateau, they will probably not occur at the spot where you wish to camp. You therefore cannot expect the usual camp fire. There is, however, plenty of small wood from the heathery plants almost anywhere to boil your billy and cook your dinner. Apart from that, a camp fire is scarcely called for, because |
- | - 10 - | + | |
- | The only disadvantage of Kosciusko is that even in summer it is subject to an occasional snow-blizzard, | + | The only disadvantage of Kosciusko is that even in summer it is subject to an occasional snow-blizzard, |
- | In such weather there are three things you may do:- Drop dawn below 5000 feet when there will probably be only rain, and walk on if you can without getting into scrub. Make for one of the huts, of which there are several and stay there till it clears. If you are near the road, go to the Chalet where you will be recoived | + | |
- | The weather will probably clear in about three days at most and stay clear for the rest of the time, and of course the chances of meeting weather like this Wall, are very remote. Generally, camping will be a sheer delight. There are bright, limpid streams everywhere, great boulders behind which you may find a sheltered spot for your tent. The most perfect camping spot I have ever found found was beside the Blue Lake. On the hillside above was a large snow rift which melted to form a gurgling brook that ran down beside our tent between flower- strewn banks and fell into clear, deep pools, cold but invigorating. Behind the tent was a huge rock which completely sheltered it, while in front we looked down upon the rock-encircled lake. Across the hills overhead the prevailing westerly wind blew with bitter force, but down in our little valley all was peace and calm, and on beds of fragrant wild thyme we slept untroubled from sunset to sunrise. | + | The weather will probably clear in about three days at most and stay clear for the rest of the time, and of course the chances of meeting weather like this at all, are very remote. Generally, camping will be a sheer delight. There are bright, limpid streams everywhere, great boulders behind which you may find a sheltered spot for your tent. The most perfect camping spot I have ever found found was beside the Blue Lake. On the hillside above was a large snow rift which melted to form a gurgling brook that ran down beside our tent between flower-strewn banks and fell into clear, deep pools, cold but invigorating. Behind the tent was a huge rock which completely sheltered it, while in front we looked down upon the rock-encircled lake. Across the hills overhead the prevailing westerly wind blew with bitter force, but down in our little valley all was peace and calm, and on beds of fragrant wild thyme we slept untroubled from sunset to sunrise. |
- | MARIE B. BTUS. | + | |
- | LITERARY EXPLORATIONS. | + | Marie B Byles |
- | Since you have all been too busy eating Christmas dinners, enjoying holiday trips, and generally " | + | |
- | stimulated to find something even more attractive for next issue. | + | ===== Literary Explorations ===== |
- | D.LAWRY. | + | |
- | THE OPEN ROAD | + | Since you have all been too busy eating Christmas dinners, enjoying holiday trips, and generally " |
- | The wide expanse and the laughing wind, | + | |
- | And the open road for me; | + | D Lawry |
- | With the winking stars in the roof of the sky, | + | |
- | A. night-light clear to see. Into the crimson sunset glow, | + | __The Open Road__ |
- | Over the rim of the world, | + | |
- | Whore the gum trees raise their arms in prayer, | + | The wide expanse and the laughing wind,\\ |
+ | And the open road for me;\\ | ||
+ | With the winking stars in the roof of the sky,\\ | ||
+ | A night-light clear to see.\\ | ||
+ | Into the crimson sunset glow,\\ | ||
+ | Over the rim of the world,\\ | ||
+ | Where the gum trees raise their arms in prayer,\\ | ||
With the banner of night unfurled. | With the banner of night unfurled. | ||
- | Over the ribbon-like, | + | |
- | Bridge and gully and hill; | + | Over the ribbon-like, |
- | More the rabbits go scudding into the dusk, | + | Bridge and gully and hill;\\ |
- | And the birds have sung their fill. | + | Where the rabbits go scudding into the dusk,\\ |
- | The walls of my house are the distant hills, | + | And the birds have sung their fill.\\ |
- | And my days and nights are free - The wide expanse and the laughing wind, | + | The walls of my house are the distant hills,\\ |
+ | And my days and nights are free -\\ | ||
+ | The wide expanse and the laughing wind,\\ | ||
And the open road for me. | And the open road for me. | ||
- | Mary Roche. | + | |
- | NINE DAYS' | + | Mary Roche |
+ | |||
+ | ===== Nine Days' | ||
There were six of us, Rene, Dunc, Jean, Scotty, Keith, and yours truly, and | There were six of us, Rene, Dunc, Jean, Scotty, Keith, and yours truly, and | ||
although we were all called various other names also, I will not mention them here as some of the younger Club members may read this article by mistake. | although we were all called various other names also, I will not mention them here as some of the younger Club members may read this article by mistake. | ||
- | A Friday night early in January about 10.30 saw Katoomba receive us with loud grins --we were attired in " | + | |
- | of string, | + | A Friday night early in January about 10:30 saw Katoomba receive us with loud grins - we were attired in " |
- | our souls and lead in our shoes we set off briskly for the Explorer' | + | |
- | Saturday saw us going wearily - I mean warily - down Black Jerry' | + | Saturday saw us going wearily - I mean warily - down Black Jerry' |
- | Was water ever so grand as on a hot day after several miles without any? We drank, and drank, and drank and then remembered warnings of a polluted water supply higher up. Too late; We couldn' | + | |
- | A delightful day followed: glorious weather, millions of flies, and plenty to eat. The fishermen went fishing --- and caught something! Really, that is. We had eels -- or is it eales, or eles? I think one of them is right, but anyhow we had eales, and very nice they were too, although | + | Was water ever so grand as on a hot day after several miles without any? We drank, and drank, and drank and then remembered warnings of a polluted water supply higher up. Too late; We couldn' |
- | At last the Kawmuag. Shhhl Can't you see the silvery trickle of the shingle, and hear the big bluffs on either hand amce more? (Hold on, that seems to be a bit wrong somehow)0 But of course you know what I means the poetry in our souls at Katoomba hasn't all oozed out yet and I still see in front of me in a misty phantasmagoria - (that beats your ' | + | |
- | Mother isn't very sympathetic in these moods; she says it's biliousness,. Anyway, I like being bilious. | + | A delightful day followed: glorious weather, millions of flies, and plenty to eat. The fishermen went fishing --- and caught something! Really, that is. We had eels -- or is it eales, or eles? I think one of them is right, but anyhow we had eales, and very nice they were too, although |
- | We spent five days along the Kowmung and saw much of the wild life at close hand. Snakes were there in plenty; kangaroo and wallaby, many kinds of birds including duck, lowrie, wrens, whistling magpies, and even a lyre bird and a black swan, and one day a small fox cub came chasing butterflies to within several feet of Dune. It is on record! that Rene thought it was a calf and was going to milk it. | + | |
- | One evening a tiny possum paid us a visit, as also did a number of blackfish, but the latter came to stay. We fed right royally on fish, rabbits and wild honey, and even had a goodly share of mulberries at Church | + | At last the Kowmung. Shhh! Can't you see the silvery trickle of the shingle, and hear the big bluffs on either hand once more? (Hold on, that seems to be a bit wrong somehow.) But of course you know what I mean; the poetry in our souls at Katoomba hasn't all oozed out yet and I still see in front of me in a misty phantasmagoria - (that beats your ' |
- | The following day saw us as far as Caves Creek on Lannigan' | + | |
- | Water was scarce there being only a soak in the gully through which the track leads to Yerranderie, | + | Mother isn't very sympathetic in these moods; she says it's biliousness. Anyway, I like being bilious. |
- | -12- | + | |
- | found, and examining him as far as he would allow, we set off along the range round Oolong | + | We spent five days along the Kowmung and saw much of the wild life at close hand. Snakes were there in plenty; kangaroo and wallaby, many kinds of birds including duck, lowrie, wrens, whistling magpies, and even a lyre bird and a black swan, and one day a small fox cub came chasing butterflies to within several feet of Dunc. It is on record that Rene thought it was a calf and was going to milk it. |
- | It was very hot and so, some hourslater, the plum tree near Zucchetti' | + | |
- | count; they let their belts out. They washed in a large mater hole about eight inches wide, and the tadpoles in residence were justly peeved, so Jean and Duno carried them to another hole, one holding them while the othor fanned them with a wet hand to keep them alive. (It must have been the poetry in their souls). All would have been well but for the fact that Keith and Scotty washed in the other hole. | + | One evening a tiny possum paid us a visit, as also did a number of blackfish, but the latter came to stay. We fed right royally on fish, rabbits and wild honey, and even had a goodly share of mulberries at Church |
- | We stayed in the school shed and after getting outside about seven yards of steak the five sane members of the party repaired to the Palais Royale and joined the merry band. of locals and Kammungites, who were clad, so I am told, in a motley collection of old boots, shoes, carpet slippers, and sandshoesc Neverthelesm, the dance was a howling success for which no small credit is due to Rene's short shirt whioh would persist in parting tenderly but most effectually from her shorts, to the great delight of all present. | + | |
- | By the way, in case I should be misconstrued, | + | The following day saw us as far as Caves Creek on Lannigans |
- | Yours truly being on the scrap heap with a warped shinbone, he took no interest in local politics that night except to say something rude when the revellers. turned up at midnight and woke him up. | + | |
- | 'Sunday was a day of gloom both in appearance and effect, and collecting our gear -- including the dried onions which we gave away to a poor man -- we wended our may to the Post Office and were met by our car. Followed a long drive into Camden, and so Home. The nine days' wonder was over It was raining hard. | + | Water was scarce there being only a soak in the gully through which the track leads to Yerranderie, |
- | BARNEY. | + | |
- | "THEY SAW TORCHES GLENWING | + | It was very hot and so, some hours later, the plum tree near Zucchetti' |
- | BUT NO ONE COULD READ IT 'MS HAROLD'S STRANGE MORSE." | + | |
- | Now this is a dreadful thing - I do not mean Harold' | + | We stayed in the school shed and after getting outside about seven yards of steak the five sane members of the party repaired to the Palais Royale and joined the merry band of locals and Kowmungites, who were clad, so I am told, in a motley collection of old boots, shoes, carpet slippers, and sandshoes. Nevertheless, the dance was a howling success for which no small credit is due to Rene's short shirt which would persist in parting tenderly but most effectually from her shorts, to the great delight of all present. |
- | In a Club such as ours we do not make a practice of getting lost -we may be mislaid, delayed or even mayliid, but we usually get there, | + | |
+ | By the way, in case I should be misconstrued, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Yours truly being on the scrap heap with a warped shinbone, he took no interest in local politics that night except to say something rude when the revellers turned up at midnight and woke him up. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Sunday was a day of gloom both in appearance and effect, and collecting our gear -- including the dried onions which we gave away to a poor man -- we wended our may to the Post Office and were met by our car. Followed a long drive into Camden, and so home. The nine days' wonder was over: it was raining hard. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Barney | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== "They saw torches gleaming | ||
+ | |||
+ | Now this is a dreadful thing - I do not mean Harold' | ||
+ | |||
+ | In a Club such as ours we do not make a practice of getting lost - we may be mislaid, delayed or even waylaid, but we usually get there, | ||
Still, you never can tell, better bushmen than ourselves have been " | Still, you never can tell, better bushmen than ourselves have been " | ||
- | We number among our members Rovers, ex-Soouts | + | |
- | Could it not be arranged for some of these to teach the rest of UB the system, and then have a few night jaunts on the lines of'Alan Rigby' | + | We number among our members Rovers, ex-Scouts |
- | BRENDA. WHITE. | + | |
- | -13 - | + | Could it not be arranged for some of these to teach the rest of us the system, and then have a few night jaunts on the lines of Alan Rigby' |
- | Moss Vale, Meryla Valley, Kangaroo River, Kangaroo Valley, Bugong, Illaroo, Bomaderry. | + | |
- | Distance: | + | Brenda White |
- | Fares: Train, | + | |
- | From Bomaderry, 11/5d. | + | ===== Moss Vale, Meryla Valley, Kangaroo River, Kangaroo Valley, Bugong, Illaroo, Bomaderry |
- | In June 1930, "The Open Road" reported that one of the N.R.M.A. | + | |
+ | Distance: About 60 miles.\\ | ||
+ | Fares: Train, | ||
+ | |||
+ | In June 1930, "The Open Road" reported that one of the NRMA representatives had succeeded in getting through the Meryla Valley to Kangaroo River by car, and that it was a very pretty trip, though the road was bad in parts. | ||
The South Eastern Tourist Map shows a similar third-rate road running south from Kangaroo Valley to Bugong and Illaroo, and then east to Bomaderry. | The South Eastern Tourist Map shows a similar third-rate road running south from Kangaroo Valley to Bugong and Illaroo, and then east to Bomaderry. | ||
+ | |||
The directions are as follows:- | The directions are as follows:- | ||
- | Leaving Moss Vale by the Robertson Road, take the first turn off to the right past Tudor House, (2i- miles out). i-mile further | + | |
- | A little further on an orchard and homestead are passed on the left, and here the road passes under over-arching | + | Leaving Moss Vale by the Robertson Road, take the first turn off to the right past Tudor House (2½ miles out). ¾ mile further |
- | Continuing dawn the other branch of the road, you will come to another superb Lookout at the top of Meryla Valley. This is about 13 miles from Moss Vale. Coming | + | |
- | About halfway down the mountain there is a- clearing of about 80 acres with plenty of good water, which is said to be an ideal camping ground. Here a hut stands which is parmanently | + | A little further on an orchard and homestead are passed on the left, and here the road passes under over-arching |
- | Beyond the next hill going towards Bendiela, you reach cleared grating country, and the road soon improves and is good into the village of Kangaroo Valley | + | |
- | 5 miles. According to the South-eastern Tourist map, the road to Bugang turns south west at the western end of the village, follows dawn the Kangaroo | + | Continuing dawn the other branch of the road, you will come to another superb Lookout at the top of Meryla Valley. This is about 13 miles from Moss Vale. Coming |
- | - 14 - | + | |
- | River for about 3 miles and then swings more nearly south another 2 miles to Bugong, This country is fairly hilly, the road crossing the watershed between the Kangaroo and Bugong. | + | About halfway down the mountain there is a clearing of about 80 acres with plenty of good water, which is said to be an ideal camping ground. Here a hut stands which is permanently |
+ | |||
+ | Beyond the next hill going towards Bendiela, you reach cleared grating country, and the road soon improves and is good into the village of Kangaroo Valley. Total distance from Moss Vale, 32 miles, plus the deviation of 4 or 5 miles. According to the South-eastern Tourist map, the road to Bugang turns south west at the western end of the village, follows dawn the Kangaroo River for about 3 miles and then swings more nearly south another 2 miles to Bugong, This country is fairly hilly, the road crossing the watershed between the Kangaroo and Bugong. | ||
About 3 or 4 miles beyond Bugong, and about 4 miles north of the Shoalhaven River, it swings east to Illaroo, (which is probably only a station holding), and so on east until Bomaderry is reached. It appears as though the distance from Kangaroo Valley by this route will be about 25 miles. | About 3 or 4 miles beyond Bugong, and about 4 miles north of the Shoalhaven River, it swings east to Illaroo, (which is probably only a station holding), and so on east until Bomaderry is reached. It appears as though the distance from Kangaroo Valley by this route will be about 25 miles. | ||
- | BY CANOE DOWN THE KOWMUNG. | + | |
- | Since this account is being written for Bush Walkers, I will leave out the rhapsodies | + | ===== By Canoe Down the Kowmung ===== |
- | The idea started in Barry' | + | |
- | I questioned the wild look in his eye at breakfast one morning and he came out with the whole brilliant (?) idea. "Many persons have canoed down the Shoalhaven and even more so down the Wollondilly - but no one had been fool enough yet to try the Kawmung. Haw about the Savages | + | Since this account is being written for Bush Walkers, I will leave out the rhapsodies |
- | 2 ft. 11 inches, and a depth amidships of 13i inches. Hunt on Canadian lines. of 3/16 inch planking over some sixty ribs, the whole boat was again covered with | + | |
- | canvas. The construction was particularly strong, over five thousand copper rivets being used to attach the planking to the ribs and the addition of the canvas skin gave us a boat eminently suited to stand up to the hard knocks of the boulder-strewn Kowmung. The only disadvantage was its weight which was well over a hundred pounds. | + | The idea started in Barry' |
- | Transport was solved by taking a lorry to Squatting Rock Gap near the head of the Colong Swamp. The journey was uneventful until we turned off the Burragorang | + | |
- | The track is vile, the first mile or so consisting of loose stones which just about shook the inside out of the lorry and did shake off some timber and packing. From the homestead there is a track up the swamp which leads to Squatting Rock Gap and thence to the Hornung. We succeeded in getting the lorry right to the Gap and | + | I questioned the wild look in his eye at breakfast one morning and he came out with the whole brilliant (?) idea. "Many persons have canoed down the Shoalhaven and even more so down the Wollondilly - but no one had been fool enough yet to try the Kowmung. How about the savages |
- | - 15 - | + | |
- | so lightened our carry. Some Rover Scouts | + | Transport was solved by taking a lorry to Squatting Rock Gap near the head of the Colong Swamp. The journey was uneventful until we turned off the Burragorang |
- | Brewster, one of our members and Arthur Webber(" | + | |
- | but we hope he won't be missed) came with us to help get the canoe down to the Kowmung, and after putting the boat an two bicycle wheels we started off for Billy' | + | After lunch our carriers moved off on their steep climb to the lorry at Squatting Rock Gap. Their record of having |
- | After lunch our carriers moved off on their steep climb to the lorry at Squatting Rock Gap. Their record of haeag lunch in the Kawmung | + | |
- | Next morning saw the start of the actual canoe trip but although the easuarina-fringed reaches seemed' | + | Next morning saw the start of the actual canoe trip but although the casuarina-fringed reaches seemed to offer ideal canoeing country, the rapids proved so numerous and slow to negotiate that our actual speed was less than a mile an hour, and at night-fall we camped between |
- | before the Rulga Denis at the junction of Christie' | + | |
- | In this part of the river we met several stockmen checking over their cattle, including Mr. Venn and his son from the Abercrombie River who were particularly interested in our venture. So much so, that they accompanied us half way through the Bulga-Denis Canyon. | + | We faced the Bulga Denis with mixed feelings - its reputation was well known to us and we feared a rough time. On the other hand, we consoled ourselves with the thoughts that although the going might be tough on foot, the river by canoe might be easier - perhaps it was, but I have no inclination to go through the Bulga Denis again, either way. More than half the canyon consists of falls and rapids, some up to four feet high, but the centre and lower end offers some fine canoeing reaches. The whole day was spent negotiating the canyon and that night we camped a mile or so above Orange Bluff and just clear of the canyon. The ensuing three days were spent on the most pleasant part of the Kowmung |
- | We faced the Bulga Denis with mixed feelings - its reputation was well known to us and we feared a rough time. On the other hand, we consoled ourselves with the thoughts that although the going might be tough on foot, the river "by canoe might be easier - perhaps it was, but I have no inclination to go through the Bulge. | + | |
- | -16 - | + | About mid-day I seemed to recognise Cox's River country ahead but another two hours elapsed before we floated at the junction of the Coxs and Kowmung - the first canoe through. We had a late lunch here and after leaving a note for Peter Page, pushed |
- | in floating the canoe and it had to be lifted and pulled over the loose stones until it floated in the deeper water of the lower reaches. A, number of waterfalls between six and ten feet high were encountered and these necessitated a | + | |
- | complete portage of the canoe and gear. As we approached the Lauer Kawmung Canvon, boulders again became prominent in the river bed, causing much inconvenience. Finally, we camped on the last possible site before the Canyon, a mall flat on left bank of the river. The rain which had been dogging | + | Bob Savage |
- | From a canoeing point of View, the Kawmung | + | |
- | About mid-day I seemed to recognise Cox's River country ahead but another two hours elapsed before we floated at the junction of the Cox and Kowmung - | + | ===== Social Notes ===== |
- | the first canoe through. We had a late lunch here and after leaving a note for Peter Page, pusheti | + | |
- | McMahon' | + | On December 14th, we repeated the Annual Concert with marked success, some people enjoying the second performance better than the first. There were over 200 present, with the result that the proceeds are £10:10:0 which will go towards reducing the Blue Gum Forest debt. |
- | BOB SAVAGE. | + | |
- | SOCIAL NOTES. | + | The Club did its annual good deed and gave 42 children a red-letter day on December 18th last. Many of these have been the club's guests for three years running and regard some of the members as old friends. Twelve of the children were residents of Lilyvale |
- | On December 14th., we repeated the Annual Concert with marked success, some people enjoying the second performance better than the first. There were over 200 present, with the result that the proceeds are Z1010:0 which will go towards reducing the Blue Gum Forest debt. | + | |
- | The Club did its annual good deed and gave 42 children a red-letter day on December 18th. last. Many of these have been the Club's guests- for three years running and regard some of the members as old friends. Twelve of the children were residents of Wyvale | + | Some of us decided that the Walks Programme was guilty of gross falsifications when the day was described as " |
- | Some of us decided that the Walks Programme was guilty of gross falsifications when the day was described as " | + | |
- | The Annual Christmas Camp was well attended, but there were many faces missing that we have been accustomed to seeing at Xmastidee | + | The Annual Christmas Camp was well attended, but there were many faces missing that we have been accustomed to seeing at Xmastide. |
- | The weather was good and a happy spirit prevailed. The | + | |
- | the new pump installed | + | The weather was good and a happy spirit prevailed. The cricket match between |
- | The S.B.W. | + | |
+ | The SBW will soon be a married people' | ||
We wish them health, wealth and happiness, and plenty of it. | We wish them health, wealth and happiness, and plenty of it. | ||
- | We are happy to be able to congratulate Anice and Frank on the birth of their son and heir.' | + | |
- | RTE D. BROWNE, Han. Social Sec. | + | We are happy to be able to congratulate Anice and Frank on the birth of their son and heir. I wonder is he a pommy or an " |
- | STOP TRESS: | + | |
- | Sympathy is extended to Edith Griffiths (" | + | Rene D Browne, Hon Social Sec |
- | She was attended by Dr. Jones of Campbelltown, | + | |
- | Have just heard that two more members of the Club have decided to join forces - this time to the glory of dear Old Scotland - Jean Malcolm and our old friend " | + | ===== STOP PRESS ===== |
- | We wish to congratulate them very heartily on their engagement. | + | |
+ | Sympathy is extended to Edith Griffiths (" | ||
+ | |||
+ | She was attended by Dr. Jones of Campbelltown, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Have just heard that two more members of the club have decided to join forces - this time to the glory of dear old Scotland - Jean Malcolm and our old friend " | ||
+ | |||
+ | We wish to congratulate them very heartily on their engagement. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Editor |
193302.txt · Last modified: 2014/03/13 21:44 by smiffy