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193406 [2014/08/27 22:03] – [LAKE ST.CLAIR TO CRADLE MT.Tasmania.] emmanuelle_c193406 [2014/09/11 10:34] (current) – emmanuelle_c
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 A Journal devoted to matters of interest to Members of the Sydney Bush Walkers, Sydney, New South Wales. A Journal devoted to matters of interest to Members of the Sydney Bush Walkers, Sydney, New South Wales.
  
-No. 16 June 1934+No. 19 June 1934
  
 __Publishing Committee:__ __Publishing Committee:__
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 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 =====
  
 We were very gratified at the reception accorded the first printed Annual, issued in April. Many copies were sent to friends in other lands, to overseas Walking Clubs, and to Melbourne, Tasmania and New Zealand. We tried to make it interesting, and must in a measure have succeeded, to judge by the quite unsolicited compliments we have had from various sources. But this is only a beginning, and next year we hope to publish an Annual that will surpass our previous effort, particularly in point of size. We were very gratified at the reception accorded the first printed Annual, issued in April. Many copies were sent to friends in other lands, to overseas Walking Clubs, and to Melbourne, Tasmania and New Zealand. We tried to make it interesting, and must in a measure have succeeded, to judge by the quite unsolicited compliments we have had from various sources. But this is only a beginning, and next year we hope to publish an Annual that will surpass our previous effort, particularly in point of size.
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 It is quite obvious that recreational walking and Walking Clubs have come to stay, despite the look of blank amazement still to be seen on the faces of many as we make our way to Central with packs on our backs. Five members of the newly formed "Coast & Mountain Walkers" were given quite an amount of attention by the strolling populace of Katoomba at King's Birthday week-end. The new Club, now 16 strong, shows every prospect of living up to the best traditions of organised walking. Welcome to the Bush! It is quite obvious that recreational walking and Walking Clubs have come to stay, despite the look of blank amazement still to be seen on the faces of many as we make our way to Central with packs on our backs. Five members of the newly formed "Coast & Mountain Walkers" were given quite an amount of attention by the strolling populace of Katoomba at King's Birthday week-end. The new Club, now 16 strong, shows every prospect of living up to the best traditions of organised walking. Welcome to the Bush!
-===== LAKE ST.CLAIR TO CRADLE MT. Tasmania. =====  +===== Lake St. Clair to Cradle Mt. Tasmania. =====  
-Dec. - Jan. 1934. by John Laughton.+__Dec. - Jan. 1934. by John Laughton.__
  
 Party: Misses D. Spargo, (Perth, W.A.), Win. Ashton, Brenda White, Marjorie Hill, (Sydney Bushwalkers), Mary Harrisson, Roma Reid, (Hobart Walking Club), and Mr. J. Laughton (Leader). Party: Misses D. Spargo, (Perth, W.A.), Win. Ashton, Brenda White, Marjorie Hill, (Sydney Bushwalkers), Mary Harrisson, Roma Reid, (Hobart Walking Club), and Mr. J. Laughton (Leader).
  
-**SATURDAY, DEC. 30TH. 1933.** We met at 2.15 p.m. in Liverpool Street, Hobart, and piled packs, bedding, tents and all the necessities for the next eight days on top of the Service Car, and got under way on our 108 mile car run, at 2.30. All were in high spirits, and looking forward to much adventure, as not one of us had ever before been over the country which we were to traverse, and from information we had been given it seemed as though we had a good chance of becoming bushed for some of the time at least. Among the gear, which weighed in all just over 300 lbs., were two maps which differed from one another, and we knew not which was correct... but this did not daunt us.+__SATURDAY, DEC. 30TH. 1933.__ We met at 2.15 p.m. in Liverpool Street, Hobart, and piled packs, bedding, tents and all the necessities for the next eight days on top of the Service Car, and got under way on our 108 mile car run, at 2.30. All were in high spirits, and looking forward to much adventure, as not one of us had ever before been over the country which we were to traverse, and from information we had been given it seemed as though we had a good chance of becoming bushed for some of the time at least. Among the gear, which weighed in all just over 300 lbs., were two maps which differed from one another, and we knew not which was correct... but this did not daunt us.
  
 Once on the road, time flew. We were soon in the country, and running along the right bank of the Derwent towards New Norfolk, the river gradually growing smaller. Upon reaching New Norfolk a halt was made for extra photographic equipment, and than on again. Crossing the bridge to the left bank of the Derwent a lovely view opened up to our right, for each river bank was lined with beautiful willows which were mirrored on the glassy surface, giving wonderful reflections. The river itself disappeared some half mile away around a rocky bend above which rose a hill some 600 or 700 feet. Once on the road, time flew. We were soon in the country, and running along the right bank of the Derwent towards New Norfolk, the river gradually growing smaller. Upon reaching New Norfolk a halt was made for extra photographic equipment, and than on again. Crossing the bridge to the left bank of the Derwent a lovely view opened up to our right, for each river bank was lined with beautiful willows which were mirrored on the glassy surface, giving wonderful reflections. The river itself disappeared some half mile away around a rocky bend above which rose a hill some 600 or 700 feet.
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 and was bringing a party through from the northern end, had previously told many of the H.W.C. members alarming stories of how they would attack camps, etc., so I felt much safer when I thought of the Webley 45 in my pack. and was bringing a party through from the northern end, had previously told many of the H.W.C. members alarming stories of how they would attack camps, etc., so I felt much safer when I thought of the Webley 45 in my pack.
  
-**SUNDAY, DEC. 31ST.** Arose at 4.30 a.m. and had a look out at the Lake which was still misted. Some went for a swim and we then had breakfast and packed all our gear. I inspected some to make sure we had provisions enough in case of snow and blizzards. I realised, that should this be the case, we should have to ration everyone, as we were not carrying nearly enough food of a fatty nature to withstand such cold, and travel hard.+__SUNDAY, DEC. 31ST.__ Arose at 4.30 a.m. and had a look out at the Lake which was still misted. Some went for a swim and we then had breakfast and packed all our gear. I inspected some to make sure we had provisions enough in case of snow and blizzards. I realised, that should this be the case, we should have to ration everyone, as we were not carrying nearly enough food of a fatty nature to withstand such cold, and travel hard.
  
 At 6.10 we broke camp, and swinging our heavy packs, (mine 62 lbs.) on to our backs, we picked up the track which led away from the Lake in a West-SouthWest direction. Many pink Mountain berries and patches of Trigger grass were passed and admired, Then came the Cuvier River and a tributary, which were crossed on logs, Dot and Roma getting their packs wet when they slipped. Shortly afterwards the track led away from the river, and another went further to the west and we followed it. I consulted the maps and followed the river to find, that some thirty minutes later it led into some thick scrub, and vanished. We tried to go to the north to pick up blazes or stakes of the other track, but the scrub became too dense for us with our packs. I decided that we should retrace our steps to the fork of the two tracks. At 6.10 we broke camp, and swinging our heavy packs, (mine 62 lbs.) on to our backs, we picked up the track which led away from the Lake in a West-SouthWest direction. Many pink Mountain berries and patches of Trigger grass were passed and admired, Then came the Cuvier River and a tributary, which were crossed on logs, Dot and Roma getting their packs wet when they slipped. Shortly afterwards the track led away from the river, and another went further to the west and we followed it. I consulted the maps and followed the river to find, that some thirty minutes later it led into some thick scrub, and vanished. We tried to go to the north to pick up blazes or stakes of the other track, but the scrub became too dense for us with our packs. I decided that we should retrace our steps to the fork of the two tracks.
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 Tea over everyone turned in at 9 o'clock. Tea over everyone turned in at 9 o'clock.
  
-**MONDAY, JANUARY 1st. 1934.** Up at 5.30, and together with Marj. I left camp without breakfast or packs to find our position. It was very cold with a misty rain still falling, and the scrub was wet, but we pushed on undaunted to come out some two hours later at Lake St.Clair. Then to the mouth of the Narcissus River where we found nothing to guide us, so still walking hard: we, the two of us, went up the valley and found open Button grass plains. Knowing the way must eventually lead to the hut, we altered our course farther to the west to return to camp, and to our great delight found stakes which we followed. Several small creeks were crossed, and we commenced to doubt the whereabouts of the camp, and the others. Eventually we heard their call, and arrived at 8.30 to find a hot welcome breakfast to warm our cold and wet bodies, and everyone was again in high spirits, Marj. warmed her feet which we found were much swollen with the cold, but soon recovered. I must say, that never have I found in my wanderings in Tasmanian bush, a gamer chap, let alone a girl, than she was that morning, for I made my way through that dense scrub (scrub that has to be experienced before one knows what it is like) at a very fast pace, and she was always at my heels.+__MONDAY, JANUARY 1st. 1934.__ Up at 5.30, and together with Marj. I left camp without breakfast or packs to find our position. It was very cold with a misty rain still falling, and the scrub was wet, but we pushed on undaunted to come out some two hours later at Lake St.Clair. Then to the mouth of the Narcissus River where we found nothing to guide us, so still walking hard: we, the two of us, went up the valley and found open Button grass plains. Knowing the way must eventually lead to the hut, we altered our course farther to the west to return to camp, and to our great delight found stakes which we followed. Several small creeks were crossed, and we commenced to doubt the whereabouts of the camp, and the others. Eventually we heard their call, and arrived at 8.30 to find a hot welcome breakfast to warm our cold and wet bodies, and everyone was again in high spirits, Marj. warmed her feet which we found were much swollen with the cold, but soon recovered. I must say, that never have I found in my wanderings in Tasmanian bush, a gamer chap, let alone a girl, than she was that morning, for I made my way through that dense scrub (scrub that has to be experienced before one knows what it is like) at a very fast pace, and she was always at my heels.
  
 Congratulations, Marj. ! Congratulations, Marj. !
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 Later on, the blazes again became very scarce, and several times we found it difficult to find the way, and when at last I looked for my prismatic compass, I found that I had left it about an hour's walk back where a photo had been taken. Fortunately Brenda had a smaller one, so I decided to leave the several pounds' worth behind, and push on, as we were now nearly half a day behind our scheduled time. The girls over-ruled me, and Mary and Win decided to return for it. Leaving their packs, a tent and food in case they would not be able to overtake us before dark, the five of us pushed on, leaving marks for them to follow. Again difficulty in finding the way held us back, and at 7.40 we had risen well tip into the Du Cane Range, and decided to camp in some Myrtles near an old Trapper's hut which was useless. Looking back down the valley the view was magnificent, and Mt.Gould flow to west-south-west, silhouetted against a setting sun, with its hundreds of needle-like rocks of an organ-pipe nature, forming all kinds of imaginary forms, was something to remain in one's memory for ever. Then we realised, that as Win and Mary had not caught up, they must be bushed, so again fired a shot with the 45 but no reply, so back I had to go, and found them off the track just at dark. Knowing the way, we were soon back at camp, where we had a hearty meal of soup, bacon, rice and peaches, and turned in shortly after 10. The temperature had dropped considerably, and at the altitude of about 3,400 feet we expected a cold night. A Tasmanian tiger could be heard roaming around the camp, but after some time he made off, uttering some of his weird calls. If ever I have been cold to the marrow it was that night, and how I could have flogged myself for dispensing with a blanket to cut down weight, and only bringing my waterproof bag. After one and a half hours' sleep, I lay awake and perished until I could stand it no longer, so up at 3.45 and relit our camp fire, and enjoyed an over soothing pipe, until the others should arise. Later on, the blazes again became very scarce, and several times we found it difficult to find the way, and when at last I looked for my prismatic compass, I found that I had left it about an hour's walk back where a photo had been taken. Fortunately Brenda had a smaller one, so I decided to leave the several pounds' worth behind, and push on, as we were now nearly half a day behind our scheduled time. The girls over-ruled me, and Mary and Win decided to return for it. Leaving their packs, a tent and food in case they would not be able to overtake us before dark, the five of us pushed on, leaving marks for them to follow. Again difficulty in finding the way held us back, and at 7.40 we had risen well tip into the Du Cane Range, and decided to camp in some Myrtles near an old Trapper's hut which was useless. Looking back down the valley the view was magnificent, and Mt.Gould flow to west-south-west, silhouetted against a setting sun, with its hundreds of needle-like rocks of an organ-pipe nature, forming all kinds of imaginary forms, was something to remain in one's memory for ever. Then we realised, that as Win and Mary had not caught up, they must be bushed, so again fired a shot with the 45 but no reply, so back I had to go, and found them off the track just at dark. Knowing the way, we were soon back at camp, where we had a hearty meal of soup, bacon, rice and peaches, and turned in shortly after 10. The temperature had dropped considerably, and at the altitude of about 3,400 feet we expected a cold night. A Tasmanian tiger could be heard roaming around the camp, but after some time he made off, uttering some of his weird calls. If ever I have been cold to the marrow it was that night, and how I could have flogged myself for dispensing with a blanket to cut down weight, and only bringing my waterproof bag. After one and a half hours' sleep, I lay awake and perished until I could stand it no longer, so up at 3.45 and relit our camp fire, and enjoyed an over soothing pipe, until the others should arise.
  
-**TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND.** Everyone arose at 5 a.m. We prepared breakfast etc., packed our rucksacks, and thanked God that the weather was, to all appearances, going to be warm. Breaking camp at 7.15 we turned to the East through the Du Cane Pass, with the brilliant morning sunshine straight in our faces. On our left, and immediately above us, was the Du Cane Range, part of which exhibits a huge rock slide, with its rugged rocky heights standing out against a clear blue sky. The old hut was passed, and after losing the blazes several times, we eventually arrived in the Pass itself, which is actually the watershed of the Derwent and the Mersey Rivers, the Derwent running to the south, and the Mersey to the north. Here we had our last glimpse of that Wonder Valley, the Narcissus, and Mts. Gould, Byron, Cuvier, Manfred and Olympus, all near the 5,000 ft. mark. We had not gone far when Win had a fall. No one took much notice until afterwards when the side of her face was covered in blood. The scare was soon over as it was only a scalp wound and troubled her little.+__TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND.__ Everyone arose at 5 a.m. We prepared breakfast etc., packed our rucksacks, and thanked God that the weather was, to all appearances, going to be warm. Breaking camp at 7.15 we turned to the East through the Du Cane Pass, with the brilliant morning sunshine straight in our faces. On our left, and immediately above us, was the Du Cane Range, part of which exhibits a huge rock slide, with its rugged rocky heights standing out against a clear blue sky. The old hut was passed, and after losing the blazes several times, we eventually arrived in the Pass itself, which is actually the watershed of the Derwent and the Mersey Rivers, the Derwent running to the south, and the Mersey to the north. Here we had our last glimpse of that Wonder Valley, the Narcissus, and Mts. Gould, Byron, Cuvier, Manfred and Olympus, all near the 5,000 ft. mark. We had not gone far when Win had a fall. No one took much notice until afterwards when the side of her face was covered in blood. The scare was soon over as it was only a scalp wound and troubled her little.
  
 Turning more to the north east, we gradually dropped into a valley where we knew the Hartnett Falls must be. Here a fresh surprise awaited us, for immediately ahead, and towering above us, was Cathedral Mountain, with its sheer rock walls, 600 or 700 feet high right round it. It was worth twice the hardships we had already gone through to see this one Mountain alone, but we had seen many, all beauties, and were to see many more. By the way, as far as I know, Cathedral Mt. has not yet been climbed, I may have a shot at it in the near future perhaps. Turning more to the north east, we gradually dropped into a valley where we knew the Hartnett Falls must be. Here a fresh surprise awaited us, for immediately ahead, and towering above us, was Cathedral Mountain, with its sheer rock walls, 600 or 700 feet high right round it. It was worth twice the hardships we had already gone through to see this one Mountain alone, but we had seen many, all beauties, and were to see many more. By the way, as far as I know, Cathedral Mt. has not yet been climbed, I may have a shot at it in the near future perhaps.
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 sleep between Win. and Marj. to get what warmth I could from their eiderdown bags, and thereby got a better sleep, the loss of which was telling on me very much. Possums called one another in all directions, and a badger visited the billies, but we slept on. I heard cattle in the distance. sleep between Win. and Marj. to get what warmth I could from their eiderdown bags, and thereby got a better sleep, the loss of which was telling on me very much. Possums called one another in all directions, and a badger visited the billies, but we slept on. I heard cattle in the distance.
  
-**WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3RD.** Arose at 6.45 with another hot day ahead of us, and broke camp at 8.40, thinking we were nearly on schedule, but no, not for some two hours' wander down the valley did we come to the Pelion Plains, and saw the huts, behind which rose Pelion West (5,000 ft.). No stakes could be found there, and we crossed the Forth River on stones, by mistake, Roma slipping and losing her bedding pack which went floating down the river with her wading after it, amid much laughter from the rest of us. Just another blunder. We should not have crossed the river, so back again and up to the huts which were the best we had yet struck, and in fact, the only ones fit to sleep in at all. We read many of the names on the walls, and of five days snow during Christmas, 1932. Cattle were heard not far ahead, so I again made sure of the sixshooter, and we hurried on, passing several large blazes, and struck Innes' track. At noon we stopped for lunch, in blazing heat, near a creek, and heard the distant firing of shots from the Mt.Lyell Mine  quite distinctly. Then came the question as to whether Mary's boots would see the end of the trip, for they were giving in suddenly, but carry on they must. It then came to my mind the possibility of an accident to me, for my ankle was swollen and troubling me much. It would take five days to get help, even if Marj. could find her way out with Win or Brenda as a companion, and by this time our food would be out. I looked at the first aid outfit more than once in deep thought. Would it be necessary? Snakes,too, were all around us everywhere we went.+__WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3RD.__ Arose at 6.45 with another hot day ahead of us, and broke camp at 8.40, thinking we were nearly on schedule, but no, not for some two hours' wander down the valley did we come to the Pelion Plains, and saw the huts, behind which rose Pelion West (5,000 ft.). No stakes could be found there, and we crossed the Forth River on stones, by mistake, Roma slipping and losing her bedding pack which went floating down the river with her wading after it, amid much laughter from the rest of us. Just another blunder. We should not have crossed the river, so back again and up to the huts which were the best we had yet struck, and in fact, the only ones fit to sleep in at all. We read many of the names on the walls, and of five days snow during Christmas, 1932. Cattle were heard not far ahead, so I again made sure of the sixshooter, and we hurried on, passing several large blazes, and struck Innes' track. At noon we stopped for lunch, in blazing heat, near a creek, and heard the distant firing of shots from the Mt.Lyell Mine  quite distinctly. Then came the question as to whether Mary's boots would see the end of the trip, for they were giving in suddenly, but carry on they must. It then came to my mind the possibility of an accident to me, for my ankle was swollen and troubling me much. It would take five days to get help, even if Marj. could find her way out with Win or Brenda as a companion, and by this time our food would be out. I looked at the first aid outfit more than once in deep thought. Would it be necessary? Snakes,too, were all around us everywhere we went.
  
 At 2.10 we started again, and could see yet another Mountain -- Achilles, ahead of us. We crossed Frog Flat, and a creek near a large gum with a huge growth on the trunk, and commenced a steep climb round the side of Pelion West, our course now being north east. The heat told on us all severely, and was, I think, even worse than before. Round the side we went, looking down on Mt. Oakleigh and the Forth Valley, until at 3.45 we came out on to some Plains covered with Snow fern. A grand view of Pelion West was obtained, and the camera used. Away to the north was a thick Pine forest, which we then made for across blistering Button grass Plain with many snakes. We were all very tired, and still wondering how Bert Nichols does it in the time. Skirting the forest we arrived on the edge of a cliff and looked down the Forth Valley -- a wonderful sight indeed. How wild this country seemed - and how desolate, and what must it be like in winter covered with several feet of snow? A wilderness of mountains, valleys, and plains -- but how marvellous ! At 2.10 we started again, and could see yet another Mountain -- Achilles, ahead of us. We crossed Frog Flat, and a creek near a large gum with a huge growth on the trunk, and commenced a steep climb round the side of Pelion West, our course now being north east. The heat told on us all severely, and was, I think, even worse than before. Round the side we went, looking down on Mt. Oakleigh and the Forth Valley, until at 3.45 we came out on to some Plains covered with Snow fern. A grand view of Pelion West was obtained, and the camera used. Away to the north was a thick Pine forest, which we then made for across blistering Button grass Plain with many snakes. We were all very tired, and still wondering how Bert Nichols does it in the time. Skirting the forest we arrived on the edge of a cliff and looked down the Forth Valley -- a wonderful sight indeed. How wild this country seemed - and how desolate, and what must it be like in winter covered with several feet of snow? A wilderness of mountains, valleys, and plains -- but how marvellous !
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 On we pushed over the plains, and past dried-up tarns, to come in sight of a Lake --but was it Windermere? The map said 'No', so on again. A wombat was roused from his sleep, and rolled away across the plain like a fat pig. At 7.15 a camp was made near two lakes, in a spot where there was a stone cairn. Many times did we wonder if it was some poor lonely Prospector's grave, but we were not afraid of ghosts. After tea I decided to shave, and I took the billy of hot water only to find there was tea in it, but very weak. But before I had a chance to start, Win accidentally kicked it over. The only water left (the creek was some distance away) was soaking the stew billy, but that was better than nothing, so off came my whiskers. We were all again very glad to turn in and rest our wearied bodies for the all too short night. On we pushed over the plains, and past dried-up tarns, to come in sight of a Lake --but was it Windermere? The map said 'No', so on again. A wombat was roused from his sleep, and rolled away across the plain like a fat pig. At 7.15 a camp was made near two lakes, in a spot where there was a stone cairn. Many times did we wonder if it was some poor lonely Prospector's grave, but we were not afraid of ghosts. After tea I decided to shave, and I took the billy of hot water only to find there was tea in it, but very weak. But before I had a chance to start, Win accidentally kicked it over. The only water left (the creek was some distance away) was soaking the stew billy, but that was better than nothing, so off came my whiskers. We were all again very glad to turn in and rest our wearied bodies for the all too short night.
  
-**THURSDAY, JANUARY 4TH.** Everyone of us was up by 7.10 as it was useless trying to sleep any longer, owing to the flies. I went to a creek for my Morning bath and saw a large tiger snake on the Button grass, but they were too plentiful to kill. Breakfast over, and our gear packed, we again shouldered our loads in brilliant sunshine. We followed Innes' track for some twenty five minutes to the north west, and I knew that we were making too far to the West, so we altered our course to North-North-East, after passing several tarns across one of which a whirlwind blow with such force that we were caught in the flying spray picked up from the surface.+__THURSDAY, JANUARY 4TH.__ Everyone of us was up by 7.10 as it was useless trying to sleep any longer, owing to the flies. I went to a creek for my Morning bath and saw a large tiger snake on the Button grass, but they were too plentiful to kill. Breakfast over, and our gear packed, we again shouldered our loads in brilliant sunshine. We followed Innes' track for some twenty five minutes to the north west, and I knew that we were making too far to the West, so we altered our course to North-North-East, after passing several tarns across one of which a whirlwind blow with such force that we were caught in the flying spray picked up from the surface.
  
 In a few minutes we were to receive another surprise, for on coming over a small ridge we looked down on Lake Windermere, perhaps the prettiest lake it has yet been my pleasure to see, with islands in the middle, and fringed with pines. It was then after 10 a.m., and there was not a breath of wind, and, the sun even hotter than the two previous days. Leaving the girls to go one side, I went to the other to have a swim and bath. Again refreshed I took some photos and met the girls, and we hit the trail again towards Rocky Ridge. Snakes were still everywhere. I stamped on one, and one passed between Marj. and me within the next ten yards. Up over the ridge we pushed, the broiling heat soon beginning to tell on us, and spells were necessary. Once on top, plains stretched away to the north, and these we followed, and the going was easier. A porcupine was located and inspected, and Dot and Win dug for wogs while we rested. Lake Will appeared on our left, and as our time did not permit our visiting it, and I could see the heat was soon going to stop us, we held our course. Skirting a Pine forest, a large wedge-tailed eagle which we roused, floated slowly by in the heat haze. I found, at this point, a "miner's right" peg where a claim had been staked sometime by prospectors. Water could not be found, and as we had not had any since leaving Windermere, everyone was very thirsty, and Roma and Mary wanted to stop, but I knew it was useless. On we must go, below the eastern side of that magnificent mountain, Barn Bluff. In a few minutes we were to receive another surprise, for on coming over a small ridge we looked down on Lake Windermere, perhaps the prettiest lake it has yet been my pleasure to see, with islands in the middle, and fringed with pines. It was then after 10 a.m., and there was not a breath of wind, and, the sun even hotter than the two previous days. Leaving the girls to go one side, I went to the other to have a swim and bath. Again refreshed I took some photos and met the girls, and we hit the trail again towards Rocky Ridge. Snakes were still everywhere. I stamped on one, and one passed between Marj. and me within the next ten yards. Up over the ridge we pushed, the broiling heat soon beginning to tell on us, and spells were necessary. Once on top, plains stretched away to the north, and these we followed, and the going was easier. A porcupine was located and inspected, and Dot and Win dug for wogs while we rested. Lake Will appeared on our left, and as our time did not permit our visiting it, and I could see the heat was soon going to stop us, we held our course. Skirting a Pine forest, a large wedge-tailed eagle which we roused, floated slowly by in the heat haze. I found, at this point, a "miner's right" peg where a claim had been staked sometime by prospectors. Water could not be found, and as we had not had any since leaving Windermere, everyone was very thirsty, and Roma and Mary wanted to stop, but I knew it was useless. On we must go, below the eastern side of that magnificent mountain, Barn Bluff.
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 After tea we sat round the fire until it died so low and sticks were placed on top, until the supply, handy, had run out. Then into our tents at 10.30 to refresh our now tired bodies with sleep. After tea we sat round the fire until it died so low and sticks were placed on top, until the supply, handy, had run out. Then into our tents at 10.30 to refresh our now tired bodies with sleep.
  
-**FRIDAY, JANUARY 5TH.** I awoke at 5 a.m., and talked to Win about going to Lake Dove, but our bags were far too comfortable. At 8.30 we arose, the day again resenting the same blazing heat. After breakfast Dot went bug-hunting in the creek, while others washed out shirts, etc. At 11.15 we commenced our last half hour's walk to the Chalet, "Waldheim", the Mountain home of the late Gustav Weindorfer. Arriving at 11.45 we were indeed made welcome by the proprietor Mr. L.Connell, and a meal was at once prepared, while we sat and told of our experiences, signed the Visitors' Book, and examined many beautiful photographs.+__FRIDAY, JANUARY 5TH.__ I awoke at 5 a.m., and talked to Win about going to Lake Dove, but our bags were far too comfortable. At 8.30 we arose, the day again resenting the same blazing heat. After breakfast Dot went bug-hunting in the creek, while others washed out shirts, etc. At 11.15 we commenced our last half hour's walk to the Chalet, "Waldheim", the Mountain home of the late Gustav Weindorfer. Arriving at 11.45 we were indeed made welcome by the proprietor Mr. L.Connell, and a meal was at once prepared, while we sat and told of our experiences, signed the Visitors' Book, and examined many beautiful photographs.
  
 This we found to be one of the most pleasant places we had ever visited, set away, in, I suppose, some of Australia's most beautiful scenery, surely a fitting place to end such a wonderful trip. Soon we were on the road again, and the party was to separate  Win., Marj. and Brenda to go to Devonport, Mary to Smithton, Dot back to Hobart, Roma to Sheffield, and myself to Devonport, and then Launceston and Hobart. This we found to be one of the most pleasant places we had ever visited, set away, in, I suppose, some of Australia's most beautiful scenery, surely a fitting place to end such a wonderful trip. Soon we were on the road again, and the party was to separate  Win., Marj. and Brenda to go to Devonport, Mary to Smithton, Dot back to Hobart, Roma to Sheffield, and myself to Devonport, and then Launceston and Hobart.
  
 Win, Brenda and Marj. booked for a further week at "Waldheim" to explore Lakes, Mountains and Rivers, which speaks of the enchantment of this National Park, which in the near future will become one of the leading holiday resorts Of Tasmania, and Australia. Win, Brenda and Marj. booked for a further week at "Waldheim" to explore Lakes, Mountains and Rivers, which speaks of the enchantment of this National Park, which in the near future will become one of the leading holiday resorts Of Tasmania, and Australia.
-===== THE CALL OF THE BUSH. ===== + 
-By "A Converted Scoffer"+===== The Call of the Bush. ===== 
 +__By "A Converted Scoffer"__
  
 On this 30th. day of March 1934, I am miserable, utterly miserable. No person has annoyed me, nor am I afflicted with a "liver" but still I am miserable.  On this 30th. day of March 1934, I am miserable, utterly miserable. No person has annoyed me, nor am I afflicted with a "liver" but still I am miserable. 
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 Why! I ask myself, why did I decide to stay at home? Visions come to me of a campfire throwing out its welcome light, bright faces, cheery laughs, unaffected voices raised in song, and I yearn to be among those people who seek to forget trivial, everyday worries in the solitude of the bush, and as I yearn, I grow more miserable. Why! I ask myself, why did I decide to stay at home? Visions come to me of a campfire throwing out its welcome light, bright faces, cheery laughs, unaffected voices raised in song, and I yearn to be among those people who seek to forget trivial, everyday worries in the solitude of the bush, and as I yearn, I grow more miserable.
  
-A year or two ago the bush, to me, was merely a conglomeration of hills, vales and trees, and I looked with concealed amusement at the bushwalker. Now I am enlightened, and reserve that amusement for him who has never known the call Of the bush, or felt the joy of lying on his back under a starry sky with "never a worry, never a care." He, poor fellow, has never experienced that sweet feeling of freeness, which only the bush can impart.+A year or two ago the bush, to me, was merely a conglomeration of hills, vales and trees, and I looked with concealed amusement at the bushwalker. Now I am enlightened, and reserve that amusement for him who has never known the call of the bush, or felt the joy of lying on his back under a starry sky with "never a worry, never a care." He, poor fellow, has never experienced that sweet feeling of freeness, which only the bush can impart.
  
 Oh! to look down from some high peak at this moment. What an inspiration! I think grand things, but as I come down to earth again, so do my ideals, and back I plod to the worn groove of conventionality. At least, I have one comfort. As I lie down in my bed the full moon throws its silvery light down on me and I sleep, and in my dreams hear the crackle of the campfire and the voice of the bushfolk raised in song. Oh! to look down from some high peak at this moment. What an inspiration! I think grand things, but as I come down to earth again, so do my ideals, and back I plod to the worn groove of conventionality. At least, I have one comfort. As I lie down in my bed the full moon throws its silvery light down on me and I sleep, and in my dreams hear the crackle of the campfire and the voice of the bushfolk raised in song.
 "...................Come! come! come to the bush." "...................Come! come! come to the bush."
  
-==== CAN YOU BEAT THIS? ====+==== Can You Beat This? ====
  
 It is well known that all "Bushwalkers" can eat, but one of our member recently excelled himself. It is well known that all "Bushwalkers" can eat, but one of our member recently excelled himself.
  
-On a one-day trip starting at 8.30 a.m., he was complaining bitterly about being hungry, so the leader called a halt at noon for lunch. Our friend put away a small meal of four (4) slices of bacon, three (3) eggs and some fruit, besides the usual lot of bread, etc. At tea about 5.30 pm., eight (8) sausages with a few extras found a home, and still there were complaints of hunger.+On a one-day trip starting at 8.30 a.m., he was complaining bitterly about being hungry, so the leader called a halt at noon for lunch. Our friend put away a small meal of four (4) slices of bacon, three (3) eggs and some fruit, besides the usual lot of bread, etc. At tea about 5.30 p.m., eight (8) sausages with a few extras found a home, and still there were complaints of hunger.
  
 Eight other members who heard all the moans can verify this. Eight other members who heard all the moans can verify this.
  
-===== A BUSH WALKER CAMP-FIRE. ===== +===== A Bush Walker Camp-Fire. ===== 
-Barney.+__Barney.__
  
-Grunts, groans, sundry Imprecations, much wood, several blackened figures and half a dozen "spare colonels"; such is the opening scene of "our camp fire." The spare colonels give much gratuitous advice and at last, with a little help from the perspiring and grimy figures already mentioned, the "fire" gradually assumes the shape of ... wel er... er... er... well, any old shape at all!+Grunts, groans, sundry Imprecations, much wood, several blackened figures and half a dozen "spare colonels"; such is the opening scene of "our camp fire." The spare colonels give much gratuitous advice and at last, with a little help from the perspiring and grimy figures already mentioned, the "fire" gradually assumes the shape of ... well er... er... er... well, any old shape at all!
  
 Next a figure disengages itself from the surrounding multitude - in all probability it is a spare colonel - and applies a match to the mass of logs, sticks, leaves etc. The match goes out; so do the next twenty or thirty. A low mumbling emanates from the region of the "fire". The fire-lighter must be praying for we hear words which are associated with religion, and at last a despairing voice says "Where's Dunc? I can't light this... fire." The cry is taken up: "Where's Dunc? ... We want Dunc." Next a figure disengages itself from the surrounding multitude - in all probability it is a spare colonel - and applies a match to the mass of logs, sticks, leaves etc. The match goes out; so do the next twenty or thirty. A low mumbling emanates from the region of the "fire". The fire-lighter must be praying for we hear words which are associated with religion, and at last a despairing voice says "Where's Dunc? I can't light this... fire." The cry is taken up: "Where's Dunc? ... We want Dunc."
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 Suddenly a voice from the far side starts up "When I was a student at Cadiz..." and gradually the refrain is taken up by all present, some at first singing softly or nervously, but very soon the exuberance or the old hands carries them away and all bring the final verse to a lively finish. Suddenly a voice from the far side starts up "When I was a student at Cadiz..." and gradually the refrain is taken up by all present, some at first singing softly or nervously, but very soon the exuberance or the old hands carries them away and all bring the final verse to a lively finish.
  
-Follows a piece from Gilbert & Sullivan, "Sweet and Low", and a humorous piece entitled "The Walloping Window Blind" ... selections which all know by heart. The fire burns brightly and sparks rise in the air as someone twists a log in the blaze. A voice: "Ernie, would you sing "Mandalay" please?", and Ernie, obliging as ever, gives us Kipling's "Road to Mandalay". We drink in the words and revel in the alluring pictures of far away Burma by an English soldier, and sigh regretfully when the song is done. "Thanks, Ernie, that was jolly fine," Now sweetly a voice is raised near us, a voice we all know well; softly and rather sadly the song rises in cadence and clarity, then again becomes gently low. Rene is singing, and as she sings eyes become dreamy and imaginations wander far may seeking elusive visions conjured up by her voice. "Thank you, Rene, that's +Follows a piece from Gilbert & Sullivan, "Sweet and Low", and a humorous piece entitled "The Walloping Window Blind" ... selections which all know by heart. The fire burns brightly and sparks rise in the air as someone twists a log in the blaze. A voice: "Ernie, would you sing "Mandalay" please?", and Ernie, obliging as ever, gives us Kipling's "Road to Mandalay". We drink in the words and revel in the alluring pictures of far away Burma by an English soldier, and sigh regretfully when the song is done. "Thanks, Ernie, that was jolly fine". Now sweetly a voice is raised near us, a voice we all know well; softly and rather sadly the song rises in cadence and clarity, then again becomes gently low. Rene is singing, and as she sings eyes become dreamy and imaginations wander far may seeking elusive visions conjured up by her voice. "Thank you, Rene, that's 
-beautiful." Hullo, what's this? Occurs a small upheaval close by and a weird figure squats in the firelight, the while doing wonderful contortions with a belt and blowing on an imitation reed pipe. Not much imagination is required to visualise an Indian Fakir with a snake - and what a Fakir! He writhes, twists, Undulates, wobbles, and grunts, and at last with superhuman skill and great loss of life subdues the snake and falls exhausted on top of it. What a man!! Cries of "More - more", 'hut Ray Bean is already crawling weakly away.+beautiful." Hullo, what's this? Occurs a small upheaval close by and a weird figure squats in the firelight, the while doing wonderful contortions with a belt and blowing on an imitation reed pipe. Not much imagination is required to visualise an Indian Fakir with a snake - and what a Fakir! He writhes, twists, undulates, wobbles, and grunts, and at last with superhuman skill and great loss of life subdues the snake and falls exhausted on top of it. What a man!! Cries of "More - more", 'hut Ray Bean is already crawling weakly away.
  
-"Where's Norm? We want to see the dying swan. Come on, Norm." Norm Saill rises gracefully to the occasion and stands still with a pensive expression, gathering inspiration and atmosphere. Someone's mouthorgan is requisitioned for music, and Norm commences to flutter round the fire like a swan in short pants - it's all he has on. Faster and faster goes the music, faster and faster flutters the flustered swan ... faster, faster; almost collapses and bravely struggles on as the music slows down, round and round, now in gracefully fluttering curves, now almost finished. Faster plays the music working up to a furious crescendo, of sound, and Norman the Swan valiantly responds, fluttering, fluttering, almost dying but just recovering every time until apparently the limit of endurance is reached, and with a last despairing and convulsive movement he lies inert upon the grass; and becomes immediately defunct. (Terrific applause.)+"Where's Norm? We want to see the dying swan. Come on, Norm." Norm Saill rises gracefully to the occasion and stands still with a pensive expression, gathering inspiration and atmosphere. Someone's mouthorgan is requisitioned for music, and Norm commences to flutter round the fire like a swan in short pants - it's all he has on. Faster and faster goes the music, faster and faster flutters the flustered swan ... faster, faster; almost collapses and bravely struggles on as the music slows down, round and round, now in gracefully fluttering curves, now almost finished. Faster plays the music working up to a furious crescendo of sound, and Norman the Swan valiantly responds, fluttering, fluttering, almost dying but just recovering every time until apparently the limit of endurance is reached, and with a last despairing and convulsive movement he lies inert upon the grass; and becomes immediately defunct. (Terrific applause.)
  
 The fire is not quite as fierce now and the moon sends its silver beams slantwise through the trees. A faint breeze blows, the leaves and ferns sighing gently; the tents gleam whitely. Someone says "Let's have a ghost yarn - yes, let's! Barney how about the "Golden Arm"? The fire is not quite as fierce now and the moon sends its silver beams slantwise through the trees. A faint breeze blows, the leaves and ferns sighing gently; the tents gleam whitely. Someone says "Let's have a ghost yarn - yes, let's! Barney how about the "Golden Arm"?
  
 "Oh! I don't think I know it well enough, but there is another I might give you if I can get some help. Scotty, you know "the Woman in the Graveyard sat" don't you? And you, Roxy, and you, Frank? Righto, are you ready? ...  "Oh! I don't think I know it well enough, but there is another I might give you if I can get some help. Scotty, you know "the Woman in the Graveyard sat" don't you? And you, Roxy, and you, Frank? Righto, are you ready? ...
-A Wo-man in a grave-yard sat..." The intoning goes on and on... and on... +A Wo-man in a grave-yard sat..." The intoning goes on and on... and on... and on... until the finale is reached so suddenly that the uninitiated nearly swallow their tongues.
-and on... until the finale is reached so suddenly that the uninitiated nearly swallow their tongues.+
  
 "And now for something bright again. How about a Sea chanty everyone? A Sailor once came up to town, yo-ho, yo-ho..." "And now for something bright again. How about a Sea chanty everyone? A Sailor once came up to town, yo-ho, yo-ho..."
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 "Good night all" ... "Good night." "Good night all" ... "Good night."
-===== TEN YEARS' PROGRESS ON MOUNT SOLITARY. =====   + 
-Marie B. Byles. +===== Ten Years' Progress on Mount Solitary. =====   
 +__Marie B. Byles.__ 
  
 It is just over ten years since my brother, Baldur, and I set out at 6 o'clock from a very second rate boarding house in Katoomba - we had not then learned the comfort of camping - for the ascent of Mount Solitary. It is just over ten years since my brother, Baldur, and I set out at 6 o'clock from a very second rate boarding house in Katoomba - we had not then learned the comfort of camping - for the ascent of Mount Solitary.
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 We wasted a lot of time trying every little gully before we located the right one leading from Narrow Neck to the Golden Stairway. It was a hot day in March and there then followed a hot thirsty walk along the cliff-foot past Ruined Castle. Harry Whitehouse had warned us that there was no water on Mt.Solitary, so we took a pint flask of the precious fluid with us, and drank sparingly from time to time when thirst became overwhelming. We wasted a lot of time trying every little gully before we located the right one leading from Narrow Neck to the Golden Stairway. It was a hot day in March and there then followed a hot thirsty walk along the cliff-foot past Ruined Castle. Harry Whitehouse had warned us that there was no water on Mt.Solitary, so we took a pint flask of the precious fluid with us, and drank sparingly from time to time when thirst became overwhelming.
  
-We reached the summit about noon, and spent two hours- in getting thirstier and thirstier while we rested on those barren tops where the trees case no shade. Baldur had recently acquired some theory that a long rest in the middle of the day was beneficial, and I had concurred. But it certainly wasn't. Coming back the heat and thirst were too much for me, and up the final slopes to Narrow Neck, I had to lie down every few yards because my head had started swimming. When we reached the spring under the cliffs we drank and drank and drank! I think we arrived back in Katoomba about 7 p.m., feeling it had been a long day. The coal mine track had been fairly clear, but there was no track beyond, while up the rock had the feeling that we were not the first who had been that way, but that was all.+We reached the summit about noon, and spent two hours in getting thirstier and thirstier while we rested on those barren tops where the trees case no shade. Baldur had recently acquired some theory that a long rest in the middle of the day was beneficial, and I had concurred. But it certainly wasn't. Coming back the heat and thirst were too much for me, and up the final slopes to Narrow Neck, I had to lie down every few yards because my head had started swimming. When we reached the spring under the cliffs we drank and drank and drank! I think we arrived back in Katoomba about 7 p.m., feeling it had been a long day. The coal mine track had been fairly clear, but there was no track beyond, while up the rock had the feeling that we were not the first who had been that way, but that was all.
  
 After ten years I again left Katoomba at 6 a.m.; three hours later I stood on the top of Mount Solitary. The track was well defined all the way, and up the rocks I was reminded of the English Lake District where you can follow the usual route by the nail-marks. As I descended to the stream on top - of whose existence Harry Whitehouse did not know I was greeted by coo-hees, a white tent, and two of Paddy's new eiderdowns hanging out to air. The owners were not Bush Walkers, because they had dropped orange peel along the track, but they were human beings none the less - human beings on the top of Mount Solitary ! After ten years I again left Katoomba at 6 a.m.; three hours later I stood on the top of Mount Solitary. The track was well defined all the way, and up the rocks I was reminded of the English Lake District where you can follow the usual route by the nail-marks. As I descended to the stream on top - of whose existence Harry Whitehouse did not know I was greeted by coo-hees, a white tent, and two of Paddy's new eiderdowns hanging out to air. The owners were not Bush Walkers, because they had dropped orange peel along the track, but they were human beings none the less - human beings on the top of Mount Solitary !
  
-Worse still, when I started down the rocks again, I saw smoke rising from the chimney of Ruined Castle, and for a moment I thought the giants had returned to their ancient lair. Then very human coo-ees echoed across the virgin bushlands. Still worse followed, for I met no less than four parties treading the erstwhile deserted path of the old coal-miners, But, perhaps worst of all, I found two nicely-made drinking pools along the track where had been merely damp ground before, to say nothing of an old mining shaft half full of water.+Worse still, when I started down the rocks again, I saw smoke rising from the chimney of Ruined Castle, and for a moment I thought the giants had returned to their ancient lair. Then very human coo-ees echoed across the virgin bushlands. Still worse followed, for I met no less than four parties treading the erstwhile deserted path of the old coal-miners. But, perhaps worst of all, I found two nicely-made drinking pools along the track where had been merely damp ground before, to say nothing of an old mining shaft half full of water.
  
 Gone, therefore, is the glorious possibility of perishing bravely of thirst in the attempt to scale the mountain, and gone also the lonely solitude which made it true to name. The only redeeming feature was the fact that I got there in half the time I did ten years ago, a consoling thought for one approaching middle life. For the same reason it was flattering to overhear the following remark on the way home: "I say, Jack, there's a girl guide! No it isn't a girl guide! It's a girl cub!" Gone, therefore, is the glorious possibility of perishing bravely of thirst in the attempt to scale the mountain, and gone also the lonely solitude which made it true to name. The only redeeming feature was the fact that I got there in half the time I did ten years ago, a consoling thought for one approaching middle life. For the same reason it was flattering to overhear the following remark on the way home: "I say, Jack, there's a girl guide! No it isn't a girl guide! It's a girl cub!"
-===== LIVESTOCK KILLED BY IRON-SHOD RECREATIONAL WALKERS. ACTION THREATENED BY CATTLE-DUFFERS' ASSOCIATION. ===== +===== Livestock Killed by Iron-Shod Recreational Walkers. ===== 
-I. Bobabout, Megalong+==== Action Threatened by Cattle-Duffers' Association. ==== 
 +  
 +__I. Bobabout, Megalong__
  
 Our Willymuckalong correspondent reports:- This district is being invaded by numbers of iron-shod, armour-plated footsloggers who appear to be busy humping ironmongery and other bulky and heavy gear up into the ranges here. The reason for this peculiar and incomprehensible kind of labour is not apparent, but the Willymuckalong Progress Association, the Backward Miners' League, and the Spirit of the Hills Association intend taking certain action to prevent further intrusion into our peaceful countryside by these human camels. Because of their distasteful presence our local enterprises cannot be conducted properly. Their sweated appearance seriously demoralises our emergency relief workers; and after seeing these human carryalls in action, pack-horses have lain down in their tracks and died of inferiority complex. Our Willymuckalong correspondent reports:- This district is being invaded by numbers of iron-shod, armour-plated footsloggers who appear to be busy humping ironmongery and other bulky and heavy gear up into the ranges here. The reason for this peculiar and incomprehensible kind of labour is not apparent, but the Willymuckalong Progress Association, the Backward Miners' League, and the Spirit of the Hills Association intend taking certain action to prevent further intrusion into our peaceful countryside by these human camels. Because of their distasteful presence our local enterprises cannot be conducted properly. Their sweated appearance seriously demoralises our emergency relief workers; and after seeing these human carryalls in action, pack-horses have lain down in their tracks and died of inferiority complex.
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 Mr. Hi Billy Can, an acknowledged authority on brakes (he is a tram driver in his spare time) added that without heel-brakes Trailers would become a serious menace to the countryside. Skids would be a matter of serious moment. He enthusiastically favours bigger and better hobnails and bigger and better swags for safety sake, and quotes the great Baron Thurat, who has written, "Work your monogram in hobnails; leave your mark wherever you go and make an impression in the land. Keep moving; put your feet down with verve and push hard. Excoriate trails and kick loose stones into the nearest parish. If you happen to step on the dog, get another dog". Mr. Hi Billy Can, an acknowledged authority on brakes (he is a tram driver in his spare time) added that without heel-brakes Trailers would become a serious menace to the countryside. Skids would be a matter of serious moment. He enthusiastically favours bigger and better hobnails and bigger and better swags for safety sake, and quotes the great Baron Thurat, who has written, "Work your monogram in hobnails; leave your mark wherever you go and make an impression in the land. Keep moving; put your feet down with verve and push hard. Excoriate trails and kick loose stones into the nearest parish. If you happen to step on the dog, get another dog".
 The Willymuckalong episode leaves the Trailers cold. They say the "locals" do not know their good luck. So far they have not yet met the Bushwalking Bargers. These double-stomached, steel-shinned cruisers take up-grade range sides like Trailers take their midday ration. They do not use heel-brakes but stop by grasping trees or rocks. Lacking these they grasp each other, or if too far apart for this manoeuvre they just keep moving. The really proficient Barger barges with a swerve, a sort of "googly" progress disconcerting to head-on traffic such as birds and blowflies. One keen observer maintains that Bargers feed whilst "on the move" and that this accounts for the lack of birds, butterflies and thistledown in many parts of the country. Really, the Willymuckalong people have very little to complain about so far. The Willymuckalong episode leaves the Trailers cold. They say the "locals" do not know their good luck. So far they have not yet met the Bushwalking Bargers. These double-stomached, steel-shinned cruisers take up-grade range sides like Trailers take their midday ration. They do not use heel-brakes but stop by grasping trees or rocks. Lacking these they grasp each other, or if too far apart for this manoeuvre they just keep moving. The really proficient Barger barges with a swerve, a sort of "googly" progress disconcerting to head-on traffic such as birds and blowflies. One keen observer maintains that Bargers feed whilst "on the move" and that this accounts for the lack of birds, butterflies and thistledown in many parts of the country. Really, the Willymuckalong people have very little to complain about so far.
-===== KOSCIUSKO.===== +===== Kosciusko.===== 
 "B." "B."
  
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 Rounded hill-tops strewn with boulders\\ Rounded hill-tops strewn with boulders\\
-On a plateau wide and drear\\+On a plateau wide and drear -\\
 Remnants only of the mountains\\ Remnants only of the mountains\\
 That in far-off times were there!\\ That in far-off times were there!\\
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 From the noonday's hot blue-gold, \\ From the noonday's hot blue-gold, \\
 Sole remains of mighty glaciers \\ Sole remains of mighty glaciers \\
-That down the heights once rolled \\+That down the heights once rolled! \\
  
 Dim across the distant ages \\ Dim across the distant ages \\
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-===== A BED-TIME STORY. =====+===== A Bed-Time Story. =====
  
-Once upon a time (all good stories begin thus) there was a man who was very tough and he said to his friends "What's all this fuss about sleeping bags and hip holes and bracken underneath and all"? And his friends said: "O, well we like comfort in camp"; and the man said: "Pah!" (for he was very tough and always said Pah!" when he was disgusted.)+Once upon a time (all good stories begin thus) there was a man who was very tough and he said to his friends "What's all this fuss about sleeping bags and hip holes and bracken underneath and all"? And his friends said: "O, well we like comfort in camp"; and the man said: "Pah!" (for he was very tough and always said "Pah!" when he was disgusted.)
  
-And one day the King had a birthday (for even Kings have birthdays like ordinary folks) and he said to all the people in the land: "You can have a holiday." And the people said: "Long live the King" (for that is the way you wish a King 'Many Happy Returns'.) Now, even though the man was tough, he loved holidays and so he packedup his rucksack and put in his blanket and went out to a certain place to camp. And it was very cold. And his friends (who liked comfort in camp) dug their hip holes and got into their "Paddymade" sleeping bags in their "Paddymade" tents, and they were very snug. But the man said "Pah!" (just to show he was tough) and he lit a big fire and rolled up in his blanket and lay down beside the fire. But he was hot on one side and cold on the other. So he turned over - but that was worse. And soon the fire died down and he was cold on both sides. So he got up and chopped some more wood. And the noise awoke those who were asleep and they asked him what was up. And he said: "Have you no souls? Can you sleep on such a perfect night? Come out my friends and gaze at the celestial galaxy." (by which he meant the stars.) But they grunted and went to sleep again.+And one day the King had a birthday (for even Kings have birthdays like ordinary folks) and he said to all the people in the land: "You can have a holiday." And the people said: "Long live the King" (for that is the way you wish a King 'Many Happy Returns'.) Now, even though the man was tough, he loved holidays and so he packed up his rucksack and put in his blanket and went out to a certain place to camp. And it was very cold. And his friends (who liked comfort in camp) dug their hip holes and got into their "Paddymade" sleeping bags in their "Paddymade" tents, and they were very snug. But the man said "Pah!" (just to show he was tough) and he lit a big fire and rolled up in his blanket and lay down beside the fire. But he was hot on one side and cold on the other. So he turned over - but that was worse. And soon the fire died down and he was cold on both sides. So he got up and chopped some more wood. And the noise awoke those who were asleep and they asked him what was up. And he said: "Have you no souls? Can you sleep on such a perfect night? Come out my friends and gaze at the celestial galaxy." (by which he meant the stars.) But they grunted and went to sleep again.
  
 And the tough man shivered and he dithered and he danced and he pranced and he chopped, and he hopped, but still he couldn't keep warm. And the next day he was not quite so tough, because he had not had any sleep. And he thought that perhaps a good night's sleep was a good thing after all, but of course he did not say so. And the tough man shivered and he dithered and he danced and he pranced and he chopped, and he hopped, but still he couldn't keep warm. And the next day he was not quite so tough, because he had not had any sleep. And he thought that perhaps a good night's sleep was a good thing after all, but of course he did not say so.
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 __AND HE SLEPT WELL EVER AFTER.__ __AND HE SLEPT WELL EVER AFTER.__
  
-===== CAMPING TRIP -  EASTER 1934.===== +===== Camping Trip -  Easter 1934.===== 
  
 __29th. MARCH to 2nd. APRIL. by Chas. Pryde.__ __29th. MARCH to 2nd. APRIL. by Chas. Pryde.__
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 From the Lookout the going is pretty rough for a while over loose broken rock and the last two hundred yards is very steep. Once across The Cox a fire was started for lunch, and while the girls went up stream, the men went down for a swim. After the walk the water seemed very nice but cold. I was the last out and was just starting to dry myself when some people appeared round the bend and I had to race behind some bushes to dress. These people turned out to be another party of Club members and we had a short chat. After lunch Ernie left us to go down stream as far as the Black Dog track and so back to camp, as he was to go up to Clear Hill that night to meet some more of our party, and took the pack with all our stray gear, etc. leaving seven of us with no food and only one torch. Up Spotted Dog to the top of Mount Dingo is tough going, but we got there after losing a lot of sweat. Struck a nasty misty rain on top. The connecting ridge to Mount Warrigal is rough and almost a knife edge in parts. We gradually worked our way down round under the cliffs of Warrigal and came on a big cave where a name Stanton and an arrow had been marked some time ago. We heard later, from Carlon, that Stanton had been lost in that district. The mist and rain were now very thick and dark was coming on rapidly as we made our way down towards the Blue Dog track, and we got a lot too far west into Mobbs Swamp. From the Lookout the going is pretty rough for a while over loose broken rock and the last two hundred yards is very steep. Once across The Cox a fire was started for lunch, and while the girls went up stream, the men went down for a swim. After the walk the water seemed very nice but cold. I was the last out and was just starting to dry myself when some people appeared round the bend and I had to race behind some bushes to dress. These people turned out to be another party of Club members and we had a short chat. After lunch Ernie left us to go down stream as far as the Black Dog track and so back to camp, as he was to go up to Clear Hill that night to meet some more of our party, and took the pack with all our stray gear, etc. leaving seven of us with no food and only one torch. Up Spotted Dog to the top of Mount Dingo is tough going, but we got there after losing a lot of sweat. Struck a nasty misty rain on top. The connecting ridge to Mount Warrigal is rough and almost a knife edge in parts. We gradually worked our way down round under the cliffs of Warrigal and came on a big cave where a name Stanton and an arrow had been marked some time ago. We heard later, from Carlon, that Stanton had been lost in that district. The mist and rain were now very thick and dark was coming on rapidly as we made our way down towards the Blue Dog track, and we got a lot too far west into Mobbs Swamp.
  
-The going now was very rough and unpleasant crashing through wet bushes and stumbling over logs in the dark - but eventually we rocognised some land marks in Medlaw Gap. Than the problem was to find the Camp but After a little heard the coo-ees of Phil and Gwen which led us homeward. We were all glad to get in - tired, cold, wet and hungry - but a good meal soon fixed us up and we turned in early. Got back to camp about 8.15 p.m., at least three hours overdue, and heard that Ernie had arrived safely about 5 p.m. and after a meal had started for Clear Hill.+The going now was very rough and unpleasant crashing through wet bushes and stumbling over logs in the dark - but eventually we recognised some land marks in Medlow Gap. Than the problem was to find the Camp but After a little heard the coo-ees of Phil and Gwen which led us homeward. We were all glad to get in - tired, cold, wet and hungry - but a good meal soon fixed us up and we turned in early. Got back to camp about 8.15 p.m., at least three hours overdue, and heard that Ernie had arrived safely about 5 p.m. and after a meal had started for Clear Hill.
  
 __SUNDAY, 1st, APRIL.__ Why was the camp so dull this morning? No one seemed to want to play practical jokes, although the date gave a license for that, and the morning was nice and bright. After breakfast the men got in a big supply of wood while the women did odd jobs and talked and talked. Some of them said they had a wash! Morrie visited some of the tents and got some recipes which I suppose he will want to try out on me sometime. However, I can only die once and trust it will be sudden and painless. Wally, Morrie and I, when looking for a more accessible route to the water, found a splendid cave which would shelter 30 to 40 people. An interesting ceremony was performed during the morning when Wally dissected and cremated his compass which was partly the cause of our hard trip yesterday. Ernie came into camp about noon with Bill, Rene, and Evelyn in tow. He had camped overnight in a cave at Narrow Neck and had picked them up in the morning. Bill in particular was raving about the colour and scenery. After lunch we all went up Mount Mouin and had a good look round and were able to identify a number of well known ranges, etc., but unfortunately none of us had a map of the Southern districts (which we could see very well) to pick out some of the peaks. The race of the cloud shadows over the hills and gullies was wonderful. All signed our names on a paper which was put in a bottle and placed on the Cairn. The fellows who had disturbed us so much on Friday morning were up also. __SUNDAY, 1st, APRIL.__ Why was the camp so dull this morning? No one seemed to want to play practical jokes, although the date gave a license for that, and the morning was nice and bright. After breakfast the men got in a big supply of wood while the women did odd jobs and talked and talked. Some of them said they had a wash! Morrie visited some of the tents and got some recipes which I suppose he will want to try out on me sometime. However, I can only die once and trust it will be sudden and painless. Wally, Morrie and I, when looking for a more accessible route to the water, found a splendid cave which would shelter 30 to 40 people. An interesting ceremony was performed during the morning when Wally dissected and cremated his compass which was partly the cause of our hard trip yesterday. Ernie came into camp about noon with Bill, Rene, and Evelyn in tow. He had camped overnight in a cave at Narrow Neck and had picked them up in the morning. Bill in particular was raving about the colour and scenery. After lunch we all went up Mount Mouin and had a good look round and were able to identify a number of well known ranges, etc., but unfortunately none of us had a map of the Southern districts (which we could see very well) to pick out some of the peaks. The race of the cloud shadows over the hills and gullies was wonderful. All signed our names on a paper which was put in a bottle and placed on the Cairn. The fellows who had disturbed us so much on Friday morning were up also.
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 Back in camp the Roots, Berry and Pryde party invited the "Lone Star Ranger" (Margo Shaw) to eat with them - provided, of course, that she brought her own food - which invitation was graciously accepted and she afterwards did the washing up. By the way, Gwen Lawrie is very good at washing up, besides nursing the baby. Back in camp the Roots, Berry and Pryde party invited the "Lone Star Ranger" (Margo Shaw) to eat with them - provided, of course, that she brought her own food - which invitation was graciously accepted and she afterwards did the washing up. By the way, Gwen Lawrie is very good at washing up, besides nursing the baby.
  
-At night-fall, we all settled down round a fine fire and a court-martial was being held before Mr. Justice Berry, on my conduct at The Cox River on Saturday, when I was caught by strangers in my bathing suit. The prosecutor (Mr.W.Reilly K.C.) had finished his address and the Counsel for the Defence (Mrs,J. Austen) had just started when a sudden burst of rain came on and we had to run to the tents for shelter, so I am still in doubt as to what my fate is to be. I had pleaded, "Not Guilty", but the prosecutor almost made me believe I was the most loathsome creature alive. Bill may be a brum architect, but he certainly would be a good lawyer. The rain cleared slightly before sleep time and Marge sat at the fire by herself looking like an Indian Squaw.+At night-fall, we all settled down round a fine fire and a court-martial was being held before Mr. Justice Berry, on my conduct at The Cox River on Saturday, when I was caught by strangers in my bathing suit. The prosecutor (Mr.W.Reilly K.C.) had finished his address and the Counsel for the Defence (Mrs.J. Austen) had just started when a sudden burst of rain came on and we had to run to the tents for shelter, so I am still in doubt as to what my fate is to be. I had pleaded, "Not Guilty", but the prosecutor almost made me believe I was the most loathsome creature alive. Bill may be a brum architect, but he certainly would be a good lawyer. The rain cleared slightly before sleep time and Marge sat at the fire by herself looking like an Indian Squaw.
  
-__MONDAY, 2nd. APRIL.__ There was some heavy rain during the night, but the morning opened up well and the day eventually proved to be the best one of the holiday. Breakfast over, we packed up and moved off before 9 a.m., for Katoomba via The Black Dog Track and Carlon's. Morrie had to be at work that night so left us at the track and returned by Clear Hill. He reached Katoomba about 1.30 and certainly must have moved, as he says he had only about one pound of prunes to eat on the way. We got a great welcome at Carlon's and of course, all had to go in for tea and to sign the visitors' book, and such apples they gave us! Shortly after we arrived Mostyn Hill left on an 18 mile walk to Maxwell's of Burragorang in his bare feet. Carlon told us he had done the blazes on the White Dog Track, which had so disappointed us,some years ago, and said it was a well known route +__MONDAY, 2nd. APRIL.__ There was some heavy rain during the night, but the morning opened up well and the day eventually proved to be the best one of the holiday. Breakfast over, we packed up and moved off before 9 a.m., for Katoomba via The Black Dog Track and Carlon's. Morrie had to be at work that night so left us at the track and returned by Clear Hill. He reached Katoomba about 1.30 and certainly must have moved, as he says he had only about one pound of prunes to eat on the way. We got a great welcome at Carlon's and of course, all had to go in for tea and to sign the visitors' book, and such apples they gave us! Shortly after we arrived Mostyn Hill left on an 18 mile walk to Maxwell's of Burragorang in his bare feet. Carlon told us he had done the blazes on the White Dog Track, which had so disappointed us,some years ago, and said it was a well known route in the old days. Carlon also said there was a great lot of cattle stealing going on in the district.
-in the old days. Carlon also said there was a great lot of cattle stealing going on in the district.+
  
 The climb from Green Gully up to the road at Euroka is not the easiest and we were all glad to reach the top. Lunch at Megalong practically cleared out all the eatable we were carrying. The party we'd seen on The Cox were here also having come up by Breakfast Creek. From the Valley the views of Pulpit Rock, Narrow Neck, etc. were splendid. About three-fourth of the way up Nellie's Glen we took a new track on our right which brought us out through Bonnie Doone. Although there are several very tricky spots to negotiate, this way is much better going than right up The Glen. It cuts out the very stiff finish and there is no long road walk from the Explorer's Tree, and you get almost to the Station before having to change. After getting over most arduous part of the climb, Phil was invested with the order "S.F." and some other tributes to the way she had managed all through the trip with the baby and to her nerve and grit in difficult places. The climb from Green Gully up to the road at Euroka is not the easiest and we were all glad to reach the top. Lunch at Megalong practically cleared out all the eatable we were carrying. The party we'd seen on The Cox were here also having come up by Breakfast Creek. From the Valley the views of Pulpit Rock, Narrow Neck, etc. were splendid. About three-fourth of the way up Nellie's Glen we took a new track on our right which brought us out through Bonnie Doone. Although there are several very tricky spots to negotiate, this way is much better going than right up The Glen. It cuts out the very stiff finish and there is no long road walk from the Explorer's Tree, and you get almost to the Station before having to change. After getting over most arduous part of the climb, Phil was invested with the order "S.F." and some other tributes to the way she had managed all through the trip with the baby and to her nerve and grit in difficult places.
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 A good quick run brought us to Strathfield where some of the party left. The others went on to Central and scattered outside the barrier after a most enjoyable trip in spite of the broken weather. A good quick run brought us to Strathfield where some of the party left. The others went on to Central and scattered outside the barrier after a most enjoyable trip in spite of the broken weather.
-===== ADDITIONS TO LIBRARY =====+===== Additions to Library =====
 since last issue of The Sydney Bushwalker. since last issue of The Sydney Bushwalker.
  
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-===== SOCIAL NOTES. =====+===== Social Notes. =====
  
 One of our most entertaining lecturers, Marie Byles, was in good form on 23rd. March when she took us "In quest of Mountains in N.S.W." Her Lantern slides were also very fine. One of our most entertaining lecturers, Marie Byles, was in good form on 23rd. March when she took us "In quest of Mountains in N.S.W." Her Lantern slides were also very fine.
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 The next lecture on the programme was that by Bob & Harry Savage on "The Colong Caves, The Boyd, and Kanangra." As usual this was a particularly popular night, and the Bushwalkers enjoyed this lecture in their usual hearty fashion.  The next lecture on the programme was that by Bob & Harry Savage on "The Colong Caves, The Boyd, and Kanangra." As usual this was a particularly popular night, and the Bushwalkers enjoyed this lecture in their usual hearty fashion. 
  
-On May 25th. Mr. W.L. Havard, B.Sc., gave an historical talk dealing with early bushwalking on the Blue Mountains Plateau. This talk was accompanied by slides which were to a large degree photographs of people who are more or less famous in Australian history. They were to the Bushwalkers a unique selection of slides and everyone found them most acceptable,+On May 25th. Mr. W.L. Havard, B.Sc., gave an historical talk dealing with early bushwalking on the Blue Mountains Plateau. This talk was accompanied by slides which were to a large degree photographs of people who are more or less famous in Australian history. They were to the Bushwalkers a unique selection of slides and everyone found them most acceptable.
  
 Since the last "Social Notes" were written, there has been another wedding in the Club, and we all wish Marion & Eric Moroney many, many years of wedded bliss.  Since the last "Social Notes" were written, there has been another wedding in the Club, and we all wish Marion & Eric Moroney many, many years of wedded bliss. 
  
 For the Social Committee, Rene D. Browne, Social Secretary. For the Social Committee, Rene D. Browne, Social Secretary.
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