193603
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193603 [2015/02/04 13:09] – Completed. Ready for another pair of eyes. elddawt | 193603 [2015/11/30 12:02] (current) – [Personal] sbw | ||
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| Miss Marie B. Byles (Acting Editor) | | Miss Marie B. Byles (Acting Editor) | ||
| Miss Dinah Hearfield (Acting Sub-Editor) | | Miss Dinah Hearfield (Acting Sub-Editor) | ||
- | | Miss Dorothy Lawry, Messrs Myles Dunphy, Graham Harrison Ian Malcolm and Jack Debert. | + | | Miss Dorothy Lawry, Messrs Myles Dunphy, Graham Harrison, Ian Malcolm and Jack Debert. |
===== Editorial ===== | ===== Editorial ===== | ||
- | We regret to announce the resignation of Miss Brenda White from the editorship of "The Sydney Bushwalker" | + | We regret to announce the resignation of Miss Brenda White from the editorship of "The Sydney Bushwalker" |
===== Personal ===== | ===== Personal ===== | ||
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Mavis Dibley and Cedric Barnes (Barney) have announced their engagement. We wish them all happiness on the bushwalk of life. | Mavis Dibley and Cedric Barnes (Barney) have announced their engagement. We wish them all happiness on the bushwalk of life. | ||
---- | ---- | ||
- | Laurence Graham " | + | Laurence Graham " |
===== Announcement | ===== Announcement | ||
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To our little band of die-hards, this news when related to us by Gordon, was received with cheers and much jubilation, as this climb had been down on our list for some time, to be performed on King's Birthday week-end. George Dibley bubbled with glee. " | To our little band of die-hards, this news when related to us by Gordon, was received with cheers and much jubilation, as this climb had been down on our list for some time, to be performed on King's Birthday week-end. George Dibley bubbled with glee. " | ||
- | However, the militant section decided on a vote - and hail tradition! The ayes had it. We completed plans for the climb, collected valuable information from Gordon Smith, and all of the party arranged to start on the Friday night, May 31st., 1935. Charles Culberg threw in his lot with our venture, the party being Doug. Grosvenor and Arnold Barrett; prospectives Fred Somers a non-member, George Dibley, Chas. Rolfe and myself. | + | However, the militant section decided on a vote - and hail tradition! The ayes had it. We completed plans for the climb, collected valuable information from Gordon Smith, and all of the party arranged to start on the Friday night, May 31st., 1935. Charles Culberg threw in his lot with our venture, the party being Doug Grosvenor and Arnold Barrett; prospectives Fred Somers a non-member, George Dibley, Chas. Rolfe [Charles Rolfe] |
After supper at the All British, Katoomba, on the Friday evening, we slept on beds at "Dibs Rest" - a very commendable procedure. | After supper at the All British, Katoomba, on the Friday evening, we slept on beds at "Dibs Rest" - a very commendable procedure. | ||
- | Saturday morning saw us away early, and soon we were passing down that never-ending show place of interest, | + | Saturday morning saw us away early, and soon we were passing down that never-ending show place of interest, |
- | After a halt at Galong Creek, during which time the party consumed a well- earned dinner, we pushed down the Cox again, and to all except George the country was new. A very interesting part of the Cox' | + | After a halt at Galong Creek, during which time the party consumed a well-earned dinner, we pushed down the Coxs again, and to all except George the country was new. A very interesting part of the Coxs River this and it was very much appreciated by the party. |
- | Five o' | + | Five o' |
As the night grew old, the glass sank lower. It was very cold, and Arnold, for a first-nighter-in-a-Paddy-bag, | As the night grew old, the glass sank lower. It was very cold, and Arnold, for a first-nighter-in-a-Paddy-bag, | ||
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Starting from the base camp at about 10-15 a.m., the party proceeded down stream about 200 yards and forded the Cox. Continuing another 150 yards down the south bank, we came upon a recently broken camp site, with the embers of a fire still glowing. Fred and George presumed, correctly, that it was Don Wallace and John Lumsden' | Starting from the base camp at about 10-15 a.m., the party proceeded down stream about 200 yards and forded the Cox. Continuing another 150 yards down the south bank, we came upon a recently broken camp site, with the embers of a fire still glowing. Fred and George presumed, correctly, that it was Don Wallace and John Lumsden' | ||
- | Once on the crest of the saddle, an idea of the climb of the mountain is obtained. The long ridge that runs from the saddle rises in an easy grade, and for the most part the general direction, due south, is held without any severe turns. On the one hand there is a grand view of Harry' | + | Once on the crest of the saddle, an idea of the climb of the mountain is obtained. The long ridge that runs from the saddle rises in an easy grade, and for the most part the general direction, due south, is held without any severe turns. On the one hand there is a grand view of Harry' |
The scope of the landscape under review widened as we climbed higher, and each " | The scope of the landscape under review widened as we climbed higher, and each " | ||
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The party was a little blown after the final effort, so we rested and meanwhile ate a little.(N.B.). After having satisfied our physical needs we proceeded to pander to our aesthetic sense by surveying the extensive panoramas that lay at, below, and beyond our feet. | The party was a little blown after the final effort, so we rested and meanwhile ate a little.(N.B.). After having satisfied our physical needs we proceeded to pander to our aesthetic sense by surveying the extensive panoramas that lay at, below, and beyond our feet. | ||
- | The Cox appeared as a fine, brown thread, turning and twisting in its erratic course; and was the centre of the vast piece of nature' | + | The Cox appeared as a fine, brown thread, turning and twisting in its erratic course; and was the centre of the vast piece of nature' |
- | Round farther to the south, we saw the mighty Gangerang, and then that Mecca, | + | Round farther to the south, we saw the mighty Gangerang, and then that Mecca, |
- | Photographs were secured, Fred being particularly active. He had a quick- loading camera and mapped some ten shots in almost as many seconds. | + | Photographs were secured, Fred being particularly active. He had a quick-loading camera and mapped some ten shots in almost as many seconds. |
The local foliage is not conducive to the acquisition of good photographs, | The local foliage is not conducive to the acquisition of good photographs, | ||
- | Mt. Heartbreaker is about 100 feet below Mt. Jenolan, some 200 yards distant, and the party decided to push on and surmount it. The Jenolan and Heartbreaker Ridges seem to converge at Mt. Jenolan, and what is accepted as the " | + | Mt Heartbreaker is about 100 feet below Mt Jenolan, some 200 yards distant, and the party decided to push on and surmount it. The Jenolan and Heartbreaker Ridges seem to converge at Mt Jenolan, and what is accepted as the " |
The outward view from Mt. Heartbreaker is not so interrupted by saplings and in this respect only, is it better than Mt. Jenolan. The angle of vision is not as great as the south-west, and much of the west is obscured by Mt. Jenolan' | The outward view from Mt. Heartbreaker is not so interrupted by saplings and in this respect only, is it better than Mt. Jenolan. The angle of vision is not as great as the south-west, and much of the west is obscured by Mt. Jenolan' | ||
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An interesting fact is that from Mt Heartbreaker we were able to see though more specks, the tents in our camp, over 4 miles away as the crow flies. After more photographs the party pushed onward and downward. | An interesting fact is that from Mt Heartbreaker we were able to see though more specks, the tents in our camp, over 4 miles away as the crow flies. After more photographs the party pushed onward and downward. | ||
- | Each " | + | Each " |
We came down rather abruptly at the end, and almost fell into the Cox, arriving at about 3-50 p.m. | We came down rather abruptly at the end, and almost fell into the Cox, arriving at about 3-50 p.m. | ||
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Personally, on principle, I am all against leaving memories lying about the countryside - spoil the natural scenery and all that - selfish, too. Just think of some tired walker, having pitched his tent in a memory-littered area, being rudely awakened in the dead of night by a stray memory, wafting under the tent flap into his hard-earned slumbers. | Personally, on principle, I am all against leaving memories lying about the countryside - spoil the natural scenery and all that - selfish, too. Just think of some tired walker, having pitched his tent in a memory-littered area, being rudely awakened in the dead of night by a stray memory, wafting under the tent flap into his hard-earned slumbers. | ||
- | After a delightful amble up the Creek, we breasted the hill at the top of Carlon' | + | After a delightful amble up the Creek, we breasted the hill at the top of Carlon Creek at 11-45 and bore down on Green Gully with all haste. As we drew near, I noticed two small blue figures frolicking on the grass of Carlon' |
They, too, had noticed us, and as I walked on watching them closely, they were discussing intruders. The dialogue, as far as I could make out was as follows:- | They, too, had noticed us, and as I walked on watching them closely, they were discussing intruders. The dialogue, as far as I could make out was as follows:- | ||
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** Imp 1 **: "Oh! look David, there are some walkers coming down the Hill." (Womem are always saying obvious things). | ** Imp 1 **: "Oh! look David, there are some walkers coming down the Hill." (Womem are always saying obvious things). | ||
- | ** Imp 11 **: "Yes, Cis." said David, quite unconcerned. He was at attention, his right hand shading his eyes from the hot moonday (( [sic] )) sun. He had noticed something of interest in the party. | + | ** Imp 11 **: "Yes, Cis." said David, quite unconcerned. He was at attention, his right hand shading his eyes from the hot noonday |
"I think they are some of Dad's friends", | "I think they are some of Dad's friends", | ||
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After much palaver, we pushed over to the Gully, where we found the Roots-Pryde combination in occupation, complete with effects; - "Peter the Page" and others. | After much palaver, we pushed over to the Gully, where we found the Roots-Pryde combination in occupation, complete with effects; - "Peter the Page" and others. | ||
- | After making nuisances of ourselves and generously(? | + | After making nuisances of ourselves and generously(? |
- | We dined with the ants at Mitchell' | + | We dined with the ants at Mitchells |
The party washed and generally cleaned up and after another rush, caught the 5-44 train home, after a very interesting and enjoyable three days in the company of good fellows and beautiful mountains. | The party washed and generally cleaned up and after another rush, caught the 5-44 train home, after a very interesting and enjoyable three days in the company of good fellows and beautiful mountains. | ||
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The sleepless Hours who watch me as I lie, | The sleepless Hours who watch me as I lie, | ||
- | Curtained with star-invoven (( handwritten correction: " | + | Curtained with star-inwoven tapestries, |
From the broad moonlight of the sky, | From the broad moonlight of the sky, | ||
Fanning the busy dreams from my dim eyes, | Fanning the busy dreams from my dim eyes, | ||
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Very soon after alighting from the lorry I had a fire going, while most of the people assisted in bringing in wood. Everybody seemed tired and wasted no time in making beds and settling down for the night. | Very soon after alighting from the lorry I had a fire going, while most of the people assisted in bringing in wood. Everybody seemed tired and wasted no time in making beds and settling down for the night. | ||
- | We had almost succeeded in getting everybody to sleep when the Duncans and Austens arrived by car and created such a disturbance that they wakened the whole of the camp. Jean went round to each member and wished him or her good-night and good-morning in practically the same breath. The new arrivals were not long in getting to bed; but uncomplimentary remarks were hurled at them, before they turned in. When everyone was quiet Maurie suggested a walk to the look-out and I readily agreed. It was then 3-30 a.m. and coolish away from the fire. Although there was no moon, the outlines of the mighty gorge of the Shoalhaven River could be discerned. Gazing upon the view we heard the hooting of owls and the merry twitter of willie wagtails. After a few minutes, our eyes, becoming accustomed to the darkness, could clearly pick out patches of the river, 1800 feet below, and I was keenly anticipating the view we must see in the day light. We returned to the camp fire and had a peaceful sleep until 5-40, when Maurie, Edgar and myself paid another visit to the lookout and were thrilled with the magnificant | + | We had almost succeeded in getting everybody to sleep when the Duncans |
- | We went back to the camp, wakened the crowd and took them to the lookout to gaze down on our prospective camp. After admiring the extensive view we returned to the track and made down for the river. It was very steep going, and the small loose stones caused frequent slipping; but the bottom was reached without any mishap. Marge, Brenda and I hit up a good pace going down hill, and arriving at the river, we found Ernie at a good camp site. Within a few minutes I had a cooking | + | We went back to the camp, wakened the crowd and took them to the lookout to gaze down on our prospective camp. After admiring the extensive view we returned to the track and made down for the river. It was very steep going, and the small loose stones caused frequent slipping; but the bottom was reached without any mishap. Marge [Marjorie Hill] , Brenda |
- | With breakfast over, we joined the others some few hundred yards downstream at a fair camp site, and when I had erected my tent, and the others had washed up, we went for a walk downstream, leaving the camp to look after itself. The walking was fairly rough; we were plodding through sand, rock hopping, or walking on pebbles, otherwise known as Wollondilly boulders. About noon a halt was made at Tallowal Gully where most of the members thoroughly enjoyed a swim in a large pool, and much amusement was created by lying in the rapids. There is a remarkably fine massaging effect to be obtained from lying in such places, and I wonder how really beneficial it may be. After the swim we lay in the shade and had a light lunch, (a light lunch for Bush Walkers, as on account of weight saving - most members take only a little food with them). In the afternoon a few of the more energetic individuals set out to explore Tallowal Gully to find the secluded waterfalls that Mr. Rumsey had told us about. We " | + | With breakfast over, we joined the others some few hundred yards downstream at a fair camp site, and when I had erected my tent, and the others had washed up, we went for a walk downstream, leaving the camp to look after itself. The walking was fairly rough; we were plodding through sand, rock hopping, or walking on pebbles, otherwise known as Wollondilly boulders. About noon a halt was made at Tallowal Gully [Tallowal Creek] |
On the return of the others, some of whom had lyre bird feathers, we set out for our camp, arriving there about 5-30. During our absence a goanna had invaded Maurie' | On the return of the others, some of whom had lyre bird feathers, we set out for our camp, arriving there about 5-30. During our absence a goanna had invaded Maurie' | ||
- | Awaking at about 5 a.m., I suggested to Marge and Plimmer that we make an assault upon the highest cliff directly opposite our camp, in which they enthusiastically joined, and we set off. Crossing the stream at Badgery' | + | Awaking at about 5 a.m., I suggested to Marge and Plimmer that we make an assault upon the highest cliff directly opposite our camp[Tumbledown Point?], in which they enthusiastically joined, and we set off. Crossing the stream at Badgerys |
The view from the top was delightful, it being far more extensive than that from the lookout. Rumsey' | The view from the top was delightful, it being far more extensive than that from the lookout. Rumsey' | ||
- | We walked for some distance on the edge of the plateau, taking particular notice of the surrounding country, and notwithstanding Marge' | + | We walked for some distance on the edge of the plateau, taking particular notice of the surrounding country, and notwithstanding Marge' |
On arrival at the camp, we found that the various parties had our breakfast ready and immediately afterwards Plimmer and I had a swim. It was arranged to proceed upstream to Bungonia Cave; but the Duncans and Austens, together with Frances, decided to have a lazy day round the camp. The other members made art early start. Some time after Plimmer and I set out; and overtook them at a very rocky cliff which gave no opportunity of passing without climbing some few hundred feet. After climbing some distance, and not liking the idea of proceeding higher, I decided to work my way along the face of the cliff. Many loose stones went with me and I was not too happy on numerous occasions. However, my short cut gave me the opportunity of a swim before the others arrived, and being hot after the climb down, I dived in the water complete with clothes; but as the party was some time coming along, I changed into costume and had another swim. Walking on for some distance, I came across a beautiful sandy spit, from which I decided would be an enjoyable place for the others to swim. They readily joined in upon their arrival. It was some time before Maurie put in an appearance, because Hilda, having got into the shelf of the rocky cliff, could neither proceed nor return, and had to receive his assistance. Most of us were loth to leave this good swimming spot; but Maurie was anxious to see the caves. Just before halting for lunch Harold killed and skinned two brown water snakes. | On arrival at the camp, we found that the various parties had our breakfast ready and immediately afterwards Plimmer and I had a swim. It was arranged to proceed upstream to Bungonia Cave; but the Duncans and Austens, together with Frances, decided to have a lazy day round the camp. The other members made art early start. Some time after Plimmer and I set out; and overtook them at a very rocky cliff which gave no opportunity of passing without climbing some few hundred feet. After climbing some distance, and not liking the idea of proceeding higher, I decided to work my way along the face of the cliff. Many loose stones went with me and I was not too happy on numerous occasions. However, my short cut gave me the opportunity of a swim before the others arrived, and being hot after the climb down, I dived in the water complete with clothes; but as the party was some time coming along, I changed into costume and had another swim. Walking on for some distance, I came across a beautiful sandy spit, from which I decided would be an enjoyable place for the others to swim. They readily joined in upon their arrival. It was some time before Maurie put in an appearance, because Hilda, having got into the shelf of the rocky cliff, could neither proceed nor return, and had to receive his assistance. Most of us were loth to leave this good swimming spot; but Maurie was anxious to see the caves. Just before halting for lunch Harold killed and skinned two brown water snakes. | ||
- | It became almost unbearably hot approaching noon and after going some distance beyond | + | It became almost unbearably hot approaching noon and after going some distance beyond |
Tom and I came across a canoe that had been roughly made from some cedar, and after launching it, we had an exciting five minutes before it sank under the excessive weight of our two selves. A further attempt was made, in which Tom paddled the canoe on his own downstream for some distance. I thought walking infinitely quicker, and making a good pace, arrived in camp considerably before the others. During our absence the five stay-at-homes had had an enjoyable time. They caught two brown snakes, and had their tent and food raided by a goanna. It seemed strange that the only tent raided was that of the people staying in camp. Who said goannas had no brains? | Tom and I came across a canoe that had been roughly made from some cedar, and after launching it, we had an exciting five minutes before it sank under the excessive weight of our two selves. A further attempt was made, in which Tom paddled the canoe on his own downstream for some distance. I thought walking infinitely quicker, and making a good pace, arrived in camp considerably before the others. During our absence the five stay-at-homes had had an enjoyable time. They caught two brown snakes, and had their tent and food raided by a goanna. It seemed strange that the only tent raided was that of the people staying in camp. Who said goannas had no brains? | ||
- | The camp fire was very successful and many discussions were entered upon. Talking went on until the very early hours of morning, and not feeling particularly tired, I paraded round the camp fire until 12-45. Going to the river for a drink I decided to pretend I was swimming and threw in a large stone, accompanying the splash with shrieks about cold water. Some disbeliever flashed a torch in my direction to prove I was not in the water, and remarks were then hurled at me that I was not game to go in at that hour; | + | The camp fire was very successful and many discussions were entered upon. Talking went on until the very early hours of morning, and not feeling particularly tired, I paraded round the camp fire until 12-45. Going to the river for a drink I decided to pretend I was swimming and threw in a large stone, accompanying the splash with shrieks about cold water. Some disbeliever flashed a torch in my direction to prove I was not in the water, and remarks were then hurled at me that I was not game to go in at that hour; so within two minutes I was having a perfectly delightful swim. Returning to the fire I caused the others some more annoyance before turning into bed. |
- | + | ||
- | |(xx.) (( From five paragraphs earlier. )) These libellous remarks are only allowed because everyone knows that Marge Hill is a partlaularly good bushwoman whose reputation cannot be injured. Ed.| | + | |
- | + | ||
- | so within two minutes I was having a perfectly delightful swim. Returning to the fire I caused the others some more annoyance before turning into bed. | + | |
The bird chorus in the early dawn was again delightful and after lying awake listening to it, I went for a swim at 5-30, before making tea for those sleeping out round the fire. After breakfast some of the more energetic ones played games, and a football match between the Duncans and Austens v Marge, Fanny, Plimmer and myself, proved very strenuous, resulting in the last named winning by 4 to nil. Later the Duncans had a cockfight with Jean and me. The Duncans had earned much popularity by defeating Jean and Ernie, much to Jean's disgust, who said: " | The bird chorus in the early dawn was again delightful and after lying awake listening to it, I went for a swim at 5-30, before making tea for those sleeping out round the fire. After breakfast some of the more energetic ones played games, and a football match between the Duncans and Austens v Marge, Fanny, Plimmer and myself, proved very strenuous, resulting in the last named winning by 4 to nil. Later the Duncans had a cockfight with Jean and me. The Duncans had earned much popularity by defeating Jean and Ernie, much to Jean's disgust, who said: " | ||
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After two glorious days, Monday turned out to be a cow of a day, with hot westerly winds blowing sand all over the camp site and into food, generally making things unpleasant. Relief was found in the water, so we had a swimming race down the rapids; but just before commencing the race Ernie announced that a snake was swimming downstream, and four of us stood with large stones waiting for it to pass. The snake saw us however, and made a determined effort to swim against the current; but try as he might he was not able to progress upstream, and it was somewhat pathetic to see his valiant attempt. Then Frank broke its back with a piece of bark, making the fifth snake for the trip. | After two glorious days, Monday turned out to be a cow of a day, with hot westerly winds blowing sand all over the camp site and into food, generally making things unpleasant. Relief was found in the water, so we had a swimming race down the rapids; but just before commencing the race Ernie announced that a snake was swimming downstream, and four of us stood with large stones waiting for it to pass. The snake saw us however, and made a determined effort to swim against the current; but try as he might he was not able to progress upstream, and it was somewhat pathetic to see his valiant attempt. Then Frank broke its back with a piece of bark, making the fifth snake for the trip. | ||
- | There was a certain sadness about having to pack up and leave a spot that had helped make the trip so enjoyable, and the thought of the long drag up the hill did not alleviate that sadness. Leaving the site almost last of all, I quickly got into a nice, lazy stride, and without any rest, arrived at the top first. Not wishing to deprive anyone who perhaps had a competitive spirit, of the right of arriving at the top before someone else, I sat down for about seven minutes and awaited the arrival of Maurie, Rene and Marge; and so we walked a hundred yards together, arriving at the top as a party. I am quite satisfied that there is an efficient and economical walking speed for each individual, and should any member go slower than that speed he is tiring himself. On the other hand, should he attempt to go faster he is straining himself. It is advisable for each member to find out what is his most economical speed, and regardless of everyone else, keep to that pace. Many members find the desire to halt, whereas | + | There was a certain sadness about having to pack up and leave a spot that had helped make the trip so enjoyable, and the thought of the long drag up the hill did not alleviate that sadness. Leaving the site almost last of all, I quickly got into a nice, lazy stride, and without any rest, arrived at the top first. Not wishing to deprive anyone who perhaps had a competitive spirit, of the right of arriving at the top before someone else, I sat down for about seven minutes and awaited the arrival of Maurie, Rene and Marge; and so we walked a hundred yards together, arriving at the top as a party. I am quite satisfied that there is an efficient and economical walking speed for each individual, and should any member go slower than that speed he is tiring himself. On the other hand, should he attempt to go faster he is straining himself. It is advisable for each member to find out what is his most economical speed, and regardless of everyone else, keep to that pace. Many members find the desire to halt, whereas |
When the balance of the party arrived at the top we went over to the Willows, a very refreshing spot with green fields, a shady creek with watercress and mint and lovely willows. Lunch was a delightful affair, though somewhat hurried. | When the balance of the party arrived at the top we went over to the Willows, a very refreshing spot with green fields, a shady creek with watercress and mint and lovely willows. Lunch was a delightful affair, though somewhat hurried. | ||
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This is the tale of Adeline, the faithful; my father, mother and myself, and our trip to Brisbane. | This is the tale of Adeline, the faithful; my father, mother and myself, and our trip to Brisbane. | ||
- | To introduce Adeline to those who have not the privelege | + | To introduce Adeline to those who have not the privilege |
Well, we went on Monday, 6th. January, to Peat's Ferry across to Gosford, thence to Minmi, where we stayed the night. So far the adventure had not really started as this was the 27th. time Adeline had traversed this route. | Well, we went on Monday, 6th. January, to Peat's Ferry across to Gosford, thence to Minmi, where we stayed the night. So far the adventure had not really started as this was the 27th. time Adeline had traversed this route. | ||
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The next point of interest is Lake Macquarie, the first view of which is from the turn-off to Catherine Hill Bay, seen on the right. | The next point of interest is Lake Macquarie, the first view of which is from the turn-off to Catherine Hill Bay, seen on the right. | ||
- | We reached the lake just as the sun was setting. The water was pink, gold and purply-blue, | + | We reached the lake just as the sun was setting. The water was pink, gold and purply-blue, |
- | It is strange that so little is known in Sydney of this Lake. It is an enormous stretch of water with beautiful little bays and beaches, - some sandy, some pebbly - that have all the colors | + | It is strange that so little is known in Sydney of this Lake. It is an enormous stretch of water with beautiful little bays and beaches, - some sandy, some pebbly - that have all the colours |
Minmi is a dead mining town, the pits having been closed for years, and the population is now 400 or 500 as compared with 10,000 to 12,000 in the early mining days of the district. | Minmi is a dead mining town, the pits having been closed for years, and the population is now 400 or 500 as compared with 10,000 to 12,000 in the early mining days of the district. | ||
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Next morning found us early on our way to Port Macquarie. The country between Paterson and Dungog the next town is hilly and green, and the road winds through the valley and over the hills until we see Dungog stretched out before us in the Williams River Valley. Barrington Tops can be seen from here. Rain had fallen the night before, and mists were rising from the mountains making a sight worth travelling blindfolded to see. I took some photos of the Williams; but I have misgivings as all from there to Brisbane were taken in dull weather. | Next morning found us early on our way to Port Macquarie. The country between Paterson and Dungog the next town is hilly and green, and the road winds through the valley and over the hills until we see Dungog stretched out before us in the Williams River Valley. Barrington Tops can be seen from here. Rain had fallen the night before, and mists were rising from the mountains making a sight worth travelling blindfolded to see. I took some photos of the Williams; but I have misgivings as all from there to Brisbane were taken in dull weather. | ||
- | Our next stop was Gloucester, where there is a queer formation of rocks outside the town called the Buckets. They graduate from a pile about 100 ft. high to one that is a mountain in size. Though they show bare rock, they are covered with vegetation. Every crevice and patch of soil bears trees; some giants. The bases of these huge piles slope out until they lose themselves in the flats. Perhaps being rather isolated from other hills, they encourage rainfall and in the course of centuries have been washed bare. We ascend after Gloucester and some good views of the hill country can be seen from Kramback (( Krambach | + | Our next stop was Gloucester, where there is a queer formation of rocks outside the town called the Buckets. They graduate from a pile about 100 ft. high to one that is a mountain in size. Though they show bare rock, they are covered with vegetation. Every crevice and patch of soil bears trees; some giants. The bases of these huge piles slope out until they lose themselves in the flats. Perhaps being rather isolated from other hills, they encourage rainfall and in the course of centuries have been washed bare. We ascend after Gloucester and some good views of the hill country can be seen from Krambach Mountain. From here to Port Macquarie, the country is fairly flat and very similar to the outskirts of Sydney. From here to Port Macquarie Adeline protested for the road was like a washing-board and the poor old dear skithered (( [sic] )) (( Probably slithered, but what a gorgeous mix of skittered and slithered. )) from one side of the road to the other. |
It was dark when we camped at the Port. Dad was given some fish which I cooked while he went to the town to buy bait. I might say that the camping ground was like a town; no place for a Bushwalker. The tents were like houses and the campers seemed to have everything but the kitchen sink. It was rather like camping in a garbage dump - papers, tins and rubbish all over the place. Dad brought a melon; but as we had just finished tea, it was reserved for the next day. It disappeared during the night! | It was dark when we camped at the Port. Dad was given some fish which I cooked while he went to the town to buy bait. I might say that the camping ground was like a town; no place for a Bushwalker. The tents were like houses and the campers seemed to have everything but the kitchen sink. It was rather like camping in a garbage dump - papers, tins and rubbish all over the place. Dad brought a melon; but as we had just finished tea, it was reserved for the next day. It disappeared during the night! | ||
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The next and last stage on the trip up was over the Burringbar Ranges, through Murwillumbah, | The next and last stage on the trip up was over the Burringbar Ranges, through Murwillumbah, | ||
- | From Tweed Heads we crossed the border to Coolongatta | + | From Tweed Heads we crossed the border to Coolangatta |
We stayed that might at an hotel! and looked such down-and-outs, | We stayed that might at an hotel! and looked such down-and-outs, | ||
- | The next day we started south again; through Beaudesert to Mt. Lindsey (( Possibly Mount Lindesay? )), and the country was uninteresting until we reached some fine dairy country hemmed in by tall, craggy hills. We passed through the border gate at Mt. Lindsey without knowing what it was; but it was raining very heavily at the time and restricted our view to about 200 yards. As Mt. Lindsey is 4000 feet in height, we missed something worth seeing. | + | The next day we started south again; through Beaudesert to Mt Lindesay, and the country was uninteresting until we reached some fine dairy country hemmed in by tall, craggy hills. We passed through the border gate at Mt. Lindsey without knowing what it was; but it was raining very heavily at the time and restricted our view to about 200 yards. As Mt. Lindsey is 4000 feet in height, we missed something worth seeing. |
The few views we had made us want more and none of us having been over this route before, we were expecting the good road to end at any moment leaving us to face the dreaded black soil, such as on the Warwick-Stanthorpe route. It came as a pleasant surprise when we were told at a bowser that we were 40 miles on the N.S.W. side of the fence. The road up to now had been through beautiful forest country; big trees and open glades, here and there. | The few views we had made us want more and none of us having been over this route before, we were expecting the good road to end at any moment leaving us to face the dreaded black soil, such as on the Warwick-Stanthorpe route. It came as a pleasant surprise when we were told at a bowser that we were 40 miles on the N.S.W. side of the fence. The road up to now had been through beautiful forest country; big trees and open glades, here and there. | ||
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A Mock Wedding was held in the Club rooms on 21st. February. The dressing was most effective and caused much laughter, but the actual representation could have been improved. Probably lack of proper rehearsal was the cause of the trouble. | A Mock Wedding was held in the Club rooms on 21st. February. The dressing was most effective and caused much laughter, but the actual representation could have been improved. Probably lack of proper rehearsal was the cause of the trouble. | ||
- | On the 28th. February, | + | On the 28th. February, Mr. K. Hindwood, one of the first people to lecture at the Club, gave us a talk on "Birds and Bushwalking" |
A Moonlight Excursion, was held on Wednesday 4th, March. Thanks to the activities of our super-salesman, | A Moonlight Excursion, was held on Wednesday 4th, March. Thanks to the activities of our super-salesman, | ||
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I have tramped it too long not to know there is truth in it still, | I have tramped it too long not to know there is truth in it still, | ||
- | That lur (( [sic] )) of the turn of the road, of the crest of the hill. | + | That lure of the turn of the road, of the crest of the hill. |
C.G.D. Roberts. | C.G.D. Roberts. | ||
193603.1423015763.txt.gz · Last modified: 2015/02/04 13:09 by elddawt