193811
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193811 [2016/01/20 13:02] – [A Scientist in the Mountains] emmanuelle_c | 193811 [2016/01/25 13:07] – [Kedumba-De-Luxe] emmanuelle_c | ||
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Darwin stayed the night at Emu Ferry and next day, having crossed the shallow Nepean in a ferry boat, commenced the gradual ascent of the Blue Mountains, passing ironed gangs of convict road workers. | Darwin stayed the night at Emu Ferry and next day, having crossed the shallow Nepean in a ferry boat, commenced the gradual ascent of the Blue Mountains, passing ironed gangs of convict road workers. | ||
- | He was struck by the extreme uniformity of the vegetation - the open woodlands | + | |
- | of the never-failing Eucalypts with their scant foliage and vertically-hanging leaves, making the woods appear light and shadowless, and their partly-shed bark hanging in long shreds "which swing -about in the wind and give the woods a desolate and untidy appearance." | + | He was struck by the extreme uniformity of the vegetation - the open woodlands of the never-failing Eucalypts with their scant foliage and vertically-hanging leaves, making the woods appear light and shadowless, and their partly-shed bark hanging in long shreds "which swing -about in the wind and give the woods a desolate and untidy appearance." |
It struck him as curious to see in the midst of a civilised people "a set of harmless savages of good-humoured and pleasant countenance, | It struck him as curious to see in the midst of a civilised people "a set of harmless savages of good-humoured and pleasant countenance, | ||
- | By mid-day Darwin and his companion had reached an elevation of 2,800 ft., where they stopped to rest their horses at the little Weatherboard Inn. Darwin then set out a further | + | |
- | other name to give it, thickly covered with forest. The point of view is situated as if at the head of a bay, the line of cliff diverging on each side, and showing headland behind headland, as on a bold sea-coast. These cliffs are composed of horizontal strata of whitish sandstone and are so absolutely vertical that in many placed | + | By mid-day Darwin and his companion had reached an elevation of 2,800 ft., where they stopped to rest their horses at the little Weatherboard Inn. Darwin then set out a further |
- | Very early next morning, having reached Blackheath, Darwin and his companion walked 3 miles to view Govetts Leap, which proved to be even more stupendous than the view of the day before. "These valleys", | + | |
- | insuperable barrier to the attempts of the most enterprising of the colonists to reach the interior, are most remarkable. Great armlike bays expanding at their upper ends often branch from the main valleys and penetrate the sandstone platform, on the other hand the platform often sends promontories into the valleys, and even leaves in them great, almost insulated, masses. To descend into some of these valleys it is necessary to go round twenty miles; and into others the surveyors | + | Very early next morning, having reached Blackheath, Darwin and his companion walked 3 miles to view Govetts Leap, which proved to be even more stupendous than the view of the day before. "These valleys", |
- | have only lately penetrated and the colonists have not yet been able to drive in their cattle. But the most remarkable feature in their structure is that, although several miles wide at their heads, they generally contract towards their mouths to such a degree as to become impassable. The Surveyor General, Sir T.Mitchell, endeavoured in vain, first walking and then by crawling between | + | |
===== A Few More Words About "F O O D". ===== | ===== A Few More Words About "F O O D". ===== | ||
- | We take no responsibility for the following paragraph, which was sent to us recently by a correspondent. Our readers must "read, mark,learn, and inwardly digest" | + | We take no responsibility for the following paragraph, which was sent to us recently by a correspondent. Our readers must "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" |
It is an Extract from " | It is an Extract from " | ||
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===== At Our Own Meeting ===== | ===== At Our Own Meeting ===== | ||
- | The October Meeting opened at the usual time (8.15 p m.),and the first 'high, light" was the election of Mr,Barrett as Room Steward -,.on the nomination of Mrs.' | + | The October Meeting opened at the usual time (8.15 p.m.),and the first " |
- | Two new members were welcomed by the President | + | |
- | MesFrs. Dick -Schofield and Alan litryborn. | + | Two new members were welcomed by the President: |
+ | |||
+ | Messrs. Dick Schofield and Alan Wyborn. | ||
We wonder do they realise that the Barretts are " | We wonder do they realise that the Barretts are " | ||
- | Mr.Dunphy | + | |
- | There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.50 p n. | + | Mr.Dunphy |
- | ft r,... r | + | |
- | Reprinted from the Melbourne Women' | + | There being no further business, the Chairman declared the meeting closed at 8.50 p.m. |
+ | |||
+ | Reprinted from the Melbourne Women' | ||
===== Grass ===== | ===== Grass ===== | ||
- | Grass is the forgiveness of Nature - her constant benediction. Fields trampled with battle,Saturated | + | Grass is the forgiveness of Nature - her constant benediction. Fields trampled with battle, |
- | invades the solitude of. the deserts, climbs the inaccessible-slope6 | + | |
- | bloom to charm the senses with fragrance and splendour, but its homely hue is more | + | |
- | enchanting than the lily or the rose. It yields no fruit in earth or air, and yet, should its harvest fail for a single year, famine would depopulate the world. | + | |
Let us bring grass to our camping-ground at Morella-karong. | Let us bring grass to our camping-ground at Morella-karong. | ||
- | + | ||
===== News - for Those About to Go Abroad ===== | ===== News - for Those About to Go Abroad ===== | ||
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by " | by " | ||
- | It must he' | + | It must have been some latent roving spirit which prompted |
- | Our leader, Harry, had been out alone a few times and "knew all about it", so we accepted his advice and guidance without question. Having purchased a second-hand military pack at the Scout Shop, I added thereto a sleeping-bag composed of three blankets, the latter weighing a mere trifle like 12-1bs! | + | |
- | *Wentworth Falls certainly was treated to the appearance of a motley crew upon the Easter Thursday night. How well I recall the Bearer of Light, Charlie, with his small hurricane lamp, and bottle of ker.. to match; Fred, the Hunter, | + | Our leader, Harry, had been out alone a few times and "knew all about it", so we accepted his advice and guidance without question. Having purchased a second-hand military pack at the Scout Shop, I added thereto a sleeping-bag composed of three blankets, the latter weighing a mere trifle like 12-lbs! |
- | with a 303 rifle by courtesy of the Minister of Defence, but without his knowledge or consent; Jack, the Kennell-Master with his faithful hound -- ho found it was more economical to pay rail-fare on it than lodgings at tho Dogs' Home over Easter, The animal also served as a foot-cosy at night in camp (the advantage of live foot- warmers may be placed before the Railway Commissioner as a suggestion for permanent warmth, should the Federation see fit). | + | |
- | Our leader humped a steel-frame rucksack (hush: it was hired from Paddy), but he had the cutest idea of stowing his toothbrush down the leg of his sock, the bristles peeping out at the to Max, Frank, and I wore overcoats - mine was an | + | Wentworth Falls certainly was treated to the appearance of a motley crew upon the Easter Thursday night. How well I recall the Bearer of Light, Charlie, with his small hurricane lamp, and bottle of kero. to match; Fred, the Hunter, |
- | old rainproof, more rain than proof, | + | with a 303 rifle by courtesy of the Minister of Defence, but without his knowledge or consent; Jack, the Kennell-Master with his faithful hound - ho found it was more economical to pay rail-fare on it than lodgings at the Dogs' Home over Easter. The animal also served as a foot-cosy at night in camp (the advantage of live foot-warmers may be placed before the Railway Commissioner as a suggestion for permanent warmth, should the Federation see fit). |
- | After making final Purchases at the local general store, we bundled into a | + | |
- | car, and away to the head of Kedumba Pass. It was a beautiful night as we descended, Mt.Solltary | + | Our leader humped a steel-frame rucksack (hush: it was hired from Paddy), but he had the cutest idea of stowing his toothbrush down the leg of his sock, the bristles peeping out at the top! Max, Frank, and I wore overcoats - mine was an old rainproof, more rain than proof, |
- | 4 mania of suddenly swinging to one side as the shoulder straps were of pliant green- hide, and easily slipped through the badly-designed buckles, throwing all the weight on to one shoulder. Perhaps this was a blessing in disguise, as thz same straps were doing their level best to sever my arms from my body, and the frequent halts to make adjustments were very welcome. Unused to the downgrade | + | |
- | At long last we " | + | After making final Purchases at the local general store, we bundled into a car, and away to the head of Kedumba Pass. It was a beautiful night as we descended, Mt.Solitary |
- | moonlit, scintillating waters, armed with mug or billy, and sated our thirst therein. Our sleeping accommodation, | + | |
- | spectively, was soon erected, and - after making a cup of tea, and nibbling a bit of supper - the weary adventurers turned in. It was my first experience of sleeping upon the good earth, and, what with the full moon illuminating the tent, and a furry nocturnal animal playing hide and seek in the small hours, my repose was a troubled one. | + | At long last we " |
- | 9.30 a m. saw US under way down-stream on the left bank, through tall bracken, | + | |
- | eventually emerging at the Ifaxwellian | + | 9.30 a.m. saw us under way down-stream on the left bank, through tall bracken, eventually emerging at the Maxwellian |
- | Rain now commenced to fall fairly heavily, | + | |
- | We negotiated a creek (probably Reedy Creek) by means of a wire fence, and eventually arrived opposite our objective, namely, two bark huts (which were our abodes for the rest of the holiday), | + | Rain now commenced to fall fairly heavily, |
- | Very soon frankfurts (we had about 10-lbs of them with us!) came steaming from many billies, and were consumed with a dash of tomato sauce. The company was soon in good humour. Oh,yes! I did not overlook my little bottle of condiment, makes things so tasty, you know! | + | |
- | Having cut cards to decide the respective tenancy of the huts, Frank, Fred, and I found ourselves in one, and four in the other, it being the larger of the two. Frank and I each had a bunk of sorts, whilst Fred graced the sandy floor when the time came. As the camps were about 40 yards apart, we had our separate cooking fires, and thereby presented a "Mrs. 'Iggs and Mrs.'krris" existence. We dried off during the afternoon, and had a camp-fire communion after tea, turning in about nine o' | + | Very soon frankfurts (we had about 10-lbs of them with us!) came steaming from many billies, and were consumed with a dash of tomato sauce. The company was soon in good humour. Oh, yes! I did not overlook my little bottle of condiment, makes things so tasty, you know! |
+ | |||
+ | Having cut cards to decide the respective tenancy of the huts, Frank, Fred, and I found ourselves in one, and four in the other, it being the larger of the two. Frank and I each had a bunk of sorts, whilst Fred graced the sandy floor when the time came. As the camps were about 40 yards apart, we had our separate cooking fires, and thereby presented a "Mrs. 'Iggs and Mrs.'Arris" existence. We dried off during the afternoon, and had a camp-fire communion after tea, turning in about nine o' | ||
Saturday dawned fine, and Harry and Jack went off to see the Cox. The balance of us contented ourselves in roaming the pleasant open timber of the locality, and firing aimlessly (in more ways than one) at sundry galahs and parakeets in high trees, or fishing without luck in deep pools in the creek. | Saturday dawned fine, and Harry and Jack went off to see the Cox. The balance of us contented ourselves in roaming the pleasant open timber of the locality, and firing aimlessly (in more ways than one) at sundry galahs and parakeets in high trees, or fishing without luck in deep pools in the creek. | ||
+ | |||
On arrival back in camp we discovered a friendly blowfly, bent on perpetuating her race, had had a good time on our frankfurt supply, which had been left uncovered. Thereupon billies were boiled, and the bundles immersed therein to remove the wrigglers, those surviving the Ordeal of Hot Water being flicked off with the corner of a tea-towel. | On arrival back in camp we discovered a friendly blowfly, bent on perpetuating her race, had had a good time on our frankfurt supply, which had been left uncovered. Thereupon billies were boiled, and the bundles immersed therein to remove the wrigglers, those surviving the Ordeal of Hot Water being flicked off with the corner of a tea-towel. | ||
- | Harry and Jack came in just on dusk, and a good tea of Johnnie-cakes, | + | |
+ | Harry and Jack came in just on dusk, and a good tea of Johnnie-cakes, | ||
It was a collection of " | It was a collection of " | ||
- | Fred, being youngest, picked up a bit of energy near sunset, and, with his little gun, contrived to atomize the hindquarters of a rabbit which had not fled at his fairy-like approach. The relict served as a meal for the dog, which had remained calm and unaffected throughout the crisis. But the worst was not over, Harry saw to that the next day. Before breaking camp on the Monday morning,we performed the solemn ceremony of placing the remainder of the then loatbesome | + | |
- | trousers, all in mute testimony of recent events, and a silent Warning to those who would tarry by the brook. | + | Fred, being youngest, picked up a bit of energy near sunset, and, with his little gun, contrived to atomize the hindquarters of a rabbit which had not fled at his fairy-like approach. The relict served as a meal for the dog, which had remained calm and unaffected throughout the crisis. But the worst was not over, Harry saw to that the next day. Before breaking camp on the Monday morning, we performed the solemn ceremony of placing the remainder of the then loathsome |
- | Proceeding upstream, | + | |
- | Our leader decided to take the GoatTrack from Maxwell' | + | Proceeding upstream, |
- | on the opposite bank to that of our forward journey. So, with He!ri y at our head, we started the Great AScent. There is an old saying about sheep following their leader, but here was a definite case of sheep being goats, both in their manner of locomotion and in their faith in their 3, | + | Our leader decided to take the GoatTrack from Maxwell' |
- | No record is made here of the language. | + | |
- | Finally he and I, lagging behind, decided our necks were in danger - we had just crossed an old landslide which you can see from nearly anywhere round Katoomba, and had no desire for another similar experience - so we skidded | + | Finally he and I, lagging behind, decided our necks were in danger - we had just crossed an old landslide which you can see from nearly anywhere round Katoomba, and had no desire for another similar experience - so we skidded |
- | Meeting two experienced walkers, we hired a car to Wentworth Falls with them, and caught an overcrowded train, sinking to rest on. the hard floor thereof. | + | |
- | We were all off-colour for a time, Charlie losing a half-stone in weight, and a few guineas to the local doctor -- gastro-enteritis was the diagnosis: | + | Meeting two experienced walkers, we hired a car to Wentworth Falls with them, and caught an overcrowded train, sinking to rest on the hard floor thereof. |
+ | |||
+ | We were all off-colour for a time, Charlie losing a half-stone in weight, and a few guineas to the local doctor -- gastro-enteritis was the diagnosis! | ||
We swore never to go forth again with our gallant leader, who afterwards calmly confessed that he knew the creek was "not so hot" before he started, but did not like to tell us in case we wouldn' | We swore never to go forth again with our gallant leader, who afterwards calmly confessed that he knew the creek was "not so hot" before he started, but did not like to tell us in case we wouldn' | ||
+ | |||
So hearken, all who would journey in Kedumba, boil, boil, AND boil the water. And here ended my first lesson. | So hearken, all who would journey in Kedumba, boil, boil, AND boil the water. And here ended my first lesson. | ||
193811.txt · Last modified: 2016/06/29 13:19 by emmanuelle_c