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-THE SYDNEf'BUSHWALKER
+THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER
-Monthly Bulletin devoted to matters of interest to ''The Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton Street, Sydney
-a
+Monthly Bulletin devoted to matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton Street, Sydney
-e- .:1;. 4 a
 No.70 OCTOBER, 1940 Price 3d.
-Editor: Dorothy Lawry,
-Acting Business Manager and Production: Brian Harvey Subscriptions:- Ordinary, Doreen Harris: "On Service" Grace Jolly. Other members of the ) Jessie Martin, Merle Hamilton, Mary Stoddart,
+|Editor |Dorothy Lawry|
-Publication Staff ) and Arthur Salmon.
+|Acting Business Manager and Production |Brian Harvey|
+|Subscriptions |Ordinary, Doreen Harris "On Service" Grace Jolly|
+|Other members of the Publication Staff |Jessie Martin, Merle Hamilton, Mary Stoddart, and Arthur Salmon|
 CONTENTS
-Editorial
-At Our Own Meeting se.
+|Editorial | Page 1|
-Phyllis Roots - An Appreciation .  Katoomba-Kanangra-Katoomba by W.T.W.
+|At Our Own Meeting | Page 2|
-Case Book of Dr,Dolittle,No.2 - Paddy's Advt. Around Australia's Capital by Bertie Whinier
+|Phyllis Roots - An Appreciation  | Page 3|
-Pagel
+|Katoomba-Kanangra-Katoomba by W.T.W. | Page 4|
-/ 3
+|Case Book of Dr.Dolittle,No.2 - Paddy's Advt. | Page 7|
-" 4
+|Around Australia's Capital by Bertie Whinier | Page 8|
-H 7
+|Another Letter from R.C.C.'s Mapping Section | Page 10|
-" 8
+|Goodman Bros. - Advertisement | Page 11|
-Another Letter from R.C.C...'s Mapping Section " 10.
+|Federation Notes | Page 12|
-'Goodman Bros. - Advertisement " 11
+|Search & Rescue Week End | Page 13|
-Federation Notes *WO " 12
+|Club Gossip | Page 15|
-Search & Rescue Week End    " 15
+|Memory Corner | Page 16|
-Club Gossip    15
-Memory Corner SOO    " 15
+EDITORIAL
-v.... 6.44.
-EDITORIAL'
+There are such things as walking clubs whose members only meet at weekends to go walking together, but the S.B.W.. has never been like that. Jack Debert has reminded us again and again, "after all, this is a walking club!" and why -- because the S.B.W. is also a focal point round which the lives of its members are built. Its activities are so varied that each member can find scope for his or her talent - administrative, social, artistic or literary!
-There are such things as walking clubs whose members only meet at week- Ands to go walking together, but the S.B.W.. has never been like that. Jack )ebert has reminded us again and again, "after all, this is a walking club:" and why -- because the S.B.W. is also a, focal point round which the lives of its members are built. Its activities are so varied that each member can find scope for his or her talent - administrative, social, artistic or literaryl
-For the information of the newer member's, as well as the entertainment of 'all our readers, and, maybe the inspiration of Some with a talent for weaving words, in this issue we start a new feature - "Memory Corner", There we propose to republish each month one of the Club Songs with a short account of-the story that lies behind it, or a tale of one of the early adventures of Club Memberst-or an article or poem that has appeared in a previous issue of this magazine,.
+For the information of the newer members, as well as the entertainment of all our readers, and, maybe the inspiration of some with a talent for weaving words, in this issue we start a new feature - "Memory Corner". There we propose to republish each month one of the Club Songs with a short account of the story that lies behind it, or a tale of one of the early adventures of Club Members, or an article or poem that has appeared in a previous issue of this magazine.
-Old members are invited to supply material for "Memory Corner" and everyone is invited to produce songs or articles, etc. to carry on the S.B.W. traditions,
+Old members are invited to supply material for "Memory Corner" and everyone is invited to produce songs or articles, etc. to carry on the S.B.W. traditions.
 AT OUR OWN MEETING.
-Two new members were welcomed at the Half-YearlY Meeting on 13th Seotember, they were, Miss Beverley Druce and Mr. Noel Haviland.'
-At the same meeting we learned of the resignati:On of Daryl O'Dea from membership, and of Tom Moppett from the position of Honorary Secretary. These days Tom is wearing the badge of the R.A.A.F. Reserve.
+Two new members were welcomed at the Half-Yearly Meeting on 13th September, they were, Miss Beverley Druce and Mr. Noel Haviland.
-The Club's E100 "nest egg" is also doing War Work now; the Committee has received an acknowledgment from the Federal Treasurer of this contribution to the Interest Free Loan,
-We are glad the Hon.Social Secretary is still managing to show a small profit on each function. He reported that ninetyone people enjoyed the dinner dance at Elizabeth Bay House on August 28th, and there was a profit of 3/8d.!
+At the same meeting we learned of the resignation of Daryl O'Dea from membership, and of Tom Moppett from the position of Honorary Secretary. These days Tom is wearing the badge of the R.A.A.F. Reserve.
+The Club's £100 "nest egg" is also doing War Work now; the Committee has received an acknowledgment from the Federal Treasurer of this contribution to the Interest Free Loan.
+We are glad the Hon.Social Secretary is still managing to show a small profit on each function. He reported that ninety one people enjoyed the dinner dance at Elizabeth Bay House on August 28th, and there was a profit of 3/8d.!
 Certificates were presented to Winners of the various events at the recent Sports Carnival and, on behalf of those members who were at the Carnival, the President handed Bill Henley a memento of the occasion, which was his birthday as well as a very busy day for him as handicapper, starter and judge. Could we hold a Carnival without Bill? We doubt it.
-At about this point the Chairman took the opportunity of expressing the Club's appreciation of Tom Moppetts work As Hon,Secretary and its gratification that Jean Tf imbles, who has been Tom's AsSistant, was prepared to carry on as Hon. Secretary
+At about this point the Chairman took the opportunity of expressing the Club's appreciation of Tom Moppetts work As Hon.Secretary and its gratification that Jean Trimbles, who has been Tom's Assistant, was prepared to carry on as Hon.Secretary.
 Next came the important business of, electing a number of new officers, namely:-
-Honorary Secretary: Jean Trimble
-Hon.Assistant Secretary: Joyce Trimble
+|Honorary Secretary | Jean Trimble|
-Committee Member Winifred DUncombe (Dune.)
+|Hon.Assistant Secretary | Joyce Trimble|
-Convenor of Sub-cotmittee re Club Rooms: L.G.Harrison (Mouldy)
+|Committee Member | Winifred Duncombe (Dunc.)|
-Substitute Delegate to Federation - Dorothy Lawry
+|Convenor of Sub-committee re Club Rooms| L.G.Harrison (Mouldy)|
-Honorary Orgahiser for 1940 Concert: Joan Savage
+|Substitute Delegate to Federation| Dorothy Lawry|
-Six jobs filled, just like that !
+|Honorary Organiser for 1940 Concert| Joan Savage|
+Six jobs filled, just like that!
 Then Sub-section (kk) of Section 5 of the Constitution had two sentences added to it, as forecast in the notice of the meeting.
-Last, but not least, the President announced that recently it had been noticed that there was a growing practice of taking dogs on official trips. After due consideration the Committee had decided, for a number of reasons, to request members to refrain from'taking dogs on official trips. One of the most
-, serious reasons for this ban is that dogs naturally run on ahead, particularly
-' when they are thirsty and scent water, With running Streams practically nonexistent and even pools very rare" owing to the drought, every care has to be taken with drinking water - and most humans don't like drinkilig after dogs, - se, no dogs on bushwalks while the drought lasts, please I!
-PHYLDtS- ROOTS.
-Before procea. 4, !ag totthe 15124iness of the Half-Yearly Meeting our President very sorrowfully anAbunoed theAaeath of one of the Club's most valued members
-PhiZ Rpots,- and pa i'd a tribute to the work both Val and-Phil had done for the Club during theireleven years of membershiii,
---
-&D]ne of us had already heard that Phil's ,sufferings had ended on Sep-
-,
-tember kth and had epressed. to Wal our deeP n1104thy for him and the three "Imps". lne all endorsed ,Richard proker's remark's on the splendid member the Club has lest, ,and realised that we shall not meet her like again,
-'within a year of' joining the 8.BIT. Wal and Phil had stepped into the breach and accepted the positions of Hon.Secretary and Hon,Assistatt S.ecretary which they filled so,ably for four,years, Then Phil became a member of the Social Committee for the following twelve months, before being elected Hon; Social Secretary by the General Meeting that made Wal our President. ,happily f9r the Sydney. Bushwalkers, within six months wal was promoted by his firm to open a larax?,ch in BrIsbane and so. "the Rootses" had. to withdraw from the service of the Clubi andhe Federation, of which he was alsoPresident. (Though they have been living, in gueensland for the past three years, wal and Phil cherished their bushwalking memories and their bushwalking friends, and for them tha big event of each year was their visit to Sydney and the Blue Mountains,..This yeati alas, Vial alone is reVisiting the,old,.wellloved camps)6
-In addition to all the work she did for the S.B.V. Phil ran their home tos:t efficiently and trained their three kiddies - there was only aweneth when Phil became our Honorary Assistant Secretary - and both she and Vial were among the most activ'e walkers i. ;the Club,
-If any man could echo.Robert touis.Stevenson e tribute to his wife it is 1al Roots.
-"Truptyl dusky, vivid.. true
-.
-ith ay66-6f,go4aild bramble-dew, Steel-true and blade-straight,
-The- eise4-4-1t1,41c4...
-_ , - 'MaiYe-bimate.
-c!lionpurl! angervalpurt,fire;
+Last, but not least, the President announced that recently it had been noticed that there was a growing practice of taking dogs on official trips. After due consideration the Committee had decided, for a number of reasons, to request members to refrain from taking dogs on official trips. One of the most serious reasons for this ban is that dogs naturally run on ahead, particularly when they are thirsty and scent water. With running streams practically nonexistent and even pools very rare owing to the drought, every care has to be taken with drinking water - and most humans don't like drinking after dogs, - so, no dogs on bushwalks while the drought lasts, please!!
-'41' love 'that 11,fe 10111dAkever Death quenchorev,4,1-tirt.
-The mightymasterft,,.
+PHYLLIS ROOTS.
-Gave -to-he.. -, -
-"Teacher, tendez*I. -comrade/ -wife I.
-. . .
-fellow-,farer:true ,through life,
-Heart-whole. and soul-free -
-The auut ft the,r. Gave to me."
-,
-KATOOMBA - KANANGR1.- KATOOMBA by V. T.
-Having caught an early train which left town at 5.17 p m. on Friday,7th June last, we reached Katoomba, the juMping-off poinMor so many trips, at about 7.30 p m.
-Reinforced with hot coffee to keep off cold and drowsiness, we took a car to the top of the Devil's Hole, whence we set off at eight o'clock. Devil's Hole, always a drag at the end of a long trip, proved of little trouble at the beginning of this one and, 'after slipping and sliding on loose rocks and wet logs, we reached the foot in good time and began to lengthen out on the flat, easy track.
-On a moonlight night Megalong Valley offers many attractions to the walker who is willing to forego a few hours' sleep in order to 6over a large part of the walk on Friday night. To the east Narrow Neck tovirerA above, large and majestic, brightly lit on its great, bare rock faces, and dark and mysterious in sheltered corners where the moon does not penetrate. One strides through an avenue of tall gums, between the limbs and foliage of which the moonlight shin, casting fantastic shadows on the white track.
-The Cox was reached, via Black Jerry's Ridge, at 10.45 p m: and a halt was called for chocolate. Thenon once again, this time accompanied by the pleasant sound of the river flowing placidly by our sides. Truly, the river banks are alive at night! 'Possums, wallabies and other fauna scattered to one side with many 'a rustling as we came along, disturbing their nocturnal gatherings.
-'Towards midnight, an opening on our right indicated that we had reached Jenolan Rivert and Breakfast Creek showed up about forty minutes later. Finally. We halted at 1.00 a m., a little above Heartbreaker, and after cocoa, crawled into our sleeping-bags to sleep soundly until 5.30 a m.
-We were away rather later than hoped (at 6.40 a m.), walking down the' Cox in the early morning was very Pleasant, and exhilarating, and we were quite warm when Kanangaroo was reached at 8.27 a m. Here we had chocolate and a few minutes' conversation with Mr,carlon Briari-HarVey and Alf.Watts, who were camping there for several days.
-Arthur and 1, who were inclined to race ahead, reached. Kanangra Creek a few minutes ahead of the other two and, at 9.42 we all proceeded up the Creek, in which there was little water, and, for many long stretches, only boulders covered with dry, green slime indicated where water once flowed in abundance. However, higher up, where the Gorge becomes narrower, 'water was more plentiful.
-We were astonished at the number of wombats to be found on the river banks as we went along. Apparently the by conditions are driving them more and more to the main waterways for subsistence. -Until recently, wombats were quite a novelty, but now one meets them at every bend. -
-We stopped for lunch promptly at noon and secured a well-earned re:t until 1.10 p m. Shortly after resuming, we obtained our first glimpse of Kanangra Walls, still a long way off, but becoming rapidly closer. We were all very Aelighted to be in sight of our objective and to know that we were well up to
-schedule.
-At 1.50 p m.e ,Oidied that ;4 must be below Craft's walls, and the great ascent began. The spur 'chosen,lwas steep but not difficult and, after fighting our way through pat64es of thick mountain holly, we-finallYireached the Walls at 2.45 p m. we suckled oranges and surveyed the long slope up which we had come, for fifteen minute61 and then on once again. Soon we were on top of the main walls, enjoying once again the thrillingi breathtaking view of Ganerang, rising step by step from High and Mighty to Couldmaker, of Thyrat, of Kanangra Deep and The Spires, and then, ,td the south, of the magnificent Kowmung country No matter how many, times one goeS to aanangra, one can never tire of the glorious cyclorama one-obtains from the many vantage points, nor can one forget the first inspiring view of one's first visit.
-As the afternoon was well advanced, Ron and Norm decided to waste no time, and left immediately to pick up the Gingra Track, for we hoped to reach the Kowmung that night. Arthur and I wishing to complete the tour, hurried along to the famous dance-floor cave, where, incidentally, we found no water. At 4.15 p ma we set out along the Gingra, and found good, running water about
-twenty minutes down the track. Darkness had fallen before we caught up with I
-Ron and Norm, and we still had a considerable way to go. Most of the way the track is good, and easy to follow even at night, but in one or two spots one is liable to go astray. This we did on Third Top. Instead of keeping to the crown of the ridge, the track skirts round on the left side of the Top,and the ridge changes direction slightly, bearing to the left. Anyhow, we kept to the top of the ridge and continued on until we found that we were going
-south instead of north-east. We retraced our steps to the summit of Third Top
-and endeavoured t6 pick up the track. ' we were unable to do this in the darkness and finally, after long discussion, we decided to make a dry camp where we were though it was only 8.00 p m. Fortunately a plantiful supply of Wood was available, and, despite the stony nature of the ground, all were 'asleep by 9.30 p m.
-Sunday morning found us iip. early and, after a hasty breakfast of biscuits and-dates, looking for the track at about 6.30 a m. I fear that, in our hurry to be off again, we failed to appreciate sufficiently the beauty of the sunrise as dawn broke over the distant mountains. we soon picked up the track, and in under two hours Arthur and I were speeding down the gentle slope of Gingra to the Kowmung with the others only a few minutes behind irle spent from 8.20 a m. to 10.25 a m. having a swim and breakfast, and discussing our
-' ill fortune in missing the track on the previous evening,
-We set off rather more slowly after breakfast in order to allow our somewhat liberal meals to settle. HoWever, we soon quickened up on the easy cowpads as we were rather behind schedule, and, after picking our way through the massive rock formations of the Lower Kowmung Canyon, reached the Cox at 1.20 p m. We spent twentyfive minutes here for a snack, but not too much, as we had now to climb White Dog, which we did, reaching Kelpie Rocks at 2.30 p m.
-, Although not comparable with that from Splendour Rock, the view from here is pleasant; one can sees, large stretch of the Cox, bordered with casuarinas and grassy banks, and one notices regretfully the wide expanse of dry sand and the narrow stretch of water, glistening here and there with sunlight, where once a full stream flowed.
-From Kelpie Rocks we followed a well-defined ridge tpwards40
-the base of
-Mt.Mouin, and then turned and headed for Debert's Nob. CiAr-Hill was scaled by 4.25 p m. and ten minutes later, we were beginning the:long-familiar walk into Katoomba. Darkness soon fell upon us, and so, for the third night in succession, we walked by torchlight, but on this occasion in order to catch a train. By this time all our batteries, with the,dxception of Norm's, were very low and we had tp pick our way carefully in many parts.
-At last, at 7.25 p m.. we reached the Tourist Road on Narrow Neck and soon were in the Golf Club., whence we rang for a car, and where we met very kind hospitality, in the form of milk and cream cakes. These were consumed with relish for we had had no real lunch that day.
-Before the train arrived at 8, p m. we managed to pick up a " illyful of plum-pudding as well as apple-pies and cream, which had been ordered in anticipation on the previous,Friday night, and to these you may rest assured we did justice.
-Thus concluded an eightyone mile week-end walk from Katoomba to Kanangra Walls and back.
-"SUGAR TESTS PURITY OF DRINKING WATER" I!!
-Two or three months ago the S.B;W. Library received a present of some book's, amongst which was the'"Sportsman/S Manuall17 1937 Edition, an Ameriean publication. One member who had been browsing through this Manual was so taken with the following "Handy Kink For Outdoor iahusiasts" that he. suggested the reprinting of this.
-"A simple, but effective method for testing the purity Of UNinking water is through the use of sugar. If , your summer camp's water supply is not pure you can make the test by collecting a gallon of the water in a glass jar and dissolving in,it a quantity of sugar. Allow the jar of water to set for one week and at the end of this period if the sucgar, shows no signs of discoloration it is safe to drink. Otherwise it will be necessary to boil all water before using it so as to render it pure."
-As the test takes one week. what does one do for a drink in the meantime !!!
-- 7-.
-CASE BOOK OF DR. DULITTIZ(R.R.) No.2.
-I was seafed in my consulting room one day when Mr.Twiddlepup stormed in
-with a brow like thUnder.
--
-, Fixing me with his,hypno tic stare (under which my knees
-shool0 he stated
-his case. "This tent",heCthundred, "which was sold to m. guaranteed waterproof# leaka".%; Knowing that everything has a reason, I started the third degree, ad lib.
-It appeared that he had experienced a heavy storm on the Friday night and the tent was perfect. On the Saturday night he had pitched it wet,as Saturday had been a,drizzling rainy day.
-"Imagine my surprise", he said,"when the water poured down inside and out:" Immediately I saw his trouble. Pitching 'the tent wet, he had failed to arythe inSide4 If,he had sfent ten minutes with a towel drying the inside he would. have had a dry comfortable night. I also noticed his tent had rust marks
-where rolled his pegs on the inside of the tent. Pegs 'should always be carried separate aS rust will very quickly eat through cloth and Cause leaks.
-I persuaded Mr.Widdlepup to give the tent another trial and he has since written and ainlogized for his lack of foresi#ht.
-When wet, a tent should never be rolled tight or leftrolled for more than eight to ten hours. If a tent leaks constantly in one place, rub it over with. a ca'ildle and iron with a warm (not hot) iron. For small holes sticking plaster is better than sewing on a patch. Remember, cords stay wet muCh longer than the
-and so must be watched. ' Protect your tent in a tent bag..
-A, After many years in "doctoring" camp gear my advide to all and sundry is
- . , . .
-. . . , .
-. .
-. . . .
-to 'buy your equipdent frod the man who understands your needse Therefore#always' ' buy "Paddymade!' from
-F. A, PALLIKI
-, George Street,
-SYDNEY.
-'Phone B3101,
-$
-AROUND A-USTRALIA'S CAPITAL by.Bertie'Whillier.
--
-We packe&Our cases onto my mobile frigidaire, an Overland Whippet of ancient vintage hereihafter called Bertha', and then the wife and I set off for the Australian_Capital Territory, where I expected to-find work during
-the winter and sp4d- the week-ends exploring the fine Mountain and riVer country surrounding Canberra. -
-We found this citY, very pretty, an4 were muCh'impressed with the autumn tints of the imported trees; there have been eighteen million trees and shrubs planted around danberra Playing fields abound, the majority of them completely Surrounded by beautiful trees, which serve as very necessary windbreaks.
-The longing for high places forced me to rush fop the mountains at the first opportunity. We were able to take "Bertha" four miles past the Mt. Franklin Chalet along the new road. Then a couple of miles walk through - beautiful; undulating, hilly country, With little valleys and nice grassy flats, toOk us to Stockyard Creek Hut, situated in a nice woodland glade, with snow- gums in the majority. This is a Federal Forestry hut and is usually deserted, the ranger riding up once a month to read the raingauge.
-After a Moderate breakfast (do I hear cries of Shame"?) - not a pound of prunes, either.- we followed a grassy track that steadily wound uphill to the saddle,, oVer which we saw a beautiful alpine swamp. Swamps ape usually'nasty affairs, but alpine swamps Are criss-crossed by little* clei' &reeks, which tun through soft, featherbed moss, dotted -abundantly with flowers. Ev. and I crossed Gingera. PlatS;.as this beautyspot is called, myself going' first and testing the moss and finding jumping-off places to cross these little creeks. We then ascended 'about 500 ft.. or 600 ft. to the summit of Mt.Bimberi (6274 ft.)
-and the highest peak in the Territory. To the south lay the snow-covered pain range, of KospiuSko and,, ,nearer to us, the swampy plains near the Monaro Highway.
--
-.Another Week-end we set out te..climb Mt.'Corree; which we had noticed on the way to Mt.Franklin. It lies off the main ridge. Down below it nestled
+Before proceeding to the business of the Half-Yearly Meeting our President very sorrowfully announced the death of one of the Club's most valued members - Phil Roots - and paid a tribute to the work both Wal and Phil had done for the Club during their eleven years of membership.
-a big clearing which looked, and was a campers' paradise. There is a shelter
-shed here, with a nice, big, open fireplace. -
+Some of us had already heard that Phil's sufferings had ended on September 4th and had expressed to Wal our deep sympathy for him and the three "Imps". Well all endorsed Richard Croker's remarks on the splendid member the Club has lost, and realised that we shall not meet her like again.
-Then we set out early next morning, in the pack was a clothes line rope which I doubled for use. We headed for a big outcrop of rocks. These great
-outcrops 'of rock are firm,, with plenty of hand and foot holds. It was Ev's first experience of rock-climbing and she took to it like a duck to water. From the summit we had a marvellous view; looking eastwards we could see Canberra, while to the west was Brindabella Mountain and the homestead clearing.
+Within a year of joining the SBW Wal and Phil had stepped into the breach and accepted the positions of Hon.Secretary and Hon.Assistant Secretary which they filled so ably for four years. Then Phil became a member of the Social Committee for the following twelve months, before being elected Hon.Social Secretary by the General Meeting that made Wal our President. Unhappily for the Sydney Bushwalkers, within six months Wal was promoted by his firm to open a branch in Brisbane and so "the Rootses" had to withdraw from the service of the Club and the Federation, of which he was also President. (Though they have been living, in Queensland for the past three years, Wal and Phil cherished their bushwalking memories and their bushwalking friends, and for them the big event of each year was their visit to Sydney and the Blue Mountains. This year alas, Wall alone is revisiting the old, well-loved camps).
-The only thing that spoils the climbing in this part is that there are a dozen easy' ways ma)-but, if one keeps to the rOcks rock-climbing the equal of any I have ever seen is encountered.
-Next we went to Tidbinbilla Mt., which is also off the main range and lies at the head of a fertile Valley, ringed in with mountains. Iv. and I climbed up to Fisher's Gap; then right along the ridge, which for about half a mile is only a few feet wide and often only a knife-edge of rock with a steep arop on both sides - on the western side the, Cotter,catchmpnt area and on the other Tidbinbilla Valley. Across the' Cotter Valley lies the main range of the Federal Territory with Mts. Bimberi, Ginini, Gingera and Franklin, etc., in
+In addition to all the work she did for the SBW Phil ran their home most efficiently and trained their three kiddies - there was only Gweneth when Phil became our Honorary Assistant Secretary - and both she and Wal were among the most active walkers in the Club.
-- 9 --
-view. It took Us about three hours to;reach the summit (5124 ft.) from
+If any man could echo Robert Louis Stevenson's tribute to his wife it is Wal Roots.
+"Trusty, dusky, vivid, true
+With eyes of gold and bramble-dew,
+Steel-true and blade-straight,
+The great artificer
+Made by mate.
+"Honour, anger, valour, fire;
+A love that fire could never tire,
+Death quench or evil sir,
+The mighty master
+Gave to her.
+"Teacher, tender, comrade, wife,
+A fellow-farer true through life,
+Heart-whole and soul-free
+The august father
+Gave to me."
+KATOOMBA - KANANGRA - KATOOMBA
+by W.T.W
+Having caught an early train which left town at 5.17 p m. on Friday, 7th June last, we reached Katoomba, the jumping-off point for so many trips, at about 7.30 p.m.
+Reinforced with hot coffee to keep off cold and drowsiness, we took a car to the top of the Devil's Hole, whence we set off at eight o'clock. Devil's Hole, always a drag at the end of a long trip, proved of little trouble at the beginning of this one and, after slipping and sliding on loose rocks and wet logs, we reached the foot in good time and began to lengthen out on the flat, easy track.
+On a moonlight night Megalong Valley offers many attractions to the walker who is willing to forego a few hours sleep in order to cover a large part of the walk on Friday night. To the east Narrow Neck towers above, large and majestic, brightly lit on its great, bare rock faces, and dark and mysterious in sheltered corners where the moon does not penetrate. One strides through an avenue of tall gums, between the limbs and foliage of which the moonlight shin, casting fantastic shadows on the white track.
+The Cox was reached, via Black Jerry's Ridge, at 10.45 p.m. and a halt was called for chocolate. Then on once again, this time accompanied by the pleasant sound of the river flowing placidly by our sides. Truly, the river banks are alive at night! 'Possums, wallabies and other fauna scattered to one side with many a rustling as we came along, disturbing their nocturnal gatherings.
+Towards midnight, an opening on our right indicated that we had reached Jenolan River and Breakfast Creek showed up about forty minutes later. Finally. We halted at 1.00 a.m., a little above Heartbreaker, and, after cocoa, crawled into our sleeping-bags to sleep soundly until 5.30 a.m.
+We were away rather later than hoped (at 6.40 a m.), walking down the Cox in the early morning was very pleasant, and exhilarating, and we were quite warm when Kanangaroo was reached at 8.27 a.m. Here we had chocolate and a few minutes conversation with Mr.Carlon, Brian Harvey and Alf.Watts, who were camping there for several days.
+Arthur and I, who were inclined to race ahead, reached Kanangra Creek a few minutes ahead of the other two and, at 9.42 we all proceeded up the Creek, in which there was little water, and, for many long stretches, only boulders covered with dry, green slime indicated where water once flowed in abundance. However, higher up, where the Gorge becomes narrower, water was more plentiful.
+We were astonished at the number of wombats to be found on the river banks as we went along. Apparently the dry conditions are driving them more and more to the main waterways for subsistence. Until recently, wombats were quite a novelty, but now one meets them at every bend.
+We stopped for lunch promptly at noon and secured a well-earned rest until 1.10 p.m. Shortly after resuming, we obtained our first glimpse of Kanangra Walls, still a long way off, but becoming rapidly closer. We were all very delighted to be in sight of our objective and to know that we were well up to schedule.
+At 1.50 p.m. we judged that we must be below Craft's walls, and the great ascent began. The spur chosen was steep but not difficult and, after fighting our way through patches of thick mountain holly, we finally reached the Walls at 2.45 p m. we suckled oranges and surveyed the long slope up which we had come, for fifteen minutes, and then on once again. Soon we were on top of the main walls, enjoying once again the thrilling breathtaking view of Gangerang, rising step by step from High and Mighty to Couldmaker, of Thyrat [Thurat], of Kanangra Deep and The Spires, and then, to the south, of the magnificent Kowmung country. No matter how many, times one goes to Kanangra, one can never tire of the glorious cyclorama one obtains from the many vantage points, nor can one forget the first inspiring view of one's first visit.
+As the afternoon was well advanced, Ron and Norm decided to waste no time, and left immediately to pick up the Gingra Track, for we hoped to reach the Kowmung that night. Arthur and I wishing to complete the tour, hurried along to the famous dance-floor cave, where, incidentally, we found no water. At 4.15 p.m. we set out along the Gingra, and found good, running water about twenty minutes down the track. Darkness had fallen before we caught up with Ron and Norm, and we still had a considerable way to go. Most of the way the track is good, and easy to follow even at night, but in one or two spots one is liable to go astray. This we did on Third Top. Instead of keeping to the crown of the ridge, the track skirts round on the left side of the Top, and the ridge changes direction slightly, bearing to the left. Anyhow, we kept to the top of the ridge and continued on until we found that we were going south instead of north-east. We retraced our steps to the summit of Third Top
+and endeavoured to pick up the track. We were unable to do this in the darkness and finally, after long discussion, we decided to make a dry camp where we were though it was only 8.00 p.m. Fortunately a plentiful supply of wood was available, and, despite the stony nature of the ground, all were asleep by 9.30 p.m.
+Sunday morning found us up early and, after a hasty breakfast of biscuits and dates, looking for the track at about 6.30 a.m. I fear that, in our hurry to be off again, we failed to appreciate sufficiently the beauty of the sunrise as dawn broke over the distant mountains. We soon picked up the track, and in under two hours Arthur and I were speeding down the gentle slope of Gingra to the Kowmung with the others only a few minutes behind. We spent from 8.20 a.m. to 10.25 a.m. having a swim and breakfast, and discussing our ill fortune in missing the track on the previous evening.
+We set off rather more slowly after breakfast in order to allow our somewhat liberal meals to settle. However, we soon quickened up on the easy cowpads as we were rather behind schedule, and, after picking our way through the massive rock formations of the Lower Kowmung Canyon, reached the Cox at 1.20 p m. We spent twenty five minutes here for a snack, but not too much, as we had now to climb White Dog, which we did, reaching Kelpie Rocks at 2.30 p.m. Although not comparable with that from Splendour Rock, the view from here is pleasant; one can see a large stretch of the Cox, bordered with casuarinas and grassy banks, and one notices regretfully the wide expanse of dry sand and the narrow stretch of water, glistening here and there with sunlight, where once a full stream flowed.
+From Kelpie Rocks we followed a well-defined ridge towards
+the base of Mt.Mouin, and then turned and headed for Debert's Nob. Clear Hill was scaled by 4.25 p.m. and ten minutes later, we were beginning the long-familiar walk into Katoomba. Darkness soon fell upon us, and so, for the third night in succession, we walked by torchlight, but on this occasion in order to catch a train. By this time all our batteries, with the exception of Norm's, were very low and we had to pick our way carefully in many parts.
+At last, at 7.25 p.m. we reached the Tourist Road on Narrow Neck and soon were in the Golf Club, whence we rang for a car, and where we met very kind hospitality, in the form of milk and cream cakes. These were consumed with relish for we had had no real lunch that day.
+Before the train arrived at 8 p.m. we managed to pick up a billy-full of plum-pudding as well as apple-pies and cream, which had been ordered in anticipation on the previous Friday night, and to these you may rest assured we did justice.
+Thus concluded an eighty one mile week-end walk from Katoomba to Kanangra Walls and back.
+"SUGAR TESTS PURITY OF DRINKING WATER" !!!
+Two or three months ago the SBW Library received a present of some books, amongst which was the "Sportsman's Manual" 1937 Edition, an American publication. One member who had been browsing through this Manual was so taken with the following "Handy Kink For Outdoor Enthusiasts" that he suggested the reprinting of this.
+"A simple, but effective method for testing the purity of drinking water is through the use of sugar. If your summer camp's water supply is not pure you can make the test by collecting a gallon of the water in a glass jar and dissolving in it a quantity of sugar. Allow the jar of water to set for one week and at the end of this period if the sugar, shows no signs of discoloration it is safe to drink. Otherwise it will be necessary to boil all water before using it so as to render it pure."
+As the test takes __one week,__ what does one do for a drink in the meantime !!!
+AROUND AUSTRALIA'S CAPITAL by Bertie Whillier
+We packed our cases onto my mobile frigidaire, an Overland Whippet of ancient vintage hereinafter called "Bertha", and then the wife and I set off for the Australian Capital Territory, where I expected to find work during the winter and spend the weekends exploring the fine Mountain and river country surrounding Canberra.
+We found this city very pretty, and were much impressed with the autumn tints of the imported trees; there have been eighteen million trees and shrubs planted around Canberra. Playing fields abound, the majority of them completely surrounded by beautiful trees, which serve as very necessary windbreaks.
+The longing for high places forced me to rush to the mountains at the first opportunity. We were able to take "Bertha" four miles past the Mt. Franklin Chalet along the new road. Then a couple of miles walk through beautiful, undulating, hilly country, with little valleys and nice grassy flats, took us to Stockyard Creek Hut, situated in a nice woodland glade, with snow gums in the majority. This is a Federal Forestry hut and is usually deserted, the ranger riding up once a month to read the raingauge.
+After a Moderate breakfast (do I hear cries of Shame?) - not a pound of prunes, either- we followed a grassy track that steadily wound uphill to the saddle, over which we saw a beautiful alpine swamp. Swamps are usually nasty affairs, but alpine swamps are criss-crossed by little clear creeks, which run through soft, featherbed moss, dotted abundantly with flowers. Ev. and I crossed Gingera flats, as this beautyspot is called, myself going first and testing the moss and finding jumping-off places to cross these little creeks. We then ascended about 500 ft. or 600 ft. to the summit of Mt.Bimberi (6274 ft.) and the highest peak in the Territory. To the south lay the snow-covered pain range, of Kosciusko and, nearer to us, the swampy plains near the Monaro Highway.
+Another Week-end we set out to climb Mt.Corree, which we had noticed on the way to Mt.Franklin. It lies off the main ridge. Down below it nestled a big clearing which looked, and was a campers' paradise. There is a shelter
+shed here, with a nice, big, open fireplace.
+Then we set out early next morning, in the pack was a clothes line rope which I doubled for use. We headed for a big outcrop of rocks. These great outcrops of rock are firm, with plenty of hand and foot holds. It was Ev's first experience of rock-climbing and she took to it like a duck to water. From the summit we had a marvellous view; looking eastwards we could see Canberra, while to the west was Brindabella Mountain and the homestead clearing. The only thing that spoils the climbing in this part is that there are a dozen easy ways up, but, if one keeps to the rocks, rock-climbing the equal of any I have ever seen is encountered.
+Next we went to Tidbinbilla Mt., which is also off the main range and lies at the head of a fertile Valley, ringed in with mountains. Ev. and I climbed up to Fisher's Gap, then right along the ridge, which for about half a mile is only a few feet wide and often only a knife-edge of rock with a steep arop on both sides - on the western side the Cotter catchment area and on the other Tidbinbilla Valley. Across the Cotter Valley lies the main range of the Federal Territory with Mts. Bimberi, Ginini, Gingera and Franklin, etc., in view. It took us about three hours to reach the summit (5124 ft.) from Fisher's Gap.
+A very poor snow season disappointed us as we had hoped to do quite a lot of ski-ing but we managed three week-ends on the snow. Living in Canberra, I was able to observe the snowfalls working up. The first sign would be some streaky, high cloud in the N. over the mountains. Then, in a
+few hours, a few black, rolling clouds low down underneath the higher, smooth, starchy-looking clouds. Gradually it would get darker until black clouds covered the mountains and cold showers, borne on a gusty, blustering wind, would be our lot in Canberra. Next morning we would see all the mountains beautiful with snow-capped summits and we would plan for a ski-ing week-end.
+The Murrumbidgee attracted us next, so we set off one Friday night in "Bertha" and camped near the bridge close to the Cotter Dam. Leaving "Bertha" there and heading downstream, the going was good - grassy flats on each side of the river. Willows grew in abundance. The Murrumbidgee on this stretch is a swift-flowing river, fairly deep and wide, with plenty of rapids to delight the eye. The sides are mainly green hills about 300 ft. to 500 ft. high, sometimes tree-covered, mostly grass covered.
+That night we camped about fifteen miles downstream and next morning, leaving the packs, we walked on a bit further and came to a big gorge where the river deepened and the banks were changed to sandy beaches that would be wonderful for swimming in the summer. Our objective was Ginninderra Creek, up which (according to the map) Were to be found 70 ft. falls. This creek reminded me very much of Jenolan River, being the same size and possessing clear, blue water and beautiful, rocky pools in deep gorges. Three hundred yards from the junction we found a fall 40 ft. or 50 ft, high and, after admiring the cascading water, we pushed on about l.5 miles upstream, where the creek-bed became a big pool of deep blue, which looked bottomless. Falling straight down 70 ft. or so into it was a waterfall that beggars description.
+After taking photos, we decided to go back to our camp over the tops and, it being a very clear day, we could see all the main range as well as the river winding below us. We crossed the river at the Uriarra Creek Bridge and walked back to the Cotter on the opposite side of the river.
+While walking upstream, we saw a few ripples in midstream, then a black shape which we identified as a platypus, which we watched for quite a while till he disappeared finally.
+At last we rejoined "Bertha", who was waiting patiently for us. Thus ended a very enjoyable trip and one which I would recommend to all bushwalkers for a holiday, week-end.
+Looking over the map one night, Ev. and I saw the legend "London Bridge Limestone Caves" so we thought, "Next week-end we go, Yes? No?". Having decided, "Yes", off we galloped in "Bertha" over the "Bumpety Road to Love" on the other side of Queanbeyan to the upper reaches of the Queanbeyan River, which we found very beautiful and flowing peacefully along - in size equal to our own Cox's River in better days.
+Maps sometimes lie, and three o'clock that afternoon found us still looking for the aforementioned caves. Eventually, we followed a small creek up and, lo and behold: or do mine eyes deceive me?. I see limestone formations. "No", says Ev., sceptical like most wives. "Yes", said I, and yes it was. The caves are unique, the ridge running down right across the stream and, through the ridge, a tunnel perhaps 30 ft. high and 30 ft. or 40 ft. wide with a sandy, rocky floor over which flowed the stream we had followed up. The name "London Bridge" was very apt. On each side of the ridge caves opened but one could not go very far in as they were not opened up properly.
+Caves are also marked on the map close to the Cotter Dam, on Paddy's River just before it joins the Cotter River. These we found on the side of a hill, with a door opening into the bowels of the earth. It was a large cave, a hundred feet or so high, with many small caverns opening into it. It looked as though it had been opened up, then forgotten. I do not think many people who go to the Cotter Dam know of this cave, which has some very good formations.
+All the trips we did were within forty miles radius of Canberra so it can be seen what a paradise for bushwalkers Australia's capital territory is.
+ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE RIVER CANOE CLUB'S MAPPING SECTION
+"Dear Miss Lawry,
+The following map has now been completed and added to our library:-
+No.20. Canoeist's Chart of the Warragamba and Nepean Rivers -- Cox Junction to Penrith Section.
-Fisher's Gap.
-A. very poor snowvseg-Son disappointed Us as we had hoped to do quite a lot of ski-ing but we managed three week-ends on the spOW.' 'Living in Canberra,: L was observe - the. snowfalls working lip. The first sign would be some streaky, high cloud II the N.:. over the mountains. Then, in a
-few hours, a few -low _down underneath the higher, smooth, starchy-Iaoking ,c16Uds..., Gradually it would get darker until black clouds covered the mountains and cold showerst borne on a 4usty, blustering wind, would be put, lot in Canberra.. Next morning we would see all the mountains beautiful with snow-capped summits and we would plan for a ski-ing week-end.
--
-The Murrumbidgee attracted us next, so we set off one Friday night in "Bertha" and camped near the bridge close to the dotter Dam. Leaving "Bertha" there and heading downstream, the going was good - grassy flats on each side of the river. Willows grew in abundance. The Murrumbidgee on this stretdh is a swift-flowing river, fairly deep and aide, xivith plenty of rapids to delight the eye. The sides are mainly green hills about 300 ft. to 500 ft. high, SoMetime8 tree-cov'ered, mostly grass Covered.
-That night we camped about fifteen miles downstream and next morning, leaving the packs, we walked on a bit further and came to a big gorge where the river deepened and' the banks were changed to sandy beaches that would be 'wonderful for swimming in_the_sWP.Aer. Our objective was Ginninderra Creek, up which (according to the map) Were to be found 70 ft. falls. This creek reminded me very much of Jenolan River, being the same size and:possessingclear, blue water and beautiful, rocky pools in -deep gorges'. Three hundred yards from the.-junctlon. we-found a. fal1,40 ft. or 50 ft, high and, after admiring the cascading water, we pushed on about li'mileS upstream,where the creek-bed became a pig pool-of deep blue,, which looked-bottomless, Falling straight down 70 ft. or so into it was a waterfall that beggars' description.
-After taking photos,-we decided to go back to our camp over the tops and, it ,being a very clear day, we could see all the main range as well as the river Winding below us. We crossed-the":rivei" at the Uriarra 'Creek. Bricrge and walked back to the Cotter on the opposite side of the river.
-While walking upstream, we saw a f,ew rip4es in midstream, then a black shape which we identified as a platypus, which we watc'hed for quite a while till he disappeared finally.
-At last we rejoined "Bertha", who was waiting patiently for us. Thus ended a very enjoyable trip-and One which I would recommend to all bushwalkers for a holiday ,week-end.
-Looking over the map one night, Ev. and I saw the legend "London Bridge Limestone-Caves" so' we_ thought, "Next week-end we go, Yes? No?". Having decided, "Yes", off we galloped in "Bertha" over the "Bumpety Poad to Love" on the other side of Queanbeyan to the upper reaches of the Queanbeyan River,. which we found very beautiful and flowing peacefully along - in size equal to our own Cox's River in better days.
-Maps sometimes lie, and three o'clock that afternoon found us still
-- IC, -
-looking for the aforementioned caves. Eventually, we followed a small creek up and, lo and behold: or do mine eyes deceive me?. I see limestone formations. "No", says Ev., sceptical like most wives. "Yes", said I, and yes it was. The caves are unique, the ridge running down right acftss the stream and, through the ridge, a tunnel perhaps 30 ft.. high and 30 ft.
-or 40 ft. wide with a sandy, rocky floor over which' flowed the stream we had followed up. The name "London Bridge" was very apt. On each side of the ridge caves opened but one c8uId not go very far in as they were not opened up properly.
-Caves are also marked on the map clese to the Cotter Dam, on Paddy's River just before it joins the Cotter River. These we found on the side of a hill, with a door opening into the bowels of the earth. It was a large cave, a hundred feet or so high, with many small caxisrns opening into it. It looked as though it had been opened up, then forgotten. I do not think many people who go to the Cotter Dam know of this cave, which has some very good formations.
-All the trips we did were within forty miles radius of Canberra so it can be seen what a paradise for bushwalkers Australia's capital teiritory
-is.
-ANOTHER LETTER FROM THE RIVER CANOE CLUB'S MAPPING SECTIONI "Dear Miss Lawry,
-The following map has now, been completed and added to our library:- No.20. Canoeist's Chart of the Warragamba and Nepean Rivers -- Cox Junction to Penrith Section.
 This is a sort of 'historical' record of the river as we once knew it; a supplementary map showing the extent of the dammed water will be later drawn to accompany this map, and thus we will have maps of the river in both 'before and after' processes.
 Yours faithfully,
 C. CAINES PHILLIPS,
 Convenor
-uk-v YOU aow
-t
+FEDERATION NOTES
-$._
-..SYDNEYtS - NEW SPECIALISED': PHOTO STORE
+In August the Federation donated £10 to the Garawarra Park Trust to enable it to carry on until about October as its funds were exhausted and the question of Government grants to public parks would-nA be receiving consideration for some weeks. Delegates were glad to hear it September that the Trust had subsequently secured a Government "advance" of fS against its possible grant.
-GOODMAN BROS.
-PHOTO SUPPLIES-
-, Hunter Street, Sydney, (opposite Hunter Street Wynyard Entra nce).
-FOR CAMERAS , and all ACCESSORIES.
-FOR CAREFUL, INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPING, PRINTING AND ENLARGING YOUR SNAPS.
--FOR FRIENDLY AND EXPERT ADVICE OW ALL _
-PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK.
-The photographic Laboratory is managed.. by Mr, Toni, Goodman, who is an 'enthusiastic bushwalker himself, and will attend to your films and pictures with personal interest.
--GOODMAN. BROS.'
-PHOTO SUPPLIES
-HUNTER STREET, SYDNEY
--12-
-FEDERATtON _ NOTES 0
-In August the Federation donated 110 to the Garawarra Park Trust to enable it to carry on until about October as its funds were exhausted and the question of Government grants to public parks would-nA be receiving consideration for some weeks. Delegates were glad to hear it September that the Trust had subsequently secured a Government "advance" of fS against its possible grant.
 One of the Federation's Associate Members would like to correspond with some active member of one of the clubs so that he could hear more of what is done by bushwalkers in N.S.W. He is Mr. S.W.Merrin, of 44 Harries Street, Toowoomba, Q1d, and he would be most interested in the news and views of someone of about his own age, which is nineteen.
 The Bush Tracks Club has withdrawn from the Federation, it was one of the original clubs to be affiliated.
@@ Line 271: / Line 273: @@
 But our Harold arriv0 with the nest day's sunrise, He arrived like the Milk in the morn.
 Frank Duncan.