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-THE ,'SYDNEY PUSHWALKER.
+====== The Sydney Bushwalker, April 1941, No. 76 ======
-A monthly Bulletin devoted ta matters of interest to The -Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton Street i Sydney.
+A monthly Bulletin devoted to matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers, 5 Hamilton Street, Sydney, Price 3d.
+|Editor|Dorothy Lawry|
+|Business Manager|Brian Harvey|
+|Subscriptions|Doreen Harris|
+|"On Service Copies"|Grace Jolly|
+|Art|Mary Stoddart|
+|Production|Brian Harvey and Jean West|
+|Contents|Author|Page
+|A Snow Holiday|Merle Hamilton|1|
+|Reunion 1941|Edna Garrad|4|
+|Federation Notes| |5|
+|The Drought Breakers|R. Alder|6|
+|Club Gossip| |10|
+|Paddy' s. Advertisement 's| |11|
+|Thirteenth Annual- Meeting| |12|
+|Chant of the New Members|Clare Kinsella|13|
+|Letters from the Lads, No. 2|Ralph Holroyd|14|
+===== A Snow Holiday =====
+By Merle Hamilton
+At Bett’s Camp, Kosciusko, one evening last winter, four bushwalkers scrambled out of the snow-tractor with their packs, skis, cameras, and all the other gear bushwalkers have attached to them. It was cold but the Corneys welcomed us warmly and their welcome was followed by hot baths and hot dinners.
+The following morning we were up early to try our skis as half of us had never been on snow before. There are skis and skis (and skiers and skiers).
+Len's skis wanted to slip backwards at first, which made him think perhaps he had put "backward" wax on them. But when he and they came to know each other better they consented to go up hill, and Len encouraged the friendship by giving them a diet of different sorts of wax every day, but in spite of the bribing those skis always resented the up-hill climb even to the end. Len often carried his skis up hill just to humour them and we watched them smile down from his shoulder as he sank down in the snow; first his boots then his knees were lost in the snow. We often wondered if we would lose Lennie altogether, but perhaps it was the diet of meat he ate that kept him safe.
+Now Ken's skis were just the opposite, they delighted in going up hill. The higher the fewer was their belief, and those skis were right, so up they went, almost, but not quite, as well as they came down. No, all the skis I met, and inevitably all the skis I never met love coming down hill.
+My skis, had this affection also, for, one day after I had climbed a hill with them on my shoulder and was bending down to put them on at the top, one of them slipped away to the bottom of the hill all by itself and it was a long climb down for me to recover it.
+Bill's skis had their own special tricks; they never could agree about the way to face when Bill fell down. If the right one decided on north, the left was certain to decide on S.S.E. and on rising Bill found it hard to advance his left foot north and his right foot S.S.E. There was nothing for it but to make them agree and it was a long, wet business sitting in the snow till they came to a decision.
+The first day we practiced kick-turns, snow-plowing, stemming, and Christianas; to the uninitiated these terms mean nothing and they still are nothing to me, all except the kick-turn. To do a kick-turn you have to stand on one leg and brandish the other leg bravely in front of you, complete with ski. You must then swing it round so it points backwards and falls neatly parallel to your anchored ski; then you stand in a tied-in-a-knot position from which, you think desperately, you can never recover without breaking something. You stand there helpless, leaning on your two stocks thinking, "If I slip, Oh, if I slip, I'm slipping, Oh!” But **perhaps** you don’t. Your weight is gingerly shifted on to the reverse ski, you wave the other ski about so it falls into line beside its fellow and you look as relieved as a hen that’s laid an egg.
+Now wax is another thing that the uninitiated know not of, so to them I say (and I hope no others are listening) waxing skis is an art, a black art brewed in the dark recesses of skiers souls and applied with ritualistic zeal. There is one wax for fast snow, one for slow, one for climbing, one for down hill, etc. You need a universal wax but there is no such nostrum. The idea is to wax the skis so that one wax wears off just in time to reveal a second wax for the snow lower down, but wax is a mystery to me. I suggest waxing one ski with down-hill wax and the other with uphill wax and ski uphill on one leg and down hill on the other, I'm sure the idea is worth trying.
+The second day, feeling that we had graduated from the nursery stage, we set off for the Chalet to use the ski lift. Getting on the ski is a problem. At times it just sails past the would-be-lifted. Then, having caught the lift, it is a hazard whether you stay on it and reach the top or not, a slight movement and up goes the spring and slithering down in the snow goes the passenger. But the art of riding the ski-lift is worth mastering, for the successful passenger finds himself dumped off at the top with the climbing achieved for him, all he has to do is ski down. SKI DOWN! It sounds easy, written in two words. The first time I was dumped at the top I picked myself up and looked down hill I had just ascended. How would I get down that long, steep slope with skis on my feet that travelled at flying speed? If I did set my feet in a downward direction would I miss that rock, that ski-lift, that clump of rocks, that creek, in fact that Chalet?
+Baby birds must feel-as I did when they first leave the nest and mother bird says "Fly away!" What a long way the ground must deem to the baby bird from the edge of the nest.
+Someone said "Watch me." I watched him go away round the mountain side, turn a hairpin bend and zigzag down the slope. With my breath and my stocks held and my innards congealing into a quivering jelly I followed his tracks; travelling across the steep slope my feet sped along on two levels which was most disconcerting the left foot was as far away from me as it could be and my right knee was touching my nose. Then on top of this awkward negotiation the turn came; how was I to take it? I didn't, it took me, all of a heap in the snow. I tried to get up but my feet were not mine, they belonged to the skis, who, at that moment were undecided about our direction. Finally we continued together and the little black specks at the bottom of the hill resolved themselves into recognizable bushwalkers who were reached only after many turns and falls.
-No.76 APRIL, 1941
-Prit,e 3d.
- Editor: Dorothy Lawry Business, Manager:, Brian Harvey
-Subscriptionsl Doreen Harris "On Service Copies": Grace Jolly
-Art: Mary Stoddart Production: Brian Harvey and -Jean West.
-CONTENTS-
-Page 1
-" 4
-! 5
-tt
-lo
-" 11
-" 12 !I13
-"
-A SLow Holiday ..* :i. by Merle Hamilton
-ReInion'1,41 4,,,li
- ty Edna Garrad
-Federation Notes . . 0, vv." ',Poo
-Th,e Brought Breakers oo4 by R. Alder
-Club- Gossip - - ... eo4 oiro ' ..e.4 . so*
- _ Paddy' s. Advertisement 's of oar* olpo Goo
-Thirteenth innual- Meeting .: .  _ ._....
-Chant-of the New Members-. . 43. Clare ansftlia Lettert4 from, the Lads -- N02 *.from Ralph Hoiroyd
-A SNOW HOLIDAY
-By Merle Fmmiltan
--At Bettis Camr, Knsciusko, one evening last winter, four bushxualkers scrambled out of the snow-tractor with their pecks,-skis, cameras, and all the other gear bushwalkers have attachel to them. It,was cold but the Corneys welPermei_u s warmly and their welcome was followei iloy hot baths and hot ainners.
-The following morning-we were up early to try our skis as half of us hail never been on sncw before. There are skis and skis (and skiers and skiers).
-Lents skis wanted to slip backwards at first, which made him think perhaps he had lout "iackward" wax cn them. But when he and they came tc know each other letter they consented to go up hill, and Len encauraped the frieLishir by giving them a diet of different sorts of vex every lay, but in spite of the bribing
-those skis always resented the up hill climb even to the end. Len often carried his skis up hill just to humour them and we watched them smile &own from his siloulder as he sank down in the snow; first his boots then his knees were lost ill the snow. We often wondered if we would lose Lennie altogether, but perhaps it was the diet of meat he at that kept him safe.
-Now Ken's skis were just the opposite, they delighted in going up hill. The. higher the fewer was their belief, and those skis were right, so up they went, almost, but not quite, as well as they: came down. No, all the skisI met, anti rveibably oil ti4r skis I Tiever mete aeve aoming down
-My skis, had this affection alto, for, one day after I had climbed a hill with them on my shoulder and was bending down to put them on at the top, one of -themsl-ipped-away---t o.-t4a e..tot tosk..12Z...tha...hlarl.... ...,i-t,se.-1-E-sild...-it-was-a-,-long - - - climb down for me to recover it.
-Bill's skis had their awn special tricks; they never could agree about the way to face when Bill fell down. If the right one decided on north, the left was certain to4decide on S.S.g. and on rising Bill found it hare to advance his left'foot north and his right foot S.S.E. 'There was nothing for it
-but to make them agree and-it was a long, wet'businets sitting in the snow till they came to a decision.
-The first day we practiced kick-turns, snow-plowing, stemming, and Christ-
-ianas; to the uninitiated these terms mean nothing and they still are nothing
-to me, all except the kick-turn. To do a kick-turn you,have to stand on one
-leg and brandish the other leg bravely in front of you, completewith ski. You
-must then swing it round so it points backwards and falls neatly parallel to
-your anchered ski; then you stand in a tied-in-a-knot position from which, you
-think desterately, you cannever recover-without breaking something.. You stand there helpless, leaning on.-your two stocks thinking, "If I slip, Oh, if I slip, I'm slipping, OW But perhaps. you don3t. Your weight-is gingerly shifted on
-to the reverse ski, you wavethe other ski about so it falls'into line beside its fellow and you look as relieeved as a hen that i.s -
-Now wax is another thing that the uninitiated know not of, so to them I say (and I hope no others are listening) livaxitng skisis an art, a black art brewed in the dark recesses of skiers souls and applied with ritualistic zeal. There is one wax for fast snow, one for slow, one for climbing, one for down hill, etc. You need a universal wax but there is,no such nostrum. The' idea is to wax the skis se that one wax wears off just in time-to-reveal a-secend wax for thesnowtlower down, but wax is a mystery to' me.' I suggest waxing Re ski with down-hill wax and the oth er*with Uphill wax and ski up hill on one leg and down hill on the other, I'm sure the idea is worth trying.
-The second day, feeling 'that we had graduated from the -nursery stage, we - set off for the Chalet to use the ski lift. Getting on the ski is a problem. kt, times it just sails_past-the would-be-lifed. Then, having caught the,lift, it is a hazard hether you stay on it and reach the to or not, a slight move- ment and up goes the spring and slithering,doWn in the snow goes the passenger. But the art of riding the ski,.lift is worth mastering, for the successful senger finds himself' dumped off at the top with thel climbIng achieved for him, all he has to do Is ski down. $K1 DOWN: It sounds easy, written in two words. The first time I was dumped at th,e top I picked myself up and looked down hill I had just ascended. How would I $et down that long, steep slope with skis on my feet that travelled at flying speed? If I did set my feet in a downward direction rould I miss that rock, that ski-lift, that clump of rocks, that creek, in fact that Chalet?
-Baby birds must feel-as I did when they first leave the nest and mother bird says "Fly away!.!" What along way the ground must deem to the 'baby bird from the edge of the nest.
-- 3 -
-Someone said "Watch me." I watched him go away round the mountain side, turn a hairpin bend and zigzag down the slope. With my breath and my stocks held and my innards congealing into a quivering jelly I followed his tracks; travelling across the steep slope my feet sped along on two levels which was most disconcerting the left foot was as far away from me as it could be and my right knee was touching my nose' Then on top of ,this awkward negotiation the turn came; how was I to take it? I didn't, it took me, all of a heap in the snow. I tried to get up but my feet were not mine, they' belonged to the skis, who, at that moment were undecided about our direction. Finally /e continued together and the little black specks at the bottom of the hill resolved themselves into recognizable bushwalkers who were reached only after-many turns and falls.
 As the day progressed so did our technique, with the help of the ski lift, but unfortunately, Bill hurt his leg and had to give up skiing.
-That night as we dried our snow clothes beside the fire at Betts we made plans for the morrow. If the weather still held good we decided to climb to the Summit. It was seven miles by road from Betts, with snow poles to follow and a few-huts to shelter in should the weather become bad. Seaman Hut was near the top;-we could lunch in there.
--
+That night as we dried our snow clothes beside the fire at Betts we made plans for the morrow. If the weather still held good we decided to climb to the Summit. It was seven miles by road from Betts, with snow poles to follow and a few huts to shelter in should the weather become bad. Seaman Hut was near the top; we could lunch in there.
-The morn dawned, it was snowing and had been blowing wildly in the night. Would there be any Summit for us? My imagination was active as scon-as I awoke that morning. It was no use going only tc be stranded in Seaman Hut for a few days, foodless, or worsel-never finding a hut and getting lost in a blizzard. Breakfast interrupted my further thoughts: At the meal I waited for comments-on the days outlook.
-From Ken, "Well, I.think we'll go, the weather'seeMs to be improving". From Bill, "My leg is still too bad, but you go, and I'll have a little ramble round here and take some photos."
+The morn dawned, it was snowing and had been blowing wildly in the night. Would there be any Summit for us? My imagination was active as soon as I awoke that morning. It was no use going only to be stranded in Seaman Hut for a few days, foodless, or worse, never finding a hut and getting lost in a blizzard. Breakfast interrupted my further thoughts: At the meal I waited for comments-on the days outlook.
-%
-Len decided for the Summit, and now,it was my speak. Photographic rambles
+From Ken, "Well, I think we'll go, the weather seems to be improving". From Bill, "My leg is still too bad, but you go, and I'll have a little ramble round here and take some photos."
-I had heard of before, fifty miles in one day, up cliffs, pushing down creeks, no time for food; so nc food carried, just gallop to catch the train, and Lc time to take photos. Naturally I decided for the Summit.
-Well we made the seven miles in good time, thanks to putting skins on our skis. It was a fine day and we surveyed 6 grand view, but we could not see the lakes. I imagined beautiful deep blue patches in the land of white, but of course the deep blue lakes were frozen over and filled with snow; they just looked like valleys amongst the hills.
+Len decided for the Summit, and now it was my speak. Photographic rambles I had heard of before, fifty miles in one day, up cliffs, pushing down creeks, no time for food; so no food carried, just gallop to catch the train, and no time to take photos. Naturally I decided for the Summit.
+Well we made the seven miles in good time, thanks to putting skins on our skis. It was a fine day and we surveyed a grand view, but we could not see the lakes. I imagined beautiful deep blue patches in the land of white, but of course the deep blue lakes were frozen over and filled with snow; they just looked like valleys amongst the hills.
 Back down the hills we had so slowly plodded up we skied in a twinkling. Its great going down hill on skis.
-The photographic ramble, led by Bill, was a success, so-we wei'e told on our return, biA we have yet to see the photos.
-RE-UNION 1941
+The photographic ramble, led by Bill, was a success, so we were told on our return, but we have yet to see the photos.
-By Edna Gafrad.
-Blue sky, low green hills with scattered farms and here ani there orchards and patches of corn, lcvely billowy cicuds that seemed to rest gently on the eastern horizon, a stately home and picturesque trees silhouetted against the sky line, the tranquil Nepean flowing silently between its tree olad banks/ tents half hidden in waving grass ---this was the scene of cur 1941 re-union.
+===== Reunion 1941 =====
-About 111 memberS gathered-together to enjoy the majer,event-of our Bush Walker year, some coming from as far afield as Newcastle, Scene, Tamworth and Kandos. We were glad to see them and know that they found the miles of travelling worth while for the.-pleasure of renewing friendships and the fun of the campfire.
-Of course we missed Jack Delert, whose vciee and perscnality have beeom e so mueh a part of the tradition of re-union. Many other old friends were also missed this year, but we hope-all the "regulars" will be seen at next re-unicn. Wal. Roots's wire from Brisbane, unfortunately, did not arrive in time to be, read at the campfire, but we all knew he would be thinking of us. This was confirmei by his wcriel Tathough can't make 'it please keep a spct at the
+By Edna Garrad.
-fire for the Rects," John ani Bora.Harvey also sent their greetings from Casino.
+Blue sky, low green hills with scattered farms and here and there orchards and patches of corn, lovely billowy clouds that seemed to rest gently on the eastern horizon, a stately home and picturesque trees silhouetted against the sky line, the tranquil Nepean flowing silently between its tree clad banks, tents half hidden in waving grass - this was the scene of our 1941 re-union.
-The campfire, as usual, was-thoroughly enjoyalle. Richard in handing over the symbols of office expressed most adequately the sentiments and res.-- ponsileilities involved. As President he has most worthily upheli-the dignity of his office and earned the appreciation of all members. We know that Alex. will carry on with a similar sincerity and impartiality.
-The wcrds written by Clare Kinsella to introduce the new members were well recited ly Dorothy Vickery and Ray Kirkby. They expressed the feelings sc, well known to bushwalkers but seldom spoken. A mest pleasing feature of the campfire was the prominent part played by the new members, and this augurs well for the future If the Club. Ruth McLaren recited -an entertaining poem and there were various other amusing items, including a:-tug-of-war between oli and new members.
+About 111 members gathered-together to enjoy the major event of our Bush Walker year, some coming from as far afield as Newcastle, Scone, Tamworth and Kandos. We were glad to see them and know that they found the miles of travelling worthwhile for the pleasure of renewing friendships and the fun of the campfire.
-Appreciation of campfire events is a matter for the individual but one of the outstanding successes was the delightful singing of the Melody Maidens, whose harmcnies were very charming. Obviously -Stoddy had spent much time in training her choir. Our thanks for much organising work done beforehand goals. to Peter Page and the other members of the Re-Union Ccmmittee.
-After supper the singing went on into the early hours cf the morning and from the hillside where I camped it was very pleasant to listen to the voices accompanied loy Tare's flute and the accordian played by Arthur Brophy.
+Of course we missed Jack Debert, whose voice and personality have become so much a part of the tradition of re-union. Many other old friends were also missed this year, but we hope all the "regulars" will be seen at next re-union. Wal. Roots's wire from Brisbane, unfortunately, did not arrive in time to be read at the campfire, but we all knew he would be thinking of us. This was confirmed by his words “Although can't make it please keep a spot at the fire for the Roots," John and Dora Harvey also sent their greetings from Casino.
-We would like cur Members overseas to know that we thought and talked ef them a lot at this re-union. Two very interesting letters written by Ralph Hclroyd were passed around and proved enlightening. I formed one of a group to whom the letters were read, and in the lovely serenity of our surroundings it was difficult to imagine the scenes so graphically described by Ralph. I think
-fr
+The campfire, as usual, was-thoroughly enjoyable. Richard in handing over the symbols of office expressed most adequately the sentiments and responsibilities involved. As President he has most worthily upheld the dignity of his office and earned the appreciation of all members. We know that Alex will carry on with a similar sincerity and impartiality.
-in all our hearts there dwelt therayer_that_some day soon all the boys would be back to re-une with us again.
+The words written by Clare Kinsella to introduce the new members were well recited by Dorothy Vickery and Ray Kirkby. They expressed the feelings so well known to bushwalkers but seldom spoken. A most pleasing feature of the campfire was the prominent part played by the new members, and this augurs well for the future of the Club. Ruth McLaren recited an entertaining poem and there were various other amusing items, including a tug-of-war between old and new members.
-The usual damper competition was held and won by Rcxy Barrett. An innovation this year was the custard-making competition for men. The entries were very creditable (I enjoyed portion of one for lunch) and the winner was Reg, Alder.
-Stnday was spent in yarning - discussing past trips and planning new ones and as we strolled back to Emu Plains Station in the evening it was agreed that Re-Union 1941 had been good.
+Appreciation of campfire events is a matter for the individual but one of the outstanding successes was the delightful singing of the Melody Maidens, whose harmonies were very charming. Obviously Stoddy had spent much time in training her choir. Our thanks for much organising work done beforehand goals. to Peter Page and the other members of the Re-Union Committee.
-FEDERATION NOTES
-In Warra Sanctuary near Patonga an area of 950 acres has been gazetted as reserved "fer the promotion of the studyand the preservation of native flora and fauna". This reservation has been Made following the representations of our Associate Member, Miss Cromelin, backed by the Federation and other conservation bodies, and, so far as we know, is the first area to be dedicated for the "promotion of the study" of the native plants and animals.
+After supper the singing went on into the early hours of the morning and from the hillside where I camped it was very pleasant to listen to the voices accompanied by Taro's flute and the accordion played by Arthur Brophy.
+We would like our Members overseas to know that we thought and talked of them a lot at this re-union. Two very interesting letters written by Ralph Holroyd were passed around and proved enlightening. I formed one of a group to whom the letters were read, and in the lovely serenity of our surroundings it was difficult to imagine the scenes so graphically described by Ralph. I think in all our hearts there dwelt the prayer that some day soon all the boys would be back to re-une with us again.
+The usual damper competition was held and won by Roxy Barrett. An innovation this year was the custard-making competition for men. The entries were very creditable (I enjoyed portion of one for lunch) and the winner was Reg Alder.
+Sunday was spent in yarning - discussing past trips and planning new ones and as we strolled back to Emu Plains Station in the evening it was agreed that Re-Union 1941 had been good.
+===== Federation Notes =====
-Here is a date to note in your diary -- Tuesday, 22nd July, 1941. Hcrdern Bros' Ballroom has been hocked that: night for the Bushwalkers' Ball - Tickets 7/ each. Miss Ierie Jessop of the S.B.W. and R.C.C. has been appeinted Hon. Organiser of the all and the Committee will consist of one representative from each affiliated club.
+In Warra Sanctuary near Patonga an area of 950 acres has been gazetted as reserved "for the promotion of the study and the preservation of native flora and fauna". This reservation has been made following the representations of our Associate Member, Miss Cromelin, backed by the Federation and other conservation bodies, and, so far as we know, is the first area to be dedicated for the "promotion of the study" of the native plants and animals.
+Here is a date to note in your diary -- Tuesday, 22nd July, 1941. Hordern Bros' Ballroom has been hocked that: night for the Bushwalkers' Ball - Tickets 7/ each. Miss Cherie Jessop of the S.B.W. and R.C.C. has been appointed Hon. Organiser of the all and the Committee will consist of one representative from each affiliated club.
 From the Garawarra Report delegates learned that Mr. Moffatt has been appointed to the vacancy on the Trust caused by the death of Mr. Leighton Bailey; that all (eight) Permissive Occupancies in the Garawarra Park have been renewed for 1941; and that R. motor parking area is being established near Maynards.
- . .
-The vacancies en the Publication Cormittee have now been filled and those who will be responsible for producing "The Bushwalker" No.5 are:- Editor, Rae Else Mitchell (Warrigal Club); Assistant Editor, Len Raper (Campfire club); Business Manager, Jim Somerville (C,M.W.); Advertising Manager, Russell Huntly-Tucker (Y.M.C.A. Ramblers); Technical Adviser, Ron Kerr (C.M.W.)
+The vacancies on the Publication Committee have now been filled and those who will be responsible for producing "The Bushwalker" No.5 are:- Editor, Rae Else Mitchell (Warrigal Club); Assistant Editor, Len Raper (Campfire club); Business Manager, Jim Somerville (C,M.W.); Advertising Manager, Russell Huntly-Tucker (Y.M.C.A. Ramblers); Technical Adviser, Ron Kerr (C.M.W.)
-Of course you know the Railway Maps for Bushwalkers - "Sutherland tc Stan- well Park" and "Epping, Turramurra to Hawkesbury River" - well supplies have nearly run cut and one of the Federation's Information Officers - Niniam Melville has been eommissicAed to prepare new and up-to-date maps of these areas for the Railways tc publish this wintere.
-ow; 00000 a* 00000 6.
+Of course you know the Railway Maps for Bushwalkers - "Sutherland to Stanwell Park" and "Epping, Turramurra to Hawkesbury River" - well supplies have nearly run cut and one of the Federation's Information Officers - Niniam Melville has been commissioned to prepare new and up-to-date maps of these areas for the Railways to publish this winter.
-The Federation's application fel- a special lease of 134 acres at St. Helena has been refused, but - a Permissive Occupancy of the area has been granted, ard accepted.
-THE DROUGHT. BREAKERS-.
+The Federation's application for a special lease of 134 acres at St. Helena has been refused, but a Permissive Occupancy of the area has been granted, and accepted.
+===== The Drought Breakers =====
 by R. Alder.
-Many was the time I wished before my holidays, that we would have fine weather with perhaps just a little rain beforehand to swell and sweeten the streams, but apparently I started wishing just one week late. It was like phis, I was the sole male iA a party with four women and we had ideas of swirming the Shoalhaven Blockup; that was when we left Sydney on New Yearts Day far Nerriga, our starting point on a three weeks' trek to Wentworth Falls.
-Chris, our car driver, told us of- the condition-of the Endrick country and finally advised most strongly that we should take a track to within two miles of its junction with the Shoalhaven. -
+Many was the time I wished before my holidays, that we would have fine weather with perhaps just a little rain beforehand to swell and sweeten the streams, but apparently I started wishing just one week late. It was like this, I was the sole male in a party with four women and we had ideas of swimming the Shoalhaven Blockup; that was when we left Sydney on New Year’s Day far Nerriga, our starting point on a three weeks' trek to Wentworth Falls.
+Chris, our car driver, told us of the condition of the Endrick country and finally advised most strongly that we should take a track to within two miles of its junction with the Shoalhaven. -
 We eventually reached the Endrick and, after much deliberation, our tents were pitched on the river bank a quarter mile below the 121"idg,,;. Two of the girls selected one level spot close to the river and I found one slightly higher up, thinking perhaps the river might rise if it happened to rain. Jupiter must have known we had arrived, for no sooner were the tents pitched and fires lighted than down it came, and it. was no mere summer shower, it bounced straight through_the tents and made us cover everything up' with ground sheets.
 Within a couple of minutes we were out digging trenches around the tents, and at the storm's height I had 'a trench aboutnine inches by four to carry away the water which had fallen. over an area about the size of the club room. There was a slight lull after about a quarter hour and as I paused in my labours' of keeping the trench open I noticed that' A" small-dry-gully beside my tent was beginning to run water- Before I could evenS shout a warning-a-two feet wall of water came rushing down and spread it-self ever the flat river bank, through my fire and straight onto the girls' tent. The sides were pegged down and, swish, up and around it went, then two surprised faces looked out, at the water which had now flooded their "best" campsite. to. a. depth. of. six. inches. Recovering from the shock, out came their_ packs to be placed on higher ground and up came the tent, pegs and all. A