194612
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+ | =====The Tuross From Bodalla.===== | ||
- | 11. | + | By Prolix. |
- | THE TUROSS FROM BODALLA | + | |
- | Bodalla, the source of some of our best cheese is 216 miles. from Sydney on the South Coast, rather pretty, quiet and its people typi-, cal of the kindly folk who form our generous country people. | + | |
- | One Sunday evening in June, 1944, found Prolixia (newly acquired and myself endeavouring to obtain a prepared meal in Bodalla after, | + | |
- | a long days travel by rail, and road from Nowra - long yet in very interesting scenery and winding through fine forests, grand spotted gums being particularly impressive as we averaged about 50 m p.h. between stops. | + | |
- | Darkness had about completely replaced the day as we snooped along the dimly lit street to find food waiting for us in a small store-cum-cafe.. These folk provided a real feed straight from the kitchen - eggs, toast, bacon etc. etc. with inevitable cup(s) of tea. | + | |
- | Very unbushwalker-like we slept in Bodalla Hotel in order to arise in' time for a possible lift per truck. Enquiries of our host the previous :evening. had resulted in an early approach to the milk truck driver, (during his breakfast), who could take us part of the | + | |
- | way. | + | |
- | After making:his aoquaintance and receiving consent to travel we returnod -to collect some bread, meat and other essentials and dumped thewbeeide his large VS truck. A much smaller trUok of older vintage. then, drew up and conversation with its owner changed our plans as he would be only too happy to take us right into NerrIgundah-; | + | |
- | Our first real glimpse of the Tuross River came Shortly after | + | |
- | our departure, at the-.crossing: | + | |
- | would be the case without this evidence Of man's destructiveness. | + | |
- | 7 | + | |
+ | Bodalla, the source of some of our best cheese is 216 miles from Sydney on the South Coast, rather pretty, quiet and its people typical of the kindly folk who form our generous country people. | ||
+ | |||
+ | One Sunday evening in June, 1944, found Prolixia (newly acquired) and myself endeavouring to obtain a prepared meal in Bodalla after a long days travel by rail, and road from Nowra - long yet in very interesting scenery and winding through fine forests, grand spotted gums being particularly impressive as we averaged about 50 m.p.h. between stops. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Darkness had about completely replaced the day as we snooped along the dimly lit street to find food waiting for us in a small store-cum-cafe. These folk provided a real feed straight from the kitchen - eggs, toast, bacon etc. etc. with inevitable cup(s) of tea. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Very unbushwalker-like we slept in Bodalla Hotel in order to arise in time for a possible lift per truck. Enquiries of our host the previous evening had resulted in an early approach to the milk truck driver, (during his breakfast), who could take us part of the way. | ||
+ | |||
+ | After making his acquaintance and receiving consent to travel we returnod to collect some bread, meat and other essentials and dumped them beside his large V8 truck. A much smaller truck of older vintage then drew up and conversation with its owner changed our plans as he would be only too happy to take us right into Nerrigundah. Thus, in typical style we were soon on our way in clear frosty morning. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Our first real glimpse of the Tuross River came shortly after our departure, at the crossing below Eurobodalla and prior to ascending the range. The Tuross is typical of most coastal rivers, fairly wide, bordered by casuarinas and wide strips of gleaming sand which also beds the river making it shallow and wider than would be the case without this evidence Of man's destructiveness. | ||
- | LikeWis6, | + | Likewise flood marks indicate that at times much water flows depositing |
- | However in the case of the Tuross the natural state of the river is met much closer to the coast than usual, this making the, trip much more pleasant. | + | |
- | Nerrigundah is the remnants of a once very prosperous gold | + | However in the case of the Tuross the natural state of the river is met much closer to the coast than usual, this making the trip much more pleasant. |
- | mining town deep in a valley over the ranges from Bodalla, but now only boasting. a general store, shed and some few houses. The main objector | + | |
- | 12. .7111151111..111. | + | Nerrigundah is the remnants of a once very prosperous gold mining town deep in a valley over the ranges from Bodalla, but now only boasting a general store, shed and some few houses. The main object of interest is a fine statue of a policeman who was shot by bushranger my years ago, and complete with carved story of the incident. One could scarcely imagine such tribute being paid to-day. |
- | of the incident. One could scarcely imagine such tribute being paid to-day. | + | |
- | The old truck made heavy but profitable work of the long climb to the top and then down the steep winding | + | The old truck made heavy but profitable work of the long climb to the top and then down the steep winding |
- | From an old timer we learned that the creak had been thoroughly dredged well up into the hills but that much gold was still to be had. In fact right under our feet was a fortune in alluvial gold, but a dredge and anybody else could not get it as it was part of the roadway and council property. Many tales of the district could - and would - have been told by this old soul, but we had to press on, having duly admired his little bottle of pannings which is apparently | + | |
+ | From an old timer we learned that the creek had been thoroughly dredged well up into the hills but that much gold was still to be had. In fact right under our feet was a fortune in alluvial gold, but a dredge and anybody else could not get it as it was part of the roadway and council property. Many tales of the district could - and would - have been told by this old soul, but we had to press on, having duly admired his little bottle of pannings which is apparently | ||
The side road from Nerrigundah wound gradually down past Cadgee on the slopes bordering the Tuross, passing a few farms and finally petering out beyond a field of corn which seemed to have ripened solely for the benefit of some hundreds of cockatoos and galahs. For the remainder of that day the scenery was much the same, the river narrowing with hills and ridges closing in. | The side road from Nerrigundah wound gradually down past Cadgee on the slopes bordering the Tuross, passing a few farms and finally petering out beyond a field of corn which seemed to have ripened solely for the benefit of some hundreds of cockatoos and galahs. For the remainder of that day the scenery was much the same, the river narrowing with hills and ridges closing in. | ||
+ | |||
The second day found the river winding around the feet of ridges and with more numerous crossings by which we cut many corners. | The second day found the river winding around the feet of ridges and with more numerous crossings by which we cut many corners. | ||
- | Late in the afternoon the remains of an old stamper battery and gold-mine wore found on a bend in the river, Utopia on the Map, but very little evidence is left, it having apparently suffered by weather, fire and the removal of parts. The old mine was some distance away so was not visited. We noted an old longabandoao-A roadmay fx om the workings winding up the side of the ridge, It was late afternoon and we decided to try it with a | ||
- | view to cutting off some of the bends of the river. optimistically we kept to it till the Tuross seemed a long way dawn below, and in a panic we turned down towards it via a small creek bed with darkness rapidly approaching. Otir. reward Was a very awkward camp at the mouth of this tiny credit, som0.5 feet above the river and with no alte-rnati: | ||
- | The following day, fine weather still prevailing and, as the reader :will have already guessed, we , not breaking any records, found the river: more interesting asit paeawd through tall fimber, comparatively decip outtlngs in the bills, shady oftellaVIAAEL, | ||
- | mimIlee 4111.111111 | ||
- | sparkling pools and the ' | ||
- | "the Tictureaque .aurrOundingd, | ||
- | !.th giving. frequent glimPdeb of the delightful river bends shaded with tall trees and splashed with 'clean sandy. banks. As our-road cut a wide bend in the river and rose to ' | ||
- | ' the following 2 days) through the winding gorge below and the sparkle. of the Tuross :threading its way in the lower foreground. | ||
- | The Ttiross. begins in the plateau on the ranges, flows through the ratUntaine | + | Late in the afternoon the remains of an old stamper battery and gold mine were found on a bend in the river, Utopia on the Map, but very little evidence is left, it having apparently suffered by weather, fire and the removal of parts. |
- | . Clear .and bright the second! last day ,dawned. Fed' tnd washed we reluctantly made for the Toad above.. was not long f 'before the landscape changed completely as we rounded a bend and beheld through a: ,thin curtain of, trees undulating grass-covered country, | + | |
- | Passing through. a gateway the road tontinued, winding | + | The following day, fine weather still prevailing and, as the reader will have already guessed, we, not breaking any records, found the river more interesting as it passed through tall timber, comparatively deep cuttings in the hills, shady casuarinas, sparkling pools and the ever recurring pebbly crossings. Shortly the first real sign of civilization was noted in the form of a well made dirt road following the river - and not on the map. In the picturesque surroundings it was a welcome change to follow, giving frequent glimpses of the delightful river bends shaded with tall trees and splashed with clean sandy.banks. As our road cut a wide bend in the river and rose to negotiate the ridge we were rewarded with our first glimpse of the Mountain Ranges east of Cooma, a near deep green peak picturesquely placed in the scene as a distant interest (and one which predominated the landscape for the following 2 days) through the winding gorge below and the sparkle of the Tuross threading its way in the lower foreground. |
- | surrounded by high.:hills 'and mountains, part of -Which | + | |
- | , SuPely | + | The Tuross |
- | . | + | |
- | . | + | Clear and bright the second last day dawned. Fed and washed we reluctantly made for the road above. |
- | ' W...ise | + | |
- | " | + | Passing through a gateway the road continued, winding over the grassy |
- | pattern below. To the South and 'Easterly | + | |
- | Next morning we left. very early in order to make our truck of th first day and hence Nerrigundah, | + | Surely |
- | With the sound of activity behind we were about to leave the, station | + | |
- | -r suppose such things are necessary, but the sight of a golden | + | Permission to camp by the river was readily given, and likewise |
- | Released and uncovered the fox seemed non-plussed, | + | |
- | , The road by which we arrived was followed to Belimbla Creek and'over a flood bridge. Up and up following the ridge to the top -of thPhwooded | + | Next morning we left very early in order to make our truck of the first day and hence Nerrigundah, |
- | For some miles thA road gave us changing glimpses of this cone as the afternoon sun moved down from its zenith. Occasionally to the East the distant coast and ocean stretched for miles to either hand with the huge double hump of Mount Dromedary, 2,700 ft. dominating and hiding part of the coast line. In the centre distance we could see Montague Island and its white light- | + | |
- | house bathed in sunshine. | + | With the sound of activity behind we were about to leave the station |
- | The :trees up here are grand specimens, especially those pass91 | + | |
+ | I suppose such things are necessary, but the sight of a golden | ||
+ | |||
+ | Released and uncovered the fox seemed non-plussed, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The road by which we arrived was followed to Belimbla Creek and over a flood bridge. Up and up following the ridge to the top of the hwooded | ||
+ | |||
+ | For some miles the road gave us changing glimpses of this scene as the afternoon sun moved down from its zenith. Occasionally to the East the distant coast and ocean stretched for miles to either hand with the huge double hump of Mount Dromedary, 2,700 ft. dominating and hiding part of the coast line. In the centre distance we could see Montague Island and its white lighthouse | ||
+ | |||
+ | The trees up here are grand specimens, especially those passed | ||
Suddenly we came upon our truck while still on the mountain top, and seeing no-one about decided to keep on and enjoy what remained of the day. A mile or two farther we were picked up and safely installed in the rear of the old " | Suddenly we came upon our truck while still on the mountain top, and seeing no-one about decided to keep on and enjoy what remained of the day. A mile or two farther we were picked up and safely installed in the rear of the old " | ||
- | Soon we dropped down into Nerrigundah - which is well nigh ringed with mountains - and thence, after farewelling some of the - crew, back to Bodalla at dusk to thank our good friend for his kindness 'His occupation' | ||
- | On a rise in and overlooking Bodalla, under huge trees and on an old laafcOvered road which showed ag a gap through the trees we camped the, night and arose early to be sure of catching the. mail coach' which leaves about 8 a m. | ||
- | True to form the locals had learned of our venture as several ' | ||
- | owing the larder to be bare at home we invadeA t1 e. local butcher for a round, | ||
- | The coach duly arrived leaving us no time to examine the village and so to Sydney, meeting rain at Wollongong. Luck had been ours as the weather held, out perfectly to the last day, though wet in Sydney most of the weekl,to the surprise of the Roptimists" | ||
- | ==== First Descent | + | Soon we dropped down into Nerrigundah - which is well nigh ringed with mountains - and thence, after farewelling some of the crew, back to Bodalla at dusk to thank our good friend for his kindness. His occupation was distilling essential eucalypt oils back in the hills where we saw his truck. |
- | By Frank Duncan. | + | On a rise in and overlooking Bodalla, under huge trees and on an old leaf covered road which showed ag a gap through the trees we camped the night and arose early to be sure of catching the mail coach which leaves about 8 a.m. |
- | Reprinted from Sydney Bushwalker Annual, April, l934 | + | True to form the locals had learned of our venture as several enquired of our trip "up the river" |
- | Editorial Note: Clear Hill is taken for granted by present-day bushwalkers and few even stop to ponder that it was once a real bushwalking problem. At the beginning | + | Knowing the larder to be bare at home we invaded the local butcher |
- | At Easter 1928, the trip herein described was executed, after unsuccessful attempts by Myles Dunphy | + | The coach duly arrived leaving us no time to examine |
+ | ---- | ||
- | Note:- In other countries people make first ascents. In Australia, which is a topsy-turvy country, We make first descents instead. | + | =====First Descent of Clear Hill===== |
- | One of the first long weekend | + | By Frank Duncan. |
+ | |||
+ | ====Reprinted from Sydney Bushwalker Annual, April, l934==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Editorial Note__: Clear Hill is taken for granted by present-day bushwalkers and few even stop to ponder that it was once a real bushwalking problem. At the beginning of 1928, the cliffs of Narrow Neck were an unconquered challenge to bushwalkers, | ||
+ | |||
+ | At Easter, 1928, the trip herein described was executed, after unsuccessful attempts by Myles Dunphy and others, aided by rope and pitons. Perhaps it is one of the examples of bushwalking cussedness that the first descent should be the furthest and toughest, whilst nearer and perhaps more accessible routes - Red Ledge Trail, Mitchells Creek, Dunphys Pass and Carlon Head came after the furthest out! | ||
+ | |||
+ | Note:- In other countries people make first __ascents__. In Australia, which is a topsy-turvy country, we make first __descents__ instead. | ||
+ | |||
+ | One of the first long week-end | ||
The chief features through the greater length of this route are the impressive bluffs, ridges and precipices of the Narrow Neck, or Clear Hill, Plateau. I well remember comparing it with the plateaux which figure so often in the tales of Rider Haggard, plateaux which usually have but one way of access, and this very difficult, and whereon are found the most weird and wonderful of ancient civilisations. | The chief features through the greater length of this route are the impressive bluffs, ridges and precipices of the Narrow Neck, or Clear Hill, Plateau. I well remember comparing it with the plateaux which figure so often in the tales of Rider Haggard, plateaux which usually have but one way of access, and this very difficult, and whereon are found the most weird and wonderful of ancient civilisations. | ||
Line 366: | Line 377: | ||
Later, in June, 1928 we joined a popular Bush Walker trip to Clear Hill, at the end of this six-mile long plateau. On the way out we mentioned to some of the party our ambition to pioneer a route to the Coxs via the end of Clear Hill. And, as we arrived at our camping spot at Glen Raphael early, we set off for an evening exploration of the possibilities of a descent of the cliffs, feeling delightfully light and fresh without our heavy packs. A short time found us at the very end of Clear Hill, perched up in the air with cliffs on three sides of us, and a fine clear view, one of the best I have seen in New South Wales, of bush-clad ridges in every direction. Tortuous valleys at our feet wound away in the distance but most striking of all was the feeling of airy lightness and detachment, and freedom from the petty cares of everyday life. | Later, in June, 1928 we joined a popular Bush Walker trip to Clear Hill, at the end of this six-mile long plateau. On the way out we mentioned to some of the party our ambition to pioneer a route to the Coxs via the end of Clear Hill. And, as we arrived at our camping spot at Glen Raphael early, we set off for an evening exploration of the possibilities of a descent of the cliffs, feeling delightfully light and fresh without our heavy packs. A short time found us at the very end of Clear Hill, perched up in the air with cliffs on three sides of us, and a fine clear view, one of the best I have seen in New South Wales, of bush-clad ridges in every direction. Tortuous valleys at our feet wound away in the distance but most striking of all was the feeling of airy lightness and detachment, and freedom from the petty cares of everyday life. | ||
- | A photo or two were taken, and then the search began. Soon our efforts were rewarded, and we climbed down the gully to the west of the southernmost point of the hill. The descent was in the form of steps or ledges extending in the direction of Mount Mouin. After repeated deviations and retracing of our steps; we came to a sheer cliff within fifty feet of the bush-clad foothills below. | + | A photo or two were taken, and then the search began. Soon our efforts were rewarded, and we climbed down the gully to the west of the southernmost point of the hill. The descent was in the form of steps or ledges extending in the direction of Mount Mouin. After repeated deviations and retracing of our steps, we came to a sheer cliff within fifty feet of the bush-clad foothills below. |
These last fifty feet were the only serious difficulty of the descent, but even here it was not long before three of us, E. Austen, J. Debert and myself had climbed down a chimney-like crack and solved with a shout of pride the descent of Clear Hill. | These last fifty feet were the only serious difficulty of the descent, but even here it was not long before three of us, E. Austen, J. Debert and myself had climbed down a chimney-like crack and solved with a shout of pride the descent of Clear Hill. | ||
Line 380: | Line 391: | ||
---- | ---- | ||
- | Christa Calnan and Norma Barden held their own private annual re-union at Blue Gum. Norma came back with a stiff Jaw - and Christa with a stiff ear: | + | Christa Calnan and Norma Barden held their own private annual re-union at Blue Gum. Norma came back with a stiff jaw - and Christa with a stiff ear! |
- | A letter from John Hunter was full of the resounding:names of | + | A letter from John Hunter was full of the resounding names of New Zealand -- he seems to do his tramping at heights where Kosciusko |
- | New Zealand -- he, GQC.1710 | + | |
- | ugko leaves | + | ---- |
- | ===== CHRISTMAS IS A LOATHSOME THING. ===== | + | =====Christmas is a Loathsome Thing.===== |
- | by Ray Kirkby, | + | by Ray Kirkby. |
"Sweet Teviot: on thy silver tide | "Sweet Teviot: on thy silver tide |
194612.txt · Last modified: 2016/05/27 11:51 by tyreless