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-BETT'S CZrP IN SEPTEnER.
+=====Bett's Camp In September.=====
-By Olive Jurd,
-Had you boon in the vicinity, of Bott's Carp about the last week in Septorbor you surely would have noticed some strange creatures speeding down the rountains sometimes
+By Olive Jurd.
-ploughing beneath tho snow, scretires coring to tho ,surface and racinp; on in a wavering, reckless kind of way, then, aeeringly for no reason at all, disappearing again, with a c,ras and scurry, leaving a great yawning chasm which was likely to engulf any straying skier who could not depend on his guiding
-star. Creatures did I say? No, just a feW S.B.11/s on-a mountain covered with snow, trying out their skiing technique.
+Had you been in the vicinity of Bett's Carp about the last week in September you surely would have noticed some strange creatures speeding down the mountains - sometimes ploughing beneath the snow, sometimes coming to the surface and racing on in a wavering, reckless kind of way, then, seemingly for no reason at all, disappearing again, with a crash and scurry, leaving a great yawning chasm which was likely to engulf any straying skier who could not depend on his guiding star. Creatures did I say? No, just a few S.B.W's on a mountain covered with snow, trying out their skiing technique.
- For nearly a week we plodded up the now covered rountains and bore down again. Everyone was happy, ,the days were :.fine and the snow was good. Despite OUT generous collection of bruises and rany groaning muscles we managed to enjoy ourselves. Evening excursions to the Chalet were becoming nore and more popular. Some wanted hair cuts, sore wanted to dance, but it did not take long to discover that the bar had an attraction too.
-One rornind the wind and rain greeted 'us in very boisterous ranner. Everyone thought it delieltful for the first day - it was a grand opportunity for some extra spine-bashing - this skiing is really hard work, don't ever be led to belicVe it isn7tClimb a few rountains with six or seven feet of board strapped on each foot, then slide swiftly down crashing here and there of course, while tho spectators have a little bet on whether you'll' be able to rise again under your own stear. After a few days of all this you too would welcome a day of rest.
+For nearly a week we plodded up the now covered mountains and bore down again. Everyone was happy, the days were fine and the snow was good. Despite our generous collection of bruises and many groaning muscles we managed to enjoy ourselves. Evening excursions to the Chalet were becoming more and more popular. Some wanted hair cuts, some wanted to dance, but it did not take long to discover that the bar had an attraction too.
-But alas, next day it rained just as hard and the wind blew even harder. At breakfast that -.morning someone had a bright idea that we right pack up and go north, to Yal,lba, where there
-is a beautiful surfing beach and warn sunshine (someone worked it all out about the sunshine). Six out of the ten of us decided to leave for this charming spot and so all arrangements were made. The other four were to go on to the Chalet for the week. There was rUch excitement as belongings were thrown into rucksacks and in an amazingly short time all six were set for the track. Just as the party was about to rove off the wind s creechod loudly and lashed the rain furiously against the first face that emerged from the door. Like a drowning man grasping at a straw hp
+One rornind the wind and rain greeted us in very boisterous manner. Everyone thought it delieltful for the first day - it was a grand opportunity for some extra spine-bashing - this skiing is really hard work, don't ever be led to believe it isn't. Climb a few mountains with six or seven feet of board strapped on each foot, then slide swiftly down crashing here and there of course, while the spectators have a little bet on whether you'll be able to rise again under your own steam. After a few days of all this you too would welcome a day of rest.
-desperately urged a conference, to rake sure this really was a sensible move. A round-the-Stove conference was held and expitenent dissolved into doubt and indecision. Eventually, the wonderful dream of surf and sunshin- was put back into its box and the ,Thole party decided to go to tne Chalet. All except one, who very much wanted to -make the trip and almost slipped out on to the cold, cruel, windswept snow, where she would soon have disappeared into the rain and fog. But we dragged her back and made her colAnt ten.
-.
+But alas, next day it rained just as hard and the wind blew even harder. At breakfast that morning someone had a bright idea that we might pack up and go north, to Yamba, where there is a beautiful surfing beach and warm sunshine (someone worked it all out about the sunshine). Six out of the ten of us decided to leave for this charming spot and so all arrangements were made. The other four were to go on to the Chalet for the week. There was much excitement as belongings were thrown into rucksacks and in an amazingly short time all six were set for the track. Just as the party was about to move off the wind screeched loudly and lashed the rain furiously against the first face that emerged from the door. Like a drowning man grasping at a straw he desperately urged a conference, to make sure this really was a sensible move. A round-the-stove conference was held and excitement dissolved into doubt and indecision. Eventually, the wonderful dream of surf and sunshine was put back into its box and the whole party decided to go to the Chalet. All except one, who very much wanted to make the trip and almost slipped out on to the cold, cruel, windswept snow, where she would soon have disappeared into the rain and fog. But we dragged her back and made her count ten.
-vde found Chalet life quite different from Eon's Carp but in tine adjusted ourselves admirably to the social forr-alities. 'Being first into reals of course was an excusable habit, seeing we had the usual Bushwalker appetites.
-Usually after the evening real we would cluster arolind the fire to work out a tour for next day, and retire early hoping for a suitable tonorrow. Some found these trips rather exhausting and preferred to try out turns, stops and crashes down the various slopes of t. Stillwell, near the Chalet. The touring party would appear at the top of Charlotte Pass at about dusk, cane bumping down over the iced up herringbone tracks and some- tires alnost enter the ski roam on skis. vue would listen in wonder as they told their stories of spectacular views and experiences of the day, and the sad thought of what we had rissed caused a tear now and again to splash into our great plate of
+We found Chalet life quite different from Bett's Camp but in time adjusted ourselves admirably to the social formalities. Being first into meals of course was an excusable habit, seeing we had the usual Bushwalker appetites.
-turkey. o vowed that next time we would find enough energy to go too. ',ue don't know when f'next "tire" will be, but we hope it is next year.
-C.7.1t1i. S.13,,A. SKI TOUR.
+Usually after the evening real we would cluster around the fire to work out a tour for next day, and retire early hoping for a suitable tomorrow. Some found these trips rather exhausting and preferred to try out turns, stops and crashes down the various slopes of Mt. Stillwell, near the Chalet. The touring party would appear at the top of Charlotte Pass at about dusk, come bumping down over the iced up herringbone tracks and sometimes almost enter the ski room on skis. We would listen in wonder as they told their stories of spectacular views and experiences of the day, and the sad thought of what we had missed caused a tear now and again to splash into our great plate of turkey. We vowed that next time we would find enough energy to go too. We don't know when "next time" will be, but we hope it is next year.
-y Tai,1 7oppett.
-One of the visitors at our last Annual Photographic Exhibition was John Houghton, President of the and while
+----
-chatting we discovered that we wore going to Alpine Hut at the sar-e tine.. - in the middle of August. 1Ne thereupon decided on a few days touring, and arranged to take tho necessary food and equipment.
-During the first week at the Hut snow fell most days, and one day it rained - a most unusual occurence for that tire of the year - definitely not touring weather. But on Friday night the weather conditions and the rieteorological report over the radio agreed that Saturday and the following day or two would be good - and they were.
+=====C.M.W. - S.B.W. ski Tour.=====
-On Saturday morning, saying we would be back for dinner iiednesday evening, John and I set off for Grey Vare Hut via Mawson's, where we lunched. From there we rounded the end of the Kerries and set a westerly course. The day was warn and still,
-and we passed through several enclosed spots which had been
+By Tom Moppett.
-getting the direct rays of the sun, where the air was super heated oe wondered why the snow, and we, didn't melt.
-The only real obstacle we encountered was Rocky Plains Creek, at that point in a valley about 400 feet dmo. The going was
+One of the visitors at our last Annual Photographic Exhibition was John Houghton, President of the C.M.W., and while chatting we discovered that we were going to Alpine Hut at the same time - in the middle of August. We thereupon decided on a few days touring, and arranged to take the necessary food and equipment.
-open and on our side the descent was gentle, but the climb cut opposite was quite stoop.
-From the top, locking S.w. across Straight and Grey Hare Creeks, we could see Grey Mare Hut only about a rile away. But it took some time to roach, as there was a fairly steep drop of about 500 foot into Straight Creek, which John, with a pack weighing about 40 lb's., found rather difficult. From the bottom of the descent to the Hut was easy, as both straight and Grey Mare Crooks were covered.
+During the first week at the Hut snow fell most days, and one day it rained - a most unusual occurence for that time of the year - definitely not touring weather. But on Friday night the weather conditions and the meteorological report over the radio agreed that Saturday and the following day or two would be good - and they were.
-The Hut is a couple of hundred 7ards back fror Grey Mare Crook and about 50 feet above it. hen approaching from the bed
-of the creek, it is impossible to see the 'Jut until right in front of it, as the ends of ridges screen it from up and down stream.
+On Saturday morning, saying we would be back for dinner Wednesday evening, John and I set off for Grey Mare Hut via Mawson's, where we lunched. From there we rounded the end of the Kerries and set a westerly course. The day was warm and still, and we passed through several enclosed spots which had been getting the direct rays of the sun, where the air was super heated. We wondered why the snow, and we, didn't melt.
-The f'Grey 7are Gold Mine, as it says on the door, was originally twice the size, but half was pulled down a' few yeas ago by a horse. The exposed end of the hut has been repaired -
-with old sheets of galvanized iron, mid it is now a four-roomed, lined hut, and seers to be fairly sound. The doors have to be lifted when'lockinc or unlocking. Snow still gets above the coiling and on a hot day drips through - one room was Vito damp. There are beds for three, a double spring rattross and a single bags-between-poles, but there arc no kapok mattress or blankets. Equiprent includes a shovel and a blunt axe with the handle broken off, and various billies and tins. There is a small creek about twnty,yds fron the door, and there are scattered dead snow gums a hundred yards up behind the hut, but unless these are conserved, it wonit be lonr; before wood getting will require a lot of effort.
+The only real obstacle we encountered was Rocky Plains Creek, at that point in a valley about 400 feet deep. The going was open and on our side the descent was gentle, but the climb cut opposite was quite steep.
-The Hut is well known as a freezer at night, and no wonder - it is right in the riddle of a great expanse of bare, cold snow, unprotected b'y trees or hills. Even on our second night there, when we had every possible piece of clothing under us, we were not quite. warm.
-On Sunday we took our lunch along the Grey Mare Range ad" ate it on top of Grey Mare. It was a beautiful clear day, without wind, and we just Wandered along the Range, stopping frequently to ac custom ourselves to the Tuat panoramas or-i. all sides. It'was just such, a day as we had wished for. Though it took four hours. to reach Grey vqre we kept going on the 'way back,' and did it in' one hour-.
+From the top, looking S.W. across Straight and Grey Mare Creeks, we could see Grey Mare Hut only about a rile away. But it took some time to reach, as there was a fairly steep drop of about 500 feet into Straight Creek, which John, with a pack weighing about 40 lbs., found rather difficult. From the bottom of the descent to the Hut was easy, as both Straight and Grey Mare Creeks were covered.
-Monday was cl a.r third fine day and we roved to Pretty 'Plains Hut. Our route was up Greylqare Creek_to, its head, round the northern side'df BiTBogong,,and then a OCUY'.S0 north of, west to
-the Hut. The 'Big Bogone referred to:is near the:Sunction of Grey Mare Range with tho'Strunbo,Range.'
+The Hut is a couple of hundred yards back from Grey Mare Creek and about 50 feet above it. When approaching from the bed of the creek, it is impossible to see the Hut until right in front of it, as the ends of ridges screen it from up and down stream.
-On the way we net two wombats, one drinking ii the side creek, the other chewing grass besidetherai n 'creek.
-,
+The "Grey Mare Gold Mine", as it says on the door, was originally twice the size, but half was pulled down a few yeas ago by a horse. The exposed end of the hut has been repaired with old sheets of galvanized iron, and it is now a four-roomed, lined hut, and seems to be fairly sound. The doors have to be lifted when lookinc or unlocking. Snow still gets above the ceiling and on a hot day drips through - one room was quite damp. There are beds for three, a double spring mattress and a single bags-between-poles, but there are no kapok mattress or blankets. Equipment includes a shovel and a blunt axe with the handle broken off, and various billies and tins. There is a small creek about twenty yads from the door, and there are scattered dead snow gums a hundred yards up behind the hut, but unless these are conserved, it won't be long before wood getting will require a lot of effort.
-On Tuesday rornini:, there was some sun, but the weather had changed. we set out with the idea of following down the Toana to ,.heoler's Hut, but had just reached the River when it started to rain. we crossed and took shelter in the small bark and slab hut at the junction of Pugilistic Creek with Toora River. After waiting sonic tire we decided there was little hope of the weather improving, so had a very early lunch and dashed back to Pretty Plains Hut,
-.,lthough I understand there is good skiing on parts of the Dargals Range - The Dargals, Ink Bottle and Toolang - most of the country west of Big Bogong is quite thirqcly timbered so not really suitable. But in any case it is well worth while to visit Pretty Plain to see that part of the snow country.
+The Hut is well known as a freezer at night, and no wonder - it is right in the middle of a great expanse of bare, cold snow, unprotected by trees or hills. Even on our second night there, when we had every possible piece of clothing under us, we were not quite warm.
-Pretty Plains Hut is about 4,400 feet. It is well sheltered and is most attractive, being built of round logs and has a high galvanised iron roof with wide eaves. It has two big rooms, living and bunk, and a snail corner roam with an outside door only, used for storing feed. There is no ceiling, giving a vary roomy effect. Tho Hut is well equipped and there arc a lot of spare bags to help keep the cold out. The bunks, six of ther, are of bags slung between poles. It has been kept beautifully clean, as have the two satellite huts up and down stream, and it is a real pleasure to stay there. -vve spent Tuesday afternoon sitting before the fire in our sleeping bag cushioned chairs, reading. The cook produced a super dinner at his leisure, and then we drowsed in front of the fire until supper. A really enjoyable rest afternoon.
-Next day a blizzard was blowing higher up, although it was quiet in the valley. Having cleaned up the hut and nade sure the fire was out and sone wood left inside, we sot off at about 8
+On Sunday we took our lunch along the Grey Mare Range and ate it on top of Grey Mare. It was a beautiful clear day, without wind, and we just wandered along the Range, stopping frequently to accustom ourselves to the vast panoramas on all sides. It was just such a day as we had wished for. Though it took four hours to reach Grey Mare we kept going on the way back, and did it in one hour.
-for Alpine Hut, a distance of approxinately 13 riles. Unfortunate-
-ly we made a =all hole in the cenent hearth splitting wood, but a letter of apology to the owner, plus a srall sir to cover the darage brought a very friendly reply.
+Monday was our third fine day and we moved to Pretty Plains Hut. Our route was up Grey Mare Creek to its head, round the northern side of Big Bogong, and then a course north of west to the Hut. The "Big Bogong" referred to is near the junction of Grey Mare Range with the Strumbo Range.
-As far as Big Bogong and the source of Grey Tare Creek we followed our outward routp, but going as straight as possible instead of wandering about learning the country. From there we went EllE, and climbed to the top of the Strumbo Ranp;e, at a point from which we could look down the valley of the Toora. Sc far, although we were in fairly thick fog part of the tine, there were tires Jhen we could see quite well. Unfortunately there wasn't only fog and, of course, wind, but some rain, and it had to be at lunch tine too. LIG ate our lunch of biF;cuits, butter, dates, cheese
-and peanut butter standing under a snowguri, then got going again as quickly as possible before we froze.
+On the way we met two wombats, one drinking in the side creek, the other chewing grass beside the main creek.
-.From tho. top of the Strurbo Range we had to go five 1,idles across the open Range, with no protection from the blizzard. Fortunately the wind was behind us, or it would have boon much
-.
+On Tuesday morning there was some sun, but the weather had changed. We set out with the idea of following down the Tooma to Wheeler's Hut, but had just reached the River when it started to rain. We crossed and took shelter in the small bark and slab hut at the junction of Pugilistic Creek with Tooma River. After waiting some time we decided there was little hope of the weather improving, so had a very early lunch and dashed back to Pretty Plains Hut.
-roro uncomfortablo. vve could soc only a short distance, and all we could sec was snow and fog and rocks and odd patches of snow gums. So we headed eastward for Bull's Peaks. by carpass, 'going over or round an endless. succession of snail hills: -irve had several showers of rain, which made the ,snow soggy and the going hard as:,we got. no run at niL
-As time went on we became a bit fed up with the succession of rocks and trees which went slowly past, and our comfort wasnft increased by the odd trickles of ice cold water which got past our groundsheets and down our neck. The billy bag 1 was wearing for a hat wasnit as effective as I could have wished. we were glad to arrive at Bull ?s Peaks about 4.15'p n,
+Although I understand there is good skiing on parts of the Dargals Range - The Dargals, Ink Bottle and Toolong - most of the country west of Big Bogong is quite thickly timbered so not really suitable. But in any case it is well worth while to visit Pretty Plain to see that part of the snow country.
-Bull's Peaks are right an the edge of the Range, so we. went southward along the edge and eventually down through the thick belt of trees to rcDonrc12s Diggings, and along to Alpine Hut, where we were greeted with "Hero they are". Peter Price!, and Frank Ricketts wore among the welcomers, but Ill-1 afraid Frank's face was obscured by sudh a thick black growth that- took about ten minutes to recognise'him,
+Pretty Plains Hut is about 4,400 feet. It is well sheltered and is most attractive, being built of round logs and has a high galvanised iron roof with wide eaves. It has two big rooms, living and bunk, and a small corner room with an outside door only, used for storing feed. There is no ceiling, giving a very roomy effect. The Hut is well equipped and there are a lot of spare bags to help keep the cold out. The bunks, six of them, are of bags slung between poles. It has been kept beautifully clean, as have the two satellite huts up and down stream, and it is a real pleasure to stay there. We spent Tuesday afternoon sitting before the fire in our sleeping bag cushioned chairs, reading. The cook produced a super dinner at his leisure, and then we drowsed in front of the fire until supper. A really enjoyable rest afternoon.
+Next day a blizzard was blowing higher up, although it was quiet in the valley. Having cleaned up the hut and made sure the fire was out and some wood left inside, we set off at about 8 a.m. for Alpine Hut, a distance of approxinately 13 miles. Unfortunately we made a small hole in the cement hearth splitting wood, but a letter of apology to the owner, plus a small sum to cover the damage brought a very friendly reply.
+As far as Big Bogong and the source of Grey Mare Creek we followed our outward route, but going as straight as possible instead of wandering about learning the country. From there we went ENE, and climbed to the top of the Strumbo Range, at a point from which we could look down the valley of the Tooma. So far, although we were in fairly thick fog part of the time, there were times when we could see quite well. Unfortunately there wasn't only fog and, of course, wind, but some rain, and it had to be at lunch time too. We ate our lunch of biscuits, butter, dates, cheese and peanut butter standing under a snowgum, then got going again as quickly as possible before we froze.
+From the top of the Strumbo Range we had to go five miles across the open Range, with no protection from the blizzard. Fortunately the wind was behind us, or it would have been much more uncomfortable. We could see only a short distance, and all we could see was snow and fog and rocks and odd patches of snow gums. So we headed eastward for Bull's Peaks by compass, going over or round an endless succession of small hills. We had several showers of rain, which made the snow soggy and the going hard as we got no run at all.
+As time went on we became a bit fed up with the succession of rocks and trees which went slowly past, and our comfort wasn't increased by the odd trickles of ice cold water which got past our groundsheets and down our neck. The billy bag I was wearing for a hat wasn't as effective as I could have wished. We were glad to arrive at Bull's Peaks about 4.15 p.m.
+Bull's Peaks are right on the edge of the Range, so we went southward along the edge and eventually down through the thick belt of trees to McDonne1lss Diggings, and along to Alpine Hut, where we were greeted with "Here they are". Peter Price and Frank Ricketts were among the welcomers, but I'm afraid Frank's face was obscured by such a thick black growth that it took about ten minutes to recognise him.
+----
 ZERUmBUNGLES FROM GULAR.
 By Frank Leyden.