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195211 [2016/06/27 12:58] tyreless195211 [2016/06/27 16:34] tyreless
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-====Congratulations To"====+====Congratulations To:====
  
 Christa and Bob Younger on the Birth of a son (Ian Robert) on October 2nd. Christa and Bob Younger on the Birth of a son (Ian Robert) on October 2nd.
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 ---- ----
  
-WE 1TRE OVERDUE.+=====We Were Overdue.===== 
 By Bruce Sibley. By Bruce Sibley.
-(On Anzac weekend-end of this year a party of six walkers were reported overdue in the ranges near Marysville, Victoria. + 
-Mr. Bruce Sibley, one of the members of the party, has supplied us with this story of the missing walkers. In the December issue we will publish the story of the search conducted by Melbourne Walkers, reported by Mr. Stuart Brookes of the Victorian Mountain Tramping Club. A map supplied by Mr. Brookes is reproduced in this issue. It will be noted from Mr. Sibleyls account that their route does not tally with the -"presumed route of the missing partyindicated by Mr. Brookes.+(On Anzac weekend-end of this year a party of six walkers were reported overdue in the ranges near Marysville, Victoria. Mr. Bruce Sibley, one of the members of the party, has supplied us with this story of the missing walkers. In the December issue we will publish the story of the search conducted by Melbourne Walkers, reported by Mr. Stuart Brookes of the Victorian Mountain Tramping Club. A map supplied by Mr. Brookes is reproduced in this issue. It will be noted from Mr. Sibley'account that their route does not tally with the "presumed route of the missing partyindicated by Mr. Brookes. 
 As many of our members carry out extended holiday walks in the high country of Kosciusko and the Victorian Alps, we believe the experiences of a party caught out by freakish bad weather in the mountains may be of considerable interest. - Editor.) As many of our members carry out extended holiday walks in the high country of Kosciusko and the Victorian Alps, we believe the experiences of a party caught out by freakish bad weather in the mountains may be of considerable interest. - Editor.)
-The Great Divide tl_md its various spur's form a-semi-circle to the south of Marysville, linked to the town by the. Melbourne road'in the West and Cumberland Valley road in the East. The mainHridge, about- 
- 111......,...16.1....1.......... 
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-10. 
-3,000-ft. high, is well timbered, with Mountain and Alpine Ash, and the undergrowth is fairly thick. Paradise Plains is a wide, flat section, on which the undergrowth is less dense and, because of the snow grass, some grazing is done. Before the disastrous 1939 fires the Divide, between Marysville and Warburton was fairly clear and, I believe, a popular walk for Melbourne Walkers. It forms the northern 
-and western boundaries of the OrShannassy Water Reserve which,. we were to find, is almost impenetrable from the North because of the dense undergrowth. 
-Our aim was to climb Mt. Strickland spur from the road and follow the Divide to the east across Paradise Plains to the Cumberland Valley road. All but one of the party have been hiking for the past three 
-years at least, and we were well equipped. Several had an abundance of 
-food, a fact which was to help us later, but the majority had only 
-food enough for the three days, as we expected to be back in Melbourne on the Sunday night. We had also a small kerosene stove and fuel to boil several billies of water. Besides three small tents, we had a 3-man tent in which we were able to congregate when ground space prevented the other tents from being pitched. Unfortunately this was 
-not equipped with a fly, which would have been an advantage in the snow. 
-We did not have an axe, and the lack of this item affected our rate of progress in the dense scrub. 
-Although Nigel Joyce and myself had been in the area before, we were acquainted with only a small section of the proposed route, 
-namely the spur to Mt. Strickland and a portion of Paradise Plains near Mt. Kitchener. 
-We left Marysville about midday on Friday 25th, and spent the 
-afternoon climbing the Mt. Strickland spur, along a number of old timber tracks. Camp was made at a spot several miles from the north 
-end of the spur, amongst gum saplings, where the ground was clear of 
-undergrowth. The sky had been overcast all the afternoon, but rain held off and the night was not cold. 
-On Saturday morning we continued south through more difficult country, as the pad which had once existed was, except for occasional stretches, completely overgrown, and we could only follow the general 
-direction of the spur, We had lunch at a spot then considered to be just north of Mt. Strickland. After studying a Water Board map of the Reserve which we have since borrowed, I am of the opinion that we had already passed Mt. Strickland and were several miles south of the east-west ridge. Nigel Joyce, who had done this section before, but from the other direction, considers that we were just north of Mt. Strickland, and that our mistake was made that afternoon or on Sunday morning by dropping off the southern side of the east-west ridge. 
-. Whichever view is correct, we wandered into the Water Reserve, and it was several days before we realised it. The views to our west were quite good but in the east the heavy undergrowth prevented us from seeing anything. After lunch we continued south a little further, obtaining good views of the Maroondah Reservoir to the west, and then turned off on to a prominent ridge which we thought was the east-west section of the Divide. The afternoon was spent in pushing aur way through wiregrass and scrub but, by way of compensation, we were able 
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-X Ca77.:,..-os ese'crAfe.:.1A^a/hy 4r7 +The Great Divide and its various spurs form a semi-circle to the south of Marysvillelinked to the town by the Melbourne road in the West and Cumberland Valley road in the EastThe main ridge, about 3,000-fthigh, is well timbered, with Mountain and Alpine Ash, and the undergrowth is fairly thickParadise Plains is wideflat section, on which the undergrowth is less dense and, because of the snow grass, some grazing is doneBefore the disastrous 1939 fires the Divide, between Marysville and Warburton was fairly clear and, I believe, a popular walk for Melbourne WalkersIt forms the northern and western boundaries of the O'Shannassy Water Reserve which, we were to find, is almost impenetrable from the North because of the dense undergrowth
-.4-4,..... '''!_ + 
-a1 '--.--.+Our aim was to climb MtStrickland spur from the road and follow the Divide to the east across Paradise Plains to the Cumberland Valley roadAll but one of the party have been hiking for the past three years at least, and we were well equippedSeveral had an abundance of fooda fact which was to help us later, but the majority had only food enough for the three days, as we expected to be back in Melbourne on the Sunday nightWe had also a small kerosene stove and fuel to boil several billies of waterBesides three small tents, we had a 3-man tent in which we were able to congregate when ground space prevented the other tents from being pitchedUnfortunately this was not equipped with a flywhich would have been an advantage in the snowWe did not have an axeand the lack of this item affected our rate of progress in the dense scrub. 
- /Iii..:51ri:.-kiazisr/ 7,..i. .-:. , ...+ 
-\ +Although Nigel Joyce and myself had been in the area before, we were acquainted with only a small section of the proposed route, namely the spur to MtStrickland and a portion of Paradise Plains near MtKitchener. 
-IN ave. + 
-............ ,....... . ,,,,, +We left Marysville about midday on Friday 25th, and spent the afternoon climbing the MtStrickland spur, along a number of old timber tracksCamp was made at a spot several miles from the north end of the spur, amongst gum saplings, where the ground was clear of undergrowthThe sky had been overcast all the afternoon, but rain held off and the night was not cold. 
-/.  1././ ,....4:::::.iii:tivofilrt....''',,...,/t.: j,77.,'.44'lllii771.1F:';:".1,(1../"r;: \*:. a's.' :CC/1712;7'544e' feNs'1,.. 74: :\:' 86.7.'i.' + 
-..-'''  "-I -. ., .. 4:,.,,,,4717r. .'7,-....  4 +On Saturday morning we continued south through more difficult country, as the pad which had once existed was, except for occasional stretches, completely overgrown, and we could only follow the general direction of the spurWe had lunch at a spot then considered to be just north of MtStricklandAfter studying a Water Board map of the Reserve which we have since borrowed, I am of the opinion that we had already passed MtStrickland and were several miles south of the east-west ridgeNigel Joyce, who had done this section before, but from the other direction, considers that we were just north of MtStricklandand that our mistake was made that afternoon or on Sunday morning by dropping off the southern side of the east-west ridge. 
---..--ifi'l.' 7: .+ 
---- +Whichever view is correct, we wandered into the Water Reserve, and it was several days before we realised itThe views to our west were quite good but in the east the heavy undergrowth prevented us from seeing anythingAfter lunch we continued south a little furtherobtaining good views of the Maroondah Reservoir to the westand then turned off on to a prominent ridge which we thought was the east-west section of the Divide. The afternoon was spent in pushing our way through wiregrass and scrub butby way of compensationwe were able to admire the magnificent stands of Mountain Ash. 
--... k -..., + 
-.:":"...:. i+Our views of the surrounding country were reduced to zero by the growth all around us and as the rate of progress had been a good deal slower than expectedit was decided to shorten the trip and to drop into Wilkes Creek valley to the Wolfram mine and thence to MarysvilleAccordingly we clambered down to a creek which flowed in a northerly direction and canped for the nightThe weather was not cold and no rain fell. 
--, ..,,,,,,,, , / + 
--- .-k; ..  / +On Sunday we climbed over a spur to the north east into another creek flowing north and followed it down through a delightful fern gullyAs the day wore onthe banks became a tangle of saplings and wire grass and we were forced to wade through the very cold waterThe creek direction changed to north east and then to south of east, a fact which caused some misgivingAs darkness fell, we camped in a bend of the creek amid tall gums and ferns, a delightful spotHowever during the night rain began to fall and continued to do so next morning. 
- + 
-f-rer.vsieoe'04.e7".:4 +We were not at all certain how much easterly travel we had made on the Sundayand still hoping we were north of the Dividedecided to shorten the journey further by climbing the ridge to our north-east and following itWe spent all the morning doing this, having to force our way through a terrific tangle of wire grassThe ridge ran in a northerly direction andnot stopping for lunch because of the rain, we made our way slowly along it, occasionally getting glimpses of the surrounding country through the low cloudTo the east we saw the vague outline of a high ridge which we hoped was the Kitchener Range and sobecause of snow which had begun to fall, and approaching darkness, made our way a short distance down a creek flowing to the eastBecause of the limited space only the big tent could be pitchedand we all squeezed into it for the night, after cooking tea and drying our clothes. 
-.. 4:-.+ 
-.., 'k7- +Breakfast on Tuesday morning proved to be our last hot mealand to conserve food lunches were dispensed with from now onSeveral of us were out of food by this timeThe weather had cleared somewhat and we followed the creek down through a layer of snowAfter time this creek began to swing to the south, which caused concern, so we struck north-east up a very low ridge, once more forcing our way through the closely growing gumsAt the top we saw part of the very high ridge across the valley to the east andas it was now late afternoon, we made our way to the bottom of the valleyHere we found the creek flowing due south, which proved beyond doubt that we were south of the Divide
-.,..-J i [.....,4 AtIo.oe-eireeiw + 
- r- .,'" '.'4.-+The weather now became very overcast and, after wading up and down the creek, we were able to find the only flat ground thereabouts, on a small island a few inches above the waterThe large tent was pitched in several inches of snow and, as rain, and then snow, began to fall, and a fire was out of the question, we spread tents and groundsheets and crawled into our sleeping bagsWe reckoned that the big ridge above us was either a spur from MtGrant or MtObservation and decided to climb to the top and make our way north until the Cumberland road was crossedThe remaining foodconsisting of biscuits, salami sausage and small quantities of cocoa, chocolate, cake and fruit, was roughly rationed to last two days, the time estimated to reach the roadDuring the night more snow fellnecessitating attention to the tent. 
-'----'--N't....',,.,. I+ 
-, , , +On Wednesday morning we lay in because of the continuing snow and rainthen changed into our sopping wet clothespackedand after crossing the creekbegan to make our way up the side of the ridgeThe weather cleared somewhat, but after several hours hard work we had covered only about a mile and, as everybody was feeling very tired, it was decided to make campThere was very little undergrowth but the young gum saplings growing closely together made an almost impenetrable wallthe only way to get through being to walk along fallen treesHowever, the big tent was spread sufficiently to cover us all, and we usud a smaller tent for a flyTea consisted of several biscuits and slices of salami sausage each, an apple and a piece of cake divided between us, and a mug of hot cocoa each, made by melting snow on the primus stoveThis was the second night without a fire, but an each occasion we were reasonably warm in the sleeping bags because we were able to change into dry clothes which had been kept in our packs. The most unpleasant job was changing back into sopping wet clothes in the morning
-Y.+ 
-.....\...,.., +On Thursday morning breakfast was no larger than the previous tea, but the weather was clearing and the sun trying to came throughIt was afterwards learned that the temperature in the vicinity was about 32°Fon Wednesday nightAs we packed we coo-eed frequently, and suddenly received an answer from the ridge above. We were overjoyed, as we exchanged coo-ees with the unseen searchers until, as we were starting off up the ridge, they met us
-".2.:+ 
- j.......' t....:-.- +It was a party of local bushmen who had first heard us from the top of MtObservation on the ridge above, and they carried some very welcome foodIt took nearly three hours to reach the road in spite of he fact that we were making our way along the track which they had taken out to reach usThe top of the ridge was in cloud, and we ploughed through a good two feet of snow, the deepest encountered on the tripCars took us to Marysville Police Station, and then to a boarding house, where we were wonderfully looked after and enjoyed hot baths and warm beds again. 
-i \ ...,...+ 
-..;. +On the following afternoon (Friday) we left for Melbourne in brilliant sunshine, the first for over a weekThree of the party were suffering from frost bitten toesand we were all rather scratched about the legs aad very tired. 
-.,-...+ 
-k)?--+The worst weather experienced, as already said, was light rain, light snow and, of course, the coldStrangely enough, the snow fall was heavier around Marysville and in Melbourne, and the weather bitterly cold, with wind, heavy rain and hail, which made people more anxious than they might have beenWe had enough food left for another day, and I am inclined to think our rationing was too severe as we were very tired on the last two days
--i. ,,,,..%.,... i....+ 
- $'....,' .i... - +The maps carried, the only issues in general circulation, were :- 
-  + 
-,+(1) A tourist map of Marysvillescale 2 miles to the inchrather limited in its usefulnessbecause the ridges were by no means detailed enough. 
-rv' ,;,,,.w:+ 
-c., ,....., ---.-...f..1,,,,,. ... ...! .....:s +(2) An Army survey mapscale 4 miles to the inchwhichalthough it extended well beyond the areawas hopelessly inadequate. 
--..i...," + 
-,'''''1:'''' +There is also a Water Board map of the Reservescale 1 inch to the mileof which a few copies are to be had. This extends only as far as the Northern Boundary of the Reserveand was not taken because we did not intend to enter the Reserve. 
---,.+ 
-  +---
- 'F.: .ii + 
-67 ,,,.. ".'t"."."' -'' Fr' '  ,..1,t) e- t-,.,   ,,,--- +=====Sydney Or The Bush.===== 
-.-, + 
- Jo, z ,..4 +Report on the Club's 25th Birthday Parties
-....,, + 
-c) 1 .zi.,,,+====Part ISydney.==== 
 + 
 +"There was a sound of revelry by night\\ 
 +And S.B.Whad gathered then..." 
 + 
 +Wellabout 180 S.B.Wand friends gathered at the "Dungowan" for the more conventional City celebration on the night of 0Otober 17thWith the punctuality of walkers joining a train for the bush, there was an assemblage in Martin Place ready to storm the "Dungowan" at the tick of 9 p.mWe were welcomed by the President and his ladyand we were very taken with Malcolm's formal rig, complete with tails
 + 
 +A goodly sprinkling of the old members appeared for the occasionApart from those who are still frequent visitors to the Club Roomwe recognised Frances Ramsey, Frank Cramp, Ken Matthews, Harold and Win Chardon and several others whose names elude us at this critical momentBill Rodgers introduced a red herring by bringing his Mother and Father, and we were at first sorely taxed to identify them as old membersDorothy Lawry and Charles Pryde sent their regards to the Club, and Paddy Pallin his regrets that he was absent on medical advice
 + 
 +Clem Hallstrom opened the gustatory part of the celebrations by devouring a rose from our table. Ken Meadows didn't bother to bring a partner, having his newest love, his movie camera, to keep him occupied. For the cake-cutting ceremony a foundation member, Maurice Berry, and the most recently ordained member, Barbara Greethead, joined forces. The cake itself was a noble affair, a three-tiered structure with figurettes of bushwalkers, and surmounted by a minute green tent, a campfire, tripod and billy. It was a magnificent Birthday gift to the Club from a friend of Molly Gallard and Bill Rodgers, Mrs. Newton, who unfortunately couldn'be there to see the enthusiasm of S.B.W. 
 + 
 +From the enthusiasm and comment of those better qualified to judgethe floor and band were adequateand this time the "Dungowan" P.Asystem functioned properly
 + 
 +Practically all present remained to the last momentwhen the band leaderin farewellmade the faux pas of the evening with his well-intended "Goodbye and happy HIKING". 
 + 
 +====Part IIThe Bush.==== 
 + 
 +In all the tumult it is doubtful if there was any one so statistically minded as to take a count of the heads at the Bush PartyIt would have been an unenviable job, for we recognised members of three Clubs apart from our own people and the hosts - the Caloola membersThere were droves of children - in our immediate vicinity were the Noble kiddies, the Moppetts, the Gilroy daughter, Paul Barnes No.1 son and little Josie, the Bakers' children and Jack Gentle's lad - and there were others we never got around to identifyingIn the absence of stockmen or tally clerks, we can only take a stab at the number and say about 150 were present for the Camp Fire. 
 + 
 +Your reporter arrived with Colin Ferguson at the head of the batch off the 12.9 train: having slightly mislaid the short cut shown on Allen Strom's mapwe arrived at Dillon's via the Basalt Quarry, to find the camp site was a lovely spot with cool green pastures, picturesque old shanties and some delightful cabbage tree palmsAlready some tents were upand we were waved in by Wal Roots and Bill RodgersThe Putt motor cycle was down by the creek
 + 
 +Throughout the afternoon people moved in steadily, and as each group descended the ridge from the huts, the old Era game of "identifications" was playedShadows crept down from the timber on the slopes, and with it a strange caterwauling from a small secretive group hidden behind lantana in a tumbledown stockyardAfter night had mantled the valley, a host of small fires ruddied the bank of smoke hovering in the calm, dewy airA few belated ones made a torch-light procession down the slope. 
 + 
 +Duly at 8 p.mvoices chanted "Fires Burning", and it was aided by a libation of dieselineAs the throng gathered, we discovered that the S.B.WFilm Unit was there in strength, complete with pressure lamps, tins of oil, and flashlightsDot Butler was clawing her way up a palm, but gave it away after some fifteen or twenty feet, and was heard to complain of splintery going
 + 
 +We began with traditional campfire singing butdespite the best endeavours of compere Gil Webb, the community was indifferent and played hard to get, spending its efforts in calling directions to new arrivals and chattering volublyIt must be admittedhowever, that a proper pin-dropping silence was observed while Joe Turner's younger daughter spoke some verse by Kendall. 
 + 
 +Then the hush-hush colony from the hillside revealed their fell purposeThey were the S.B.WLight Opera Companywith a musical offering score mostly by the late Sir Arthur Sullivan, libretto by several members, notably Pat Sullivan (no relation to Sir A.,) and the McGregors
 + 
 +From the performer's viewpoint, we seemed to be off the tune most of the time in trying to get the words over: at least the words apparently reached most of the audience, who witnessed a highly coloured version of the last Instructional Walk, complete with leader Eddie Stratton in strife with the Station Master (Brian Harveyover her missing "tic-ticket, tic-ticket, tic-ticket": also a "skulking great scoundrel with broad Scottish brogue" (President McGregor) who "pulled on the chain in the train" and incurred the wrath of the engine driver ("A most unattractive old goat, tra-la"): dietetic solos by Yvonne Renwick and Pat Sullivan told of their "breakfast in bed": EdStretton presented the first aid lectureand Malcolm McGregor emphasised that "the contour is the thing" in the mapping talk: andof coursethere was the luckless Treasurer (played by Gil Webb in Phil Mason's absence) with Ross Laird for the vocal interludes: and the wicked villain (Neil Schafer) - "note my black moustachemy evil roving eye" - who smote the Treasurer with a rock, only to be foiled againThe opera did not draw the moral that Treasurers are hard-headed and hard-hearted, but threatened the audience "if we find a Treasurer dead, we'll nominate you instead" and all ended happily. 
 + 
 +We resumed community singing with Ian Dalgleish leading aad playing the guitar, and the voices were more animated this timeA Will Ogilvy verse by the other Turner daughtermore singing, then an interruption to allow Committee to hold an extraordinary Meeting - surely the most extraordinary meeting ever heldThe assemblage must have been impressed by the dignified manner in whict the Cat problem was dealt with, and the somewhat less dignified interview with a prospective member
 + 
 +There were other acts preparedbut at this stage the Supper Committee, represented by Bill Rodgers, Molly Gallard and Colin Ferguson, indicated that the cake-'n-cocoa were to handAt this stage, the organised part of the campfire came to an and, and the Film Unit commenced to operateProducer/Cameraman Ken Meadowswith Director/Technical Assistant Keith Renwickand a horde of counsellorsyes-men and critics in best Hollywood traditionfluttered about the battery of lamps like so many agitated mothsholding light meters to neckswind-jackets and noses, and calling conflicting directionsTo a backdrop of old members eagerly talking with other old membersand newer members doing much the samethe Film Unit shot the highlights of the OperaSome of the performers sang snatches of their limesothers mimed in silence. Then it was found that there wasn't enough light for the long shotswhich were deferred until daylight, and the cameramen proceeded to film carefully staged applause by individual members of the "audience". 
 + 
 +The trek to bed commenced at this time - about 11 p.m- and continued for the next eight hoursSome small campfiries were built up and breakaway groups began their personal celebrationsAround the main fire the Pyrotechnics group took overwith several small explosions but (fortunately for the peace of the evening) the threatened big blast was a fizzer only the detonator blewJim Hooper was seen taking surreptitious swigs from a bottleand spitting it out over a lighted matchwith convincing ignition. He was obliged to repeat several times before the cameras caught itbecause he couldn't say "ready" with his mouth full of - was it only common keroseneor Peter Stitt's jungle juice? 
 + 
 +Between 1 a.mand 3 a.mthe group dwindled to the die-hards, who died exceedingly hardAll through the night and into the dawning they sang on and onto the chagrin of some who tossed on their couch of turf unsleepingThere were rumours next day of some tents being let down during the night - not funny on a very dewy night. 
 + 
 +Breakfast was generally belated and spread over several hoursFolk wandered about talking, some looking a mite dazedSome time after nine o'clock we saw the Gilroys pull out, and presently others the Deans bound back to Melbourne, the Turners for Armidale, and many of those with young familiesFraternising was the order of the day - a brilliant sunny daywith some woolly clouds driven up before a brisk nor'-easterPresently the Film Unit resumedand in a series of "takes" covered the chorus and action scenes from the Opera. The comment of the weekend came from villain Neil Schaferafter he had again "smashed down" the Treasurercarefully removing the rock from the skull of the prone victim, he observed "Wonderful what you find when you turn stones over!" 
 + 
 +A group returned from a visit to the swimming hole beyond the huts, Bill Kinley entertained with some pseudo-Shakespeare and the evergreen "Kinley Clam Clamp Closet" monologue, and a steady stream of re-uners retreated over the hill. All seemed resolved to get home earlyso that by two o'clock few tents blossomed on the pasture of Springvale
 + 
 +The big crowd went out in diverse waysSome had their cars along the trailsome were given lifts: some travelled on the Caloola truck: and some foot-slogged back to Woy Woy. All in all there must have been sixty or seventy walkers dwelling on the first train for Sydney, and most of them managed to drag themselves into its crowded cars
 + 
 +But ah! The train was stopped on the tracktra-la! - and not by some scoundrel pulling on the chain. A freight train had failed near Mt. Kuring-gaiand the Reuner Special came to a stand near Berowra... and stood... and stood... and stood... Some walkers crawled outscrounged hot water from the engineand made tea (one even caught up with his meals, by eating his breakfast corn flakes!)Altogether they waited over an hourbut of this we cannot give faithful reportfor we fled the stuffy carriageslit out for the roadand a truck load of fishermen did the decent thing as far as Hornsby. 
 + 
 +It was a jolly good Re-union. The only trouble was, it was over. When shall we re-une like this again? 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +====Look At Your Sleeping Bag.==== 
 + 
 +Did you bring your sleeping bag back from the bush party? Did you bring some one else's sleeping back back? 
 + 
 +Some one did. 
 + 
 +If you are the guilty oneplease contact the Editorwho will arrange for the necessary exchange. 
 + 
 +----
  
-' 
-, 
-\ 
-/ 
-fivet C 
-to. u: 
-IrtA 't; 
-VS, 
-. - 
-/V0. 4r ' 
-recr,rs) 
-12. 
-to admire the magnificent stands of Mountain Ash. 
-Our views of the surrounding country were reduced to zero by the growth all around us ald as the rate of progress had been a good deal slower than expected, it was decided to shorten the trip and to drop into Wilkes Creek valley to the Wolfram mine and thence to Marysville. Accordingly we clambered down to a creek which flowed in a northerly direction and canped for the night. The weather was not cold and no rain fell. 
-On Sunday we climbed over a spur to the north east into another creek flowing north and followed it down through a delightful fern gully. As the day wore on, the banks became a tangle of saplings and wire grass and we were forced to wade through the very cold water. The creek direction changed to north east and then to south of east, a fact which caused some misgiving. As darkness fell, we camped in a bend of the creek amid tall gums. and ferns, a delightful spot. However during the night rain began to fall and continued to do so next morning. 
-We were not at all certain how much easterly travel we had made on the Sunday, and still hoping we were north of the Divide, decided to shorten the journey further by climbing the ridge to our north-east and following it. We spent all the morning doing this, having to force our way through a terrific tangle of wire grass. The ridge ran in a northerly direction and, not stopping for lunch because of the rain, we made our way slowly along it, occasionally getting glimpses of the su=ounding country through the low cloud. To the east we saw the vague outline of a high ridge which we hoped was the Kitchener Range and so, because of snow which had begun to fall, and approaching darkness, made our way a short distance down a creek flowing to the east. Because of the limited space only the big tent could be pitched, and we all squeezed into it for the night, after cooking tea aid drying our clothes. 
-Breakfast on Tuesday morning proved to be our last hot meal, and to conserve food lunches were dispensed with from now on. Several of us were out of food by this time. The weather had cleared somewhat and we followed the creek down through a layer of snow. After a time this creek began to swing to the south, which caused concern, so we struck north-east up a very low ridge, once more forcing our way through the closely growing gums. At the top we saw part of the very high ridge across the valley to the east and, as it was now late afternoon, we made our way to the bottom of the valley. Here we found the creek flowing due south, which proved beyond doubt that we were south of the Divide, 
-The weather now became very overcast and, after wading up and down the creek, we were able to find the only flat ground thereabouts, on a small island a few inches above the water. The large tent was pitched in several inches of snow and, as rain, and then snow, began to fall, and a fire was out of the question, we spread tents and groundsheets and crawled into our sleeping bags. We reckoned that the big ridge above us was either a spur from Mt. Grant or Mt. Observation and decided to climb to the top and make our way north until the 
-13. 
-Cumberland road was crossed. The remaining food, consisting of biscuits, salami sausage and small quantities of cocoa, chocolate, cake and fruit, was roughly rationed to last two days, the time estimated to reach the road. During the night more snow.fell, necessitating attention to the tent. 
-On Wednesday morning we lay in because of the Continuing snow 
-and rain, then changed into our sopping wet clothes, packed, and after crossing the creek, began to male oar way up the side of the ridge. 
- The weather cleared. but after,several :hours hard work We had covered only about a mile and, -as everybody was feeling very tired, it was decided to make camp. There was very little undergrowth but tho young gum sapriugs growing closely together made an almost impenetrable wall, the only way to get through being to walk along fallen trees. However, the big tent was spread sIlffinlently to cover us all, and we usud a smaller tent for a fly. Tea consisted of several biscuits and slices of salami sausage each, an apple and a piece of cake divided between us, and a mug of hot cocoa eabh, made-by melting snow on the 15rimus stove. This was the second night without a fire, but an each occasion we were reasonably warm in the sleeping bags because we were able to change into dry clothes which had been kept in our packs. The most unpleasant job was changing back into sopping wet clothes in the morning. 
-On Thursday morning breakfast was no larger than the previous tea, but the weather was clearing and the sun trying to came through. It was afterwards learned that the temperature in the vicinity was about 32F. on Wednesday night. As we packed we coo-eed frequently, and suddenly received an answer from the ridge above. We were overjoyed, as we exchanged coo-ees with the unseen searchers until, as we were starting off up the ridge they met us. 
- It wa2 a part'. loon]. 'oushmen WhO haU fLrsb heard from 
-top of Mt. Observation an the ridge above, and they carried some very 
-w-1rom encd, It took near17 three h.m-s to rea,th the roaC, In LpitE' of he faut that we were making our way along the track which they had out to reach us. me top of the ridge was in cloud, and we ploughed through a good two feet of snOw, the,.deepest encountered on the trip. Cars took us to Marysville Police Station, and then to a boarding house, where we were wonderfully looked after and enjoyed hot baths and warm beds again. 
-On the following afternoon (Friday) we left for Melbourne in brilliant sunshine, the first for over a week. Three of the party 
-were suffering from frost bitten toes, and we were all rather scratched about the legs aad very tired. 
-The worst weather experienced, as already said, was light rain, light snow and, of course, the cold. Strangely enough, the snow fall was heavier around Marysville and in Melbourne, and the weather bitterly cold, with wind, heavy rain and hail, which made people more anxious than they might have been. We had enough food left for another day, and I am inclined to think our rationing was too sere Is we were very tired on the last two days. 
-14. 
-The maps carried, the only issues in general circulation, were 
-(1) A tourist map of Marysville, scale 2 miles to the inch, rather limited in its usefulness, because the ridge; were by no means - detailed enough. 
  
-(2) An Army survey nap, scale 4 miles to the inch, which, although it extended well beyond the area, was hopelessly inadequate. 
-There is also a Water Board map of the Reserve, scale 1 inch to the mile, of which a few copies are to be had. This extends only as far as the Northern Boundary of the Reserve, and wasnot taken because we did not intend to -enter the Reserve. 
-SYDNEY OR THE BUSH. 
-Report on the Club's 25th Birthday Parties. PART I. SYDNEY. 
-There was a sound of revelry by night And S.B.W. had gathered then .." 
-Well, about 180 S.B.W. and friends gathered at the "Dungowan" 
-for the more conventional City celebration on the night of 0Otober 17th With the punctuality of walkers joining a train for the bush, there was an assemblage in Martin Place ready to storm the "Dungowan" at the tick of 9 p.m, We were welcomed by the President and his lady, and we were very taken with Malcolm's formal rig, complete with tails. 
-A goodly sprinkling of the old members appeared for the occasion. Apart from those who are still frequent visitors to the Club Room, we 
-recognised Frances Ramsey, Frank Cramp, Ken Matthews, Harold and Win Chardon and several others whose names elude us at this critical 
-moment. Bill Rodgers introduced a red herring by bringing his Mother and Father, and we were at first sorely taxed to identify them as old members. Dorothy Lawry and Charles Pryde sent their regards to the Club, and Paddy Pallin his regrets that he was absent on medical advice. 
-Clem Hallstrom opened the gustatory part of the celebrations by devouring a rose from our table. Ken Meadows didn't bother to bring a partner, having his newest love, his movie camera, to keep 
-him occupied. For the cake-cutting ceremony a foundation member, 
-Maurice Berry, and the most recently ordained member, Barbara Greethead, joined forces. The cake itself was a noble affair, a three-tiered structure with figurettes of bushwalkers, and surmounted 
-by a minute green tent, a campfire, tripod aid billy. It was a 
-magnificent Birthday gift to the Club from a friend of Molly Gallard and Bill Rodgers, Mrs. Newton, Who unfortunately couldn't be there to 
-see the enthusiasm of S.B.W. 
-From the enthusiasm and comment of those better qualified to 
-;5, 
-judge, the floor and band were adequate, and this time the "Dungowan" P.A. system functioned properly. 
-Practically all present remained to the last moment, when the band leader, in farewell, made the faux pas of the evening with his well-intended Goodbye and happy HIKING". 
-PART II. THE BUSH. 
-In all the tumult it is doubtful if there was any one so statistically minded as to take a count of the heads at the Bush Party. It would have been an unenviable job, for we recognised member 
-of three Clubs apart from our awn people end the hosts - the Caloola 
-members. There were droves of children - in our immediate vicinity were the Noble kiddies, the Moppetts, the Gilroy daughter, Paul Barnes No.1 son and little Josie, the Bakers' children and Jack Gentles lad - and there were others we never got around to identifying. In the 
-absence of stockmen or tally clerks, we can only take a stab at the number and say about 150 were present for the Camp Fire. 
-Your reporter arrived with Colin Ferguson at the head of the batch off the 12.9 train: having slightly mislaid the short cut 
-shown on Allen Strom's map, we arrived at Dillon's via the Basalt 
-Quarry, to find the can site was a lovely spot with cool green 
-pastures, picturesque old shanties aid some delightful cabbage tree palms. Already some tents were up, and we were waved in by Wal Roots and Bill Rodgers. The Putt motor cycle was down by the creek. 
-Throughout the afternoon people moved in steadily, and as each group descended the ridge from the huts, the old Era game of "identifications" was played. Shadows crept down from the timber 
-on the slopes, and with it a strange caterwauling from a small 
-secretive group hidden behind lantana in a tumbledown stockyard. After night had mantled the valley, a host of small fires ruddied the bank of siwke hovering in the calm, dewy air. A few belated ones made a torch-light procession down the slope. 
-Duly at 8 p.m. voices chanted "Fires Burning", and it was-aided 
-by a libation of dieseline. As the throng gathered, we discovered 
-that the S.B.W. Film Unit was there in strength, complete with pressure 
-lamps, tins of oil, and flashlights. Dot Butler was clawing her way 
-up a palm, but gave it away after some fifteen or twenty feet, and was heard to complain of splintery going. 
-We began with traditional campfire singing but, despite the 
-best endeavours of compere Gil Webb, the community was indifferent 
-and played hard to get, spending its efforts in calling directions to 
-new arrivals and chattering volubly, It must be admitted, however, that a proper pin-dropping silence was observed while Joe Turner's younger daughter spoke some verse by Kendall. 
-Then the hush-hush colony from the hillside revealed their fell 
-purpose. They were the S.B.W. Dight Opera Company, with 6, musical 
-offering - score mostly by the late Sir Arthur Sullivan, libretto by several members, notably Pat Sullivan (no relation to Sir A.,)and 
-the McGregors, 
-16. 
-From the performer's viewpoint, we seemed to be off the -tune most of the time in trying to get the word's over: at least the words apparently reached most of the audience, who witnessed a highly coloured version of the last Instructional Walk, complete with leader 
-Eddie Stratton in strife with the Station Master (Brian Harvey) over 
-her missing "tic-ticket, tic-ticket, tic-ticket": also a "skulking great scoundrel with broad Scottish brogue" (President McGregor) who pulled on the chain in the train and incurred the wrath of the 
-engine driver ("A most unattractive old goat, tra-la"): dietetic 
-solos by Yvonne Renwick and Pat Sullivan told of their "breakfast in bed": Ed. Stretton presented the first aid lecture, and Malcolm McGregor emphasised that 'the contour is the thine in the mapping talk: and, of course, there was the luckless Treasurer (played by Gil Webb-in Phil Mason's absence) with Ross Laird for the vocal interludes: and the wicked villain (Neil Schafer) - "note my black moustache, my evil roving eye" - who mote the Treasurer with a rock, only to be foiled again. The opera did not draw the moral that Treasurers are hard-headed and hard-hearted,- but threatened the audience "if we find a Treasurer dead, we'll nominate you instead" and all ended happily0 
-We resumed community singing with Ian Dalgleish leading aad playing' the guitar, and the voices were more.animated this time.- A Will Ogilvy verse by the otherTurner daughter, more singing, then an interruption to allow Committee to hold an extraordinary Meeting 7 surely the most extraordinary meeting ever held. The assemblage must have been impreSsed by the dignified manner in whidt the Cat problem was dealt with, ard the somewhat less dignified interview with a prospective member.. 
-There were other acts prepared, but at this stage the HSupper Committee, represented by Bill Rodgers, Molly Gallard and Colin Ferguson, indicated that the cake-'n-cocoa were to hand. At this stage, the organised part of the campfire cane to an and, and the-Film Unit commenced to operate. Producer/Cameraman Ken Meadows, with Director/Technical Assistant Keith Renwick, and a horde of counsellors yes-men and critics in best Hollywood tradition, fluttered.about the battery of lamps like zo many agitated moths', holding light meters to necks, wind-jackets ma noses, and calling conflicting directions. To a backdrop of old members eagerly talking with other old heMbers, and newer members doing much the same, the, Film Unit shot the highlights of the Opera. Some of the performers sang snatches of their limes, others mimed in silence. Then it was 'fand that there wasn't enough light for the long shots, which were deferred until daylight', and the cameramen proceeded to film carefully staged applause by individual 
-members of the "audience". 
-The trek to bed commenced at this time - about 11 - and 
-continued for the next eight hours. Some small campfiries were bzilt up and breakaway groups began their personal celebrations. Arouna the main fire the Pyrotechnics group took over, with several small 
-explosions but (fortunately for the peace of the evening) the threat-- - 
-ened big blast was a fizzer - only the detonator,bleW., Jim Hooper was seen taking surreptitious swigs from a bottleiand s'pitting out over a ,lighted match, with convincing ignition''' 'was obliged to repeat several times before the cameras caught it, because he 
-17. couldn't say f'ready" with his mouth full of - was it only common 
-kerosene, or Peter Stitt's jungle juice? 
-Between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. the group dwindled to the die-hards, whe 
-died exceedingly hard. All through the night and into the dawning 
-they sang on and on, to the chagrin of some who tossed on their couch of turf unsleeping. There were rumours next day of some tents being 
-let down during the night - not funny on a very dewy night. Breakfast was generally belated aid spread over several hours. 
-Folk wandered about talking, some looking a mite dazed. Some time after nine o'clock we saw the Gilroys pull out, and presently others - 
-the Deans bound back to Melbourne, the Turners for Armidale, End many of those with young fan ilies. Fraternising was the order of the day - 
-a brilliant sunny day, with some woollyclouds driven up before a brisk/ 
-nor'-easter. Presently the Film Unit resumed, and in a series of P'take s" covered the chorusand action scenes from the Opera. The comment of the weekend care from villain Neil Schafer, after he had 
-again "smashed down" the Treasurer: carefully removing the rock from the skull of the prone victim, he observed "Wonderful what you find 
-when you turn stones over!" 
-A group returned from a visit to the swimming hole beyond the 
-huts, Bill.Kinley entertained with some pseudo-Shakespeare and the 
-evergreen ''Kinley Clam Clamp Closet" monologue, and a steady stream of reuners retreated over the hill. All seemed resolved to get home early, so that by two o'clock few tents blossomed on the pasture of Springvale. 
-The big crowd went out in divers ways. Some had their cars along 
-the trail: some were given lifts: some travelled on the Caloola 
-truck: and some foot-slogged back to Woy Woy. All in all there must 
-have been sixty or seventy walkers dwelling on the first train for Sydney, and most of them managed to drag themselves into its crowded cars. - 
-But ah: The train was stopped on the track, tra-1al - and not by some scoundrel pulling on the chain. A freight train had failed near Mt. Kuring-gai, and the Reuner Special came to a stand near Berowra... and stood and stood .. and stood... Some walkerm crawled out, scrounged hot water from the engine, and made tea (one even caught up with his meals, by eating his breakfast corn flakes!). Altogether they waited over an hour, but of this we cannot give faithful report, for we fled the stuffy carriages, lit out for the road, and a truck load of fishermen did the decent thing as far as Hornsby. 
-It was a jolly good Re-union. The only trouble was, it was aver. When shall we re-uric like this again? 
-Mem1110.11.11111=1....111111111111113111 
-LOOK AT YOUR SLEEPING BAG. 
---157L YOU BITY=YOUR SLEEPING BAG BACK FROM THE BUSH PARTY? DID YOU BRING SOME ONE ELSE'S SLEEPING BAG BACK? SOME ONE DID. 
-IF YOU ARE THE GUILTY ONE, PLEASE CONTACT THE EDITOR, WHO WILL ARRANGE FOR THE NECESSARY EXCHANGE. 
-18. 
 THE DILLop HUTS (SPRINGVAp). THE DILLop HUTS (SPRINGVAp).
 By Allen Strom. By Allen Strom.
195211.txt · Last modified: 2016/06/28 13:10 by tyreless

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