195309
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- | MONUNDILLA. | + | =====Monundilla.===== |
By Alex Colley. | By Alex Colley. | ||
- | Should any hikers ever became lost in the Northern Blue Mountains the journalists would at last be right when they described the terrsif | + | Should any hikers ever became lost in the Northern Blue Mountains the journalists would at last be right when they described the terrain |
- | We started our trip from the Post Office at Putty, and on the first day did about 8 miles on a road Which led us up the valley and started us an the ridge to Kindarun. As we followed up Putty Creek we could see nothing beyond the law hills rising only a couple of hundred feet above the creek. The valley would have been pleasant enough if it hadn't been for the scars of stream erosion. The creek bed was filling with sand, and, as it became shallower, the water of successive floods was cutting into the silt banks and carrying them away. Many acres of valuable flats - the farmers' | + | |
- | The last farmer up the valley, a Mr. Coberoft, directed us to a road which followed a ridge in the direction we wanted to go. He warned | + | We started our trip from the Post Office at Putty, and on the first day did about 8 miles on a road which led us up the valley and started us on the ridge to Kindarun. As we followed up Putty Creek we could see nothing beyond the law hills rising only a couple of hundred feet above the creek. The valley would have been pleasant enough if it hadn't been for the scars of stream erosion. The creek bed was filling with sand, and, as it became shallower, the water of successive floods was cutting into the silt banks and carrying them away. Many acres of valuable flats - the farmers' |
+ | |||
+ | The last farmer up the valley, a Mr. Cobcroft, directed us to a road which followed a ridge in the direction we wanted to go. He warned | ||
Mr. Cobcroft told us where to find water in a couple of miles but as the light started to fade we found some a little earlier and camped, glad to be in the bush at last after a day on roads. Next day we followed the bush track, which led us almost to Kindarun, our first objective. It proved to be a volcanic knob commanding a very extensive view, including most of the high points we planned to climb. | Mr. Cobcroft told us where to find water in a couple of miles but as the light started to fade we found some a little earlier and camped, glad to be in the bush at last after a day on roads. Next day we followed the bush track, which led us almost to Kindarun, our first objective. It proved to be a volcanic knob commanding a very extensive view, including most of the high points we planned to climb. | ||
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- | _41, ... , 1..,, . '100 iii.4 i,.. 40,' | + | To the west was Monundilla, looking very close - it was, in fact, only 8 miles away - though we didn't anticipate it would be easy to attain. Actually it took us two full days to reach it. Most of the ridge was easy to follow, but the country had been burnt out fairly recently and dead bushes were plentifully strewn |
- | ...r.,, ''' | + | |
- | r ,,,o. ,,, , e ft . g'" | + | By the end of the first day's walk, i.e. after we left Putty Creek, the narrow cleared valley below us, which was the only settled land in a vast expanse of bush, was no longer visible. For a time we could see some cleared land at Howe's valley some ten miles to the North-east, and this, with the exception of glimpses of Uraterer, was the only cleared land visible. Though we were less than 60 miles from the densely populated coast, here we could see only range upon range of bush-clad mountains. The distant view was as it had been for centuries before Captain Cook, and it was hard to believe that an industrial civilisation lay hidden below the ranges. |
- | :;"' | + | |
- | ', <.- C 7. .. ''"" | + | Our ridge wound about a lot - probably enough to double the direct distance. Once we completed three-quarters of a circle. In half a day's walking round it we came only a mile nearer to Monundilla. Water was always a problem, because the gullies dropped away steeply without shelving. We used to start looking for water gullies early - about 3.30 p.m. When we found one that looked promising we would take our packs down as far as it was practicable to camp. Then we would go down with water bags, usually finding water 100 to 200 feet below the top of the ridge. We did this nearly every night, and only once did we have to come back and move on to another gully. Though we never missed out altogether, even for lunch, it was seldom that we found anything that looked like a permanent spring. |
- | .1, tkeep. ,,-j | + | |
- | , | + | From Kindarun, along the ridge to Monundilla, we had extensive views from the higher, northerly aspected points. Barrington Tops and the Mount Royal Range were to be seen across the Hunter Valley (itself hidden) to the North. Mounts Yango and Warramalong were prominent to the East, while to the South there was a maze of gullies described in our 1906 geological survey map as "rugged Hawkesbury sandstone country deeply intersected by precipitous |
- | 'N. | + | |
- | 6. | + | Monundilla itself was a disappointment. Timber partly obscured our view, and though there was a clearing |
- | To the west was Yonundilla, looking very close - it was, in fact, only 8 miles away - though we didn't anticipate it would be easy to attain. Actually it took us two full days to reach it. Most of the ridge was easy to follow, but the country had been burnt out fairly recently and dead bushes were plentifully strewn | + | |
- | By the end of the first day's walk, i.e. after we left Putty Creek, the narrow cleared valley below us, which was the only settled land in a vast expanse of bush, was no longer visible. For a time we could see some cleared land at Howe's valley some ten miles to the North-east, and this, with the exception of glimpses of Uraterer, was the adly cleared land visible. Though we were less than GO miles from the densely populated coast, here we could see only range upon range of bush-clad mountains. The distant view was as it had been for centuries before Captain Cook, and it was hard to believe that an industrial civilisation lay hidden below the ranges. | + | From Monundilla our ridge led south into the maze of gullies. We did more talking than walking for the next half day or so. But it paid off. By a process of elimination we discovered the outlet to each gully below without losing more than a quarter of an hour or so on a couple of false leads, and at last found ourselves on the key saddle, hidden a thousand or more feet below Monundilla. Looking at the impassable walls on either side of our saddle, we realised that this few yards of ridge was almost certainly the only negotiable route south. As we climbed the other side the Kekeelbons came into view, and an hour or so later we acclaimed the first cow manure, a portent of pastures and track ahead. The Kekeelbons - two volcanic cones alongside a third high point composed of sandstone - proved to afford the bast views of the trip, as we had an unobstructed view from the central cone, which we climbed. Most of the country we had seen from Monundilla was below us, while the sun illuminated the great Capertee cliffs to the south. Blackwater Creek too was interesting, |
- | Our ridge wound about a lot - probably enough to double the direct distance. Once we completed three-quarters of a circle. In half a day's walking round it we cane only a mile nearer to Monundilla. Water was always a problem, because the gullies dropped away steeply without shelving. We used to start looking for water gullies early - about 3.30 p.m. When we found one that looked promising we would take our packs down as far as it was practicable to camp. Then we would go down with water bags, usually finding water 100 to 200 feet below the top of the ridge. We did this nearly every night, and only once did we have to come back and move on to another gully. Though we never missed out altogether, even for lunch, it was seldom that we found anything that looked like a permanent spring. | + | |
- | From Kindarun, along the ridge to Monundilla, we had extensive views from the higher, northerly aspected points. Barrington Tops and the Mount Royal Range were to be seen across the Hunter Valley (itself hidden) to the North. Mounts Yango and Warramalong were prominent to the East, while to the South there was a maze of gullies described in our 1906 geological survey map as 'rugged Hawkesbury sandstone country deeply intersected by piiecipitous | + | Cattle grazed on the lush grass of the Kekeelbons, and we soon picked up a fairly clear track, recently used by the stockman. After three days without a track we appreciated stretching our legs and being able to watch the scenery instead of the obstacles. |
- | Monundilla by the fifth day, but I wculdn' | + | |
- | Monundilla itself was a disappointment. Timber partly obscured our view, and though there was a clearing | + | As we neared Coricudgy the angry whirr of buzz-saws tearing into the remainder of the rare eucalyptus globulus trees that were once the glory of the mountain, became |
- | From Monundilla our ridge led south into the maze of gullieS. | + | |
- | We did more talking than walking for the next half day or so. But it paid off. By a process of elimination we discovered the outlet to each gully below without losing more than a quarter of an hour or so on a couple of false leads, and at last found ourselves on the key saddle, hidden a thousand or more feet below Monundilla. Looking at the impassable walls on either side of our saddle, we realised that this few yards of ridge was almost certainly the only negotiable route south. As we climbed the other side the Kekeelbons came into view, and an hour or so later we acclaimed the first cow manure, a portent of pastures and track ahead. The Kekeelbons - two volcanic cones alongside a third high point composed of sandstone - proved to afford the bast views of the trip, as we had an unobstructed view from the central cone, which we climbed. Most of the country we had seen from Monundilla was below us, While the sun illuminated the great Capertee cliffs to the south. Blackwater Creek too was interesting, | + | We had our lunch on the clearing called "The Ovens", |
- | Cattle grazed on the lush grass of the Kekeelbons, and we soon picked up a fairly clear track, recently used by the stockman. After three days without a track we appreciated stretching our legs and being able to watch the scenery instead of the Obstacles. | + | |
- | As we neared Coricudgy the angry whirr of buzz-saws tearing into the remainder of the rare eucalyptus globulus trees that were once the glory of the mountain' | + | Next day we forced the pace a little to reach Uraterer by lunch. Though the track is seldom discernible over this stretch the ridge is broad and easier to follow in this direction than in reverse. From Uraterer Jim was our guide, being the only one who had been over Wirraba. If he hadn't remembered the general trend of the track we mightn' |
- | 8. | + | |
- | this timber would be saved, but it hasn't worked out that way. Passing by the stumps and scraggy tree-ferns that remained on the rich volcani, | + | After Wirraba traces of the old track could still be seen. For the benefit of future parties the vicinity where we lost sight of it is marked on the accompanying map. I feel almost certain that it follows a well defined spur a little north of the ridge we followed. This spur, we could plainly see, has no pronounced saddles, nor anything to prevent a stockman from following it down to Wirraba Creek and continuing over the low hills between Wirraba and Putty Creeks. The last three miles of the ridge we followed is a series of mountains connected by low saddles and liberally |
- | We had our lunch on the clearing called "The Ovens", | + | |
- | cross had we had to find the way. Towards evening we came to a volcanic neck where there had been water on the last trip, but it was further down the gully now, so, in the last of the remaining daylight we made a dash for Davis' Hole. Luckily we found the track leading down to it just before dark, and were probably the second party of bush walkers to camp in thi s delightful spot (Max Gentle and party camped there several years ago). The track to Uraterer drops several hundred feet as it passes between David' | + | Wirraba Creek itself was a scene of destruction. As in Putty Creek the banks had carried away leaving a broad swathe of mud and sand. On this creek there are no clearings, but the remains of a timber road along the creek, and huge stumps supported on branched pedestals of bared roots, many feet above present ground level, tell the tale more clearly than any conservation report. A broad river of sand is being gradually carried down these creeks |
- | Next day we forced the pace a little to reach Uraterer by lunch. Though the track is seldom discernible over this stretch the ridge is broad and easier to follow in this direction than in reverse. From Uraterer Jim was our guide, being the only one Who had been over Wirraba. If he hadn't remembered the general trend of the track we mightn' | + | |
- | After Wirraba traces of the old track could still be seen. For the benefit of future parties- the vicinity where we lost sight of it is marked on the accompanying map. I feel almost certain that it follows a well defined spur a little north of the ridge we followed. This spur, we could plainly see, has no pronounced saddles, nor anything to prevent a stockman from following it down to Wirraba Creek and continuing over the low hills between Wirraba and Putty Creeks. The last three miles of the ridge we followed is a series of mountains connected by low saddles and liberclly | + | The rest was road walking, which we didn't mind after that abominable ridge. Our trip ended, as it had been throughout, in fine weather. When we arrived back at our transport we found that betting in the valley during |
- | Wirraba Creek itself was a scene of destruction. As in Putty Creek the banks had carried away leaving a broad swathe of mud and sand. On this creek there are no clearings, but the remains of a timber road along the creek, and huge stumps supported on branched pedestals of bared roots, many feet above present ground level, tell the tale more clearly than any conservation report. A broad river of sand is being gradually carried down these creeks | + | |
- | The rest was road walking, which we didn't mind after that abominable ridge. Our trip ended, as it had been throughout, in fine weather. When we arrived back at our transport we found that betting in the valley during | + | Looking back on our trip we realised that it included some features which are the accepted lot of the walker in new country. There were fairly long stretches with nothing much to recommend them. Water and camp sites were hard to find. But when you know the tracks, the pleasant volcanic outcrops, the permanent water and the interesting high points, there is good camping and good walking to be enjoyed. The Southern Blue Mountains is better walking country, but this is partly because we know, or can find on the map, the tracks, water, camp sites, etc. In the Northern Blue Mountains careful |
- | sandshoes, dirty but intact, were a source of wonder. | + | |
- | Looking back on our trip we realised that it included some features which are the accepted lot of the walker in new country. There were fairly long stretches with nothing much to recommend them. Water and camp sites were hard to find. But when you know the tracks, | + | ---- |
- | the pleasant volcanic outcrops, the permanent water aid the interesting high points, there is good camping and good walking to be enjoyed. | + | |
- | The Southern Blue Mountains is better walking country, but this is partly because we know, or can find on the map, the tracks, water, | + | For those planning trips in the Northern Blue Mountains the following magazine articles will be of interest. |
- | very interesting week's walk. And if any members have ambitions I | + | |
- | offer a suggestion of something which, to my knowledge has never been done. Kevin Ardill and other explorers have crossed the Blue Mountain_ | + | * "The Northern Blue Mountains", |
- | from east to west, and venturesome motorists have driven round them, | + | * "Round About the Hunter Range, by " |
- | but nobody has crossed them from North to South, from the Hunter to the Cox. | + | * "Wilderness of the Colo", |
- | Imaecamaimm.M.1.1%.71YoMemoml.c.. | + | * " |
- | For _those | + | * " |
- | "The Northern Blue Mountains", | + | |
- | UThe First Walk Down the Colo", by Max Gentle, January 1948. " | + | |
- | Glen Alice7, by Cerberus", | + | |
Several other articles have appeared in earlier issues. | Several other articles have appeared in earlier issues. | ||
- | OUR COMPLIMENTS TO Victorian Search and Rescue for their successful work-in the recent search near Mt. Donna Buang (reported as Mr. Donna. Buang in one Sydney paper - we all do it). | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | Our compliments to Victorian Search and Rescue for their successful work in the recent search near Mt. Donna Buang (reported as Mr. Donna. Buang in one Sydney paper - we all do it). | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
10. | 10. | ||
Summer is A' coming in Again... for the months _of JANUARY to APRIL January and FebrUary,, | Summer is A' coming in Again... for the months _of JANUARY to APRIL January and FebrUary,, |
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