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-MONUNDILLA.
+=====Monundilla.=====
 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 as rirugged mountain country, the roughest country in the State ""r where a single slip would mean a fall of 200 feet" (it's always 2001), and used the rest of their stock of "lost hiker" phrases, which, ;I suspect, are kept permanently set up in type in a special pigeon hole in newspaper offices. But this unhappy conjunction of fact and description is unlikely ever to occur because hikers seldom, if eve..., go there. Nor does anybody else that you'd notice. Though only 2 hours from the G.P.O. by car and a few minutes by air, this area of some 3,000 square miles is one of the least populated pats of the State. Most of it can be covered only on foot, hence its unpopularit, In the centre of it, where rise the Macdonald, the southern tributaries of the Goulburn, the Cudgegong and the northern tributaries of the Cob, a collection of mountains with weird names such as "Monundilla", "Coriaday", "Coricudgy", "Kekeelbons" and "Bournbourwa", To me they are slightly suggestive of bird calls and perhaps are anglicised versions of aboriginal bird names. It was towards these high points that the 1953 S.B.W. Monundilla expedition, comprising Ira Butler, Ray. Kirkby, Jim Brown and the wi,iter, headed on June 13th. To forestall controversy let it be recorded, here and now, that the four of us p laced our feet on the top of Monundilla simultaneously.
+Should any hikers ever became lost in the Northern Blue Mountains the journalists would at last be right when they described the terrain as "rugged mountain country, the roughest country in the State - where a single slip would mean a fall of 200 feet" (it's always 200'), and used the rest of their stock of "lost hiker" phrases, which, I suspect, are kept permanently set up in type in a special pigeon hole in newspaper offices. But this unhappy conjunction of fact and description is unlikely ever to occur because hikers seldom, if ever, go there. Nor does anybody else that you'd notice. Though only 2 hours from the G.P.O. by car and a few minutes by air, this area of some 3,000 square miles is one of the least populated parts of the State. Most of it can be covered only on foot, hence its unpopularity. In the centre of it, where rise the Macdonald, the southern tributaries of the Goulburn, the Cudgegong and the northern tributaries of the Colo, a collection of mountains with weird names such as "Monundilla", "Coriaday", "Coricudgy", "Kekeelbons" and "Bournbourwa". To me they are slightly suggestive of bird calls and perhaps are anglicised versions of aboriginal bird names. It was towards these high points that the 1953 S.B.W. Monundilla expedition, comprising Ira Butler, Ray Kirkby, Jim Brown and the writer, headed on June 13th. To forestall controversy let it be recorded, here and now, that the four of us placed our feet on the top of Monundilla simultaneously.
-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' chief source of livelihood - had already been carried away. A farmer we talked to told us that the banks had only carried away in the last couple of years and that it was thought by many that the cutting out of timber was the cause; a view we had cause to agree with at a later stage.
-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 119 that there was no water on the ridge to Manundilla (pronounced Melon jelly), but this was not unexpected and we would have thought twice about attempting the trip in a dry spell. Neither Mr. Cobcroft nor anybody else tried to warn us off the country, mad, knowing that the local people are the chief sufferers in bush searches, we were rather surprised at thin. Perhaps they thought we looked old enough to know better.
+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' chief source of livelihood - had already been carried away. A farmer we talked to told us that the banks had only carried away in the last couple of years and that it was thought by many that the cutting out of timber was the cause; a view we had cause to agree with at a later stage.
+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 us that there was no water on the ridge to Monundilla (pronounced Melon jelly), but this was not unexpected and we would have thought twice about attempting the trip in a dry spell. Neither Mr. Cobcroft nor anybody else tried to warn us off the country, and, knowing that the local people are the chief sufferers in bush searches, we were rather surprised at this. Perhaps they thought we looked old enough to know better.
 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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+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 on our path at knee height. All of us wore long pants, or at least long socks, and we probably averaged only about a mile and a half an hour most of the time. There were two deep saddles to cross - so deep that we weren't sure they existed till we were a few yards above them. I went down to one of them expecting to find a creek there and follow it back up to the top of the ridge. I couldn't understand why I was unable to hear the sound of running water and wouldn't believe we were on the ridge till we stood on a little narrow saddle, so deep that the sun didn't reach us while we ate our lunch down there. Jim, a Blue Labyrinth veteran, sensed the presence of the saddle in his radar mind long before I did.
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+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.
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+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.
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+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 ravines - unsurveyed". This is a description which, despite its Victorian flavour, it would be hard to better. There are no mountains in this area; just barren, rocky, rounded hill-tops of pretty even height. They slope down harmlessly enough, but dark cliff faces may be seen near the bottom of the gullies. Or is it the bottom? The gullies get steeper and steeper as-they go down. Tree tops and dark rock faces can be seen down there, but you never __see__ the bottom, and I have a fair idea you couldn't get to it. When planning the trip I had ideas of taking a short cut across this country if we didn't reach Monundilla by the fifth day, but I wouldn't advise anyone to try going __down__ those ridges. With nothing on the map to guide you it would be sheer luck if you found a ridge that led right down to Putty valley, and, if your ridge led only to an upper gully, it might be very difficult, if not impossible, to go further on that route.
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+Monundilla itself was a disappointment. Timber partly obscured our view, and though there was a clearing on the northern end of the mountain, which had a flat top about half a mile long, the raspberries, lawyer vines, and other entanglements were so dense that it wasn't worth the effort of getting to it. But we were impressed with what we saw. Except to the West there were no great valleys or cliff faces, but to the north-west we looked over range upon range of mountains, like rollers at sea, descending in height till they merged into the flat horizon, which was, in fact, the western plain. An almost similar view extended to the South-east and the far distant flat horizon there was the Cumberland plain. The distance from the N.W. to the S.E. horizon was probably over 150 miles. I know of no other point from which one can see clear across the Dividing Range on either side. Looking at the tangle of ridges and dark gullies to the North I felt a great respect for Fred Doutch, who reached Monundilla from Baeremi Creek in 1947. We at least had the benefit of a map which showed our ridge as a procession of furry caterpillars over white paper. Nevertheless we have no quarrel with the map. Aerial survey was unheard-of in 1906 and, despite the white spaces, everything included was pretty near its right place. The surveyors must have travelled our ridges, otherwise they couldn't have mapped all those twists and turns.
-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 dn our pat1/. at knee height. All of us wore long pants, or at least long socks, and we probably averaged only about a mile and a half an hour most of the time. There were two deep saddles to cross - so deep that we weren7 sure they existed till we were a few yards above them. I went down tc one of them expecting to find a creek there and follow it back up to the top of the ridge. I couldn't understand why I was unable to hear the sound of running water and wouldn't believe we were on the ridge till we stood on a little narrow saddle, so deep that the sun didn't reach us while we ate our lunch down there. Jim, a Blue Labyrinth veteran, sensed the presence of the saddle in his radar mind long before I did.
-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, and we had glimpses of bluish-black walls deep down in the valley. It is an aptly named creek. Seldom would the sun brighten those waters at the bottom of the valley, which, as always, we couldn't see.
-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 ravines - unsurveyedh. This is a description which, despite its Victorian flavour, it would be hard to better. There are no mountains in this area; just barren, rocky, rounded hill-tops of pretty even height. They slopedown harmlessly enough, but dark cliff faces may be seen near the bottom of the gullies. Or is it the bottom? The gullies get steeper and steeper as-they go down. Tree tops and dark rock faces can be seen down there, but you never see the bottom, and I have a fair idea you couldn't get to it. When planning the trip I had ideas of taking a short cut across this country if we didn't reach
+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't adviS3 anyone to try going down those ridges. With nothing on the map to guide you it would be sheei luck if you found a ridge that led right down to Putty valley, and, if your ridge led only to an upper gully, it might be very difficult, if not impossible, to go further on that route.
-Monundilla itself was a disappointment. Timber partly obscured our view, and though there was a clearing an the northern end of the mountain, which had a flat top about half a mile long, the raspberries, lawyer vines, and other entanglements were so dense that it wasn't worth the effort of getting to it. But we were impressed with what we saw. Except to the West there were no great valleys or cliff faces, but to the north-west we looked over range upon range of mountains, like rollers at sea, descending in height till they merged into the flat horizon, which was, in fact, the western plain. An almost similar view extended to the South-east and the far distant flat horizon there was the Cumberland plain. The distance from the N.W. to the S.E. horizon was probably over 150 miles. I know of no other point from which one can see clear across the Dividing Range on either side. Looking at the tangle of ridges and dark gullies to the North I felt a great respect for Fred Doutch, who reached Monundilla from Baeremi Creek in 1947. We at least had the benefit of a map which showed our ridge as a procession of furry caterpillars over white paper. Nevertheless we have no quarrel with the map. Aerial survey was unheard-of in 1906 and, despite the white spaces, everything included was pretty near its right place. The surveyors must have travelled our ridges, otherwise they couldn't have mapped all those twists and turns.
+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 louder. Some years ago it was believed by the Club that, by creating a reserve of the mountain top, 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 volcanic soil of the mountain, we came to the headwaters of the Cudgegong, a tributary of the Macquarie. Approaching country we knew, we left our ridge to cut across the wide, gently-sloping Western valley - a contrast to the steep gullies to the east. For the first time in five days we followed a running stream.
-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, and we had glimpses of bluish-black walls deep down in the valley. It is an aptly named creek. Seldam would the sun brighten those waters at the bottom of the valley, which, as always, we couldn't see.
+We had our lunch on the clearing called "The Ovens", so named, evidently, from the rock formation of the main divide nearby, which may be likened to a battery of ovens. That afternoon our packs were light, the weather cold and invigorating, the track clear and our hearts, if not young and gay, were at least equal to the effort. Our track threaded its way round rock faces and over obscure saddles, through a labyrinth which might have taken us a couple of days to 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 this delightful spot (Max Gentle and party camped there several years ago). The track to Uraterer drops several hundred feet as it passes between David's and Gosper's Holes and we had to descend some 300 feet more from the lowest point of the track. In the volcanic gully below we found a large spring-fed clearing, surrounded by open grassy bushland with plenty of good camp sites. The place is like St. Helena or Euroka, though ringed by much higher hills - about 6-800 feet above the valley. Not a tree has been rung; not a bottle or tin in sight. It was perfectly sheltered - a treat after our scrubby ledges, high above the meagre little pools of water we had used on previous nights.
-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' louder. Some years ago it was believed by the Club that, by creating a reserve of the mountain top,
+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't have found it for some time, as in the first couple of miles it crosses a spur and follows shallow gullies. Another stockman had been out this way, but we parted with the hoof marks near Wirraba when the track led off to the South-east. Soon we came upon traces of a track which erosion suggested might once have been a route for stock. As it neared the top of Wirraba the track became very uncertain, but we followed what seemed the logical route for a horseman and in places came upon a well-defined track, though it might have been merely a cattle track. Skirting the two high points and walking along the saddle between we found this grassy mountain a very pleasant spot.
-.
-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, soil of the mountain, we cane to the headwaters of the Cudgegong, a tributary of the Macquarie. Approaching country we knew9 we left our ridge to cut across the wide, gently-sloping Western valley - a contrast to the steep gullies to the east. For the first time in five days we followed a running stream.
+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 littered with all the obstacles known to bushwalkers.
-We had our lunch on the clearing called "The Ovens", so named, evidently, from the rock formation of the main divide nearby, which may be likened to a battery of ovens. That afternoon our packs were light, the weather cold and invigorating, the track clear and our hearts, if not young and gay, were at least equal to the effort. Our track threaded its way round rock faces and over obscure saddles, through a labyrinth which might have taken us a couple of days to
-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's and Gosper's Holes and we had to descend some 300 feet more from the lowest point of the track. In the volcanic gully below we found a large spring-fed clearing, surrounded by open grassy bushland with plenty of good camp sites. The place is like'St. Helena or Euroka, though ringed by much higher hills - about 6,-800 feet above the valley. Not a tree has been rung; not a bottle or tin in sight. It was perfectly sheltered - a treat after our scrubby ledges, high above the meagre little pools of water we had used on previous nights.
+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 to Wollemi Creek, later to reach the Colo, then the Hawkesbury. Query - will we see the day when the eroded banks of the Capertee, Wollemi, Macdonald and other streams have washed down to convert the Hawkesbury into mud flats?
-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't have found it for some time, as in the first couple of miles it crosses a spur and follows shallow gullies. Another stockman had been out this way, but we parted with the hoof marks near Wirraba When the track led off to the South-east. Soon we came upon traces of a track which erosion suggested might once have been a route for stock. As it neared the top of Wirraba the track became very uncertain, but we followed what seemed the logical route for a horseman and in places came upon a well-defined track, though it might have been merely a cattle track. Skirting the two high points and walking along the saddle between we found this grassy mountain a very pleasant spot.
-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 littered with all the obstacles known to bushwalkers.
+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 our absence favoured the mountains unless we followed the ridges, a judgment with which we would agree. Jim's sandshoes, dirty but intact, were a source of wonder.
-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 toTollemi Creek, later to reach the Colo, then the Hawkesbury. Query - will we see the day when the eroded banks of the Capertee, Wollemi, Macdonald and other streams have washed down to convert the Hawkesbury into mud flats?
-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 OW absence favoured the mountains unless we followed the ridges, a judgment with which we would agree. Jim's
+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 "navigation" is necessary, because there are few tracks, while negotiable routes are often far apart. With the knowledge we now have we could plan a 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 Mountains from east to west, and venturesome motorists have driven round them, but nobody has crossed them from North to South, from the Hunter to the Cox.
-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,  camp sites, etc. In the Northern Blue Mountains careful linavigationli is necessary, because there are few tracks, while negotiable routes are often far apart.. the knowledge we now have we could plan a
+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", by Max Gentle, June 1947.
-from east to west, and venturesome motorists have driven round them,
+  * "Round About the Hunter Range, by "skip", November 1947.
-but nobody has crossed them from North to South, from the Hunter to the Cox.
+  * "Wilderness of the Colo", by Max Gentle, January 1948.
-Imaecamaimm.M.1.1%.71YoMemoml.c..
+  * "The First Walk Down the Colo", by Max Gentle, January 1948.
-For _those planning trips in the Northern Blue Mountains the following magazine articles will be of interest.
+  * "Newnes, Glen Davis, Mt. Uraterer to Capertee Mountain and Glen Alice", by "Cerberus", January 1950.
-"The Northern Blue Mountains", by Max Gentle, June 1947. "Round About the Hunter Range, by "skip", November 1947. ;Wilderness of the Colo1? by Max Gentle, January 1. 48.
-UThe First Walk Down the Colo", by Max Gentle, January 1948. "Newnes, Glen Davis, Mt. Ilraterer to Capertee Mountain and
-Glen Alice7, by Cerberus", January 1950.
 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).
-.
+----
-Summer is A' coming in Again... for the months _of JANUARY to APRIL January and FebrUary,,wheE fak are to leading trips... Plan that walk the Walks Secretary.
- and with it the WALKS PROGRAMNE
+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).
-This includes the cr=cal-Fa.iod reluctant to commit themselves now, and you won 't have to dodge
-After an absence of (it was said) 14 year-,1, Wilbur Morris
+----
-appeared in the club Room on Friday,. August 2lst. All unwittingly,
-he perched himself on one of the new tables, which promptly folded up, taking with it the two tables adjoining. It says much for the durability- of walkers (no, not that he survived the fall) but that he found many familiar faces.
+Summer is A'coming in Again... and with it the __Walks Programme for the months of January to April.__ This includes the critical period January and February, when folk are reluctant to commit themselves to leading trips... Plan that walk now, and you won't have to dodge the Walks Secretary.
-It has been suggested by some people  that there was a- misprint on Page 7 of our August issue. These people are evidently unaware that the name of Blue Gum Forest has been changed since the Working Bee of April last when many workers toiled up to the wait in cold water.
+----
-CORROBOREE Mark 2 was held on August 22/23, with 47 folk present. At about 5 p.m. on. Saturday it looked as though there may be two corroborees .. more about this interesting Possibility in the October magazine
+After an absence of (it was said) 14 years, Wilbur Morris appeared in the Club Room on Friday, August 2lst. All unwittingly, he perched himself on one of the new tables, which promptly folded up, taking with it the two tables adjoining. It says much for the durability of walkers (no, not that he survived the fall) but that he found many familiar faces.
+----
+It has been suggested by some people that there was a misprint on Page 7 of our August issue. These people are evidently unaware that the name of Blue Gum Forest has been changed since the Working Bee of April last when many workers toiled up to the waist in cold water.
+----
+Corroboree Mark 2 was held on August 22/23, with 47 folk present. At about 5 p.m. on Saturday it looked as though there may be two corroborees... more about this interesting possibility in the October magazine...
+----
-The Colour Slide Exhibition p/ovided another triumph for that placidly insidious character Bill Rodgers with his "Mount Roland". The other places to George Grey and John Bookluck. Those highly commended by the judge included entries by Audrey Brady, Ken Angel and Geoff Greethead - as well as repeat mentions of Bill, George and John.
+The Colour Slide Exhibition provided another triumph for that placidly insidious character Bill Rodgers with his "Mount Roland". The other places to George Grey and John Bookluck. Those highly commended by the judge included entries by Audrey Brady, Ken Angel and Geoff Greethead - as well as repeat mentions of Bill, George and John.
-POD
-"And now I11 show you on the map just where you are" quoted the leader of a recent Sunday walk back of Hornsby, as his party downed rucksacks and gathered around him. And was his face red as
+----
-he carefully unfolded the KIAMA Military District Map. We are pleased to report a prospective member was able to produce the Broken Bay map, and save the day.
+"And now I'll show you on the map just where you are" quoted the leader of a recent Sunday walk back of Hornsby, as his party downed rucksacks and gathered around him. And was his face red as he carefully unfolded the __Kiama__ Military District Map. We are pleased to report a prospective member was able to produce the Broken Bay map, and save the day.
+----
+=====Searching.=====
-SEARCHING.
 By Malcolm McGregor.
 Search and Rescue was called out on the weekend of 19th June to assist the Katoomba Police to look for Mrs. Mary Lewis, who had been reported missing on Wednesday 17th.
-This job had none of the glamour and none of the uaccess that the 1952 search had. It was Plain hard work, shoving through scrub, looking in likely places and unlikely ones as well, covering the tracks that the Police and locals had searched the previous days to make sure they had not overlooked anything, and to add to OUT discomfort it was bitterly cold the whole two days.
-IF YOU ARE GOING PLACES CONTACT
+This job had none of the glamour and none of the success that the 1952 search had. It was Plain hard work, shoving through scrub, looking in likely places and unlikely ones as well, covering the tracks that the Police and locals had searched the previous days to make sure they had not overlooked anything, and to add to our discomfort it was bitterly cold the whole two days.
-SCENIC MOTOR TOURS,
-RAILWAY STEPS,
+For the search itself there is little to say: the work was hard and uninteresting, and it was to the credit of everyone that they stuck to the job as cheerfully as they did. The main point of interest was the co-operation of the Police. A 'bus was arranged to take us to and from Katoomba, the nights were spent at Wentworth Falls School of Arts and Katoonba Court House respectively, and Police cars did any moving of personnel we considered necessary.
-KATOOMBA.
- Awl
+The bright spot of the weekend was Saturday night. You have to be as tired and cold as we were to appreciate the small comfort the Court House offered. Two large fire places and the necessary fuel were provided and in a flash wet clothes and boots, cooking gear, food and what-not littered the place. To describe the chaos is impossible; but if you imagine a row of boots along the Court bench, a dozen black billies before each fire, and food and clothes strewn about the floor, dock and other available furniture, you can get some idea of the scene that met the gaze of a small-ish gent in civvies when he opened the door to see what was going on. The roar he uttered could be heard miles away. It was "The Beak" himself, and it took our friend the Sergeant some time to pacify his outraged dignity that his Court House should be so used.
-DAILY TOURS BY PARLOR COACH TO TIT3 WORLD FAMOUS JENOLAN CAVES AND ALL BLUE MOUNTAIN SIGHTS.
-TRANSPORT BY COACHES FOR PARTIES OF BUSH- WALKERS TO KANANGRA WALLS, GINKIN OR OTHER SUITABLE POINTS BY ARRANGEMENT.
+Without doubt, this was not the type of work for which S & R is best suited, but the call had been made, and we must answer, because there is no group of the community better fitted to move in the bush than we are. There are some people who regarded the search as useless from the outset: as it turned out they were correct, but, if this was the reason for their non-attendance, then let them think of Mrs. Lewis as one of their own kin to see whether their actions were justified. I was most disappointed that only two of our members were present for the whole weekend, plus one for the Sunday and two for part of Saturday.
-FOR ALL INFORMATION
-WRITE TO P.O. BOX 60, KATOOMBA TELEPHONE 60, KATOOMBA.
+----
-For the search itself there is little to say: the work was hard and uninteresting, and it was to the credit of everyone that they stuck to the job as cheerfully as they did. The main point of interest was the co-operation of the Police. A 'bus was arranged to take us to and from Katoomba, the nights were spent at Wentworth Falls School of ArtE and Katoonba Court House respectively, and Police cars did any moving of personnel we considered necessary.
-The bright spot of the weekend was Saturday night. You have to be as tired aid cold as we were to appreciate the small comfort the Court House offered. Two large fire places and the necessary fuel were provided and in a flash wet clothes and boots, cooking gear, food d.nd what-not littered the place. To describe the chaos is impossible; but if you imagine a row of boots along the Court bench, a dozen bladir billies before each fire, and food and clothes strewn about the floor, dock and other available furniture, you can get some idea of the scene that net the gaze of a small ish gent in civvies when he opened the door to see what was going an. The roar he uttered could be heard miles away. It was "The Beak" himself, and it took our friend the Sergeant some time to pacify his outraged dignity that his Court House should be so used.
+=====Railway Hikes.=====
-Without doubt, this was not the type of work for Which S & R is best suited, but the call had been made, and we must answer, because there is no group of the community better fitted to move in the bush than we are. There are some people who regarded the search as useless from the outset: as it turned out they were oorre0t, but, if this waEthe reason for their non-attendande, then let theM think of Mrs. Lewia as one of their own kin to see whether their actions were justified. I was most disappointed that only two of our members were present for the whole weekend, plus one for the Sunday and two for part of Saturda?
-.
+(Notes made on observations by a hiker who was there.)
-RAILWAY HIKES
-(Notes made on observations by a hiker who was there.) Clarence - Old Zig Zag Lithgow.
+===Clarence - Old Zig Zag - Lithgow.===
-The train consisted of 5 coaches. Excellent detailed map of the route with notes on the trip supp lied. At least one guide and a member of the Railway Historical Society travelled with the party.
+The train consisted of 5 coaches. Excellent detailed map of the route with notes on the trip supplied. At least one guide and a member of the Railway Historical Society travelled with the party.
 On the trip to Clarence, passengers inquired why our observer wore heavy boots. On the previous Friday, heavy snow had fallen on the Blue Mountains and when the party arrived at Clarence, deep drifts were still lying in shady places. The track was slushy in parts and those who had wondered about stout footwear soon realised how desirable this type of walking gear can be as they sank, ankle deep, in mud. No high heels were reported, but rather inadequate bootee types of feminine footwear with crepe rubber soles, and casuals, were evident.
 Numerous friendly snowfights occurred, but when the loutish element began to make themselves evident, they were severely reprimanded by the guide. Scenery was good and interesting. Lunch near Mt. Sinai (3,800 ft.), then down the track of the old Zig Zag to Zig Zag Signal Box where the train was waiting.
-Almost total absence of ruc-sacs and cape groundsheets, but plenty of overcoats clad expensive clothing, string bags, cardboard boxes as well as small haversacks made from gas mask containers. No casualties observed.
-Bundanoon - Grand Canyon Lookout - Toothfs Lookout - Fairy BowerBundanoon.
+Almost total absence of ruc-sacs and cape groundsheets, but plenty of overcoats and expensive clothing, string bags, cardboard boxes as well as small haversacks made from gas mask containers. No casualties observed.
-Train consisted of 7 coaches of even better dressed hikers than attended the Zig Zag excursion. Another excellent map and notes supplied. Bundanoon was a stopping place known as Jordan's Crossing when the line was first opened to Gaulburn in the f60,s. It was renamed Bundanoon (Big Gullies") in 1881.
-Weather conditions dry and fine. Some hikers went golfing for the day, others went to horse, some into the 'pub h and the rest went walking with the guide. Lunch was at Grand Canyon Lookout, where local Legacy Branch had set up a stall. Ample time was allowed for sightseeing and meals.
+===Bundanoon - Grand Canyon Lookout - Tooth's Lookout - Fairy Bower - Bundanoon.===
-The observer reports that both excursions were very well organised and conducted. However, as the next excursion is reported to be to Blackheath, then bus to Evans Lookout, walk to Govettfs Leap Lookout, then bus to Mt. Victoria to join the train, the observer does not intend to attend as he wants to walk.
-.
+Train consisted of 7 coaches of even better dressed hikers than attended the Zig Zag excursion. Another excellent map and notes supplied. Bundanoon was a stopping place known as Jordan's Crossing when the line was first opened to Goulburn in the 1860,s. It was renamed Bundanoon ("Big Gullies") in 1881.
+Weather conditions dry and fine. Some hikers went golfing for the day, others went to horse, some into the "pub" and the rest went walking with the guide. Lunch was at Grand Canyon Lookout, where local Legacy Branch had set up a stall. Ample time was allowed for sightseeing and meals.
+The observer reports that both excursions were very well organised and conducted. However, as the next excursion is reported to be to Blackheath, then bus to Evans Lookout, walk to Govett's Leap Lookout, then bus to Mt. Victoria to join the train, the observer does not intend to attend as he wants to __walk__.
+----
 "TEE BUSHWALKER" N0412.
 Federation is Publishing again this year THE BUSHWALKER" its annual magazine which has not appeared since 1948.
@@ Line 242: / Line 193: @@
 In this month's issue we conclude Allen Stramts Report on National Parks of Victoria'', parts of which have been published in
 the July and August magazines. We would call attention to the thought of a great Alpine Park mentioned in this part. We like it - and will have something to say about it next month's editorial column.
-IMPORTANT TRANSPORT NOTICE.
+I AT MARK SALON RADIO SHOP - OPP. STATION.
-n
-BUSHT LKERS REQUIRING TRANSPORT
-FROM BLACKHEATH ANY HOUR
-RING, WRITE OR CALL
-OOOOO
- SIEDLECKY'S TAXI AND TOURIST SERVICE,
-.M.r.01.11..10,..,07.6011.01.0W
-STATION STREET BLACKHEATH.
-4 HOUR SERVICE
-..nrom=lma...r.=v100.1
-BUSHWALKERS arriving at Blackheath late at night _without transport booking can ring for car from Railway Station or call at above address - ITTS NEVER TOO LATE!
-TPHONE BTHEATH 81 OR 146.
-LOOK F. CARS TC5210 or TV270
-OR BOOK AT MARK SALON RADIO SHOP - OPP. STATION.
 .
 Victorian Nati..0:ap..3, Parks , 9