Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- 195402 [2012/05/28 14:31] – external edit 127.0.0.1
+++ 195402 [2018/07/04 11:01] – tyreless
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER.
+====== The Sydney Bushwalker. ======
-Ungar aro.
-A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, C/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.
+A monthly Bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers, C/- Ingersoll Hall, 256 Crown St., Sydney.
-No. 231 FEBRUARY, 1954 Price 6d,
-Editor: Jim Brown, 103 Gipps St., Sales & Subs.: Jess Martin
+----
-Drummoyne. Typed by Jean Harvey Production and Business Manager: Brian Harvey (JWI462)
-CONTENTS.
+=== No. 231. February, 1954. Price 6d. ===
-Page
-Editorial - That Caves May Continue 1
+|**Editor**|Jim Brown, 103 Gipps St., Drummoyne.|
-Sanitarium Health Food Shop (Advertisement) 3
+|**Production and Business Manager**|Brian Harvey (JW1462).|
-At the January General Meeting 3
+|**Sales and Subs**|Jess Martin.|
-Kurrajong Bus Service Timetable 4
+|**Typed by**|Jean Harvey.|
-Scenic Motor Tours (Advertisement) 5
-The Wetterhorn Fiasco by Leon Blumer 5
+===== In This Issue: =====
-Siedlecky's Taxi and Tourist Service (Advertisement) 9
-Experiments in Eradication of Mistletoe 10
+| | |Page|
-Leica Photo Service (Advertisement) 11
+|Editorial - That Caves May Continue| | 1|
-Bus hwalking in a Pilgrim Land, by Marie B. Byles 13---
+|At the January General Meeting| | 3|
-The Farther Country, by Jim Brown 14
+|Kurrajong Bus Service Timetable| | 4|
-Federation Notes - January, by Allen A. Strom 17
+|The Wetterhorn Fiasco|Leon Blumer| 5|
-Paddy's Advertisement 18
+|Experiments in Eradication of Mistletoe| |10|
+|Bushwalking in a Pilgrim Land|Marie B. Byles|13|
-EDITORIAL.
+|The Farther Country|Jim Brown|14|
-That Caves Mav Continue
+|Federation Notes - January|Allen A. Strom|17|
-In the magazine for January a contributor, reportins on Lin ex ploratory trip to Mammoth Cave, Jenolanx commented with understandable asperity on the habits of other "cave-ing" parties who had left the residue from carbide lanterns strewn over the camp site. He suwested that, at least, this waste product should be dumped in one tidy heap,
-At first it appeared that our writer had a case with which we could sympathise. We could visualise the cam) spot being
+===== Advertisements: =====
-.
-buried, slowly but inevitably, under an increasing stack of this excretion, until parties were compelled to carp an a random heap of rubbish - fearful thought. We have, however, indulged in a little research whibh, to a mind trained to mpreciate the importance of regeneration, has given rise to second thoughts.
+| |Page|
-It appears that the chemical used by covers' in these lanterns is calcium carbide which, when subjected to immersion in water, undergoes a reaction, releasing the inflammable acetylene gas used to light the way in the caverns, andleaving as a relatively inert byproduct -- LIME! Now the essential ingredient to the creation of those entrancing formations found in caves is line.
+|Sanitarium Health Food Shop| 3|
-The whole picture now takes on a different aspect. Instead of blanking out the camping spot near Mammoth Cave, the spelios are taking care of the future. Over a number of geological aeons, the discarded lime from their lanterns will be washed by rains down the valley of Jenolan River, forming into new outcrops of limestone: weathering, erosion (and other spelios) will play their Part in the development of new series of caverns. The uncharitable will insist, of course, that present day "cavers" have no thought to the future, and that their deposition of the lime on the camp site is a selfish
+|Scenic Motor Tours| 5|
-and anti-social action: but to people accustomed to pas;', several
+|Siedlecky's Taxi & Tourist Service| 9|
-hours doing battle with one small crevice in the rocks it is plain that time is a trifling consideration.
+|Leica Photo Service|11|
-We see, too, the absurdity of using candles for cave illumination a subject recently brought under our notice at a General Meeting. Apart from the hazard created when the floors of caves are coated with a slippery film of drips of paraffin wax, we are unaware of any useful results which may accrue from disposed candle stubs, Which would simply become a fire risk about the carp spot.
+|Paddy's Advertisement|18|
-To date our technical experts have not been able to advise us on by-products of discarded torch cells which probably abound in the lino deposits an the camping ground. It is very interesting to conjecture that, a few milliards of years away, the discovery of fossilized torch batteries in the new Lower Jenolan cave series may throw some light on the primitive forms of illumination used in the Early Atomic Age.
-ilm.....aserwammsasummanau
+----
-IT IS NOT GIVEN TO ANY OF US to know what will happen at the Annual General Meeting next month. Lest this marks cur second-last Magazine we should like to say riThank Your' to the contributors, the hardworking production team and sales folk, yes, and the buyers too - all of whom have helped to make the Past two years as Editor a really pleasant experience.
+===== Editorial - That Caves May Continue. =====
+In the magazine for January a contributor, reporting on an exploratory trip to Mammoth Cave, Jenolan, commented with understandable asperity on the habits of other "cave-ing" parties who had left the residue from carbide lanterns strewn over the camp site. He suggested that, at least, this waste product should be dumped in one tidy heap.
+At first it appeared that our writer had a case with which we could sympathise. We could visualise the camp spot being buried, slowly but inevitably, under an increasing stack of this excretion, until parties were compelled to camp an a random heap of rubbish - fearful thought. We have, however, indulged in a little research which, to a mind trained to appreciate the importance of regeneration, has given rise to second thoughts.
+It appears that the chemical used by "cavers" in these lanterns is calcium carbide which, when subjected to immersion in water, undergoes a reaction, releasing the inflammable acetylene gas used to light the way in the caverns, and leaving as a relatively inert byproduct -- LIME! Now the essential ingredient to the creation of those entrancing formations found in caves is lime.
+The whole picture now takes on a different aspect. Instead of blanking out the camping spot near Mammoth Cave, the spelios are taking care of the future. Over a number of geological aeons, the discarded lime from their lanterns will be washed by rains down the valley of Jenolan River, forming into new outcrops of limestone: weathering, erosion (and other spelios) will play their part in the development of new series of caverns. The uncharitable will insist, of course, that present day "cavers" have no thought to the future, and that their deposition of the lime on the camp site is a selfish and anti-social action: but to people accustomed to pass several hours doing battle with one small crevice in the rocks it is plain that time is a trifling consideration.
+We see, too, the absurdity of using candles for cave illumination, a subject recently brought under our notice at a General Meeting. Apart from the hazard created when the floors of caves are coated with a slippery film of drips of paraffin wax, we are unaware of any useful results which may accrue from disposed candle stubs, which would simply become a fire risk about the camp spot.
+To date our technical experts have not been able to advise us on by-products of discarded torch cells which probably abound in the lime deposits on the camping ground. It is very interesting to conjecture that, a few milliards of years away, the discovery of fossilized torch batteries in the new Lower Jenolan cave series may throw some light on the primitive forms of illumination used in the Early Atomic Age.
+----
+It is not given to any of us to know what will happen at the Annual General Meeting next month. Lest this marks our second-last Magazine we should like to say "Thank You" to the contributors, the hardworking production team and sales folk, yes, and the buyers too - all of whom have helped to make the past two years as Editor a really pleasant experience.
 Very sincerely,
 Jim Brown.
-illiMIL1011....ICYLINME.
-One man tent. Contact
+----
-Gladys Fall, JA7011.
-.
+For sale. One man tent. Contact Gladys Fall, JA7011.
-FOR THOSE DRY RIDGES.
-THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE
+----
-..... for CANNED PINEAPPLE JUICE
-SELECT FROM THESE FOR YOUR FOODLIST:
+=== The Sanitarium Health Food Shop. ===
-APPLE RINGS DRIED PEACHES _GOLDEN SULTANAS
-APRICOT ROLLS RAW AND ROASTED PEANUTS
+For those dry ridges there is no substitute for canned pineapple juice!!!
-BRAZIL KERNELS RAISINS CRYSTALLISED FRUITS
-PEANUT BUTTER HONEY CASHEWS DRIED FIGS FRUIT NOUGAT
+Select from these for your foodlist:
-WHEATFLI1KE AND VITAWEAT BISCUITS
-THE 'SANITARIUM HEALTH FOOD SHOP
+Apple rings. Dried peaches. Golden sultanas. Apricot rolls Raw and roasted peanuts. Brazil kernels. Raisins. Crystallised fruit. Peanut butter. Honey. Cashews. Dried figs. Fruit nougat. Wheatflake and Vitaweat biscuits.
-HUNTER STREET, SYDNEY
-AT THE JANUARY GENERAL MEETING.
-January meetings, with quite a few of the long holiday trippers still abroad, have a reputation for being quietish, and this year was no exception. We welcomed Tine Koetsier and Prank Burt, also "Honest Dick" Hoffman (is he bona fide?) who hadn't been available to be  decorated with flannel flowers at a previous meeting.
+The Sanitarium Health Food Shop.
- When the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed,
-Brian Harvey observed that each tree in the proposed Memorial Grove waE to be named for an ex-serviceman and the Club had lost two members during the War. The President said he understood that the actual names of men would not be used, but the name of the donating body would be displayed. Jean, Harvey then moved that Federation be urged to join in the tree-planting proposal, and the motion was adopted.
+Hunter Street, Sydney.
-Skipping briskly through reports, we came to Conservation, where Tom Moppett reported on a conference with the Sutherland Bush Fire Brigade held an December 31st. The programme previously outlined for assitance by bushwalker volunteers in fighting fires had been agreed upon, with a few minor amendments to the manner of establishing contact men. This report was adopted, and Tom then moved that the whole matter, being allied to the Federation's publicity patrols, should be offered to Federation, which could provide greater manpower resources. The meeting gave its blessing to the suggestion.
-Came the momentous decision an a site for the Annual Re-Union, and a chorus declaimed "Woods Creek". Someone nominated Euroka Clearing, but this failed to secure the requisite ten primary votes, was
+----
-.
-eliminated from the ballot, and left only Woods Creek. It was announced that Kevin Ardill was convenor of the Reunion Committee, an moved and resolved that he be given authority to book whatever bus transport from Richmond we should require.
+===== At The January General Meeting. =====
-Only one item to be dealt with, for Sheila Binns moved that arrangements be rade to book the same hall for next year's Christmas Party. This was carried without hesitation, and we closed another 25-minutes meeting at 8.30 p m.
-BUS SERVICE - KURRAJONG TO RICHMOND.
+January meetings, with quite a few of the long holiday trippers still abroad, have a reputation for being quietish, and this year was no exception. We welcomed Tine Koetsier and Frank Burt, also "Honest Dick" Hoffman (is he bona fide?) who hadn't been available to be  decorated with flannel flowers at a previous meeting.
-(Only a=77771776-76-75=Te-17===own below.)
+When the minutes of the previous meeting had been confirmed, Brian Harvey observed that each tree in the proposed Memorial Grove was to be named for an ex-serviceman and the Club had lost two members during the War. The President said he understood that the actual names of men would not be used, but the name of the donating body would be displayed. Jean Harvey then moved that Federation be urged to join in the tree-planting proposal, and the motion was adopted.
+Skipping briskly through reports, we came to Conservation, where Tom Moppett reported on a conference with the Sutherland Bush Fire Brigade held on December 31st. The programme previously outlined for assitance by bushwalker volunteers in fighting fires had been agreed upon, with a few minor amendments to the manner of establishing contact men. This report was adopted, and Tom then moved that the whole matter, being allied to the Federation's publicity patrols, should be offered to Federation, which could provide greater manpower resources. The meeting gave its blessing to the suggestion.
+Came the momentous decision an a site for the Annual Re-Union, and a chorus declaimed "Woods Creek". Someone nominated Euroka Clearing, but this failed to secure the requisite ten primary votes, was eliminated from the ballot, and left only Woods Creek. It was announced that Kevin Ardill was convenor of the Reunion Committee, and moved and resolved that he be given authority to book whatever bus transport from Richmond we should require.
+Only one item to be dealt with, for Sheila Binns moved that arrangements be made to book the same hall for next year's Christmas Party. This was carried without hesitation, and we closed another 25-minutes meeting at 8.30 p.m.
+----
+===== Bus Service - Richmond To Kurrajong. =====
+(Only at those hours suitable for walkers shown below.)
 (Data from David Ingram.)
-FRIDAY: Buses leave Richmond at: 5.50 p m. (Kurrajong Heights) 7.20 p m. (Kurrajong Heights) 9.55 p m. (Kurrajong)
-H
+|**Friday**|Buses leave Richmond at:|5.50 p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-Heights) Heights) Heights) Heights) Heights &
+| | |7.20 p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-Bilpin)
+| | |9.55 p.m. (Kurrajong)|
-" 10.40 a m. (Kurrajong Heights).
+|**Saturday**| |9.5 a.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-" 9.5 a m. (Kurrajong
+| | |10.55 a m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-.55 a m. (Kurrajong 1.20 p m. (Kurrajong 3.20p m. (Kurrajong 4.50 p m. (Kurrajong
+| | |1.20 p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-. 5 p m. (Kurrajong
+| | |3.20p.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-SATURDAY:
+| | |4.50 p m. (Kurrajong Heights & Bilpin)|
-SUNDAY:
+| | |6. 5 p.m. (Kurrajong)|
-RETURN BUSES ONSUNDAY P.M. LEAVE KURRAJONG HEIGHTS AT --
+|**Sunday**|Buses leave Richmond at:|10.40 a.m. (Kurrajong Heights)|
-.10 p m., 4.55 p m. and 7.20 p m. (Kurrajong 20 minutes later.)
+Return buses on Sunday p.m. leave Kurrajong Heights at 1.10 p.m., 4.55 p.m. and 7.20 p.m. (Kurrajong 20 minutes later.)
-FREE ADVERTISEMENT.
-'Bring things nearer - clearer - with the Anderson sealed beam, and say "Wuff - Wuff" at every pretty lass who passes.
+----
-Give a party enough rope and they'll get down Arethusa, but after some hours in slippery gloom in the gorge, having negotiated a few small cliffy spots, the party of January 23rd came to a giddy precipice: with commendable caution they decided their rope-work wasntt quite up to the standard indicated, and pulled out. Saturday night was spent at a Katoomba picture house, dozing intermittently through "Peter Pan".
+=== Free Advertisement. ===
-I
-KEEP IN TOUCH. You won't be regarded as "intrepid" or even 7alubiTiog7if you use the terms "Bono" or "Mighty" these days. Those effete terms have been superseded.
+Bring things nearer - clearer - with the Anderson sealed beam, and say "Wuff - Wuff" at every pretty lass who passes.
-.
-THE WETTERHORN FIASCO.
+----
+Give a party enough rope and they'll get down Arethusa, but after some hours in slippery gloom in the gorge, having negotiated a few small cliffy spots, the party of January 23rd came to a giddy precipice: with commendable caution they decided their rope-work wasn't quite up to the standard indicated, and pulled out. Saturday night was spent at a Katoomba picture house, dozing intermittently through "Peter Pan".
+----
+=== Keep in touch. ===
+You won't be regarded as "intrepid" or even "salubrious" if you use the terms "Bono" or "Mighty" these days. Those effete terms have been superseded.
+----
+=== Scenic Motor Tours. ===
+If you are going places, contact Scenic Motor Tours, Railway Steps, Katoomba.
+Daily tours by parlor coach to the world famous Jenolan Caves and all Blue Mountain sights.
+Transport by coaches for parties of bushwalkers to Kanangra Walls, Ginkin or other suitable points by arrangement.
+For all information, write to P.O. Box 60, Katoomba. Telephone 60, Katoomba.
+----
+===== The Wetterhorn Fiasco. =====
 By Leon Blumer.
-This is mainly a story of how not to climb mountains. Even people of more sense or experience may tahe heed from this article,
-We were an unsafe party from the start. Don, the supposedly experienced climber (over 60 peaks, old chap!), Brian and I both comparative novices but full of enthusiasm. Don was the stumbling block, about 35, with a false idea of his awn importance, wanting to dominate newcomers but with insufficient courage to carry plans through to a final conclusion.
+This is mainly a story of how not to climb mountains. Even people of more sense or experience may take heed from this article.
-It had already been snowing steadily for two days and nights, Whilst in the Gleckstein Hut we eked out our provisions, knowing that if the weather did not clear next day we would have to descend to Grindelwald. The snow was piling up on the mountain and to climb even a day after this was considered by the hut-keeperfs daughter to be sheer folly. She, at least, was certain that we should give the mountain the benefit of the doubt until a few days sun cleared the rocks. As for us, we went to bed that night with mixed motions.
-At 1.0 a m. it had stopped snowing and became colder, but still rather doubtful. At 3.0 asm4 there were a few stars showing, so 4.30 a m1 found us stumbling up the rocky path in semi-darkness and a
+We were an unsafe party from the start. Don, the supposedly experienced climber (over 60 peaks, old chap!), Brian and I both comparative novices but full of enthusiasm. Don was the stumbling block, about 35, with a false idea of his own importance, wanting to dominate newcomers but with insufficient courage to carry plans through to a final conclusion.
-IF YOU ARE GOING PLACES CONTACT
-SCENIC MOTOR TOURS, RAILWAY STEPS
+It had already been snowing steadily for two days and nights, whilst in the Gleckstein Hut we eked out our provisions, knowing that if the weather did not clear next day we would have to descend to Grindelwald. The snow was piling up on the mountain and to climb even a day after this was considered by the hut-keeper's daughter to be sheer folly. She, at least, was certain that we should give the mountain the benefit of the doubt until a few days sun cleared the rocks. As for us, we went to bed that night with mixed emotions.
-KATOOMBA.
-DAILY TOURS BY PARLOR COACH TO THE WORLD FAMOUS JENOLAN CAVES AND ALL BLUE MOUNTAIN SIGHTS.
+At 1.0 a.m. it had stopped snowing and became colder, but still rather doubtful. At 3.0 a.m. there were a few stars showing, so 4.30 a.m. found us stumbling up the rocky path in semi-darkness and a slight morning mist. I had been given the honour of leading by friend Don, who placed himself second and Brian third. We reached a small glacier and the rope was produced, more like Alpine line and of doubtful strength. We grimly went about the business of tying on. Roping up is like getting married "in sickness and in health till death do us part", etc.
-TRANSPORT BY COACHES FOR PARTIES OF BUSH- WALKERS TO KANANGRA WALLS, GINKIN OR OTHER SUITABLE POINTS BY ARRANGEMENT,
-FOR ALL INFCRHATION
+We crossed the small glacier, then up a steep snow slope with an avalanche groove down the centre. Over the small berg-schrund we then attacked the first rock face overhanging that side of the glacier. This was the end of a steep buttress descending from the west face and all these rocks were plastered with new snow and ice. Judging from the appearance of the cliff above, we were going to have some fun that day. No one voiced opinions, but Don knew the way and we would be fairly safe. Hadn't he climbed it the previous year?
-OX 60 KATOOMBA TEL- -2PHOfl6OKATOBA.
-411111111MIMMINIMUM.1111.11=11M.=1
+We reached a part on the buttress where the normal route crosses a couloir, climbs some difficult rocks below a V-shaped gendarme and reaches the bottom of a great gully, the key to this west face. Here Don assured us that we could continue further up the buttress to the wall above, and traverse right to the ridge bordering the great gully. This didn't sound right, the face above looked very steep and was still in cold shadow. As I steadily kicked steps upward my fears increased, but Don seemed to be in earnest and as yet there were no suggestions of returning because of bad conditions.
-.
-slight morning mist. I had been given the honour of leading by friend Don, who placed himself second and Brian third. We reached a small glacier and the rope was produced, more like Alpine line and of doubtful strength. We grimly went about the business of tying on. Roping up is like getting married in sickness and in 'health till death do us part", etc.
+It was cold work, the sun's light shining silver through the transparent ice on the top of the wall. As the face steepened, every hold now had to be cleared of snow and we were conscious that time was pressing. Occasional small rocks and icicles were beginning to tinkle down past us. We paused, very alert, ready for instant action in case of a slip by someone. We must traverse 200-feet across the loose ice-bound slabs and then attempt to gain the ridge.
-We crossed the small glacier, then up a steep snow slope with an avalanche Groove down the centre. Over the small berg-schrund we then attacked the first rock face overhanging that side of the glacier. This was the end of a steep buttress descending from the west face and all these rocks were plastered with new snow and ice. Judging from the appearance of the cliff above, we were goinr_; to have some fun that day. 1l'o one voiced opinions, but Don knew the way cold we would be fairly safe. Hadn't he climbed it the previous year?
-We reached a part an the buttress where the normal route crosses a couloir, climbs some difficult rocks below a V-shaped gendarme and reaches the bottom of a great gully, the key to this west face. Here Don assured us that we could continue further up the buttress to the wall above, and traverse right to the ridgebordering the great gully. This didnft sound right, the face above looked very steep and was still in cold shadow. As I steadily kicked steps upward my fears increased, but Don seemed to be in earnest and as yet there were no suggestions of returning because of had conditions.
+I led 30-feet across a small deep avalanche groove, losing my hat during this difficult move. It righted itself and quickly rolled on its brim down the slabs. Just an old felt hat gathering speed -- I wonder?
-It was cold work, the sun's light transparent ice an the top of the wall hold now had to be cleared of snow and was pressing. Occasional small rocks tinkle down past us. We paused, very in case of a slip by someone. We must loose ice-bound slabs and then attemptshining silver through the
-. As the face steepened, every we were conscious that time and icicles were' beginning to alert, ready for instant action traverse 200-feet across the to gain the ridge.
+The climbing now became spectacular, balance very important. I worked my way slowly to a small secure rock in that slope and asked Don to belay. He suggested an icy-looking gully on the left. I favoured climbing the almost vertical slabs to the crest - both very difficult - a 50-ft. pitch either way. I felt we must gain the ridge and, although in a fever of excitement, was confidant it would go. A moment's hesitation, then Don was climbing quickly down the slope, nearly pulling me off my insecure stance. The idea was absurd, we couldn't climb it, and we should try further around to the right. Amazed, I said nothing, while down below Brian was stating in a rather curt impersonal voice that he was willing to back me in the attenpt. We both sensed the feeling of uncertainty in the party, both at a loss how to deal with it, separated as we were by two short lengths of rope.
-I led 30.feet across a small deep avalanche groove, losing my hat during this difficult move. It righted itself and quickly rolled on its brim down the slabs. Just an old felt hat gathering. speed -- I wonder?
-The climbing now became spectacular, balance very important. worked my way slowly to a small secure rock in that slope and asked Don to belay. He suggested an icy-looking gully on the left. favoured climbing the almost vertical slabs to the crest - both very difficult - a 50-ft. pitch either way. I felt we must gain the ridge and, although in a fever, of excitement, was confidant it wculd go. A moment's hesitation, then Don was climbing quickly down the slope, nearly pulling me off my insecure stance. The idea was absurd, we couldn't climb it, and we should try further around to the right. Amazed, I said nothing, while down below Brian was stating in a rather curt impersonal voice that he was willing to back me in the attenpt. We both sensed the feeling of uncertainty in the party, both at a loss how to deal with it, separated as we were by two short lengths of roped
+We moved off reluctantly, down a few hundred feet, and carefully worked out way across to finish again below the crest. There was still a horrible drop here, but it didn't seem to matter. We were like people caught in a drama, half-audience, half-actors. I heartily wished I had never set foot on the mountain.
-We moved off reluctantly, down a few hundred feet, and carefully worked out way across to finish again below the crest. There was still a horrible drop here, but it didn't seem to matter. We were like people caught in a drama, half-audience, half-actors. 1 heartily wished I had never set foot an the mountain.
-'7.
+Here I managed to gain a few feet above Don's head, trying hard to prevent rocks pulling out and numbed fingers from losing their grip. One foothold disintegrated and rattled down into the abyss, then there was Don's voice again saying the rocks were loose (so obvious) and that we were climbing dangerously. I managed to come down slowly to the small platform and then there developed one of those fierce arguments likely to occur in any ill-assorted party in a dangerous situation. We were snarling at each other now, the rope joining us just a sham. Let Brian climb it, says Don, he has Vibram rubber soles. Brian consented and was brought up from below. Then another argument developed, Don not wanting to give an indirect body belay to help Brian, the rope being held directly to the rock. The rope would certainly have snapped in a fall, and Brian would have gone 2,000-ft. to his death - not a very pleasant thought. In sheer desperation, Brian left my small platform and inched his way up that 50-ft. pinch, clearing the snow from icy minute holds. It was severe work, glorious to watch but rather frightening. I watched dumbly, hoping fervently that no slip would occur. After a few minutes we could see only the soles of his boots, to the left, then just the rope moving snakily up the rock. It stopped, came a short hullo, then Don went up, calling anxiously for a very tight rope. My turn, and I marvelled at the nerve and courage which must have been required to lead such a desperate pitch. We sorted ourselves out at the top, a very narrow knife edge of a ridge. About 20-ft. of this required placing both arms over the top and scraping along with out boots. Never had I seen such a narrow crest. To our left was the abyss we had come up, to our right the great snowy couloir.
-Here I managed to gain a few feet above Don's head, trying hard to prevent rocks pulling out and numbed fingers from losing their grir One foothold disintegrated and rattled down into the abyss, then there was Don's voice again saying the rocks were loose (so obvious) and that we were climbinr dangerously. I managed to come dorm slowly to the small platform and then there developed one of those fierce arguments likely to occur in any ill-assorted party in a dangerous situation. We were snarling at each other'now, the rope joining us just a sham. Let Brian climb it, says Don, he has Vibram rubber soles Brian contented and was brought up from below. Then another argument developed, Don not wanting to give an indirect body belay to help Brian, the rope being held directly to the rock. The rope woftld certainly have snapped in a fall, and Brian would have gone 2,000-ft. to his death - not a very pleasant thought. In sheer desperation, Brian left my small platform and inched his way up that 50-ft1 pinch, clearing the snow from icy minute holds. It was severe work, glorious to watch but rather frightening. I watched dumbly, hoping fervently that no slip would occur. After a few minutes we cc'uld see only the soles of his boots, to the left, then just the rope moving snakily up the rock. It stopped, came a short hullo, then Don went up, calling anxiously for a very tight rope. My turn, and I marvelled at the nervE and courage which must have been required to lead such a desperate pitch. We sorted ourselves out at the top, a very narrow knife edge of a ridge. About 20-ft. of this required placing both arms over the top aad scraping along with out boots. Never had I seen such a narrow crest. To our left was the abyss we had come up, to our right the great snowy couloir.
 I resumed the lead reluctantly, gradually thawing out in the warming rays of the sun. Clearing snow-covered holds was still hard work.
-On reaching a small col at the foot of a steep snow slope we took a much needed rest. Valuable time had been lost an the face and we were lucky to be above it. The Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger were now standing above a sea of mist and it was warm - too warm. Very fine weather in the Alps usually requires a cold breeze. I wondered Whether we would remain alive to see the dayls end. We were a rather tightlipped bunch now.
-I led up the 600-ft. snow ridge, over some ice-glazed rocks and across a steep couloir to below a formidable-looking cornice about 5-ft. high. Here the others belayed securely While I flogged and cut with the axe. Huge chunks slithered down the slope. I could have enjoyed myself on this fine pitch, but the mall voice inside me was too insistent. Up through the gap and the summit snow plunged gently downward into sheer space 7,000 feet towards Grendelwald. I sat down rather shakily on the axe head, looped the rope around it and brought up the others. We hardly dared to stand, such was the feeling of floating space. Here the usual photographs were taken and after a while we climbed down through the hole in the cornice and descended slowly and carefully, Don insisting we face inwards. Evidently the steepness was too much for even his tried nerves.
+On reaching a small col at the foot of a steep snow slope we took a much needed rest. Valuable time had been lost on the face and we were lucky to be above it. The Monch, Jungfrau and Eiger were now standing above a sea of mist and it was warm - too warm. Very fine weather in the Alps usually requires a cold breeze. I wondered whether we would remain alive to see the day's end. We were a rather tight-lipped bunch now.
-We had lunch on the previous resting place, each person quietly concerned with hit own thoughts. The warm, heavy mist had now risen to the lunch spot, and I dreaded going down the couloir. It was 2.30 p m., the worst time of the day.
-a,
+I led up the 600-ft. snow ridge, over some ice-glazed rocks and across a steep couloir to below a formidable-looking cornice about 5-ft. high. Here the others belayed securely while I flogged and cut with the axe. Huge chunks slithered down the slope. I could have enjoyed myself on this fine pitch, but the small voice inside me was too insistent. Up through the gap and the summit snow plunged gently downward into sheer space 7,000 feet towards Grendelwald. I sat down rather shakily on the axe head, looped the rope around it and brought up the others. We hardly dared to stand, such was the feeling of floating space. Here the usual photographs were taken and after a while we climbed down through the hole in the cornice and descended slowly and carefully, Don insisting we face inwards. Evidently the steepness was too much for even his tried nerves.
-It was difficult to keep balance an the snowy slabs and it was imperative we mustn't slip. We were a few hundred feet down when it happened ---- a stealthy slithering noise and I looked up to see a small avalanche descending swiftly on us. I barely had time to yell warning and get the axe into some hard snow before a weight like a loose sack of flour hit square on the shoulders andpushed me down the slope. I was left harfing by the axe strap, and bad only a momentary vision of Don being pushed off his steps. The axe held, Don slid only a-few feet before getting his axe in, and Brian had tried to dig in, but encountered only hard rock. It was a close go and, after a few moments of real panic, we reassembled aarziol-k'os in rather shaky order and continued down the couloir. Don then Fl owed proceedings by insisting he climb down face inwards in the nar-o('N chute. Presumably to look out for more slides. After a while he started to go to pieces, as in the heavy mist we were not quite certain of the way off. Things did look horrible in the eerie light, snow-spattered crags and slabs disappearing into the mist, and furthermore, Don doubted if we were in the right couloir. Brian ald I kept grimly silent. We didn't want to die young, and the portyls morale was being badly shaken. Self-control was becoming more difficult.
-We climbed :cross a very steep snow-bank and peered dea:ly into the 3100m0 At that critical moment, the mist cleared s af="liciently for us to seL our morning's footsteps looking very tiny, 400-ft away, across the west f-ce, which was now completely altered after warm mist had been at work. The mist closed down again, and it was decided to traverse the face to the subsidiary buttress, then follow down the footsteps. It was touch and go, but the hour was late and it would work provided no one slipped.
+We had lunch on the previous resting place, each person quietly concerned with his own thoughts. The warm, heavy mist had now risen to the lunch spot, and I dreaded going down the couloir. It was 2.30 p.m., the worst time of the day.
-I led across, conscious that we were near the end of our patience and skill. It was precarious balance climbing in the slippery loose slabs, sometimes just the boot nails and the shaft pick supplying the necessary stante. I tried to put the incident of the rolling rocks out of my mind, but couldn't. The boots slid off once, but the axe Point was in safely. One slip and we would all go down the slabs.
+It was difficult to keep balance on the snowy slabs and it was imperative we mustn't slip. We were a few hundred feet down when it happened ---- a stealthy slithering noise and I looked up to see a small avalanche descending swiftly on us. I barely had time to yell warning and get the axe into some hard snow before a weight like a loose sack of flour hit square on the shoulders and pushed me down the slope. I was left hanging by the axe strap, and had only a momentary vision of Don being pushed off his steps. The axe held, Don slid only a few feet before getting his axe in, and Brian had tried to dig in, but encountered only hard rock. It was a close go and, after a few moments of real panic, we reassembled ourselves in rather shaky order and continued down the couloir. Don then slowed proceedings by insisting he climb down face inwards in the narrow chute. Presumably to look out for more slides. After a while he started to go to pieces, as in the heavy mist we were not quite certain of the way off. Things did look horrible in the eerie light, snow-spattered crags and slabs disappearing into the mist, and furthermore, Don doubted if we were in the right couloir. Brian and I kept grimly silent. We didn't want to die young, and the party's morale was being badly shaken. Self-control was becoming more difficult.
+We climbed across a very steep snow-bank and peered desperately into the gloom. At that critical moment, the mist cleared sufficiently for us to see our morning's footsteps looking very tiny, 400-ft away, across the west face, which was now completely altered after warm mist had been at work. The mist closed down again, and it was decided to traverse the face to the subsidiary buttress, then follow down the footsteps. It was touch and go, but the hour was late and it would work provided no one slipped.
+I led across, conscious that we were near the end of our patience and skill. It was precarious balance climbing in the slippery loose slabs, sometimes just the boot nails and the shaft pick supplying the necessary stance. I tried to put the incident of the rolling rocks out of my mind, but couldn't. The boots slid off once, but the axe point was in safely. One slip and we would all go down the slabs.
 Then we were there - at last - moving as quickly as possible down the buttress. We were still in danger of stones above, but the worst part was over. The rest was normal climbing until we reached the snow slope below the buttress. Here Brian accidentally started an avalanche, but was held by the rope.
-A sharp trot across the glacier and down the rough Path brought us to the hut about 6.0 p m. - it was a welcame sight. The warden had arrived and was pleased to see us, the warden's daughter very surprised. Evidently both had expected to find our bodies on the glacier the following morning. A guide inside the hut made no comment when Don Proudly told of the new route we had made on the face, then packed his gear and disappeared quickly through the doorway, bound for Grindelwald. Don had got his peak - that was enour# for him.
-We made a cryptic entry in the log-book "climbed Vietterhorn - dangerous snow conditions - a novel ascent with certain novel happenings". The guide looked in the book and gave a quiet snlle as we said goodbye. We trudged wearily down the path in the gathering darkness.
+A sharp trot across the glacier and down the rough path brought us to the hut about 6.0 p.m. - it was a welcame sight. The warden had arrived and was pleased to see us, the warden's daughter very surprised. Evidently both had expected to find our bodies on the glacier the following morning. A guide inside the hut made no comment when Don proudly told of the new route we had made on the face, then packed his gear and disappeared quickly through the doorway, bound for Grindelwald. Don had got his peak - that was enough for him.
-.
-The Sub-committee on Bush Fires had concluded its deliberations at the home of Alex Colley. Supper was served, and, as the members rose and 'stretched prior to wending their ways.... the blow fell Alex: "Well, fellows, before you go, could you help me carry that refrigerator out of here, along the pa'ssage and up the stairs, along the path, through the gate, on to the road and into the Land Rover, etc. Ow etc.
+We made a cryptic entry in the log-book "climbed Wetterhorn - dangerous snow conditions - a novel ascent with certain novel happenings". The guide looked in the book and gave a quiet smile as we said goodbye. We trudged wearily down the path in the gathering darkness.
-The Sub-committee: "Htm, all: Yes, only too pleased. etc. .. etc..." After the job wa6 done, the final paragraph of the notice of meeting was read again: "Alex Colley has suggested, very generously, that we meet at his flat to discuss the natter".
-YOUTH (AGAIN) TRAPPED EU GAVE. Admiral Anderson's been and gone 71/73-77-TE-FFET7-7=-ETE7 (January 16th) he spent three hours Writhing in squeeze holes in the Marrioth Cave - and no Bev Price to fire him to greater exertions. On the Saturday night he couldn't sleep - no, not claustrophobia - just trying to find a new bruise to lie on.
+----
-SUCH IS FAME- Arewe so famous, or is it just super-efficiency on FEF-FEIT of the P.M.G. Department? A letter from New Zealand, addressed "Colin Putt, S.B.W." was correctly delivered to Colin's home address.
-BUSHWALKERS REQUIRING TRANSPORT
+=== Important Transport Notice. ===
-FROM BLACKHEATH   ANY HOUR
-RING WRITE OR CALL
+Bushwalkers requiring transport from Blackheath, any hour, ring, write or call...
-SIEDLECHY'S TAXI  AND TOURIST SERVICE
-STATION STREET, BLACKHEATH.
+Siedlecky's Taxi and Tourist Service.
-4 HOUR SERVICE
-BUSHWALKERS arriving at Blackheath late at night without transport booking can ring for car from Railway Station or cd11 at above address - IT'S NEVER TOO LATEI
+Station Street, Blackheath.
-'PHONE B'HEATH 81 OR 146. LOOK FCR CARS 3310 or TV270
-OR BOOK AT MARK SALON RADIO SHOP - OPP. STATION.
+hour service.
-IMPORTANT TRANSPORT NOTICE.
-.
+Bushwalkers arriving at Blackheath late at night without transport booking can ring for car from Railway Station or call at above address - __it's never too late__!
+'Phone Blackheath 81 or 146. Look for cars 3210 or TV270 or book at Mark Salon Radio Shop - opposite Station.
+----
+The Sub-committee on Bush Fires had concluded its deliberations at the home of Alex Colley. Supper was served, and, as the members rose and 'stretched prior to wending their ways... the blow fell... Alex: "Well, fellows, before you go, could you help me carry that refrigerator out of here, along the passage and up the stairs, along the path, through the gate, on to the road and into the Land Rover, etc... etc..."
+The Sub-committee: "Hmm, ah. Yes, only too pleased. etc... etc..." After the job was done, the final paragraph of the notice of meeting was read again: "Alex Colley has suggested, very generously, that we meet at his flat to discuss the matter".
+----
+=== Youth (again) trapped in cave. ===
+Admiral Anderson's been and gone and done it again. This time (January 16th) he spent three hours writhing in squeeze holes in the Mammoth Cave - and no Bev Price to fire him to greater exertions. On the Saturday night he couldn't sleep - no, not claustrophobia - just trying to find a new bruise to lie on.
+----
+=== Such is fame! ===
+Are we so famous, or is it just super-efficiency on the part of the P.M.G. Department? A letter from New Zealand, addressed "Colin Putt, S.B.W." was correctly delivered to Colin's home address.
+----
 EXPERIMENTS IN ERADICTION OF MISTLETOE.
 (Taken from "Main Roads" - dated March 1953 - Information extracted by David Ingram.)