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 The Wildlife Survey Section of tho C.S.I.R.O. is conducting a __Marsupial Survey__ of New South Wales. It is an attempt to determine numbers and distribution of Species, a very important type of information in Preservation work. Bushwalkers, who are in a very good position to help, should contact, if they wish to assist, Mr. Basil J. Marlow, P.O. Box 109, Canberra, A.C.T.
-A Practice __Search and REscue__ is set down for April 14/15 in the Wheeny Creek area. More information will be available for Club Contact Men, later. The S.& R. was alerted for two parties overdue from the week-end Feb. 18/19, but both parties made contact points before the searches were commenced.
+A Practice __Search and Rescue__ is set down for April 14/15 in the Wheeny Creek area. More information will be available for Club Contact Men, later. The S.& R. was alerted for two parties overdue from the week-end Feb. 18/19, but both parties made contact points before the searches were commenced.
 The S & R Section proposes to produce a __Tasmanian Brochure__ for intending Walkers and Trippers in Tasmania. It will attempt to eliminate the dangers encountered by people travelling south unprepared for the rigid conditions that ofter persist in Tasmania.
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 ----
-BATTLES WON AND LOST
+===== Battles Won And Lost. =====
-The S.B.W. versus Tasmania. Round One.
-Digby.
+=== The S.B.W. versus Tasmania. Round One. ===
-It was the perfect Sunrise at Frenchmants Cap that trapped me,
-Tasmania had suddenly given us her glorious best - our trip had
+- Digby.
-reached its climax, In that rare moment was born the inspiration tc,
-write an article. It came gushing out of MB; and then, alas, I kne I had passed the point of no return - they would never relent unt-1
+It was the perfect sunrise at Frenchman's Cap that trapped me. Tasmania had suddenly given us her glorious best - our trip had reached its climax. In that rare moment was born the inspiration to write an article. It came gushing out of ne; and then, alas, I knew I had passed the point of no return - they would never relent until it was in print. Bear with me, then, while I sift those happy memories and try to begin at the beginning.
-it was in print, Bear with MB, then, while I sift those happy mem-
-ories and try to begin at the beginning,
+In the first place there were six, a good, rational even number - three boys and three girls. I suspect that I was invited later to sway the balance of power, but having little power and a doubtful balance, this worthy plan was doomed at the outset. As Goof explained it, his general plan was to spend a leisurely eight days in the Cradle Mt. Reserve, a couple in Queenstown to recuperate(?), and then onto Frenchman's Cap for a further five days. In theory, at least, it sounded terrific and my enthusiasm mounted. It would be a real eye-opener, if we were only lucky with the weather...
-In the first place there were six, a good, rational even
-number - three boys and three girls. I suspect that I was invitea later to sway the balance of power, but having little power and a doubtful balance, this worthy plan was daomed at the outset. As Goof explained it, his general'plan was to spend a leisurely eight days in the Cradle Mt. Reserve, a couple in Queenstown to recuperate (?), and then onto FrenchmanTs Cap for a further five days. In theory, at least, it sounded terrific andmy enthusiasm mounted, It would be a real eye-opener, if we were only lucky with the weather....
+The last drizzling hours of 1955 were running out when we set foot in Launceston - a typical Tasmanian welcome, of course. No. 1 objective was Devonport from which point it was reasoned we night reach Waldheim by methods various. (I now know there are only two ways of reaching Waldheim - walking or paying). Our bus disgorged us into a dripping wet Devonport which did not exactly overflow with alluring campsites. We needed no persuasion when Geof discovered two unlocked compartments in a carriage at the local station. We were soon stowed safely inside, Grace, Joan and Bev, in the one (the leaking one, they winged), while Goof, Don, Brian and I packed somehow into the other. The outside world prepared to welcome the arrival of 1956 but we cared not, for we were an the brink of greater things...
-The last drizzling hours of 1955 were running out when we set foot in Launceston - a typical Tasmanian welcome, of course, No01 objective was Devonport from which point it was reasoned we night reach Waldheim by methods various. (I now know there are only two ways of reaching Waldheim - walking or paying), Our bus disgorged us into a dripping wet.Devonport which did not exactly overflow with alluring campsites. We needed no persuasion when Geof discovered two tnlocked cbmpartments in a carriage at the loca2 station. We were soon stowed safely inside, Grace, Joan and Bev, in the one (the leaking one, they winged), while Goof, Don, Brian and I packed somehow into the other. The outside world prepared to welcome the arrival of 1956 but we cared not, for we were an the brink of greater things. ....
-Our guilt complex was such that we found ourselves out on the empty streets in the early dawn of New Years Day when most orthodox
+Our guilt complex was such that we found ourselves out on the empty streets in the early dawn of New Year's Day when most orthodox folk were just going to bed. Motorists were as scarce as hens' teeth, so we just kept bashing it out, that is all except Grace and Bev, who bagged the only eligible car for miles. Of course, the girls had no real trouble at all, but not even my new hat politely raised, coupled with a distinctive bow, could bring results. Suffice it to say that we dribbled into Sheffield in bits and pieces, ready and willing to hire two cars to take us on. By this time the overcast had grudgingly yielded to patches of blue and our spirits soared. We had reckoned, however, without the Reserve's own private "Hughie", and when we finally rolled into Waldheim the skies had opened wide again and our visibility was exactly nil. An all-providing Ranger (Mac) offered us the Picnic Hut for the night for the modest fee of 2/- apiece; it was a fine port in any storm.
-,
-folk Were just-going to bed. Motorists were as scarce as hens' teeth, so we just kept bashing it out, that is all except Grace and Bev, who bagged the only eligible car for Miles. Of course, the girls had no real trouble at all, but not even my new hat politely raised/ coupled with a distinctive bow, could bring results. Suffice it to say that we dribbled into Sheffield in bits and pieces, ready and willing to hire two cars to take us on. By this time the overcast had grudgingly yielded to patches of blue and our spirits soared. We had reckoned, however, without the Reserve's own private "Hughie", and when we finally rolled into Waldheim the skies had opened wide again and our visibility was exactly. nil. An all-providing Ranger (Mac) offered us the Picnic Hut for the nigh for the Modest fee of 2/- apiece; it was a fine port in any storm.
+Geof and Don soon staggered in with a monstrous case - it was the Tucker Box sent up from Hobart; and when it was unpacked a veritable mountain of food overflowed a good-sized picnic table. The mathematicians struggled with their figures, the lesser lights with their tin-openers and other paraphernalia until the whole had been divided into two unequal lots. We were food partying four and three, so you can imagine the fun and games in calculating 4/7ths of 5 salamis and the like. Finally the parts were reduced to individual loads and then came the shocker - 16 lbs. a head! But at mealtimes it was worth every ounce; we ate like kings. As I pondered the mountain of flour in my heap, a great taste for dampers suddenly camp upon me - bigger and better dampers, and oftener than the Diet Chart said we ought to have them.
- Goof and Don soon staggered in with a monstrous case - it was the Tucker Box sent up from Hobart; and when it was unpacked a veritable mountain of food overflowed a good-sized picnic table. The mathematicians struggled with their figures, the lesser lights with their tin-openers and other paraphernalia until the whole had been divided into two unequal lots. We were food partying four and three, so you can imagine the fun and games in calculating 4/7ths of 5 salamis and the like, Finally the parts were reduced to individual loads and then came the shocker - 16 lbs. a heads But at mealtimes it was worth every ounce; we ate like kings. As I pondered the mountain of flour in my heap, a great taste for damperE suddenly camp upon. me - bigger and better dampers, and oftener than the Diet Chart said we ought to have them.
-The next day dawned with Hughie still working overtime. Did he never take a holiday here? We sought in vain for a glimpse of Cradle Mt. Now and then Little Horn would momentarily shed it cloak just to tantalise us. Eventually Goof decided that we should spend our spare day here in the hope of some improvement. We all heartily agreedgi
+The next day dawned with Hughie still working overtime. Did he never take a holiday here? We sought in vain for a glimpse of Cradle Mt. Now and then Little Horn would momentarily shed it cloak just to tantalise us. Eventually Geof decided that we should spend our spare day here in the hope of some improvement. We all heartily agreed.
-Score:- Tasmania ...... 1
-S.B.W.   Nil.
+__Score__:- Tasmania 1; S.B.W. Nil.
-Mac transferred' us tO a fine hut at the back of the Chalet, tariff 54/- per night, but, mark you, with stretchers, hurricane lamps and all moll. cons. We moved in as the previous weather-bound tenants, a party of Y.H.A. campers, ventured out into the murk. We wished them luck and meant it. In the afternoon the outlook brightened a trifle and we longed for action. Goof led off on a jaunt to Hansen's Peak, to test our gear and receive our first mall ration of scenery, notably Little Horn and Dove Lake. We saw enough to whet our appetites for the rest of that hidden grandeau. I might also add, we were suitably introduced to the General State of Thing
--
+Mac transferred us to a fine hut at the back of the Chalet, tariff 5/- per night, but, mark you, with stretchers, hurricane lamps and all mod. cons. We moved in as the previous weather-bound tenants, a party of Y.H.A. campers, ventured out into the murk. We wished them luck and meant it. In the afternoon the outlook brightened a trifle and we longed for action. Geof led off on a jaunt to Hansen's Peak, to test our gear and receive our first small ration of scenery, notably Little Horn and Dove Lake. We saw enough to whet our appetites for the rest of that hidden grandeau. I might also add, we were suitably introduced to the General State of Things a la Reserve - squelchy ooze up to our knees, water, mud and slosh in all directions; but it was fun - at this stage!
-a la Reserve - squelchy ooze up to our knees, water, mud and slosh in all directions; but it was fun - at this stagel
-The Great Doubt had reared its ugly head - was the flour supply plain or self-raising? We would make a damper/ Geof said, and pray that it was S.R. Nobody would risk his reputation on such a venture, so our fearless leader was left to practice what he preached. Despite elaborate precautions, the final product was
+The Great Doubt had reared its ugly head - was the flour supply plain or self-raising? We would make a damper, Geof said, and pray that it was S.R. Nobody would risk his reputation on such a venture, so our fearless leader was left to practice what he preached. Despite elaborate precautions, the final product was flatter than last year's beer and soggier than the button-grass plains. Calamity Of calamities! If we could only procure some baking powder? Ah, yes, Mac is a grand sport, and so is Mac's wife. She came good with the leavening and we were saved.
-l6.
-flatter than last year's beer and soggier than the button-grass plains. Calamity Of calamities: If we could-only procure some baking powder? Ah, yes, Mac is a grand sport, and so is Mac's wife, She came good with the leavening and we were saved.
+A disturbing incident occurred that night. The boys were actually tossed out of their cosy quarters so that the girls could partake of a hot billy bath or some such nonsense. Baths in this sort of weather, and only two days out anyway! We couldn't stand for this! As we exiles ruminated in our bleak Siberia, we decided that we must put our foot down firmly and show them who held the balance of power. The factional fight which followed, although a ton of boisterous fun, unfortunately was far from decisive. How Brian continued to sleep through the melee was a source of wonder. Perhaps __that__ was our weakness.
-A disturbing incident occurred that night, The boys were actually tossed out of their cosy quarters so that the girls could partake of a hot billy bath or some such nonsense. Baths in this sort of weather, and only two days out anywayl We couldn't stand for thisJ As.we exiles ruminated in our bleak Siberia, We decided that we must put our foot down firmly and Show them who held the balance of power. The-factional fight which followed, although a ton of boisterous fun, unforitunately was far from decisive. How Brian continued to sleep through the melde was a source of wonder. Perhaps that was our weakness.
-Tuesday, Jan.3rd. It was high time we shook our heels of Waldheim, come hail, rain or snow. Well, we could still count on the rains and before long we were to cop the lot. Our plan was to
+Tuesday, Jan. 3rd. It was high time we shook our heels of Waldheim, come hail, rain or snow. Well, we could still count on the rains and before long we were to cop the lot. Our plan was to reach Windemem Hut and meet up with Monsieur Ingram's Party, climbing Cradle and possibly Barn Bluff en route.
-reach Windemem Hut and meet up with Monsieur Ingram's Party, climbing Cradle and possibly Barn Bluff en rout:.
-Score:- Tasmania   2
+__Score__:- Tasmania 2; S.B.W. Nil.
-S.B.W. Nil.
-The murk was imMense. Those two mountains could quite easily not have been there, except for Goof who had once COMB through in good Weather, and who kept torturing us with things like "you usually start the climb from there", or "you get the first sight of Barn Bluff here". As we climbed up round Crater Lake, the blizzard struck - sleet at first and then snow, driven at us with all the fury only the Reserve can muster. The icy gale ripped through us, and we no longer cared for peaks and lakes, but only for the shelte, of Kitchen Hut. Said hut soon loomed up like a ghostly spectre through the snowstorm, but the Wrest Point couldn't have been more attractive, We fell into it, and were immediately cold and hungry. Only one thing would restore us - a piping hot brew or cocoa,
+The murk was immense. Those two mountains could quite easily not have been there, except for Geof who had once come through in good weather, and who kept torturing us with things like "you usually start the climb from there", or "you get the first sight of Barn Bluff here". As we climbed up round Crater Lake, the blizzard struck - sleet at first and then snow, driven at us with all the fury only the Reserve can muster. The icy gale ripped through us, and we no longer cared for peaks and lakes, but only for the shelter of Kitchen Hut. Said hut soon loomed up like a ghostly spectre through the snowstorm, but the Wrest Point couldn't have been more attractive. We fell into it, and were immediately cold and hungry. Only one thing would restore us - a piping hot brew or cocoa. Aha, we've found fuel! Here's our recipe for cocoa in Kitchen Hut:
-Aha, we've found tacils Here's our recipe for cocoa in Kitchen Hut;2,
-Take on only piece of timber, calorific value minus one, approx. 24"x 3" x i". Split carefulle with machete, save all shavings. Collect two large billies of water, wait until ice'melts and support solidly (i.e. distinctly foolproof) over low fire, started with half'a box of matches. Fan fire constantly - don't
+Take one only piece of timber, calorific value minus one, approx. 24" x 3" x 1/2". Split carefully with machete, save all shavings. Collect two large billies of water, wait until ice melts and support solidly (i.e. __distinctly__ foolproof) over low fire, started with half a box of matches. Fan fire constantly - don't waste a calorie - and start wondering how Dot Butler got down chimney. By the time answer comes second billy will have boiled on the last glowing ember. (If this doesn't happen, folk, you will be just a shade unluckier than we were). Result: Seven bods beaming big, glowing with inner warmth and looking for more punishment.
-waste a calorie - and start wondering how Dot Butler got down chimney, By the time answer comes second billy will have boiled
-the last glowing ember. (If this doesn't happen, fOl.k, you will k,d just a shade unluckier than we were).' Result: Seven bods beaming big, glowing with inner warmth and looking for more punishment.
+As we passed the foot of Cradle the clouds parted for an instant as though in mockery, to reveal the towering, jagged peaks. Then all was lost again. We pushed on regardless to the Cradle Cirque, from where, Geof said, the whole squad of Reserve giants would parade on a fine day. Today they had been swallowed up in a great grey maw, but our imaginations were not found wanting. As the day wore on, the blizzards, the morass of the button grass plains and our heavy packs had left their mark. Those last miles had the genuine bushwalker stamp on them, and it was with relief that we gained our goal, there to be rewarded by reunion with our north-bound friends and handfuls of incomparable scroggin. We settled in to make the hut a S.B.W. monopoly and celebrated the occasion with Xmas Cake, carried by Geof with admirable tenacity of purpose.
-As we passed the foot of Cradle the clouds parted for an instant as though in modkery, to reveal the towering, jagged peaks. Then all was lost again. We Pushed on regardless to the Cradle Cirque, from where, Goof said, the whole squad of Reserve giants would parade on a fine day. Today they had been swallowed up in a
-.
+The next morning there was a hint of better weather in the air, and we set off early, farewelled by Monsieur's party with all best wishes. A mile or so out the track climbs to a saddle and here we were held spellbound by our first sight of the Ossa group. At last! It seemed a curtain had been raised. The photographers, chained up for so long, went wild with joy! Shutters clicked incessantly, foreground interest (human variety) was arranged and re-arranged like so much stage scenery, while the swirling mists uncovered now one peak, now another. There was Oakleigh, Pelion East, Thetis, Achilles, and Pelion West. Only the mighty Ossa still guarded her secrets with the jealousy of a veiled maiden. We were given ten brief moments, then the show was over. Another ten, and things had returned to normal. A new blizzard was upon us. It raged for an hour while we pressed on, heads down, hands tucked beneath our sweaters. We stopped for lunch during a sunny spell, and literally fell upon the delectables - damper, biscuits and a vast array of spreads. There were so many that you could use up all your damper-biscuit ration without trying each and every one; it was frustrating. The issue was further complicated by the activities of certain salesmen who insisted on persuading you to try the particular brand they happened to be humping. What a contrast to four days later, when, I remember, some super-optimist would try scraping out the vegemite tin for the umpteenth time.
-great grey maw, but our imaginations were not found wanting. As the day wore on, the blizzards, the morass of the button grass plains and our heavy packs had left their mark. Those last miles had the genuine bushwalker stamp on them, and it was with relief that we gained our goal, there to be rewarded by reunion with our north-bounC friends and handfuls of incomparable scroggin. We settled in to make the hut a S.B.W. monopoly and celebrated the occasion with Xmas Cake, carried by Geof with admirable tenacity of purpose.
-The next morning there was a hint of better weather in the air, and we set off early, farewelled by Monsieur's party with all best wishes. A mile or so out the track climbs to a saddle and here we were held spellbound by our first sight of the Ossa group, at lasts It seemed a curtain had been raised. The photographers, chained up for so long, went wild with joyl Shutters clicked incessantly, foreground interest (human variety) was arranged and re-arranged like so much stage scenery, while the swirling mists
+With the weather now definitely on the mend, we waltzed into Pelion Hut to find our old friends the Y.H.A. party occupying the better half. If Pelion Hut has accommodation for 16-20 beds, as advertised along the track, then I am Micky Mouse. Nevertheless, it's a fine new hut and only reasonably congested with seven in a half-section. Anyway, I would rather have walkers crawling all over me than leeches. Talking about these hordes reminds me that we had hardly deleeched before an insidious female revolt broke out - the boys must have a bath! They even hinted we were beginning to smell! How silly! Our pride was hurt. We would have a cold bath, then, just to show 'em what we were made of! So, putting on a bold front but with trepidation in our hearts, we advanced on the local creek. Denuded and shivering, and pondering the icy stream, the idea seemed more absurd than ever, but we had committed ourselves. The ensuing screams, I believe, were heard at Lake St. Clair. The agony was supreme, but we were able to go back with that air of superiority - no billy baths for us (worse luck!)
-uncoVered now one peak, now another. There was Oakleigh, Pelion East, Thetis, Achilles, and Pelion West. Only the mighty Ossa still
-guarded her secrets with the jealousy of a veiled maiden. We were given ten brief moments, ' then the show was over. Another ten, and things had returned to normal. A new blizzard was upon us. It raged for an hour while we pressed on  heads down, hands tucked
+I woke up that night with a strange hot feeling in my feet. I had a blood bath on my hands, or rather, feet. A distinctly distended leech had been holding a party inside Geof's bed socks (which I was wearing). I was furious (so was Geof). Later on I had a hideous nightmare in which enormous leeches the size of pythons were pinning me down while their comrades prepared to feast off me like vampires.
-beneath our sweaters. We stopped for lunch during 'a sunny spell,
-and literally fell upon the delectables - damper, biscuits and a vast array of spreads. There were so many that you could use up all
+Thursday, Jan. 5th, was our "rest" day at Pelion. It is notable mainly for the abortive attempt on Mt. Oakleigh, the Prize Damper, and for the turn in the tide of our affairs. The weather had improved to a few odd showers and a goodly lot of blue sky. We started off with two light packs and seven much lighter hearts. The approach to Oakleigh, though, proved a real map and compass job, and after a couple of hours of exploration we had still failed to find a negotiable route through the thick timber which barred our way to the mountain proper. Recollections of lesser walkers taking 90 minutes from hut to summit, and similar references in the hut book, cut us to the quick. Something had gone wrong. We re-traced our steps and were almost home again when the SIGN was discovered. It pointed to the orthodox route, a good walking track, leading straight to the mountain. We could have chewed chunks out of it, so great was our frustration. In defence, the tracks are not at all clear in the vicinity of the hut, and we had by-passed it in the morning by no more than twenty yards.
-your damper-bisauit ration without trying each and every one; it was frustrating. The issue was further complicated by the activitie of certain salesmen who insisted on persuading you to try the particular brand they happened to be humping. What a contrast to
-four days later, when, I remember, some super-optildiSt would try scraping out the vegemite tin for theurpteenth time.
+__Score__:- Tasmania 3; S.B.W. Nil.
-With the weather now definitely an the mend, we waltzed into
-Pelion Hut to find our old friends the Y.H.A. party occupying the better half. If Pelion Hut has accommodation for 16-20 beds, as advertised along the track, then I am Micky Mouse. Nevertheless,
+However, in our ramblings we had gained some fine views of the surrounding peaks, including Cradle Mt. and Barn Bluff, now well to the north. Ossa alone was still breviing its own illicit weather simply refused to come out of hiding. That would be for __another__ day, we promised ourselves!
-it's a fine new hut and only reasonably congested with seven in a
-half-section. Anyway, I would rather have walkers crawling all over me than leeches. Talking about these hordes reminds me that we had hardly deleeched before an insidious female revolt broke out - the boys must have a bath! They even hinted we were beginning to
+Geof conceived the brilliant thought of a fire out in the open for our evening meal. It was a revolutionary idea and a mighty one, no furious fire fanning, no congestion - we revelled in it. This may sound strange for S.B.Ws., but it's easy to develop a "hut complex" in the Reserve, especially in uncertain weather. This event was undoubtedly the turning point in our destinies. After tea came Damper Time. With infinite care Bev uncovered her latest creation. We goggled; it was collossal - a thing of beauty, baked golden brown all over, perfectly proportioned from every angle and risen like a sea sponge. I made a speech and decorated her with the aluminium medallion (my plate) for damper-making. From that day on there was always great competition to make the damper. It became a ritual, full of speculation and excitement. After the thing was mixed and lidded up the favoured one would reverently place it in the coals and we would all hover round and wait, expectancy in every breath. Then the crucial moment when its creator triumphantly pronounced it __done__. There were numerous formulas for determining the end point, the state of general tension and the maker's personality being most important. And when the lid was taken off - well, sometimes it was an anticlimax. Dampers are like people - there are not two the same; an although we tried very hard, we just couldn't quite match the Price perfection.
-smell; How silly S Our pride was hurt. We would have a cold bath, then, just to show 'ern what we were made of So, putting on a bold
-front but with trepidation in our hearts, we advanced on the local
+We bedded down early that night, for we had great hopes for the morrow. It just __had__ to be fine! We were going to climb Ossa or bust.
-creek. Denuded and shivering, and pondering the icy stream, the idea suamed more absurd than ever, but we had committed ourselves. The ensuing screams, I believe, were heard at Lake St. Clair. The
-a agony was supremo, but we were able to go back with that air of superiority - no billy baths forus (worse luckS)
+(For next gripping instalment, buy your April issue early.)
-I woke up that night with a strange hot feeling in my feet.
-I had a blood bath on my hands, or rather, feet A distinctly distended leech had been holding a party inside Geof's bod socks
+----
-(which I was wearing). I was furious (so was Geof). Later on I had a hideous nightmare in which enormous leeches the size of pythons
-,
-were pinning MB down while their comrades prepared to feast off me like vampires.
-Thursday, Jan. 5th, was our"rest" day at Pelion. It is notable mainly for the abortive attempt on Mt. Oakleigh, the Prize Damper, and for the turn in the tide of our affairs. The weather had improy ed to a few odd showers and a goodly lot of blue sky. We started off with two light packs and seven much lighter hearts. The approach to Oakleigh, though 2 proved a real map and compass job, and after a couple of hours of exploration we had still failed to find a negotiable route through the thick timber which barred' our way to the mountain proper. Recollections of lesser walkers taking 90 minutes from hut to summit, and similar references in the hut book, cut us to the quick. Something had gone wrong. We re-' traced Our steps and wore almost home again when the SIGN was discovered. It pointed to the orthodox route, a good walking track, leading straight to the mountain; We could have chewed chunks out (:):. it, so great was our frustration. In defence, the tracks are not at all clear in the vicinity of the hut, and we had by-passed it in the morning by no more than twenty yards.
-Score:- Tasmania 3
-S B 0 W       Nil
-However, in our ramblings we had gained some fine views of the surrounding peaks, including Cradle Mt. and Barn Bluff, now well to the north. 'Ossa alone was still breviing its own illicit weather simply refused to come out of hiding. That would be for another  day, we promised ourselvesi;
-Goof conceived the brilliant thought of a fire out in the open for our evening meal. It was a revolutionary idea and a mighty one, no furious fire fanning, no congestion - we revelled in it. This may sound strange for S.B.Ws., but it's easy to develop a "hut compl in the Reserve, especially in uncertain weather. This event was undoubtedly the turning point in our destinies. After tea came Damper Time. With infinite care Bev uncovered her latest creation. We goggled; it was collossal - a thing of beauty, baked golden brown all over, perfectly proportioned from every angle and risen like a sea sponge. I made a speech and decorated her with the aluminium medallion (my plate) for (lamer-making. Pram that daymin there was always great competition to make the damper. It became a ritual0ful of speculation and excitement. After the thing was mixed and lidded up the favoured one would reverently place it in the coals and we would all hover round and wait, expectancy in every breath. Then the crucial moment when its creator triumphantly pronounced it done. There were numerous formulas for determining the end point, the stat of general tension and the maker's personality being most important And when the lid wAis taken off - 'well, sometimes it was an anticlimax. Dampers are like people - there are not two the same; an although we tried very hard, we just couldnit quite match the Price perfection.
-We bedded down early that night, for we had great hopes for the morrow. It just had to be fines We were going to climb Ossa or bus'
-(For next gripping inqtalments buy your April issue early.)
 THE WETTEST JOURNEY IN THE WORLD
 - Dot Butler