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+ | ===== The S.B.W. Versus Tasmania - Round Two. ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | - Digby | ||
+ | |||
+ | It was barely 5 a.m., Friday, Jan. 6th. I hardly dared to turn my head to the windov. This was our promisod day of climbing Ossa, but the weather, as usual, would have the final say. The visible sky outside the Pelion Hut was just a smooth white blankness. That could mean anything in the Reserve. I rolled over in my sleeping bag again and didn't care to think of the weather, Ossa, or anything. The whispered voice of Geof came from the bunk above me. | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | "The sky's clear but hasn't had time to get blue yet," I lied in a half hopeful sort cf way. He wasn't convinced and we lapsed again into half-sleep. 5.30 I was awakened by an excited yell. Geof was standing at the window in his sleeping bag. | ||
+ | |||
+ | " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Six bods jolted into consciousness. Without a doubt the " | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Score__: Tasmania 3, S.B.W. 1. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The girls were galvanised into bustling activity. It was their turn to cook the breakfast, and with incredible efficiency the boys were fed with porridge and corn fritters in their sleeping bags. Then all were in action. We must struggle with boots and gaiters, pack up quickly and take full advantage of the sunshine. 7.30 was our deadline. It came and went. At a quarter to eight Bev was still setting out her vast array of photographic gear, while outside our leader paced it up and down, straining at the leash. Something must be done. We would move off up the track to stress the urgency - and we waited and waited - still no Bev in sight. In desperation Geof returned to find our lass circling and recircling the hut in search of the track! Only his sense of humour stalled off a violent explosion. If we didn't hurry we might be S.B.W. - Nil again, so we headed for Pelion Gap at top speed. Through a break in the timber we saw our quarry in all its glory for the first time. Ossa towered up ahead of us, all covered in new snow, dazzling white against the blue sky. It became a challenge which we must grapple with and conquer. The excitement mounted. We reached the Gap, downed our packs and took stock of our surroundings. Don (with gammy boot) and Bev were yet to come. Cradle and Barn Bluff could be seen well to the north, with Oakleigh in the middle distance. On our right Pelion East rose directly from the Gap, its clear grassy slopes capped by a crown of broken cliffs like an old-world castle. We looked behind us up the Mersey valley and across to the peaks of the Du Cane Range. And on our left was Doris, leading up to snowy Ossa, its mighty dolerite columns all standing up in rows. It was indeed a fine sight but we could not afford to linger long; already new clouds were peeping over the horizon. Aha, here's Don. What's happened to Bev. Oh, no! A mile out from the hut she had discovered a camera to be missing and had gone back for it. Well, there was some excuse for that. I should mention that Bev was our mobile photographic shop, complete with two cameras, assorted lenses and filters and whatnots, black bag and other oddments all stowed away in a home-made case humped on the front of the body. Even a camera would not be hard to miss. Still, we couldn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Up we started, over the top of Doris and down onto the saddle on the Ossa side. Our boots sank into the deep snow and we loved it. The route to the lower summits was now clear. We climbed up a broad gully, floored with rocks and snow which led up between two enormous spires. It was like a giant cathedral, only much more awesome. As we gained height the Reserve began to open out, craggy range upon range, peak beyond peak. At last we gained the col between the spires and looked through to the other side. It seemed a spell was cast upon us. This was Nature' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Nearly-half of Tasmania was spread out around us. Visibility was perfect, the clouds had kept their distance. To describe our feelings as we stood on that great white summit would be impossible. We drank it in bit by bit; we got busy with our cameras (all six of them), but it was all too vast. Far to the south a great snow-capped peak jutted up into the sky, rising above all else - our first sight of Frenchman' | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Score__: Tasmania 3, S.B.W. 2. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We returned to the track for lunch, and reunion with Bev. We looked up at Pelion East and wondered. Could we tuck a second mountain under our belts and still reach Du Caae Hut by dark? Could we stand the anti-climax after Ossa? The answers, we decided, were yes. Joan and Don, with aches and pains, decided to go on slowly while the rest of us were soon scaling the 200 ft. crumbling rock which crowns the mountain-top. It was not the spectacular scenery of the morning, but it rounded off the day. The colour slides with human foreground captured on that broken summit are due to Geof alone. He would balance himself in what seemed the most horrifying positions with the confidence of a mountain goat. I shuddered and tightened my grip - I wasn't budging - to hell with the composition! | ||
+ | |||
+ | It was a weary party who trudged into Du Cane Hut on that Friday night, but we were supremely happy. That one day had made up for everything. Let's steal another point - we felt we had equalised at last. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Score__: 3 all. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Next morning it was pretty obvious that the Big Day had left its mark. Grace could not be debagged without a plate of porridge and a crack of the whip; Joan's knee, sprained on the climb of Ossa, showed no improvement - her pace would be slow. Don suffered with a painful ankle caused by a gammy boot, while my boots had made enemies of my feet. We were degenerating into a bunch of crocks. The Reserve was fighting back again. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Score__: Tassi 4, S.B.W. 3. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The weather still held, though, and we moved off at a slow dog-trot finding any number of excuses for rests. However, while Joan hobbled on we left the main track to see the Mersey River Falls - we could not miss those. The lethargy increased. Our goal for that day was Pine Valley Huts still a good ten miles off. Should we ought to try for it? Less strenuous plans were trotted out and painted up in glowing colours. Wanted: A White Ant Exterminator. Quickly. Fortunately we had him. All we needed was some " | ||
+ | |||
+ | The hut was rather full already. It would be overflowing with another seven. As I suggested tenting out the first drops of rain wet our heads. It was not a popular idea at first - a Job's Comforter stood in the doorway of the hut and predicted "two days steady rain in this lot." He was a local so we dared not doubt his word. Reluctantly we abdulled the tents and hoped for the best - and by a miracle we got it. The "two days steady rain" dwindled to a ten minute shower, and when darkness came, not a star was hidden. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Score__: Even Stephen. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Not until six nights later, at Frenchman' | ||
+ | |||
+ | At 6.30, in perfect weather, Geof, Brian and I moved off to climb the Acropolis while the casualties did a bit of convalencing. An hour later we stood on its nearest ridge and explored the possibilities of an escent at the Pine Valley end through Geof's telephoto lense. One or two chimneys looked promising. We battled with them for a time before Discretion took over from Valour. We retreated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Score__: Tassi on up. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Oh well, there was still the easy way up, and as time was mooching on we didn't hesitate. First, up to the giant columns, set like huge blocks balanced fantastically, | ||
+ | |||
+ | We needed no coaxing for a cold bath when we returned. It was the only time we didn't hesitate, but it was an icy dip just the same. The others had enjoyed a lazy morning and our No.1 patient had improved a little, so after lunch we all packed up and set off for Nicholls Hut. It was hard to leave this beautiful valley behind, and we discussed the pros and cons of a winter return trip some day. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The hut was occupied so we camped out again, this time in leechiferous country. The selection of a site was easy but of somewhat doubtful value. If you could sit down for two whole minutes and still be free of leeches, then, brother, that was the place to put your tent. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The following day, our eighth in the Reserve, we were due at Cynthis Bay and civilization. Mile on mile of beech forest, right down the twelve mile length of Lake St. Clair. For the first time the walking became rather automatic - one hour's steady trekking, ten minutes rest. But our packs were light and the going pleasant and thoughts of a change in diet spurred us on, (fresh eggs for breakfast!) | ||
+ | |||
+ | The end at last! No more boots, no more gaiters, no more walking for three whole days. We found a secluded spot along the lakeside for our camp, and then it happened. Just why will never be known. Grace had just arrived with steady, fixed expression (a bit of a trance, I'd say.) She walked straight into the lake as though in a hypnotic spell. Nothing could stop her as she sank fully clothed into the cool waters. Something must have snapped inside then, for she got up quiCkly, shivered, and then emptied out her pockets. We rocked with laughter - we had not seen anything quite like it before. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We pitched the tents on the shingle beach to thwart the leeches swarming in the grass beyond. The clear water lapped gently a few yards from the tents, and over the lake Mt. Ida formed a perfect background. The sky was clear again. It was a fitting finale for our last day in the Reserve. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Tuesday morn saw us heading for the West Coast Road. We were spic and span again. A few eight-day growths had been painfully removed and the girls were full of glamour. This was important, for we had to hitch to Queentown sixty miles away. We paired off, boy and girl, to brighten our prospects. Brian was the unlucky one, but he didn't seem to mind. As we bashed it out down the road, our first road for nine days, we wondered what would happen next...... | ||
- | THE S.B.Wt versus TASMANIA ROUND TWO | ||
- | Digby | ||
- | It was barely 5 a.m., Friday? Jan. 6th0 I hardly dared to turn my head to the windov. This was our promisod day of climbing Ossa, buL the weather, as usual, would have the final say. The vigible sky outside the Pelion Hut was just a smooth white blankness- That could mean anything in the Reserve. I rolled over in my sleeping bag again and didn't care LD think of the weather, Ossa, or anything. The whispered voice of Geof came from the hunk above :al, | ||
- | " | ||
- | P "The sky's clear but hasn't had time to get blue yet, " I lied in a half hopeful sort cf way. He wasn't convinced and we lapsed again into half-sleep. 5.30 I was awakened by an excited yell. | ||
- | e' Goof was stEnding at the window in his sleeping bag. | ||
- | " | ||
- | Eix bods jolted into consciousness. Without a doubt the " | ||
- | hit the pinnacles of Oakleign; shrifia bird calls echoed the promis, | ||
- | lo | ||
- | of the hew-born day. Nothing could stop us now. This would be our day, and we could have shouted it to the mountain top. | ||
- | Score: Tasmania -3 | ||
- | S.B.W. -1 | ||
- | The girls were galvanised into bustling activity. It was yheir turn to cook the breakfast, and with incredible efficiency the boys were fed with porridge and corn fritters in their sleeping bags. Then all were in action. We must struggle with boots and gaiters, pack up quickly and take full advantage of the sunshine. 7.30 was our deadline. It came and went. At a quarter to eight Bev was still setting out her vast array of photographic gear, while outside our leader paced it up and down, straining at the leash. SomethingrauSt be done. We would move off up the track to stress the urgency - and we waited and waited - still no Bev in sight. In desperation Goof returned to find our lass circling and recircling the hut in search of the tracks Only his sense of humour stalled off a violent explosion. If we didn't hurry wo might be S.B.W. - Nil again, so we headed for Pelion Gap at top speed. hrough a break in the timber we saw our quarry in all its glory for...the first time. Ossa towered up ahead of us, all covered in new snow, dazzling white aganstttLe blue sky. It became a challenge which we must grapple with and conquer. The excitement mounted. We reached the Gap, downed our packs and took stock of our surroundings. Don (with gamy boot) and Bev were yet to come. Cradle and Barn Bluff could be seen well to the north, with Oakleigh in the middle distance. On our right Pelion East rose directly from the Gap, its clear grassy slopes capped by a crown of broken cliffs like an old-world castle. We looked behind us up the Mersey valley and across to the peaks of the | ||
- | Du Cane Range. And on our left was Doris, leading up to snowy Ossa, its mighty dolerite columns all standing up in rows. It was | ||
- | indeed a fine sight but we could not afford to linger long; already new clouds were peeping over the horizon. Aha, here's Don. What's happened to Bev. Oh, no A mile out from the hut she had discoveree a camera to be missing and had gone back for it. Well, there was some excuse for that. I should mention that Bev was our mobile photographic shop, complete with two cameras, assorted lenses and filters and whatnots, black bag and other oddments all stowed away in a home-made case humped on the front of the body. Even a camera would not be hard to miss. Still, we couldn' | ||
- | Up we started, over the top of Doris and down onto the saddle on the Ossa side. Our boots sank into the deep snow and we loved it. The route to the lower summits was now clear. We climbed up a broad gully, floored with rooks and snow which led up between two enormous spires. It was like a giant cathedral, onTy mnoh more awesome, As we gained height the Reserve began to open out, craggy range upon range, peak beyond peak. At last we gained the col between the spires and looked through to the other side. It seemed a spell was cast upon us. This was Nature' | ||
- | 11. | ||
- | slope led to the final summit, its virgin snow untrepalled dazzling in the sunlight. For a moment we felt we might be trespassing. Then somebody lurched into it w ith a whoop and the spell was broken. With new gusto we kicked into-its soft depths and ploughed up until we stood on top, 5,3000 ft, above the sea, two hours from the ti-ack. | ||
- | Nearly-half of Tasmania was spread out around us. Visibility was perfect, the clouds had kept their distance. To describe our feelings as we stood on that great white summit would be tapossfble. We drank it in bit by bit; we got busy with our cameras (all six of them), but it was all to vast. Far to the south a great snowcapped peak jutted up into the sky, rising above all else - our first sight of Frenchmra' | ||
- | 4p the Frenchman hold for us? Whatever happened, we would never forget the Day of Ossa. It was time to chalk up a victoryJ | ||
- | | ||
- | S.B.W. - 2 | ||
- | We returned to the track for lunch, and reunion with Bev. We looked up at Felon East and wondered. Could we tuck a second mountain under our belts and still reach Du Caae Hut by dark? | ||
- | Could we-stand the anticlimax after Ossa? The answers, we decided, were- yes. Joan. and Don, with aches and pains, decided to go on | ||
- | lowly-while the rest of us were soon scaling the -200 ft. crumbling rock which crowns the mountain-top. It was not the spectacular scenery of the morning, but it rounded off the day. The colour illides-with-human foreground captured on that broken summit are due to Geof alone. He would balance himself in that seemed the most horrifying positions with the oonfidende of a mountain goat. I shuddered and tightened my grip - I wasn't budging - to hell with the composition: | ||
- | It was a weary party who trudged into Du Cane Hut on that Friday night, but we were supremely happy. That one day had made up for everythingc, | ||
- | Score: 3 all. | ||
- | Next morning it was pretty obvious that the Big Day had left its mark. Grace could not be debagged Without a plate of porridge and a crack of the whip; Joan's knee, sprained on the climb of Osza, showed no improvement - her pace would be slow. Don suffered with a painful ankle caused by a gammy boot, while my boots had made enemies of my feet. We were degenerating into a | ||
- | 6 bunch of crocks. The Reserve was fighting back again. | ||
- | Score: Tassi 4 S.B.W. - 3 | ||
- | The weather still held, though and we moved off-at a slow dog-trot finding any number of exauses for rests. However, while Joan hobbled on we left the main track to see the Mersey River Falls - | ||
- | 12. | ||
- | we could not miss those. The lethargy increased. Our goal for | ||
- | that day was Pine Valley Huts still a good ten miles off. Should we mght-to try for it? Less strenuous plans were trotted out and painted up in glowing colours. Wanted: A White Ant Exterminator. | ||
- | Fortunately we had him.' All we needed was Some ligettinge la- with", Goof said firmly, "Pine Valley' | ||
- | It was a gift to find a new short-cut trail across to Pine Valley. | ||
- | Two map miles saved, Hurrah Push on up the valley as ominous | ||
- | grey clouds- roll acrositha skyo At lasts the hut, and what a setting - mountains all around usa It was worth the effort. Then we were brought back to earth, for we were not alone. | ||
- | s ". The hut was rather full already. It would be overflowing with-another-seven. -As-I-suggested tenting out the first' | ||
- | Score: Even Stephen. | ||
- | Not until six nights later, at FrendftMan' | ||
- | out at Mt. Gould and the Parthenon, nbw silhouetted against a starry sky. The Acropolis was at our backs. We had a free half-day on the morrow. Maybe we could tackle another mountain,, | ||
- | at 6.2500 in perfect weather, Goof, Brian and I moved off to climb the Acropolis while the zasualties did a bit of convalencing. An hour later we stood on its nearest ridge and explored the possibilities of an escent at the Pine Valley end through Geof's telephoto lense. One or two chimneys looked promising. We battled with them fora time before Discretion took over from Valour. We retreated. | ||
- | Score: Tassi on up. | ||
- | % | ||
- | Oh well, there was still the easy way up, and as time was mooching on we didn't hesitate. First, up to the giant columns, | ||
- | set like huge blocks balanced fantastically, | ||
- | 13. | ||
- | We needed no coaxing for a cold bathwhen we returned. It was the only time we didn't hesitate, but it was an icy dip just the sam. The others had enjoyed a lazy morning and our No.1 ' | ||
- | and set off for Nicholls Hut. It was hard to leave this beautiful valley behind, and we discussed the pros and cons of a winter return trip some day. | ||
- | The hut was occupied so we camped out again,. this timein leechiferous.country. The selection of a site was easy but of somewhat doubtful value. If you could sit down for two whole minutes and still be free of leeches, then, brother, that was the place to put your tent. | ||
- | The following day, our eighth in the Reserve, we were due at Cynthis Bay and civilization. Mile onmile of beech forest, right down the twelve mile length of Lake St. Clair. For the first time the walking became rather automatic - one hour's steady trekking, ten.minutes rest. But our packs wore light and. the going -Pleasant and thoughts of a change in diet spurred us on, (fresh eggs for breakfasts) | ||
- | The end at lastJ No more boots, no more gaiters, no more walking for ithree whole days. We found a secluded spot along the lakeside fOr OUT camp, and then it happened. Just why will never be known. Grace had just arrived with steady, fixed expresdon (a bit of a trance, I'd say.) She walked straight into the lake as though in a hypnotic spell. Nothing could stop her as she sank fully clothed into the cool waters. Something must have snapped inside then, for she got up quiCkly, shivered, and then emptied out her pockets. We rocked with laughter - we had not seen anything quite like it before. | ||
- | We pitched the tents on'the shingle betldh to thwart the leeches swarming in the grass beyond. The clear water lapped gently a few yards from the tents, and over the lake' | ||
- | Tuesday morn saw us heading for the West Coast Road. We were spic and span again. A few eight-day growths had been painfully removed and the girls were full of glamour. This was important, for we had to hitch to Queentown sixty miles away. | ||
- | We paired offs.boy and girl, to brighten our' | ||
(To be concluded) | (To be concluded) | ||
- | ALTERATION TO WALES PROGRAMME. Brian Harvey-It walk of 22nd April has been shown as 18 miles. This is a misprint. It should read | + | |
- | 13 miles. This alteration may encourage more to camecn | + | ---- |
- | 14. | + | |
- | THE 1956 FEDERATION ANNUAL RE-UNION | + | === Alterations To The Walks Programme. === |
+ | |||
+ | Brian Harvey' | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===== The 1956 Federation Annual Re-Union. ===== | ||
- Brian G. Harvey | - Brian G. Harvey | ||
- | Those travelling to the Federation Re-union on Sat., 17th March, approached Glenbrook Creek' | + | |
- | Nobody could recall seeing the clearing so lush and green, nor Euroka Creek running so well, nor the hillsides so oozey, , It was very pleasant on arrival to see the gold and green and white tents dotted about the emerald background, with the blue smoke of the afternoon-tea fires curling lazily upwards. | + | Those travelling to the Federation Re-union on Sat., 17th March, approached Glenbrook Creek with some anxiety. However, by removing boots and socks we made a safe way over, to continue by muddy track to Euroka Clearing, hoping there would be no overnight rain heavy enough to cause a rise in the creek and so cut us off from getting back to the station and civilisation. Flood marks on the banks disclosed a recent 25-feet rise! |
- | Despite heavily overcast conditions, the rain held off, and after tea about 110 souls foregathered before a large log-fire on the hillside, where Ken Stewart of the Rover Ramblers took charge of the entertainment. Like our own re-union, the camp-fire refused to light until extra stokers were called in to the accummiment' | + | |
- | We couldn' | + | Nobody could recall seeing the clearing so lush and green, nor Euroka Creek running so well, nor the hillsides so oozey. It was very pleasant on arrival to see the gold and green and white tents dotted about the emerald background, with the blue smoke of the afternoon-tea fires curling lazily upwards. |
- | Everyone apparently decided it would be dryer to wait at Glenbrook for the 505.train, and soon after lunch the site Wa5 practically deserted and so ended another foregathering of the Federated clubs. | + | |
- | 15. | + | Despite heavily overcast conditions, the rain held off, and after tea about 110 souls foregathered before a large log-fire on the hillside, where Ken Stewart of the Rover Ramblers took charge of the entertainment. Like our own re-union, the camp-fire refused to light until extra stokers were called in to the accompaniment |
- | THE CHUDLEIGH LAKES - TASMANIA.. | + | |
- | - "The Gent in the Ten | + | We couldn' |
- | A fortnight before Xmas, Betty Holdsworth Jess Martin and I found that the lIkelihood | + | |
- | Before leaving Sydney, any spare minutes of the last couple of days were spent in making a rapid digest of " | + | Everyone apparently decided it would be dryer to wait at Glenbrook for the 5.5 train, and soon after lunch the site was practically deserted... and so ended another foregathering of the Federated clubs. |
- | In Launceston, after seeing the lovely fountain in Princes Square, the Gorge of the South Es k River is the obvious place to spend an afternoon. The day was warm and the locals were flocking to the First Basin Swimming Pool. We did not sample it but pressed on, after a leisurely lunch, to the Second Basin and the old Powep Station. There were plenty of native flowers growing near the path and on the banks above it. The Gorge retains most of its natural charm beyond the First Basin and is a credit to the City of Launceston. The return is by a quiet country road which serves the Power House residence and affords fine panoramic views of Mt. Barrow and Ben Lomond some 30 miles to the east. We were considering | + | |
- | The 30 mile trip through the late afternoon was a delight. As the bus climbed out of Launceston we had a glimpse of the camping area which looked all right for an overnight stay, but we have since heard theet tents are not encouraged as the area is designed | + | ---- |
- | 0 relling | + | |
- | The Meander River bank at Deloraine looked | + | ===== The Chudleigh Lakes - Tasmania. ===== |
- | We rose late, bathed, and the girls spent the miming | + | |
- | 16. | + | - "The Gent in the Tent" |
- | food and stores for the trip. When all was ready a Mr. Pratt took t. out to Western Creek in a very spacious hire car. At Western Creek P.O. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham were most helpful with directions to the start of Higg's Track up the Mountains. There seemed to be a reasonable camp spot at the P.O., but we decided to go on up the mountain in case the weather became too bad to travel | + | |
- | A mile west of the P.O. a tree lined timber road turns south an. continues up a gentle grade im a bridge over Dale Brook, an ideal spot for a late lunch. The climb begins in earnest now and ascends about 2,700 ft. in 4 miles. Not far above Dale Brook is a deserted timber mill where there is one hut which would still offer shelter in very bad weather. Near the mill a mall cairn indicates the correct route upwards. The track was very wet and sloppy, but the lovely rain forest, tree ferns, waratahs and other flowers compensated for wet feet. Near the tap, wind, rain and mist were added to a very stoney path about as steep as the top of Perry' | + | A fortnight before Xmas, Betty Holdsworth, Jess Martin and I found that the likelihood |
- | Next morning was cold, wet and miserable, so when chores had beE. done we played Scrabble with a special lightweight set of Holdsworth design. By lunchtime the weather had improved to winter conditions at Katoomba and there was no rain. After a hurried meal we sallied forth to explore. The northern end of Bastion Bluff was most to the east, and a short climb up the snow-poled track southuard | + | |
- | In the norning' | + | Before leaving Sydney, any spare minutes of the last couple of days were spent in making a rapid digest of " |
- | in clear weather.? Looking back after passing | + | |
- | 17, | + | In Launceston, after seeing the lovely fountain in Princes Square, the Gorge of the South Esk River is the obvious place to spend an afternoon. The day was warm and the locals were flocking to the First Basin Swimming Pool. We did not sample it but pressed on, after a leisurely lunch, to the Second Basin and the old Power Station. There were plenty of native flowers growing near the path and on the banks above it. The Gorge retains most of its natural charm beyond the First Basin and is a credit to the City of Launceston. The return is by a quiet country road which serves the Power House residence and affords fine panoramic views of Mt. Barrow and Ben Lomond some 30 miles to the east. We were considering |
- | passed on over a low ridge covered with yellow flowers to Sandy Beach Lake, living up to its name. Evidence here of campers, a burnt-out hut right on the lake shore and enormous mosquitoes. Mole Creek folk say there is excellent fishing in these waters, and they seem to visit the area frequently, The lakes are all between 3,500 and 3,800 ft. above sea level, and most of them are connected by a stream which flows into the Fisher River, then through the gorge of the Devil' | + | |
- | from the' | + | The 30 mile trip through the late afternoon was a delight. As the bus climbed out of Launceston we had a glimpse of the camping area which looked all right for an overnight stay, but we have since heard that tents are not encouraged as the area is designed |
- | ly north-westerly direction to the gap whence a good track demands tc Mole Creek. Crossing the plains towards the gap, Barn Bluff, Cradle* | + | |
- | | + | The Meander River bank at Deloraine looked very inviting as a camp spot, but we were told, upon enquiry, that the new camping area was about half a mile up river. We soon reached the spot and got a fire going for tea in spite of the scarcity of firewood. The place was deserted |
- | drifts, came into view about 25 miles to the south-test. We hoped to see and explore these mountains about 10 days later, | + | |
- | After lunching where there was an excellent view of the principa, | + | We rose late, bathed, and the girls spent the morning |
- | to the north-east and east. The Mole Creek Track is step in parts, but a very pleasant descent even if long. Soon after starting we | + | |
- | crossed a scree slope of enormous boulders, fortunately at its harrowest | + | A mile west of the P.O. a tree lined timber road turns south and continues up a gentle grade to a bridge over Dale Brook, an ideal spot for a late lunch. The climb begins in earnest now and ascends about 2,700 ft. in 4 miles. Not far above Dale Brook is a deserted timber mill where there is one hut which would still offer shelter in very bad weather. Near the mill a small cairn indicates the correct route upwards. The track was very wet and sloppy, but the lovely rain forest, tree ferns, waratahs and other flowers compensated for wet feet. Near the top, wind, rain and mist were added to a very stoney path about as steep as the top of Perry' |
- | made inroads into the bes# stands of trees. Arriving at the bottot ir the evening we surprised a family of rabbits having their supper - | + | |
- | apparently no myxamatosis here. Two young men in a utility offered | + | Next morning was cold, wet and miserable, so when chores had been done we played Scrabble with a special lightweight set of Holdsworth design. By lunchtime the weather had improved to winter conditions at Katoomba and there was no rain. After a hurried meal we sallied forth to explore. The northern end of Bastion Bluff was most to the east, and a short climb up the snow-poled track southward |
- | transport to Mole Creek and kiddly | + | |
- | under threatening skies. The skies did not threaten in vain, as has been told in another | + | In the morning |
- | -T -Q K Moie 4" De ilcifel ri(,), | + | |
- | Ci V T t | + | After lunching where there was an excellent view of the principal |
- | IL_ | + | |
- | 1,,, | + | ---- |
- | \:1 ,1/411 I ne _ \lit k 4.4 if | + | |
- | A9oz o b,P fv.. | + | |
- | G.-Rs | + | |
- | \lot ,.s \c),, | + | |
- | (71 ( ) 4c, r 45o, | + | |
- | : nr4,;1, | + | |
- | Pi-13 --7 | + | |
- | (,7 | + | |
- | ( P) (' | + | |
- | . jk | + | |
- | N. A( - CADY LAO of ir | + | |
- | (3 LAKE | + | |
- | Lcive \ | + | |
- | \ u' | + | |
- | it ii-MCKEIVZ a 11 LAP( | + | |
- | -c kS 1+-E L S- S T.0,4.1\ | + | |
- | / | + | |
- | G-o\ - r | + | |
- | t.O | + | |
- | N& | + | |
- | Vk rkt, M | + | |
- | I 11 ON 01 r4 ) | + | |
- | 1-4 -r | + | |
- | 18. | + | |
THERE AND BACK BY ' | THERE AND BACK BY ' | ||
- Dot Barr. | - Dot Barr. |
195604.txt · Last modified: 2018/09/07 13:37 by tyreless