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-THE 1956 FEDERATION ANNUAL RE-UNION
+===== The 1956 Federation Annual Re-Union. =====
 - Brian G. Harvey
-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:
-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'of a hearty rendition of "Fire's Burning" daring the complete black-out followinE< the first light-up. The community singing was interspersed by amusing "turns" put on by various participating clubs. The S.B.W., represented by ten members, relied on the old standby 'Excerpts from the Operas". Supper came on about 10030 and will be remembered for its fruit cake, This was of a crumbly variety which had endured a rough trip on the track out. As a result, the diners were handed a compressed fruit.-cake rissole approximating the usual slice in cubic contents, and which had to be pecked at from the cupped hand. whilst the other juggled the cup of hot cocoa, The S.B.W. party withdrew to its own campfire to re-live the "Golden Screw", whilst other' clubs were heard softly singing in little groups. That is, all except one club whose members displayed their larrikin instincts by Commencing to sing in a raucous manner, later developing into a shouting and yelling match into the small hours of the morning with letting down of tent guys and pulling folk out of sleeping bags. It is small wonder no great enthusiasm is shown in attendance at Fuderation Re-unions as similar animal antics can be observed at Taronga Park Combined with the Police Dept's drunks' wagon on any Saturday night.
-We couldn't believe our eyes on Sunday morning when we a7oke (after ourditturbed'sleep) tO find the sun shining 'in a cloudless sky. This was short-lived, and before long it was again the row normal overcast sky with a light shower or two, The morning was spen' chattering to and fro and signing the log-book and laughing at the old photographs of byJ-gone re-unions when we looked a lot younger,
+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.
-.
+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 of a hearty rendition of "Fire's Burning" during the complete black-out following the first light-up. The community singing was interspersed by amusing "turns" put on by various participating clubs. The S.B.W., represented by ten members, relied on the old standby "Excerpts from the Operas". Supper came on about 10.30 and will be remembered for its fruit cake. This was of a crumbly variety which had endured a rough trip on the track out. As a result, the diners were handed a compressed fruit-cake rissole approximating the usual slice in cubic contents, and which had to be pecked at from the cupped hand whilst the other juggled the cup of hot cocoa. The S.B.W. party withdrew to its own campfire to re-live the "Golden Screw", whilst other clubs were heard softly singing in little groups. That is, all except one club whose members displayed their larrikin instincts by commencing to sing in a raucous manner, later developing into a shouting and yelling match into the small hours of the morning with letting down of tent guys and pulling folk out of sleeping bags. It is small wonder no great enthusiasm is shown in attendance at Federation Re-unions as similar animal antics can be observed at Taronga Park combined with the Police Dept's drunks' wagon on any Saturday night.
-THE CHUDLEIGH LAKES - TASMANIA..
-- "The Gent in the Ten
+We couldn't believe our eyes on Sunday morning when we awoke (after our disturbed sleep) to find the sun shining in a cloudless sky. This was short-lived, and before long it was again the now normal overcast sky with a light shower or two. The morning was spent chattering to and fro and signing the log-book and laughing at the old photographs of bye-gone re-unions when we looked a lot younger.
-A fortnight before Xmas, Betty Holdsworth Jess Martin and I found that the lIkelihood of our crossing Bass Strait in the 'Taroor. was decidedly unpromising owing to a shipping dispute, so we cancell our steamer passages and organised ourselves on to a plane which landed us in Launceston at 11,30 a.m. on Sunday with 37-3- days to fill in before taking up our booked itinerary.
-Before leaving Sydney, any spare minutes of the last couple of days were spent in making a rapid digest of "Tasmanian Tramp" and "skyline" magazines in an effort to find a suggestion for a suitable 3-day trip in Northern Tasmania. The 1948 issue of the ''Tasmanian Tramp" supplied the answer in an article bearing the Same title as this one, by J.A. Peterson.
+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 Where to camp for the night, when a bright idea came forward that we catch the 6,30 bus to Deloraine and camp there on the Meander River. So back to the city and on to the Deloraine bus.
-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 folcaravan cainping,, Near the top of the first hill is'Elit'ally House", well over a century old and now the property of the National T-uste The old stone house and barnes nestling amongst the trees overlookii, the Tamar Valley were picturesque and I would have been happy to hay spent an hour or so there. Then on past orchauda, with their hawthorn and pine breakwinds, and harvesting scenes in a countryside lush with 15 inches over mverage rainfall. Approaching Deloraine,
+----
-relling cloud over the Western Tiers forboded a change in the weathe..,-,,
-The Meander River bank at Deloraine looked 'very inviting as a camp spot, but we wore 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 e7:cept for a carload of Victorians. The long grass would be a problem in wet weather. It also conceals odd bits of coy: manu,r.e which would not be obvious when camping after dark.
+===== The Chudleigh Lakes - Tasmania. =====
-We rose late, bathed, and the girls spent the miming buying
-.
+- "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 qt all.
-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's Lookdown following up the side of a rushing stream. We were almost airborn at the top where the country suddenly became marshy, and were delighted to find, only a couple of hundred yards from the brink, the Lady Lake Hut This structure was apparently intact in 1948, but, as waritad by the Cunninghams, we found one room ruined, the destruction being attributed to vandals. The wind blew and the rain poured down with Tasmania enthusiasm so we made the most of the shelter available in the one room remaining, and were thankful. I'm sure conditions were close tc snow that night, with thunder effects added.
+A fortnight before Xmas, Betty Holdsworth, Jess Martin and I found that the likelihood of our crossing Bass Strait in the "Taroona" was decidedly unpromising owing to a shipping dispute, so we cancelled our steamer passages and organised ourselves on to a plane which landed us in Launceston at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday with 3 1/2 days to fill in before taking up our booked itinerary.
-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 from the hut led to a summit forlthe first view of Lady Lake and Little Pine Lake. It was now dull, clear and icy - the countrysids being almost a replica of parts of the Scottish Highlands. Our feet were already wet and it was too cold to stand about, so we continued south to Weston's Lake and Lake Lucy Long where we saw empty tins which had apparently been parachuted full of food from a plane to a party of walkers some time previously. It was a short distance sou-ft. into the next saddle to view Nameless Lake with a hut at its souther:J. end, but we heard that it is not very good. There is an obvious route south from Nameless Lake leading towards the Walls of ;Terusalen but time prevented further exploration. A quick trip back' to the hut rewarded us with a splendid view from the edge of the Tiers over Northern Tasmania. - and almost from our front door step.
-In the norning'it was fine and clear with occasional sleet showers and a south-west wind - good for walking but not much el.se, Setting off in a westerly direction from the hut, we followed an odd snow pole or two and a few cairns to Basin Lake where the track petered out. The saddle over to Lake Balmoral is oasy to locate -
+Before leaving Sydney, any spare minutes of the last couple of days were spent in making a rapid digest of "Tasmanian Tramp" and "Skyline" magazines in an effort to find a suggestion for a suitable 3-day trip in Northern Tasmania. The 1948 issue of the "Tasmanian Tramp" supplied the answer in an article bearing the same title as this one, by J.A. Peterson.
-in clear weather.? Looking back after passing Balmbral, the rook formation which forms the lake is most interesting. Continuing generally westward, Lake Mackenzie is next with the Hydm Electricit Commission's hut nestling amongst the trees on the far bank. We
-,
+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 where to camp for the night, when a bright idea came forward that we catch the 6.30 bus to Deloraine and camp there on the Meander River. So back to the city and on to the Deloraine bus.
-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's Gullett into the Mersey River. A route, well marked by poles, starts
- from the'northema shore of Sandy Beach Lake and continues in a general,
+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 for caravan camping. Near the top of the first hill is "Eutally House", well over a century old and now the property of the National Trust. The old stone house and barnes nestling amongst the trees overlooking the Tamar Valley were picturesque and I would have been happy to have spent an hour or so there. Then on past orchards, with their hawthorn and pine breakwinds, and harvesting scenes in a countryside lush with 15 inches over average rainfall. Approaching Deloraine, rolling cloud over the Western Tiers forboded a change in the weather.
-ly north-westerly direction to the gap whence a good track demands tc Mole Creek. Crossing the plains towards the gap, Barn Bluff, Cradle*
- Mountains Mt, Pelion West and several other peaks, all carrying snow-
+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 except for a carload of Victorians. The long grass would be a problem in wet weather. It also conceals odd bits of cow manure which would not be obvious when camping after dark.
-drifts, came into view about 25 miles to the south-test. We hoped to see and explore these mountains about 10 days later, bu# I'm afraid the distalt view was the only one we were to get.
-After lunching where there was an excellent view of the principa, mountains of the Cradle Mt. area, the wind blowing off snow urged us o. to thegap and the Mole Creek Track where a lovely panorama opened up dominateu by Mt. Claude and Mt. Roland to the north-west, th-: Mersey Valley and Gog Mt. to the north, and the mountains beyond Launceston
+We rose late, bathed, and the girls spent the morning buying food and stores for the trip. When all was ready a Mr. Pratt took us 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 at all.
-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 part, The forest has been impressive, but timber-getters have
+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's Lookdown following up the side of a rushing stream. We were almost airborn at the top where the country suddenly became marshy, and were delighted to find, only a couple of hundred yards from the brink, the Lady Lake Hut This structure was apparently intact in 1948, but, as warned by the Cunninghams, we found one room ruined, the destruction being attributed to vandals. The wind blew and the rain poured down with Tasmania enthusiasm so we made the most of the shelter available in the one room remaining, and were thankful. I'm sure conditions were close to snow that night, with thunder effects added.
-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 from the hut led to a summit for the first view of Lady Lake and Little Pine Lake. It was now dull, clear and icy - the countrysids being almost a replica of parts of the Scottish Highlands. Our feet were already wet and it was too cold to stand about, so we continued south to Weston's Lake and Lake Lucy Long where we saw empty tins which had apparently been parachuted full of food from a plane to a party of walkers some time previously. It was a short distance south into the next saddle to view Nameless Lake with a hut at its southern end, but we heard that it is not very good. There is an obvious route south from Nameless Lake leading towards the Walls of Jerusalen but time prevented further exploration. A quick trip back to the hut rewarded us with a splendid view from the edge of the Tiers over Northern Tasmania - and almost from our front door step.
-transport to Mole Creek and kiddly took us right to Sassafras Creek, 3 miles west of Mole Creek, to a good camping ground where we slept
-under threatening skies. The skies did not threaten in vain, as has been told in another articleJI TZ..> wed* N
+In the morning it was fine and clear with occasional sleet showers and a south-west wind - good for walking but not much else. Setting off in a westerly direction from the hut, we followed an odd snow pole or two and a few cairns to Basin Lake where the track petered out. The saddle over to Lake Balmoral is easy to locate - in clear weather! Looking back after passing Balmoral, the rook formation which forms the lake is most interesting. Continuing generally westward, Lake Mackenzie is next with the Hydro Electricity Commission's hut nestling amongst the trees on the far bank. We 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's Gullett into the Mersey River. A route, well marked by poles, starts from the northern shore of Sandy Beach Lake and continues in a generally north-westerly direction to the gap whence a good track descends to Mole Creek. Crossing the plains towards the gap, Barn Bluff, Cradle Mountain, Mt. Pelion West and several other peaks, all carrying snow-drifts, came into view about 25 miles to the south-west. We hoped to see and explore these mountains about 10 days later, but I'm afraid the distant view was the only one we were to get.
--T -Q K Moie 4" De ilcifel ri(,),
- Ci V  T t
+After lunching where there was an excellent view of the principal mountains of the Cradle Mt. area, the wind blowing off snow urged us on to the gap and the Mole Creek Track where a lovely panorama opened up dominated by Mt. Claude and Mt. Roland to the north-west, the Mersey Valley and Gog Mt. to the north, and the mountains beyond Launceston 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 narrowest part. The forest has been impressive, but timber-getters have made inroads into the best stands of trees. Arriving at the bottom in the evening we surprised a family of rabbits having their supper - apparently no myxamatosis here. Two young men in a utility offered transport to Mole Creek and kindly took us right to Sassafras Creek, 3 miles west of Mole Creek, to a good camping ground where we slept under threatening skies. The skies did not threaten in vain, as has been told in another article!!
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