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195808 [2016/04/07 16:41] – [A Ballady Long Walk] kennettj | 195808 [2016/04/25 20:56] (current) – [All on a Summer's Day] kennettj | ||
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immediately about were unharmed. After the nightmare journey in the country due for flooding, this was a real haven: there was even a little water in isolated holes in the creek. A dry hot wind was beginning, and clearing away the smoke overcast that had sheltered me so far, so I put a shirt on. Presumably ,I looked like the famous Pelaco advertisement. | immediately about were unharmed. After the nightmare journey in the country due for flooding, this was a real haven: there was even a little water in isolated holes in the creek. A dry hot wind was beginning, and clearing away the smoke overcast that had sheltered me so far, so I put a shirt on. Presumably ,I looked like the famous Pelaco advertisement. | ||
- | Beyond the clearing I could see the hazy ridges where Fritz Creek rises. There seemed to be no obviouS | + | Beyond the clearing I could see the hazy ridges where Fritz Creek rises. There seemed to be no obvious |
Shortly before nine I started, turning up Fritz Creek. There was a track at first, but perhaps just an animal pad, and in a mile it disappeared in thickets of scorched bushes. I was coming under the shadow of the cliffy bluff, so turned up a spur. After a few hundred feet I could see my ridge was going straight up towards the cliffs, and by ten o' | Shortly before nine I started, turning up Fritz Creek. There was a track at first, but perhaps just an animal pad, and in a mile it disappeared in thickets of scorched bushes. I was coming under the shadow of the cliffy bluff, so turned up a spur. After a few hundred feet I could see my ridge was going straight up towards the cliffs, and by ten o' | ||
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Just as the ancients boasted their deeds in song and story, so the ancients of S.B.W. prepare to blow their own battered trumpets with a repeat performance of that operatic epic "By Jet With Geof", the story of the eighty-five miler, on the free night - 20th August. | Just as the ancients boasted their deeds in song and story, so the ancients of S.B.W. prepare to blow their own battered trumpets with a repeat performance of that operatic epic "By Jet With Geof", the story of the eighty-five miler, on the free night - 20th August. | ||
+ | |||
The following Wednesday should prove to be an evening of exceptional interest as Geoff Broadhead will show movies of Eastern Asia, China and U.S.S.R. | The following Wednesday should prove to be an evening of exceptional interest as Geoff Broadhead will show movies of Eastern Asia, China and U.S.S.R. | ||
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Mick Elfick and myself comprised the team, with Mike Peryman and two other Hobnails starting from Picton. | Mick Elfick and myself comprised the team, with Mike Peryman and two other Hobnails starting from Picton. | ||
- | At 8 o' | + | At 8 o' |
- | 6.00 a m. Friday morning we stepped out of the hut and set sail for the Nattai, reaching there about 7.10 a m., After a slight delay we were away at a great rate of knots (14 m p.h.) until the Alum River hove in sight at 9 a m. Five minutes for chunder and we're off again. Martins Creek flitted past at 10.10 and we stepped across Shea's Creek at 12.20, had lunch, and were off by 1 p m. We were now following Mike Peryman' | + | 6.00 a m. Friday morning we stepped out of the hut and set sail for the Nattai, reaching there about 7.10 a m. After a slight delay we were away at a great rate of knots (4 m p.h.) until the Alum River hove in sight at 9 a m. Five minutes for chunder and we're off again. Martins Creek flitted past at 10.10 and we stepped across Shea's Creek at 12.20, had lunch, and were off by 1 p m. We were now following Mike Peryman' |
staggered to the ' | staggered to the ' | ||
- | (The leader says the party must walk faster.) After a couple of minutes break for a drink, we began to stalk towards Bimlow. Having side-stepped at least two of the Sergeant Major' | + | (The leader says the party must walk faster.) After a couple of minutes break for a drink, we began to stalk towards Bimlow. Having side-stepped at least two of the Sergeant Major' |
6.00 Saturday morning, three pathetic, shivering figures hobbled across the icy Cox OH THE PAIN - and then turned themselves in the direction of Mecca and shuffled along the Cox to Commodore, where Mick and Freddy must poke around inside a tank. Over the Policeman to Kill's Hut and wonder of wonders Mike is only 1 hours ahead. With fresh incentive we repair our pace and reach the Kowmung at 9.40 a m. Mick and I are both thinking - if only Geoff was here. Kanangra River showed itself at 11.30 am, twenty minutes for chunder, and then off again, reaching Harry' | 6.00 Saturday morning, three pathetic, shivering figures hobbled across the icy Cox OH THE PAIN - and then turned themselves in the direction of Mecca and shuffled along the Cox to Commodore, where Mick and Freddy must poke around inside a tank. Over the Policeman to Kill's Hut and wonder of wonders Mike is only 1 hours ahead. With fresh incentive we repair our pace and reach the Kowmung at 9.40 a m. Mick and I are both thinking - if only Geoff was here. Kanangra River showed itself at 11.30 am, twenty minutes for chunder, and then off again, reaching Harry' | ||
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In future if the camp is made at Wilsons Creek the first night (quite a reasonable and simple matter) as it should have been, the hundred miler becomes much more feasible. | In future if the camp is made at Wilsons Creek the first night (quite a reasonable and simple matter) as it should have been, the hundred miler becomes much more feasible. | ||
- | AND NOW FCR THE THREE PEAKS! | + | AND NOW FOR THE THREE PEAKS! |
====== Here I Belong ====== | ====== Here I Belong ====== | ||
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An easy walk 'twas said at first, \\ | An easy walk 'twas said at first, \\ | ||
With plenty of water to quench your thirst.\\ | With plenty of water to quench your thirst.\\ | ||
- | |||
There was big John with legs so long - \\ | There was big John with legs so long - \\ | ||
He led a party of three strong;\\ | He led a party of three strong;\\ | ||
The other two of lighter gait, \\ | The other two of lighter gait, \\ | ||
And they were not the kind to wait\\ | And they were not the kind to wait\\ | ||
- | |||
For those behind, whose lack of breath \\ | For those behind, whose lack of breath \\ | ||
Brought them all nigh to point of death.\\ | Brought them all nigh to point of death.\\ | ||
So Michael E. was to have fun,\\ | So Michael E. was to have fun,\\ | ||
With Hobnail Fred, the other one.\\ | With Hobnail Fred, the other one.\\ | ||
- | |||
With gaudy six and windswept locks, | With gaudy six and windswept locks, | ||
They were to battle the mighty Cox,\\ | They were to battle the mighty Cox,\\ | ||
Big John was for one hundred miles, \\ | Big John was for one hundred miles, \\ | ||
- | He had to prove a point you see | + | He had to prove a point you see\\ |
And also to disperse the smiles, \\ | And also to disperse the smiles, \\ | ||
Of those who scorn his artistry.\\ | Of those who scorn his artistry.\\ | ||
'Twas at Hilltop his start was made, \\ | 'Twas at Hilltop his start was made, \\ | ||
- | No moon or stars to give him aid | + | No moon or stars to give him aid \\ |
But blundered in the misting rain, | But blundered in the misting rain, | ||
On Starlight' | On Starlight' | ||
And yet before they came to harm, \\ | And yet before they came to harm, \\ | ||
- | The night was spent at Coates' | + | The night was spent at Coates' |
At first light they were then away, \\ | At first light they were then away, \\ | ||
So keen they were to start the day\\ | So keen they were to start the day\\ | ||
Down to the Nattai and thence the ' | Down to the Nattai and thence the ' | ||
- | But to cross at the junction was oh so silly. | + | But to cross at the junction was oh so silly.\\ |
Of these three gallants you'll hear no more, \\ | Of these three gallants you'll hear no more, \\ | ||
From them themselves you'll learn the score.\\ | From them themselves you'll learn the score.\\ | ||
Instead of that I have a hunch \\ | Instead of that I have a hunch \\ | ||
- | Then read about another bunch, | + | Then read about another bunch,\\ |
Another three there were to roam, \\ | Another three there were to roam, \\ | ||
They ne'er had been so far from home.\\ | They ne'er had been so far from home.\\ | ||
And as they wished to stay alive \\ | And as they wished to stay alive \\ | ||
- | They only did their eighty-five. | + | They only did their eighty-five.\\ |
'Twas not for them the moans and wails,\\ | 'Twas not for them the moans and wails,\\ | ||
For they, were only young Hobnails.\\ | For they, were only young Hobnails.\\ | ||
Their sacks were of a different hue,\\ | Their sacks were of a different hue,\\ | ||
- | To some, it was of Mitchell Blue. | + | To some, it was of Mitchell Blue.\\ |
From Picton town they made their start \\ | From Picton town they made their start \\ | ||
With lightweight packs and lighter hearts,\\ | With lightweight packs and lighter hearts,\\ | ||
Much dusty road they must traverse\\ | Much dusty road they must traverse\\ | ||
- | Before you will be through this verse. | + | Before you will be through this verse.\\ |
Many miles of road they were to see \\ | Many miles of road they were to see \\ | ||
Without the favour of M.W.S.D.B. \\ | Without the favour of M.W.S.D.B. \\ | ||
Along the ' | Along the ' | ||
- | With sweaty brows and seeded sox. | + | With sweaty brows and seeded sox.\\ |
Before them they could see but water\\ | Before them they could see but water\\ | ||
Where they were told it should not oughta be\\ | Where they were told it should not oughta be\\ | ||
'cause there should be a road \\ | 'cause there should be a road \\ | ||
- | Which was now only for for Toad. | + | Which was now only for for Toad.\\ |
So over the top they took their load,\\ | So over the top they took their load,\\ | ||
The distant mountains their only goad.\\ | The distant mountains their only goad.\\ | ||
They heard a noise - it was a jeep,\\ | They heard a noise - it was a jeep,\\ | ||
- | To the left they stalked so they could keep | + | To the left they stalked so they could keep\\ |
On going, 'cause this was a hunt \\ | On going, 'cause this was a hunt \\ | ||
- | And they were well up in front. | + | And they were well up in front.\\ |
Time drew on, but the sky was clear, \\ | Time drew on, but the sky was clear, \\ | ||
- | And Commodore' | + | And Commodore' |
But the old Cox was apt to wander\\ | But the old Cox was apt to wander\\ | ||
And they also were left to ponder\\ | And they also were left to ponder\\ | ||
Where it could be - this bend? the next?\\ | Where it could be - this bend? the next?\\ | ||
- | At last it came their hopes were fixed. | + | At last it came their hopes were fixed.\\ |
Some food was there, \\ | Some food was there, \\ | ||
they'd planned with care, | they'd planned with care, | ||
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They crossed those grassy hills,\\ | They crossed those grassy hills,\\ | ||
Over dry creek bed\\ | Over dry creek bed\\ | ||
- | Through grasses dead, | + | Through grasses dead,\\ |
All but outdone their wills.\\ | All but outdone their wills.\\ | ||
Atop the ridge, their breaths agasp,\\ | Atop the ridge, their breaths agasp,\\ | ||
In gloom beneath they heard a rasp\\ | In gloom beneath they heard a rasp\\ | ||
- | Of waters over rocks. | + | Of waters over rocks.\\ |
At last, they thought, too tired to speak, | At last, they thought, too tired to speak, | ||
"Those waters are the Cox" | "Those waters are the Cox" | ||
And so fall into bed\\ | And so fall into bed\\ | ||
- | Beside the river, a blessed shed | + | Beside the river, a blessed shed\\ |
Of sheet iron with a wooden door,\\ | Of sheet iron with a wooden door,\\ | ||
And beddings three upon the floor.\\ | And beddings three upon the floor.\\ | ||
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Refreshed in hope and vigour, | Refreshed in hope and vigour, | ||
but This dewy dawn and stinging nettle, \\ | but This dewy dawn and stinging nettle, \\ | ||
- | Could not allure from them their fettle. | + | Could not allure from them their fettle. |
The river to themselves they had \\ | The river to themselves they had \\ | ||
This time of day, and they were glad. \\ | This time of day, and they were glad. \\ | ||
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On stones along this river bed\\ | On stones along this river bed\\ | ||
So those behind could see their time And say, \\ | So those behind could see their time And say, \\ | ||
- | "Why look, we're doing fine" | + | "Why look, we're doing fine" |
Then up the Cox they met some folk \\ | Then up the Cox they met some folk \\ | ||
Who thought it must be some big joke, \\ | Who thought it must be some big joke, \\ | ||
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Don't you know you've another day". \\ | Don't you know you've another day". \\ | ||
So on they sped, they could not tarry, \\ | So on they sped, they could not tarry, \\ | ||
- | More food awaited at River Harry, | + | More food awaited at River Harry, |
No sight was greater to behold\\ | No sight was greater to behold\\ | ||
Than their delight at this untold Wealth \\ | Than their delight at this untold Wealth \\ | ||
of tins - fruit salad, cream - \\ | of tins - fruit salad, cream - \\ | ||
- | They almost thought it was a dream, | + | They almost thought it was a dream,\\ |
And as they gourmandised themselves, \\ | And as they gourmandised themselves, \\ | ||
Footsteps were heard, but not of elves. | Footsteps were heard, but not of elves. | ||
Around the bend in ruddy blush \\ | Around the bend in ruddy blush \\ | ||
- | Came the leader of the push. | + | Came the leader of the push. \\ |
Well in fore was balding Fred, \\ | Well in fore was balding Fred, \\ | ||
A flashing glow in sox of red.\\ | A flashing glow in sox of red.\\ | ||
Our shock was great at them to meet,\\ | Our shock was great at them to meet,\\ | ||
- | Their one desire, "just two new feet". | + | Their one desire, "just two new feet".\\ |
And with some words their wounds to soften, \\ | And with some words their wounds to soften, \\ | ||
- | "Oh: Do you come here often" | + | "Oh: Do you come here often" |
+ | We left them there with heavy heart \\ | ||
To have been caught with such a start,\\ | To have been caught with such a start,\\ | ||
With greater speed, above mach 1,\\ | With greater speed, above mach 1,\\ | ||
- | The Hobnails set off at a run, | + | The Hobnails set off at a run,\\ |
Their empty packs bounced on their backs,\\ | Their empty packs bounced on their backs,\\ | ||
They flew towards the six foot track, \\ | They flew towards the six foot track, \\ | ||
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They saw the walls of Narrow Neck.\\ | They saw the walls of Narrow Neck.\\ | ||
The setting sun had closed the day,\\ | The setting sun had closed the day,\\ | ||
- | But not before they found the way | + | But not before they found the way\\ |
Through fence and paddock to the road, \\ | Through fence and paddock to the road, \\ | ||
Where they at last put down their load. \\ | Where they at last put down their load. \\ | ||
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One day had never been so long,\\ | One day had never been so long,\\ | ||
A track had never been so steep,\\ | A track had never been so steep,\\ | ||
- | This Devilish Hole their breaths did keep, | + | This Devilish Hole their breaths did keep, \\ |
Their time was going, oh so fast,\\ | Their time was going, oh so fast,\\ | ||
And yet this day would not be past \\ | And yet this day would not be past \\ | ||
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The forty-eighth hour would almost be \\ | The forty-eighth hour would almost be \\ | ||
Ten minutes more, their time was through. \\ | Ten minutes more, their time was through. \\ | ||
- | But now to think of walks anew, | + | But now to think of walks anew,\\ |
A lot of country they had passed,\\ | A lot of country they had passed,\\ | ||
A walk they planned - you might have guessed, \\ | A walk they planned - you might have guessed, \\ | ||
"Now can you see those large three peaks, \\ | "Now can you see those large three peaks, \\ | ||
We'll be on those within five weeks. \\Now up you blokes, but just go slow \\ | We'll be on those within five weeks. \\Now up you blokes, but just go slow \\ | ||
- | For only one more mile to go. | + | For only one more mile to go.\\ |
I know a wondrous camping spot\\ | I know a wondrous camping spot\\ | ||
With bedding there and showers hot, | With bedding there and showers hot, | ||
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- | Watch for This Weekend | + | **Watch for This Weekend** |
Why not spend a weekend with wildflowers in our beautiful bushland, We have in store for you an interesting weekend and the fares will be the cheapest of the year. David Ingram will lead the party to base camp on Saturday to an area out from St. Ives. The stroll will be leisurely with time for afternoon tea. Your favourites, Yvonne Renwick and Edna Stretton, will lead in a campfire sing-song, Clarice Morris will be there to answer any question, whether genetic or biological. She will also deliver a short lecture on plant ecology (i e. the relationship of plant life with its environs). John Bookluck will give practical demonstrations in taking wildflower close-up photos with eye level cameras. The President, Gentle Jack, shall lead the day walk. Your co-operation and good spirits - preferably out of the bottle. Your questions, note books and hand lenses. | Why not spend a weekend with wildflowers in our beautiful bushland, We have in store for you an interesting weekend and the fares will be the cheapest of the year. David Ingram will lead the party to base camp on Saturday to an area out from St. Ives. The stroll will be leisurely with time for afternoon tea. Your favourites, Yvonne Renwick and Edna Stretton, will lead in a campfire sing-song, Clarice Morris will be there to answer any question, whether genetic or biological. She will also deliver a short lecture on plant ecology (i e. the relationship of plant life with its environs). John Bookluck will give practical demonstrations in taking wildflower close-up photos with eye level cameras. The President, Gentle Jack, shall lead the day walk. Your co-operation and good spirits - preferably out of the bottle. Your questions, note books and hand lenses. | ||
- | (c) Since I'm writing this ad. I can be long-winded.For photography \\ | + | Since I'm writing this ad. I can be long-winded.For photography \\ |
(1) Camera (whether Box Brownie or Lieca). \\ | (1) Camera (whether Box Brownie or Lieca). \\ | ||
(2) Close-up lenses - a MUST for wildflowers. A second lens is a sound investment for those who wish to further their close-up work. Make sure you bring the Focusing Tables which should be supplied with the lenses or booklet that is sold with your 35 m m. camera.\\ | (2) Close-up lenses - a MUST for wildflowers. A second lens is a sound investment for those who wish to further their close-up work. Make sure you bring the Focusing Tables which should be supplied with the lenses or booklet that is sold with your 35 m m. camera.\\ | ||
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If John or I or anyone had seen in imagination, | If John or I or anyone had seen in imagination, | ||
- | We didn't notice it at first because moonlight means nothing in a city, nor yet on the journey up in the train where the excitement was deafening. There was Nick Elfick sitting with all the calm composure of a Jack-in-the-Box - Barry like a barrel of gunpowder with the fuse alight - John was a nervous stag | + | We didn't notice it at first because moonlight means nothing in a city, nor yet on the journey up in the train where the excitement was deafening. There was Mick Elfick sitting with all the calm composure of a Jack-in-the-Box - Barry like a barrel of gunpowder with the fuse alight - John was a nervous stag |
- Freddie a pacing feline - Mick Peryman' | - Freddie a pacing feline - Mick Peryman' | ||
But when we stood there on the Neck end saw the track, a blazing meteor trail before us, and the mountains around and beyond clear, sharp, but slightly dimmed like a memory, we realised at last the magnificence of this night. | But when we stood there on the Neck end saw the track, a blazing meteor trail before us, and the mountains around and beyond clear, sharp, but slightly dimmed like a memory, we realised at last the magnificence of this night. | ||
- | So we breathed it and walked into it and the walk began, born of our effort and baptized with our sweat. We talked of Esmarelda and Rear Admiral Byrde and were at Taro's Ladder in two hours. Across Debert' | + | So we breathed it and walked into it and the walk began, born of our effort and baptized with our sweat. We talked of Esmarelda and Rear Admiral Byrde and were at Taro's Ladder in two hours. Across Debert' |
With a certain confidence the party crossed the Glens of Guess to White Dog ridge and so down to the Cox. | With a certain confidence the party crossed the Glens of Guess to White Dog ridge and so down to the Cox. | ||
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It was pleasant at ten to twelve as I lay in my bag in a leafy hollow beneath a bush to see the lights of the second group appearing on the skyline of White Dog. These ones hadn't waited at Katoomba while Snow and John bought food, so we who had caught a taxi to the Neck and as we got started without being seen, decided to arrange this surprise meeting on the Cox. John hailed them and the torches above wavered then as the fire flared and Johnny called again, it dawned on them that they had been tricked and the thin sound of faraway abuse drifted down to us on the still night air. Soon they arrived and recriminations were still in progress when I went to sleep. | It was pleasant at ten to twelve as I lay in my bag in a leafy hollow beneath a bush to see the lights of the second group appearing on the skyline of White Dog. These ones hadn't waited at Katoomba while Snow and John bought food, so we who had caught a taxi to the Neck and as we got started without being seen, decided to arrange this surprise meeting on the Cox. John hailed them and the torches above wavered then as the fire flared and Johnny called again, it dawned on them that they had been tricked and the thin sound of faraway abuse drifted down to us on the still night air. Soon they arrived and recriminations were still in progress when I went to sleep. | ||
- | It's dark, a sightless hand gropes for the torch, finds it and withdraws. Inside the sleeping bag the tired batteries flicker a tiny light and sleep-blurred eyes fumble with the figures. "Ten past fives I'm late." I shook Snow. "Hey Snowy, it's half past five:" | + | It's dark, a sightless hand gropes for the torch, finds it and withdraws. Inside the sleeping bag the tired batteries flicker a tiny light and sleep-blurred eyes fumble with the figures. "Ten past five, I'm late." I shook Snow. "Hey Snowy, it's half past five:" |
" | " | ||
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Slowly, as imperceptibly it seemed as the sunlight that moved to meet us, we climbed. Meanwhile below, along the valley of the Cox the dull grey shadows deepened to a beautiful lucid blue and as the mist dissolved, the sun itself showed clear above the ridges and it was day; delicate, dawning day. Lovely as a bride, blushing too, shedding on the world a rosy light; full of sweet promise. We wed ourselves to this day. The dawn wind brought us her kiss - night was behind and the vapours in our hearts dispelled. | Slowly, as imperceptibly it seemed as the sunlight that moved to meet us, we climbed. Meanwhile below, along the valley of the Cox the dull grey shadows deepened to a beautiful lucid blue and as the mist dissolved, the sun itself showed clear above the ridges and it was day; delicate, dawning day. Lovely as a bride, blushing too, shedding on the world a rosy light; full of sweet promise. We wed ourselves to this day. The dawn wind brought us her kiss - night was behind and the vapours in our hearts dispelled. | ||
- | Now a change was upon us. No longer we raised our feet fainfully | + | Now a change was upon us. No longer we raised our feet painfully |
Gentle' | Gentle' | ||
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We crossed Rumble, sidled Roar and nicked up the ridge at once. Maruba - Karoo, with its miniature three sisters, we skirted below the cliff then rode the thunder down. Kanangra Creek 10.50. | We crossed Rumble, sidled Roar and nicked up the ridge at once. Maruba - Karoo, with its miniature three sisters, we skirted below the cliff then rode the thunder down. Kanangra Creek 10.50. | ||
- | The creek bank was a haven of shaded green grass and the iced water tasted sweet to our dusty throats. Here we had first lunch with a might brew-up of Cocoa. At 11.30 we were pulling out again, Mike Peryman electing to make a detour round the foot of the mountain to pick up his tea dump (and incidentally, | + | The creek bank was a haven of shaded green grass and the iced water tasted sweet to our dusty throats. Here we had first lunch with a might brew-up of Cocoa. At 11.30 we were pulling out again, Mike Peryman electing to make a detour round the foot of the mountain to pick up his tea dump (and incidentally, |
Without going downstream to the main spur we cut into the climb of Paralyser South Buttress, which flew as graceful as a Swallow' | Without going downstream to the main spur we cut into the climb of Paralyser South Buttress, which flew as graceful as a Swallow' | ||
- | Around the little cairn we loafed until a quarter past, basking in the sun and eating, then roused at last by Manning " | + | Around the little cairn we loafed until a quarter past, basking in the sun and eating, then roused at last by Manning " |
- | We took the tree-studded precipaus that led towards Guouogang' | + | This last descent had found the chinks in our armour. Blisters appeared and knees began to creak. While we made repairs the deep, green gloom of afternoon spread along the narrow, shaded valley. Suddenly, on glancing down the stream, I saw an amazing thing. A pair of vivid pink socks was walking briskly towards us. As they drew closer an enormous grin appeared at an improbable distance above them, then the rest of Mick Peryman materialised. |
- | River. The sensation, he informed us, was truly alpinic. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | This last descent had found the chinks in our armour. Blisters appeared and knees began to creak. While we made repairs the deep, green gloom of afternoon spread along the narrow, shaded valley. Suddenly, on glancing down the stream, I saw an amazing thing. A pair of vivid pink socks VPS walking briskly towards us. As they drew closer an enormous grin appeared at an improbable distance above them, then the rest of Mick Peryman materialised. | + | |
Salutations were exchanged but Snow's first words betrayed his sentiments. "Did you find my tea?" Mick's smile faded back into the gloom and Snow's jaw dropped. "Who taught you to hide food?" he demanded. "It must have been a bunny rabbit" | Salutations were exchanged but Snow's first words betrayed his sentiments. "Did you find my tea?" Mick's smile faded back into the gloom and Snow's jaw dropped. "Who taught you to hide food?" he demanded. "It must have been a bunny rabbit" | ||
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" | " | ||
- | Psychologically I'd been prepared for an hour-long rest here. I already had the feeling that I'd done a good day's walk and was quite prepared to settle down for a couple of hours, leisurely cook and eat, then possibly choof a few hundred feet up the ridge for the night. Manning, Elfick, Freddy Worral and the Famous Higgins on the other hand were looking forward with keen anticipation to their stock of goodies (no less than a dozen tins) that Freddy had lugged out a few weekends previously and cached near Guauogang | + | Psychologically I'd been prepared for an hour-long rest here. I already had the feeling that I'd done a good day's walk and was quite prepared to settle down for a couple of hours, leisurely cook and eat, then possibly choof a few hundred feet up the ridge for the night. Manning, Elfick, Freddy Worral and the Famous Higgins on the other hand were looking forward with keen anticipation to their stock of goodies (no less than a dozen tins) that Freddy had lugged out a few weekends previously and cached near Guouogang |
- | By 3.30 we'd eaten everything we felt we reasonably could and began to pick our way between the nettles to the foot of the ridge. The last big climb we told each other, forgetting for the moment all about the climb back to Katoomba. | + | By 3.30 we'd eaten everything we felt we reasonably could and began to pick our way between the nettles to the foot of the ridge. The last big climb we told each other, forgetting for the moment all about the climb back to Katoomba. One thing was certain, it was the last climb for the day - our day. She had been beautiful and kept her beauty even now as her life drew to its close. The great white moon already well clear of the earth foretold her end and we toiled upwards on the twisting, spiney ridge that lay like the scaly tail of a dragon, who slept while we St. Georges took him in the rear. |
- | + | ||
- | One thing was certain, it was the last climb for the day - our day. She had been beautiful and kept her beauty even now as her life drew to its close. The great white moon already well clear of the earth foretold her end and we toiled upwards on the twisting, spiney ridge that lay like the scaly tail of a dragon, who slept while we St. Georges took him in the rear. | + | |
We mounted rocks and climbed successive bumps, we saw the twilight dim in Davies Canyon and caught the grey-white glint of water falling in Whalania Abyss. Just at the ridge head we crossed a perpendicular gully of unbelievable green, then up a bump and up a hump and up and up and up - Lord we were tired- but at last flat ground and sally scrub - the top. | We mounted rocks and climbed successive bumps, we saw the twilight dim in Davies Canyon and caught the grey-white glint of water falling in Whalania Abyss. Just at the ridge head we crossed a perpendicular gully of unbelievable green, then up a bump and up a hump and up and up and up - Lord we were tired- but at last flat ground and sally scrub - the top. | ||
Line 483: | Line 450: | ||
We called, and the answer gave us our direction through the maze of charred sally sticks to find the others settled by the trig eating. A little fire flared fitfully in the now gusty mind lighting flighty shadows on the rough stacked stones of the trig, but above the placid moon beamed confidence. We exchanged times (and the first group' | We called, and the answer gave us our direction through the maze of charred sally sticks to find the others settled by the trig eating. A little fire flared fitfully in the now gusty mind lighting flighty shadows on the rough stacked stones of the trig, but above the placid moon beamed confidence. We exchanged times (and the first group' | ||
- | But heavens - even while we watched the moon like a great cold coin gleaming in a pool, ripples of disturbance passed across the face. Drifting fingers of mist, clinging, clawing at the face of the moon, drawing up from the east the damp, beady blanket hiding the stars. Lower and lover it sank, driven by the wind and moving within itself, teeming, like a pestilence, till it enveloped us. Just like that it happened, all within three minutes, while we watched. | + | But heavens - even while we watched the moon like a great cold coin gleaming in a pool, ripples of disturbance passed across the face. Drifting fingers of mist, clinging, clawing at the face of the moon, drawing up from the east the damp, beady blanket hiding the stars. Lower and lover it sank, driven by the wind and moving within itself, teeming, like a pestilence, till it enveloped us. Just like that it happened, all within three minutes, while we watched. |
What held now we wanted to know. It might rain in five minutes or during the night, or the next morning could find our route swarthed in mist. Snow was consulted because he lived at Katoomba and should be an expert. " | What held now we wanted to know. It might rain in five minutes or during the night, or the next morning could find our route swarthed in mist. Snow was consulted because he lived at Katoomba and should be an expert. " | ||
- | Thus assured, we settled dawn for the night, most around the trig scattered wherever they could fit between the rocks, but snow and I sought shelter in the treeline just below the summit. | ||
- | Well it didn't rain and it didn't clear away, it just stayed misty and when at last after a long, long night the waning moon showed redly in the west, we decided we'd had enough of sleep so Snow got up and lit a fire by which we warmed ourselves under the pretence of drying our fleabags. The sky above the mist made luminous by the moonlight shoved darkly through, still bright with stars, Pnd | ||
- | cheered our hearts with signs of clearing. | ||
- | Next came breakfast, a miserable affair with just on half a cup of water each, but even before we'd finished we heard a cry from higher up... "Wake up waggn" signed with F.H.'s megaphone voice. In hast we crammed away the rest of breakfast and hustled up to the trig, arriving just as the Famous One gave tongue once more. We were amazed to find him and indeed all the others still at the angle of repose because - well their couch must have been even less comfortable than ours. | + | Thus assured, we settled dawn for the night, most around the trig scattered wherever they could fit between the rocks, but snow and I sought shelter in the treeline just below the summit. Well it didn't rain and it didn't clear away, it just stayed misty and when at last after a long, long night the waning moon showed redly in the west, we decided we'd had enough of sleep so Snow got up and lit a fire by which we warmed ourselves under the pretence of drying our fleabags. The sky above the mist made luminous by the moonlight shoved darkly through, still bright with stars, and cheered our hearts with signs of clearing. |
+ | |||
+ | Next came breakfast, a miserable affair with just on half a cup of water each, but even before we'd finished we heard a cry from higher up... "Wake up Wagg" signed with F.H.'s megaphone voice. In hast we crammed away the rest of breakfast and hustled up to the trig, arriving just as the Famous One gave tongue once more. We were amazed to find him and indeed all the others still at the angle of repose because - well their couch must have been even less comfortable than ours. | ||
While they ate their tins of ice cold fruit and milk; the mist about us cleared and all around below us swelled the cloud sea, cold and grey in pre-dawn light, filling the river valleys and turning the peaks to islands and peninsulas. Later as we left the sun broke from the horizon cloud and turned the stuff below to fairy floss. | While they ate their tins of ice cold fruit and milk; the mist about us cleared and all around below us swelled the cloud sea, cold and grey in pre-dawn light, filling the river valleys and turning the peaks to islands and peninsulas. Later as we left the sun broke from the horizon cloud and turned the stuff below to fairy floss. | ||
- | 18. | + | |
- | The ridge over Queahgong to Jenolan was strangely free of mountain holly. Only a tiny green sprig here and there gave a promise for future walks. At 7.30 we rested on Jenolan while Micheal | + | The ridge over Queahgong to Jenolan was strangely free of mountain holly. Only a tiny green sprig here and there gave a promise for future walks. At 7.30 we rested on Jenolan while Michael |
- | and the party was in tremendous | + | |
- | Breakfast Creek at 9.30, set about a mammoth brew-up and gorging festival. tin of cocoa was found lying on the grass like a gift from heaven, more tins of fruit and chocolates were unearthed from hiding places round abcub, | + | |
- | cocoa cooks. The Famous Higgins performing with the finesse of a traine: | + | |
- | demonstrated the advantage of thick woollen gloves when manipulating | + | |
- | he didn't spill much.) By eleven there was silence except for an occasional burp, | + | |
- | and Manning John staggered to his feet to declare " | + | |
- | through the trip and F.H. was cooking a final billy of porridge. 11.30 IAT, on our feet and moving - staggering a little, mind - but moving | + | |
- | direction of KatooMba. | + | |
The remainder of the trip? Anyone who's been that way could write. The fact is we'd eaten too much and there seemed no doubt that we'd make Katoomba in good time so we dragged our feet a bit. We made some pretence of pace along Breakfast Creek, but the climb out was an effort and the Carlon' | The remainder of the trip? Anyone who's been that way could write. The fact is we'd eaten too much and there seemed no doubt that we'd make Katoomba in good time so we dragged our feet a bit. We made some pretence of pace along Breakfast Creek, but the climb out was an effort and the Carlon' | ||
- | even worse. I'm not speaking for everyone, of course. Freddy | + | even worse. I'm not speaking for everyone, of course. Freddy |
- | ourselves up for the last lap. Walking all in orderly file we got as far as the main Neck track, then Dough Doughnut, who'd done the whole trip at a stroll, gave us all a shock by taking off at full gallop. Manning John stood the slow pace only a few minutes more, then he too forged ahead and soon disappeared. Both Nicks were now wearing socks over their sandshoes in an effort to hold them together and this tended to give the party quite an invalid flavour which we others made the most of by dawdling. There was another stop at Corral | + | ourselves up for the last lap. Walking all in orderly file we got as far as the main Neck track, then Dough Doughnut, who'd done the whole trip at a stroll, gave us all a shock by taking off at full gallop. Manning John stood the slow pace only a few minutes more, then he too forged ahead and soon disappeared. Both Micks were now wearing socks over their sandshoes in an effort to hold them together and this tended to give the party quite an invalid flavour which we others made the most of by dawdling. There was another stop at Corral |
- | coolish so we didn't linger. At Diamond Spray we came across five lumps of sugar | + | |
- | (one each) set in a neat row across the track. "Sugar for energy," | + | |
- | and the pace increased a fraction. Then best of all, just before the first quarry we saw our two speedsters and the Dace increased a whole lot. They' | + | |
Mighty bods and a mighty trip. | Mighty bods and a mighty trip. | ||
- | SCEETHING | + | **SOMETHING |
+ | |||
+ | Keep your ears tuned for details of the walking trial to be held on second weekend in September. A stack of fun and excitement for every member ofthe Club. | ||
- | Keep your ears tuned for details of the walking trial to be held on | ||
- | second weekend in September. A stack of fun and excitement for every member of | ||
- | the Club. | ||
- | 19. | ||
====== Letter to the Editor ====== | ====== Letter to the Editor ====== | ||
+ | Dear Sir, | ||
- | Dear Sir, | + | To quote the opening sentence of your July Editorial |
- | To quote the opening sentence of your July Editorial | + | |
- | "This tiger country stuff for prospective members is all very well, I sunnose, but in my opinion, it is often overdone" | + | Most applicants for prospective membership have, during the past year, have done so in search of congenial companionship, |
- | Most applicants for prospective membership have, during the Past veRre, | + | |
- | done so ih search of congenial companionship, | + | These people come to us to learn to walk and camp. It has become recognised of late, that it is the job of executive members, in particular, and club members generally, to ensure that they are afforded every assistance and encouragement. There are some prospective members who take to "tiger walks" like ducks to water, (there are several on the current list) but the majority of them need their initial six months to equip themselves with the " |
- | to enjoy the out-of-doors, | + | |
- | one of the various groups which go to make up the total Club membership. | + | |
- | These people come to us to learn to walk and camp. It has become recognised of late, that it is the job of executive members, in particular, and club: members generally, to ensure that they are afforded every assistance and encouragement. There are some prospective members who take to "tiger walks" like ducks to water, (there are several on the current list) but the majority of them need their initial six months to equip themselves with the " | + | |
fairly keen prospectives who, during the past twelve months, have become discouraged through being subjected to "some genuine suffering" | fairly keen prospectives who, during the past twelve months, have become discouraged through being subjected to "some genuine suffering" | ||
- | Consider the good training for walks to Kanangra and back offered by the " | + | |
- | but they usually wish to get out again by 8 p m. on Sunday night. | + | Consider the good training for walks to Kanangra and back offered by the " |
- | If certain prospective members wish "to suffer" | + | |
- | sometimes loss of working time on unsuspecting prospectives? | + | If certain prospective members wish "to suffer" |
too many eligible members during their prospective membership over a period of years through indifference to their welfare. | too many eligible members during their prospective membership over a period of years through indifference to their welfare. | ||
- | However, the new order seems to be well established now, whereby | + | |
- | prospective members are assisted and encouraged by the Hon. Membership Secretary and her active and not so active assistants. The fact that there is normally at least one new member welcomed at each monthly meeting augers well for the Club's future. | + | However, the new order seems to be well established now, whereby prospective members are assisted and encouraged by the Hon. Membership Secretary and her active and not so active assistants. The fact that there is normally at least one new member welcomed at each monthly meeting augers well for the Club's future. |
- | One last point, "me members who aren't particularly gifted with a flow of conversation", | + | |
- | Thank you, Mr. Editor, | + | One last point, "we members who aren't particularly gifted with a flow of conversation", |
- | attention to the forthcoming Prospectives' | + | |
- | Yours faithfully, | + | Thank you, Mr. Editor, |
+ | |||
+ | Yours faithfully,\\ | ||
David Ingram. | David Ingram. | ||
Line 545: | Line 501: | ||
+ | On my last day in Interlaken I decided to do the three passes tour whilst the weather held. The passes had only just been opened for the Summer and in some places they had only cleared for one way traffic through walls of snow. However when vehicles meet head-on, only the bus passengers panicked and the drivers seemed to know who should reverse to a safe place. There had been recent snow and the glaciers and mountain tops were wonderful - Sassen, Furks and Gletsch. I will never cease to marvel at the way the Swiss maintain their roads. In many places the roads are built up over space and the tunnels and bridges have to be seen to be believed. | ||
- | On my last day in Interlaken I decided to do the three nasses tour whilst the weather held. The passes had only just been opened for the Summer | + | Brig has lived up to all my expectations. The first morning seemed hopeful so in company with a German lady I set off for Zermatt and Gornergret. It was a grand trip with lots of field flowers and then alpine flowers |
- | and in some places they had only cleared for one way traffic through walls of snow. However when vehicles meet head-on, only the bus passengers nRnicked And the drivers seemed to know who Should reverse to a safe nlace. There had been recent' | + | |
- | Brig has lived up to all my expectations. The first morning seemed hopeful so in company with a German lady I set off for Zermatt and Gornergret. | + | Yesterday I took the postal bus to Simplon Pass. It was a doubtful day but I had quite good views of the surrounding peaks and went un to the large eagle which was built by the Swiss Army during the war. This is the Italian border and the eagle has his eyes towards Italy: I walked down for some miles and thoroughly |
- | It was a grand trip with lots of field flowers and then alpine flowers | + | enjoyed it. Talked to a car-load of English folk - the second lot I have met who shipped their cars to Italy and were driving across the continent home. However, they all seem to have a short time and stick to the main highways so that they miss a tremendous lot of interesting places. |
- | usual in this country, rushing streams and waterfalls in all directions. Zermatt is a tourist village on a plateau and from here you get wonderful glimpses of the Matterhorn. There are no cars in Zermatt - you travel by a cog railway - and the so-called taxis are horse drawn carriages. The principal hotel still has an enclosed mid-Victorian type carriage with steps un the back and glass walls and | + | |
- | a porter stands on the back steps. It is drawn by two horses, and has to be seen to be believed. There are tunnels, but you go most of the way U10 Gornergaat in the open and the views are glorious. It was a nerfect | + | Today I went to Mberel and took the zeilbahn to Riedernln which is a little tiny village at 6,392 feet and apparently |
- | Yesterday I took the postal bus to Simplon Pass. It was a doubtful day but I had quite good views of the surrounding peaks and went un to the large eagle which was built by the Swiss Army during the war. This is the Italian border and the eagle has his eyes towards Italy: I walked down for some miles And thoroughly | + | is most intriguing however. What I had thought from above to be broad river flats over the way turned out to be a plateau about 2,000 feet up: From Riederalp I had a lovely walk through the Aletsch Natural Park flora and fauna reserve. Had good views of the Lletsch glacier, said to be the largest ice-sea in Europe. I strolled through pine woods with snow drifts here and there and tiny tarns and always lovely flowers - buttercups, violas, gentions, mauve and white snow bells (these are lovely little fringed bells) mountain roses and lots of others. Most of the mountain tops are hidden in clouds and it was not good weather for photography, |
- | enjoyed it. Talked to a car-load of English folk - the second lot I have met whO shipped their cars to Italy and were driving across the continent home. However, they all seem to have a Short time and stick to the main highways so that they miss a tremendous lot of interesting places. | + | |
- | Today I went to Mberel and took the zeilbahn to Riedernln which is a little tiny village at 6,392 feet and apparently | + | |
- | is most intriguing however. What I had thought from above to be broad river | + | |
- | flats over the way turned out to be a plateau about 2,000 feet up: From Riederalp I had a lovely walk through the Aletsch Natural Park flora and fauna reserve. Had | + | |
- | good views of the Lletsch glacier, said to be the largest ice-sea in Eurone. I strolled through pine woods with snow drifts here and there and tiny tarns and | + | |
- | always lovely flowers - buttercups, violas, gentions, mauve and white snow bells | + | |
- | (these are lovely little fringed bells) mountain roses and lots of others. Most | + | |
- | of the mountain tops are hidden in clouds and it was not good weather for photography, | + | |
- | 44. | + | |
- | -lirviss, | + | |
- | Are, itok, aelom | + | |
- | _44 | + | |
- | 1,11i Eig | + | |
- | / | + | |
- | orsisamtvi, | + | |
- | ior : | + | |
====== The Humble Tent Peg ====== | ====== The Humble Tent Peg ====== | ||
It isn't often that Paddy is moved to publish the unsolicited testimonial type of letter but | It isn't often that Paddy is moved to publish the unsolicited testimonial type of letter but | ||
- | here is portion of one he received that was simply signed - "Newly Weds" | + | here is portion of one he received that was simply signed - "Newly Weds".\\ |
- | Dear. 11k.. Pallin, | + | Dear. Mr Pallin,\\ |
- | We have just undertaken that expensive operation of setting up house and would like to express our gratitude at the economy and the quality of what is possibly the most useful | + | We have just undertaken that expensive operation of setting up house and would like to express our gratitude at the economy and the quality of what is possibly the most useful article you produce - the tent peg. In the kitchen, not only as a skewer and cake tester, but when we have guests they look |
- | article you produce - the tent peg. | + | most attractive holding our kebabs. As well as this, Ethel finds them very useful for a stitch holder. |
- | In the kitchen, not only as a skewer and | + | |
- | cake tester, but when we have guests they look | + | Paddy mould like to point out that they will also keep a tent firm in any weather as though they had been made for the job, and to mention that he has innumerable other little items for the walking bod of equal quality & adaptability. |
- | most attractive holding our kabobs. As well | + | |
- | as this, Ethel finds them very useful for a | + | PADDY PALLIN |
- | stitch holder. | + | |
- | Paddy mould like to point out that they mill | + | |
- | also keep a tent firm in any weather as though they had been made for the job, and to mention that he has innumerable other little | + | |
- | Pit" | + | |
- | -114*- arez | + | |
- | PADDY PAWN | + | |
Lightweight Camp Gear | Lightweight Camp Gear | ||
201 CASTLE REACH St SYDNEY | 201 CASTLE REACH St SYDNEY | ||
195808.txt · Last modified: 2016/04/25 20:56 by kennettj