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 |Social Doings for February|Pam Baker| 3|
 |At Our January Meeting|Alex Colley| 4|
-|Where Did They Go ?|| 5|
+|Where Did They Go ?| | 5|
 |Descent of Hay Creek Canyon|Dot Butler| 6|
-|Hatswell's Taxi & Tourist Service Advertisement|| 9|
+|Hatswell's Taxi & Tourist Service Advertisement| | 9|
 |Illawong Ski Lodge|Frank Leyden| 9|
 |Sanitarium Health Food Shop Advertisement| | 11|
@@ Line 30: / Line 30: @@
 |Watch Out For the Indians|Keith Renwick| 16|
-PROMENADE NEAR HOME.
-Kath McKay
+===== Promenade Near Home =====
-They say that if you walk for ten minutes away from the main road you find solitude, and it is very nearly true. Certainly you have to endure a stretch of populous highway, with a string of cars racing from point to point in the shortest possible time, bit once you turn down a side road, peace descends.
-They have built an ultra-modern school in the street I chose, in ground -where - - - there was once an old homestead and capacious stables to house six or seven vehicles. All that has been swept away, but an avenue of tall pines betrays the age of the place. To be sure, there is now a bituMened street where once was grass, but cones still drop on the turf sidewalks and the wind sighs as it always did through the pine-needles.
+By Kath McKay
-Dinky little bungalows have cropped up between the decaying older houses, and maw-of them sport artistic mme-plates on their fronts. One of these, with a
-.
+They say that if you walk for ten minutes away from the main road you find solitude, and it is very nearly true. Certainly you have to endure a stretch of populous highway, with a string of cars racing from point to point in the shortest possible time, but once you turn down a side road, peace descends.
-drawing of a somnolent Mexican beneath a cactus, bore the name Astala Vista, I paused awhile, saying the phrase over to myself. Of coarse: hasta la vista: the same as au revoir, auf viedersehen, a rivederci, be seeing you
-A boy, hosing his lawn, lowered the jet of water so that his dog might lap thirstily from it. Farther on, past the cushions of buffalo grass and the huge creamy blossoms of magnolia, a sign DATUM POST brought me up short again. A homemade legend told the world that on June 8th, 1956, at 3.30 p m., the land, one acre, one rood, was occupied by the undersigned for the purpose of prospecting. Prospecting? For what? Gold? Oil? The land, all overgrown, bounded by -waving hedges, lay undisturbed in the sunlight, bearing only in the lush grass rank on rank of flaming cannas, yellow and red, and the flower we used to call red-hot pokers.
+They have built an ultra-modern school in the street I chose, in ground where there was once an old homestead and capacious stables to house six or seven vehicles. All that has been swept away, but an avenue of tall pines betrays the age of the place. To be sure, there is now a bitumened street where once was grass, but cones still drop on the turf sidewalks and the wind sighs as it always did through the pine needles.
-Leaving the puzzle, I came next to a bowling green, four rinks no lese, one still under construction, very prosperous-looking in its wild surroundings, with flannelled figures gesticulating earnestly in the distance.
-On into the waste land again, where dock and fennel and reeds and red bottle- brush thrive,. and so to a. footbridge that T had heard tell of. It spans a lagoon, and be its advent parents living in the district were loud in their complaints because their offspring had to walk round at least a mile to attend a school set
+Dinky little bungalows have cropped up between the decaying older houses, and many of them sport artistic name plates on their fronts. One of these, with a drawing of a somnolent Mexican beneath a cactus, bore the name hasta la vista, I paused awhile, saying the phrase over to myself. Of coarse: hasta la vista: the same as au revoir, auf wiedersehen, a rivederci, be seeing you .....
-only a few yards away on the opposite brink. Working bees were formed to build
-earth approaches through the marsh, and at last the local council, shamed into- action, contributed a tidy footbridge over the actual water.
+A boy, hosing his lawn, lowered the jet of water so that his dog might lap thirstily from it. Farther on, past the cushions of buffalo grass and the huge creamy blossoms of magnolia, a sign DATUM POST brought me up short again. A homemade legend told the world that on June 8th, 1956, at 3.30 p m., the land, one acre, one rood, was occupied by the undersigned for the purpose of prospecting. Prospecting? For what? Gold? Oil? The land, all overgrown, bounded by waving hedges, lay undisturbed in the sunlight, bearing only in the lush grass rank on rank of flaming cannas, yellow and red, and the flower we used to call red-hot pokers.
-The lagoon narrows there into a tidal creek, and the landscape was practically without figures. A man was walking his cocker spaniel; wild duck, absorbed in
-their awn affairs, paddled in the melaleuca-shaded upper reaches; seated at the
+Leaving the puzzle, I came next to a bowling green, four rinks no less, one still under construction, very prosperous-looking in its wild surroundings, with flannelled figures gesticulating earnestly in the distance.
-water's edge a fisherman brooded over his rod with his wife beside him. Atleast, I suppose sha was his wife: she was silent, anyway
-Only a few streets away there was the rush and bustle of a normal Sunday afternoon. It was good to know that here, quite close to-home, was tho- peaee and spaciousness of the mild.
+On into the waste land again, where dock and fennel and reeds and red bottle brush thrive, and so to a footbridge that I had heard tell of. It spans a lagoon, and before its advent parents living in the district were loud in their complaints because their offspring had to walk round at least a mile to attend a school set
-THE ANNUAL REUNION. DATE: llth-12th March.
+only a few yards away on the opposite brink. Working bees were formed to build earth approaches through the marsh, and at last the local council, shamed into action, contributed a tidy footbridge over the actual water.
-LCCATION: Wood's Creek (On Gro- e River).
-TRAIN: 1.09 p m. from Central on Saturday - arrives Richpond 2.51 p m.
+The lagoon narrows there into a tidal creek, and the landscape was practically without figures. A man was walking his cocker spaniel; wild duck, absorbed in their awn affairs, paddled in the melaleuca-shaded upper reaches; seated at the water's edge a fisherman brooded over his rod with his wife beside him. Atleast, I suppose she was his wife: she was silent, anyway .....
+Only a few streets away there was the rush and bustle of a normal Sunday afternoon. It was good to know that here, quite close to home, was the peace and spaciousness of the wild.
+===== The Annual Reunion =====
+Date: 11th-12th March.
+Location: Wood's Creek (On Grose River).
+Train: 1.09 pm. from Central on Saturday - arrives Richpond 2.51 pm.
 Private transport will be used to take train travellers to Wood's Creek.
-If you can't organise a lift for yourself ..
-OR If you can provide transport for one or two ..
+If you can't organise a lift for yourself .. OR
-Please contact The Transport Organiser, Eric Adcock. Phone  UA3257.
+If you can provide transport for one or two ..
-NOTE: If rivers are flooded, Reunion will be held at Long Angle Gully.
+Please contact The Transport Organiser, Eric Adcock. Phone UA3257.
+Note: If rivers are flooded, Reunion will be held at Long Angle Gully.
-SOCIAL DOINGS FOR FEBRUARY.
+===== Social Doings For February =====
-TH FEBRUARY Er. Waterhouse will be giving an illustrated talk on Australian Birds.
-ND FEBRUARY Once again the Bush Music Club will be entertaining us. If you recall their visit a couple of years ago, you'll remember - that both S.B.W's and artists all had a good evening. We may hear some songs from our own song book, as the Bush Music Club now have a copy.
+**15th February**
+Mr. Waterhouse will be giving an illustrated talk on Australian Birds.
+**22nd February**
+Once again the Bush Music Club will be entertaining us. If you recall their visit a couple of years ago, you'll remember - that both S.B.W. and artists all had a good evening. We may hear some songs from our own song book, as the Bush Music Club now have a copy.
 Supper will be served both nights.
-Charge: Same as usual (17-). Tea and Coffee.
+Charge: Same as usual (1/-). Tea and Coffee.
-MARCH 15TH See Notice Board for details.
-MARCH 22ND We will be hearing Michael Samtell talk on Australia - as
+**15th March**
-it was, as it is and as it should be.
+See Notice Board for details.
+**22nd March**
+We will be hearing Michael Sawtell talk on Australia - as it was, as it is and as it should be.
 Supper again.
-MARCH 29TH Free Night.
- I
+**29th March**
-WALKS PRCGRAMME ALTERATION.
+Free Night.
-Walk 24, to be led by Greg. Grennan, will now be on 25-26th Febrnaryl not /4-5th March as prevlousiy advurtised. See leader for details.
- The rezt Walks Programme ewers the active season of the year , May - August. See Walks Se crtary fric Adcock and help fill in the empty spaces; then write a few 1112,9z1. about the proposed trip and send it to the Editor far the Magazine Walking G104:3
-DON'T MISS ITS!:
+===== Walks Program Alteration =====
-The Annual Swimming Carnival on February 18th-19th
-at Lake Eckersley. Good camping, campfire on Saturday night.
+**Walk 24** to be led by Greg Grennan, will now be on 25-26th February, not 4-5th March as prevlousiy advertised. See leader for details.
-Easy two and a half-mile walk from Heathcote Station. Trains: 12.50 p m. Saturday
-or 8.50 a m. Sunday.
+The next Walks Programme covers the active season of the year May-August. See Walks Secertary Eric Adcock and help fill in the empty spaces; then write a few lines about the proposed trip and send it to the Editor far the Magazine Walking Guide.
+===== Don't Miss It ! =====
+The Annual Swimming Carnival on February 18th-19th at Lake Eckersley. Good camping, campfire on Saturday night.
+Easy two and a half-mile walk from Heathcote Station. Trains: 12.50 pm. Saturday or 8.50 a m. Sunday.
 See Notice Board for further details.
-PHOTOGRAPHERS
-For all your needs, at a considerable saving, =tact Stuart Brooks.
-AT OUR JANUARY hEETING.
+===== Photographers =====
-- Alex Colley.
-Our meeting commenced with a welcome by the President to new meMber Phyllis Bell, apologies from a number of people still on holiday, including our Club and Social Secretaries, and a welcome to Lynette Baber, back after two years abroad.
+For all your needs, at a considerable saving, contact Stuart Brooks.
-In a verbal report on Federation matters, Geof Wagg told us that Myles Dunphy had had an interview with Water Board authorities on the possibility of including Eanangra Tops in the Blue Mbuntains National Park. The Board told him that it was the intenbionto police the area more thoroughly and perhaps close the Kanangra Road so as to exclude people from the catchment area. There was, however, hope, Myles thoughy, of permission for organised bodies to enter the area. A road had already
-been constructed to Medlow Gap and Cedar Creek. There was a large clearing there, which, Brian Harvey told us, was for landing helicopters carrying fire fighters.
-Next the reunion site - wood's Creek - was agreed upon, and Malcolm McGregor, John White, Edna Stretton, Greg Grennan and Dave Brown elected to the reunion committee.
+===== At Our January Meeting =====
-Jack Gentle reminded'lls-that the annual-election-Bic Club officeii was approach-
-ing and that Bob Duncan, our Secretary, would be going overseas so wouldn't be  available this year. - He would be happy too if-someone would take over the President's job.
+By Alex Colley.
- Allan Hardie informed that, in a shack on the ridge between Burning Palms and
-Era, a sign had been displayed advertising an estate agenay milling to negotiate the buying and selling of shacks. Jack:Wren informed us that, in addition, the frame
+Our meeting commenced with a welcome by the President to new member Phyllis Bell, apologies from a number of people still on holiday, including our Club and Social Secretaries, and a welcome to Lynette Baber, back after two years abroad.
-of another hut was going up at Era. The continuance of Shacks at Era was, Wilf Hilder'pointed out, in direct contradiction to the Minister for Land's declared
-policy, put into effect at Palm Beach and elsewhere, of clearing squatters from
+In a verbal report on Federation matters, Geof Wagg told us that Myles Dunphy had had an interview with Water Board authorities on the possibility of including Kanangra Tops in the Blue Mountains National Park. The Board told him that it was the intention to police the area more thoroughly and perhaps close the Kanangra Road so as to exclude people from the catchment area. There was however hope, Myles thought, of permission for organised bodies to enter the area. A road had already been constructed to Medlow Gap and Cedar Creek. There was a large clearing there which, Brian Harvey told us, was for landing helicopters carrying fire fighters.
-public lands. It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of Federations
-Ray Kirkby put forward a suggestion that retiring Club officers should leave notes for their successors on the way their jobs should be done. This would make it much easier for incoming officers, who often had to find out from scratch how to
+Next the reunion site - Woods Creek - was agreed upon, and Malcolm McGregor, John White, Edna Stretton, Greg Grennan and Dave Brown elected to the reunion committee.
-do the work. It was pointed out that there was already a motion to this effect,
-and that it should be adhered to. There was in fact a black notebook in which
+Jack Gentle reminded us that the annual election of Club officers was approaching and that Bob Duncan, our Secretary, would be going overseas so wouldn't be available this year. He would be happy too if someone would take over the President's job.
-these things were written. Ray replied that he was so nettled at not being handed
-a prepared portfolio when he took office, that he -wished to point out that the only information he had ever been given from that black book was wrong.
+Allan Hardie informed that, in a shack on the ridge between Burning Palms and Era, a sign had been displayed advertising an estate agency willing to negotiate the buying and selling of shacks. Jack Wren informed us that, in addition, the frame of another hut was going up at Era. The continuance of Shacks at Era was, Wilf Hilder pointed out, in direct contradiction to the Minister for Lands declared policy, put into effect at Palm Beach and elsewhere, of clearing squatters from public lands. It was decided to leave the matter in the hands of Federation.
-The President then gave us a down.-to.--earth talk on the walks prggramme, the theme being no walks no programme, no walking no prospective s, no prospectives and soon no club.
-Wilf Hilder then gave us an interesting dissertation on the subject of roads,
+Ray Kirkby put forward a suggestion that retiring Club officers should leave notes for their successors on the way their jobs should be done. This would make it much easier for incoming officers, who often had to find out from scratch how to do the work. It was pointed out that there was already a motion to this effect, and that it should be adhered to. There was in fact a black notebook in which these things were written. Ray replied that he was so nettled at not being handed a prepared portfolio when he took office, that he wished to point out that the only information he had ever been given from that black book was wrong.
-water pipes, erosion of bull-dozed tracks, and the general determination of_all-----------
-. .  - -__ _
+The President then gave us a down-to-earth talk on the walks programme, the theme being no walks no programme, no walking no prospectives, no prospectives and soon no club.
-authorities to thoroily lou-se Up the bush for mallferS. However, just as he was warming to his themehe was ruled out of order because there was no motion about anything.
-Our meeting ended with 6. message from Roy Craggs that he mould like to hear
+Wilf Hilder then gave us an interesting dissertation on the subject of roads, water pipes, erosion of bulldozed tracks, and the general determination of all authorities to thoroughly louse up the bush for walkers. However, just as he was warming to his theme he was ruled out of order because there was no motion about anything.
-from Kokoda trail starars by not later than February 20th.
+Our meeting ended with a message from Roy Craggs that he mould like to hear from Kokoda trail starters by not later than February 20th.
-TvVIIIERE DID THEY GO?
-AT CHRIST= --
-Jack Gentle 's party of 8 toured Tassie - the Reserve, Hobart, 0 Port Arthur
+===== Where Did They Go ? =====
+==== At Christmas ====
+Jack Gentle's party of 8 toured Tassie - the Reserve, Hobart, Port Arthur
 and
-Dot Butler's party of 6 visited the Reserve and Franchman's.
-Bob Jones was with a Melbourne group who conquered the unclimbed face of Federation Peak. Are hope far more details of this later on. The climb included an unscheduled (we presume) overnight stop in a chimney.
+Dot Butler's party of 6 visited the Reserve and Frenchman's.
-Geof Wagg led 6 members on a leisurely trip through Morong Deep (Ginkin to Hanrahan's Creek). Mater was running a bit high but weather mostly good and the swimming delightful.
+Bob Jones was with a Melbourne group who conquered the unclimbed face of Federation Peak. We hope far more details of this later on. The climb included an unscheduled (we presume) overnight stop in a chimney.
+Geof Wagg led 6 members on a leisurely trip through Morong Deep (Ginkin to Hanrahans Creek). Water was running a bit high but weather mostly good and the swimming delightful.
 Others at Era.
-ANNIVERSARY 1NEEEEND
-Bob Duncan and party of 8 walked in the Bawley Point - Pebbly Beach area. The leader reports discovery of a new gourmet's delight - sea fleas. See R.A.D. for details.
-i
-,
-George Gray's party (6) visited Guthega area, climbed around Twynam,
-slid down the still extensive snt pat#hes and enjoyed magnificent views and good weather while Sydney sweltered. be Snowy, fed by nearby snow patches, was just right for swimming. (We're serioUs about this!)
-Frank Young's party of 4 motored to Coolamen - caves, trout fishing, panning far gold.
-Dozens of S.BAT's 1 Burning Palms (see elsewhere).
-There must be many other trips of which we've heard nothing. If YOU'have been walking recently write and tell us about it - members are always interested in Nho Went 'Where.
-CONGRATULATIONS TO
-.  Evelyn Esgate and Michael Elfick married on 14th January. They are at present in Cooma and expect to be living at Jindabyne (S.M.A.)
-  Nan and Paddy Bourke on the arrival of a son - Brian and Jean and Alan Nilson, a daughter - Heather.
-DESCENT OF HAY CREEK CANYON.
-- Dot Butler.
-How many people, spending a laq7 weekend at Bluegum Forest, realise What a terrific opportunity for excitement and adventure lies waiting for them just around the corner, so to speak. All these
-years of Bushwalking and the Club is only just becom-
-ing aware of Hay Creek
-Canyon!
-It was EIelyn's official walk, but as Mick was the only one Who had been there before, he took over the responsibility in the Canyon - an excellent arrangement.'
-r,
-k't
-Jjj
-Evelyn ushered twelve of her starters down from Perry's in the dark hours of Friday night. Helen, the lucky- thirteenth, was at a -party and was going to come up on the paper train and meet us early next morning at the Pinnacles, on the way to Hay Creek.
-We camped about midnight in the Forest, filled with the good intc,ntion of rising early, but you know how good resolutions have a way of evaporating overnight. During breakfast preparations there were a few pangs of conscience as one or another thought of Helen waiting up top for her party, but even that didn't seem to increase the speed of their champing jaws. However, some time after 8 a m. we were on our way, carrying only ropes and a jumper and a packet of lunch each. We followed the track up and over Iockley's Pylon, and then headed off through the scrub towards a convenient
-entry to the Canyon. Helen was duly collected coming down the ridge to meet us, She had been waiting some hours and was wondering -what had become of us. She informed us blithely that she had no lunch - a crow had got off with it, paper bag and all, She saw the thief Shake off the paper bag in mid-flight, but her lurrheon roll she never Saw again. We tested her reflexes to see if the was in a fit state to do the trip, and in spite of some misgivings decided we'd chance it and take her with us,
-last we came to a shallow gully which was the place to enter the Canyon, It was quite easy going along its bed, and we found oIrselves wondering When we were going to COMB to the really hairy places hinted at by Mick. Lbout lunch time we encountered the first obstacle - a deep pool enclosed by walls of black rock - the obvious place to stop and eat if you planned to have your sandwiches dry, because a swim seed inevitable. However Dot pioneered a way round the rock:wail on the left hand side, and was followed by Wendy and Shaw and George, and later by Rona and Robert the Duncan. 'This dividing of the party also meant; people were separated from their lunches, but with true community spirit each ate wme lunch, either his own or someone else's, and even no-lunch-Helen was catered for. Lunch finished, the advance par-by sat on rocks of a tributary watercourse and watched the rearguard making a tcugh descent from their first pool by abseiling down a 15 ft. rock wall. Nick and Ben were organising the thaw, and it looked as though Lyndsey and Helen weren't finding it too easy. However at last they were dawn and the party was all together
-again.
-The water
+==== Anniversary Weekend ====
-in the canyon
-had now gathered
+Bob Duncan and party of 8 walked in the Bawley Point - Pebbly Beach area. The leader reports discovery of a new gourmets delight - sea fleas. See R.A.D. for details.
-speed and
-urgency, The
+George Gray's party (6) visited Guthega area, climbed around Twynam, slid down the still extensive snow patches and enjoyed magnificent views and good weather while Sydney sweltered. The Snowy, fed by nearby snow patches, was just right for swimming. (We're serious about this!)
-full volume was
-roaring into a
+Frank Young's party of 4 motored to Coolamen - caves, trout fishing, panning for gold.
-deep black chasm
-blocked by a
+Dozens of S.B.W. at Burning Palms (see elsewhere).
-bulky chock
-stone the size
+There must be many other trips of which we've heard nothing. If you have been walking recently write and tell us about it - members are always interested in Who Went Where.
-of a large tondo-
-.
+==== Congratulations To ====
-stone, and it was on this precarious perch,
-vibrating ominous-
+Evelyn Esgate and Michael Elfick married on 14th January. They are at present in Cooma and expect to be living at Jindabyne (S.M.A.)
-ly under the impact of the water's blows, that the whole party had to assemble in order to negotiate the next
-hazard. Dot
+Nan and Paddy Bourke on the arrival of a son - Brian.
-climbed dawn to
-have a preview,
+Jean and Alan Wilson, a daughter - Heather.
-and the full
-horror of the
-situation burst
+===== Descent of Hay Creek Canyon =====
-S.
-upon her: a great dark twisted chasm, the bottom of which could not be sighted, its walls black and sliqy and utterly devoid of toe holds, made even more hazardous by the water pouring down it and leaping out as a waterfall which disappeared in a white flurry into the cryptic depths. Are we really going to inveigle inexperienced abseilers into that! Putt's 250 ft. pylon rope doubled for abseiling will just get a person down to yon small ledge under the waterfall, but what hidden problems lie beyond? Still,. Mick: was confident the party could do it, and his optimism won the day. Some previous climbers had left a great thick: hawser tied to the chockstone. It had been lying in the mater for who knows how long and it waS frayed in places,
+By Dot Butler
-but we decided to use it as a safety rope for what it was worth, to give the illusion, of security to our beginners as we directed them over the umderaut rim of the chasm. Snow was asked to go down first and wait on the ledge some 100 ft. below to catch the beginners as they came down - or merely to give them courage by his presence. (ffe didn't notice whether he had his rum bottle in his parka pocket, but we hoped so as the first hour slipped by and bodies were still descending.) We sent the girls down first, and the courage and trust of these your untried lasses was really touching. "Go on, over you go Foxa. I've got hold of the safety rope". "Get started Rona; it's just cat'smeat". "Down you go Lyndsey; Snow's waiting down there to receive you when you reach the ledge." One at a time hick organised them down as on a conveyor belt to the jumping off place. Dot tied the safety rope round their waist, and with words of encouragement each was duly despatched.
-Then it came to the boys' turn. Snow, still crouching on his ledge with the waterfall pouring on to his parka-hooded head, was amazed to find the water suddenly changed course and instead of pouring down on his head it now came down in two parallel chutes on either side of him. An astounded glance upward revealed the reason - the Dalai was coming down horizontally instead of vertically. The waterfall hit him in the middle of the back and was deflected off his body via the head and feet. Wonderful: Only the Dalai could think up that variation.
+How many people, spending a lazy weekend at Bluegum Forest, realise what a terrific opportunity for excitement and adventure lies waiting for them just around the corner, so to speak. All these
-Carl, complaining that everyone Should know he was not a climber, went down without a hitch. When George and Ben reached the ledge they saw the rest of the
+years of Bushwalking and the Club is only just becoming aware of Hay Creek Canyon!
-party swimming through the water of the deep narrow gorge. Surely it should be
-possible to avoid an icy bath by progressing along above the water with feet on one wall and hands on the opposite -wall. It was worth a try anyhow, but as the walls got
+It was Evelyn's official walk, but as Mick was the only one who had been there before, he took over the responsibility in the Canyon - an excellent arrangement.
-wider apart they finished up swimming like the rest. Finally Dot and Mick came down
-and the abseil rope was pulled down. Poor Snow, almost congealed into an icy mass, vacated his post under the waterfall after nearly two hours, and swam stiffly to the  opposite end of the pool. Someone who Showed a tendency to sink was saying it was all Helen's fault; she drank so much liquor at the party that alcohol was seeping
+Evelyn ushered twelve of her starters down from Perry's in the dark hours of Friday night. Helen, the lucky- thirteenth, was at a party and was going to come up on the paper train and meet us early next morning at the Pinnacles, on the way to Hay Creek.
-out of all her pores, thereby lessening the surface tension of the water and making -
-floating more difficult. Helen, who was doing a bit of sinking harself, hotly denied this. She had purposely drunk nothing but orange juice.
+We camped about midnight in the Forest, filled with the good intention of rising early, but you know how good resolutions have a way of evaporating overnight. During breakfast preparations there were a few pangs of conscience as one or another thought of Helen waiting up top for her party, but even that didn't seem to increase the speed of their champing jaws. However, some time after 8 am we were on our way, carrying only ropes and a jumper and a packet of lunch each. We followed the track up and over Lockley's Pylon, and then headed off through the scrub towards a convenient entry to the Canyon. Helen was duly collected coming down the ridge to meet us. She had been waiting some hours and was wondering what had become of us. She informed us blithely that she had no lunch - a crow had got off with it, paper bag and all. She saw the thief shake off the paper bag in mid-flight, but her luncheon roll she never saw again. We tested her reflexes to see if she was in a fit state to do the trip, and in spite of some misgivings decided we'd chance it and take her with us.
-A bit mbre rock clambering, rope work and swimming and then we were out in a wider section of the gorge. Quickly the boys lit two fires and we all stood around
-thawing out and drying our clothes. Rona 'a waterlogged jumper, however, remained
+At last we came to a shallow gully which was the place to enter the Canyon. It was quite easy going along its bed, and we found ourselves wondering when we were going to come to the really hairy places hinted at by Mick. About lunch time we encountered the first obstacle - a deep pool enclosed by walls of black rock - the obvious place to stop and eat if you planned to have your sandwiches dry, because a swim seemed inevitable. However Dot pioneered a way round the rock wall on the left hand side, and was followed by Wendy and Snow and George, and later by Rona and Robert the Duncan. This dividing of the party also meant people were separated from their lunches, but with true community spirit each ate some lunch, either his own or someone else's, and even no-lunch-Helen was catered for. Lunch finished, the advance party sat on rocks of a tributary watercourse and watched the rearguard making a tough descent from their first pool by abseiling down a 15 ft rock wall. Nick and Ben were organising the show, and it looked as though Lyndsey and Helen weren't finding it too easy. However at last they were down and the party was all together again.
-stretched below her knees like a fashionable sack-suit.
-The rest of the gorge was just a walk out now, and we all scooted back:to Blue- gum Forest by dark and told Heather the highlights of the trip.
+The water in the canyon had now gathered speed and urgency. The full volume was roaring into a deep black chasm
-The Outward Bound instructors are keen to co-operate with Rock Climbing Clubs in classifying all the climbs we do. Let it be put on record that Hay CreekCazron is in the super severe class, M and three stars and see that you're insured.
+blocked by a bulky chock stone the size of a large tombstone, and it was on this precarious perch, vibrating ominously under the impact of the water's blows, that the whole party had to assemble in order to negotiate the next hazard. Dot climbed down to have a preview, and the full horror of the situation burstupon her: a great dark twisted chasm, the bottom of which could not be sighted, its walls black and slimy and utterly devoid of toe holds, made even more hazardous by the water pouring down it and leaping out as a waterfall which disappeared in a white flurry into the cryptic depths. Are we really going to inveigle inexperienced abseilers into that! Putt's 250 ft nylon rope doubled for abseiling will just get a person down to yon small ledge under the waterfall, but what hidden problems lie beyond? Still, Mick was confident the party could do it, and his optimism won the day. Some previous climbers had left a great thick hawser tied to the chockstone. It had been lying in the water for who knows how long and it was frayed in places, but we decided to use it as a safety rope for what it was worth, to give the illusion of security to our beginners as we directed them over the undercut rim of the chasm. Snow was asked to go down first and wait on the ledge some 100 ft below to catch the beginners as they came down - or merely to give them courage by his presence. (We didn't notice whether he had his rum bottle in his parka pocket, but we hoped so as the first hour slipped by and bodies were still descending.) We sent the girls down first, and the courage and trust of these young untried lasses was really touching. "Go on, over you go Foxa. I've got hold of the safety rope". "Get started Rona; it's just cat's smeat". "Down you go Lyndsey; Snow's waiting down there to receive you when you reach the ledge." One at a time Mick organised them down as on a conveyor belt to the jumping off place. Dot tied the safety rope round their waist, and with words of encouragement each was duly despatched.
+Then it came to the boys turn. Snow, still crouching on his ledge with the waterfall pouring on to his parka-hooded head, was amazed to find the water suddenly changed course and instead of pouring down on his head it now came down in two parallel chutes on either side of him. An astounded glance upward revealed the reason - the Dalai was coming down horizontally instead of vertically. The waterfall hit him in the middle of the back and was deflected off his body via the head and feet. Wonderful ! Only the Dalai could think up that variation.
+Carl, complaining that everyone should know he was not a climber, went down without a hitch. When George and Ben reached the ledge they saw the rest of the party swimming through the water of the deep narrow gorge. Surely it should be possible to avoid an icy bath by progressing along above the water with feet on one wall and hands on the opposite -wall. It was worth a try anyhow, but as the walls got wider apart they finished up swimming like the rest. Finally Dot and Mick came down and the abseil rope was pulled down. Poor Snow, almost congealed into an icy mass, vacated his post under the waterfall after nearly two hours, and swam stiffly to the  opposite end of the pool. Someone who showed a tendency to sink was saying it was all Helen's fault; she drank so much liquor at the party that alcohol was seeping out of all her pores, thereby lessening the surface tension of the water and making floating more difficult. Helen, who was doing a bit of sinking herself, hotly denied this. She had purposely drunk nothing but orange juice.
+A bit more rock clambering, rope work and swimming and then we were out in a wider section of the gorge. Quickly the boys lit two fires and we all stood around thawing out and drying our clothes. Rona's waterlogged jumper, however, remained stretched below her knees like a fashionable sack-suit.
+The rest of the gorge was just a walk out now, and we all scooted back to Bluegum Forest by dark and told Heather the highlights of the trip.
+The Outward Bound instructors are keen to co-operate with Rock Climbing Clubs in classifying all the climbs we do. Let it be put on record that Hay Creek Canyon is in the super severe class, XXX and three stars and see that you're insured.
 -
 iLLAWONG SKI LODGE.