User Tools

Site Tools


196108

Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision
Previous revision
196108 [2016/02/24 15:29] tyreless196108 [2016/02/25 13:10] (current) tyreless
Line 192: Line 192:
 On the brighter side, there is still time to make amends by attending the Federation's Annual Ball at the Paddington Town Hall on Friday 15th September, 1961. Order your tickets now, because last year the Ball was booked out. On the brighter side, there is still time to make amends by attending the Federation's Annual Ball at the Paddington Town Hall on Friday 15th September, 1961. Order your tickets now, because last year the Ball was booked out.
  
 +=====Mt. Banks (King George) and Beyond. A Trilogy.=====
 +
 +George Caley was sent out by Sir Joseph Banks as his private collector of plants and settled in Parramatta in 1800. In November 1804, he travelled from Kurrajong, over Mt. Tomah, but instead of heading North West through the relatively easy country to what is now Bell, he turned South to Mt. Banks and reached the sheer cliffs of the Grose. His men refused to go further, and a possible crossing of the Mountains came to nothing.
 +
 +Today a highway follows 'Bell's line of road' (after Archibald Bell in 1823). From it you can enjoy scenery of rugged grandeur without effort, but anyone with a spark of adventure in them should get off the bitumen and explore the fascinating country around Mt. Banks.
  
-ET. BANKS LEILIGE_)CRGE AND B. 
-A TRILOGY. 
-George Caley was sent out by Sir Joseph Banks as his private collector of plants and settled in Parramatta in IWO. In November 1804, he travelled from Kurrajor3g, over Mt. Tomah, but instead of heading North West through the relatively easy country to what is now Bell, he turned South to Mt. Banks and reached the sheer cliffs of the Grose. His men refused -to go further, and a possible crossing of the Mountains came to nothing. 
-Today a highway follows 'Bell's line of road.' (after Archibald Bell in 1823). From it you can enjoy scenery of rugged grandeur vitheut effort, but anyone with a spark of adventure in them should get off the bitumen and explore the fascinating country around Mt. 3anks. 
 There are several ways into (or out from) the Grose Valley described in the following pages. There are several ways into (or out from) the Grose Valley described in the following pages.
-PART I.  + 
-valor DAY FOR BAULLTR+=====Part I. Windy Day For Baulker.===== 
- Don Matthews. + 
-"Well, George", I said, "I think the best round trip -muld be down Pages Pass, camp just above Blue Gum, go down the arose a mile if we go up Col Creek, or 4 miles if we go up Coal Mine Creek, and back along the rim ridge to Mt. Banks. Coal Mine Creek is O.K., we had another look atit a few weeks ago, but it 'a long time since I've been up -the other one  ranenber coming to a blank wall, arrl you climb a sort of rocky knob in the middle of the gully art i then shin up a snail tree growing at about 45 to get onto a steeply sloping rib of rocks, a bit of a scramble  you're up..." George wasn't listening. +Don Matthews. 
-"How about the scenery" he said, "Will I bring Lvry camera". "Sure", I replied + 
-thinkLng of the wonderful rocky views. I could see -Est George was dreaming of a relazd_ng weekend in the sunshine, taking things easy. So wac I if it came to that. +"Well, George", I said, "I think the best round trip would be down Pages Pass, camp just above Blue Gum, go down the Grose a mile if we go up Col Creek, or 4 miles if we go up Coal Mine Creek, and back along the rim ridge to Mt. Banks. Coal Mine Creek is O.K., we had another look at it a few weeks ago, but it it'a long time since I've been up the other one remember coming to a blank wall, and you climb a sort of rocky knob in the middle of the gully and then shin up a small tree growing at about 45 degrees to get onto a steeply sloping rib of rocks, a bit of a scramble  you're up..." George wasn't listening. 
-I parked the car just off the Bell roadat midday, ar. got out. No one else did. "'ghat's up", I yelled "don't you want to go walking". "Yes", admitted Heather from the warmth, but we're just waiting to see how long you can stay out + 
-G. there". Just then the wind blew my balracaava off end by the time I'd retrieved it +"How about the scenery" he said, "Will I bring my camera". "Sure", I replied thinking of the wonderful rocky views. I could see that George was dreaming of a relaxing weekend in the sunshine, taking things easy. So was I if it came to that. 
-10. + 
-they'd taken heart and were crawling out into the windy sleet   +I parked the car just off the Bell road at midday, and got out. No one else did. "What's up", I yelled "don't you want to go walking". "Yes", admitted Heather from the warmth, "but we're just waiting to see how long you can stay out there". Just then the wind blew my balaclava off and by the time I'd retrieved it they'd taken heart and were crawling out into the windy sleet... 
 +   
 It was reasonably sheltered in the Page's Pass gully but we could hear the wind roaring overhead, and through the noise, the sound of white ants at work. There was, however, no suitably comfortable cave, so we pressed on around the corner into the gale. As we did, a tree branch hurtled westwards a hundred feet over our heads. Rugged, huh? It was reasonably sheltered in the Page's Pass gully but we could hear the wind roaring overhead, and through the noise, the sound of white ants at work. There was, however, no suitably comfortable cave, so we pressed on around the corner into the gale. As we did, a tree branch hurtled westwards a hundred feet over our heads. Rugged, huh?
-The track down to the Grose is shoWn on the Katoomba Military Map We managed to follow it approximately through vines and prickles as it cut across the ridge and down to the Grose, and then followed the track on the South side for a few miles. + 
-The canzespot on the upstream fringe of Bluegum was comfortable and sheltered. We looked up at the stars and with more hope then faith predicted a fine calm Sunday. +The track down to the Grose is shown on the Katoomba Military MapWe managed to follow it approximately through vines and prickles as it cut across the ridge and down to the Grose, and then followed the track on the South side for a few miles. 
-Sure enough, the morning sun gloved golden on the cliffsof Locklcy's. We stopped a mile or so downstream to review the position. + 
-"'There" I pointed "is the first easily accessible gully. At least, I think it's accessible but nu memory could be a bit vague. I remember coming to a blank wall The party also looked blank and appeared not to be listening. 1,Alo could be bothered, sitting in this delightful sunshine. +The campspot on the upstream fringe of Bluegum was comfortable and sheltered. We looked up at the stars and with more hope then faith predicted a fine calm Sunday. 
-This one imuld be a Shorter route than Coal Mine Creek, wouldn't it" asked Helen, e_ad the matter wns settled. + 
-The slopes on the East side ridge were the +Sure enough, the morning sun glowed golden on the cliffs of Lockley's. We stopped a mile or so downstream to review the position. 
-usual mixture of vines but not particularly difficult. Then, near the cliff line, we struck a thick patch of deed sally scrub. Possibly the West side ridge would be easier. At last the creek bed and a rest- time + 
-for the leader to ponder on the mssibility of a retreat if need be. Then there was a crunch of hobnails from above, and Roger Rigby appeared with two mates. Yes, he confirmed nonchantly, there's only one awkward place, and it'd be easier going up than coming down. Thus heartened we plodded on and up the creek bed. +"There" I pointed "is the first easily accessible gully. At least, I think it's accessible but my memory could be a bit vague. I remember coming to a blank wall..." The party also looked blank and appeared not to be listening. Who could be bothered, sitting in this delightful sunshine. "This one would be a shorter route than Coal Mine Creek, wouldn't it" asked Helen, and the matter was settled. 
-And then ne came to a:blank:wail, turned right, climbed a sort of rocky knob + 
-in the middle of the gal2y, and there was a small tree    But the re)st did not 4. follow easily. +The slopes on the East side ridge were the usual mixture of vines but not particularly difficult. Then, near the cliff line, we struck a thick patch of dead sally scrub. Possibly the West side ridge would be easier. At last the creek bed and a rest - time for the leader to ponder on the possibility of a retreat if need be. Then there was a crunch of hobnails from above, and Roger Rigby appeared with two mates. Yes, he confirmed nonchalantly, there's only one awkward place, and it'd be easier going up than coming down. Thus heartened we plodded on and up the creek bed. 
-11. + 
-Geore could be persuc tded that this +And then we came to a blank wail, turned right, climbed a sort of rocky knob in the middle of the gully, and there was a small tree... But the rest did not follow easily. 
-wS the uv- and whizzed up without his pack in fine style. Meanwhile, Helen was tackling a vertical chimney to the left and was three- wafters of the my up. Then suddenly She was only half way up, sitting on the dirt slope eagerly embracing a frail looking palm tree which was the only thing between her and a 15 foot drop. George crossed to the top of the chimney with our slight rope and eventually Helen got up. The rest of the party meanwhile sat and Shivered from cold. Then, tired of waiting, Tine Shinned up the tree, hung over space for a while exploring the situation, and scrambled to the comparative comfort of the rock:until George let down the rope for the srlRe of safety.+ 
 +George could be persuaded that this was the way and whizzed up without his pack in fine style. Meanwhile, Helen was tackling a vertical chimney to the left and was three-quarters of the way up. Then suddenly she was only half way up, sitting on the dirt slope eagerly embracing a frail looking palm tree which was the only thing between her and a 15 foot drop. George crossed to the top of the chimney with our slight rope and eventually Helen got up. The rest of the party meanwhile sat and shivered from cold. Then, tired of waiting, Tine shinned up the tree, hung over space for a while exploring the situation, and scrambled to the comparative comfort of the rock until George let down the rope for the sake of safety. 
 The rest of the party followed. The rest of the party followed.
-(It appears, from hobnail evidence, that Helen's chimney is the accepted way to rope down. However, the route described'above is probably the easiest way up.) + 
-The going was then straightforward; plod, plod, upwards into the deep saddle, turn West,and on to open heathland overlooking the Grose. The view, as from anywhere on these tops, was striking and extensive but the wind was still strong and cold, so we dropped Northwards to the creek for a quick lunch. Then following the ridge Which runs towards the saddle of Mt. Banks we skirted the law cliff- line Northwards and climbed through a convenient gap into the saddle and on to the Trig. A quick survey of the old familiar landmarks, and then down the track into the freezing twilight. +(It appears, from hobnail evidence, that Helen's chimney is the accepted way to rope down. However, the route described above is probably the easiest way up.) 
-'MTKING GEORGE AND BEYCM,'.+ 
 +The going was then straightforward; plod, plod, upwards into the deep saddle, turn West, and on to open heathland overlooking the Grose. The view, as from anywhere on these tops, was striking and extensive but the wind was still strong and cold, so we dropped Northwards to the creek for a quick lunch. Then following the ridge which runs towards the saddle of Mt. Banks we skirted the low cliff-line Northwards and climbed through a convenient gap into the saddle and on to the Trig. A quick survey of the old familiar landmarks, and then down the track into the freezing twilight. 
 + 
 +====='MtKing George And Beyond'===== 
 (From The Sydney Bushwalker, December 1939.) (From The Sydney Bushwalker, December 1939.)
 +
 - Marie B. Byles. - Marie B. Byles.
-'The valleys radiating from Mt. King George on the East provide many charmi'ng camping spots most of them having flat green swamps in their upper parts, and good water and evencaves below them. + 
-At present (1939) a cattle track runs across the Eastern ridges of Mount King George. It is faint and often non-existent, but it mdy be followed with breaks over Et. Catey, mhich, like King George, is basalt capped and therefore well wooded and well grassed. Beyond this the spur tee one over a bare grassy knob. Then the spur splits, the right hand branch culminating in a little conical treeless hill sheer above the Grose. The hill is also the culmination of a series of splendid views of the Grose Valley unsurpassed in grandeur and rivalled only by the view from Butterbox Point mar Mount Hay. +The valleys radiating from Mt. King George on the East provide many charming camping spots most of them having flat green swamps in their upper parts, and good water and even caves below them. 
-There are two very deep cols on the sotzr, one before Mount Catey and one before what some maps call Mount Caley, and other maps do not name at all. Anyhow, it is the hump nearly opposite Mount Hay. From the opposite side of the Grose, that is, the Yount Hay side, both these cols appear to drop down into the Grose + 
-by gentle, green, sloping valleys. Our party (Peter Page, Ray Birt, Dorothy Hasluck, Edna Garrad, Ken Iredale and myself) tried both from the top but small, umpleasant sheer drops turned us back. +At present (1939) a cattle track runs across the Eastern ridges of Mount King George. It is faint and often non-existent, but it may be followed with breaks over Mt. Catey, which, like King George, is basalt capped and therefore well wooded and well grassed. Beyond this the spur takes one over a bare grassy knob. Then the spur splits, the right hand branch culminating in a little conical treeless hill sheer above the Grose. The hill is also the culmination of a series of splendid views of the Grose Valley unsurpassed in grandeur and rivalled only by the view from Butterbox Point near Mount Hay. 
-However, a week later Peter Page and Ken Iredale approached the col before Mount Caley from below and sacceeded in getting up. This was possibly the route taken by Harry Whitehouse twenty or thirty years ago when he gat off Mount King George into the Grose, but Iften Gordon Smith and party left the Blue Gum for an afternoon's ramble and by their nonreturn that afternoon made everyone think they were either lost or injured, they took the crack up the cliffs nearer to Blue Gum. The Mount Caley col is not an easy route, but if Peter carries out his threat of knocking in a few pitons it mould then be possible for an average party and provide a good round trip from Blackheath via Blue Gum to Bell.+ 
 +There are two very deep cols on the spur, one before Mount Catey and one before what some maps call Mount Caley, and other maps do not name at all. Anyhow, it is the hump nearly opposite Mount Hay. From the opposite side of the Grose, that is, the Mount Hay side, both these cols appear to drop down into the Grose by gentle, green, sloping valleys. Our party (Peter Page, Ray Birt, Dorothy Hasluck, Edna Garrad, Ken Iredale and myself) tried both from the top but small, unpleasant sheer drops turned us back. 
 + 
 +However, a week later Peter Page and Ken Iredale approached the col before Mount Caley from below and succeeded in getting up. This was possibly the route taken by Harry Whitehouse twenty or thirty years ago when he got off Mount King George into the Grose, but when Gordon Smith and party left the Blue Gum for an afternoon's ramble and by their non-return that afternoon made everyone think they were either lost or injured, they took the crack up the cliffs nearer to Blue Gum. The Mount Caley col is not an easy route, but if Peter carries out his threat of knocking in a few pitons it would then be possible for an average party and provide a good round trip from Blackheath via Blue Gum to Bell. 
 The possibilities of the Coal Mine col before Mount Catey are not so promising, but doubtless Dot English and the rock climbing section would get up somehow. This is a challenge I am throwing out to them but to no one else. (Note: provided you can find the right place, the ascent is fairly straightforward. See "Two Grose Valley Excursions" - Ed.) The possibilities of the Coal Mine col before Mount Catey are not so promising, but doubtless Dot English and the rock climbing section would get up somehow. This is a challenge I am throwing out to them but to no one else. (Note: provided you can find the right place, the ascent is fairly straightforward. See "Two Grose Valley Excursions" - Ed.)
-The first time we went out to Mount CP,tey from our camp on the eastern slopes of Mont King George, we went out via the summit of Mount King George, and after some searching found that about the only easy wey off its nose w,-).s right above the Grose Valley. By this route it to us ell day to get to Mount Cetey and back. + 
-When we discovered the cattleman's track over the eastern slopes of Mount King George, the time was very much less and another party using this track, even if new to the district, should hardly take more than three and a half hours right out to the little knob at the very furthest end of the spur. Our own times were as follows:-Bell road to camp, hour, camp to col before Caley, 1 hour, this col to col before Catey or Coal Nine col, 50 minutes, Coal Eine col to end of spur, +The first time we went out to Mount Catey from our camp on the eastern slopes of Mount King George, we went out via the summit of Mount King George, and after some searching found that about the only easy way off its nose was right above the Grose Valley. By this route it took us all day to get to Mount Catey and back. 
-1 hour 10 minutes. + 
-a +When we discovered the cattleman's track over the eastern slopes of Mount King George, the time was very much less and another party using this track, even if new to the district, should hardly take more than three and a half hours right out to the little knob at the very furthest end of the spur. Our own times were as follows:- Bell road to camp, 1/2 hour, camp to col before Caley, 1 hour, this col to col before Catey or Coal Mine col, 50 minutes, Coal Mine col to end of spur, 1 hour 10 minutes. 
-II + 
-NJ* 1440k +The chief place where, you may make mistakes because the track gets lost, is when it crosses the long, green treeless ridge running out east from Mount King George. You cannot mistake the ridge, and whether going or coming you should straight up and over it trusting to pick up the track on the other side. If coming from the Bell side, you cross the long, green swamp (on the far side of the spur) at its upper end, and pick up the track running down the right hand side of the swamp. Do not be misled into following any of the tracks which lead down or up the spurs, the latter on to Mount King George. 
-Oadi + 
-13. +=====Paddy Made===== 
-V + 
-Pt +Still Four Weeks Of Winter!! 
-STILL FOUR MILKS OF WINTER  + 
-.... and you still have the chance to add a warm rugged ram-wool Norwegian jumper to your walking wardrobe. Just the thing for freezing frosts in the mountains and a great comfort when the westerlies thwart your passage home across Narrow Deck with the thermometer pushing +.... and you still have the chance to add a warm rugged raw-wool Norwegian jumper to your walking wardrobe. Just the thing for freezing frosts in the mountains and a great comfort when the westerlies thwart your passage home across Narrow Neck with the thermometer pushing 32°! 
-32: + 
-VERY GOOD TIM la Z3.18. 68c 4.16. O. so don't miss out on these. +Very good value at £3.18.6 & £4.16.so don't miss out on these. 
-Something has arrived that we have chased for years although we chased as far as Wales - the lightest can-opener ever - 2i"3/41 and weighs less than oz. - and the price is lightweight too - just 1/2d. each. + 
-Just to top things off before we go, some more of those imported balaclavas which roll up into a beret have just arrived - yours for +Something has arrived that we have chased for years although we chased as far as Wales - the lightest can-opener ever - " X ¾" and weighs less than  ½ oz. - and the price is lightweight too - just 1/2d. each. 
-21/-.+ 
 +Just to top things off before we go, some more of those imported balaclavas which roll up into a beret have just arrived - yours for 21/-. 
 Good walking folks. Good walking folks.
-SKIING NEWS AT OUR COOMA SHOP+ 
-ShaElmji2ars: Mondays Wednesday, Thursday +Skiing News at our Cooma shop
-9 a m. - 5.30 p m. + 
-Tuesday closed all day. +Shopping Hours: Mondays Wednesday, Thursday 9 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. Tuesday closed all day. Saturday - 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday - 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
-Saturday - 6 a m. to 7 p m. Sunday - 8 a m. to 7 p m.+
 Just to suit the folk who want to pick up and return hired gear. Just to suit the folk who want to pick up and return hired gear.
-1. 
-PADDY PAWN 
-Lightweight Camp Gear 
-201 CASTLEREAGH St SYDNEY 
-BM2685 
-. 
- The chief place where, you may mals mistakes because the track gets lost, is when it crosses the long, green treeless ridge runnini. out east from 'fount King George. You cannot mistake the. ridge, ait whether going or coming ynu should straight up and over it trusting to nick u o the traci: on the other side. If coming from the Bell side, you cross the long, green twarT..) (onthE.-., f.:1.r side of the s-our) at its upper end, ard pick up the track running down the ri[ht hand side of the swamp. Do not be misled into following any of the tracks which le%d down or up the spurs, the latter on to Mount, Kinj George. 
-40' 
-r>e.LL 
  
-+Paddy Pallin PtyLtdLightweight Camp Gear 
-v-4,  + 
-..., +201 Castlereagh St Sydney BM2685 
-.......- ., ere-,  + 
- A. +=====Part IIITwo Grose Valley Excursions.=====  
-1 1 LA ' a 1 + 
-+Edna Garrad
-/ ' + 
-Kr +Slowly and somewhat reluctantly I wakened, and then gradually became aware of the beauty around me. The early morning light was filtering through the tall slender gums, lending them a mystic and placid loveliness. It was an atmosphere to inspire reverence and awe, and the only sound was the faint stirring of the leaves in the breeze and the twitterings of the birds. I was supremely content. 
-/ ' ''.+ 
-i,ta4p.....e y.) +Suddenly I remembered. This was the day we were to climb Mount King George. I aroused my companions and we prepared and ate our breakfast with one eye on the changing light reflected from the sunrise. Finally at about 6 a.m. we set forth armed with a length of rope, cameras, and a supply of oranges. There were several parties camped in the Forest and they eyed our early start with assumed horror. 
-... e , ..- + 
-.,--- -- +Ken and Colin, of course, are experienced climbers but - like most bushwalkers, I have done little climbing with ropes, and I was seething with excitement - and perhaps a little apprehension. 
-,...., ........,,......."4 + 
-er ," +We took the first ridge on the left rising from the Grose below Blue Gum, and worked our way up. Well below the rock faces we entered the creek bed, are from then on were continually in and out of the creek. We found lots of friendly branches, tree trunks and roots to assist us in ascending to the different levels. The first time we used the rope was rather interesting. It was possible to reach the ledge above, but there were no holds. Subsequently we lassoed two trees and formed a kind of ladder in the middle. It was impossible to use either tree singly, as they were on each side of the portion we needed to climb, end to have used one or the other would have necessitated swinging over space. Once Ken was up, it was quite simple. There was one delightful spot where the rocks form a natural balcony with balustrade, from which you can look down to the river and realise the height you have made. 
-6. + 
-11; +The most difficult portion is near the top. The creek bed divides into two chimneys, the one on the right being quite impossible, and the one on the left for some time did not look very hopeful. The rock forms a shallow type of chimney with practically no walls and flat at the back. However Ken got up, and having arrived, spent a considerable time studying the balance of the cliff before lowering the rope for Colin and me. It was dreadful. The thought of not making the top after having come so far was tragic. However, having studied the position carefully, Ken lowered the rope and I went up the chimney. I was a bit staggered when I saw the small rock - and more particularly the angle of the rock - to which the rope had been belayed. In these circumstances it is well to be aware of your own ignorance and have lots of faith in your leader; I decided cheerfully that "Ken knew best". We found that the difficulty which had been concerning him was a nasty corner with a drop of sixty or seventy feet beneath. There was no danger while the rock held, but it was the kind of thin ledged rock that crumbles away. However this was successfully negotiated and then it was no distance to the top. 
-t Nr. + 
-4 (Kr. +We had talked of this climb since Eight Hour-Weekend when with Marie, Peter and Raywe had made a set camp at the back of Mount King George and explored the tops. Now, having made our objective, we were more contented than triumphant, and all walkers know the satisfaction of a feat accomplished. 
-oto + 
-1,tvrktr4'5, +It was a glorious morning - blue sky, fleecy clouds and a gentle breeze. There were mild flowers in abundance, and the perfume of the boronia floribunda was a continual delight. We continued along the cliff edge until we reached the col between King George and Mt. Cayley. We have previously tried to climb this creek and also the next, but  without ropes and with the possibility of finding ourselves in a position where we could neither get down or ascend, and had given up the attempt. Later, however, Ray, Ken and Pete had made their way up from the bottom, so that we knew this gully was negotiable. Although this creek is interesting it is not as exciting as the first oneI preferred to use the rope on several occasions and would not care to go down without it. I have a horrible memory of Ken shinning up a tree with a drop of hundreds of feet beneath him. Half way down we came across a most extraordinary plant. It was like a giant christmas bell - about six times the size of a good sized bell, and with lots of flowers on the stem. Below the cliff faces we worked across to the right, down the ridge and back to Blue Gum for lunch - well satisfied with our morning's work.  
-)44 + 
-kk%i +Anniversary weekend we returned to the Grose, but camped about four miles below Blue Gum. Our objective this time was what we call the Coal Mine Gully, and no doubt you have all noticed the mine on the map and the zig zag track marked leading to it. I had tried to pick out the mine from below, above and across the valley, but without success. This was not remarkable as the mine entrance we found to be facing the creek bed and entering straight into the cliff side. The shaft only goes in about twenty odd feet. We held a council of war here, and decided that Ken and Dorothy would take the right hand side of the creek, Fred Svenson and Colin the left, and I would continue up the creek bed. My way proved simple and there were evidences of wallaby tracks and, we thought, signs that this route had been used by the prospectors. From the top we had previously decided that this gully would undoubtedly prove impossible, but were anxious to "give it a go". It proved remarkably easy. Following up the creek bed there is an obvious way out to the right, and this gully can be recommended to anyone interested in a new way out of the Grose. There are well defined tracks leading to the Bell Road, but it would be best to discuss this portion with someone who has been there - unless you have plenty of time to spare. The going on the tracks is easy, and presumably they are used by cattle. 
--6E7J'ke-tPc:+ 
-aC4O$L1 US +Leaving the creek bed, we climbed over Mt. Catey, across another knob and then reached a very green gully which we had observed from the other side of the Grose and had considered looked very promising. It proved to be the most beautiful of the four gullies we had climbed, being full of tree ferns and lower down we came to a delightful running stream which, after the murky Grose and other streams we have come to regard as usual this summer, was a real joy. We had lunch in a pleasant spot half way down, beside a pool and surrounded by tree ferns. The only snags in this descent were the lawyer vines and the thorns of the tree fernsThey were most unfriendly. There was no difficulty in climbing down to the river, and the rope was not required in either of these gullies. They are easily accessible to any walker. The last creek is roughly opposite the creek which forms the only way we know - yet - on to Mount Hay from the Grose. 
-+ 
-t? gb. +Both these trips proved extremely interesting, and undoubtedly to explore new country, not knowing whether you will make it or have to turn back and retrace all the ground gained, is indeed the very spice of walking. 
-)c4 cR:A4 + 
-+====To Summarise:-==== 
-Al + 
-15. +There are four negotiable ways on to the plateau. 
-PART III.  +
-TNO C2OSE VALLEY E7CUR8101-3. +
-Edne. Garred. +
-Slowly and somewhat reluctantly I wakened, and then gracTually became aware of +
- the beauty around Me. The early morning light was filtering through the tall slender gums, lending them a mystic and placid loveliness. It was an atmosphere to inspire reverence and awe, and the only sound was the faint stirring of the leaves in the breeze and the twitterings of the birds. I was supremely content. +
-Suddenly I remembered. This was the day we were to climb Iburt King George. I aroused my companions and we prepared and ate our breakfast with one eye on the changing light reflected from the sunrise. Finally at about 6 a m. we set forth armed with a length of rope, cameras, and a supply of oranges. There were several parties camped in the Forest and they eyed our early start with assumed horror. +
-Ken and Colin, of course, are experienced climbers but - like most bashwalkers, I have done little climbing with ropes, and I was seething with excitement - and perhaps a little apprehension. +
-We took:the first ridge on the left rising from the Grose below Blue Gum, +
-and worked our way up. Well below the rock faces we entered the creek:bed, are from then on were continually in and out of the creek. We found lots of friendly branches, tree trunks and roots to assist us in ascending to the different levels. The first time we used the rope was rather interesting. It was possible to reach the ledge above, but there were no holds. Subsequently we lassoed two trees and formed a kind of ladder in the middle. It was impossible to use either tree singly, as they were on each sideof the portion we needed to climb, end to have used one or the other would have necessitated swinging over space. Once Ken was up, it was quite simple. There was one delightful spot where the rocks form a natural balcony with balustrade, from which you can look down to the river and realise the height you have made. +
-The most difficult portion is near the top. T1.1 creek bed divides into two chimneys, the one on the right being quite impossible, and the one on the left for some time did not look very hopeful. The rock forms a shallow te,me of chimney with practically no walls and flat at the back. However Ken ,,-1,nt up, and having arrived, spent a considerable time studying the balance of Lhe d1172 e lowering the rope +
-for Colin and me. It was dreadful. The thought of not making the tee -.2Z,- havin, CDme so far was tragic. However, having stdied the position carefully, Ken lowerei', the rope and I wont up the chimney. I was a bit staggered when I saw the small rock - and more particularly the angle of the rock - to which the rope had been belayed. In these circumstances it is well to be aware of your aim ignorance and have lots of faith in your leader; I decided cheerfully that 'Ten knew best". We found that the difficulty Which had been concerning him was a nasty corner with a drop of sixty or seventy feet beneath. There was no danger whilethe rock held, but it was the kind of thin ledged rock:that crumbles away. However this was successfully negotiated and then it was no distance to the top. +
-We had talked of this climb since Eight Hour-'Reekend when with Marie, Peter and Ray+
-we had made a set camp at the back of Mount King George and explored the tops. Now, having made our objective, we were more contented than triumphant, and all walkers know the satisfaction of a feat accomplished. +
-16. +
-It was a glorious morning - blue sky, fleecy clouds and a gentle breeze. There were mild flowers in abundance, and the perfume of the boronia floribunda was a continual delight. +
-We continued along the cliff edge until we reached the col between King George e, and Et. Cayley. We have previously tried to climb this creek and easo the next, but  without ropes and with the possibility of finding ourselves in a position where we could neither get down or ascend, and had given up the attempt. Later, however, RET, Ken and Pete had made their way up from the bottom, so that ve knew this gully vs negotiable. Although this creek is interesting it is not as exciting as the first one I preferred to use the rope on several occasions and would not care to go down without it. I have a horrible memory of Ken shinning up a tree with a drop of hundreds of feet beneath him. Half way down we came across a most extraordinary plant. It was like a giant chriatmas bell - abeut six times the size of a god sized bell, and with lots of flowers on the stem. Below the cliff fPces we worked across to the right, down the ridge and back to Blue Gum for lunch - well satisfied with our morning's work.  +
-Anniversary weekend we returned to the Grose, but cam7,-;ed about four miles below Blue Gum. Our objective this time was what we call the Coal Mine Gully, and no doubt you have all noticed the mine on the map and the zig zag track marked leading to it. I had tried to pick out the mine from below, above and across the valley, but without success. This was not remarkable as the mine entrance we found to be facing the creek:bed and entering straight into the cliff side. The shaft only goes in about twenty odd feet. We held a council of war here, and decided that Ken and Dorothy would take the right hand side of the creek, Fred Svenson and Colin the left, and I would continue up the creek:bed. 111-y way proved simple and there were evidences of wallaby trachis and, we thought, signs that this route had been used by the prospectors. From the top we had previously decirf.,ed that this gully would undoubtedly prove impossible, but were anxious to "give it a go". It proved remarkably easy. Following up the creek:bed there is an obvious way but to the right, and this gully can be recommended to anyone interested in a new way out of the Grose. There are well defined tracks leading to the Bell Road, but it would be best to discuss this portion with someone who has been there - unless you have plenty of time to spare. The going on the tracks is e,ezy, and presumably they are used by cattle. +
-Leaving the creek bed, we climbed over Mt. Catey, across another knob fInd then reached a very green gully which we h.,-;.d observed from the other side of the Grose and had considered looked very promising. It proved to be the eost bec,,utiful of the four gullies we had climbed, being full of tree ferns and lower down we came to a delightful running stream which, after the niurky Grose anr1 other streams we have come to regard as Usual this summer, was a real joy. Are had lunch in a pleasnnt spot half way down, beside a pool and surrounded by tree ferns. The-only sn vs in tbiaidescent were the lawyer vines and the thorns of the tree fernsThey were most unfriendly. There was no difficulty in climbing down to the river, and the rope was not required in either of these gullies. They are easily accessible to any walker. The last creek is roughly opposite the creek which forms the only way me know - yet - on to Mount Hay from the Grose. +
-Both these trips proved extremely interesting, and undoubtedly to explore new country, not 'mowing -whether you will make it or have to turn back and retrace all the ground gained, is indeed the very spice of +
-17TO SUUMARISE :- +
-There are four negotiable ways on to the plate7u.+
 1. The gully directly behind Blue Gum, shown on the map as Gordon Smith's route which is the most difficult. (See PART III.) 1. The gully directly behind Blue Gum, shown on the map as Gordon Smith's route which is the most difficult. (See PART III.)
 +
 2. The gully about one mile below Blue Gum, described in PART I. (Col Creek on the map.) 2. The gully about one mile below Blue Gum, described in PART I. (Col Creek on the map.)
-3. The gully of Coal lane Creek, about 4:miles below Blue Gum (see PART III).+ 
 +3. The gully of Coal lane Creek, about 4 miles below Blue Gum (see PART III). 
 4. The gully beyond the flat top now known as Mt. Caley (PART III). 4. The gully beyond the flat top now known as Mt. Caley (PART III).
-WAITED+ 
 +---- 
 + 
 +__Wanted:__ 
 Can any reader give us up-to-date detail of Route One above, or of any other features of this area? Can any reader give us up-to-date detail of Route One above, or of any other features of this area?
-DZY WALLS. 
-AUGUST 20TH Waterfall - bus to 3,.)la Creek - Uloolr, Falls - 
-9 
-This will be a bit of a scramble with some thick going. Gaiters or slacks recommended. Traverses some unsjnilt coastal brush in the Royal National Park. The leakier doesn't often get irro the Clubroom, but ring him at LB6495 (most evenings). 
-8.20 a m. train Central Electric Station to Sutherland 
-CHAIM AT SUTHERLAND for rail motor to Waterfall. 
-Tickets: Waterfall Return  5/9d. plus 2/- bus fare. 
-Laps: Port Hacking Military or Tourist. 
-Leader: Clem Hallstr=, 
-AUGUST 27TH Parramatta - bus to Kellyville (Showgrrund Road) - Cattai Creek - Mason Trig. - Rouse Hill. 11 miles. This district is noted for the -various species of Acacia -which are 
-usually in full bloom at this time of the 7ear. Recommended for new members. 
-8.9 a m. train Central Electric Station to Parramatta. 
-9.0 a m. Rouse Hill bus from North side of Parramatta Station. Tickets: Parramatta Return @ 4)3d. plus about 3/ed. Return bus fares. Maps: Windsor Military or Hawkesbury River Tourist. 
-Leader: David Ingram. 
-SEPTEMBER 10 Hornsby - bus to Koala Bear Sanctuary (inspection) - Cowan Creek- The Sphinx - Turramurra North. 6 miles. An opportUrity to inspect the Koala Boar Sanctuary in hUrinzgai Chase and, perhaps, photograph some of the animals in a natural setting 
-lg. 
-followed by a ramble through the surrounding area where the early mildflowers will be at their best. 
-8.10 a m. train Central Electric Station - Hornsby via Bridge. 
-8.24 a m. train Central Electric Station - Hornsby via Strathfield. 9.20 a m. Bobbin Head Bus from Herneby to the Sanctuary. 
-Tickets: Hornsby Return@ about 5/- plus 3/- bus fares and inspection fee at Sanctuary. 
-Map: Broken Bay Military. 
-Leader: Brian Hervey. 
-FROM TIE N.P.A. BULLETIN: 
-AUGUST 2112 THE ANNUAL MEETING OF CENTRAL REGION: Come and hear the Annual 
-Report and help diroTc----yfar1.9Zectp17-62. Election of Committee apd 
-Officers. We need your help. Perhaps yeu can accept a place on the 
-Committee or an office. 
-NOTE THE MAT RENDEZVOUS. Agriculture House, Ground Floor, 
-195 Macquarie Street. Opposite Parliament House. Featu2e for the 14.4122LI Members' Slides around the Reserves. 
-AUGUST 20TH WILDFICWER RAMBLE NO.1. Members to assemble East side of Pymble Station at 9.45 a m. Those with cars will be asked to take train travellers from Pymble to the "Ramble Area". Len Fall for details. 
-AUGUST 25TH to SEPTEMBER _lipq SCHOOL HOLIDJ:ZS TO THE LA.MINGTON NATIONAL PARK, just over the Queensland Border. Len Fall is Irganising this camping trip. Please contact hien. without delay. Phone JA5959. 
-FROM THE 3:ULLETIN OF THE N.S.W. FEDtdTIOlv OF BUSHP,CALIMZ.- CLUIL. 
-WARRAGAMBA CATCHMENT - IUTKTNG RESTRICTIONS. The following is an extract from the Water Board Staff BulletfE-7757;IT-77775eci1 erranLements have been macq e to protect stored water from pollution by hikers. The hoard will allow hikinE through the catchment area OUTSIDE the two-mile zone from the too limit of stored matr, provided permission is sought and 7:-.?..nted...Blanket oereission will be riven to affiliated Bushwalking clubs and parties ef Boy Scouts... No permissien will be 
-needed to hike on PRCCLIIIMED ROADS within the catchment nrea or within 2i miles of the Wentworth Falls-Eatoomba Railway, or the plateau of t7r,e Narrow Neck Peninsula. In a few sections such as... Burragorang Lookout...the two mile limit will be reduced a little..." Detail -would in due course be shown on tourist maps, notices erected at appropriate points, etc. 
-S. & R. FIELD ORGABISER. Killian Melville of the MTN has been appointed Field Organiser of the S 84:R Section. He would like all clubs to notify up-to-date contact 
-men and club members who are able to participate in weekday and weekend searches. 
-The section intends to hold a demonstration meekerd later this year. 
-VOLUNTEER BUSHFIRE FIGHTERS. The Group Captain of the Sutherland Shire Bushfire Brigades, Mr. gatchorn, has asked Federation for the names, telephones and addresses of persons who could be called on in case of bushfires in the Royal National Park. 
-Bushmalkers who are pfepared to help if available when called on can give their names to their Federation Delegates or to the Honorary Secretary. 
  
 +----
 +
 +=====Day Walks.=====
 +
 +|August 20th|Waterfall - bus to Bola Creek - Uloola Falls - Waterfall. 9 miles. This will be a bit of a scramble with some thick going. Gaiters or slacks recommended. Traverses some unspoilt coastal brush in the Royal National Park. The leader doesn't often get into the Clubroom, but ring him at LB6495 (most evenings). 8.20 a.m. train Central Electric Station to Sutherland. change at Sutherland for rail motor to Waterfall. Tickets: Waterfall Return @ 5/9d. plus 2/- bus fare. Laps: Port Hacking Military or Tourist. Leader: Clem Hallstrom.|
 +|August 27th|Parramatta - bus to Kellyville (Showground Road) - Cattai Creek - Mason Trig. - Rouse Hill. 11 miles. This district is noted for the various species of Acacia which are usually in full bloom at this time of the year. Recommended for new members. 8.9 a.m. train Central Electric Station to Parramatta. 9.0 a.m. Rouse Hill bus from North side of Parramatta Station. Tickets: Parramatta Return @ 4/3d. plus about 3/8d. Return bus fares. Maps: Windsor Military or Hawkesbury River Tourist. Leader: David Ingram.|
 +|September 10|Hornsby - bus to Koala Bear Sanctuary (inspection) - Cowan Creek - The Sphinx - Turramurra North. 6 miles. An opportunity to inspect the Koala Bear Sanctuary in Kuringgai Chase and, perhaps, photograph some of the animals in a natural setting followed by a ramble through the surrounding area where the early wildflowers will be at their best. 8.10 a.m. train Central Electric Station - Hornsby via Bridge. 8.24 a.m. train Central Electric Station - Hornsby via Strathfield. 9.20 a.m. Bobbin Head Bus from Hornsby to the Sanctuary. Tickets: Hornsby Return @ about 5/- plus 3/- bus fares and inspection fee at Sanctuary. Map: Broken Bay Military. Leader: Brian Harvey.|
 +
 +=====From The N.P.A. Bulletin:=====
 +
 +|August 14th|__The Annual Meeting Of Central Region__: Come and hear the Annual Report and help direct policy for 1961/62. Election of Committee and Officers. We need your help. Perhaps you can accept a place on the Committee or an office. Note the new rendezvous. Agriculture House, Ground Floor, 195 Macquarie Street. Opposite Parliament House. __Feature for the Night__: Members' Slides around the Reserves.|
 +|August 20th|__Wildflower Ramble No. 1__: Members to assemble East side of Pymble Station at 9.45 a.m. Those with cars will be asked to take train travellers from Pymble to the "Ramble Area". Len Fall for details.|
 +|August 25th to September 11th| School holidays to the Lamington National Park, just over the Queensland Border. Len Fall is organising this camping trip. Please contact him without delay. Phone JA5959.|
 +
 +=====From the Bulletin of the N.S.W. Federation of Bushwalking Clubs.=====
 +
 +====Warragamba Catchment - Walking Restrictions.====
 +
 +The following is an extract from the Water Board Staff Bulletin 16/3/61: "...special arrangements have been made to protect stored water from pollution by hikers. The board will allow hiking through the catchment area OUTSIDE the two-mile zone from the top limit of stored water, provided permission is sought and granted... Blanket permission will be given to affiliated Bushwalking clubs and parties of Boy Scouts... No permission will be needed to hike on PROCLAIMED ROADS within the catchment area or within 2½ miles of the Wentworth Falls-Katoomba Railway, or the plateau of the Narrow Neck Peninsula. In a few sections such as... Burragorang Lookout... the two mile limit will be reduced a little..." Detail would in due course be shown on tourist maps, notices erected at appropriate points, etc.
 +
 +====S. & R. Field Organiser.====
 +
 +Ninian Melville of the CMW has been appointed Field Organiser of the S & R Section. He would like all clubs to notify up-to-date contact men and club members who are able to participate in weekday and weekend searches. The section intends to hold a demonstration weekend later this year.
 +
 +====Volunteer Bushfire fighters.====
 +
 +The Group Captain of the Sutherland Shire Bushfire Brigades, Mr. Watchorn, has asked Federation for the names, telephones and addresses of persons who could be called on in case of bushfires in the Royal National Park. Bushwalkers who are prepared to help if available when called on can give their names to their Federation Delegates or to the Honorary Secretary.
196108.txt · Last modified: 2016/02/25 13:10 by tyreless

Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki