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- | The Sydney Bushwalker | + | ======The Sydney Bushwalker.====== |
- | THE DEMMER GENERAL 1 L.MTING. | + | |
- | January, 1966 | + | Amonthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bushwalker, The N.S.W. Nurses' |
+ | |||
+ | Box. No. 4476, G.P.O. Sydney. 'Phone 843985. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |**Editor**|Bill Gillan, Old Bush Rd, Engadine. 5208423.| | ||
+ | |**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, Coral Tree Rd., Carlingford.| | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===373. | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Contents.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | | | |Page| | ||
+ | |December General Meeting|J. Brown| 2| | ||
+ | |Social Notes For Januray| | 4| | ||
+ | |The Kosciusko State Park|M. Dunphy| 5| | ||
+ | |Day Walks| |10| | ||
+ | |Paddy' | ||
+ | |Prospecting the Japanese Alps|M. Byles|12| | ||
+ | |Running Away to Shore|C. Putt|16| | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====The December General Meeting.====== | ||
J. Brown. | J. Brown. | ||
- | | + | |
+ | ... which began with a welcome to six -- yes, six, new members, fruits of the last walking season, and in view of the dearth of test walks during the summer, likely to be the last for a while, started peaceably | ||
No business out of Minutes, and little from correspondence, | No business out of Minutes, and little from correspondence, | ||
- | Financial report showed an excess of expenditure over income of 23, mostly due to purchase of a stock of new badges, and a concluding total of 282 in the 'current funds. | + | |
- | Bob Godfrey reported on November walkabouts, including Ron Knightley' | + | Financial report showed an excess of expenditure over income of £23, mostly due to purchase of a stock of new badges, and a concluding total of £282 in the current funds. |
- | Burning Palms on Nov. 20 had a total attendance of 29 including members of a Churdb | + | |
- | At the close of the Talks Report David Ingram drew attention to activities of the NoisesOff | + | Bob Godfrey reported on November walkabouts, including Ron Knightley' |
- | Federation Report had already boon published, but it may do no harm to repeat the warning of the Department of the Army that increasing use is being made of the Tianjara Proof Range near Sassafras, and any walking party not desirous of unintentional bombardment may be advised to check on dates when it mould be used. | + | |
- | In succession to Bill O' | + | At the close of the Walks Report David Ingram drew attention to activities of the Noises-Off |
- | Now the President announced that prospective members | + | |
- | et | + | Federation Report had already boon published, but it may do no harm to repeat the warning of the Department of the Army that increasing use is being made of the Tianjara Proof Range near Sassafras, and any walking party __not__ |
- | 3. The Sydney Bushwalker January, 1966. | + | |
- | ,111 .1...=!..w.........! | + | In succession to Bill O' |
- | - The Presidont also pointed out that the magazine was having a lean time for contributors and appealed for stronger support. In relation to Federations | + | |
- | Ron Knightley pointed to a pair of ice axes and 2 sets of crampons | + | Now the President announced that prospective members |
- | donated by a retired mountaineer, | + | |
- | that gear would be available to members of the Aust. Section of the N.Z.A.C. as well as all Club members, that the maximum period of hire be 8 weeks, and that hiring charges be 10/ for an ice axe or crampons used overseas | + | The Presidont also pointed out that the magazine was having a lean time for contributors and appealed for stronger support. In relation to Federation' |
- | and 5/ in Australia. A deposit of 10/ should be sought on gear hired, and | + | |
- | S.B.m. members could bock 8 weeks ahead, members of N.Z.A.C. six weeks ahead, The last motion1, that hirers be not required to make good loss or damage in reasonable circumstances, | + | Ron Knightley pointed to a pair of ice axes and 2 sets of crampons donated by a retired mountaineer, |
- | Snow Brown referred to a 1.r: | + | |
- | area surrounding Lake Pedder in Tasmania, which was threatened. by hydroelectric | + | Snow Brown referred to a pamphlet |
- | Kath Brown proposed that wewrite | + | |
- | nature and parkland conservation features of the Bill under dealing in State Pexli ment. John Vhite quoted The Minister as saying that, it was | + | Kath Brown proposed that we write the Minister for Lands commending the nature and parkland conservation features of the Bill under dealing in State Parliament. John White quoted The Minister as saying that, it was a piece of legislation which should be given general approval by conservation minded people, who should not split into different camps over minor aspects of the overall proposal. Ron Knightly supported the spirit of the motion and suggested we might send a copy of our view on bush parklands published previously. Gordon Redmond said that when the Bill was presented we should be in a better position to assess its value for a walker' |
- | a piece of legislation which should be given general approval by conservation | + | |
- | minded people, who should not split into different camps over minor aspects | + | Kath Brown pointed out several conservation items had arisen, and the Secretary would be involved in writing some letters on such questions. It seemed time to revive the position of Conservation Secretary which was still listed in the Constitution, |
- | of the overall proposal. Ron Knightly supported the spirit of the motion and suggested we might send a copy of our view on bush parklands published previously. Gordon Redmond said that when the Bill was presented we should be in P. better position to assess its value for a walker' | + | |
- | After the main motion was carried, Gordon went further and proposed that, during the passage of the Bill, the Club should consider it carefully and submit our view to Federation | + | Alan Rigby referred to schemes |
- | Kath Brown pointed out several conservation items had arisen, and the | + | |
- | Secretary would be involved in writing some letters on such questions. It | + | Bog Godfrey felt such action may persuade some people that we were only fanatics, and a doubt was expressed whether it was in keeping with our compliment to the Lands Department on the projected Bill. Ron Knightly said if the motion were lost, he would put forward a resolution protesting against permission to construct access roads, vents etc, in the Park. New member |
- | seemed time to revive the position of Conservation Secretary which was still listed in the Constitution, | + | |
- | The President said it would be listed for the Annual Meeting in March. | + | Jack Wren supported the motion, adding his agreement that the coal level would tend to cause subsidence of the surface. David Ingram mentioned that the President of the National Park Trust had indicated his disapproval of the mining scheme. After Alan Rigby' |
- | Alan Rigby referred to schemes | + | |
- | sea level and the mining could lead to subsidences, | + | |
- | January, 1965 The Sydney Dushwaiker 4. | + | |
- | and a gradual infiltration. He moved that We protest strongly to the Minister for Lands and Mines, pointing out that there was no shortage of coal and other mineral deposits outside reserves. | + | |
- | Bog Godfrey felt such action may persuade some people that we were only fanatics, and a doubt was expressed whether it was in keeping with our compliment to the Lands Department on the projected Bill. Ron | + | |
- | Knightly said if the motion were lost, he would put forward a resolution protesting against permission to construct access roads, vents etc, in the Park. New member | + | |
- | of commendation and protest | + | |
- | Jack Wren supported the motion, adding his agreement that the coal | + | |
- | level wnuld tend to cause subsidence of the surface, David Ingram mentioned that the President of the National Park Trust had indicated his disapproval of the mining scheme. After Alan Rigby' | + | |
- | to tho vote and we will add our voice to the pretests. | + | |
All this had taken quite a while. In fact by the time the usual announcements had been made and the President had voiced Christmas wishes to all members, it was 9.35 when the meeting closed. | All this had taken quite a while. In fact by the time the usual announcements had been made and the President had voiced Christmas wishes to all members, it was 9.35 when the meeting closed. | ||
- | 01...I. | + | |
- | HAPPY NEW YEA RS | + | ---- |
- | SOCIAL NOTES FOR JANUARY. | + | |
- | Alai; Rigby' | + | ===Happy New Year!=== |
+ | |||
+ | =====Social Notes For January.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | Alan Rigby' | ||
" | " | ||
- | Immilmm.... | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
Congratulations to Sandra Bardwell and Phil Butt on their engagement. | Congratulations to Sandra Bardwell and Phil Butt on their engagement. | ||
- | 5. The Sydney Bus hwalkor January, 1966. | + | |
- | THE KoscivaKo ST.LTE EARK. | + | ---- |
- | How did it begin? | + | |
- | Myaes J. Dunphy. | + | =====The Kosciusko State Park - ow Did It Begin?===== |
- | The recent | + | |
- | were complicated; | + | Myles J. Dunphy. |
- | In common with all worthwhile achievements the KBP did not just | + | |
- | happen; its establishment was preceded by a great deal of hard work. It | + | The recent |
- | was not unique but merely one of a series of parkland schemes that evolved with the growth of the bushwalking-conservation movement which coMmenced | + | |
- | nearly all these clubs included the preservation of scenic bushland | + | In common with all worthwhile achievements the KSP did not just happen; its establishment was preceded by a great deal of hard work. It was not unique but merely one of a series of parkland schemes that evolved with the growth of the bushwalking-conservation movement which commenced |
- | wildlife and wildlife habitat; because of their regard for these things that constituted their own (4.nvironment. The trailers and bushwalkers | + | |
- | motor tourism and the invasion of bush tracks by " | + | The Blue Mountains National Park Committee, formed in 1933 to prosecute the scheme of that name was changed to the National Parks and Primitive Area Council in 1934 to enable it to conduct a number of park projects. The functions of this self-supporting autonomous coterie of trailers and bushwalkers was to initiate, formulate and to submit to the authorities schemes for parklands; to spearhead the conservation efforts of bushwalkers |
- | The Blue Mountains National Park Committee, formed in 1933 to prosecute the scheme of that name was changed to the National Parks and Primitive Area Council in 1934 to enable it to conduct a number of park projects. The functions of this self-supporting autonomous coterie of trailers and | + | |
- | bushwalkers was to initiate, formulate and to submit to the authorities schemes for parklands; to spearhead the conservation efforts of budhwalkers | + | The NSW Federation |
- | The NSITT F6deration | + | |
- | consolidate and regulate bushwalking formed its own Conservation Bureau in 1938. Thereafter it pursued a parallel path with the BPPA council and | + | In the period 1933-1946 the NPPA Council worked with all speed most of the time in touch with Surveyor General H.B. Mathaws and his officers; the Department of Lands was well aware of the conservation efforts of this and other societies and gave a great deal of sympathetic help to what was recognised as a continuing campaign for the public good. However during the war years and the following period of rehabilitation the Department was unable to assist or entertain parkland projects as surveyors could not be spared to investigate them. The Snowy Indi scheme was an exception as it had important aspects for government. |
- | ,added weight to the conservation drive. The requirements of practical users of the scenic bushland were recognised by the authorities and several new park: | + | |
- | In the period 1933-1946 the IIPPA Council worked with all speed most of | + | When the situation eased the bushwalking |
- | the time in touch with Surveyor General H.B. Mathaws and his officers; the Department of Lands was well aware of the conservation efforts of this and other societies and gave a great deal of sympathetic help to what was recognised as a continuing campaign for the public good. However during | + | |
- | the war years and the following period of rehabilitation the Department was | + | Included in thc several projects of the NPPA Cnuncil was one entitled a "Snow-Indi National Park or Primitive Area", unique to the extent that it comprised about a million acres of Snow highland of both NSW and Victoria. The tract of country extended from Grey Mare Bogong, Gungartan, Black Jack and Big Byabo on the eastern side extending to a line joining Deddick, Mt. Lienster and Mt. Pinnabar. This scheme was initiated between 1930 and 1943 by Myles J. Dunphy of the Mountain |
- | unable to assist or entertain parkland projects as surveyors could not be spared to investigate them. The Snowy Indi scheme was an exception as it had important aspects for government. | + | |
- | January, 1966 The Sydney Bushwalkor 6. | + | NPPA Council men and other bushwalkers continued to carry out numerous pack carrying expeditions of upwards of two weeks durtion to procure first hand knowledge about potential parklands. Somo of these were the Blue Mountains National Park, Snow Indi National Park, Beecroft |
- | Mien the situation eased the bushwoaking | + | |
- | Included in thc several projects of the NPP A Cnuncil was one entitled a "Snow-Inch i National Park or Primitive Area", unique to the extent that it comprised about a million acres of Snow highland of both NSW and Victoria. The tract of country extended from Grey. Mare Bngong, Gungartan, Black Jack and Dig Byabo on the eastern side extending to a line joining Deddick, Mt. Lienster and Mt. Pinnabar. This scheme was initiated between 1930 and 1943 by Myles J. Dunphy of the TIountain | + | In 1944 NPPA Council decided it was time to straighten out Snowy Indi Scheme in preparation |
- | EPPA Council men and other bushwalkers continued to carry out numerous pack carrying expeditions of upwards of two weeks durtion to procure first hand knowledge about potential parklands. Somo of these were the Blue Mountains National Park, Snow Inch National Park, Beecroft | + | |
- | In 1944 NPPII. | + | On 8.4.43 officers of the Department of Lands verbally advised the NPPA to submit its Snow Indi Scheme in June. Intensive work was caried out on letters, appendices and maps. Dated 14.6.43 tho scheme was lodged with the Department and copies delivered to the Premier, |
- | 7. Th(. Syqney Dushiker January, 3,)66. | + | |
- | underfoot. It was felt tho t.the time IT:s opportune to show there existed a strong body ;,f opinion in favour of reserving a large area of the Snowy Mountains in its wilderness state, Investigations continued. | + | The Department arranged |
- | 011'8.4.43 officers of the Department of Lr., | + | |
- | walking and parks bodies. The Government | + | |
- | The Departlint arranir5-ed | + | |
- | a. The commit-b03 said at once they wore not interested in the proposed | + | - Water conservation. |
- | parkland across the border in Victoria, | + | |
- | out without further comment. As a mattor of fact the riPPAC | + | |
- | b. Legislation would be brought down to crargfizetliC.; | + | - The development of a large national park was assured and would be established very soon. |
- | c. 77ater | + | |
- | d. Forestry.- | + | Following representations made at those meetings by M.J. Dunphy it was conceded that the park when approved could not be a " |
- | e. Soil erosion, pests etc. | + | |
- | f. the development of a large national park was assured and would be | + | Early in 1943 the Surveyor General sent a large party of surveyors into the field and the large two-sheet |
- | 'established very soon. | + | |
- | Following representations made at those meetings by H.J. Dunphy it was conceded that the park when approved could not be a " | + | On 8.9.43 the Premier, |
- | Early in 1943 the Surveyor General sent a large party of surveyors | + | |
- | into the fielq and the large twoshoot | + | Signs of a coming conflict of interests were plain. Following on Press articles " |
- | On 8.9.43 the Premier, | + | |
- | governments decision to set aside 1,400,000 acres of the Snowy Mountains | + | The scientific societies objected to aspects of the proposals. The Royal Zoological |
- | as a national park. He noted the Councils | + | |
- | January, 1966. The Sydney Dushwalker 8. | + | On 5.1.44 members of the various societies met at the Premiers office to discuss matters with the Select |
- | of a separate State Parkland Authority | + | |
- | Signs of a coming conflict of interests were plain. | + | Section 13 stated. Subject to the regulations, |
- | Press articles " | + | |
- | would be limited in order to prevent exposure | + | There were other activities affecting the beginning of the State Park. The operation of the Murray Waters Act from 1915, the use of controlling locks and weirs, the level of the Hume Reservoir and expansion |
- | The scientific societies objected to aspects of the proposals. The | + | |
- | Royal Zoolo ical Society suggested that an area one tenth of the proposed park should be marked as " | + | In the repatriation period |
- | from tenures of any kind. They selected the Snowy Indi area as the best place for such a sanctuary. (At a later date they changed their mina and | + | |
- | selected the problem "surnmit" area for desired treatment. The R.Z. said that any area designated park should be reserved from any sort of tenure. | + | The next most important phase in the beginnings of the Park was the emergence of the Snowy Mountains Scheme in 1948; a vast project which involved the full development of the Snowy Highlands as a planned catchment. The SMA lost no time in getting |
- | On 5.1.44 members of the various societies met at the Premiers office to discuss matters with the W.ect Committee appointed to meet them. The Committee' | + | |
- | Section 13 stated. Subject to the regulations, | + | The early improved road access |
- | There wore other activities affecting the beginning of the State Park. The operation of the Murray Waters Act from 19152 the use of controlling locks and weirs, the level of the Hume Reservoir and =Tension | + | |
- | Timber Bureau did the first erosion survey of the highland catchments of the two states. | + | Before long it appeared that only the members of the natural science bodies and those who value scenic wilderness scenery for their holidays had anything to grieve over. However there is no room for complacency on the score of the ultimate utilisation of scenic wilderness. Realisation of its real value has increased to a marked extent due to the past efforts of the conservators. And more than any other parkland the KSP, by reason of the nature of the region and the many overlapping activities connected with it has had a most educational value. |
- | In the repatriation period | + | |
- | 9. The Sydney Dushwalker Januaryt, | + | What has been recorded here deals with facts and circumstances bearing on the beginnings of a great State Park which, because of inherent |
- | tour of the N617 highlands. | + | |
- | The next most important phase in the beginnings of the Park was the emergence of the Snowy Mountains Scheme in 1948; a vast project which involved the full development of the Snowy Highlands as a planned catchment. The SMA lost no time in getting | + | In conclusion, as some adknowledgement of the excellence of the original two state scheme an earnest effort should be made to induce the authorities in Victoria to set up a primitive park on their side of the border, entirely separate from the proposed large national park on the highlands further |
- | genuine interest in the great national works averted a lot of criticism | + | |
- | The early improved road access | + | |
- | for winter sport facilities, and there was a great boost in the construction of snow sport villages. | + | |
- | Before long it appeared that only the members of the natural science bodies and those who value scenic wilderness scenery for their holidays had anything to grieve over. However there is no' | + | |
- | of the nature of. the region and the many overlapping activities connected with it has had a most educational value. | + | |
- | Vhat has been recorded here deals with facts and circumstances bearing on the beginnings of a groat State Park which, because of inherent | + | |
- | - ' | + | |
- | In conclusion, as some adknowledgement of the excellence of the original two state scheme an earnest effort should be made to induce the authorities in Victoria to set up a primitive park on their side of the border, entirely separate from the proposed large national park on the highlands further | + | |
22nd December, 1965. | 22nd December, 1965. | ||
- | 10. The Sydney Dushwalker January, 1966' | + | |
- | DAY MUM. | + | ---- |
- | JANUARY | + | |
- | A visit to the Northern portion of the Heathcote Primitive Area. This section of the 7oronora | + | =====Day Walks.===== |
- | Train: Ring leader at D0961 Extension 3077 for departure time. | + | |
- | Tickets: Heathcote return @ 5/6. | + | |January |
- | Map: Heathcote Primitive Area or Port Hacking Tourist. Leader: Jim Calloway. | + | |Febuary |
- | FEBRUARY | + | |February |
- | Train: 8.50 a m. Cronulla train Central Electric Station to Sutherland | + | |
- | Tickets: | + | ---- |
- | Map: Heathcote Primitive Area or Port Hacking Tourist. | + | |
- | FEBRUARY | + | Congratulations to the organisers of the Christmas |
- | After a short sharp descent to Era Beach, there should be -ample time for surfing. Then right through the Garrawarra Primitive Area to the panorama at Bald Hill. Suitable for new members. | + | |
- | Train: 8.20 a m. Cronulla Train Central Electric Station | + | ---- |
- | to Sutherland. | + | |
- | Tickets: Otford return @ slaus 2/ bus fare Waterfall | + | =====Paddy Made.===== |
- | Map: Port Hacking Tourist. Leader: David Ingram. | + | |
- | IMM.1 | + | We are amazed at just where Paddy Made Equipment |
- | Congratulations to the organisers of theChristmas | + | |
- | 70 are amazed at ' | + | From skin divers camping by their chosen spot to alpinists at their mountain |
- | Equip- | + | |
- | ment was mountaincerIng | + | Perhaps someone told them Paddy Made gear is best, it has been used by more ponrle longer |
- | out of doors people during the past twelve months.' | + | |
- | From skin divers camping by their chosen spot | + | Take a good tip from people who know. |
- | to alpinists at their mruntain | + | |
- | Perhaps someone told the -Paddy Made gear is best, it has been used\by more ponrle longer | + | For all your specialised camping gear call on |
Paddy Pallin Pty.Ltd., | Paddy Pallin Pty.Ltd., | ||
- | 1st Floor, | ||
- | Cnr. George and Bathurst Sts., -Sydney. | ||
- | 262685. | ||
- | 13M2685 | ||
- | anuary, 1966 The Sydney Dushvra, | ||
- | PilOSPECTING THE ,3A.P.LNESE ALPS Marie.Dylos. | ||
- | (INTRODUCTION' | ||
- | Dark, the " | ||
- | , Rock Climbing groups.. (Surely a Mother' | ||
- | an expeditiOn into 7' | ||
- | . that part of China was literally the end. of the -world. ,so, like | ||
- | Dr. bark, accepting that there comes a tiriae when the body must slow up, nevertheless the mind re-lives those kingly days of climbing.) | ||
- | r. | ||
- | "I think he ;should not have charged yoU from ' | ||
- | I rudely interrupted, | ||
- | of the bus got two feet closer to the edge, what a glorious-death amid all this grandeur!" | ||
- | "If ii' s only mountains you want;" he spoke peevishly, "you II get them all over Japan." | ||
- | " | ||
- | his eyes off the narrow rutted road, a road. only wide enough for one way traffic but on which cars often met each other and. one waited very courteously as near to the edge as possible while the ether squeezed past with about two inches between them. | ||
- | As twilight fell we passed the Imperial Hotel, the only inn which takes' non-Japanese guests and which closes clown immediately summer ends at the end of August. It was now the middle of September and three months | ||
- | all claimed " | ||
- | able to find was the Godenjaku Lodge,. a kind. 'of hostel for hikers with dinner, | ||
- | bed and breakfast for two and a half: | ||
- | 13. -Thr5 Syaney Bushwelker | ||
- | . . Jemuary, 1566.. | ||
- | week._ But after he and his assistants had looked at me very dubietisly it was explained. I was a voeeitarian and ate neither meat nor fish, they reconciled themselves to entertaining one of the lessor IYeeed of humanity and became-kindness personified except on that shocking occasionwhen I went | ||
- | out for the day with the key of the cabin in my pocket. It needed no common language to make known to me the awfulness of my offence. | ||
- | t!Su rrel rma son:" washes away Trur sins -hotter than the Blood of the LaMb, I had been told. The receptionis was placated. I never offended again. | ||
- | Of course we removed our shoes at the entrance, as in all inns, but they provided lockers in which to place your outdoor shoes, and you could put that key in your pocket: It also provided slipyors to walk over the polished | ||
- | boards. You might think this avoided all sweeping and susting, but every day every board was WiT2Ga over till it shone better than any polisher could shine it. | ||
- | Each bus brougrIt loads of tourists, mainly hikers and climbers with mainly red or yellow hats and rod or yellow xucksacks, the larger ones about three feet across and containing far more than the kitchen sink - I often saw heavy folding umbrellas in the side pockets. | ||
- | A few enthusiasts sported ice-axes, but for what purpose I did not - discpVer, for though in the same latitude as Auckland, New Zealand, these mountains carry neither snow nor ice. This was said to be due to the low winterrai-and-snow-fall. By the time' | ||
- | ropes except on the souvenir ice-axe brooches. But the mountains would provide magnificent rock-climbing, | ||
- | The first day I walked further than I had walked for twenty years. The track-through the lovely forest was ccvered with pebbles and not very pleasant walking. I ao not know if the pebbles wore especially laid to protect the sulface for maintenance trucks, but I soon found that the forest is -groWing on deep mulch overlaying river gravels, and that every track become- if it is much used, even by walkers, let alone cars. These | ||
- | tracks are scarcely Ado enough to take one car ana the hikers sometimes have to cling to tree roots over the brink of the swirling river to let that one car pass. | ||
- | All the i oung men and women climbers and walkers were friendly. Occasionally I would meet one studying English at the University, glad of the | ||
- | 4 opportunity of ' | ||
- | Twice I climbed up about two thousand feet until I could look out over the bare rocky tops Which rose perhaps five thousand feet higher. One of the climbers lent me his walking stick or I should not have managed it. | ||
- | | ||
- | It was good to breathe the hie h mountain air once again. I sat for a long wbile looking | + | 1st Floor, Cnr. George and Bathurst Sts., Sydney. 262685. |
- | heavy, rubber-soled canvas | + | |
- | Over the forest of aecidueuo | + | ---- |
- | It is hard to compare the beauties of mountains I have seen in so many countries. The Jaranese AIes rise Seven thousand feet above the inns and hostels along the rivers and would provide strenuous enough scrambles to suit the toughest,.mhile | + | |
- | The Japanese | + | =====Propsecting The Japanese Alps.===== |
- | axe. 'The fOrests' | + | |
- | forest | + | By Marie Byles. |
- | slow-going without | + | |
- | (in 'Japanese, of course) | + | (Introduction by Dot Butler; - "Once a climber, always a climber" |
- | If you are thinking of going to Kamikochi I should recommend | + | |
- | and you mould miss the joy of the Japanese communal bath, steaming | + | |
- | which is '' | + | |
- | Later on I visited the mountain resort of Koya San, the headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist Sect, It abounds in lovely temples around which alw ays grow the tall dark crytpameria and cyprus trees. It was exactly the right time to see the deciduous | + | "I think he should not have charged you from Matsumoto. I think....." |
- | i5 Th; Syaney 13usirralk er January, 19(76., | + | |
- | exactly thc right ,lay to see them at their best, for it was very dull and rainy. The tall dark trees rose above the sombre grey-rnofed | + | I rudely interrupted the Japanese friend who accompanied me. " |
- | The mountains of Japan have left bohincl | + | |
- | , | + | "If it' s only mountains you want," he spoke peevishly, " |
- | .hearts of cold to match their golden gingko trees. I should like to visit them again but I should prefer to wait for another life so that I could | + | |
- | scramble among their rocky peaks. | + | "Ah, but not as good as these at Kamikochi. These are 12,000 ft.!" As __he__ made __his__ calculations in metres my remark was lost. I jambed my carrying bag more firmly into the middle of my back to ease the swings at the turns and the jumps at the ruts, and rested back utterly content. About an hour later the driver stopped to rest his white-cotton-gloved hands and take his eyes off the narrow rutted road, a road only wide enough for one way traffic but on which cars often met each other and one waited very courteously as near to the edge as possible while the ether squeezed past with about two inches between them. |
- | 4 | + | |
- | " | + | As twilight fell we passed the Imperial Hotel, the only inn which takes non-Japanese guests and which closes down immediately summer ends at the end of August. It was now the middle of September and three months of correspondence had failed to persuade any other inn to accept a foreign guest - they all claimed to be full. The only thing the Japanese Travel Bureau had been able to find was the Gosenjaku Lodge, a kind of hostel for hikers with dinner, bed and breakfast for two and a half dollars a day and a bunk in a six-bunk cabin. The proprietor of the Lodge had relented only when he was told that one Japanese would bring me and another would take me away at the end of the week. But after he and his assistants had looked at me very dubiously when it was explained I was a vegetarian and ate neither meat nor fish, they reconciled themselves to entertaining one of the lesser breed of humanity and became kindness personified - except on that shocking occasion when I went out for the day with the key of the cabin in my pocket. It needed no common language to make known to me the awfulness of my offence. |
- | )1 ttk,( | + | |
- | -" | + | "Su mi ma sen!" washes away your sins better than the Blood of the Lamb, I had been told. The receptionist was placated. I never offended again. |
- | ) | + | |
+ | Of course we removed our shoes at the entrance, as in all inns, but they provided lockers in which to place your outdoor shoes, and you could put that key in your pocket! It also provided slippers to walk over the polished boards. You might think this avoided all sweeping and dusting, but every day every board was wiped over till it shone better than any polisher could shine it. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Each bus brought loads of tourists, mainly hikers and climbers with mainly red or yellow hats and red or yellow rucksacks, the larger ones about three feet across and containing far more than the kitchen sink - I often saw heavy folding umbrellas in the side pockets. | ||
+ | |||
+ | A few enthusiasts sported ice-axes, but for what purpose I did not discover, for though in the same latitude as Auckland, New Zealand, these mountains carry neither snow nor ice. This was said to be due to the low winter rain-and-snow-fall. By the time summer arrives there is no water on the tops except at the huts and most of the climbers carried flasks - as well as folding umbrellas and ice-axes! I did not see much evidence of ropes except on the souvenir ice-axe brooches. But the mountains would provide magnificent rock-climbing, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The first day I walked further than I had walked for twenty years. The track through the lovely forest was covered with pebbles and not very pleasant walking. I do not know if the pebbles were especially laid to protect the surface for maintenance trucks, but I soon found that the forest is growing on deep mulch overlaying river gravels, and that every track becomes pebbles if it is much used, even by walkers, let alone cars. These tracks are scarcely wide enough to take one car and the hikers sometimes have to cling to tree roots over the brink of the swirling river to let that one car pass. | ||
+ | |||
+ | All the young men and women climbers and walkers were friendly. Occasionally I would meet one studying English at the University, glad of the opportunity of ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Twice I climbed up about two thousand feet until I could look out over the bare rocky tops which rose perhaps five thousand feet higher. One of the climbers lent me his walking stick or I should not have managed it. | ||
+ | |||
+ | It was good to breathe the high mountain air once again. I sat for a long while looking | ||
+ | |||
+ | Over the forest of deciduous | ||
+ | |||
+ | It is hard to compare the beauties of mountains I have seen in so many countries. The Japanese Alps rise seven thousand feet above the inns and hostels along the rivers and would provide strenuous enough scrambles to suit the toughest, | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Japanese Alps are not for the young Australian who thirsts for snow and ice for there is neither in summer, and in winter | ||
+ | |||
+ | If you are thinking of going to Kamikochi I should recommend | ||
+ | |||
+ | Later on I visited the mountain resort of Koya San, the headquarters of the Shingon Buddhist Sect. It abounds in lovely temples around which always | ||
+ | |||
+ | The mountains of Japan have left behind | ||
- | "*- | + | ---- |
- | | ||
- | January, 1966 The Sylney | ||
- | miammwwwl, | ||
Reminiscences of a Climberg - Colin Putt | Reminiscences of a Climberg - Colin Putt | ||
RUNNING AWAY TO SHORE | RUNNING AWAY TO SHORE |
196601.txt · Last modified: 2016/07/22 10:14 by tyreless