'Phone 843985 Box No. 4476, G.P.O. Sydney TEE SYDNEY BUSH7ALKER A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bushwalker the N.S.7. Nurses' Association Rooms “Northcote Building,” Reiby Place, Sydney. - Business Manager Bill Burke, Coral Tree Dr., Carlingford. 871-1207 AtitY Editor Frank Rigby, Unit 5, 52 Market St., Randwick 392741 \ ) Typist Shirley Dean, 30 Hannah St., Beecrft.',_ Sales an Subscrirtions Neville Page, 22 Hayward St., Kingsford 343536 387 MARCH, 1967 Price 10c At the February Meeting J.Brown Kanangara Gorge, or was it Danae Brook Brian Harding One More Month Observer Paddy's Ad. Swimming Carnival Results N. Page Our Conservation Ideals Gain Acceptanop A. Colley Mountain Equipment Co. Ad. Circular from 17arwick Deacnck Watson's Crags the Hard 7cy. Don Finch
a 2. The SydzarStratwa- lker March, 1967 AT THE FEBRUARY MEETING. Jim Brown With President John thite away Interstate, Jack Gentle settled into a chair that must have almost conformed to his shape by now, and dispatched Ernie Farquhar to silence the numerous and vocal Noises Off Club. Two new members - well one really new (Barbara Mackaness) and one (Victor Trett), who had been away from Sydney for several months - were welcomed, minutes read and confirmed with one minor amendment Correspondence told us that Taro had accepted Committee's offer of Honorary Membership: that National Park Trust hoped to exorcise better control of campers at Era by Patrols from Garie, that Federation Reunion would be at Ingar Picnic Grand (south of Wentworth Falls), while there was an array of circulars from N.P.A. It was reported that dirty camping and- cutting of branches And palms was still going on2 one party at Australia Day weekend leaving a plastic bag of sausages which had. become activated by the following weekend. Also in correspondence was an invitation from Federation to send a delegate to Conservation Bureau's Meeting on February 14 to discuss the National Parks Act. Ron Knightley foreshadowed certain motions to be put forward later with the target of defining Club policy on this question. Alex Colley was nominated as SB7 delegate to the meeting. Finances were rising mostly because outgoings had. been dealt with previously and there was no expenditure in Janaury. Current funds stood at $316 and Treasurer Gordon Redmond announced his intention of quoting only even dollars at future monthly: meetings. Federation Report contained mention of a submission to the Taxation Department, for expenses incurred in S & R activities to be an allowable deduction. Two new mobile tranceivers for S & R have been purchased. The Publications Committee had word from a publishing/advertising firm that it was not prepared to produce a free journal on bushwalking topics, but Federation had asked the Committee to consider other means of publishing a “lessor” magazine. Stan Cottier has been appointed a Trustee of the Royal National Park. There was then a long summary of Federation's discussion of the National Parks Act2 in which conflicting opinions were expressed. Some considered that Federation should not press for immediate changes in the Bill: others had pointed out that, while the Labour Party looked like blocking the Bill in the Upper House, there was an opportunity to seek alterations before the Third Reading, and. before the Government obtained its expected Legislative Council majority. As a result it was decided in Federation to invite a representative from each interested Club to attend the Conservation Bureau meeting. It was clear that there was some conflict in IPA on the same issue. Parks and Playgrounds Report said the Annual Meeting of that body was occupied mainly with formal business. 0 March; 1967 The Sydney Bushwalker 3. Before calling for the Walks Report, the Chairman stated that after lastminute additions, the March/April/May prngramme was now in reasonable shape. He invited leaders to provide more detail as to route when placing walks on the list. Don Finch then revorted on January activities, which started badly with “no starters” on a couple of jaunts. However Bill Gill= had 22 people fishing on Lake George, and Don himself lead 19 to the Wollongambe Creek. In the heat of January 229 David- Ingram's Era party was 20, and on the same day Roger Lockwood lea 7 on a walk in the Blackheath area. Over the Australia Day weekend the walk in the Boyd. Kowmung country attracted 14, but the lazy beach weekend folded up no starters. Jack Gentle extended a welcome to an exHobart Walking Club member who bad come to Sydney and proposed joining our ranks, and it was Jack who fell for the position of convenor of the Reunion Organising Committee. The big business of the night was a discussion on what we should say about the National Parks Act, and Ron Knightley led off with a resolution that we write the Premier, commending many features of the Bill, but expressing our concern over others. The points he suggested we should regard with doubt were (a) emphasis on “preservation” of mild life instead of “conservation” without similar provision for flora. Thus fauna may became so numerous as to destroy or damage plant life, but the latter was unprotected. (b) the Advisory Council should have greater power and the Minister should not have full executive control © the panel to advise on structures within parks should include interests other than architects. In the ensuing discussion, Wilf Hilder mentioned that a complementary Bill w uld be forthcoming and amendments to the present Bill made within reasonable time. For this reason it may be inadvisable to criticise the Legislation now under dealing. Alex Colley felt the representation should not be sent to the Premier, after our previous dealing with the Minister for Lands, which had obtained quite good results in the present Bill. He believed we should not at this stage press for changes. Frank Rigby considered amendments at a later stage could rectify flaws found in the present Bill, but Gordon Redmond was all for instant action, iticluding the presence on the Advisory Council of a Bushwelking as well as a National Parks delegate. 0 Two amendments to the “write a letter” motion were adopted: first we wruld write to the Minister for Lands, not the Premier: secondly we would say we felt “concern” over certain clauses not “serious concern.”-' In this form the motion was carried. 4. The Sydney Bushwalker March?. 1967 Ron now presented his separate points (a) (12) and (o) above, and after aiscussien the first and second were darned and the third lost.
Gordon Redmond followed up with his suggestion for a Talkor representative
on the Council, and this9 too, was supported, though iNilf Hilaer felt it -woUld be a miracle to'dbtain Ministeroal agreement to such a change now. Alex Colley pointed out that although willing to write the letter and to attend the,Conservation Buroau; ho did not feel at all happy at expressing opinions he did not fully supports krter a little discussion he resigned and nominated Ron Knightly, author of the resolution in his stead. He was duly appointed. In the speaking Barry 'Janis made the point that the Club delegates would not exercise a veto at the Conssrv,Ltion Bureau meeting, but would simply voice Club views, In answer to a question by Phil Butt whetwthe SBT delegatc should receive further briefing, the Chairman said every aspect culd not be covered, but a ,7cnora1 policy lino had been set out in the motions. With the evening ebbing away? Wilf Hilder reported on new maps - a large group of north coast 2“ to one mile sheets covering the Dorrige, Comboyne country behind 7ingham were 12eady or coning forward Neville PagL, reminded that magazine subscriptions were due. Owen Marks said everyone must come to the Swimming Carnival there would_ be a 21st Birthday party as well on the Saturday evening. 7ilf Hilder added that a dispute over place names was developing between the Geographical Names Board and its advisory Council and he would advise on later developments. ihich brought to a close a long, sometimes rather confused, but generally amiable meeting something that can't be said for some other organisations at this time. It was just 5.50 p.m. 1 REUNION DAMPER COMPETITION Don't forget this gastronomical event being )rganisd for the Reunion. Above all don't forget to bring your flour and any ether secret ingredient necessary for success. Talking of dampers, we must apologise for an error- in reporting the previous competition: we said that Betty Farquhar haa been the winner when in fact it was Gladys Roberts. 7ho is going to beat Gladys this time? ALSO THERE WILL BE RACES FOR CHILDREN AND PRIZES. .14.mmulimmrhionimr., March,- 1967 The Sydney Bushwalker 5
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KANANGARA GORGE OR WAS IT DANE BROOK? Brian Harding. It was a typical Kanangara morning, humid and wet; however, this did not deter the eight members of the party, Johanna Hallman, Dot Butler, Ross Wyborn, Frank Rigby, Don Finch, Paul Hinkley, Roger Gowing and myself. The programmed trip was Dana Brook, but Ross suggested that the Kanangara Gorge might be the driest under the present conditions. The leader agreed after a short struggle. After breakfast the party sot off across the tops and scrambled into Kanangara Creek. The first waterfall dropped rather sharply, about 500 feet into a deep pool. This is how the conversation went as the party peered nervously over the edge. Ross: “If we tie two ropes together we should be able to drop down onto that little ledge, and with a little luck we might get a piton in and rope down the rest of the way.” Frank: “That a piton will never hold in this type of rock.” Ross: “TeM send all the heavy bods down first to try it out.” Ross and Paul began to tpet out ropes, while Frank lit up several cigarettes and the rest of the party kneeled facing east and prayed. Our prayers were answered; as it turned out we were the victims of a practical joke. Climbing back up out of the creek some one casually asked, “Which canyon are we going down now?” “Danae” replied Dot laughing loudly. Everybody was now thoroughly confused. After sidling around some distance we scrambled down a slippery side creek to the base of Kanangara Falls. - The creek was f- ling like a stone, and a short abseil brought us further into the canyon. Around the next corner we were faced with a short swim, or a slippery climb around the pool. The leader and a few hardy types took to the water, while the rest of us “piked out” around the side. The next drop was short on belay points and the ledge resisted attempts to put in pitons. After lunch a detour was negotiated and after two abseils we were rock-hopping down the main crock again. The next fall encountered was a beaut; two 120 feet robes were joined, looped around a small tree and lowered over the edge. The rope only reached a small ledge some 15' above the water. Ross wont down first and bombed down from the ledge hitting the water as gracefully as a drunk albatross. The rest of the party climbed along the wlippery ledge rather than take to the water, and then dropped down another rope to the bottom. a The Sydney BuShwalker March, 1967 Frank and I had managed to keep.relatively dry, however our” 'luck was about to change as further down stream the rope dropped down into a deep pool with no way out but to swim. The water was rather cool at first but very refreshing. Dot had shot off ahead and had found a camp site under two large stinging trees. The night was clear and the majority of the party fell ,asleep arnund the fire. At about midnight rain began to fall, lightly at first and then rather heavily, stirring even the heaviest sleepers. The camp became a hive of industry, Jo, Ross and Paul stumbled into my tent, while the others clad in their night attire ran around in the nettles looking for tent poles. A quarter of an hour later all was quiet, excepte'for the rain drumming down on the tents. After a cold. breakfast in bed. the party set off rather early (11 am) down past .Kalong Falls and up Murdering Gully to the Kanangara Cave. A nixed lunch was eaten including Ross' fermented grapes and well matured sausages, Jols tinned moat, Roger's soup followed. by wet biscuits and ovaltine. After all this was consumed we set off back to the cars, then to the A.B. for further refreshments. Back at the A.B. the leader IOW still not sure which canyon we had gone down. Never mind, Jo, it was a beaut trip which ever one it vas. …………11=1111110101111.1111W ONE MORE MOTH . “Observer” We haven't heard of this happening in a long time. A Certain Leader who programmed a trip from Mt. Victoria to Blackheath via Blue Gun actually covered the route the week-end. before. What, no excitement of uncertainty? Two walks with lots of inbuilt leisure came out of February. Don Finch reported that the Cox was ideal for a Li-Lo trip - apparently you just had to lay on the thing and the river did the rest. Bill Bourke's Barley Head to Pebbly Beach coastal walk was all of eight miles - there were swims, morning and afternoon teas, two hour lunch stops and underwater exploration sessions. Getting from one beach to the next without stopping was considered pretty good,going. Li-Los are now really IN: What with recent pneumatic jaunts down the WollangaMbie, the Kowmung and the Cox, and now the Swimming Carnival Races, Paddy will have to start thinking about a bushwalkers'extralightweight super-special model with an inbuilt recess just-Sig enough for a rucksack. K, 7 THY ARE PADDYtS OILSKIN “KIWI” PARKAS WORTH MORE? A bundle of good reasons. They are the best quality. The proofing is the best. They are bettbr designed. The zipps are thc best made featuring two way opening. They are guaranteed. All press studs are properly reinforced. You have the backing of a reliable repair and reproofing service. Repairs and reproofing aro not expensive. 1. Ask at Paddy's for “Kiwi” oilskins, you'll be glad you did. FOR SERVICE AND CONVENIENCE 401117 :414tr..4:041i PADDY PALLIN PTY. LTD. 1st Floor, 109a Bathurst St., SYDNEY. 26-2685. . '414/ 111 ca PADDY P LL1 Lightweight Camp Gear lir r I . .f / BM 2685 '.7“–ver+t,fta 8. The Sydney Bushwalker March, 1967. SWIMMING CABNIVAL RESULTS N. Page. After going into temporary retirement in 1966, the annual S.B.7. Swimming Carnival once again reappeared on the walks programme, and on Sunday, February 19, the 1967 carnival was held under the joint leader- ' ship of Nan Bourke and Owen Marks. A great deal of publicity preceded the event this year with the result that sixty-two bushwalkers and friends turned up to participate and spectate. Family groups were present in abundance including the 7Tyborns and daughters, Ashdgwns and daughter, Bob Younger and son, Don Finch and young sister, Margaret Dogterom and young nephew, plus others whose names escape my memory for the moment. Proceedings got under way at the scheduled starting time of 11 a.m. A colourful scene was presented with myriads of balloons floating around Lake Eckersley. Margaret Child aid a sterling job paddling around on a li-lo trying to keep the balloons under control, since the breeze was tending to blow them upstream. The results of the races, in the approximate order in which they were run, are as follows. FARWHAR CUP. This event was run for the first time this year, due to the generousity of Betty and Ern Farquhar in donating a trophy (to be retained by the winner). The idea of the race is for the contestants to wrap up their racks with their groundsheets, then swim across Lake,Eckersley and back towing same behind them. Points arc awarded for time taken and dryness of pack afterwards* This provided a good start for the carnival, and resulted in a close finish. Unfortunately my pack sank completely on the swim back, slowing me down considerably. Place-getters were:- 1st. Kath Brown 2nd. Mike Short 3ra0 Margaret Dogterom. MEN'S MON FREESTYLE. 1st 2nd. 3rd. 'S FREESTYLE 1st. 2nd. 3rd. Lawrence Quaken Rolfe Janssen Don Finch Nan Burke Ros. Painter Gladys Roberts Mardb. 1967 The Sydney Dushwalker MEN'S LONG PLUNGE. The idea of this event is to dive from a point on the lake's edge and glide for as long a distance as possible without using the arms or legs. Due to someone's incompetence or otherwise, the measuring cord was laid along the water backwards, so that the contestant with the smallest reading was the winner. 1st0 L. Roche 50 ft. plunge 2nd0 Rolfe Janssen 38 ft. plunge 3rd0 Don Finch 35 ft. p1unc7e WON'S LONG PLUNGE. 1st Nan Bourke 41 ft. plunge 2nd, Margaret Docterom 38 ft. plunge 3rd Wendy Dattye 37 ft. plunge. MANDELBERG CUP. This race is a mixoC relay in which the women swim one way across the lake and touch their partners, who then swim back. 1st E. Ashdown with R. Janssen 2nd N. Bourke with O. Marks 3rd M. Dogterom with R. Gowing PEANUT SCRAMBLES. Children: 1st. R. Bourke Women: 1st. N. Bourke Men: 1st. A. Billings MEN'S LI LO RACE. In this race the contestants lined up with their lilos on one bank, ready to paddle across the lake and back again. Some people from the All Nations Club 7alkabout section were encamped on the opl,osite bank, and the direction to the contestants was to pay their respects to a certain lady wearing a certain hat in the party before paddling back. The race proved to be an exciting one, with each person shaking hands with this lady before returning. Pesults were: 1st. Rolfe Janssen 2nd. Neville Page .3rd. Don Finch WOMEN'S LILO RACE, The rules for the women were the same as for the men, except that the direction to the contestants was to kiss the gentleman with the bald head (unbeknown to the said gentleman) before paddling their lilos into the home stretch. The look of surprise on that gentleman's face as he was smothered with kisses was quite something. Placegetters were: 1st. 7endy Pattye (I think) 2nd. Margaret Dogterom 3rd Muriel Goldstein 10. The Sydney Dushwalker March; 1967 After lunch the prizes for first place in each race were awarded. Prizes (other than cups) were provided by Owen Marks from his library, following the same pattern as prizes on the gourmet weekend. The Henley Cup, which is presented to the person gaining the highest point score in the whole meeting went to one of the leaders, Nan Bourke. Other prize-winners and their prizes wore:- Kath Drowns “The Debates between Arnold Toynbee and Den Gurien” Lawrence Quaken: “A book of Contemporary Ready-Made Speeches.” Nan :Bourke: “A Guide Book of Delhi” “Aboriginal Place Names” One Bottle of Deer. M. Roche: Something or other published by the Arab League. OUR CONSERVATION IDEALS GAIN ACCEPTANCE. By Alex Colley Call it what you like - a “primitive area” - a “wilderness area”, a “natural park” or a “roadless area” - the ideal of large tracts of bushland permanently protected from exploitation or “improvement” has been the S.P.7. goal since the foundation of the Club. We didn't create the ideal. It came direct from the Mountain Trails Club, many of whose members, such as Myles Dunphy and Alan Rigby, were foundation members of the S-7.7. In the early days we were almost alone in our objective and,it is only in very recent years that it has gained wider acceptance. Now, with the presentation of the National Parks and. Wildlife Dill, the statutory framework for its realisation is being created. It was fortunate that, some three years ago, the Club decided to clarify its National Parks policy. A small committee was elected to draft the policy as they understood it, and present it to a General Meeting for discussion. This was done, and the greater part of our meeting of 10th June 1964 was given to discussion of this draft policy. Several very effective amendments and additions were made to the policy, which wore then approved by the meeting. When the Minister for Lands invited us to discuss the proposed legislation with him, the same Committee was appointed to represent the Club. It held several meetings to clarify the details and logic of its approach to the Minister, but there was no need to re-examine the main principles. As a result our case was presented clearly, and it received a sympathetic hearing. Just how sympathetic may be gauged by the similarity between our policy and the wording of the Dill; and by some extracts from the Parliamentary debate. March; 1967 The Sydney Dushwalkor 11. The influence of the S413.7., not only by direct representations but through members working in other organisation, may be gauged from the following passage from the Minister's Second Reading speech: “Organisations which have been consulted include the National Parks Association of New South Wales; the National Trust of Australia, New South Vales Branch; the 711d Life Preservation Society of Australia, and many other individuals and local organisations. Some of these, including the Caloola Club and the Sydney Bush Walkers have done much to foster the objects of this bill. Reference must be made to the now defunct National Parks and Primitive Areas Council which, for many years, was active in initiating moves for the creation of parks and nature reserves. In particular I must mention an individual - Mr. Myles J. Dunphy. The work of Hr. Strom, Chief Guardian of Fauna, has received the commendation of conservationists and the public”. Our policy stated that “National Parks should be principally places where man can enjoy nature” and we said that “at least 50% of all National Parks should be left in its primitive condition.” The Eill provides that, in preparing a plan of management, the Director,of National Parks shall have regard to “the preservation of each national park in its natural condition” and “The setting apart of the whole” (not just 50%) “or part of a national or state park as a wilderness area.” Roads, we said “should be kept to an essential minimum.” This is what the Minister said about roads - Er. Lewis Canister for Lands): “Where any area is set apart as a wilderness area in the plan of management, it is intended that the wilderness area shall be kept and maintained in a state of nature and that buildings, ski tows and other apparatus, except simple and essential survival-huts, shall not be erected or constructed therein.” Er. Simpson: “That is a wilderness area?” Er. Lewis: “It depends where it is. It may be a national park and may be a small area. We are talking about wilderness areas only within these parks; wilderness areas are zoned within the parks. Mr. Simpson: “That means that no road can be put through?” Er. Lewis: “As a rule, yes” Mining, we said, should be “excluded from all National Parks by appropriate legislation.” The Dill provides that “The land within a national park, state park, or historic site is hereby exempted from occupation under miner's right or business license issued under the provisions of the Mining Act, 1906.” On this gspect the following exchange is revealing: The Hon. J.D. Kenny: Is the Ministsr saying that Parliament should tie up land forever?” The Hon. J.D.M.Fuller (Minister for Decentralisation): “I am suggesting that very thing.” 12. The Sydney Bushwalker March, 1967 The Hon. J.D. Kenny: “Is it constitutionally possible?” The Hon. J.D.M. Fuller: “If this bill is agreed to there is no Objection according to the constitutional experts. The charter of the National Parks Service of Canada is expressed in these words - 'The National Parks of Canada are areas of natural beauty and special interest that have boon dedicated to the people for their benefit, education and enjoyment. Established primarily for the preservation of the unspoilt natural landscape and for the protection of the native wildlife, they are to be maintained and made use of so as to leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.'” Views expressed by Mr. Earl, on the evils of high speed roads through parks, would have found ready acceptance in any S.P.7. meeting. He said: “Super roads and other amenities must be kept on the outskirts of the parks. The parks themselves must be kept in a primitive state for the enjoyment of lovers of nature. The person who wants to whizz through a national park on a well-formed road at 50 miles per hour is not a true lover of nature. People who are really interested in the parks will enter them by shanks poney or on horseback. The true lover of nature must be given every facility to explore and enjoy the national parks. It would be ridiculous to put through a.national park a first-class road that would take thousands of cars through, as from Sydney to Parramatta. People who expect roads and expressways through these areas do not appreciate the requirements of a national Dark, which are not for people who whizz through and do not enjoy the country at all.” So it looks as if we have won, if not the war, at least a battle. And our next goal is clear. It is to find and describe areas suitable for national parks. This is no longer the time consuming and difficult job it used to be. We have been to10 that if we put up a good case for an area, departmental officers will do the technical work regarding land tenures, costs etc. This is a challenge to leave the beaten track and seek out “new country” - surely the goal of every true bushwalker. SOCIAL NOTES FOR MARCH March 15th. Durragorang - John White and Frank Ashdown. March 22nd New Zealand - Club Members. March 29th Ski Touring - Paddy Pallin. THE LIGHTEST AND WARMEST YET MADE THE WIDEST RANGE OF SLEEPING BA GS OFFERED IN AUSTRALIA Our f..311().Arror,rn is open frum 7.30 p.m. to 10. 00 p.m. Tuesdays and Thurs - days - other times 1;1 y appointment at: F3,:tt 1, 69 \Verona Ave. , GORDON, (50 yards from Gordon Railway Station.) Phone 49-3329 /IA tel E . r'z'Azz31;30 MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENI COMPANY 14. The Sydney Bushwalker March, 1967 Circular from Warwick Deacook. Tel: 326922 (Business) 967677 (After hours) P.O. Box 54, MOS=. Dear Sir, The enclosed card explains “On the IN Side” and the combination of interests indicates that this show is Edmed at stimulating interest in creative activities. Our audience as far as can be ascertained is drawn from families with adolescent children in the main. I am writing to you to invite you to place before the members of your organisation my invitation for ideas that mi,cdlt be included in the activities section of this programme. Normally I have a guest with me who can explain with films or still Pictures an event or pursuit in which they are involved. A fee is payable to those who appear and the actual recording of the show is done between 9.30 and 2.30 on a Sunday at the same time I think you will agree that an opportunity to publicise worthwhile spare time activities is of value and should not be missed. Once a month I make an outdoors broadcast, either filming myself or with the assistance of an A.B.C. cameraman, and should your organisation be interested in creating a film (in one day) of some activity, I would be very interested to discuss this. If you have a magazine or a newsletter, I would be very pleased if you would indicate the contents of this letter. These opportunities have only recently been developed through the A.B.C. and afford a very valuable mbdium for interesting all age groups in the worthwhile occupation of their leisure time and, at the same time, might assist Clubs and Organisations to tell their stories to a broader public and discover new members if these are needed. -lours sincerely, Warwick Deacock. (“On the IN Side” is presented on ABCTV on Sunday Mornings. Ed.) DON'T FORGET CHILDREN'S RACES AT THE REUNION. March, 1967 The Sydney Bushwalker 15. WATSON'S CRLGS THE HARD WAY. 0 Don Finch. The tales that come back from snow and ice trips to Watson's Crags are so filled with suffering that one wonders why people Eo back year after year and why more people ,r;o every year. Last 8-hour weekend there were fifty three people on the trip, coming from nine different walking and climbing clubs. However, this trip was to be different; this trip was going to be something special compared with other attempts at Watson's Crags because this time we were going in a bus. The reason for hiring the bus was that the drivers of the cars were always tired on Saturday after driving all night into the large hours of the morning. This of course had' no effect on the passengers who sleep all the way or at the worst wake up sev.amatimes as the early morning system dictates. As my last trip was in Wozziborn's car with Ross amd Gerry Sinzig as drivers I was left with no other sensible alternative than to become a dictated passenger. The next day I was as fresh as a daisy while Ross and Gerry were showing the ill effects of the long drive by slowing down to a pace which I could manage without undue effort. Now this arrangement as you can see is most desirable as far as the passengers are concerned but the drivers were willing to try anything to get out of the long drive down, even the more expensive bus trip. Well, since the drivers wanted to go by bus and although in a minority it is clear that passengers can't be passengers withou6 drivers so we went by bus - clearly a dictatorship of sorts was afoot. The bus was to leave Strathfield at 6 p.m. sharp. Dorothy kept on flogging this bit of news for weeks before. 6.15 p.m. Friday September 30: No bloody bus with drivers trippjng. over their faces and all the passengers in the pub. 6.25-41372 p.mc bus stops in front of the Melba - passengers tripping over their faces and drivers in the pub. After we all learned how sundries s.re Packed we moved off around about 7 o'clock. At this stage there was an excess of several passengers on the bus with packs taking the back portion plus several beds on top of the packs. There were also several car loads going. we picked Duncan up at Camden along with Kathy Dawson and Roslyn. As if we weren't disorganised enough as it was Duncan brought three boxes of food about a cubic yard each marked Saturday, Sunday and Monday, respectively as well as H-frames, ice axes and the like. After a while it became obvious that it was hopeless to get comfortable on the seats so down onto the floor with the drum of the wheels and the whine of the diff, in your car and a forest of seat sup,Jorts to got tangled up in. Thus we slept. Except for several “comfort stops” for the benefit of those who brought a their own refreshments the bus pushed on to Cooma for a meal. There was some doubt as to whether we could get over Dead Horse Gap so the longer but surer alternative route through Kiandra was taken. Dawn broke somehwemp along this road and it was around 9 a.m. when we went through Bella Vista. The road on the other side of Bella Vista is rather steep down hill and the 4 driver had two looks before he started on the descent. 16. The Sydney Bushwalker March, 1967 IIIM1.1Iii……, After, 2,000 feet down we started on the up. After a few miles of up we came to a part of the road where, men were laying pipes. The road at this section was churned up to one big mud pie 6” deep. It also went up and around a bend and it was on this bit that the bus gave up. So everybody out, slosh through the mud to the edge of the road and cheer as the bus backed off and took another c;o - also unsuccessful. How far was it to the tunnel? About 15 miles, really just a biscuit toss. That grass over there looks nice and soft, the creek is just over there, plenty of fire wood. Here comes the bus again wider this time and a bit faster; into the thick stuff, the wheels [.20 spinning and slowly over the hump and off the hill. Maybe the grass isn't that soft after all The bus could only take us as far aS Canyon Camp which is about 2 miles from the tunnel entrance. This tunnel is the Geehi pressure tunnel bringtg the water from Lady Northeote's Canyon to the Geehi-Murray tunnel. The tunnel runs right through Watson's Crags and although the tunnel is complete the load up at either ends are not, leaving an easy and convenient access to a suitable climbing base in Lady Northcote's Canyon. The other alternative is to park cars at Olson's Lookout and after a long 6 hours arrive at the camp which takes only 2 hours through the tunnel. Two men in SMA utility truck passed us on the road and they took most of the racks up to tho tunnel entrance. After Dot had invited the two men to come up the mountain with us we set off through the tunnel. The tunnel takes about 45 minutes to walk through and at the other end there is a walk down a road for several hundred feet, then up tho other side for several hundred feet and you're there. There now where exactly is “there” in relation to luxuries like fire-wood, as you can imagine 53 boas building camp fires can make quite a mess of even the most abundant firewood supply. Now since this particular campsite had, been used a number of times in the past, the natural fire-wood supply was in a sorry state. However the SMA had apparently pulled down a few huts, the timbers of which were in easily accessable piles conveniently placed around the campsite. The toilet which didn't have a door and which was Placed at a respectable distance from the camp commanded an interesting view of the lower part of Lady Northcote's Canyon including Olsen's Lookout in the distance. The water supply was in fact in three places - every time the water bucket had to be filled an agonising decision between the three alternatives had to be made. The alternatives were (i) to go back down the road towards the tunnel dropping several hundred feet down to the creek and consequently up several hundred feet; (ii) to continue alon the road for half a mile on the flat and level to where the creek crosses the road (iii) to drop straight down to the river behind the camp, an extremely steep and loose bit of ground where the risk of spilling the water often turns out to be more than a risk. The weather was overcast with a light mist hiding the summits of the surrounding mountains. After lunch we went up the main gully to practise on some steep snow. We climbed until we were just below the level of the mist. Here we roped up into twos and started moving together across the slope taking.it in turns to fall off while the other person arrested the fall with a dynamic belay incorporating the ice axe driven into the snow with a boot against it and the rope running around the ice axe March; 1967 The Sydney Bushwaiker 17 and over the boot for friction. The idea being to slow the falling person up gradually and not pull the axe out. The other method practised was the selfarrest method which meant manoeuvring around until 7nu were sliding down feet first on the turn and gradually digging the pick of the ice axe into the snow at shoulder level. After an hnur or so of sliding down through the wet soft snow we were very wet. Then a light breeze sprang up and made conditions cold and miserable, T7e moved off dawn the mountain that is, sliding down on our back sides with arms, logs and ice axes flapping around in the breeze. This method of resconding makes for a quick trip and we were soon back at camp cooking dinner. After dinner (the dessert of which was unseasoned) we went to bed as we were still quite tired from the bus trip down. I awoke the next morning to hear Ross running around getting the members of his party up. Since I was one of his Tarty it wasn't too long before he was threatening me with all sorts of tragic accidents like a wet sleeping bag, fallen tent or no breakfast. :Lifter careful consideration I decided that it would be in my best interests if I got out of bed. The morning was fine except for a light overcast with patches of blue here and there. It looked alright so an extra effort was made to got up the mountain as soon as possible. As fifty people cannot climb together the system used was to make up parties of about six persons with two relatively experienced people as instructors. These parties then took off and climbed by themselves where over they pleased. Rosso's party consisted of Cathy Dawson, Bob Duncan and Ross on ane rope with Ross's brother Donn and myself on another rope. We climbed back up the main gully to a point about fifty feet above whore we had been practising the previous day. Here we roped and then moved off up a steep gully on the left hand side of the main gully. Ross had one half of a walkie talkie set which a fellow in another party was thinking of buying he was just testing it out for range etc. Now this other party were to go up Lady Northcotes Canyon and then up to the Sentinel. On one call as they reckoned they were approaching the summit of the Sentinel they were complaining about the mist covering the summit. As we could see the trig station or the Sentinel it was obvious that it was not covered in mist. After pointing this out to them we also added that Mt. Townsend was hidden by mist and we suggested that they take their bearings again. the meantime our gully had become increasingly steep. It was very slow going and with our progress punctuated by the half hour radio calls it was discovered that we were moving two rope lengths per half hour or about 160 feet per hour with about 1000 fe56. of snow to the summit trig. Across the :1111y we could see Dot Butler's party doing a rock climb up 9, ridge. When they criticised our climbing technique we were quick to point out that they could rock climb in the Blue Mountains without travelling four hundred miles to 7atson's Crags. Fortunately for us our gully petered out and we found ourselves on a ridge which we were able to move up much faster. The mist began to envelop us and a cold wind. blew a light drizzle this way and that. Then the slope eased off and we were walking on only a slight rise. Visibility was limited to about ten yards and we had just stopped for an unsuccessful radio call when a brief break in the mist revealed to us the summit trig about 100 yards away. A quick 18 The Sydney Bushwalker M.arch 1967 bearing was taken as the mist quickly closeC, in again. Ross put the radio away and we moved off to the trig through the light grey swirling void. Lunch was oaten at the trig during which the weather again cleared. Some photos were taken of the Geehi end of the tunnel arproach. n. view of the lower trig about 500 yards away was enour, to spur us into going down to it. The mist again closed in on the way to the lower trig9 consequently we didn't see a bloody thing. !tor a few minutes there we cane back past the place where we first saw the summit trig anl onto the head of the main gully. Most of the other parties had already gone back to camp via the main gully. Most of them had slid down on their behinds and now there was a terrif shut to slide down. The idea was to lie down, pull the end of the parka up between your legs, stick logs, arms and ice axe up into the air and off. To stop you simple dug your heels into the snow, this sent a shower of snow all over the boa in front who in my case was Ross and as I was the last in line it was a case of “haul up the ladder, Jack”. Arriving at the bottom we were once again sopping wet and after inquiring “how's your numb bum, chum?” we moved off rather disjointedly towards camp. It rained off and on ,luring tea which made things quite miserable. The other parties began to relate their stories of the day's climbing. The Sentinel mob reckoned they did climb it2 while another party went over Twy-nam and out to Club Lake by which were pitched several tents. The others had equally incredible tales to toll but I can't remember them. That night despite all my clothese and mY Hotham sleeping bag I was cold. I wish Paddy would put out an underwater model.. The next morning the weather was rood weather for ducks. It didn't take experts to see that there would be no climbing today. it was just an automatic procedure of packing up and moving off towards the tunnel. 7e moved off in dribs and drabs and I was with Alan Pike and Alan Round and we did pass a few others on the road but most of the fifty odd boas were missing. Men we arrived at Canyon Camp we heard loud talking coming from one of the tin sheds and on entering said shed we found that this was indeed the pub. It was quite obvious who had arrived first and their order of arrival thereafter Was gvugod by the amount of glassiness of the eyes along with slow reflexes and incoherent speech. After several hours in the pub we again loaded our gear and ourselves onto the bus and once again that never ending trip had begun. Duncan sang some songs, in fact he sang many songs which I have no doubt that he didn't learn in Sunday school. After the entertainment had exhausted itself, there was nothing to do but go to sleep or wait for time to get us home. 7e arrived at Strathfield at some time in the early hours of Tuesday morning and so ended yet another episode of the Ice and Snow Instructionals2 Australian style.