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--- 196804 [2016/12/30 20:12] – [Annual general Meeting] paul_barton
+++ 196804 [2016/12/30 20:54] – [Invasion of Claustral] paul_barton
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 by Frank Rigby
-I suppose that, nowadays, the real walking into Federation Peak starts at Cracroft Crossing, at the end of the jeep track, leading from. the Arve Road. From Cracroft Crossing to the Peak, as the crow flies, is a morp eight miles and yet to cover the distance takes an average party two fairly solid dais of imlkingand scrambling. This will give you some idea of the terrain. Because many hundreds of bushwaikers have now used this spectacular, approach route, there is a rough track in most parts, with cairns marking the rocky sections. In the early exploratory days (1947-49) of Leo Lucia-Ian, John Berchevaise and CompanY, the route must have boon a heart-breaker and I can only take my hat off to them in admiration. One could perhaps agree, in this case, with the standa-rd Press description and call it "the roughest country in the State".
+I suppose that, nowadays, the real walking into Federation Peak starts at Cracroft Crossing, at the end of the jeep track, leading from the Arve Road. From Cracroft Crossing to the Peak, as the crow flies, is a mere eight miles and yet to cover the distance takes an average party two fairly solid days of walking and scrambling. This will give you some idea of the terrain. Because many hundreds of bushwaikers have now used this spectacular, approach route, there is a rough track in most parts, with cairns marking the rocky sections. In the early exploratory days (1947-49) of Leo Luckman, John Berchevaise and Company, the route must have been a heart-breaker and I can only take my hat off to them in admiration. One could perhaps agree, in this case, with the standard press description and call it "the roughest country in the State".
-Then there is the weather, which in this part of Tasmania is notorious. Probably fewer than 50% of parties which sot out for the peak actually climb it; some parties river even reach the base of the mountain. Yes, the defences and the disappointments of Federation Peak are still formidable. Why then, do so many bushwalkers make it their ultimate goal? I pondered this question
+Then there is the weather, which in this part of Tasmania is notorious. Probably fewer than 50% of parties which set out for the peak actually climb it; some parties never even reach the base of the mountain. Yes, the defences and the disappointments of Federation Peak are still formidable. Why then, do so many bushwalkers make it their ultimate goal? I pondered this question
 as I hoisted my pack at Cracroft and set out across the soggy button grass.
-Admittedly, at that moment, prospects seemed pretty bright for our party of nine from the National Parks Association of New South 'ales (including three S.B.-7.'s - Frank Taeker, Joan and myself). Thesun shone warmly, a week of rotten weather in the high parts had just ended, and we were now well into February, Tasmania'S traditional "dry" month. Leader John Murray was as,keen as mustard and would get us there if it were humanly possible. A food drop, surely an incentive for any bushwaker, awaited us at Hanging Lake and the party was i'easonably fit. But would we make it? Who could tell?
+Admittedly, at that moment, prospects seemed pretty bright for our party of nine from the National Parks Association of New South Wales (including three S.B.W.'s - Frank Taeker, Joan and myself). The sun shone warmly, a week of rotten weather in the high parts had just ended, and we were now well into February, Tasmania's traditional "dry" month. Leader John Murray was as keen as mustard and would get us there if it were humanly possible. A food drop, surely an incentive for any bushwaker, awaited us at Hanging Lake and the party was reasonably fit. But would we make it? Who could tell?
-The route took us up into low hills and at a saddle we stopped, spellbound. In-that few minutes, when we saw our quarry for the first time, I understood some-Ming of the special appeal of Federation Peak.
+The route took us up into low hills and at a saddle we stopped, spellbound. In that few minutes, when we saw our quarry for the first time, I understood something of the special appeal of Federation Peak.
-Only the top half, still nearly eight miles away, was visible, but it was enough. "e knew now why we were going - to any mountain lover the call would be irresistible. For here was a real mountain, a great finger stabbing atthe sky, remote and seemingly inaccessible. Yes, there was the challenge too,for it was only to6 obvious that the goal could not be easily won. My eyes roved over the incredible route, or at least what I could see of it - this was country that literally stood on end. Recollecting that moment, I would say that any party who missed this first view because of bad weather would miss much. A tingle of excitement touched us all as we put away our cameras and descended to another button grass plain.
+Only the top half, still nearly eight miles away, was visible, but it was enough. We knew now why we were going - to any mountain lover the call would be irresistible. For here was a real mountain, a great finger stabbing at the sky, remote and seemingly inaccessible. Yes, there was the challenge too, for it was only too obvious that the goal could not be easily won. My eyes roved over the incredible route, or at least what I could see of it - this was country that literally stood on end. Recollecting that moment, I would say that any party who missed this first view because of bad weather would miss much. A tingle of excitement touched us all as we put away our cameras and descended to another button grass plain.
-That morning we met two separate parties, both on their way out neither had climbed the Peak. The Brisbane Bushwalkors had become tent-bound for three days at Hanging Lake; on the first day it rained, on the second it sleeted and finally it snowed. The Adelaide University Bushwalkers has suffered a similar fate at Goon Moor, about half way in. Plans were abandoned as time and food ran out - and here they were leaving the mountains on the first really fine day in a week. One can well imagine how they felt.
+That morning we met two separate parties, both on their way out neither had climbed the Peak. The Brisbane Bushwalkers had become tent-bound for three days at Hanging Lake; on the first day it rained, on the second it sleeted and finally it snowed. The Adelaide University Bushwalkers had suffered a similar fate at Goon Moor, about half way in. Plans were abandoned as time and food ran out - and here they were leaving the mountains on the first really fine day in a week. One can well imagine how they felt.
-The ascent to the crest of the Eastern Arthurs begins at Luckman's Lead, so aptly named, The first part of the Load is a bare morainal ridge and on a hhoulder we stopped for a day lunch. The sun beat down fiercely and stories of snowstorms seemed to belong to another world. After lunch the real fun started; my bushwalking has got mc into some horrible places but the upper part of Luckman's Load just about takes the cake - a narrow track half covered with scoparia, bauera and other unmentionables, loose earth banks and boggy soaks to make life difficult, and the whole slope seDt at a steep angle for good measure. It was a relief to came out ontona bare knoll and see the landscape again. Federation Peak was now hidden by the great bulk of the Dial in fromt of us, but in other directions the view was expansive - Et. Anne twenty miles to the north-west, the jagged "est Portal to our left and Mt. Picton showing up prominently in the east. There was more scrub, some rocky knolls and steep pitches before we reached a rocky pool of clear, cold water. It was the first decent water since leaving the plains and we fell on it. ("ho said Tassie was made of water?) Perhaps it was the hot day, but we were well behind schedule and when we sidled the Boiler Plates and came up onto Stuart Saddle, it was nearly 6 p.m.
+The ascent to the crest of the Eastern Arthurs begins at Luckman's Lead, so aptly named. The first part of the Lead is a bare morainal ridge and on a shoulder we stopped for a day lunch. The sun beat down fiercely and stories of snowstorms seemed to belong to another world. After lunch the real fun started; my bushwalking has got me into some horrible places but the upper part of Luckman's Lead just about takes the cake - a narrow track half covered with scoparia, bauera and other unmentionables, loose earth banks and boggy soaks to make life difficult, and the whole slope set at a steep angle for good measure. It was a relief to came out onto a bare knoll and see the landscape again. Federation Peak was now hidden by the great bulk of the Dial in fromt of us, but in other directions the view was expansive - Mt. Anne twenty miles to the north-west, the jagged West Portal to our left and Mt. Picton showing up prominently in the east. There was more scrub, some rocky knolls and steep pitches before we reached a rocky pool of clear, cold water. It was the first decent water since leaving the plains and we fell on it. (Who said Tassie was made of water?) Perhaps it was the hot day, but we were well behind schedule and when we sidled the Boiler Plates and came up onto Stuart Saddle, it was nearly 6 p.m.
-Stuart Saddle (named for John Stuart who died of exposure here in 1956) can,provide some impressive scenery if the weather is clear. Federation, hidden for so long, suddenly comes into view as one breasts the saddle. But now the Peak is closer and for the first time the whole of the tremendous north face of the Federation massif, plunging down into the shadowy depths of the Northern Lakes, can be seen. It is all rather awe-inspiring and to be a little scared at this stage might not even be uncommon. Goon Moor, our intended campsite, was, according to the map, about a mile away and in fact we could sec one corner of it quite clearly. But the Route Guide, compiled by the Hobart 'Talking Club, gave the time for this section as 2 to 2i-hours - it would be longer for us, rb realised we could not make the Moor that day. 7ell, what did Stuart Saddle have to off? Once again the Route Guide proffered the advice "A restricted campsite. It will accomodate a couple of hike tents but water is often a seriouS problem," not particularly encouraging
+Stuart Saddle (named for John Stuart who died of exposure here in 1956) can provide some impressive scenery if the weather is clear. Federation, hidden for so long, suddenly comes into view as one breasts the saddle. But now the Peak is closer and for the first time the whole of the tremendous north face of the Federation massif, plunging down into the shadowy depths of the Northern Lakes, can be seen. It is all rather awe-inspiring and to be a little scared at this stage might not even be uncommon. Goon Moor, our intended campsite, was according to the map, about a mile away and in fact we could see one corner of it quite clearly. But the Route Guide, compiled by the Hobart Walking Club, gave the time for this section as 2 to 2.5 hours - it would be longer for us, We realised we could not make the Moor that day. Well, what did Stuart Saddle have to offer? Once again the Route Guide proffered the advice "A restricted campsite. It will accomodate a couple of hike tents but water is often a serious problem." not particularly encouraging
-for a Party of nine. 77e sCouted around and found two built-up platforms and a third only half-built; it took a lot of work with hatchet and machete we could pitch three of our four tents, The fireplace sat on a tiny dry patch of ground surrounded by a quagmire. -ater was indeed a problem but fortunately the weather held and the view was magnificent. The plan was to be up at the crack of dawn; in the event this was quite easy because eight people were woken simultaneously by a ringing call from George Barnes, "It's the Cracka They might have even heard George in Hobart.
+for a Party of nine. We scouted around and found two built-up platforms and a third only half-built; it took a lot of work with hatchet and machete and we could pitch three of our four tents. The fireplace sat on a tiny dry patch of ground surrounded by a quagmire. Water was indeed a problem but fortunately the weather held and the view was magnificent. The plan was to be up at the crack of dawn; in the event this was quite easy because eight people were woken simultaneously by a ringing call from George Barnes, "It's the Cracka." They might have even heard George in Hobart.
-The route now took us up among the crests of the Needles, .with ' fabulous views of the Lake Leo, East Portal, rest Portal and the saw-tooth line of' the "estern Arthurs. aat a country: The cameras clicked and the human foregrounds were shifted around like so much stage scenery. After traversing the Needles, a tradk (thank Heavens for it !) led down through thick seoparia and myrtle to Goon Moor. The route i in the main, now follows the crest of the main spine of the Eastern Arthurs, with the scenery growing ever more spectacular. Another dry lunch was eaten, this time in a mossy myrtle forest; then we climbed around the Four Peaks through their remarkable series of V notches and  finally came out onto the open going of Thvaites Plateau. But what was happening to our beautiful day? Ominous banks of dark clouds, at about our level,.were rolling in from the south-west. e made all haste but the white-out, accompanied by a chilly wind, overtook us before we could enjoy the final close-up of Federation, from the Devil's Thumb. That rugged landscape
+The route now took us up among the crests of the Needles, with  fabulous views of the Lake Leo, East Portal, West Portal and the saw-tooth line of the Eastern Arthurs. What a country! The cameras clicked and the human foregrounds were shifted around like so much stage scenery. After traversing the Needles, a track (thank Heavens for it !) led down through thick scoparia and myrtle to Goon Moor. The route, in the main, now follows the crest of the main spine of the Eastern Arthurs, with the scenery growing ever more spectacular. Another dry lunch was eaten, this time in a mossy myrtle forest; then we climbed around the Four Peaks through their remarkable series of V notches and  finally came out onto the open going of Thvaites Plateau. But what was happening to our beautiful day? Ominous banks of dark clouds, at about our level, were rolling in from the south-west. We made all haste but the white-out, accompanied by a chilly wind, overtook us before we could enjoy the final close-up of Federation, from the Devil's Thumb. That rugged landscape that we knew surrounded us, had in a few minutes ceased to exist, as if wiped from the face of the earth. It was then a case of groping our way towards Hanging Lake and the campsite. Finally a sheet of water loomed before us and there was the food drop too, the four gallon tins in their hessian bags looking as big as forty-four-gallon drums through the eerie mist.
-that we knew surrounded us, had in a few minutes ceased to exist, as if wiped from the face of the earth. It was then a case of groping our waytbwards Hanging Lake and the campiite. Finally a sheet of water loomed before us and there was the food drop too, the four gallon tins in their hessian bags looking as big as forty-four-gallon drums through the eerie mist.
-The campsite at Hanging Lake is unique. Level tent platforms have been built up with rocks, timber, hessian bags and straw on the sloping shelf near the outlet of the lake. Protected from the nasty westerlies by higher ground, the site overlooks the 1,500 feet drop down into Lake Geeves, while in front the jagged profiles of the lesser bluffs hiding Federation Peak campsite , an extraordinary picture. The Route Guide describes Hanging Lake (and it does hang) as "a campsite with an unrivalled setting. Tent poles and wood are scarce". Agreed.
+The campsite at Hanging Lake is unique. Level tent platforms have been built up with rocks, timber, hessian bags and straw on the sloping shelf near the outlet of the lake. Protected from the nasty westerlies by higher ground, the site overlooks the 1,500 feet drop down into Lake Geeves, while in front the jagged profiles of the lesser bluffs hiding Federation Peak campsite, an extraordinary picture. The Route Guide describes Hanging Lake (and it does hang) as "a campsite with an unrivalled setting. Tent poles and wood are scarce". Agreed.
-That evening, though it was difficult for us to appreciate the setting of our camp. Visibility was down to one hundred yards. or less, there were tents to be pitched, (my tent was larger than the platform so there was a minor cliff line inside) wood to be found, a supper to be cooked and the food drop to be gathered and sorted. Before heading for our sleeping bags, we talked about the morrow. Our schedule was pretty tight, only one day had been allotted for the stay at Hanging Lake and looking out at the murk we felt that our chances of climbing Federation Peak had probably sunk to zero.
+That evening, though it was difficult for us to appreciate the setting of our camp. Visibility was down to one hundred yards or less, there were tents to be pitched, (my tent was larger than the platform so there was a minor cliff line inside) wood to be found, a supper to be cooked and the food drop to be gathered and sorted. Before heading for our sleeping bags, we talked about the morrow. Our schedule was pretty tight, only one day had been allotted for the stay at Hanging Lake and looking out at the murk we felt that our chances of climbing Federation Peak had probably sunk to zero.
-I woke up with the daylight and hopefully parted the tent flaps. But there was nothing outside except whiteness and a misty rain. I was sure that we had a rest day on our hands so I wont back to sleep. 7e got Ivo late, had_ breakfast and pottered around. As the wind dropped, we men went up to the lake outlet for a compulsory bath but poor Joan, being the only female, had to amuse herself in camp; and then things started to happen with the weather.
+I woke up with the daylight and hopefully parted the tent flaps. But there was nothing outside except whiteness and a misty rain. I was sure that we had a rest day on our hands so I went back to sleep. We got up late, had breakfast and pottered around. As the wind dropped, we men went up to the lake outlet for a compulsory bath but poor Joan, being the only female, had to amuse herself in camp; and then things started to happen with the weather.
-About eleven o'clock, small patches of blue sky began to come and go. A few breaks in the mist gave us tantalising glimpses of the great rock buttresses sweeping up out of the Lake Geevos. There was movement in the camp and bymidday four of the party had more or less decided to have a go at the summit. 'Inc we prepared, the weather steadily improved and by one o'clotk, John, Henry, George and I were away. At the top of Thwaites Plateau we coulrA now see that a beautiful afternoon was emerging; a north-easterly breeze was blowing the remnants of the clouds from the crests of the ridges and our hopes were soaring. Reading frequently from the Route Guide, John led us over the Southern Traverse route until we reached what
+About eleven o'clock, small patches of blue sky began to come and go. A few breaks in the mist gave us tantalising glimpses of the great rock buttresses sweeping up out of the Lake Geeves. There was movement in the camp and by midday four of the party had more or less decided to have a go at the summit. While we prepared, the weather steadily improved and by one o'clock, John, Henry, George and I were away. At the top of Thwaites Plateau we could now see that a beautiful afternoon was emerging; a north-easterly breeze was blowing the remnants of the clouds from the crests of the ridges and our hopes were soaring. Reading frequently from the Route Guide, John led us over the Southern Traverse route until we reached what
-we reckoned must be the start of the "Direct Ascent" route up the southern face of the main summit block. It was all very unknown and exciting. Federation Peak is usually climbed from Dechervaise Plateau bia "The Climbing Gully", where a rope is needed for what is said to be a "Grade .11" climb. The trusty Route Guide described our projected "Direct Ascent" as fellows a little rock climbing is required but the exposure is severe0 rope is n6t necessary unless Party members arc sensitive to exposure". I looked up the face of the mountain and wondered whether the Route Guide might not have been written by Sir Edmund Hillary  it looked Pretty tough to me,
+we reckoned must be the start of the "Direct Ascent" route up the southern face of the main summit block. It was all very unknown and exciting. Federation Peak is usually climbed from Berchervaise Plateau via "The Climbing Gully", where a rope is needed for what is said to be a "Grade 11" climb. The trusty Route Guide described our projected "Direct Ascent" as follows: "a little rock climbing is required but the exposure is severe. A rope is not necessary unless Party members are sensitive to exposure". I looked up the face of the mountain and wondered whether the Route Guide might not have been written by Sir Edmund Hillary - it looked pretty tough to me,
-and of course we were all strangers to the mountain. However, there were cairns e here and there and John and George did some fine leading. I can definitely confirm the exposure business; on one pitch I made the mistake of looking down, and there between my knees wore the dark blue depths of Lake Geeves, 2,000 feet below. I have no idea how this climb would be rated but I do know that it came close to my own limits. I suppose the actual climbing took about 30  45 minute- beore we joined up with the normal route in upper Geeves Gully; from there it was an easy scramble to the summit.
+and of course we were all strangers to the mountain. However, there were cairns here and there and John and George did some fine leading. I can definitely confirm the exposure business; on one pitch I made the mistake of looking down, and there between my knees were the dark blue depths of Lake Geeves, 2,000 feet below. I have no idea how this climb would be rated but I do know that it came close to my own limits. I suppose the actual climbing took about 30 - 45 minutes before we joined up with the normal route in upper Geeves Gully; from there it was an easy scramble to the summit.
 To stand on the very top, to actually achieve the goal, was superb.
 I though about the long haul in from Cracroft Crossing, the heavy packs, the uncertainty of the weather and the tensions of the final climb, but the reward was worth every bit of it. To describe one's feelings adequately at such a time is impossible and I will not attempt to do so. I can only say that to have become a bushwalker must have been just about the best thing I've over done.
-(PTY z John lurray, Henry Farlie-Cunninghame, George Barnes, Grog Morgan, Bruce Hamon, Peter Moss, Frank Tacker, Joan Rigby, Frank Rigby)
+(Party: John Murray, Henry Farlie-Cunninghame, George Barnes, Greg Morgan, Bruce Hamon, Peter Moss, Frank Taeker, Joan Rigby, Frank Rigby)
 **The nature of tranquility**
@@ Line 185: / Line 184: @@
 Patience Strong.
-There's something about a river as it flows between the trees  something that pacifies the heart and puts the mind at ease.\\
+There's something about a river as it flows between the trees -  something that pacifies the heart and puts the mind at ease.\\
-There's something about the sound of water with its soothing tones  lapping gently on a bank or rippling over stones  that brings a strange serenity relieving inner stress  so walk where quiet rivers wind and there in restfulness  seek the peace that Nature offers to the soul distraught; the peace that brings the healing balm and calms the storms of thought.
+There's something about the sound of water with its soothing tones  lapping gently on a bank or rippling over stones - that brings a strange serenity relieving inner stress - so walk where quiet rivers wind and there in restfulness - seek the peace that Nature offers to the soul distraught; the peace that brings the healing balm and calms the storms of thought.
 **Coming attraction**
@@ Line 192: / Line 191: @@
 th, 11th, 12th May.
-Kanangra - Wallara vrest - Barrallier Crown - Wallara Ridge- West Christys Crook - Kowmung River - Tiwilla Buttress - Cloudmaker - Kanangra.
+Kanangra - Wallara vrest - Barrallier Crown - Wallara Ridge- West Christys Creek - Kowmung River - Tiwilla Buttress - Cloudmaker - Kanangra.
-This list of names is enough to strike terror into the heart of any fit bushwalker. Long lists, such as this, serve no useful Purpose but to take up room on the walks programme and to confuse people as to the leader's intensions. Don't be fooled, though it is obvious, that things like Barrallier Crown and Tallara Ridge
+This list of names is enough to strike terror into the heart of any fit bushwalker. Long lists, such as this, serve no useful purpose but to take up room on the walks programme and to confuse people as to the leader's intensions. Don't be fooled, though it is obvious, that things like Barrallier Crown and Wallara Ridge are where the party will be once the leader is totally lost. Any questions regarding mapping directed to the leader in these circumstances, shall be met with a blank stare and casual indications of the fist to some obscure position on the map. 40 miles, rough is true and concise, therefore only reasonable fit bods should attempt this walk, otherwise they might be spending Monday in the bush with the rest of the mob.\\
-are where the party will be once the leader is totally lost. Any questions regarding mapping directed to the leader in these circumstances, shall be met with a blank stare and casual indications of the fist to some obscure position on the map. 40 miles, rough is true and concise, therefore only reasonable
-fit beds should attempt this walk, otherwise they might be spending Monday in the bush with the rest of the mob.\\
 Contact Margaret Dogterom, 635.9526 for details.
@@ Line 203: / Line 200: @@
 by Lynne Wyborn.
-In typical fashion thirtythree members, irisitors and sundry arrived at Mt. Tomah on Sundaylmorning, 25th February. Added to this, six senior scouts were going down Claustrial and fourteen Springwood Bushwalkers down Raynon Canyon, making a grand total of 53, three more than last years record.
+In typical fashion thirty-three members, visitors and sundry arrived at Mt. Tomah on Sunday morning, 25th February. Added to this, six senior scouts were going down Claustrial and fourteen Springwood Bushwalkers down Raynon Canyon, making a grand total of 53, three more than last years record.
-The'ladVanced'-' party raced down to the abseils. with the ropes to prepare for the.hordeS of beds to come. Meanwhile, Colin Burton and Don Finch raced . around franticly at the top, trying.to work out who was and who wasn't there. Eventually everyone congregated at the top of the abseils where a fire was lit.
-After the scouts had abseiled down into the icy darkness and moved out of the way, our party began the monotonous task of all getting to the bottom. There were throe abseils, the first 30ft., the second 25 ft., and the third (the keyhole) was 50 ft. The water was freezing and eVerything go jr soaked. At the bottom of the first abseil, the waterfall pounded on you as you got off the rope. At the bottom of the second abseil, Margaret Dogterom spotted a small furry looking animal clinging to the wall about 6 inches above the water line. It turned out to be a baby 'possum about 3 inches long. More trouble was taken by everyone to get it to safety, than can be imagined.
+The'advanced' party raced down to the abseils with the ropes to prepare for the hordes of bods to come. Meanwhile, Colin Burton and Don Finch raced around franticly at the top, trying to work out who was and who wasn't there. Eventually everyone congregated at the top of the abseils where a fire was lit.
-At the top of the 'keyhole abseil, a r.lagnificent sight was seen. The fire which had. been lit with damp wood had produced of smoke which wafted between between the narrow walls that towered about 150 ft. above. The sun beamed dawn through an occasional gap, shone on the large silvery spider webs and pierced the inert smoke creating an eerie atmosphere. Nothing was heard above the rush of the waterfalls. At the bottom of the last abseil, we plunged into the water and made a quick dash around the corner into the unknown.
-while those at the front were eating lunch at the camping cave, beds were still coming clown the abseils and making their way along the narrow canyon below. At 3.00 p.m people were still coming down, Don having trouble
+After the scouts had abseiled down into the icy darkness and moved out of the way, our party began the monotonous task of all getting to the bottom. There were three abseils, the first 30ft., the second 25 ft., and the third (the keyhole) was 50 ft. The water was freezing and everything got soaked. At the bottom of the first abseil, the waterfall pounded on you as you got off the rope. At the bottom of the second abseil, Margaret Dogterom spotted a small furry looking animal clinging to the wall about 6 inches above the water line. It turned out to be a baby possum about 3 inches long. More trouble was taken by everyone to get it to safety, than can be imagined.
-coaxing one girl don who wouldn't budge,between the first and second abseils. The forward party, led by Dot Butler, moved on rockhopping, climbing dawn small cliffs and swimming. 1-To reached the bottom of the steep hillside which we were to climb up. Everyone found their way out O.K. there being only n bit of trouble at the tunnel swim.
-Most of the party had to find their way to the top in the dark and reached there about 8.00 p.m. It was rumoured that a party of two which went down after our party, eventually found their way out on Tuesday afternoon after living on ferns and ytIbbies for two days. Another successful S.B.T. skirmish with nature.
+At the top of the 'keyhole' abseil, a magnificent sight was seen. The fire which had been lit with damp wood had produced smoke which wafted between between the narrow walls that towered about 150 ft. above. The sun beamed down through an occasional gap, shone on the large silvery spider webs and pierced the inert smoke creating an eerie atmosphere. Nothing was heard above the rush of the waterfalls. At the bottom of the last abseil, we plunged into the water and made a quick dash around the corner into the unknown.
+While those at the front were eating lunch at the camping cave, bods were still coming clown the abseils and making their way along the narrow canyon below. At 3.00 p.m people were still coming down, Don having troublecoax ing one girl down who wouldn't budge between the first and second abseils. The forward party, led by Dot Butler, moved on rockhopping, climbing down small cliffs and swimming. We reached the bottom of the steep hillside which we were to climb up. Everyone found their way out O.K. there being only a bit of trouble at the tunnel swim.
+Most of the party had to find their way to the top in the dark and reached there about 8.00 p.m. It was rumoured that a party of two which went down after our party, eventually found their way out on Tuesday afternoon after living on ferns and yabbies for two days. Another successful S.B.W. skirmish with nature.
 =====The Platypus=====