User Tools

Site Tools


196907

Differences

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

Link to this comparison view

Both sides previous revisionPrevious revision
Next revision
Previous revision
Next revisionBoth sides next revision
196907 [2016/04/19 20:51] – [Ski Tips] kennettj196907 [2016/05/20 08:56] – [Colong - Won or Lost ?] kennettj
Line 38: Line 38:
 Federation Report was temporarily deferred to see if a delegate with a detailed report would turn up but finally Alan Round gave a brief verbal report, mentioning S & R had received two alerts - one from a party who sought to canoe down the Capertee/Colo Rivers on Anzac weekend and finally got out a week later. It is also thought that the usual annual S & R demonstration maybe allowed to lapse this year but the New Zealand Alpine Club has offered to give a demonstration of rescue operations in snow country. Federation had issued a warning on leaving empty plastic bags around camping places after ten cows on a farm died from eating bags left by an Army group on exercises. Federation Report was temporarily deferred to see if a delegate with a detailed report would turn up but finally Alan Round gave a brief verbal report, mentioning S & R had received two alerts - one from a party who sought to canoe down the Capertee/Colo Rivers on Anzac weekend and finally got out a week later. It is also thought that the usual annual S & R demonstration maybe allowed to lapse this year but the New Zealand Alpine Club has offered to give a demonstration of rescue operations in snow country. Federation had issued a warning on leaving empty plastic bags around camping places after ten cows on a farm died from eating bags left by an Army group on exercises.
  
-The President announced that some Committee members wondered if Club rules should be framed to cover the possible suspension of members in view of the abolition of an old resolution relating to such action. Your reporter suggested that the expunged rule merely covered the question of payment of subscription by a suspended member and the Constitution already gave Committee scope for any punitive action it may deem desirable save that the extreme penalty of expulsion oara-LA a right of appeal,+The President announced that some Committee members wondered if Club rules should be framed to cover the possible suspension of members in view of the abolition of an old resolution relating to such action. Your reporter suggested that the expunged rule merely covered the question of payment of subscription by a suspended member and the Constitution already gave Committee scope for any punitive action it may deem desirable save that the extreme penalty of expulsion carried a right of appeal,
  
 With a reference to celebration of our senior citizen (Taro's) 90th birthday late in June? the Meeting came to its close at 9.00 p.m, With a reference to celebration of our senior citizen (Taro's) 90th birthday late in June? the Meeting came to its close at 9.00 p.m,
Line 99: Line 99:
  
 It was obvious from the outset that this was going to be a Pat Harrison Special, It was obvious from the outset that this was going to be a Pat Harrison Special,
-Thursday night (it was Anzac weele;end) saw the glow of eight torch beams bobbing their waY down the track at Kanalwa. A few lights terminated at a snug little cave above the trade while the remainder continued on to that ohilly'cavern further down. 
-Next morning the leader , truu to style was up ancl away bounding energetically acroSs the Tops Thile the rust of the party was still engaged in the usual semi-conscios potterinFS. around before .breakfast. 7ith the leader but of the way the party heaved a sigh of relief and settled down to a loieureiy meal. 
-Fortunately we caught the loader up in time for us to admire the view togethez. before tv.rnin8 away from the vo icy to head towards tho Gingra Range, Ro,.;s Hughes stTo(90 aheac], :Intent on locating his ridge (it actually is named after , relative of his) hotly pursued. by Alan Round who was intent on proving someh.ghly original theory about his muscloe The rest of us proceeded in a more dignified manner and turned down Euezhos Ridge to arrive at the Kowmung River by late morni.ng 
-To our surprise the other two wore not there. 7o waited, thinking that they may have landed a little up or do,vnstream. Mile we waited, two cattleman on horses arrivel surrounded by a surging mass of yelping dogs and leading a couple of cows. The few words that passed betwden the men and ourselves convinced Pat that they were highly suspicious oharacters especially when one of them refused to take Pat's beets across the river with them. Consequenily, with-our imaginations fiTed, we entertained ourselves by inventing elaborate series .to explain their actions. But thes6,were hae-dly more exaggerated than the ones we begain suggesting to ex.pl'ain the eentInuint abe sence of Ross and Alan. 
-Pat had planned on at least reaching Butcher Creek or even green Wattle Creek by nightfall so that  we could do Broken Rock?: Range the next day. We doubted however, whether Ross or Alan 11,16. an appropriate map with them zo we considered going down the Xowmung as far as Gingra- Creek and making a fixed camp, especially as Marion Ellis intended to anyway. Thon rre could do a day trip out 
-" to Broken Rock. Admittedly this meant.dLing 25 miles in ore da,y, 
  
-but, as our leader was careful to pint out, we could do it if we got up early enough, namely 5.30 a.m. +Thursday night (it was Anzac weekend) saw the glow of eight torch beams bobbing their way down the track at Kanangra. A few lights terminated at a snug little cave above the track while the remainder continued on to that chilly cavern further down. 
-Since such an idea was toohorrible to contemplate, we put it from our minds ana decided in the meantime we'd cross the river and have lunch. Barry nearly froze,doing gallant St. Christophors across the swiftly flowing waters, and others got their clothes wet mid stream. But a warm fire, a warm sun ana a two hour lunch later and we had all revived. + 
-Our thoughts turned once again to the missing two boas. Maybe they's missed the turnoff and gone all the way down the Gingra, or gone down the wrong ridge or pherhaps they'gone on ahead and were aiming for Butcher 'Creek. Eventually our resourceful leadar.deidea we'd camp down the river anal() the day trip out to Broken Rock. He had cunningly omitted to tell us that this variation would turn the trip into a good fifty+Next morning the leader, true to style was up and away bounding energetically across the Tops while the rest of the party was still engaged in the usual semi-conscious pottering around before breakfast. With the leader out of the way the party heaved a sigh of relief and settled down to a leisurely meal. 
 + 
 +Fortunately we caught the leader up in time for us to admire the view together before turning away from the valley to head towards tho Gingra Range, Ross Hughes strode ahead intent on locating his ridge (it actually is named after a relative of his) hotly pursued by Alan Round who was intent on proving some highly original theory about his muscles. The rest of us proceeded in a more dignified manner and turned down Hughes Ridge to arrive at the Kowmung River by late morning. 
 + 
 +To our surprise the other two were not there. We waited, thinking that they may have landed a little up or downstream. While we waited, two cattleman on horses arrived surrounded by a surging mass of yelping dogs and leading a couple of cows. The few words that passed between the men and ourselves convinced Pat that they were highly suspicious characters especially when one of them refused to take Pat's boots across the river with them. Consequently, with our imaginations fired, we entertained ourselves by inventing elaborate stories to explain their actions. But these were hardly more exaggerated than the ones we began suggesting to explain the continuing absence of Ross and Alan. 
 + 
 +Pat had planned on at least reaching Butcher Creek or even green Wattle Creek by nightfall so that  we could do Broken Rock Range the next day. We doubted however, whether Ross or Alan had an appropriate map with them so we considered going down the Kowmung as far as Gingra Creek and making a fixed camp, especially as Marion Ellis intended to anyway. Then we could do a day trip out to Broken Rock. Admittedly this meant doing 25 miles in ore day, but, as our leader was careful to point out, we could do it if we got up early enough, namely 5.30 a.m. 
 + 
 +Since such an idea was too horrible to contemplate, we put it from our minds and decided in the meantime we'd cross the river and have lunch. Barry nearly froze doing gallant St. Christopher across the swiftly flowing waters, and others got their clothes wet mid stream. But a warm fire, a warm sun and a two hour lunch later and we had all revived. 
 + 
 +Our thoughts turned once again to the missing two bods. Maybe they's missed the turnoff and gone all the way down the Gingra, or gone down the wrong ridge or perhaps they'gone on ahead and were aiming for Butcher Creek. Eventually our resourceful leader decided we'd camp down the river and do the day trip out to Broken Rock. He had cunningly omitted to tell us that this variation would turn the trip into a good fifty miler. 
 So in blissful ignorance we sauntered down the Kowmung, stopping periodically to try and decipher the various footprints whenever they trailed across a particularly muddy section of track. So in blissful ignorance we sauntered down the Kowmung, stopping periodically to try and decipher the various footprints whenever they trailed across a particularly muddy section of track.
-7011, they weren't there to greet us at Gingra Creek, so we set up camp and cooked cinner while we considered new theories and picked others apart. 7e 'd nearly finished eating when they appeared, looking rather the worse for wear. Liter a lengthy interval when they made a semblance of recovery, they began their explanations which unfortunately came in disjointed clumps that took most of the weekend to sort out. + 
-It appeared that Round's Rantings and Hughes Blues had lead them astray on an incredibly ridiculous wildgoose chase up and down various parts of the Gingra Trail (apparently they stopped and waited for us when they were only five minutes ahead and by some miracle we managed to pass them). They even managed to find a new way off +Well they weren't there to greet us at Gingra Creek, so we set up camp and cooked dinner while we considered new theories and picked others apart. We'd nearly finished eating when they appeared, looking rather the worse for wear. After a lengthy interval when they made a semblance of recovery, they began their explanations which unfortunately came in disjointed clumps that took most of the weekend to sort out. 
-the Gingra, a route that landed them in a creek which they refused to + 
-describe to us in English. They weren't quite sure what part of the river they had landed on, because unlike our leader who always has at least six Lands Department maps in each pocket, Ross had no map at all and they'walked off the only one that Alan had. However, after a bite to eat they even managed to do some thinking and after deciding where they were, they haaded downstream. They found our lunch spot, and after being hopelessly confusedby the myriads of footprints in umpteen different dirctions, they eventually sorted things out and galloped down the Kowmung in the dark until they found us. +It appeared that Round's Rantings and Hughes Blues had lead them astray on an incredibly ridiculous wildgoose chase up and down various parts of the Gingra Trail (apparently they stopped and waited for us when they were only five minutes ahead and by some miracle we managed to pass them). They even managed to find a new way off the Gingra, a route that landed them in a creek which they refused to describe to us in English. They weren't quite sure what part of the river they had landed on, because unlike our leader who always has at least six Lands Department maps in each pocket, Ross had no map at all and they'walked off the only one that Alan had. However, after a bite to eat they even managed to do some thinking and after deciding where they were, they headed downstream. They found our lunch spot, and after being hopelessly confused by the myriads of footprints in umpteen different directions, they eventually sorted things out and galloped down the Kowmung in the dark until they found us. 
-9 The Sydney Dushwalkor, July1969. + 
-Our news of a 7 o'clock start next morning didnot Seem to cheer them up g:reatly+Our news of a 7 o'clock start next morning did not seem to cheer them up greatly. 
-The night was clear before the arrival of an early morning mist which settled around us and dampened the air. 7e breakfasted to the sounds of the gently lowing cattle across the river as our cattle duffers and their dogs moved them about the yards.. By half past seven we were .ready to leave,having spent some time organising three packs between seven people. 7e left Marion behind to mind the camp and spend a restful day on the river. + 
-After catching up with the leader who had of course left +The night was clear before the arrival of an early morning mist which settled around us and dampened the air. We breakfasted to the sounds of the gently lowing cattle across the river as our cattle duffers and their dogs moved them about the yards. By half past seven we were ready to leave, having spent some time organising three packs between seven people. We left Marion behind to mind the camp and spend a restful day on the river. 
-n tic,, we h2a4ed. an ride . + 
-- ''h wildflewe 0 +After catching up with the leader who had of course left on time we headed up ridge decorated with wildflowers and before long we had climbed out of the mists and were looking at a clear blue sky as we followed the road past "Bran Jan" and onto Scott's Main RangeHere we turned right and walked along the road, keeping our eyes peeled to avoid the occasional dingo trap. After a mile or so the leader selected a map from his extensive files, looked at it and charge off into the scrub, explaining as we followed that this was where there ought to be a ridge leading into Butchers Creek. Needless to say there was, and after tramping down the bare and burnt-out ridge we came to Butcher'Creek which was beautiful with its clear sparkling.water lighting up the trees and rocks, giving them an unusual brilliance in the shadows of the creek
-lore iozg we aaLL climbedout ox he miss and  +
-erY-i.Oofc'in,s- and +
-at a clear blue sky as we followed the road. post "Bran Jan" and onto Scott's Main Range Here we turnedight and walked alongthe road, keeping our eyespeeled to avoid the occasional dingo trap. After a mile or so the leader Selected a map from his +
-extensive files, looked at it and charge offinto the scrub, explaining as we-followed that this was where thereought to be a rid4ze leading into3utchers Greek.  Needless to say there was, and after tramping down the bare arid' burnt-out ridge we came to Butcher'Crook which was beautiful with its clear sparkling. water lighting up the trees and rocks, giving them an unusual brilliance in the shadows of the creek+
 Before leaving the creek we boiled the billy for a quick morning tea and filled all available containers with water because we were unlikely to find any more until late afternoon when we would again be on Butchers Creek. Before leaving the creek we boiled the billy for a quick morning tea and filled all available containers with water because we were unlikely to find any more until late afternoon when we would again be on Butchers Creek.
-70 started up a likely looking ridge, scattering kangaroos. as we went, and after gaining height gradually for some time we saw the impressive sight of the end of .3rokon Rock Range. towering above us, dry and rocky and supported by... buttresses of crumbly rod earth. As we made our way to the' top, we began to feel less kben about the clear blue sky, but we were thankful not to have to carry all our gear as originally plarned. There was a final rock scramble and leveringup of bodies before -we finally reached the top and started off along the longth,of the range. There was a surprising amount of cover on tor, as it was well treed and even managed to house some lyrebirds. 
-We walked along, waiting .hopefully for a suitable lunch spot to ap,obar before us Eventually Alan did some detouring arid- found a little cave and, to CUT amazement, a creek with water in it. So we all plonked down, our spirits soaring at the thought of water for lunch.. 
-00 THE VIE OLE HOG  1117,*0 A1ALE A MONTH.' 
  
-Many sandwiches and cups of tea later we left the little creek, which was later discovered to ho Fritz's Creek, and contnued on our way. 7eld passed the tz:Ig station and the "Break" which names the range and which makes the; only route off it other than the onds. 7e continued onwards in an unending series of ups and downs+We started up a likely looking ridge, scattering kangaroos as we went, and after gaining height gradually for some time we saw the impressive sight of the end of Broken Rock Range towering above usdry and rocky and supported by buttresses of crumbly red earthAs we made our way to the topwe began to feel less keen about the clear blue skybut we were thankful not to have to carry all our gear as originally plannedThere was a final rock scramble and levering up of bodies before we finally reached the top and started off along the length of the rangeThere was a surprising amount of cover on topas it was well treed and even managed to house some lyrebirds.
-couple of hundred feet each timeEvery bumf, we thought must ho the last one (i.e. the one on the end), but it never seemed to be, as each time we reached the top only to see another drop below us and another rise beyond that. +
-Just as we were beginning to gat worried about the failing light, we came to the last of tho rooky rise anil t=ned off tho range onto a ridge. 7e began picking our Ii9ay carefully down the rest of the way  carefully down the stoop crumbly bits, and then thundering dawn the rest of th.0 way in the hope of reaching Butchers Creak before it was completely. dark. This we just managod, and after good many gulps of lemon and lime we started, au u half ,east five, to make our way up the 2,000 foot of =age onto Scott's Main Range. +
-As we later discovered, we came upon the road somewhere near New Yards. The party collapsed in an oddly re,gular lino on the roadside and after a while began to think of food and scrab-eled in the bottom of the three po,cks for the few rernaAning bits and piecesThen all was eaten we started plodding the miles along the white, moonlit road, and again made the occasional dicey detour to avoid dingo trap. 7e waited at the turnoff for beds to catch up, and then it was all downhill to the causeway on the KowiLung whre we walked upstream a short distance to roach the camp, +
-It was ten past nine when arrived, and we were exceedingly tired, so wo were really grateful when we saw that Marion had a firc still going for us, although she had gone to bed, For a long while we sat around it in silence  no anorgy. Around 10 o'clock there were some stirrings as some thought of food and others of bed. Then followed some weary wanderings around. the camp as packs and gear were sorted out In our absence Marion ,11o,d, cleaned our billies to such a shine that nobody knew whose was whose, and she'even aired our sleeping bags. Confusion ensued with Laurie using someone else's billies and Doug managing to sleep in two bags at once, neither of them his own, Around midnight everything had been sorted out and everyone eventually reunited with their gear, could at last go to sleep +
-The fine weather stayed on for Sunday, and after some debate we decided to go up : ingra Crook and Croft's Ridge, over Page's Pinnacle to Crofts Ta11 and back along to Kanangria. +
--Vt+
  
-tigootii3 ,1111,\ ....2:i:oiLesiewxw;sumomailairmoi530.114iO4-s +We walked alongwaiting  hopefully for a suitable lunch spot to appear before usEventually Alan did some detouring and found a little cave and to our amazement, a creek with water in itSo we all plonked downour spirits soaring at the thought of water for lunch.
----it1"4419r17e67 +
-, ;6,1-  +
-+
-70. w,.. ,c:1:eLLourway 'UpGingra. Crook 3 stopping in places to +
-'Itrarvcd at.th&.smOeth wator-wo= 2c:cks vividly coloured in pinks and - greY;s3 .ST,tasmu.r.plos.1-.,and whites and -beiges, and.carved.into +
-beauiful'crvinggeomotrs, The sha7os.41*,Saregularthat:Ahey +
-MUS 1_L; 121t1OGIAtiea1,; and thc cloar water curves over them like +
-delicatellown_glass +
-arots Ridge rises at thc, junction of Gingrg Creek,and Gabs Crook ani-this as where wo plannedito'haVe lunch before going u7,,, Eut before 6etting thc.ro we managed to have two false alarms'At p. co creel::junctions inuch..to the ire Of,thp.hung"...y +
-Lumber.s h4rass(4 digostive ;juices began voicing .noisy diSapprc!'vaL; At 11,5.noL t1L2e, those with much food left ate-weq; and +
-th:osQvrha 1:a.dr.12t .c4dn&t, Ler a good hour wo reluctant-Ir. left tho r.;rock gnd.r,;baTto/ slozvly up tile ridge.' Tv hours later vao. wc:1o.,admi2in24' t:ile marvellous .111.07 from Pages:Pinnadle. :Trie were 0)12 to .p6int. out the routa wo":d'folloWed and saw that the whole lon..f.;th of 3-.i'okon Rock Rango was clearly discernible .and we r6alisea how irpmensoly setic,fying tho trip had .been. +
-mada cur way -at) to Crofts all and along Kilpatrick -gauseWa-as flp_ sun cark low. The inimitable view from Kanangra wag cnhance1 an tho colden afttnoon.light and my.memory of it So viwid:thatt'no subauc,n;.- car tiournoy to Blackheath seemed to last.but a fev conds. +
-N ,ft7=ser,,e%M.' WX12a41.- +
-16011124:44..11,} Amagtakai6,2,40011MEMSIONtaglaWaftwesvieaal trdilkZIRMIr7ZWPACM.M . +
--  +
-+
-ONTN '?1 Di'YS m0 (-'0. +
-String 7a1ks Progl'amma(Ttember-November) is not +
-. . +
-exabtly.r6tellin,:, in the abundance that should be Spring. +
-discrepancy by spilling a c="4Ucop'Uqull of waks pnii:t,-3.2isthe-olub-room or pouring +
-un1J the sap,ri.ses. 'Select d date and book now to avo:id:.diS#pedatmont. If you're Listand.don't know where to go, +
-t-ctic;Phon(i c.4;84-44497 (1-1),; 610-0251 ext .15(B). +
-, - +
-con'mot WaLks Secreta* - she has,just.the walk' for you.+
  
 +**GO THE WHOLE HOG - LEAD A WALK A MONTH**
  
 +Many sandwiches and cups of tea later we left the little creek, which was later discovered to be Fritz's Creek, and continued on our way. We'd passed the trig station and the "Break" which names the range and which makes the only route off it other than the ends. We continued onwards in an unending series of ups and downs, a couple of hundred feet each time. Every bump, we thought must ho the last one (i.e. the one on the end), but it never seemed to be, as each time we reached the top only to see another drop below us and another rise beyond that.
  
- July 30th (omitted from Social Programme) +Just as we were beginning to get worried about the failing light, we came to the last of tho rocky rise and turned off tho range onto a ridge. We began picking our way carefully down the rest of the way  carefully down the steep crumbly bits, and then thundering down the rest of the way in the hope of reaching Butchers Creak before it was completely dark. This we just managed, and after a good many gulps of lemon and lime we started, at half past five, to make our way up the 2,000 foot of ridge onto Scott's Main Range. 
-A patrol officer from New G will give a slide talk on July 30th. It should be a Lea interesting and informative evening with the recent uprising there. We'll be able to ,get some of the background on this.+ 
 +As we later discovered, we came upon the road somewhere near New Yards. The party collapsed in an oddly regular line on the roadside and after a while began to think of food and scrabbled in the bottom of the three packs for the few remaining bits and pieces. Then all was eaten we started plodding the miles along the white, moonlit road, and again made the occasional dicey detour to avoid a dingo trap. We waited at the turnoff for bods to catch up, and then it was all downhill to the causeway on the Kowmung where we walked upstream a short distance to reach the camp, 
 + 
 +It was ten past nine when arrived, and we were exceedingly tired, so wo were really grateful when we saw that Marion had a fire still going for us, although she had gone to bed. For a long while we sat around it in silence - no energy. Around 10 o'clock there were some stirrings as some thought of food and others of bed. Then followed some weary wanderings around the camp as packs and gear were sorted out. In our absence Marion had cleaned our billies to such a shine that nobody knew whose was whose, and she's even aired our sleeping bags. Confusion ensued with Laurie using someone else's billies and Doug managing to sleep in two bags at once, neither of them his own. Around midnight everything had been sorted out and everyone eventually reunited with their gear, could at last go to sleep. 
 + 
 +The fine weather stayed on for Sunday, and after some debate we decided to go up Gingra Creek and Croft's Ridge, over Page's Pinnacle to Crofts Wall and back along to Kanangra. 
 + 
 +We made our way up Gingra Creek, stopping in places to marvel at the smooth water worn rocks, vividly coloured in pinks and greys, greens and purples, whites and beiges, and carved into beautiful geometrics. The shapes are so regular they must be mathematical and the clear water curves over them like delicately blown glass. 
 + 
 +Crofts Ridge rises at the junction of Gingra Creek,and Gabes Creek and this as where we planned to have lunch before going up. But before getting there we managed to have two false alarms at previous creek junctions, much to the ire of the hungry members whose harassed digestive juices began voicing a noisy disapproval. At lunch time, those with much food left ate well and those who hadn't didn't. After a good hour we reluctantly left tho creek and started slowly up the ridge. Two hours later we were admiring the marvellous view from Pages Pinnacle. We were able to point out the route we'd followed and saw that the whole length of Broken Rock Range was clearly discernible and we realised how immensely satisfying the trip had been. 
 + 
 +We made our way up to Crofts Wall and along Kilpatrick Causeway as the sun sank low. The inimitable view from Kanangra was enhanced in the golden afternoon light and my memory of it so vivid that the subsequent car journey to Blackheath seemed to last but a few seconds. 
 + 
 +**Only 17.5 days to Go** 
 + 
 +The Spring Walks Programme (September-November) is not exactly revelling in the abundance that should be Spring. 
 + 
 +You can help eliminate this discrepancy by spilling a carnucopia of walks into it in the club room or pouring them into the telephone at 84-4497 (H) 6300251 (B). Don't wait until the sap rises. Select a date and book now to avoid disappointment. If you're lost and don't know where to go, contact the Walks Secretary - she has just the walk for you. 
 + 
 + 
 +**July 30th (omitted from Social Programme)** 
 + 
 +A patrol officer from New G will give a slide talk on July 30th. It should be a very interesting and informative evening with the recent uprising there. We'll be able to get some of the background on this.
  
 All members who have not paid their membership fees are reminded that they are long overdue. Keep our accountant happy. All members who have not paid their membership fees are reminded that they are long overdue. Keep our accountant happy.
  
-Active Subs $5.50 Active Students $3.50 Non Active $1.00 +Active Subs $5.50Active Students $3.50Non Active $1.00Plus mag. sub. $1.50 
-Plus mag. sub. $1.50 + 
-The Surveyors Craq +**The Surveyors Crag** 
-Don't miss the chance to survey the breathtaking panomara from this vantage point. The miles and miles of burnt black bushes will give enough bruises to gladden the heart of any masochist. And the views make it all worthwhile for ordinary mortals. The trip, a good twenty-five miles should be classes as M-R and will be going + 
- on August 22 23 24. See Mike Short. +Don't miss the chance to survey the breathtaking panomara from this vantage point. The miles and miles of burnt black bushes will give enough bruises to gladden the heart of any masochist. And the views make it all worthwhile for ordinary mortals. The trip, a good twenty-five miles should be classes as M-R and will be going on August 22 23 24. See Mike Short. 
-... + 
-3 + 
-13. The Sydney Bushwalkor. .July, 1969 +====== The Fifth Wave ====== 
-QJse. +  
- L"r +"It was a damn close run thing", The Duke of Wellington said after Waterloo. In many years of watching the training films of a rather hazardous industry I have grown indifferent to the "Fire Triangle" and the well-conducted laboratory demonstrations and the rather frightening attempts in practice to remove one side of the triangle. Fuel, oxygenand the source of ignition. Familiarity with fire does not breed contempt. The wail of a siren or the jangling of a blood red telephone starts a reflex action which, if I were a religeuse, I would start by crossing myself, Not being so inclined, I merely shudder and remember to do up my seat belt on the way to the  station. 
-TIT-WAVE + 
-"It was a damn close run thing. The Duke of +The theory of fire fighting is, of course, very simple.
-said after 77aterldo In many years of watching the training :films of a rather hazardous indtry I have grown in.- +
-different to the "Fire Triangle" and'thejrell-conducted laboratory demonstrations and the rather fright'ening attempts in +
-practico_to remove one side of the triang19. Fuel, oxygenand the source of ignition. Familiarity with-fire does not breed +
-'contempt. The wail of a siren or the jangling of a blood rod +
-telephone starts a reflex action which, if I were a religeuse, ,yould start by crossing myself, Not being so inclined, I merely shudder and remember to do up my seat bel.on the way to the station. +
-The theory of fire fighting is;, of course, very simple.+
 Removing. one side of the-angle will remote the fire. 7hen the Removing. one side of the-angle will remote the fire. 7hen the
 (fuel is Royal National Park it is difficult to remove the fuel -and still have a park, although this is virtually tho present par Sition.- Ir.mically the source of ignition occurred during 'ire (fuel is Royal National Park it is difficult to remove the fuel -and still have a park, although this is virtually tho present par Sition.- Ir.mically the source of ignition occurred during 'ire
 Prevention Week, Even if you don't drink:the water you must still breathe the air. None of the "Heralds", correspondents suggested ,pccluding oxygen from our National Parks. - The problem then comes down to the practice of fire fighting and the future of all our - National Parks-is basically dependent on fire damage and control, The tragedy of the last days of October hts probably caused more .damage 'than all the potential mismanagement, inertia and rubbish clumping combined. Prevention Week, Even if you don't drink:the water you must still breathe the air. None of the "Heralds", correspondents suggested ,pccluding oxygen from our National Parks. - The problem then comes down to the practice of fire fighting and the future of all our - National Parks-is basically dependent on fire damage and control, The tragedy of the last days of October hts probably caused more .damage 'than all the potential mismanagement, inertia and rubbish clumping combined.
 +
 All our National Parks are basically botanical in con- All our National Parks are basically botanical in con-
 cept, Oolong possibly excepted,: The mahagement ultimately must ,be ooncerned with the preservation of the flora assuming that if cept, Oolong possibly excepted,: The mahagement ultimately must ,be ooncerned with the preservation of the flora assuming that if
Line 202: Line 189:
 'abl6 leVel for a park. Many of the larger angophoras reached the 'abl6 leVel for a park. Many of the larger angophoras reached the
 'limit of their survival during the fires. I doubt if they will be replaced.-.. 'limit of their survival during the fires. I doubt if they will be replaced.-..
-14. The $yclney Bushwa,lker. July, 1969.+
 Ten years is the approxiniate time it takes for seedling eucalypts and casuarinas and'mallee-rooted stock to grow 15-20 feet; hakeas and banksias need about the same time to mature and hold fruit for the next regeheration Because the overhead story of large trees has bec--Lreduced the content of the cover is increasingly made up of hakes and casuarinas and less of the more delicate heaths a',nd sought after flowers. The Park klust degenerate with each fire.. At ten years there is a dense understory of extremely inflammable material reaching to the fully recoyered crowns of the larger trees. ,This is the stage for an extremely dangerous situation, the understorey brews up the crowns mihnli explode through an immense clqua of burning gas into further crowns. At any time after ten years the first critical drought of winter and s.ering provide, with the undergrowth the real source of ignition. It is no coincidence that the literature cites 13 years as the critical cycle; ton years plus the statistical certainty of one severe drought e.o 7).7a';c riroual Ten years is the approxiniate time it takes for seedling eucalypts and casuarinas and'mallee-rooted stock to grow 15-20 feet; hakeas and banksias need about the same time to mature and hold fruit for the next regeheration Because the overhead story of large trees has bec--Lreduced the content of the cover is increasingly made up of hakes and casuarinas and less of the more delicate heaths a',nd sought after flowers. The Park klust degenerate with each fire.. At ten years there is a dense understory of extremely inflammable material reaching to the fully recoyered crowns of the larger trees. ,This is the stage for an extremely dangerous situation, the understorey brews up the crowns mihnli explode through an immense clqua of burning gas into further crowns. At any time after ten years the first critical drought of winter and s.ering provide, with the undergrowth the real source of ignition. It is no coincidence that the literature cites 13 years as the critical cycle; ton years plus the statistical certainty of one severe drought e.o 7).7a';c riroual
 year in five. Our own 1984 could coneaivably sea the whole of the south east coast of Australia ablaze again. year in five. Our own 1984 could coneaivably sea the whole of the south east coast of Australia ablaze again.
Line 208: Line 195:
 Sutherland Shire is the .key to the protection of the Royal  National Park and to a lesser rextentthe Heatlecote Park. In the past few years the effectiveness of the Bush Fire brigades has increased enormously due to the creation of the office of Fire Control. Officer and the provision of motile radios that at last are r;eliable. The FCO had political troubles at its gestation, an area larger than the Shire being advocated at one time by an interested group. Ray 7atchorn, the FCO2 is a full time Shire employee, a trustee of the Heatheoto Primitive Area and has that rare quality in a boss to inspire loyalty. He has bushwalker's knowledge of the terrain (complimenting bushwalkers), and a realistic grasp of what is possible. His No. 2, usually Communications Officer, is Max Lowe the Ranger for Heathcote Park. Another "leader" but with a shorter temper. They are the only "paid!' officers excluding Park officers. The area'of responsibility extends from' the 7ater Board Road to the 7oronora Dam, Garrawarra, to the 6eorges River at Deadmans Greek, the Kurnell peninsula, Heathcote Park and the northern side of the Heathcote Road. For reasons of physical safety it does not now include the Military Area - live if defective mortars and that - sort of thing. In the normal course of events house fires are dealt with by the appliances of the Metropolitan Fire Board. Sutherland Shire is the .key to the protection of the Royal  National Park and to a lesser rextentthe Heatlecote Park. In the past few years the effectiveness of the Bush Fire brigades has increased enormously due to the creation of the office of Fire Control. Officer and the provision of motile radios that at last are r;eliable. The FCO had political troubles at its gestation, an area larger than the Shire being advocated at one time by an interested group. Ray 7atchorn, the FCO2 is a full time Shire employee, a trustee of the Heatheoto Primitive Area and has that rare quality in a boss to inspire loyalty. He has bushwalker's knowledge of the terrain (complimenting bushwalkers), and a realistic grasp of what is possible. His No. 2, usually Communications Officer, is Max Lowe the Ranger for Heathcote Park. Another "leader" but with a shorter temper. They are the only "paid!' officers excluding Park officers. The area'of responsibility extends from' the 7ater Board Road to the 7oronora Dam, Garrawarra, to the 6eorges River at Deadmans Greek, the Kurnell peninsula, Heathcote Park and the northern side of the Heathcote Road. For reasons of physical safety it does not now include the Military Area - live if defective mortars and that - sort of thing. In the normal course of events house fires are dealt with by the appliances of the Metropolitan Fire Board.
 There is a control room in 7atchorn's house at Heathcete There is a control room in 7atchorn's house at Heathcete
-15. The Sydney Bushwalker. July,1969,+
 and and
 a radio/conference room in the Shire Chaadb.ers and brigades at Illawong, Sndy Point, Menai, Lucas Heights (a of A), Loftus? Heathcote, hainbar, Bundeena, Kurnell and ngadine. A Land Rover tender, Yarrawarrah, is manned by residents of the "asphalt" suburbs not normally considered bush fire risks. A fire occurring in one area is the responsibility; initially, of the brigade in that area, a radio/conference room in the Shire Chaadb.ers and brigades at Illawong, Sndy Point, Menai, Lucas Heights (a of A), Loftus? Heathcote, hainbar, Bundeena, Kurnell and ngadine. A Land Rover tender, Yarrawarrah, is manned by residents of the "asphalt" suburbs not normally considered bush fire risks. A fire occurring in one area is the responsibility; initially, of the brigade in that area,
 Dependent on the magnitude and prejeated course of the outbreak the Group Office can request .assistance from any or all of the other brigades. This reciprocity is JiLot taken lightly? to Call out a brigade to put'out.a fire extinguished during the call out inertia is, damaging to Morale, there houses are immediately threatened the Fire Board can and does provide "last ditch" protection if reticulated water is available leaving the bushfire brigades to mop up or control fire, where access is more difficult. This is nci denigration of the Fire Board. Being paid ultimately by the. Insurance Cos tha;y mustyfollow the tune the boss plays. The Fire Board can be backed up by appliances from most of the metropolitan area, the degree oi help being balanced against the denudation of the city fire covar It comes, ultimately, and at times with terrifying suddenness, to a concern for lives. Dependent on the magnitude and prejeated course of the outbreak the Group Office can request .assistance from any or all of the other brigades. This reciprocity is JiLot taken lightly? to Call out a brigade to put'out.a fire extinguished during the call out inertia is, damaging to Morale, there houses are immediately threatened the Fire Board can and does provide "last ditch" protection if reticulated water is available leaving the bushfire brigades to mop up or control fire, where access is more difficult. This is nci denigration of the Fire Board. Being paid ultimately by the. Insurance Cos tha;y mustyfollow the tune the boss plays. The Fire Board can be backed up by appliances from most of the metropolitan area, the degree oi help being balanced against the denudation of the city fire covar It comes, ultimately, and at times with terrifying suddenness, to a concern for lives.
-The Polide Force can supply men_at short notice for+The Police Force can supply men_at short notice for
 "lac se-pulling",-ancilIiarics such as affibulanee, the Salvation. Army, the Red Cross and the Cliff Rescue Sqliad appear almost by "lac se-pulling",-ancilIiarics such as affibulanee, the Salvation. Army, the Red Cross and the Cliff Rescue Sqliad appear almost by
 magic, day or night. T40, Regular Army is ponderous, querulous and exclUdiVe... magic, day or night. T40, Regular Army is ponderous, querulous and exclUdiVe...
-PreSent equipment of the Brigades is based on 4-wheel drive vehicles, at least 25 years old but well maintained. The "offhighway capacity is necessary to negotiate fire trails and at+PreSent equipment of the Brigades is based on 4-wheel drive vehicles, at least 25 years old but well maintained. The "off highway capacity is necessary to negotiate fire trails and at
 times the heath and more-open wooded areas,, They carry water tanks of five hundred gallons, two pumps, live hose reels of rubber and an assortment of canvas hose from 1" to 2i-"? Knapsacks, the rake-hoe HaCleod tools5 First Aid.. gear including AirViva Crews take their chance somewhera. times the heath and more-open wooded areas,, They carry water tanks of five hundred gallons, two pumps, live hose reels of rubber and an assortment of canvas hose from 1" to 2i-"? Knapsacks, the rake-hoe HaCleod tools5 First Aid.. gear including AirViva Crews take their chance somewhera.
 Aminimum of five, Deputy. Captain, driver-radio operator, pumpman and two helpers is desirable. The trucks have radio communication with the control centre and with each other and walkie-talkies nozle-to-ppmp and captain-to-driver. Ideally Aminimum of five, Deputy. Captain, driver-radio operator, pumpman and two helpers is desirable. The trucks have radio communication with the control centre and with each other and walkie-talkies nozle-to-ppmp and captain-to-driver. Ideally
 all jobs are interchangeable. Engadine has a converted petrol all jobs are interchangeable. Engadine has a converted petrol
 tanker, not 4-wheel drive, of 1,000 gallons capacity and is frequently used to replenish the other tenders in the field. It tanker, not 4-wheel drive, of 1,000 gallons capacity and is frequently used to replenish the other tenders in the field. It
-can negotiate most of the fire trails. Shortly all brigades will +can negotiate most of the fire trails. Shortly all brigades will be re-equipped with new 4-wheel drive Bedfords, uniformly equipped so the capability of each tender is known to all and the effectiveness of the whole system improved, 
-be re-equipped with now 4-wheel drive Bedfor6s, uniformly equipped so the capability of eac4 tender 3s known to all and the effectiveness of the whole system improved, + 
-16. The Syaliey, Bushwalker. July,1969. +Tactics to be effective are infinitely variable but depend on 
-1 +training a thorough knowledge of the area and co-operation.' Preferably fires are "washed" right out. This implies that time is available for the job, water is unlimited and that the perimeter has been secured, Fires burning slowly at night can be put right out- We have 1)umpcd, at times, through 3000 feet of hose for eight hours to put out some outbreaks. The recovery, stowage9 drying and re-rolling of so much hose is exhausting work. 
-Tactics to -b3 effectivuare infinitely variable but depend on + 
-training a thorough knowlOge of the area and co-operation.' Preferably fires are "washed" right out. This implies that time is available for the job, water is unlimited and that the perim- +If washing a small fi_ri s not feasible and conditions are suitable handtools can isolate a firs and "spote'prevented with knapsacks. This is the o1117 justifiEble use of knapsacks, or indeed of any work dono 1.way from tho tender, , Frontal assaults from fire trails need conditions less than explosive and likely to remain so. It is only under these conditions that a "backburn" is allowed and -justified - then only if sufficient men and water are a-ailable to prevent spotting. The burn is lit as the main fire aprroachs allowed to burn towards the front and then extinguished from thOtrail inwards. 7ith the advancing front blunted the edges of the main blaze not directly downwind are attacked. Several years ago the brigades controlled a major
-eter has been secured, Fires burning slowly at night can be put right out- We have 1)umpcd, at times, through 3,opo feet of hose for eight hours to put out some outbreaks. The recovery, stowage9 drying and re-rolling of so much hose is exhausting work. +
-If washing a small fi_ris not feasible and conditions are suitable handtools can isolate a firs and "spote'prevented with knapsacks. This is the o1117 justifiEble use of knapsacks, or indeed of any work dono 1.way from tho tender, , Frontal assaults from fire trails need conditions less than explosive and likely to remain so. It is only under these conditions that a "backburn" is allowed and -justified - then only if sufficient men and water are a-ailable to prevent spotting. The burn is lit as the main fire aprroachs allowed to burn towards the front and then extinguished from thOtrail inwards. 7ith the advancing front blunted the edges of the main blaze not directly downwind are attacked. Several years ago the brigades controlled a major+
 fire during a,Fock of intnse bleat with frequent wind changes fire during a,Fock of intnse bleat with frequent wind changes
 it was not ricIeaa%'H21.74rocVoini5 f&WAI--r,--534114M IllaPtaforraTalqutirgaSrm pheric heat, It was possible to allow the fire well within a hundred yards of a trailvTlaurn and then wash. That looked like being a disastrous fire was contained betweentrails End the Hacking Riveru it was not ricIeaa%'H21.74rocVoini5 f&WAI--r,--534114M IllaPtaforraTalqutirgaSrm pheric heat, It was possible to allow the fire well within a hundred yards of a trailvTlaurn and then wash. That looked like being a disastrous fire was contained betweentrails End the Hacking Riveru
 How effective aro the volunteer bmtades? Up to conditions: How effective aro the volunteer bmtades? Up to conditions:
-on the possible side of catastror.hic the combination of sufficient training, suitable equipment, mobility and good leadership the 'brigades can control fires in the R.N.? and the Heathcote Park. PossTh: Eimilar situation exists for Kuring-gai Chase and the +on the possible side of catastrophic the combination of sufficient training, suitable equipment, mobility and good leadership the 'brigades can control fires in the R.N.? and the Heathcote Park. PossTh:  
-Blue Mountains National ?ark. I don't know and can't comment.' In the catastrophic conditions of late October no amount of men or equipment could have saved the par4:, Fire crossed the gorge of the Woronora almost from top to tap, a carry of 800 ,rards. A similar carry crossedthe Hacking Rivera There was no chance. Brigades sent north along the Highway to extricate other brigades were stopped by flames; by the time they turned to retreat they were enclosed,. Internal combustion engines need oxygen.to.uerate, as do firefightersMotors and men stop suddenly when thero is no oxygen left for them. It is the limit of human effort.. It was reached.' . + 
-Waves reaching a shoreare the result Of storm Centres scattered over the ocean:. When the wave patterns interact+Similar situation exists for Kuring-gai Chase and the 
-they sometimes 'cancel -each other and then reinforce.' :171.yoften thefifth wave is an enormous wave enguifing.the rockfisherman... It is too late to learn to swim when you have counted to four +Blue Mountains National ?ark. I don't know and can't comment.' In the catastrophic conditions of late October no amount of men or equipment could have saved the park. Fire crossed the gorge of the Woronora almost from top to tap, a carry of 800 yards. A similar carry crossed the Hacking River. There was no chance. Brigades sent north along the Highway to extricate other brigades were stopped by flames; by the time they turned to retreat they were enclosed. Internal combustion engines need oxygen to operate, as do firefightersMotors and men stop suddenly when there is no oxygen left for them. It is the limit of human effort. It was reached.'  
-NEV. BIGGER SHOWROOM FOR TALKING GEAR. + 
-"THE CANtE 72:PRE", A COMPLETE -DISPLAY CENTRE FOR-:rGEOFF BARKER" CANOES KAYAKS AND ACCESSORIES. +Waves reaching a shore are the result of storm centres scattered over the ocean. When the wave patterns interact they sometimes cancel each other and then reinforce. Often the fifth wave is an enormous wave engulfing the rock fisherman. It is too late to learn to swim when you have counted to four. 
-HIRE YOUR FAIRY DOWN SLEEPING-BAG, ii-riumE PACK OR TENT FROM OUR EQUIPMENT HIRE DEPARTMENT. + 
- USE OUR ,Nr.fJ-, FREE.LIB Y.ZtRVICv +
-:tlitthia '10 CLD4BeER:S... . . +
-And , +
-SUst.to make sure we are givAngyoutop, +
-service we 'Open at 8.30 a.m. On-Saturday mornings  you can park right In front so make MOUNTAIN,EQUIPMENT your first stop1 +
-165 Pacific Highway, North Sydney. +
-929-6504.+
  
 ====== Colong - Won or Lost ? ====== ====== Colong - Won or Lost ? ======
  
 +Rolf Janssen
 +
 +The fight - save Colong is still on - it must not lag for if we lose this case future cases will be harder to win. Many of our beaches and the Barrier Reef are threatened in the "interest" of the State and nation under the heading of MINING.
 +
 +Many readers have already shown support to SAVE COLONG by
 +
 +1) sending articles to me referring to the Colong issue. Please keep them rolling in. Send the entire page in which the article. occurs because \\
 +a) it saves you cutting it out\\
 +b) me from losing it if it is small\\
 +c) gives me the date, place and type of publication all very important\\
 +
 +2) Giving support, if they can at a time when the Colong Committee wants to publicise Government vandalism.
 +
 +If you want to be asked to help SAVE COLONG give the following details to the Membership Secretary Rolf Janssen:
 +Name\\
 +Address at home\\
 +Home Tel. No\\.
 +Business Address, Bus No.\\
 +
 +Have you access to a car? Wi11 you take passengers? How many?
 +The Colong Committee\\
 +1) Has had a meeting with management of A.P.O.M. to reconsider mining in the Colong Caves area - details in the next issue as they are not ready at present.\\
 +2) Is arranging for a "Cave-in" (living in the caves which are to be mined) around 8th August. Your participation is welcomed. See the club notice board for more exciting details or contact the membership Secretary or the Colong Committee.\\
 +
 +Next issue - revealing details of Government incompetence on the Colong scandal.
  
-Rolf Janssen. +SAVE COLONG OR LOSE  EVERYTHING.
-The fight . save Colong is still on - it must not lag for if we lose this case future cases will be harder to win. Many of our beaches and the Barrier Reef are threatened in the "interest" of the Statb-and nation under the'heading of MATING. +
-Many readers have already shown support to SAVE OOLONG by +
-1) sendd,ng articles to me referring to the Oolong issue. Please keep 1c,hem rolling in. Send the entire pagd in which the article. occurs.because' +
-a) it saves you cutting it out +
-b) me from losing it if it is small +
-c)gives me the date, place and type of publioation all very important +
-2) Giving support, if they can at a time when the Oolong +
-Committee wants to pUblicise Government vandalism'+
-If you want to be asked to help SAVE COLONG Vni the following details to the Membership Secretary Rolf Janssen: +
-Name +
-Address at home +
-Home Tel. No. +
-Business Address Bus Tie No. +
-Have you access to a car? 7i11 you take passengers How many? +
-The Oolong Committee +
-1) Has had a meeting with management of A.P.O.M. to reconsider mining in the Oolong Caves area - details in the next issue as they are not ready at present. +
-2) Is arranging for a "Cave-in" (living in the caves which are to be mined) around 8th August. Your participation is welcomed. See the club notice board for more exciting details or contact the membership Secretary or the Oolong Committee, +
-Next issue - revealing details of Government incompetence on the Oolong scandal. +
-SAVE OOLONG OR LOSE  EVERYTHING.+
  
-REMINDER. FROM THE TREASURER: The majority of members have not yet paid theirannual.stibscription. The Treasurer appeals to all who are guilty in this respect to assist the Club by the payment of their dues.+REMINDER. FROM THE TREASURER: The majority of members have not yet paid their annual subscription. The Treasurer appeals to all who are guilty in this respect to assist the Club by the payment of their dues.
  
196907.txt · Last modified: 2017/01/20 15:45 by tyreless

Donate Powered by PHP Valid HTML5 Valid CSS Driven by DokuWiki