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+ | =====The Roads.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Marion Lloyd. | ||
- | . THE ROADS. by Marion Lloyd. | ||
(Marion points out that this is not original material but a collection of information from books, brochures and individual people.) | (Marion points out that this is not original material but a collection of information from books, brochures and individual people.) | ||
- | The story of the roads in the Hartley area is a fascinating ono. | ||
- | Commencing with Blailand, Lawson and Wentworth, they set out from Blailand' | ||
- | They neared Mt. York late in the afternoon of the 28th, when Blaxla,nd in his diary records that they "Took up their statialon the edge of a precipice.' | ||
- | Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth had their moment of triumph, they had crossed the Blue Mountains at last. Westward and before them spread what we know as Hartley Vale or the Vale of Clwydd. They did not realise, as they stood on the verge of Mt. York, that the Blue Mountains were only a | ||
- | spur from the Great Dividing Range. But as history has showed, they had " | ||
- | Wentworth was impressed with the " | ||
- | Page 4 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February, 1973. | ||
- | brow, survey' | ||
- | BLAXLAND "How mute, how desolate thy tunted woods, | ||
- | How dread thy chasms, there many an eagle broods; | ||
- | LAWSON Haw dark thy caves, how lone thy torrents roar As down the cliffs precipitous they pour - | ||
- | WEUTWORTH Broke on our hearts, when first with venturous tread | ||
- | . We dared to rouse the from thy mountain bed Till-gained with toilsome step thy rocky heath, We spied the cheering smokes ascend beneath... Till, nearer seen, the beauteous lands-cape grew, Opening like Canaan on rapt Israel' | ||
- | The following day-they descended Mt. York and " | + | The story of the roads in the Hartley area is a fascinating one. |
- | a-fine streath | + | |
- | the eyes of a pastoralist-; but the military mind of Lawson turned to thoughts | + | Commencing with Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth, they set out from Blaxland' |
- | of tho expected French raid 6n Port Jackson when he wrote: "The best watered country I have seen in this Colony | + | |
- | retreat for the inhabitants and their stock. "For this part of the country | + | They neared Mt. York late in the afternoon of the 28th, when Blaxland in his diary records that they "Took up their statiaon the edge of a precipice." |
- | is so formed. bynature | + | |
- | Lawson was writing about what we now call Hartley. Valley district below Mt. York. | + | Blaxland, Lawson and Wentworth had their moment of triumph, they had crossed the Blue Mountains at last. Westward and before them spread what we know as Hartley Vale or the Vale of Clwydd. They did not realise, as they stood on the verge of Mt. York, that the Blue Mountains were only a spur from the Great Dividing Range. But as history has showed, they had " |
- | They caught fish, they roasted. kangaroo meat and within a day or two wore refreshed and ready for the return journey. | + | |
- | Their horses had boon so close to exhaustion that they were frequently | + | Wentworth was impressed with the " |
- | collapsing, and had to be love ed with saplings to their feet, as they | + | |
- | wore incapable of riing unaided. However they more fully recovered after eating the lush grass of this fertile valley, and on June 1 they were load- | + | __Blaxland: |
- | with what remained of the provisions and the long walk back began. | + | How dread thy chasms, there many an eagle broods;\\ |
- | The party returned on Juno 6th "in good health, after an absence of | + | __Lawson:__ How dark thy caves, how lone thy torrents roar\\ |
- | 26 days and having accomplished what no other white man had hitherto done" | + | As down the cliffs precipitous they pour -\\ |
- | Blaxland called on the Governor (Macquarie) to inform him of their subcess, but he did not appear enthusiastic, | + | __Wentworth: |
- | that he "Is happy to embrace this opportunityof | + | We dared to rouse the from thy mountain bed\\ |
- | 16dgement | + | Till, gained with toilsome step thy rocky heath,\\ |
- | Page 5 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February, 1973. | + | We spied the cheering smokes ascend beneath...\\ |
- | Lawson was the only one of the explorers who took up this grant. Blaxland sold his " | + | Till, nearer seen, the beauteous landscape grew,\\ |
- | Blaxland never received the recognition to which he was entitled, and in 1816, from his property of Brush Farm he wrote to his friend and patron, Sir Joseph Banks, outlining his attempts on the Blue Mountains and concluding: "The Governor' | + | Opening like Canaan on rapt Israel' |
- | steps, and also a river at the foot of the mountains we discovered with the same personts | + | |
- | wore the real discoverers. May I request Sir, that you will have the goodness to explain to his Majestic' | + | The following day-they descended Mt. York and " |
- | It was not until February 12th, 1814 that a Genoral | + | |
- | arid then most of the praise was given to Surveyor Evans who had by this time followed their blazed trail. | + | Lawson was writing about what we now call Hartley Valley district below Mt. York. |
- | EVANS Macquarie being a cautious man, decided to have their story chocked | + | |
- | mountains had boon found and to explore the country beyond. | + | They caught fish, they roasted kangaroo meat and within a day or two were refreshed and ready for the return journey. |
- | With 5 men, Evans loft the Nopoan | + | |
- | trail of marked | + | Their horses had been so close to exhaustion that they were frequently collapsing, and had to be leveled |
- | Mt. York that the others had reached and made the stoop descent down the | + | |
- | western side. It was he who named. Mt. Blaxland (the silver marker at the | + | The party returned on June 6th "in good health, after an absence of 26 days and having accomplished what no other white man had hitherto done". |
- | top is a memorial to Blaxland9 | + | |
- | (rivulet) was corrupted to the River Lett (Hartley) which still bears that name. | + | Blaxland called on the Governor (Macquarie) to inform him of their success, but he did not appear enthusiastic, |
- | Evan's described the fertile country | + | |
- | River was named and thon the Macquarie. He continued several miles down | + | Lawson was the only one of the explorers who took up this grant. Blaxland sold his " |
- | the Macquarie and the river led him to the fine open grasslands (Bathurst Plains) on which Governor Macquarie later founded the city of Bathurst. | + | |
- | COX Evans was followed by William Cox, who at that time was chief, | + | Blaxland never received the recognition to which he was entitled, and in 1816, from his property of Brush Farm he wrote to his friend and patron, Sir Joseph Banks, outlining his attempts on the Blue Mountains and concluding: "The Governor' |
- | magistrate at Windsor. Cox, also seldctod | + | |
- | was to supervise the building of the first road over the Blue Mountains. There wore 30 men and 8 soldiers. The road from Emu Plains to Bathurst, | + | It was not until February 12th, 1814 that a General |
- | just,over 100 miles, was commenced in July, 1814 and completed on January 14, | + | |
- | 1815. The construction of CQXIS Pass down from Mt; York had taken from 7th November to 14th December, | + | ===Evans=== |
- | Feloruary9 1973. | + | |
- | THE SYDNEY BUSIgALICER | + | Macquarie being a cautious man, decided to have their story checked |
- | Page 6 | + | |
- | Lightweight bu' | + | With 5 men, Evans left the Nepean |
- | and camping gear. | + | |
- | Don't be lumbered with a winter bag in summer | + | Evan's described the fertile country |
- | Our new ' | + | |
- | Kiandra model: Pillow flap, hooded bag. Well filled. Compact, warm and lightweight. Excellent for warmer summer nights and times when carryirig weight can be reduced. Approx 33/41bs. | + | ===Cox=== |
- | Hotham model: Superwarm hooded bag made for cold sleepers and high altitudes. 'Box quilted' | + | |
- | ' | + | Evans was followed by William Cox, who at that time was chief magistrate at Windsor. Cox, also selectod |
- | BUNY1P RUCKSACK | + | |
- | This `ship ediFucksack is excellent for children. Use- full day pack. Weight 14ozs. | + | October 23, 1814 - "Four men sent forward about 10 miles to examine the mountain that leads down to the forest ground and they reported that it is scarcely possible to make a good road down. (Note - this was " |
- | SENIOR RUCKSAdk. | + | |
- | A single pocket, shaped rucksack. Suitable for overnight camping. Weight VAlbs. | + | Governor-Macquarie passed over Cox's road to Bathurst, which he named in the following year in 1815, and named " |
- | BUSHMAN RUCKSACK | + | |
- | Has sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying.. Will hold nibs. 2 pocket model 11/ | + | ===Cox's Pass=== |
- | model VAlbs. | + | |
- | PIONEER RUCKSACK | + | The descent of Mt. York was terrifying. The carts were to some degree unloaded, to some extent manhandled over the steepest sections, and had trees up to 48 foot in length tied to the back of the carts to prevent |
- | Extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40Ibs of camp gear. Weight 2%lbs. | + | |
- | ' | + | Alternativo roads were constructed down Mt. York but with little success and a reward was offered |
- | One, two or three man. From TA to 33/albs. Choice of | + | |
- | three cloths. | + | ===Lawson's long alley=== |
- | Supplied with nylon cords and overlapped doors. No walls. | + | |
- | WALL TENTS | + | William Lawson ("Old Irohbark" |
- | Two, three or four man. From 31/2 to 4%lbs. Choice of | + | |
- | three cloths. | + | ===Collits=== |
- | Supplied with nylon cords and overlapped doors. | + | |
- | Everything for the bush- walker, from blankets and air mattresses, stretchers, boots, compasses, maps, books, stoves and lamps to cooking ware and freeze dried and dehydrated foods. | + | Pierce Collits supposedly had his own track down from Mt.York. Collits was very probably the supervisor of the convicts who built Lawson' |
- | ea | + | |
- | 69 LIVERPOOL ST. SYDNEY 26-2686 61-7215 | + | ===Lockyer=== |
- | Page 7 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February, 1973. | + | |
- | October 239 1814 - "Four men sent forward about 10 miles to examine | + | In 1827 Lockyer' |
- | the mountain that leads down to the forest ground and they reported that | + | |
- | it is scarcely possible to make a good road down. (Note - this was " | + | ===Hamilton Hume=== |
- | try to find a better way down the mountain, but returned unsuccessful. "I have therefore made up m7 mina to make a road as a cart can go down omPty, without a possibility of its return.- such a road will answer to drive stock down to the forest ground!" | + | |
- | Governor-Macquarie passed over Cox's road to Bathurst, which he named in the following year in 18159 and named " | + | In 1827 Hamilton Hume and Lieut. Bowen also marked a track for a road. |
- | Ca'S The descent of Ht. York was terrifying. The carts wore to sonic PASS degree unloaded, to some extent manhandled over the steepest sections' | + | |
- | and had trees up to 48 foot in length tied to the back of the cartS to prevent | + | ===Mitchell and Mt. Victoria Pass=== |
- | few months-to clear the road. To bring oven a half-laden cart up the Pass | + | |
- | as a difficult procedure. Heavy iron rings were fastened at interval | + | The Surveyor-General Major Mitchell found that an easier grade could be maintained down Mt. Victoria, and regarded this as so important that he commenced work immediately without informing his superiors. This annoyed the Colonial-Secretary to such an extent that he wrote to Mitchell, "I am directed to request that... the line proposed by you is not to be adopted or commenced" |
- | in the rock face of tho road and with the aid of pulleys and ropes, | + | |
- | Alternativo roads were constructed down Ht. York but with little success and a reward was offorod | + | It was opened |
- | LAWSON'S William Lawson ("Old Irohbark" | + | |
- | LONG in N.S.W. when constructing Lawson' | + | ===Mt. Victoria and the Toll Bar=== |
- | ALLEY wrote to the Colonial Secretary, " | + | |
- | down, I discovered coal of good quality" | + | During the period 1832 to 1868 Mt. Victoria was a most important link on the Western |
- | in an attempt to provide an easier grade than Cox's Pass and which may be plainly seen to this day opposite the junction of the old Berghofer' | + | |
- | " | + | A Toll House was built on the eastern side of the village in about 1849. A charge |
- | Pierce Collits supposedly had his own track down from Ht.York. | + | |
- | Collits was very probably the supervisor of the convicts who built Lawson' | + | ===Hartley=== |
- | LOCKYER | + | |
- | COLLITS | + | With the oponing of the Victoria Pass a police |
- | Page 8 TEE SYDNEY BUSHWALICER February, 1973c | + | |
- | HAYILTON | + | ===From horse-drawn to horseless carriage=== |
- | The Surveyor-General Major Mitchell found that an easier grade could | + | |
- | be maintained down Mt. Victoria, and regarded this as so important that he | + | As mentioned, |
- | commenced work immediately without informing his superiors. This annoyed the Colonial-Secretary to such an extent that he uroto to Mitchell, "I am | + | |
- | directed to request that .. the line proposed by you is not MITCHELL | + | ===Berghofer Pass=== |
- | MT. desire to prove that ho had found a better descent of the VICTORIA | + | |
- | buttreSsos, and moved masses of iron and sandstone to fill the | + | In 1907 Mr. J. Berghofer, first President of Blaxland |
- | gap which is hold in place by their fine bridgework. They literally cut the top off a mountain. | + | |
- | ridge'from which valleys | + | ===Roadmakers' Memorial=== |
- | It was period | + | |
- | use, though slightly altered at its lower Section. Thomas Mitchell named it Victoria Pass in honour of the young Princess, following | + | The Blue Mountains Historical Society, to mark this historical spot, had a 3 ton block of granite hauled up from the Cox's River and with the cooperation of the Blue Mountains City Council, erected it on a suitable base on the original Bathurst Road (Cox's Road) at the junction of Berghofer' |
- | MT. During the period 1832 to 1868 Mt. Victoria was a most VICTORIA | + | |
- | AND , between Emu and Hartley. During that period it was known as | + | ---- |
- | THE "Ono Troo Hill" by virtue of a huge tree that was growing near | + | |
- | TOLL the stone built church. | + | I was told of a gentleman who managed to get a parking ticket at the Lett River Bridge |
- | A Toll House was built on the eastern side of the village | + | |
- | in about 1849. A charge | + | ---- |
- | surface of the road. Tolls wore collocted at this point until the com- | + | |
- | pletion | + | In the Museum of Applied Arts and Science |
- | the Toll Bar and is built on foundations of an historic barn at the first. inn (now removed) and used to lodge prisoners | + | |
- | particular beauty at this point is a stand of majestic Gum Trees of great antiquity. | + | ===Marcus Clark Memorial=== |
- | HARTLEY | + | |
- | The village flourished and the population | + | The Marcus Clark Memorial Cross may be seen by taking a track to the left off Mt. York Road a little before the Obelisk at Mt. York is reached. The cross fronts the cliff where a small child fell to his death. |
- | Page 9 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKEP. February, 1973. | + | |
- | Mt. Victoria remained just a village and continued so almost until the railway reached there in 1868. With the coming of the railway with its faster means | + | ---- |
- | of transport, Hartley commenced to decline, the police district was moved to Lithgow9 | + | |
- | Caves by this time had been opened up and visitors from Sydney | + | ===Acknowledgements: |
- | FROM As mentioned9 | + | |
- | HORSE Bathurst Road from Mt. Victoria to Hartley. This deviation (Victoria | + | __Our Blue Mountains |
- | DRAWN Pass) replaced the dangerous grades in Cox's Road and 1wson's Long | + | |
- | TO Alley at Et. York. This new pass was much easier grade and a normal | + | |
- | solved. In 1832 Mitchell did not foresee the coming of the horseloss | + | |
- | carriage for at that time it was not even a dream in the minds of the world' | + | |
- | descended the Victoria Pass, it was unable to make the ascent9 | + | |
- | BERGHOFER | + | |
- | PASS responsible for the building of an extensive deviation near the present Pass. Commenced in 1907 and in use by 19099 but after many delays | + | |
- | was opened in 1912. This became the main road down the mountains from Ht. Victoria. But cars were becoming more powerful and reliable so that the Dept. of Main Roads improved the old Mt. Victoria Pass in 1920 and finally closed the Berghofer Pass. When the Duke and Duchess of York (later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth) visited the Jenolan Caves and on stopping at Et. York on their return., met the 88 year old. Berghofer, the Queen shook his hand and said, " | + | |
- | Roadmakors' Memorial. The Blue Mountains Historical Society, to mark this | + | |
- | historical spot, had a 3 ton block of granite hauled up from the Cox's River and with the cooperation of the Blue Mountains City Council, erected it on a suitable base on the original Bathurst Road (Cox s Road) at the junction of Berghofer' | + | |
- | Pass (closed in 1920) and Lawson' | + | |
- | I was told of a gentleman who managed to get a parking ticket at the ,Lott | + | |
- | Rivor_Bridge | + | |
- | o o ea e o | + | |
- | In the Museum of Applied. Arts and Sciencd | + | |
- | Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February9 1973. | + | |
- | Marcus Clark Memorial. The Marcus Clark Memorial Cross may be seen by :taking a track to the left off Mt. York Road a little before the Obelisk at Mt. York is reached. The cross fronts the cliff where a small child | + | |
- | fell to his death. | + | |
- | 00000000 | + | |
- | ACKNOWLEDGEMENTs | + | |
- | Our Blue Mountains | + | |
- | the history of the Blue Mountains. | + | |
Tourist Brochures from Katoomba and Mt. Victoria Historical Societies. | Tourist Brochures from Katoomba and Mt. Victoria Historical Societies. | ||
- | The Blue Mountains CrossinL.- John Kennedy. | ||
- | Pictorial History of the Blue Mountains - Blue Mountains City Council. | ||
- | into Historical - Arthur Paridaens. | ||
- | Historic Hartle :z - Arthur Paridaens. | ||
- | Also to Arthur Paridaens for his volumes of correspondence and time spent yarning to me about Hartley. Arthur is curator of Hartley Court House. Also to his wife Iris. | ||
- | Mrs. E. E. Williams of KatoaMba for her correspondence. | ||
- | *****X********* | ||
- | ..P1211: BUS}_1LEA.L.nRS REUNION 1973. | ||
- | This year the reunion will be held at the old favourite spot of Woods Crook. The date of the reunion is the 17th and 18th March. If you require car transport either from Sydney or from Richmond railway station please contact Don Pinch (Phone 47-2251 (H) the sooner the better. For people travelling by train to Richmond car transport can be arrangod to convey thorn to Woods Creek. However you must let Don Finch know beforehand as cars will not be able to meet every train. Below is a short list of train times for Saturday afternoon - if possible please use one of these trains- | ||
- | Leaving Central 12 noon 1.09 p m. 3009 p m. | ||
- | Arriving Richmond 1.41 p m. 2.51 p m. 4.51 p m. | ||
- | N.B. Change trains at Blacktown to the rail motor. The weekend excursion | ||
- | faro is $1.68 return from Central, | ||
- | On the weekend of the rouhiOn small S.B.W. arrows will be erected on road junction and turns beyond North Richmond. Below are some road directions that may be usefuls- | ||
- | Go to North Richmond on the Windsor/ | ||
- | Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALICR February, 1973 a | ||
- | on bear slightly to the right past a gate. Continue along the dirt track and turn left in front of a house (some gates may be shut in this area). After 100 yards turn right then continue more or less straight on to the end of the road (approx. 2 miles). | + | __The Blue Mountains Crossing__ - John Kennedy. |
- | **************# | + | |
- | THIRTEEN WAIKERS IN SEARCH OF A WALK by Younger. | + | __Pictorial History of the Blue Mountains__ - Blue Mountains City Council. |
- | Max Crisp had a ten day Christmas trip to the Kosciusko National Park programmed and likely starters were invited to a briefing at his flat several weeks before the event. Maps were laid out, the proposed route outlined, | + | |
- | distances to be traversed each day discussed, the camp sites selected, the | + | __Journey into Historical Hartle__ - Arthur Paridaens. |
- | duration at oach nominated and an estimate on the availability of water, tent poles, firewood and possible side trips postulated. | + | |
- | The gathering, duly impressed, set about to regroup into three food parties, being careful to maintain as equitable ratio as possible of male to female in each puxty to proservo | + | __Historic Historic__ - Arthur Paridaens. |
- | plenty of scope to indulge in an extravagant and somewhat exotic Christmas feast halfway through the trip. | + | |
- | This superb organisation started to go awry about ten miles this sidc | + | Also to __Arthur Paridaens__ for his volumes of correspondence and time spent yarning to me about Hartley. Arthur is curator of Hartley Court House. Also to his wife __Iris__. |
- | of Goulburn. The night was clear and moonlit and the traffic was light but the relief driver of the Maxwagon managed to navigate both nearside wheels of that remarkable vehicle, with praiseworthy accuracy, over three nails pro- | + | |
- | truding | + | __Mrs. E. E. Williams__ of Katoomba for her correspondence. |
- | we had scored six holes in one hit but it was obvious that further progress must await repair action. Max set off down the road with a wheel under each arm, obtained a lift into Goulburn and eventually found a garage with facilities for the patching and pumping | + | |
- | All this took a long time and. by 3.30 a m. on the Friday, instead of being close to our destination, | + | ---- |
- | We found a shelter shed and George Catchpole, Max and I then tried to | + | |
- | console ourselves with a brow of tea boiled up on a portable stove we had brought with us since fires in the open were also banned. Feeling somewhat | + | =====Paddy Made.===== |
- | Page 12 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALEER February, 1973 | + | |
- | better, we boarded the wagon and headed back towards Adaminaby. We reached the rendezvous point at about 3 o' | + | Lightweight bushwalking and camp gear. |
- | ly stopped when the owner of the nearby property appeared in a landrover and | + | |
- | appealed for assistance to help him fight a bushfire which had just been | + | __Don' |
- | started by a lightning strike. Max and George jumped onto the back of tho rover and sped off towards a distant ridge. I was glad Max had suggested | + | |
- | that I should_ | + | Our new ' |
- | effort than I felt capable of exerting at that moment. The firefighters | + | |
- | returned | + | __Kiandra model__: Pillow flap, hooded bag. Well filled. Compact, warm and lightweight. Excellent for warmer summer nights and times when carrying weight can be reduced. Approx 3 3/4 1bs. |
+ | |||
+ | __Hotham model__: Superwarm hooded bag made for cold sleepers and high altitudes. 'Box quilted' | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Bunyip Rucksack.__ This ' | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Senior Rucksack.__ A single pocket, shaped rucksack. Suitable for overnight camping. Weight 1 1/2 lbs | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Bushman Rucksack.__ Have sewn-in curved bottom for extra comfort in carrying. Will hold 30 lbs. 2 pocket model 1 1/4 lbs. 3 pocket model 1 1/2 lbs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Pioneer Rucksack__ is an extra large bag with four external pockets and will carry about 40 lbs of camp gear. Weight 2 3/4 lbs. | ||
+ | |||
+ | __' | ||
+ | |||
+ | __Wall Tents.__ Two, three or four man. From 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 lbs. Choice of three cloths. Supplied with nylon cords and overlapped doors. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Everything for the bushwalker, from blankets and air mattresses, stretchers, boots, compasses, maps, books, stoves and lamps to cooking ware and freeze dried and dehydrated foods. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Paddy Pallin. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 69 Liverpool St., Sydney. 26-2686, 61-7215. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Sydney Bush Walkers Reunion 1973.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | This year the reunion will be held at the old favourite spot of Woods Creek. The date of the reunion is the 17th and 18th March. If you require car transport either from Sydney or from Richmond railway station please contact Don Finch (Phone 47-2251 (H)) the sooner the better. For people travelling by train to Richmond car transport can be arranged to convey them to Woods Creek. However you must let Don Finch know beforehand as cars will not be able to meet every train. Below is a short list of train times for Saturday afternoon - if possible please use one of these trains: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Leaving Central: 12 noon, 1.09 p.m., 3.09 p.m. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Arriving Richmond: 1.41 p.m. 2.51 p.m. 4.51 p.m. | ||
+ | |||
+ | N.B. Change trains at Blacktown to the rail motor. The weekend excursion fare is $1.68 return from Central. | ||
+ | |||
+ | On the weekend of the reunion small S.B.W. arrows will be erected on road junction and turns beyond North Richmond. Below are some road directions that may be useful: | ||
+ | |||
+ | Go to North Richmond on the Windsor/ | ||
+ | |||
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
+ | =====Thirteen Walkers In Search Of A Walk.===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Bob Younger. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Max Crisp had a ten day Christmas trip to the Kosciusko National Park programmed and likely starters were invited to a briefing at his flat several weeks before the event. Maps were laid out, the proposed route outlined, distances to be traversed each day discussed, the camp sites selected, the duration at each nominated and an estimate on the availability of water, tent poles, firewood and possible side trips postulated. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The gathering, duly impressed, set about to regroup into three food parties, being careful to maintain as equitable ratio as possible of male to female in each party to preserve | ||
+ | |||
+ | This superb organisation started to go awry about ten miles this side of Goulburn. The night was clear and moonlit and the traffic was light but the relief driver of the Maxwagon managed to navigate both nearside wheels of that remarkable vehicle, with praiseworthy accuracy, over three nails protruding | ||
+ | |||
+ | All this took a long time and by 3.30 a.m. on the Friday, instead of being close to our destination, | ||
+ | |||
+ | We found a shelter shed and George Catchpole, Max and I then tried to console ourselves with a brew of tea boiled up on a portable stove we had brought with us since fires in the open were also banned. Feeling somewhat better, we boarded the wagon and headed back towards Adaminaby. We reached the rendezvous point at about 3 o' | ||
Ray Hookway and Ross Hughes arrived with their passengers during the night but not Laurie. This was not surprising as Ray had told Laurie to stop at the first creek crossing which was some miles up the road. Despite this, however, Laurie, Rosemary and Kathy eventually turned up with a story about an irate farmer whose sleep had been disturbed by their interminable cruising around his property looking for us in the middle of the night. | Ray Hookway and Ross Hughes arrived with their passengers during the night but not Laurie. This was not surprising as Ray had told Laurie to stop at the first creek crossing which was some miles up the road. Despite this, however, Laurie, Rosemary and Kathy eventually turned up with a story about an irate farmer whose sleep had been disturbed by their interminable cruising around his property looking for us in the middle of the night. | ||
- | It was agreed that we should do a three day trip based on Oldfields | + | |
- | Hut, where indoor cooking could be accomplished and various mountain peaks | + | It was agreed that we should do a three day trip based on Oldfields Hut, where indoor cooking could be accomplished and various mountain peaks around about explored. This plan required us to select items of food from our somewhat bulky mountain of rations. The fact that Christmas Day was approaching had to be considered and much discussion ensued during this walk as to where and when we should celebrate this important occasion. A place on the map marked Cooloman Caves seemed to suggest a suitable venue so, after our little jaunts up Mount Morgan and Mount Bimberi, we returned to the cars on Christmas morning and once more headed for Adaminaby. |
- | around about explored. This plan required us to select items of food from our somewhat bulky mountain of rations. The fact that Christmas Day was approaching had to be considered and much discussion ensued during this walk as to where and when we should celebrate this important occasion. A place on the map marked Cooloman Caves seemed to suggest a suitable venue | + | |
- | so, after our little jaunts up Mount Morgan and Mount Bimberi, we returned | + | |
- | to the cars on Christmas morning and once more headed for Adaminaby. | + | |
All garages were closed and no petrol was available. Notwithstanding this we carried on towards the caves and our long planned but limited debauch, which became even more limited when Sally Briggs discovered that their plastic flagon of claret had succumbed to the rigours of travel over rough roads and had split, thus allowing the contents to escape. A similar fate overtook Bob Younger' | All garages were closed and no petrol was available. Notwithstanding this we carried on towards the caves and our long planned but limited debauch, which became even more limited when Sally Briggs discovered that their plastic flagon of claret had succumbed to the rigours of travel over rough roads and had split, thus allowing the contents to escape. A similar fate overtook Bob Younger' | ||
- | On Boxing Day we set off on a journey of exploration on foot which was shortlived | + | |
- | Page 13 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February, 1973. | + | On Boxing Day we set off on a journey of exploration on foot which was short-lived |
- | There was a light drizzle of rain still, so on reaching the hut a fire was lit in the fireplace and billies of soup, stew, rice and dessert were crowded in, above and around the fire. A large smarm of bees had taken possession of the hut but they did not seem to mind sharing it with us. Perhaps they were cold and enjoyed the company. The door of the hut caused us some worry as it sagged on its hinges and the opening and closing operations caused the whole structure to shake and reverberate alarmingly. We were sure the bees would not approve, but the only thing they objected to was when Libby swept up the next morning and raised some dust which drifted towards their nice clean honeycomb. The swooping | + | |
- | The latest revision was to travel south towards the Blue Lake, camping at O' | + | There was a light drizzle of rain still, so on reaching the hut a fire was lit in the fireplace and billies of soup, stew, rice and dessert were crowded in, above and around the fire. A large swarm of bees had taken possession of the hut but they did not seem to mind sharing it with us. Perhaps they were cold and enjoyed the company. The door of the hut caused us some worry as it sagged on its hinges and the opening and closing operations caused the whole structure to shake and reverberate alarmingly. We were sure the bees would not approve, but the only thing they objected to was when Libby swept up the next morning and raised some dust which drifted towards their nice clean honeycomb. The sweeping |
- | Jagungal was climbed by some and there was plenty of time for fishing, swimming, washing or reading the books at Mawson' | + | |
- | was the life. The weather had cleared, the. sunwas | + | The latest revision was to travel south towards the Blue Lake, camping at O' |
- | and Kathy was downing huge quantities of curied | + | |
- | She had probably woken up to the fact that if you don't like it, you lump it. At White' | + | Jagungal was climbed by some and there was plenty of time for fishing, swimming, washing or reading the books at Mawson' |
- | the hut but mi-qiin | + | |
- | our undoing. A ranger on his way home spotted our camp and came over. After inquiring for the leader he insisted that we should leave the Park as it was still closed although he had no Objection | + | At White' |
- | ' | + | |
- | and Pretty Plain. The old mine workings around the Grey Mare Hut proved most interesting and the party was most enthusiastic about the large log | + | Maps came out again George |
- | cabin on Bulls Head Creek. The cabin was a classic, with two large rooms, | + | |
- | split log floors, rough holm bush timber beds, tables, benches and shelves and contained a large fireplace. | + | Our way out lay across the Pretty Plains, which would be prettier from a horse, since it was a bit swampy with thick grass and difficult to walk on. A hawk followed us for some time and the significance of this was conveyed to one member of the party who was feeling poorly that morning. It did the trick, much better than sympathy |
- | Our way out lay across the Pretty Plains, which would be prettier | + | |
- | from a horse, since it was a bit swampy with thick grass and difficult to | + | There were no other major changes in plan during the last two days of the trip, unless you count the action of Ray in spilling a billy full of scalding tea on his ankle and his being bitten by a bee whilst driving home, but he assures me that both these incidents were quite unplanned. |
- | walk on. A hawk followed us for some time and the significance of this | + | |
- | was conveyed to one member of the party who was feeling poorly that morning. | + | Those taking part were Max Crisp, the chief planner, Ray Hookway, the chief risk, Ross Hughes, chief lay-about, Frank Tacker, chief photographer, |
- | It did the trick, much better than sympathy he was back in his usual place towards the front of the party in no time at all. As the girls seemed a | + | |
- | bit too delicate and ladylike to fight their way up Pugilistic Creek we decided to ascend by a track on a ridge we learnt about from some Canberra | + | ---- |
- | walkers who were also camped at Pretty Plain Hut. | + | |
- | There were no other major changes in plan during the last two days of the trip, unless you count the action of Ray in spilling a billy full of | + | ====Notice From The Sectretary. |
- | scalding tea on his ankle and his being bitten by a bee whilst driving home, but he assures me that both these incidents were quite unplanned. | + | |
- | Those taking part were Max Crisp, the chief planner, Ray Hookway, the | + | Sheila Binns. |
- | Page 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER February9 1973. | + | |
- | ************************** | + | The following office bearers and committee members have indicated that they do not wish to stand for re-election to Committee for the year 1973/74:- |
- | ************************** Al ouNTAIN *******-x******************** EQ,UIPMENT *****xxx************* | + | |
- | * * * * * * * * * * * | + | |Phil Butt|Vice-President| |
- | IF YOU ARE | + | |Alan Hedstrom|Treasurer| |
- | BUYING OR HIRING HIRING OR BUYING | + | |Owen Marks|Social Secretary| |
- | GEAR FOR | + | |Ray Hookway|Federation Delegate| |
- | WALKING CAMPING ..... CLIMBING ..... CANOEING ......... WALKING ..... CAMPING ..... CLIMBING ,..... CANOEING ......... | + | |Gladys Roberts|Committee member| |
- | THINK OF | + | |Nancy Alderson|Committee member| |
- | MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT | + | |
- | 17 Alexander Street9 Crow's Nest 2065 (On the corner of Falcon Street) Telephone 439-3454. | + | ---- |
- | for | + | |
- | FAIRYDOWN STRRPING BAGS | + | =====Tasmania ' |
- | HIGH LOAD PACKS (Weight 3 lb. 10 oz) | + | |
- | AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS YOU COULD POSSIBLY NEED | + | by Don Finch. |
- | * ,*.* * * * * * | + | |
- | Page 15 THE SUNET.BUSET7ALKER February, 1973. | + | The afternoon was overcast. A rainbow glowed in the only shaft of sunlight that penetrated the clouds. We were on yet another of the large button-grass plains of South-West Tassie. Low hills climbed |
- | chief risk, Ross Hughes, chief lay-about, Frank Tacker, chief photographer, | + | |
- | -************* | + | Heather and Dot had both sustained injuries and had decided not to continue on the walk right along the south coast. This left only the 6 boys of the party to continue the trip. They were Bill Burke, Graham Cunningham, Snow Brown, Peter Levander, Spiro Ketas and Don Finch. Since the party was splitting up again another rehash of the food distribution was necessary. The food was sorted out into pack lots just before dark and then plans were made for the morrow. The timetable called for us to camp at Cox's Bight the next night. The girls both wanted to see the coast especially after listening to Snow rave on about it. Derry King had said earlier in the afternoon that a plane was expected to land at the airfield, which was only 200 yds. from the hut, early the next morning. The girls planned to catch this plane to Cox's Bight taking 2 days food with them. The boys would walk to the Bight, camp with the girls, then continue along the coast the following day. |
- | NOTICE FROM THE SECRETARY | + | |
- | The following office bearers and committee members have indicated that they do not wish to stand for re-election to Committee for the year | + | In the morning |
- | 1973/74:- | + | |
- | Phil Butt Vice-President | + | We set up our tents on the eastern side of Pt. Eric. The campsite was suggested to us by Derry King. He often used the spot himself and there was quite a lot of his camp gear stored in packing cases under the trees. The campsite |
- | Alan Hedstrom Treasurer | + | |
- | Owen Marks Social Secretary | + | Most of the party went for a stroll along the beach. Peter Levander and I walked around the rocks of Pt. Eric to go fishing. Using crabs for bait we soon caught a rock fish, identity unknown but found on another occasion to be a rather poor eating fish. Using a large hunk of fish flesh as bait on a rather substantial hook I threw the line into the swirling water. A current was running past the rocks out to sea and the water was really moving about. A good bite, a run, a brief fight, a slack line and a broken hook. Quite a fish out there. Selecting my biggest and strongest hook and more fish bait I threw out again. The rock I was using as a sinker was just holding the line against the current. |
- | Ray-Hookway Federation Delegate | + | |
- | Gladys Roberts Committee member Nancy Alderson | + | Spiro and some of the others came over to look at dinner. The shark was about 3' |
- | **iE-**4(-4(--****# | + | |
- | TASLI Paz- 4IA by Don Finch. | + | The next morning all posed for group photographs, |
- | The afternoon was overcast. A rainbow glowed in the only shaft of sunlight that penetrated the clouds. We were on yet another of the large button-grass plains of South-West Tassie. Low hills cliMbed | + | |
- | hills showed the approximate position of Cox's Bight, a 6 mile walk over the | + | We all walked along the beach to the east to pick up the South Coast track near Buoy Creek. Heather and Dot bade us a tearful farewell. The track was cut through the dense scrub for the first 200 yds. and then we were on the inevitable button grass plain. Mud up to the knees was normal while a few unlucky people managed to sink in up to the thighs. As the track moved towards the edge of the plain the drainage was better |
- | button grass. At Colts Bight the waves of the Great South Ocean wash the southern shores of Australia. We were at King Memorial Hut built by Mr.Derry King for the use of bona fide bushwaIkers. Derry King operates an alluvial tin mine on the plains. | + | |
- | Heather and Dot had both sustained injuries and had decided not to continue on the walk right along the south coast. This loft only the 6 boys of the | + | Three miles from the beach we climbed |
- | party to continue the trip. They were Bill Burke, Graham Cunningham, Snow | + | |
- | Brown, Peter Lovander, Spiro Ketas and Don Finch. Since the party was splitting up again another rehash of the food- distribution was necessary. The food was sorted out into pack lots just before dark and then plans were made for the morrow. The timetable called for us to camp at Cox's Bight the next night. The girls both wanted to see the coast especially after listening to Snow rave on about it. Derry King had said earlier in the afternoon that a plane was expected to land at the airfield, which was only 200 yds0 from the hut, early the next morning. The girls planned to catch this plane to Cox's Bight taking 2 days food with them The boys would walk to the Bight, camp with the girls, then continue along the coast the following day. | + | We descended from the top of the range about 400 ft. until we came to a small creek - lunch. We demolished our lunch of cheese, salami and dried fruit washed down with large quantities of black tea, fed the small carp swimming in the creek on tit-bits of salami, and contemplated the 6 miles that we had to travel during the afternoon. |
- | In the mOrning | + | |
- | Page p6 THE STD= BUSINIALIMR February, 1973. | + | The track dropped further, then wound in and out around a few ridges through some very thick bush and into the Louisa |
- | of us went up to say good-bye to Mr. King. He was busy baking bread for us | + | |
- | so we waited about 3 hours while it cooked. It. was really worth waiting for,too. It was mid-afternoon by the time we had walked to Coits Bight and found Dot and Heather. | + | |
- | We set up our tents on the eastern side of Pt.Bric. The campsite was | + | |
- | suggested to us by Derry King. He often used the spot himself and there was | + | |
- | quite a lot of his camp gear stored in packing cases under the trees. The campsito | + | |
- | any wind. The ground under the trees was clear with plenty of space for our | + | |
- | 4 tents. A fireplace was on a small grassed area on the edge of the trees. | + | |
- | A step off the bank took us to the sand of the beach which stretches in a graceful curve 2 miles towards | + | |
- | Buoy Creek comes into the sea and the South Coast Track goes inland over the Rod Point Hills. | + | |
- | Most of the party went for a stroll along the beach. Peter Levander and | + | |
- | I walked around the rocks of Pt. Eric to go fishing. Using crabs for bait we | + | |
- | soon caught a rock fish, identity unknown but found on another occasion to be a rather poor eating fish. Using a large hunk of fish flesh as bait on a rather substantial hook I threw the line into the swirling water. A current was running past the rocks out to sea and the water was really moving about. A good bite, a run, a brief fight, a slack line and a broken hook. Quite a | + | |
- | fish out there. Selecting my biggest and strongest hook and more fish bait | + | |
- | I throw out again. The rock I was using as a sinker was just holding the line against the current. | + | |
- | On the wash of the next wave I float him into a small rock pool. | + | |
- | Spiro and some of the others came over to look at dinner. The shark was about 3' | + | |
- | The second shark was about 1 lb lighter than the first. We now had plenty of fish to feed the eight people in the party. Using a frying pan and lard found | + | |
- | among Derry King's gear we cooked up a large plate full of fish for each person. | + | |
- | (Don't think such nasty thoughts! Of course Derry King had told us to use anything that we wanted to at the camp site.) Everybody declared the shark very tasty, it was certainly a welcome change from our dehydrated food. | + | |
- | The next morning all posed for group photographs, | + | |
- | using the time delay shutter trip mechanism that the cameras were fitted with. All went well for awhile, then Spiro having started his camera up ran around into the firing | + | |
- | We all walked along the beach to the east to pick up the South Coast track | + | |
- | near Buoy Creek. Heather and Dot bade us a tearful farewell. The track was cut through the dense scrub for the first 200 yds. and then we were on the | + | |
- | Page 17 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALIMR February, 1973. | + | |
- | inevitable button grass plain. Mud up to the knees was normal while a few | + | |
- | unlucky people managed to sink in up to the thighs. As the track moved towards the odgo of 'the plain the drainage was hotter | + | |
- | Three miles from the beach we cliMbed | + | |
- | the Rod Point Hills. We restod | + | |
- | go descended from the top of the range about 400 ft. until we came | + | |
- | to a small crook - lunch. We demolished our lunch of cheese, salami and dried fruit washed down with large quantities of black tea, fed the small carp swimming in the crook on tit-bits of salami, and contemplated the 6 miles that we had to travel during the afternoon. | + | |
- | The track dropped further, then wound in and out around a few ridges through some very thick bush and into the Louisa | + | |
- | Moving on we cross around the nose of a ridge and hoaa up the Louisa River valley. Soon we are back on the button grass. | + | |
- | the landscape falls behind us - so immense | + | |
- | the track loading | + | |
(To be continued) | (To be continued) | ||
- | ************ | + | |
+ | ---- | ||
+ | |||
FEDERATION NOTES - JANUARY by Ray Hodkway. | FEDERATION NOTES - JANUARY by Ray Hodkway. | ||
Reunion. | Reunion. |
197302.txt · Last modified: 2017/06/28 08:24 by tyreless