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197906 [2016/12/02 14:07] – [The May General Meeting] joan | 197906 [2016/12/02 15:01] – [REPORT BY THE NEWLY-APPOINTED MAGAZINE CENSOR] joan | ||
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After about 2 km we left by the right bank and a very steep and scrubby climb it was. Actually we sidled around behind Mt. Armour to the old road. We followed this road to the Colong Swamp, arriving around 4pm. There was very little good surface water around, so Bill Burke dug a hole. Hoping the water would soon clear, he decided to camp there as it was close to his " | After about 2 km we left by the right bank and a very steep and scrubby climb it was. Actually we sidled around behind Mt. Armour to the old road. We followed this road to the Colong Swamp, arriving around 4pm. There was very little good surface water around, so Bill Burke dug a hole. Hoping the water would soon clear, he decided to camp there as it was close to his " | ||
- | David reminded us that the object was to camp on Mt. Oolong. However, with water low everywhere, there was doubt about the spring up there. It was here that Spiro loudly announced "Bob Hodgson said the spring on Colong is **never** dry". One and half hours later, with parched throats, weary legs and in fading light, it was little consolation to know that Bob Hodgson can be wrong. (For the record, as many know, Bob denies ever saying this.) | + | David reminded us that the object was to camp on Mt. Colong. However, with water low everywhere, there was doubt about the spring up there. It was here that Spiro loudly announced "Bob Hodgson said the spring on Colong is **never** dry". One and half hours later, with parched throats, weary legs and in fading light, it was little consolation to know that Bob Hodgson can be wrong. (For the record, as many know, Bob denies ever saying this.) |
A mutiny in the party was imminent! Some people wanted to go back down to the swamp. David thought we should wait till morning as it would be too dangerous going through the cliff-line in the dark. It was a long dry night! We noted Spiro camped well away from the main party. | A mutiny in the party was imminent! Some people wanted to go back down to the swamp. David thought we should wait till morning as it would be too dangerous going through the cliff-line in the dark. It was a long dry night! We noted Spiro camped well away from the main party. | ||
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The immediate route was to be Chiddy' | The immediate route was to be Chiddy' | ||
- | We passed through the Tonalli Gap and picked up the Tonalli River. This is a delightful area with lovely trees and grassy flats. As soon as possible'we had a swim and a wash. It was very cold but so good. After | + | We passed through the Tonalli Gap and picked up the Tonalli River. This is a delightful area with lovely trees and grassy flats. As soon as possible, we had a swim and a wash. It was very cold but so good. After some tea we followed the river to the weir on Scott' |
- | some tea we followed the river to the weir on Scott' | + | |
- | After lunch Judith felt her knee was improving. With some persuasion | + | After lunch Judith felt her knee was improving. With some persuasion from David she rejoined the main group who were to climb up on to Axe Head Range. I decided to get dawn to the Kowmung via the Bulga Range and was pleased to again be joined by Magdi and Vaun, who were keen to see the Bulga Dennis Canyon. |
- | from David she rejoined the main group who were to climb up on to Axe Head | + | |
- | Range. I decided to get dawn to the Kowmung via the Bulga Range and was pleased: to again be-joined by Magdi and Vaun, who were keen to see the Bulga Dennis Canyon. | + | We set off along the road in step, crossed Butcher' |
- | We et off along the road in step, crossed Butcher' | + | |
- | climbed. a few quite steep hills to the Bulga Range. Once the ridge is located it is easy going along to the rocky portion approaching the nose. There are spectacular views from here. Dropping off the nose to the Kowmung the way was very steep. | + | We camped in a nice flat grassy spot just upstream. from Christie' |
- | We camped in a nice flat grassy spot just upstream. from Christie' | + | |
- | Creek. While Vaun and I put up the fly, Magdi made some very nice coffee. | + | Sunday was one of those perfect days you can have at Easter. With all day to reach the bottom of Roote' |
- | Sunday was one of those perfect days you can have at Easter. With all day to reach the bottom of Roote' | + | |
- | we had a leisurely | + | On Monday, as my passengers had been transferred to another car, I decided to leave early and try to beat the traffic home. I left Magdi and Vaun at breakfast and climbed up Roote' |
- | Canyon the-crossings were easy and we had plenty of time to look around. Probably or the first time I was fully aware of the beauty of this place. In the evening we again found a good camp site and had fortunately finished tea before a storm hit. | + | |
- | On Monday, as my passengers had been transferred to another car, I decided to leave early and try to beat the traffic home. I left Magdi and Vaun at breakfast and climbed up Roote' | + | It was unusual to see the views from Kanangra Tops around mid-day. Normally it is the sunset we see. How fortunate we are to have this wonderful area to walk in |
- | It was unusual to seethe v.1.0$ws | + | |
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At Easter I went along with David Rostron' | At Easter I went along with David Rostron' | ||
- | It was my fifth visit to the Blue Breaks over recent years, and this is the third time that I have described the trip for publication in "The Sydney Bushwalker" | + | |
- | separate groups, each doing their own thing, and as John was not in the group that I accompanied, | + | It was my fifth visit to the Blue Breaks over recent years, and this is the third time that I have described the trip for publication in "The Sydney Bushwalker" |
- | I will take up the story at the point in John's narrative on the second day, Easter Saturday, where we met the splinter group at Byrne' | + | |
- | Gap. We had just arrived via Chidy's Obelisk and Mount Kowmung and we all felt rather hot after a short road bash along Scott' | + | I will take up the story at the point in John's narrative on the second day, Easter Saturday, where we met the splinter group at Byrne' |
- | Our planned camp that night was to be a high camp on the Axe-Head | + | |
- | Range which necessitated taking water in containers up the steep nose of the southern ridge. Fortunately most of the climb was in shade and we | + | Our planned camp that night was to be a high camp on the Axe Head Range which necessitated taking water in containers up the steep nose of the southern ridge. Fortunately most of the climb was in shade and we reached the first rim of the mountain feeling relatively fit. The view from here was splendid and our three Melbourne friends were duly impressed. In the distance two wedgetailed eagles were gliding effortlessly near Mt. Yerranderie, |
- | reached the first rim of the mountain feeling relatively fit. The view from here was splendid and our three Melbourne friends were duly impressed. In the distance two wedgetailed eagles were gliding effortlessly near Mt. Yerranderie, | + | |
- | thing to eat. The top of the Axe-Head goes on for quite a way and it was clear that the party with its members of varying speed; and company preferences would soon spread out. David informed the vanguard group of the proposed camp spot at the end of the buttress, as they raced off. I chose | + | |
- | to keep with the tail-enders and we had a few stops to admire the scenery | + | |
- | and to take photographs. The low afternoon sun was *lining | + | |
very many kilometres in all directions, no evidence of man was visible. | very many kilometres in all directions, no evidence of man was visible. | ||
+ | |||
The buildings at Yerranderie and the road on Scott' | The buildings at Yerranderie and the road on Scott' | ||
- | EVentually,we reached our proposed camp site to find that everyone, | + | Eventually,we reached our proposed camp site to find that everyone, other than Bill, had gone past the spot. David yelled out to them to stop as they had gone too far. They eventually came back to the saddle many metres below us and we could just make them out as they busied themselves pitching camp. David tried to persuade them to climb back up to us as the whole purpose of camping on top of a mountain was to be able to enjoy the view and also observe |
- | other than Bill, had gone past the spot. David yelled out to them to stop as they had gone too far. They eventually came back to the saddle many metres below us and we could just make them out as they busied themselves pitching camp. David tried to persuade them to climb back up to | + | |
- | us as the whole purpose of camping on top of a mountain was to be able to | + | What our spot lacked in comfort was made up with glorious vistas stretching from Kanangra Tops over the Wild Dog Mountains to the distant lights of Katoomba and right across to Burragorang Walls. It was a rather |
- | enjoy the view and also Observe | + | hazy night and as the sun sank the western sky was transformed into a beautiful pastel coloured picture of tranquility. We sipped our hot rum and grapefruit drinks and gazed at the distant mountain ranges. Even the |
- | What our spot lacked in comfort was made up with glorious vistas | + | noisy preparations of establishing camp from the saddle below failed to interfere with our relaxed mood. After a while we set about cooking our own food, spaghetti bolognaise for the Austins, fresh chicken casserole for the Rostrons, dehydrated N.Z. roast lamb and mint for Bill and fried sausages for me. During meal time many loud and spectacular lightning flashes accompanied by rolling drum-like sounds of thunder |
- | stretching from Kanangra Tops over the Wild Dog Mountains to the distant lights of Katoomba and right across to Burragorang Walls. It was a rather | + | |
- | hazy night and as the sun sank the western sky was transformed into a | + | The threat of rain did not eventuate during the night and the sunrise was very disappointing at daybreak. |
- | beautiful pastel coloured picture of tranquillity. We sipped our hot rum | + | |
- | and grapefruit drinks and gazed at the distant mountain ranges. Even the | + | I consider the views from the Axe Head Range are unsurpassed in the Blue Mountains, but this is an opinion shared by many but I suppose not all. Certainly our visitors from Victoria remarked that they unfortunately had nothing like this in their state. They were both impressed with the beauty of the Blue Breaks and the vast extensiveness of the wilderness area. Hearing their comments made me realise just how fortunate we are to have so much good walking so close to Sydney. |
- | noisy preparations of establishing camp from the saddle below failed to interfere with our relaxed mood. After a while we set about cooking our own food, spaghetti bolognaise for the Austins, fresh chicken casserole for the Rostrons, dehydrated N.Z. roast lamb and mint for Bill and fried sausages for me. During meal time many loud and spectacular lightning flashes accompanied by rolling drum-like sounds of thunder | + | |
- | The threat of rain did not eventuate during the night and the sunrise was very disappointing at daybreak. | + | After lunch we began the ascent to Scott' |
- | I consider the views from the Axe-Head Range are unsurpassed in the Blue Mountains, but this is an opinion shared by many but I suppose not all. Certainly our visitors from Victoria remarked that they unfortunately had nothing like this in their state. They were both impressed with the beauty of the Blue Breaks and the vast extensiveness of the wilderness area. Hearing their comments made me realise just how fortunate we are to have so much good walking so close to Sydney. | + | |
- | After lunch we began the ascent to Scott' | + | We awoke to a fine clear day and proceeded up Gingra Creek. Surprisingly, |
- | Vie awoke to a fine clear day and proceeded up Gingra Creek. Surprisingly, | + | |
- | Page 6 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1979. | + | The climb up to Pages Pinnacle was a very hot affair indeed. and we rested on the Pinnacle during our second. lunch break, enjoying the vast panorama with the Axe Head Range clearly visible and seeming so far away. A brisk trek beside Craft' |
- | river flats and a few crystal clear pools, one with a small waterfall. The Old Cedar Road had all but disappeared, | + | |
- | , The climb up to Pages Pinnacle was a very hot affair indeed. and we rested on the Pinnacle during our second. lunch break, enjoying the vast panorama with the Axe-Head Range clearly visible and. seeming so far away. A brisk trek beside Craft' | + | |
===== Social Notes for July ===== | ===== Social Notes for July ===== | ||
by Ailsa Hocking. | by Ailsa Hocking. | ||
- | July 18: Members Slide Vight. Dig out your best (? most presentable) ilid.6Of your recent trips. After the competition in March, we know there is a fair amount of photographic talent in the club, so don't forget to bring some slides. | + | |
- | July 25: The annual Club Auction is on again. Do your spring cleaning a bit early, and see what you can came up with. It is your big chance to sell those boots that don't quite fit, or that spare pack, sleeping bag, etc. But remember, your junk is probably junk to everyone else too, so only saleable stuff, please!! All-prOceeds to Coolana. | + | |July 18| Members Slide Vight. Dig out your best (? most presentable) ilid.6Of your recent trips. After the competition in March, we know there is a fair amount of photographic talent in the club, so don't forget to bring some slides.| |
- | ********** | + | |July 25| The annual Club Auction is on again. Do your spring cleaning a bit early, and see what you can came up with. It is your big chance to sell those boots that don't quite fit, or that spare pack, sleeping bag, etc. But remember, your junk is probably junk to everyone else too, so only saleable stuff, please!! All-prOceeds to Coolana.| |
- | FAMILY DAY/ WEEKEND AT DARKES FOREST 7/8 JULY - LEADER: David Cotton. | + | |
+ | FAMILY DAY/ WEEKEND AT DARKES FOREST 7/8 JULY - LEADER: David Cotton.\\ | ||
I am running a Family Day/Weekend at Glenbernie Orchard, Darkes Forest, with short pleasant day walks in the area. People may come along on either one day or both and camp overnight. Walks depart at 10.30 am on both days. | I am running a Family Day/Weekend at Glenbernie Orchard, Darkes Forest, with short pleasant day walks in the area. People may come along on either one day or both and camp overnight. Walks depart at 10.30 am on both days. | ||
This trip is being run to promote a family, get-together and to enable people to have themselves and their children photographed. A small oharge will be made for the supply of finished prints to cover cost of materials, although this trip is not being run as a commercial venture. | This trip is being run to promote a family, get-together and to enable people to have themselves and their children photographed. A small oharge will be made for the supply of finished prints to cover cost of materials, although this trip is not being run as a commercial venture. | ||
- | Darkes Forest is located about 65 km south of Sydney G.P.O., and is reached by travelling south via the Princes Highway, through Waterfall, and following the highway (do not take the expressway at Waterfall). Darkes Forest is west of the highway, about 6 km south of the Helensburgh and Stanwell Park turnoffs* Glenbornie Orchard is on the right-hand side of the road, about 3 km west of the Princes Highway. Contact me in the clubroom on last Wednesday in June, or ring Helen Gray (86,6263). | + | |
+ | Darkes Forest is located about 65 km south of Sydney G.P.O., and is reached by travelling south via the Princes Highway, through Waterfall, and following the highway (do not take the expressway at Waterfall). Darkes Forest is west of the highway, about 6 km south of the Helensburgh and Stanwell Park turnoffs Glenbornie Orchard is on the right-hand side of the road, about 3 km west of the Princes Highway. Contact me in the clubroom on last Wednesday in June, or ring Helen Gray (86,6263). | ||
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(with a little help from poet Frederick UM.Harvey, | (with a little help from poet Frederick UM.Harvey, | ||
- | When angry and resentful think of ducks\\ | + | When angry and resentful think of ducks-\\ |
- | Ridiculous comical things | + | Ridiculous comical things-\\ |
- | Sleeping or curled, their heads beneath their wings, | + | Sleeping or curled, their heads beneath their wings,\\ |
- | By waters cool | + | By waters cool\\ |
- | Or finding urky things to eat in various | + | Or finding urky things to eat in various |
Beneath the pool. | Beneath the pool. | ||
- | Yes, ducks are ludicrous things | + | |
- | (As odd as me and you) - | + | Yes, ducks are ludicrous things\\ |
- | "QUACKII" | + | (As odd as me and you) -\\ |
- | They waddle round, they do. | + | "QUACK!!"\\ |
- | They eat all sorts of things | + | They waddle round, they do.\\ |
+ | They eat all sorts of things\\ | ||
And then they quack. " | And then they quack. " | ||
- | By and stable and stack They wander at their will. And if you go too near | + | |
- | They look at you through black Small topaz-tinted eyes, | + | By and stable and stack\\ |
- | But (Club-mate! Never fear!) | + | They wander at their will.\\ |
- | lash you no ill. | + | And if you go too near\\ |
- | Triangular and clear | + | They look at you through black\\ |
- | They leave their curious track In mud at the water' | + | Small topaz-tinted eyes,\\ |
- | And slime they gobble and peer And drop a poem SPLAT! | + | But (Club-mate! Never fear!)\\ |
- | When God had finished the stars and whirl of coloured suns | + | Wish you no ill. |
- | He turned His mind from big things to fashion little ones.... | + | |
- | Beautiful tiny things (like sandflies) He made, and then | + | Triangular and clear\\ |
- | He made the comical clowns in case the minds of men | + | They leave their curious track\\ |
- | Should stiffen and become Dull, humourless and glum | + | In mud at the water' |
- | And so forgetful of their Maker be | + | And there amid the sedge\\ |
- | As to take even themselves quite seriously. | + | And slime they gobble and peer\\ |
- | Funnel-web spiders and snakes are lively (though dangerous) puns; (All God's jokes are good - even the practical ones!) | + | And drop a poem SPLAT!\\ |
- | And as for the Owen dudk, God must have smiled a bit Seeing those bright eyes blink on the day He fashioned it, | + | |
- | And He's probably laughing still | + | When God had finished the stars and whirl of coloured suns\\ |
- | At the poems that come out of its bill! | + | He turned His mind from big things to fashion little ones....\\ |
- | * * * * * * * * * * * * | + | Beautiful tiny things (like sandflies) He made, and then\\ |
+ | He made the comical clowns in case the minds of men\\ | ||
+ | Should stiffen and become Dull, humourless and glum\\ | ||
+ | And so forgetful of their Maker be\\ | ||
+ | As to take even themselves quite seriously.\\ | ||
+ | |||
+ | Funnel-web spiders and snakes are lively (though dangerous) puns;\\ | ||
+ | (All God's jokes are good - even the practical ones!)\\ | ||
+ | And as for the Owen duck, God must have smiled a bit\\ | ||
+ | Seeing those bright eyes blink on the day He fashioned it,\\ | ||
+ | And He's probably laughing still\\ | ||
+ | At the poems that come out of its bill!\\ | ||
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by Jo van Sommers. | by Jo van Sommers. | ||
- | I did a lot of walking when I was in my early twenties and living in Melbourne. A friend found one day, when he was going over some old files and papers, a great sheaf of photographs dating from that time. I was surprised to find that I had been to so many places for which I had | + | I did a lot of walking when I was in my early twenties and living in Melbourne. A friend found one day, when he was going over some old files and papers, a great sheaf of photographs dating from that time. I was surprised to find that I had been to so many places for which I had not even a blurred memory. One walk had run into another. I had nothing left except generalised impressions - the sunlight slanting through tall stringybarks, |
- | not even a blurred memory. One walk had run into another. I had nothing | + | |
- | left except generalised impressions - the sunlight slanting through tall stringybarks, | + | |
- | looping along the path through buttongrass; | + | |
saddles; but always, the legs and boots of the walker ahead. | saddles; but always, the legs and boots of the walker ahead. | ||
- | Somewhere I had. made a decision that those days were past. I had | + | |
- | thrown away almost all my old equipment - the Japara A tent, the nailed boots, the frameless pack marked with long-forgotten stains. The homemade sleeping' | + | Somewhere I had made a decision that those days were past. I had thrown away almost all my old equipment - the Japara A tent, the nailed boots, the frameless pack marked with long-forgotten stains. The homemade sleeping bag stuffed with five pounds of down was rescued from a high cupboard and rewarded me with a shower of dusty fluff. But all sorts of other gear had accumulated over the years, not so rigorously correct but all of it useable, so there was no way of making the excuse that I didn't have the stuff to get back to bushwalking. |
- | other gear had accumulated over the years, not so rigorously correct but all of it useable, so there was no way of making the excuse that I didn't | + | |
- | have the stuff to get back to bushwalking. | + | I'd done perhaps a dozen day-walks in twenty years since I'd given up regular walking. Usually they were re-unions, with the distance kept down by the demands of sociability and the limitations of small children. |
- | I'd done perhaps a dozen day-walks in twenty years since I'd given | + | |
- | up regular walking. Usually they were re-unions, with the distance kept | + | I first heard about the Sydney Bushwalkers in September 1978 through a friend who was looking for something to do when the surf was too cold. We decided to take seriously the aphorism "your first EASY walk may turn out to be quite HARD" and took two Sunday excursions to the National Parks, North and South. I then realized one of the reasons I had dropped bushwalking: |
- | down by the demands of sociability and the limitations of small children. | + | |
- | I first heard about the Sydney Bushwalkers in September 1978 through | + | |
- | a friend who was looking for something to do when the surf was too cold. We decided to take seriously the aphorism "your first EASY walk may turn | + | |
- | out to be quite HARD" and took two Sunday excursions to the National Parks, North and South. I then realized one of the reasons I had dropped bushwalking: | + | |
- | keeping up with the boys, too proud to ask them to wait for me, watching | + | |
- | the feet ahead, concentrating on keeping a steady pace, steady breathing | + | |
- | on hills .... where was I going, what was I seeing, what did it all mean? I did not know. I was a "good walker" | + | |
- | talk about "good walkers" | + | |
They were beautiful, those two easy day walks. People talked, looked around; they knew a lot about wildflowers, | They were beautiful, those two easy day walks. People talked, looked around; they knew a lot about wildflowers, | ||
- | I don't quite know how I came to take the plunge and sign up for an overnight walk. It was billed as being from Fitzroy Falls to Coolana, | + | |
- | and return. I think I was attracted by the revelry promised for the hut opening at Coolana; something I knew I could enjoy, whereas I was still not sure whether the rigours of pack-carrying would be sufficiently | + | I don't quite know how I came to take the plunge and sign up for an overnight walk. It was billed as being from Fitzroy Falls to Coolana, and return. I think I was attracted by the revelry promised for the hut opening at Coolana; something I knew I could enjoy, whereas I was still not sure whether the rigours of pack-carrying would be sufficiently |
- | sated for by an evening camp-fire in isolated bush with people I had not met | + | before. The EASY walk may not have been HARD, but this MEDIUM walk certainly was I survived by dividing the day into hours and being quite surprised when another one had passed. Fortunately, |
- | before. The EASY walk may not have been HARD, but this MEDIUM walk certainly was I survived by dividing the day into hours and being quite surprised | + | |
- | Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALICER June, 1979. | + | But at least I had carried a pack all day and survived. There lingered on remnants of that old feeling that bushwalking is terrific because it's so great when you stop. But there was also a pleasant feeling that I had been where I could not have been otherwise, and arrived at a place which I appreciated more because of the exertion required to get there. Time did not drag lolling about on the banks of the Kangaroo, for it was time that had been paid for. |
- | when another one had passed. Fortunately, | + | |
- | But at least I had carried a pack all day and survived. There lingered on remnants of that old feeling that bushwalking is terrific because it's so great when you stop. But there was also a pleasant feeling that f had been where I could not have been otherwise, and arrived at a place which I appreciated more because of the exertion required to get there. Time did not drag lolling about on the banks of the Kangaroo, for it was time that had been paid for. | + | This was a seductive experience. How often, I wondered, is it possible to pull out half-way, to leave before the weekend is over, to double back, to climb the easier ridge? Next time, I determined, I would trap my lazy body into a trip where there could be no pulling out: but at the same time I was careful to choose a leader (I had made some discreet enquiries) who didn't run, " |
- | This was a seductive experience. How often, I wondered, is it possible to pal out half-way, to leave before the weekend is over, to double back, to climb the easier ridge? Next time, I determined, I would trap my lazy body into a trip where there could be no pulling out: but at the same time I was careful to choose a leader (I had. made some discreet enquiries) who didn't run, " | + | |
- | So I was not worried about te temporary misplacement of the track at the start of the trip; the mist and the profilerction | + | So I was not worried about the temporary misplacement of the track at the start of the trip; the mist and the profileration |
- | makes an apparently endless ridge manageable, by breaking it up into pieces of twenty or fifty steps each, so that even a person who is 'not fit' can make it provided they don't keep looking upwards! | + | |
- | By the end of this trip I was getting ' | + | By the end of this trip I was getting ' |
- | how else could I have tottered from oar to bed, bent double with neverbefore-experienced muscle-strains, blistered feet, black toenails, and a | + | |
- | thirst only- partly quenched by a litre of orange juice? | + | One of my reasons for writing this piece is to encourage others of mature-age (as they so kindly say in the universities) to persevere |
- | One of my reasons for writing this piece is to encourage others of mature-age (as they so kindly say in the universities) to persevcro | + | |
- | prospectives, | + | I went back to the Kowmung, this time for three days, to complete my test-walks. We followed the same track for part of the way, but now it was so different. Than, a long drag uphill on a hot afternoon at the end of the walk, now, fresh and cool, almost jogging downhill in the drizzle, and amazingly quickly the distance was covered. And rock-hopping; |
- | multi-coloured rocks and cliffs of the Kowmung, the swimming pools, sitting around the campfire, scrambling down into the creek where I half- | + | |
- | listened for the rebuke out of childhood for playing the tomboy again. I went back to the Kowmung, this time for three days, to complete | + | |
- | my test-walks. We followed the same track for part of the way, but now | + | |
- | Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1979, | + | |
- | it was so different. Than, a long drag uphill on a hot afternoon at the | + | |
- | end of the walk, now, fresh and cool, almost jogging downhill in the | + | |
- | drizzle, and amazingly quickly the distance was covered. And rock-hopping; | + | |
- | so clumsy on the first weekend, now some layers of uncertainty have been | + | |
- | peeled away of course all it needs is confidence, but what use is saying that to anyone who hasn't felt it. What a push-over, just like old times; then a mis-judged mossy surface and a crashing collapse; don't get too confident. Early morning starts before the sun gets onto the - water, and the first beautiful swim with the feet decorously clad. I am now feeling as fit as a trout. | + | |
Trout euphoria evaporates by lunchtime when I again feel like a hungry mature-age ex-walker who has perhaps overdone it a bit. All those things said about tea reviving, cheering, refreshing, are true, especially when the brews are as exotic as one gets in this company. I produce my packet of Orange Pekoe, something I've learned, and the tea-bags have been left at home. I have learned something else too, and put my bare feet up and snatch a nap after lunch. All this makes the afternoon quite pleasant. | Trout euphoria evaporates by lunchtime when I again feel like a hungry mature-age ex-walker who has perhaps overdone it a bit. All those things said about tea reviving, cheering, refreshing, are true, especially when the brews are as exotic as one gets in this company. I produce my packet of Orange Pekoe, something I've learned, and the tea-bags have been left at home. I have learned something else too, and put my bare feet up and snatch a nap after lunch. All this makes the afternoon quite pleasant. | ||
- | We emerge from Murdering Gully, some in mid,afternoon, some rather later, some without the benefit of assistance physical and psychological, | + | |
- | some with. Warm feelings towards people who could charge up in half the time but have stayed behind to help and encourage. | + | We emerge from Murdering Gully, some in mid-afternoon, some rather later, some without the benefit of assistance physical and psychological, |
Having done three test walks and. become a member I set off on a li-lo trip. I was half-listening for another childhood voice, this one saying "Get off that li-lo at once, you'll puncture it". But I was far away in a quiet canyon and no voices could reach me. | Having done three test walks and. become a member I set off on a li-lo trip. I was half-listening for another childhood voice, this one saying "Get off that li-lo at once, you'll puncture it". But I was far away in a quiet canyon and no voices could reach me. | ||
- | * * * * * * * * * | + | |
- | REPORT BY THE NEWLY-APPOINTED MAGAZINE CENSOR | + | |
- | In last month' | + | **REPORT BY THE NEWLY-APPOINTED MAGAZINE CENSOR** |
- | misstatements which are making her editorship controversial. The | + | |
- | area of the new Wollemi National Park was given as 502,000 hectares or 502 sq. km. | + | In last month' |
- | As the N.S.W.N.P. & W. Service has reliably estimated the | + | |
- | wombat population of this park to lie between 40,000 and 60,000, | + | As the N.S.W.N.P. & W. Service has reliably estimated the wombat population of this park to lie between 40,000 and 60,000, an area of 502 sq. km. would give a wombat |
- | an area of 502 sq. km. would give a wombat | + | |
- | For those more familiar with the old units, and willing to | + | For those more familiar with the old units, and willing to risk the penalties now provided |
- | risk the penalties now provided | + | |
- | visualised as 12,400 square furlongs; 13,500,000 square ropes, 86, | + | |
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The purpose of this article is to record, for posterity, details of the supposed first recreational bushwalking trip into the Boolijah/ | The purpose of this article is to record, for posterity, details of the supposed first recreational bushwalking trip into the Boolijah/ | ||
- | Warwick Blayden (Canberra Bushwalking Club) has accompanied me on. | + | |
- | earlier exploratory trips into the EttremaiBundundal | + | Warwick Blayden (Canberra Bushwalking Club) has accompanied me on earlier exploratory trips into the Ettrema/ Bundundah |
- | the upper Danj era Creek area, and to locate an easy route for the descent into Boolijah Creek from Yarramunmun Tops. | + | the upper Danjera |
- | TWO weeks earlier Warwick had undertaken a solo walk in the upper | + | |
- | Boolijah Creek and reported a fine canyon section and waterfall. (In fact, Ettrema Creek is really the only large creek in the area without a major waterfall in its length). | + | Tso weeks earlier Warwick had undertaken a solo walk in the upper Boolijah Creek and reported a fine canyon section and waterfall. (In fact, Ettrema Creek is really the only large creek in the area without a major waterfall in its length). |
Preliminaries over - now to the story! | Preliminaries over - now to the story! | ||
- | Friday night saw us motoring up along the Yarramunmun Tops Fire Trail, | + | |
- | avoiding pot-holes full of water, in Warwick' | + | Friday night saw us motoring up along the Yarramunmun Tops Fire Trail, avoiding pot-holes full of water, in Warwick' |
- | We left our car here, and on Saturday morning, walked back along the road to the 'big bend' | + | |
- | The vegetation on the plateau is typically E. stricta and Hakea sp. | + | We left our car here, and on Saturday morning, walked back along the road to the 'big bend' |
- | but after a very short walk through this scunge, we came across an old- road which we followed all the way out to the point. (This road would be preferable to camp on, and more safe to leave vehicles. It begins just south of the 'big bend' at MR 578217, and terminates at the escarpment, | + | The vegetation on the plateau is typically E. stricta and Hakea sp. but after a very short walk through this scunge, we came across an old road which we followed all the way out to the point. (This road would be preferable to camp on, and more safe to leave vehicles. It begins just south of the 'big bend' at MR 578217, and terminates at the escarpment, about 100 yards west of the point. Camping on Friday night could only be on the road - don't drive too far or you'll go over the side!) |
- | about 100 yards west of the point. Camping on Friday night could only be on the road - don't drive too far or you'll go over the side!) | + | |
- | At the point, a wedge-tailed eagle dive-bombed us. We took in the view - deep valley of Boolijah Creek flanked either side by a very tall escarpment. The point on which we stood was about 150' high. To the left (south) the escarpment appeared unbreakable, | + | At the point, a wedge-tailed eagle dive-bombed us. We took in the view - deep valley of Boolijah Creek flanked either side by a very tall escarpment. The point on which we stood was about 150' high. To the left (south) the escarpment appeared unbreakable, |
- | Page 13 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER June, 1979. | + | |
Being an eager beaver, Warwick commenced flitting up and down the various holes near the nose itself. I, being less optimistic of our chances of descent here, began to scan the cliff line to spot any obvious breaks. | Being an eager beaver, Warwick commenced flitting up and down the various holes near the nose itself. I, being less optimistic of our chances of descent here, began to scan the cliff line to spot any obvious breaks. | ||
- | Warwick disappeared down one hole, and from where I could see him standing above a drop of about 100', it appeared little chance of going. I heard him shout "I think this way goes. I'll just have a look." He was gone again, and I locked into the basin behind the point and fancied a possible route about 100 yards back (near where the old road terminates | + | Warwick disappeared down one hole, and from where I could see him standing above a drop of about 100', it appeared little chance of going. I heard him shout "I think this way goes. I'll just have a look." He was gone again, and I locked into the basin behind the point and fancied a possible route about 100 yards back (near where the old road terminates at the cliff). |
- | at the cliff). | + | |
- | Next thing Warwick appeared back on the point, and he was not all that enthusiastic when he said, "It goes. I got to within twenty feet of the bottom." | + | Next thing Warwick appeared back on the point, and he was not all that enthusiastic when he said, "It goes. I got to within twenty feet of the bottom." |
- | to try my possible route back in the basin. After doing a rock-by-rock search I had to give up. The furthest I could get down by that route was to within | + | |
- | There was no alternative. | + | There was no alternative. |
- | descend down the slotwhich | + | |
- | magnificent - a rival to the splendour of Paula Pass. | + | Technically speaking, the descent through |
- | Technically speaking, the descent through | + | |
- | descent as it is scarcely wide enough to fit a body through. A slow descent down a tight corridor brings one to another corridor (a IT1 intersection). Go to the right at this intersection, | + | We descended the ridge towards the confluence of Danjera |
- | Vie descended the ridge towards the confluence of Danj era Creek and | + | |
- | Boolijah Creek, locating superb camping spots at about 10.00 am near the junction. | + | Danjera |
- | Danj era Creek is a minor tributary of Boolijah Creek, and not vice- versa as is indicated on the maps. Danjera Creek at its confluence is | + | |
- | very similar to Myall Creek (that famous tributary of Ettrema Creek), and | + | |
- | after a short snack, we began to ascend to the plateau by way of Danj era Creek. In its lower reaches the creek is pleasant walking, but soon boulders and small cascades give way to the grassy (and nettle) sections. After a little while the creek becomes more difficult with larger boulders, some like houses, and often one is sent searching for a sidling route. | + | |
The most interesting part of Danjera Creek occurs near the creek junction at MR 550214. (This creek leads up to the saddle connecting Danjera Plateau and the plateau south of Danjera Plateau.) | The most interesting part of Danjera Creek occurs near the creek junction at MR 550214. (This creek leads up to the saddle connecting Danjera Plateau and the plateau south of Danjera Plateau.) | ||
- | We named ' | + | |
- | At the escarpment, the creek forms a massive amphitheatre of exquisite beauty. At the head of the escarpment, | + | We named ' |
+ | |||
+ | At the escarpment, the creek forms a massive amphitheatre of exquisite beauty. At the head of the escarpment, | ||
Morning came upon us quickly. We let at about 9.00 am, walked up to the waterfall at the head of the amphitheatre, | Morning came upon us quickly. We let at about 9.00 am, walked up to the waterfall at the head of the amphitheatre, | ||
- | We ascended ' | + | |
- | cliff at MR 533517. The plateau is featureless. A compass bearing was | + | We ascended ' |
- | necessary to reach the head of the ridge leading back down to the Danjera/ Boolijah junction (MR 545225). At times we were both unconvinced we were | + | |
- | on the correct ridge, but later found out the compass was right and our | + | Follow the ridge out until a large cairn is met. Shortly after this cairn is a compulsory |
- | judgement was wrong. The point at MR 556225 is very broken, and descent is awkward. The best advice for descent off this point is as follows:- | + | |
- | Follow the ridge out until a large cairn is met. Shortly after this cairn is a compulsory | + | Back at the confluence it was billy-brewing time, then back to the car via ' |
- | to the confluence of Boolijah/ | + | |
- | Back at the confluence it was billy-brewing time, then back to the car via Tlaydens | + | The trip can be thoroughly recommended. The highlights were undoubtedly the discoveries of Blaydens Pass, Surprise Falls, Danjera Falls, the Danjera |
- | The trip can be thoroughly recommended. The highlights were undoubtedly the discoveries of Blaydens Pass, Surprise Falls, Danjera Falls, the | + | |
- | Danj era Amphitheatre and Danj era Pass. Blaydens Pass is a worthy rival to Paul' | + | |
===== Letter to the Editor ===== | ===== Letter to the Editor ===== | ||
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(Unfortunately this letter was received too late for publication in the last magazine.) | (Unfortunately this letter was received too late for publication in the last magazine.) | ||
- | Mayhap those who in poetic judgement sit | + | Mayhap those who in poetic judgement sit\\ |
- | Would have given to poets wishing to enter it | + | Would have given to poets wishing to enter it\\ |
- | Some inkling of the approaching | + | Some inkling of the approaching |
- | A Poetry Competition; | + | A Poetry Competition; |
- | By one, who is at once poet, judge and critic: | + | But in magazines published in the last decade\\ |
- | Though Marks were apparently awarded I remain a cynic. | + | Reference to such competition has never been made; |
- | So to enter the lists of literary endeavour I politely decline And though four be the limit I shall pen not a line. | + | No rules laid down, nor time or date given.\\ |
+ | How is it possible then so many have striven | ||
+ | To gain the prize? I suspect that the battle rare\\ | ||
+ | Has been competed for with wit and care\\ | ||
+ | By one, who is at once poet, judge and critic!\\ | ||
+ | Though Marks were apparently awarded I remain a cynic.\\ | ||
+ | So to enter the lists of literary endeavour\\ | ||
+ | I politely decline | ||
+ | And though four be the limit I shall pen not a line.\\ | ||
Gordon Lee. | Gordon Lee. | ||
Line 303: | Line 299: | ||
Jim Brown' | Jim Brown' | ||
- | ===== THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKERS | + | ===== The Sydney Bushwalkers Winter Programme |
|July | | | |July | | | ||
Line 310: | Line 306: | ||
|Sun. 8| GROSE VALLEY: Mt. Hay Road - The Pinnacles - Mt Stead - Lockley Pylon - Du Faur Head - Upper Welford Falls- Rock Points Ck Lyncum Rill Ck - the Pinnacles 18 km MEDIUM Maps Mt. Hay. Glorious deep valley views, glistening gold cliffs and green wooded ridges. Some steep but wasy to negotiate climbing. LEADER: IAN DEBERT 646 1569 (H).| | |Sun. 8| GROSE VALLEY: Mt. Hay Road - The Pinnacles - Mt Stead - Lockley Pylon - Du Faur Head - Upper Welford Falls- Rock Points Ck Lyncum Rill Ck - the Pinnacles 18 km MEDIUM Maps Mt. Hay. Glorious deep valley views, glistening gold cliffs and green wooded ridges. Some steep but wasy to negotiate climbing. LEADER: IAN DEBERT 646 1569 (H).| | ||
|13, | |13, | ||
- | |Sun.15| ROYAL NATIONAL PARK: Marley - Deer Pool - Winifrid | + | |Sun.15| ROYAL NATIONAL PARK: Marley - Deer Pool - Winifred |
|Sun. 15| LOWER BLUE MTS: Glenbrook - Mount Portal - Nepean River - Glenbrook Creek - Glenbrook 14 km MEDIUM An interesting day walk in the Blue Labyrinths. Enjoy the beauty and stillness of this part of the mountains so close to civilisation, | |Sun. 15| LOWER BLUE MTS: Glenbrook - Mount Portal - Nepean River - Glenbrook Creek - Glenbrook 14 km MEDIUM An interesting day walk in the Blue Labyrinths. Enjoy the beauty and stillness of this part of the mountains so close to civilisation, | ||
|20, | |20, | ||
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|Sun 22|COWAN: Jerusalem Bay - Porto Bay - Railway Dam - Brooklyn 16 km MEDIUM Train: 8.48 (C) Excellent bush and coastline scenery LEADER: ROY BRAITHWAITE 445211 (H)| | |Sun 22|COWAN: Jerusalem Bay - Porto Bay - Railway Dam - Brooklyn 16 km MEDIUM Train: 8.48 (C) Excellent bush and coastline scenery LEADER: ROY BRAITHWAITE 445211 (H)| | ||
|27, | |27, | ||
- | |27, | + | |27, |
- | |Sun 29| BLUE LABYRINTHS: Glenbrook - Glenbrook Gorge - Lapstone Glenbrook. 12 km #4 MEDIUM Map: Blue Labyrinth Train: 8.10 C Highlight a walk through the Glenbrook Gorge - a fairly wide gorge with high sandstone walls either side. LEADER: HANS STICHTER 635 5808 (H).| | + | |Sun 29| BLUE LABYRINTHS: Glenbrook - Glenbrook Gorge - Lapstone- Glenbrook. 12 km MEDIUM Map: Blue Labyrinth Train: 8.10 C Highlight a walk through the Glenbrook Gorge - a fairly wide gorge with high sandstone walls either side. LEADER: HANS STICHTER 635 5808 (H).| |
|Sun 29| ROYAL NATIONAL PARK: Heathcote Uloola Falls - Audley 10 km EASY Map: Royal Nat. Park Train: 8.20 (E) LEADER: MERYL WATMAN: 570 1831 (H).| | |Sun 29| ROYAL NATIONAL PARK: Heathcote Uloola Falls - Audley 10 km EASY Map: Royal Nat. Park Train: 8.20 (E) LEADER: MERYL WATMAN: 570 1831 (H).| | ||
- | + | The tins you carry in your pack are lighter on the journey back. Though empties are a bore to hump - The bush is not a rubbish dump! | |
- | The tins you carry in your pack are lighter on the journey back. | + | |
- | + | ||
- | Though empties are a bore to hump - The bush is not a rubbish dump! | + | |
197906.txt · Last modified: 2016/12/02 15:06 by joan