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--- 197906 [2016/12/02 14:09] – [THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKERS - WINTER PROGRAMME - JUNE, JULY, AUGUST 1979] joan
+++ 197906 [2016/12/02 14:24] – [The Blue Breaks, Again] joan
@@ Line 34: / Line 34: @@
 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 "cocktail hour". He was joined by Jim and Magdi.
-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.
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 The immediate route was to be Chiddy's Obelisk, Kowmung Mountain, then the Scott's Main Range Road to Byrnes Gap for lunch. However, David and Bill worked out an option for me, because I had a sore shoulder that made climbing difficult, and for Judith who had a suspect knee. Magdi and Vaun liked this route, and decided to join us.
-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's Main Range Road, and then followed the road up to Byrnes Gap to meet the main party.
-some tea we followed the river to the weir on Scott's Main Range Road, and then followed the road up to Byrnes Gap to meet the main party.
-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's Creek, then 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 et off along the road in step, crossed Butcher's Creek, then
-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's Creek. While Vaun and I put up the fly, Magdi made some very nice coffee.
-We camped in a nice flat grassy spot just upstream. from Christie's
-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's Ridge, where we intended to camp, we had a leisurely two hour breakfast. As the water was low in the 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.
-Sunday was one of those perfect days you can have at Easter. With all day to reach the bottom of Roote's Ridge, where we intended to camp,
-we had a leisurely twohour breakfast. As the water was low in the
+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's Ridge. The climb was marked contrast to the last time we did it with the temperature at 35°C plus.
-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's Ridge. The climb was marked contrast to the last time we did it with the temperature at 35 C plus
+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 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
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 At Easter I went along with David Rostron's party to the Blue Breaks.
-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 had thought that as John Redfern had indicated that he was writing the trip description for publication in the club magazine, I would not be asked to contribute once again, but as the party became two
-separate groups, each doing their own thing, and as John was not in the group that I accompanied, I find myself once again writing up the trip.
+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 had thought that as John Redfern had indicated that he was writing the trip description for publication in the club magazine, I would not be asked to contribute once again, but as the party became two separate groups, each doing their own thing, and as John was not in the group that I accompanied, I find myself once again writing up the trip.
-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's
-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's Main Range Road.
+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's Gap. We had just arrived via Chiddy's Obelisk and Mount Kowmung and we all felt rather hot after a short road bash along Scott's Main Range Road.
-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, obviously enjoying the flight whilst searching for some 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 shining brilliantly onto Mts. Relentless and Remorseless and even though the vista extended for
-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, Obviously enjoying the flight whilst searching for some-
-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 brilliantly onto Mts. Relentless and Remorsless and even though the vista extended-for
 very many kilometres in all directions, no evidence of man was visible.
 The buildings at Yerranderie and the road on Scott's Main Range were not visible at this particular spot.
-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 the sunset and sunrise. As expected, the renegades stayed put, as certainly their camp was the more comfortable if lacking in views.
-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 the sunset and sunrise. As expected, the renegades stayed put, as certainly their camp was the more comfortable if lacking in views.
+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 threatened the arrival of rain, thus hastening the Austins and Rostrons to erect their respective tent flies. The red glow of the other group's fire could be seen below ringed by their tents of multi-colours as the grey-white smoke snaked its way up into the air. Now the large round full moon took on a bright pink glow and one could have been excused for mistaking it for the sun if it had been in the west.
-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. We dispensed breakfast quickly and dropped down over the end of the buttress to descend to the others who were all ready to move off, It promised to be another warm sunny day if a bit hazy. We still had a fair way to go along the Axe Head before dropping down to Green Wattle Creek and eventually over to Butcher's Creek. The now familiar cleft in the cliff-line requiring some cautious climbing was tackled without much trouble, and for once not one member of the group chose to avoid the very short climb by sidling around to the right.
-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 thretItened-the arrival of rain, thus hastening the Austins and Rostrons to erect their respective tent flies. The red glow of the other group's fire could be seen below ringed by their tents of multi-colours as the grey-white smoke snaked its way up into the air. Now the large'round full moon took on a bright pink glow and one could have been excused for mistaking it for the sun if it had. been in the west.
-The threat of rain did not eventuate during the night and the sunrise was very disappointing at daybreak. Vie dispensed breakfast quickly and dropped down over the end of the buttress to descerd to the others who were all ready to move off, It promised to be another warm sunny day if a bit hazy. We still had a fair way to go along the Axe-Head before dropping down to Green Wattle Creek and eventually over to Butcher's Creek. The now familiar cleft in the cliff-line requiring some cautious climbing was tackled without much trouble, and for once not one member of the group chose to avoid the very short climb by sidling around to the right.
+After lunch we began the ascent to Scott's Main Range where we again split up. Half the party decided that the road bash back to the Kowmung would be too boring and instead headed down one of the steep ridges. They arrived just after our arrival. By this time it had become obvious that the drought was to come to an end and we quickly pitched our tents and lit a large fire. Sure enough, not long afterwards, it began to rain heavily, but after a half hour or so it eased and we emerged from our tents like rabbits popping out of their burrows after a storm. Our camp site this third and last night was a nice grassy flat on a bend on Gingra Creek, a most welcome change having both grass and water. Possibly our gallant leader was not feeling well. The fire was still alight and we cooked our last supper and washed it all down with Turkish coffee whilst Christine serenaded us with her recorder playing, and Gordon entertained us by singing bush ballads and reciting Australian poetry. David Martin also contributed with his expert bird calls and knowledge of both fauna and flora.
-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's Main Range where we again split up. Half the party decided that the road bash back to the Kowmung would_ be too boring and instead headed down one of the steep ridges. They arrived just after our arrival. By this time it had become obvious that the drought was to 'come to an end and we quickly pitched our tents and lit a large fire. Sure enough, not long afterwards, it began to rain heavily, but after a half hour or so it eased and we emerged from our tents like rabbits popping out of their burrows after a storm. Our camp site this third and last night was a nice grassy flat on a bend on Gingra Creek, a most welcome change having both grass and water. Possibly our gallant leader was not feeling well The fire was still alight and we cooked our last supper and washed it all down with Turkish coffee whilst Christine serenaded us with her recorder playing, and Gordon entertained us by singing bush ballads and reciting Australian poetry. David Martin also contributed with his expert bird calls and knowledge of both fauna and flora.
+We awoke to a fine clear day and proceeded up Gingra Creek. Surprisingly, only two of our large party had ever been along Gingra Creek which is a beautiful creek with splendid stands of stately gums, fascinating casuarinas surviving in the most unlikely places, numerous grassy and soft river flats and a few crystal clear pools, one with a small waterfall. The Old Cedar Road had all but disappeared, and the creek is just a sheer delight and will now be earmarked as one of the most pleasant exits of the Kowmung area to Kanangra.
-Vie awoke to a fine clear day and proceeded up Gingra Creek. Surprisingly, only two of our large party had ever been along Gingra Creek which is a beautiful creek with splendid stands of -stately gums, fascinating casuarinas surviving in the most unlikely places, numerous grassy and soft
-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's Walls and over Kanangra Tops ended another enjoyable Blue Breaks trip. We would all go again- anytime!
-river flats and a few crystal clear pools, one with a small waterfall. The Old Cedar Road had all but disappeared, and the creek is just a sheer delight and will now be earmarked as one of the most pleasant exits of the Kowmung area to Kanangra.
-, 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's Walls and. over Kanangra Tops ended another enjoyable Blue Breaks trip. We would. all go. again - any times