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198203 [2019/01/24 09:05] tyreless198203 [2019/01/24 17:00] tyreless
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- *BOOK REV-11'W by Bill Gamble. +===== Book Review The Taratua Book. ===== 
-THE TARARITA.*BOOK.  + 
-,, .... . +by Bill Gamble. 
-I put down John Rundle's book with a keen sense of having wasted a good Tart of my youth. Both of us grew up within sight of the Tararua Range - the forest park portion runs north from Wellington for about 80 km and forms part of the mountain spine of New Zealand's North Island. While + 
-just looked occasionally at the often snow-capped range (particularly its southern wall of 1600 peaks rising from near sea level and which blocks the head of the Hutt Valley about 45 km north of the capital city), John Rundle roamed it in all conditions and at all seasons to become the consummate +I put down John Rundle's book with a keen sense of having wasted a good part of my youth. Both of us grew up within sight of the Tararua Range - the forest park portion runs north from Wellington for about 80 km and forms part of the mountain spine of New Zealand's North Island. While just looked occasionally at the often snow-capped range (particularly its southern wall of 1600 peaks rising from near sea level and which blocks the head of the Hutt Valley about 45 km north of the capital city), John Rundle roamed it in all conditions and at all seasons to become the consummate tramper he is today. And probably one of the most knowledgeable and experienced persons on walking in the Tararua Range. 
-tramper he is today. And probably one of the most knowledgeable and experienced persons on walking in the Tararua Range. + 
-The photographo, glenned from a collection 30 years in the making, are superb, in black and white as well as colour, and catch the essence of the Tararuas in all seasons. The results are not surprising for John Rundle has combined the ey,3 and skill of a commercial photographer and landscape artist with the capacity of a fit, adventuresome tramper to be in all sorts of improbable places regardless of the weather or time of year. My efforts to take photographs in bad weather seem quite inadequate alongside his. How does one find time to take pictures an a blizzard-swept ridge when every physical effort is turned to route-finding and to keeping oneself from being blown off the mountain? The photographs will draw me back to this book again and again; and, in due course, I will have to satisfy myself by returning to Wellington to walk the Tararuas and take my own +The photographs, glenned from a collection 30 years in the making, are superb, in black and white as well as colour, and catch the essence of the Tararuas in all seasons. The results are not surprising for John Rundle has combined the eye and skill of a commercial photographer and landscape artist with the capacity of a fit, adventuresome tramper to be in all sorts of improbable places regardless of the weather or time of year. My efforts to take photographs in bad weather seem quite inadequate alongside his. How does one find time to take pictures on a blizzard-swept ridge when every physical effort is turned to route-finding and to keeping oneself from being blown off the mountain? The photographs will draw me back to this book again and again; and, in due course, I will have to satisfy myself by returning to Wellington to walk the Tararuas and take my own photographs. 
-photographs. + 
-Yet, with this said, it is the text that has left the stronger +Yet, with this said, it is the text that has left the stronger impression with me. I do not think that John Rundle writes as well as he photographs: but, oh my goodness, what a wealth of experience from which to draw his tramping tales. There is the simple recounting of a day walk alone on a brilliantly clear winter's Sunday, taking him from a crisp dawn at home in the Hutt Valley to the top of snow-covered Mt. Marchant on the south wall where he sat, primus purring away for a brew, while he surveyed hundreds of kilometres of the lower North Island in peace and quiet. And then in a steep plunge, descended a ridge to a familiar stream before returning to his car for the drive home at dusk. 
-impression with me. I do not think that John Rundle writes as well as he photographs: but, oh my goodness, what a wealth of experience from which + 
-to draw his tramping tales. There is the simple recounting of a day walk alone on a brilliantly clear winter's Sunday, taking him from a crisp dawn +In contrast stand exciting accounts of his party traversing Dress Circle Ridge and Mt Alpha in a full gale in winter, needing every bit of experience and phystcal strength to survive (and later learning that only a short distance away two other trampers were dying of exposure in the snow); and of his being called out on a search and rescue for a tramper with serious back injuries in the days before helicoptors - four days in freezing conditions, most of the daylight hours soaked in icy river water. The rescue party started out from Otaki Forks thus: "... then we were off, down the track from the road to the river which we found was running fairly high. We entered it in a line, holding on to each other's pack-straps, our torches revealing a small area of rolling brown water ahead of us. A lot of effort was needed to keep the line straight, so presenting the least area to the current. After one stumbling, anxious moment we were across, well and truly wet..." I felt that they were the ones who might have needed rescuing! 
-at home in the Hutt Valley to the top of snow-covered Mt. Marchant on the + 
-south wall where he sat, primus purring away for a brew, while he surveyed +Throughout all his accounts runs a strong thread of good information, a generous sharing of experiences, and the reasons why tramping has been such an important part of his life. John Rundle has strong opinions on many matters of interest to bushwalkers - preservation of wilderness, tracks, huts, gear etc. His advice hits home time and again, woven into good tramping stories. 
-hundreds of kilometres of the lower North Island in peace and quiet. And + 
-then in a steep plunge, descended a ridge to a familiar stream before returning to his car for the drive home at dusk. +In S.B.W. parlance, John Rundle is a tiger walker, but not only. In his own words: "I'm glad I have been physically capable of doing the toughest trips and of holding my own with the fittest. I am also fortunate in being able to laze my way around the hills, absorbing the scene, the sounds and colours, without the compulsion to go somewhere..." 
-In contrast stand exciting accounts of his party traversing Dress Circle Ridge andMt Alpha in a full gale in winter, .needing every bit of experience and phystcal strength to survive (and later learning that only +
-a short distance away two other trampers were dying of exposure in the snow); +
-and of his being called out on a search and rescue for a tramper with seriaas back injuries in the days before helicoptors - four days in freezing conditions, most of the daylight hours soaked in icy river water. The rescue party +
-started out from Otaki Forks thus: "... then we were off, down the track from +
-the road to the river which we found was running fairly high. We entered. ' it in a line, holding on to each other's pack-straps, our torches revealing +
-a small area of rolling brown water ahead of us. A lot of effort was needed to keep the line st:might, so presenting the least area to the current. +
-THE SYDNEY BUSBWAIKER March, +
-After one stumbling,-anxiaus-moment-ue-tivere-AdroS's, well'aEd. truly wut.."+
-I felt that they were the ones whomight have needed rescuing: +
-- +
--Throughout all his accounts runs a strong thread of good informaj.lon, +
-agenerous sharing of experiences, and the reasons why tramping has bcm such AP. imPortant part of his life. John Rundle has strong opinions on ma17 tatters of interest to.bushwalkers - preservation of wilderness, track, huts, gear etc. His advice hits home time and again, woven into good tramr-Lng stories. +
-In S.B.W. parlance, John Rundle is a tiger walker, but not only. In +
-his own words: "I'm glad I have been physically capable of doing the -oughest trips and of holding my own with the fittest. I am also fortunate in being able to laze my way around the hills, absorbing the scene, the sounds End colours, without the compulsion to go somewhere..."+
 In short, a damn good book and an incitment to throw some gear in a pack and head for the Tararuas this weekend. If only it was not now so far away. In short, a damn good book and an incitment to throw some gear in a pack and head for the Tararuas this weekend. If only it was not now so far away.
-THE TARARUA BOOK - by John Rundle. + 
-Millwood Press, Wellington, New Zealand. +The Taurara Book - by John Rundle.\\ 
-104 pp, $NZ29.95+Millwood Press, Wellington, New Zealand.\\ 
 +104 pp, $NZ29.95\\
 ISBN 0-908582-45-5, published 1981. ISBN 0-908582-45-5, published 1981.
  
 +----
 +
 +===== Kanangra Falls. =====
  
-xxxxxxxx 
-Page 9 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER March, 1982. 
-XANANGRA FALLS.  
 by Gordon Lee. by Gordon Lee.
 +
 This trip was undertaken and completed by Joe Easton, Rick King and Gordon Lee. Since the description in the Gundungra booklet is terribly vague the following notes may help anyone wishing to attempt this mighty gorge. This trip was undertaken and completed by Joe Easton, Rick King and Gordon Lee. Since the description in the Gundungra booklet is terribly vague the following notes may help anyone wishing to attempt this mighty gorge.
-Taken as an abseiling venture there is only one "good" abseil, the + 
-+Taken as an abseiling venture there is only one "good" abseil, the third. At some future date when the length of rope required is known the second abseil may be "worthwhile". As a venture taken for its spectacular scenery then it is definitely worth every minute of the effort. The Kanangra Falls (the whole 500 feet of them), the towering Thurat Spires, the awesome "deep", the sculpting of the rock, the breathtaking drops and the magnificent pools all add up to an overwhelming experience. 
-third. At some future date when the length of rope required is known the + 
-second abseil may be "worthwhile". As a venture taken for its spectacular +Turn in at wheel tracks on the N side of the road about 1/2 mile from Kanangra Walls end of the road. Follow the track N over Kittani Top. Go to cliff edge for the views. Turn left into the usually dry Creek gully and follow this down as far as possible
-scenery then it is definitely worth every minute of the effort. The Kanangra Falls (the whole 500 feet of them), the towering Thurat Spires, the awesome "deep", the sculpting of the rock, the breathtaking drops and the magnificent pools all add up to an overwhelming experience. + 
-Turn in at wheel tracks on the N side of the road about imile from Kanangra Walls end of the road. Follow the track N over Kittani Top. -Go to cliff edge for the views. Turn left into the usually dry Creek gully and follow this down as far as poasible+When the going gets difficult move on to the ridge left. Keep looking left and take the opportunity of viewing the Kanangra Falls - a very impressive sight. (These falls can be abseiled but for certain reasons description of the descent has been withheld). Continue to descend. It may be necessary to do a simple one-rope abseil to get down to the creek on the left towards which you are heading. 
-s When the going gets difficult move on to the ridge left. Keep looking + 
-left and take the opportunity of viewing the Kanangra Falls - a very impressive sight. (These falls can be abseiled but for certain reasons description of the descent has been withheld). Continue to descend. It may be neceswary to do a simple one-rope abseil to get down to the creek on the left towards which you are heading. +At the creek, cross and walk up the sharp little ridge directly opposite, starting in a fairly obvious "corner". When on top sidle left. You will see a small creek going over the edge on your right. This has been "bolted" and may have slings on the brackets. From here there is a long abseil to the bottom (some scrambling). If unsure continue to sidle this immense amphitheatre and set up on a fairly obvious tree (step down to it). This is a scrubby, slushy and slippery abseil but you'll get to the bottom. 
-At the creek, cross and walk up the sharp little ridge directly opposite, starting in a fairly obvious "corner". When on top sidle left. You will see + 
-a'small creek going over the edge on your right. This has been "bolted" and may have slings on the brackets. From here there is a long abseil to the +Walk down to the next set of falls. On the true right hand bank you will need 3 sling for an anchor from a large rock near the edge. This is the highlight of the trip. A full 45 in drop into the pool at the bottom of a beautiful fall. Do not try to keep dry because you'll pendulum. 
-bottom (some scrambling). If unsure continue to sidle this immense amphitheatre and set up on a fairly obvious tree (step down to it). This is a scrubby, slushy and slippery abseil but you'll get to the bottom. +
-Walk down to the next set of falls. On the true right hand bank you will need 3 in sling for an anchor from a large rock near the edge. This is the highlight of the trip. A full 45 in drop into the pool at the bottom of a beautiful fall. Do not try to keep dry because you'll pendulum.+
 Suggest lunch here. Suggest lunch here.
-Rock scramble down to an abseil point past a tree which may have a sling on it to another 5 in further on.This on the LET side. A one rope drop will take you to a walk off ledge. Continue on. Ainuober of excellent swimming holes are here for your enjoyment before tackling Murdering Gully. + 
-Summary,: 2 x 50 in ropes, 1 x 3/4 in sling. +Rock scramble down to an abseil point past a tree which may have a sling on it to another 5 further on. This on the left hand side. A one rope drop will take you to a walk off ledge. Continue on. A number of excellent swimming holes are here for your enjoyment before tackling Murdering Gully. 
-1st Abs. 1 rope. 2nd Abs. 2 ropes. 3rd Abs. 1 x 3 in sling and 2 ropes. 4th Abs. 1 rope. + 
-* * * * * * * * * * * * +__Summary__: 2 x 50 ropes, 1 x 3/4 sling. 1st Abs. 1 rope. 2nd Abs. 2 ropes. 3rd Abs. 1 x 3 sling and 2 ropes. 4th Abs. 1 rope. 
-I BUSHWALKERS + 
-ILightweight Tents  Sleeping Bags  Rucksacks  Climbing & Caving Gear  Maps  Clothing  Boots  Food. +---- 
-DISTRIBUTORS OF+ 
-Paddymade  Karrimor  Berghaus  Hallmark Bergans  Caribee  Fairydown  Silva  Primus  Companion  and all leading brands.  +=== Eastwood Camping Centre. === 
-ICAMPING EQUIPMENT + 
-Large Tents  Stoves  Lamps-4P Folding Furniture. +__Bushwalkers__. 
-Proprietors: Jack Et Nancy Fox Sales Manager: David Fox + 
-EASTWOOD CANVAS GOODS CAMPING SUPPLIES Tr viaWney Si Eastwood NSW 2122 Phone858 2775 +Lightweight Tents Sleeping Bags Rucksacks Climbing & Caving Gear Maps Clothing Boots Food. 
-Rowe Street + 
-Rutledge Street +__Camping equipment__. 
-Page 10 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER March, 1982+ 
-TOO MANY ROUTES IN TASMANIA +Large Tents - Stoves - Lamps - Folding Furniture. 
- (or Reflections of.a.Bushwalker,in by Peter Harris. Menopause) + 
-Memories of extended trips to remote wilderness never fade. I still see those rocky ramparts of Western Arthur Range; majestic towering cliffs Which dominate the human soul. I still feel the bitter biting cold of a rushing south-west gale, and experience the ultimate thrill of pitting body against the awesome, unpredictable power of Nature. +__Distributors of__: 
-What peace and tranquility there exists in WildernessWhat a joy to refresh the soul in the tranquil bliss of this created natural masterpiece! 14 Wilderness there is a destiny still to be fulfilled.+ 
 +Paddymade Karrimor Berghaus Hallmark Bergans Caribee Fairydown Silva Primus Companion and all leading brands. 
 + 
 +Proprietors: Jack Nancy FoxSales Manager: David Fox. 
 + 
 +Eastwood Canvas Good Camping Supplies. 
 + 
 +Trelawney St., EastwoodNSW2122Phone 858 2775. 
 + 
 +---- 
 + 
 +===== Too Many Routes In Tasmania===== 
 + 
 +(or Reflections of a Bushwalker in Menopause) 
 + 
 +by Peter Harris. 
 + 
 +Memories of extended trips to remote wilderness never fade. I still see those rocky ramparts of Western Arthur Range; majestic towering cliffs which dominate the human soul. I still feel the bitter biting cold of a rushing south-west gale, and experience the ultimate thrill of pitting body against the awesome, unpredictable power of Nature. 
 + 
 +What peace and tranquility there exists in WildernessWhat a joy to refresh the soul in the tranquil bliss of this created natural masterpiece! In Wilderness there is a destiny still to be fulfilled. 
 In Wilderness is a rekindling of the humas soul. In Wilderness is a rekindling of the humas soul.
 +
 Why then do I hesitate to break the unyielding bondage of a salaried slave, tied to his master with an unbroken umbilical cord? Why then do I hesitate to break the unyielding bondage of a salaried slave, tied to his master with an unbroken umbilical cord?
-"Such fate to suffering Worth is given, Who long with want and woes has striven, By human pride or cunning driven + 
-To misery brink; +"Such fate to suffering Worth is given,\\ 
-Till, wretched of every hope but Heaven He, ruined, sinks" (Burns) +Who long with want and woes has striven,\\ 
-Why cast an aura of gloom over breaking the cord? That is there to prevent a body from seeking solace%in the raw beautyof Wilderness? +By human pride or cunning driven\\ 
-The answer is menopause. To be precise - bushwalkers' menopause! Arising from too many trips, too many routes. Being too familiar with wilderness. Having'done' itall:. Having 'had' it all: Seeing everything, yet seeing nothing. Exploration urges sated, looking for somewhere 'different' to go - some new challengw, some new excitement to lift the soul. There is too little wilderness left, yet so much time to fill. +To misery brink;\\ 
-. We've crossed the Arthurs thrice, once in winter, twice in summer. +Till, wretched of every hope but Heaven\\ 
-Done Federation. Done Precipitous Bluff. Been down the Gordan River and +He, ruined, sinks" (Burns) 
-up the Gordon River. Traversed the Denison Range, Ring William Range, crossed to The Spire and Diamond Peak, walked the South Coast and the West Coast, + 
-climbed Mt. Picton and Mt. Jerusalem, crossed the Central Plateau and walked +Why cast an aura of gloom over breaking the cord? That is there to prevent a body from seeking solace in the raw beauty of Wilderness? 
-the Cradle Mountain track five times. Done the Du Cane Range, Maria Island, 4eycinet, Ben Lomond, Harz Mountains and climbed Mt. Field East and West. Climbed Frenchman's Cap and been partly down the Franklin. Done Mt. Anne and Mt. Wellington. Been over to Window Pane Bay twice. + 
-Wbt's left?An urge that says see it all before the bastards destroyit for dams or #ood pulp or whatever. Why is our Tasmanian Wilderness receding when ib is alreadyloo small? +The answer is menopause. To be precise - bushwalkers' menopause! Arising from too many trips, too many routes. Being too familiar with wilderness. Having 'done' it allHaving 'had' it allSeeing everything, yet seeing nothing. Exploration urges sated, looking for somewhere 'different' to go - some new challeng, some new excitement to lift the soul. There is too little wilderness left, yet so much time to fill. 
-Even you who mourn the Mountains' fate, + 
-That fate is yours - no distant date, +We've crossed the Arthurs thrice, once in winter, twice in summer. Done Federation. Done Precipitous Bluff. Been down the Gordan River and up the Gordon River. Traversed the Denison Range, Ring William Range, crossed to The Spire and Diamond Peak, walked the South Coast and the West Coast, climbed Mt. Picton and Mt. Jerusalem, crossed the Central Plateau and walked the Cradle Mountain track five times. Done the Du Cane Range, Maria Island, Freycinet, Ben Lomond, Harz Mountains and climbed Mt. Field East and West. Climbed Frenchman's Cap and been partly down the Franklin. Done Mt. Anne and Mt. Wellington. Been over to Window Pane Bay twice. 
-Your ruinous impact drive elate On mountains' bloom. + 
-Till crushed beneath proud Nature's weight+Wot's left? An urge that says see it all before the bastards destroy it for dams or wood pulp or whatever. Why is our Tasmanian Wilderness receding when it is already too small? 
 + 
 +Even you who mourn the Mountains' fate,\\ 
 +That fate is yours - no distant date,\\ 
 +Your ruinous impact drive elate\\ 
 +On mountains' bloom.\\ 
 +Till crushed beneath proud Nature's weight\\
 Shall be your doom! Shall be your doom!
-Page 11 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER March, 1982.+ 
 +---- 
 + 
 SNOWY MODITTLINS  F1E3.12th 18th. SNOWY MODITTLINS  F1E3.12th 18th.
 by Meryl Watman. by Meryl Watman.
198203.txt · Last modified: 2019/01/25 12:54 by tyreless

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