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-THE UMRIKINIBE WILD=SS.
+===== The Werrikimbe Wilderness. =====
 by Brian Hart.
 Bushwalking in the Queensland of my youth consisted of forcing a way through lantana and low scrub with the aid of a Shell road map which rarely showed ridges, cliffs or similar geographical refinements. One acquired a knowledge of the country by a sort of creative blundering about.
-Memories of this perhaps -unfortunate backg7c-nad stirred in my mind a couple of years ago as Gemma Gagne, Bob Parkes and I found ourselves looking thoughtfully in the gathering dusk at a creek flowing in a slightly odd direction, but hopefully towards the Upper Hastings River. We were, in fact, aiming for the Lower Falls on the Hastings River in Werrikimbe National Park, between Walcha and Wauchope, on the mid North Coast of N.S.W.
--	For Gempa, whose approach to bushwalking tends to be rather goal oriented, it had not been a reassuring day. Az a result of leaving the main access road a couple of miles too far to the north, we had engaged in a series of marches and counter-marcLes through material of varying prickliness. This had been a little hard on those members of the party who indulged in the rather risky habit, as it seemed to me, of traversing bush country in short pants.
+Memories of this perhaps unfortunate background stirred in my mind a couple of years ago as Gemma Gagne, Bob Parkes and I found ourselves looking thoughtfully in the gathering dusk at a creek flowing in a slightly odd direction, but hopefully towards the Upper Hastings River. We were, in fact, aiming for the Lower Falls on the Hastings River in Werrikimbe National Park, between Walcha and Wauchope, on the mid North Coast of N.S.W.
-The next day ws more successful. We hit a ridge and timber track which took us to within striking distance of the lower falls. But time ran out and we returned to our vehicle with an interesting cross-sectional acquaintance of part of Werrikimbe National Park, but no actual sighting of the river. So ended my first attempt to reach the Upper Hastings; not one of the great moments in bushwalking, but enjoyable in its way.
-I had first noticed the Werrikimbe Park in a National Parks and Wildlife
+For Gempa, whose approach to bushwalking tends to be rather goal oriented, it had not been a reassuring day. As a result of leaving the main access road a couple of miles too far to the north, we had engaged in a series of marches and counter-marches through material of varying prickliness. This had been a little hard on those members of the party who indulged in the rather risky habit, as it seemed to me, of traversing bush country in short pants.
-publication, and the topography of the area looked promising. The park,
-extending over 12,000 hectares, is one of the most recently established in N.S.W. and takes in much of the Upper Hastings River, including the Upper and Lower Falls, both a couple of hundred feet high. The range country reaches heights of 3,000 feet or more, with the Hastings Gorge between the two falls in the 1,200-2,400 feet range,
+The next day was more successful. We hit a ridge and timber track which took us to within striking distance of the lower falls. But time ran out and we returned to our vehicle with an interesting cross-sectional acquaintance of part of Werrikimbe National Park, but no actual sighting of the river. So ended my first attempt to reach the Upper Hastings; not one of the great moments in bushwalking, but enjoyable in its way.
-Fine gum forests cover much of the higher parts of the park, with
-extensive and luxuriant rain forests along the river and creek floors, extending up to the higher ridge areas.
+I had first noticed the Werrikimbe Park in a National Parks and Wildlife publication, and the topography of the area looked promising. The park, extending over 12,000 hectares, is one of the most recently established in N.S.W. and takes in much of the Upper Hastings River, including the Upper and Lower Falls, both a couple of hundred feet high. The range country reaches heights of 3,000 feet or more, with the Hastings Gorge between the two falls in the 1,200-2,400 feet range.
+Fine gum forests cover much of the higher parts of the park, with extensive and luxuriant rain forests along the river and creek floors, extending up to the higher ridge areas.
 For the bushwalker, the attractions are obvious - relatively remote and extremely attractive country, good road access and territory as yet unvisited by large numbers of tourists or walkers.
-On a second trip to the Hastings, the redoubtable Bob fronted' up for some more punishment, Peter Harris and I formed the other two segments of the party. This time, with the knowledge gained on our former trip, we made our way without any difficulty - well, not much - into Cobcroft Creek, a stream flowing through quiet and beautiful rain forest into the Hastings.
-Baulked by a waterfall dropping into a huge rock amphitheatre, we cut
-el!
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-C,/ T	/v 4 LP/-1
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+On a second trip to the Hastings, the redoubtable Bob fronted up for some more punishment, Peter Harris and I formed the other two segments of the party. This time, with the knowledge gained on our former trip, we made our way without any difficulty - well, not much - into Cobcroft Creek, a stream flowing through quiet and beautiful rain forest into the Hastings.
-j_7:7
+[ Map of Werrikimbe National Park ]
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+Baulked by a waterfall dropping into a huge rock amphitheatre, we cut up to the top of the escarpment fringing the Hastings and down on to the river itself; not without a little scrambling, but nothing too startling.
+At the Upper Falls, we were rewarded by the sight of a platypus intermittently surfacing in the big pool at the foot of the falls.
+Then down to the Lower Falls; maybe six miles away. We were able to follow the gorge at river level for most of the way, except for one steep and scungy detour, with sound effects by the blasphemous Bob and occasional nicotine breaks for the addict Harris.
+The river above the Lower Falls contains some of the best basalt-type pools I have yet encountered; deep, long and accessible, bordered by excellent rain forest. But there are few camp spots along the entire gorge. Our party spent the night on a quite large, but slightly sloping rock shelf, before pushing back up to Bob's Land Rover.
-up to the top of the escarpment fringing the Hastings and down on to the
-river itself; not without a little scrambling, but nothing too startling.
-At the Upper Falls, we were rewarded by the sight of .a platypus intermittently surfacing in the big pool at the foot of the falls.
-Then down to the Lowel. Falls; maybe six miles away. We were ,able to
-follow the gorge at river level for most of the way, except for one seep and scungy detour, with sound effects by.the blasphemous Bob and occasional
-nicotine breaks for the addict Harris.
-The river above the Lower Falls contains some of the best basalt-type pools I have yet encountered; deep, long and accessible, bordered by
-excellent rain forest. But there are feW ca= spots along the entire.gorge. Our party spent the night on a quite large, but slightly sloping rock shelf, before pushing baCk up to Bob's Land Rover.
 Anyone interested in bushwalking would be well rewarded by a trip to the Werrikimbe Park.
-APart from splendid rain forest areas, there are hundreds of hectares
-of open high country originally cleared for grazing: "L11 these open areas present a, wonderful opportunity for seeing big mobs of Grey Kangaroos, as many as 50 at a time, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon", according to the National Parks and. Wildlife Service.
-, The N.P.W.S4 has put in two camping areas at elevated parts of the park, within easy walking-distance of rain forest and other areas.
-To do the trip properly, it would be preferable to schedule it far. -
-some such time as Easter, or perhaps up to five or six days over the Christmas
-period.	The N.P.W.S., 189 Kent Street, phone 237-6500, provides good information sheets, showing the main access roads and so on.
-The best contour map (at least a couple of years ago) is a one inch to the mile Werrikimb National Park N.P.W.S. sheet. Other useful maps include the Cowaxral 1:100,000 and Hasbings 1250,000.	The N.S.W. Forest Commission has also put out a good lad North Coast Project Map, showing State Forest areas, with road access won indcated.
-The Mid-North Coast as a whole offers plenty of interesting bushwalking
-in its hinterland. The Upper Forbes River, running immediately adjacent and parallel to the Upper Hastings, is one other such area - Dot Butler, Fazeley' Read and Jo Van Sommers were good enough to guide me up the Forbes a few years
-ago.	 but that is another story.
--X	X X-X--X-X-**XY.--X-ii-******
+Apart from splendid rain forest areas, there are hundreds of hectares of open high country originally cleared for grazing: "All these open areas present a wonderful opportunity for seeing big mobs of Grey Kangaroos, as many as 50 at a time, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon", according to the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
+The N.P.W.S. has put in two camping areas at elevated parts of the park, within easy walking distance of rain forest and other areas.
+To do the trip properly, it would be preferable to schedule it for some such time as Easter, or perhaps up to five or six days over the Christmas period. The N.P.W.S., 189 Kent Street, phone 237-6500, provides good information sheets, showing the main access roads and so on.
+The best contour map (at least a couple of years ago) is a one inch to the mile Werrikimbe National Park N.P.W.S. sheet. Other useful maps include the Cowarral 1:100,000 and Hasbings 1:250,000. The N.S.W. Forest Commission has also put out a good Mid North Coast Project Map, showing State Forest areas, with road access well indcated.
+The Mid-North Coast as a whole offers plenty of interesting bushwalking in its hinterland. The Upper Forbes River, running immediately adjacent and parallel to the Upper Hastings, is one other such area - Dot Butler, Fazeley Read and Jo Van Sommers were good enough to guide me up the Forbes a few years ago... but that is another story.
+----
+===== Out In The Centre. =====
-WEIN THE CENTRB.
 by Barbara Bruce.
-Having just read. the September magazine and noticed apologies had
-been registered at the August General Meeting from Tony Marshall, myself and Steve and Wendy Hodgman, I realised that none of us had done anything about writing an account of our trip. It struck me that I shouldn't let it go by completely unrecorded!
+Having just read the September magazine and noticed apologies had been registered at the August General Meeting from Tony Marshall, myself and Steve and Wendy Hodgman, I realised that none of us had done anything about writing an account of our trip. It struck me that I shouldn't let it go by completely unrecorded!
-As preparation for the trip, different members of our party had looked after various aspects and I had the pleasure of helping Wendy organise the
-food we were to eat during the 11 days. As you'd expect, this was no mean challenge. We had to keep the weight down as much as possible of course,
+As preparation for the trip, different members of our party had looked after various aspects and I had the pleasure of helping Wendy organise the food we were to eat during the 11 days. As you'd expect, this was no mean challenge. We had to keep the weight down as much as possible of course, and I congratulate Wendy on her splendid efforts in this regard. I never doubted for a moment that we would eat well and enjoy what we ate, despite the fact that most of the menu combinations were virtually untried before this trip.
-and I congratulate Wendy on her splendid efforts in this regard. I never doubted for a moment that we would eat well and enjoy what we ate, despite the fact that most of the menu combinations were virtually untried before this trip.
 In our party, besides the aforementioned Tony, Wendy and Steve were Jim Laing, Jacqui Bruen and Bill Capon.
-To begin with, from Sydney to Alice Springs was quite a jump - in
-temperature as well as distance, The Sydney I left was decidedly cold but
+To begin with, from Sydney to Alice Springs was quite a jump - in temperature as well as distance. The Sydney I left was decidedly cold but the Alice I arrived in was pleasantly warm. Although the seven of us arrived at The Alice at a variety of times, we all set out together for Ormiston Gorge early in the afternoon of Monday, 11 August. Our transport was a comfortable new eight-seater bus. We were to take 11 days to walk from Ormiston Gorge to Mt. Giles, Giles Springs, Ellery Creek, Hugh Gorge, Spencer Gorge, Jerrys Canyon, Hogs Back and Standley Chasm.
-he Alice I arrived in was pleasantly warm. Although the seven of us arrived at The Alice at a variety of times, we all set out together for Ormiston Gorge early in the afternoon of Monday, 11 August. Our transport was a comfortable new eight-seater bus. We were to take 11 days to walk from Ormiston Gorge to Mt. Giles, Giles Springs, Ellery Creek, Hugh Gorge, Spencer Gorge, Jerrys Canyon, Hogs Back and Standley Chasm.
-On the first night we witnessed a beautiful sunset over Ormiston Gorge and Mount Sonder, and bedded down early. I clearly remember the start.of the trip - rising in the dark, the awesome wonder as the sun exposed the colourful and majestic scenery of the Gorge and the "Pound", the high spirits, our first scroggin stop where we also decided we should don our gaiters to ward off the penetrating spikes of the prolific spinifex, the pleasure of trying to identify a few unfamiliar wildflowers, and the still good humoured groans as we loaded and unloaded quite heavy packs.
+On the first night we witnessed a beautiful sunset over Ormiston Gorge and Mount Sonder, and bedded down early. I clearly remember the start of the trip - rising in the dark, the awesome wonder as the sun exposed the colourful and majestic scenery of the Gorge and the "Pound", the high spirits, our first scroggin stop where we also decided we should don our gaiters to ward off the penetrating spikes of the prolific spinifex, the pleasure of trying to identify a few unfamiliar wildflowers, and the still good humoured groans as we loaded and unloaded quite heavy packs.
 But it doesn't take long for some sort of routine to set in and the rest of the trip seemed to just slip by. So it is both good and bad highlights which spring to mind from then on -
--	The climb up Mt.Giles to see the famed sunset and sunrise and discovering that not only wasn't there as much film left in my camera as I thought, but also that I had not brought a replacement from my pack below.
--	The 'easy' trip to the glorious Giles Springs which, while not really hard, was hot and seemed to take forever.
--	The exceptionally picturesque start of an absolutely horrid day when we walked about 12 miles along a stony road in the heat (just as well I wasn't one of the unlucky ones suffering from blisters at this stage!).
--	The pleasure at finding a good waterhole when we,weren't exactly sure where we'd find one.
+  * The climb up Mt.Giles to see the famed sunset and sunrise and discovering that not only wasn't there as much film left in my camera as I thought, but also that I had not brought a replacement from my pack below.
--	Tiny rainbow finches which attempted to 'frightenlus away from their waterhole.
+  * The 'easy' trip to the glorious Giles Springs which, while not really hard, was hot and seemed to take forever.
--	The beautiful but hateful Prickly Wattle.
+  * The exceptionally picturesque start of an absolutely horrid day when we walked about 12 miles along a stony road in the heat (just as well I wasn't one of the unlucky ones suffering from blisters at this stage!).
--	The serenity of Spencer Gorge and our first swim there.
+  * The pleasure at finding a good waterhole when we weren't exactly sure where we'd find one.
--	The discovery that cattle aren't as stupid as they may appear, because they'd already found th'e quickest and easiest routes between waterholes.
+  * Tiny rainbow finches which attempted to frighten us away from their waterhole.
--	The beauty of the ghost, gums and ironbarks - they constantly made me gaze in wander.	.
+  * The beautiful but hateful Prickly Wattle.
--	Always the gorgeous colours as depicted so truly in most paintings of
+  * The serenity of Spencer Gorge and our first swim there.
-the Centre - the Oranges and reds, purples and blues.
+  * The discovery that cattle aren't as stupid as they may appear, because they'd already found the quickest and easiest routes between waterholes.
--	The many varieties of birds and the apparent scarcity of animals -
+  * The beauty of the ghost gums and ironbarks - they constantly made me gaze in wander.
-although,w,e did ,see wild brumbies occasionally.
+  * Always the gorgeous colours as depicted so truly in most paintings of the Centre - the oranges and reds, purples and blues.
--	Pleasant nights spent going to sleep while ,trying to identify the stars above us.	f-
+  * The many varieties of birds and the apparent scarcity of animals - although we did see wild brumbies occasionally.
--	Drinking countless cups of tea.
+  * Pleasant nights spent going to sleep while trying to identify the stars above us.
--
+  * Drinking countless cups of tea.
--	Feelinfit and'iree; especially when we were able to explore without
+  * Feeling fit and free, especially when we were able to explore without weight of packs.
-weight of packs.
+  * The drama when we lost sight of Bill for an hour at Hugh Gorge.
--	The drama when we.lost sight of Bill for an hour at Hugh Gorge.
+  * The ideal weather.
--	The ideal weather.
+  * Getting my wish to see rain in the Centre in August - if only for 5 minutes.
-- Getting my wish to see rain in the ,Centre in August - if only for 5 minutes.
+  * Never really knowing what to expect.
-- Never really,khbwihg-What td expect::
-And, finally, that most memorable experience of negotiating our way through Standley Chasm. As the Chasm frOM the .northern end is far more enchanting and spectaaular than the almost colourless part which most tourists see - and consider picturesque - I felt this made a most fitting ending to our trip. .
+And, finally, that most memorable experience of negotiating our way through Standley Chasm. As the Chasm from the northern end is far more enchanting and spectacular than the almost colourless part which most tourists see - and consider picturesque - I felt this made a most fitting ending to our trip.
-Now, reminiscent of the sett	sun seen ,fromIli,Glies, our holiday in the Centre can .diSsolve into oblivion.
-Over all, the trip transpired pretty well according to our plans and we are grateful to the many people who gave us both advice and practical assistance (such as Dot, who made gaiters for the girlsY: A special word of thanks should be given to Frank Rigby, but he also gets a special 'boo' too, because he did not tell us about the officious little manager of the Standley Chasm (Jay Creek) Aboriginal Reserve who appeared abruptly and wdthout preamble demanded to see our lietter of ,authority' - after we'd been lazing around in the grounds for nearly two hours! .During a one-sided 'discussion' he suggested if we paid our entrance fees of $1 each that would'make everything all right. .	. Why didn't you warn.us, Frank!
+Over all, the trip transpired pretty well according to our plans and we are grateful to the many people who gave us both advice and practical assistance (such as Dot, who made gaiters for the girls). A special word of thanks should be given to Frank Rigby, but he also gets a special 'boo' too, because he did not tell us about the officious little manager of the Standley Chasm (Jay Creek) Aboriginal Reserve who appeared abruptly and without preamble demanded to see our 'letter of authority' - after we'd been lazing around in the grounds for nearly two hours! During a one-sided 'discussion' he suggested if we paid our entrance fees of $1 each that would'make everything all right... Why didn't you warn us, Frank!
-* * * * * * * * * *
-eastvyood
+Now, reminiscent of the setting sun seen from Mt. Glies, our holiday in the Centre can dissolve into oblivion.
-Camping
-roe
+----
-BUSHWALKERS
-F1Lightweight Tents  Sleeping Bags  Rucksacks  Climbing 8- Caving Gear  Maps  Clothing  Boots  Food.
+=== Eastwood Camping Centre. ===
+__Bushwalkers__.
+Lightweight Tents - Sleeping Bags - Rucksacks - Climbing & Caving Gear - Maps - Clothing - Boots - Food.
+__Camping equipment__.
+Large Tents - Stoves - Lamps - Folding Furniture.
+__Distributors of__:
+Paddymade - Karrimor - Berghaus - Hallmark - Bergans - Caribee - Fairydown - Silva - Primus - Companion - and all leading brands.
+Proprietors: Jack & Nancy Fox. Sales Manager: David Fox.
+Eastwood Canvas Good & Camping Supplies.
+Trelawney St., Eastwood, NSW, 2122. Phone 858 2775.
+----
 ===== Clear Cold And Kanangra. =====
 by Bill Gamble.
-A feature of Jim Vatiliotis Kanangra walk on the weekend of 21-23 May
-was the fitness of the party and the capacity of fourteen persons to
+A feature of Jim Vatiliotis' Kanangra walk on the weekend of 21-23 May 1982 was the fitness of the party and the capacity of fourteen persons to move together well at all times (and that in spite of injuries sustained earlier or en route by some members). Others may prefer to recall the clear, cold weather. The walk was listed in the Autumn Walks Programme as:-
-move together well at all times (and that in spite of injuries sustained
-earlier or en route by some members). Others may prefer to recall the clear, cold weather. The walk was listed in the Autumn Walks Programme as:-
+__Kanangra__ - Crafts Wall - Page's Pinnacle - Gingra Creek - Compagnoni Pass - Ti-Willa Plateau - Mount Cloudmaker - Crafts Wall - Kanangra. Map: Kanangra 1:31680. Distance: 35 km. Medium/Hard.
-.KananRra - Crafts Wall - Page's Pinnacle - Gingra Creek - Compagnoni
-Pass	Plateau - Mount Clouclmaker-- Crafts Wall - Kanangra. Map: Kanangra 1:31680. Distance: 35 km. Medium/Hard.
+The old dance floor cave at Kanangra was cold and draughty for Friday's overnight bivvy. There was no cheery fire to welcome and warm members of the party as they arrived from Sydney, just dark, huddled shapes in sleeping bags glad to have some protection from the bitter wind. Others tented adjacent to the new carpark by the pluviometer or at Boyd Crossing campsite. Charlie and Margaret Brown probably had the best idea by staying in Katoomba and driving in around 8.00 am ready to go. Other members not already mentioned and ready to go were:- John Redfern, Bill Capon, John Newman, Bob Milne, Steve Carratt, Paul Davies, Geoff and Fiona Wagg, Steve and Wendy Hodgman, Bill Gamble.
-The old dance floor cave at Kanangra was cold and draughty for Friday's overnight bivvy. There was no cheery fire to welcome and warm memberg of the party as they arrived from Sydney, just dark, huddled shapes in sleeping bags glad to have some protection from the bitter wind. Others tented adjacent to the new carpark by the pluviometer or at Boyd Crossing campsite. Charlie and Margaret Brown probably had the best idea by staying in Katoomba
-and driving in around 8.00 am ready to go. Other members not already
+Saturday morning, in the half-light under the overhang of the cave, party members slowly gathered around the fire. Too many cold fingers and toes put paid to ideas of lingering and at 8.30 am the party moved out into the sunlight towards Pages Pinnacle. The pace to the north end of Crafts Wall was cracking and not unexpected in the chill air. A short walk out to Pages Pinnacle and a break gave the opportunity to climb the south pinnacle for fine views eastwards. The plunge to Gingra Creek which followed can be described as hell-bent down a well-defined ridge of fairly open forest beneath the canopy. We deserved and took a long lunch in the sun at the confluence of Gabes and Gingra Creeks. Bill Capon ambled in about five minutes after everyone else, claiming an injured leg and/or knee.
-mentioned and ready to go were:- John Redfern, Bill Capon, John Newman, Bob Milne, Steve Carratt, Paul Davies, Geoff and Fiona Wagg, Steve and Wendy Hodgman, Bill Gamble.
-Saturday morning, in the half-light under the overhang of the cave,
+The walk down Gingra Creek was brisk. Initially, there was some hesitation in picking up the remains of the Cedar Track (an old logging road fast disappearing as nature reclaims Man's destructive handiwork). Deep pools in a gorge shortly below the confluence of the creeks suggested pleasant watering holes on summer walks. As the valley opened to provide modest flats in places, the track faded and we relied on cattle tracks or simply walking down the creek bed. Soon after 3.00 pm, we reached our campsite just short of the Kowmung River.
-party members slowly gathered around the fire, Too many cold fingers and toes put paid to ideas of lingering and at 8.30 am the party moved out into
-the sunlight towards Pages Pinnacle. The pace to the north end of Crafts Wall was cracking and not unexpected in the chill air. A short walk out to Pages Pinnacle and a break gave the opportunity to climb the south pinnacle
+The campsite did not yield as many level tent sites as first thought and there was some shuffling about to find suitable spaces on the generally sloping ground. Geoff and his daughter, Fiona, settled for a bivvy under the stars on a soft ground cover of gathered fern. Steve Carratt bivvied alongside the fire, adding wood as necessary during the night for additional warmth. Others were spread about under tents or flies.
-for fine views eastwards. The plunge to Gingra Creek which followed can be
-described as hall-bent down a well-defined ridge of fairly open forest beneath the canopy. We deserved and took a long lunch in the sun at the confluence of Gabes and Gingra Creeks. Bill Capon ambled in about five minutes after everyone else, claiming an injured leg and/or knee.
+When cooking commenced soon after 4.30 pm, in fading light, there were groans of protest that the night would be interminable as a result. It wasn't. There were too many interesting things to eat, drink and talk about. Water flasks were emptied of murky fluids, ostensibly to make room for Sunday's dry walk, biscuits were passed around and, to cap it all, Jim quietly prepared a cheesecake to satisfy the sweet-tooths in the party. Conversatian covered many bushwalking opinions and experiences. From such mundane topics as the maintenance of tracks (the letter in the March '82 Federation Newsletter on the removal of cairns and markers drew some comment and mixed views) to Charlie Brown, who can rest on his laurels after giving an outrageous account of charcoal sandwiches as a surefire remedy for an upset stomach. For bushwalking quackery, it must be a prescription without equal.	Sometime after 10.00 pm, we left the fire to Steve.
-The walk down Gine,ra Creek was brisk. Initially, there was some hesitation in picking up the remains of the Cedar Track (an old logging road fast disappearing as nature reClaims Man's destructive handiwork). Deep
-pools in a gorge shortly below the confluence of the creeks suggested pleasant
+Our leader talked of a 7.30 am start on Sunday, and by 7.45 am we were away. Shortly after 6.00 am, Steve had stoked the fire and everyone awoke to all the warmth necessary to face a freezing dawn and heat for cooking breakfast. Ice was tapped out of mugs and white-covered tents shaken. A whole day's walking with no prospect of water ensured that everyone drew their needs from Gingra Creek (a1t. 600 feet) before commencing the uphill plod to Compagnoni Pass and Ti-Willa Plateau (alt. 3200 feet). There were no desperate thirsts.
-watering holes on summer walks. As the valley opened to provide modest flats in places, the track faded and we relied on cattle tracks or simply walking
-down the creek bed. Soon after 3.00 pm, we reached our campsite just short of the Kowmung River.
+At a dry morning tea on a well-worn vantage point by the top of the pass, we rested in the warm sun and enjoyed the sweeping views from Narrow Neck in the north to Scotts Main Range in the south-east. Jim said we came up from Gingra Creek about 25% faster than he had expected. We had moved off from our campsite, crossed the creek, and walked straight into a steep climb up a spur ridge to the cliff line of the plateau. The direction was clear as the ridge left little choice of route. The buttress was steep and covered in thick bush, but the rock outcrops in front of the cliffs were a good indicator and confirmation of route. Once the cliff face was reached it was just a matter of scrambling northwards around the base until we reached the spikes of Compagnoni Pass. Our party passed without hesitation. So quickly in fact that John Redfern and Bill Gamble were left standing talking at the rear. John was lamenting a punctured wine skin of water which had soaked his pack and expressing some annoyance at muscular stiffness which was holding him back.
-The campsite did not yield as many level tent sites as first thought and there was some shuffling about to find suitable spaces on the generally
-sloping ground. Geoff and his daughter, Fiona, settled for a bivvy under
+Ti-Willa Plateau is neither flat nor open walking, and when the trees give way to scrub the undergrowth is of the type to scratch and tear legs and arms until they feel raw. One is left with an impression of an undulating ridge rather than a plateau long and fairly narrow instead of wide. Just as it is shown on the map. In close file, Jim's party crossed the plateau and re-entered the tree line for the slog up the ridge to Mount Cloudmaker (3819 feet). Slowly, the markings of a route became visible. We stopped briefly at the cairn atop Cloudmaker, saw no merit in having lunch without a decent view, and dropped down the other side for about 5-6 minutes to a place which offered fine panoramas north into Kanangra Creek and south to Kanangra Walls. Our long ridge walk out lay before us, but that did not detract from a pleasant break in warm, calm conditions. Almost soporific.
-the stars on a soft ground cover of gathered fern. Steve Carratt bivvied alongside the fire, adding wood as necessary during the night for additional warmth. Others were spread about under tents or flies.
-When cooking commenced soon after 4.30 pm, in fading light, there were groans of protest that the night would be interminable as a result. It
+The afternoon session was to many in the party the familiar ridge route from Mount Claudmaker down Rumble, Roar, Rack and Rip to Mount Stormbreaker, then, in succession, Mount High and Mighty, Gabes Gap, Mount Berry, Crafts Wall and Kanangra Walls to finish at the carpark shortly after 4.30 pm. It was no headlong rush - there was time for rest in Gabes Gap and at the north and of Crafts Wall in the late afternoon sun - but there again the pace was hardly leisurely when the party was on the move. Even the beaten track is no guarantee of plain sailing though. Some got bluffed coming off High and Mighty, forgetting to drop off the east side of the rock outcrop, and Charlie Brown walked headlong into a good-sized tree branch at Crafts Wall which stunned him briefly.
-T1-fl7 SYDNEY BUSHWiLLIGR	November, 1982.
-.....
+Kanangra Walls lay golden in the setting sun as we walked up the steps to the old carpark, and that is not a bad time to be there completing a good walk. But it was not a time to linger. The chill of the evening and the gathering darkness soon had us moving off homewards. For some members, a fitting conclusion to the weekend may well have been over the hot chocolate at Aroneys in Katoomba, or pizza in the restaurant next door.
-wasn't. There were too many interesting things to eat, drink and talk about. Water flasks were emptied of murky fluids, ostensibly to make room
-for Sunday's dry walk, biscuits were passed around and, to cap it all, Jim
+----
-quietly prepared a cheesecake to satisfy the sweet-tooths in the party. Con7ereatian covered many bushwalking opinions and experiences. From such
-mundane topics as the maintenance of tracks (the letter in the March '82
-Federation Newsletter on the removal of cairns and markers drew some comment and mixed views) to Charlie Brown, who can rest on his laurels after giving an outrageous account of charcoal sandwiches as a surefire remedy for an upset stomach. For bushwalking quackery, it must be a prescription without equal.	Sometime after 10400 pm, we left the fire to Steve.
-	Our leader talked of a 7.30 am start on Sunday, and by 7.45 am we were
-away. Shortly after 6.00 am, Steve had stoked the fire and everyone awoke to all the warmth necessary to face a freezing daun and heat for cooking breakfast. Ice was tapped out of mugs and white-covered tents shaken. A whole day's walking.with no prospect of water ensured that everyone drew iheir needs from Gingra Creek (a1t0600 feet) before commencing the uphill plod to Compagnoni Pass and Ti-Willa Plateau (alt.3200 feet). There were no desperate thirsts.
-At a dry morning tea on a well-worn vantage point by the top of the pass, we rested in the walm sun and enjoyed the sweeping views from Narrow Neck in the north to Scotts Main Range in the south-east. Jim said we came up from Gingra Creek about 2% faster than he had expected. We had moved
-off from our campsite, crossed the creek, and walked straight into- a steep
-climb up a spur ridge to the cliff line of the plateau, The die4ection was clear as the ridge left little choice of route. The buttress was steep and covered in thick bush, but the rock outcrops in front of the cliffs were a
-good indicator and confirmation of route. Once the cliff face. was reached it was just a matter of scrambling northwards around the base until we
-reached the spikes of Compagnoni Pass. Our party passed without hesitation. So quickly in fact that John Redfern and Bill Gamble were left standing
-talking at the rear. John was lamenting a punctured wine skin of water
-which had soaked his pack and expressing some annoyance at muscular stiffness which was holding him back.
-Plateau is neither flat nor open walking, and when the trees
-give way to scrub the undergrowth is of the type to scratch and tear legs
-and arms until they feel raw, One is left with an impression of an undulating ridge rather than a plateau long and fairly narrow instead of
-wide.	Just as it is shown on the map.	In close file, Jim's party crossed
-the plateau and re-entered the tree line for the slog up the ridge to Mount Cloudmaker (3819 feet).	Slowly, the markings of a route became visible.
-We stopped briefly at the cairn atop Cloudmaker, saw no merit in having
-lunch without a decent view, and dropped down the other side for about 5-6 minutes to a place which offered fine panoramas north into Kanangra Creek
-and south to Kanangra Walls. Our long ridge walk out lay before us, but that did not detract from a pleasant break in warm, calm conditions. Almost soporific,
-The afternoon session was to many in the party the familiar ridge
-route from Mount Claudmaker down Rumble, Rear, Rack and Rip to Mount
-Page 13	THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER	November, 1982.
-Stormbreaker, then, in succession, Mount High and_ Mighty, Gabes Gap, Mount Berry, Crafts Wall and Kanangra Walls to finish at the carpark shortly after
-.30 pm. It was no headlong rush - there was time for rest in Gabes Gap
-and at the north and of Crafts Wall in the late afternoon sun - but there
-again the pace was hardly leisurely when the party was on the move. *en the beaten track is no guarantee of plain sailing though. Some got bluffed coming off High and Mighty, forgetting to drop off the east side of the rock
-outcrop, and Charlie Brown walked headlong into a good-sized tree .branch at Crafts Wall which stunned him briefly.
-Kanangra Walls lay golden in the setting sun as we walked up the steps
-o the old carpark, and that is not a bad time to be there completing a good talk. But it was not a time to linger. The chill of the evening and the gathering darkness soon had us moving off homewards. For some members, a fitting conclusion to the weekend may well have been over the hot chocolate at Aroneys in Katoomba, or pizza in the restaurant next door.
-* *.* * * * * * * * *
 ===== The Dream That Came True. =====
 by D.C. Berry.
-The "Dream" began twenty odd years ago, when a party of Sydney Bush-
-,
+The "Dream" began twenty odd years ago, when a party of Sydney Bushwalkers, after a happy weekend spent in Blue Gum Forest, were toiling up Perry's Lookdown, heavy rucksacks on backs, hot, tired and grubby, as was normal going home.
-walkers, after a happy weekend spent in Blue Gum Forest, were toiling up Perry's Lookdown, heavy rucksacks on backs, hot, tired and grubby, as was normal going home.
-While enjoying,a.rest, someone said, "I'm not as young as I was, nor as active, and carrying.a large pack up this track is not going to be for me, very much longer!" There was agreement, from some of those present. Then one made a positive statement, "This is the last time I'll be down in Blue
+While enjoying a rest, someone said, "I'm not as young as I was, nor as active, and carrying a large pack up this track is not going to be for me, very much longer!" There was agreement, from some of those present. Then one made a positive statement, "This is the last time I'll be down in Blue Gum unless I am taken down there and brought up again in a helicopter!" Loud laughter followed this remark, "Don't be ridiculous", they said, "That is just a silly dream, it could never happen, it will never happen!" But it was agreed, it would be great if it ever did.
-Gum unless I am taken down there and brought up again in a helicopter!" Loud laughter followed this remark, "Don't be ridiculous", they said, "That is just a silly dream, it could never happen, it will never happen!" Put it was agreed, it would be great if it ever did.
 On 26th September, 1982, the "Dream" came true, and a couple of those who had been in the original party and had scoffed at the idea, were in the Forest, taken down and safely returned to the top of the cliffs by helicopter!
-"The Year of the Tree" being celebrated this year coincides with the Fiftieth Anniversary of acquiring the area of land that subsequently be9ame
-The Blue Gum Forest.
-The story was told in our September issue how some members of the Sydney Bushwalkers persuaded the holder of the lease to sell the land to the Club,
-to save the trees. Also how the money to pay for it was raised by functions,
-concerts, theatre parties etc., entailing hard work by many people intexnsted in the project. Money did not come easily during the Great Depression'?
-Finally the debt was paid to the owner, who had been very generous-fl allowing time to pay, and the whole area handed over to the State Government to be held as a recreational site to be enjoyed by all. Trustees were
-appointed to manage and care for Blue Gum Forest. Many working bees were
-organised and well supported to help keep the place in good condition. Some
-Trustees retired, or were not able to carry on, and were replaced by others,
+"The Year of the Tree" being celebrated this year coincides with the Fiftieth Anniversary of acquiring the area of land that subsequently became The Blue Gum Forest.
-approximately ten in all over the years, mostly drawn from the Walking movement. As the need for univerual conservation was recognized, the Statp Government formed the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Forest, along with other areas in the Blue Mountains, passed into the care of the Service and Trustees were no longer required.
-To mark the occasion of the "Fiftieth Birthday", the Advisory Committee of the N.P.& LS. Blue Mountains District thought it would be fitting to arrange a "Back to Blue Gum" Day, so a search was made for the present whereabouts of any ex-Trustees, or otters connected with the early days, and invitations were sent to those who could be located to attend a lurichean in the Forest, everything provided, including the HELICOPTER1! So on the day
+The story was told in our September issue how some members of the Sydney Bushwalkers persuaded the holder of the lease to sell the land to the Club, to save the trees. Also how the money to pay for it was raised by functions, concerts, theatre parties etc., entailing hard work by many people intexnsted in the project. Money did not come easily during the Great Depression.
-those who could avail themselves of the opportunity assembled at Katoomba
-Airfield at Medlow Bath for the big adventure.
+Finally the debt was paid to the owner, who had been very generous in allowing time to pay, and the whole area handed over to the State Government to be held as a recreational site to be enjoyed by all. Trustees were appointed to manage and care for Blue Gum Forest. Many working bees were organised and well supported to help keep the place in good condition. Some Trustees retired, or were not able to carry on, and were replaced by others, approximately ten in all over the years, mostly drawn from the Walking movement. As the need for universal conservation was recognized, the State Government formed the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The Forest, along with other areas in the Blue Mountains, passed into the care of the Service and Trustees were no longer required.
-There was a.howling westerly wind blowing, but the pilot assured the passengers, taken aboard three at a time, that everything would be all right, but there might be a bump or two when we went off the escarpment - and he was right! The little machine bucked about a bit, but we all landed safely in the clearing alongside Govett's Leap Creek, not far from its junction with
-the Grose River. Several trips were _made and about fifteen people delivered, along with the.sumptuaus lunch.
+To mark the occasion of the "Fiftieth Birthday", the Advisory Committee of the N.P.& W.S. Blue Mountains District thought it would be fitting to arrange a "Back to Blue Gum" Day, so a search was made for the present whereabouts of any ex-Trustees, or others connected with the early days, and invitations were sent to those who could be located to attend a luncheon in the Forest, everything provided, including the HELICOPTER!! So on the day those who could avail themselves of the opportunity assembled at Katoomba Airfield at Medlow Bath for the big adventure.
-Quite a number of "old hands" were at the luncheon, the taughers ones even walked down. So friendships were renewed and there was plenty of "Do you remember?"
-Representatives of various walking movements, Boy Scouts Association, etc. were present, along with our hosts, Rangers from N.P.80 W.S. A total of twentyfive persons, old and young, enjoyed the company and the excellent. meal. After lunch, we gathered at the edge of the Forest for a short ceremony, yarns about'the early days were told and there were a couple of speeches. Several groups of walkers, not actual guests, but very welcome, joined in the celebration, making a gathering of fifty altogether.
+There was a howling westerly wind blowing, but the pilot assured the passengers, taken aboard three at a time, that everything would be all right, but there might be a bump or two when we went off the escarpment - and he was right! The little machine bucked about a bit, but we all landed safely in the clearing alongside Govett's Leap Creek, not far from its junction with the Grose River. Several trips were made and about fifteen people delivered, along with the sumptuous lunch.
-Later a stroll among the trees, just as magnificent as ever, was a soul-satisfying experience.	It was.great to see evidence of the care being taken by the Service to preserve the wonder of Blue Gum for those who are .prepared to use, and not abuse, this great heritage.
+Quite a number of "old hands" were at the luncheon, the tougher ones even walked down. So friendships were renewed and there was plenty of "Do you remember?"
+Representatives of various walking movements, Boy Scouts Association, etc. were present, along with our hosts, Rangers from N.P. & W.S. A total of twentyfive persons, old and young, enjoyed the company and the excellent meal. After lunch, we gathered at the edge of the Forest for a short ceremony, yarns about the early days were told and there were a couple of speeches. Several groups of walkers, not actual guests, but very welcome, joined in the celebration, making a gathering of fifty altogether.
+Later a stroll among the trees, just as magnificent as ever, was a soul-satisfying experience. It was great to see evidence of the care being taken by the Service to preserve the wonder of Blue Gum for those who are prepared to use, and not abuse, this great heritage.
 So with thanks to our Hosts for such an unusual and enjoyable day, we prepared to go aboard the little "chopper" and return top side.
-Thus that "silly dream" finally came true for some of those tired walkers who had laughed at it, so long ago, but on "Back to Blue .Gum" Day they may have been thankful that it did.
-* * * * * * * * * * * *
+Thus that "silly dream" finally came true for some of those tired walkers who had laughed at it, so long ago, but on "Back to Blue Gum" Day they may have been thankful that it did.
-Page 15 .	TEE SYDNEY BITSHWALKER	November, 1982.
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 BRISBANE 'WATERS NATIONAL PARK.