198308
Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Both sides previous revisionPrevious revisionNext revision | Previous revisionLast revisionBoth sides next revision | ||
198308 [2016/03/22 16:34] – [The Franklin River Verdict] kclacher | 198308 [2016/03/24 11:34] – [The Sydney Bushwalker] kclacher | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
|**Editor**|Evelyn Walker, 158 Evans Street, Rozelle, 2039. Telephone 827-3695.| | |**Editor**|Evelyn Walker, 158 Evans Street, Rozelle, 2039. Telephone 827-3695.| | ||
|**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, | |**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, | ||
- | |**Production Manager**| Helen Gray.| | + | |**Production Manager**| Helen Gray| |
|**Typist**| Kath Brown| | |**Typist**| Kath Brown| | ||
|**Duplicator Operator**|Phil Butt| | |**Duplicator Operator**|Phil Butt| | ||
Line 16: | Line 16: | ||
| The Franklin River Verdict |by Jim Brown | 2| | | The Franklin River Verdict |by Jim Brown | 2| | ||
| Social Notes for September | | 2| | | Social Notes for September | | 2| | ||
- | | Arthur and Us - Part 1 | Bill Gamble | 3| | + | | Arthur and Us - Part I | Bill Gamble | 3| |
| For the Love of the-South-West | Peter Harris | 6| | | For the Love of the-South-West | Peter Harris | 6| | ||
| Notes of the June & July General Meetings | Barry Wallace | 6| | | Notes of the June & July General Meetings | Barry Wallace | 6| | ||
Line 57: | Line 57: | ||
by Jo Van Sommers | by Jo Van Sommers | ||
- | | *September 21 - | Tasmanian Wilderness Society Films:- | | + | | *September 21 | Tasmanian Wilderness Society Films:- | |
| | __Blockade__, | | | __Blockade__, | ||
- | | September 23 - |Federation of Bushwalkers Ball. | + | | September 23 |Federation of Bushwalkers Ball. | |
- | Don't forget to keep Friday 23rd September free for the F.B.W. Ball (it's country dancing, really!). | | + | | | Don't forget to keep Friday 23rd September free for the F.B.W. Ball (it's country dancing, really!). | |
- | | September 28 - | Slides by Ralph Penglis on South America and other exotic places. | | + | | September 28 | Slides by Ralph Penglis on South America and other exotic places. | |
* Dinner before the meeting at Phuoung Vietnamese Restaurant, 87 Willoughby Road, Crow's Nest. B.Y.O. 6: | * Dinner before the meeting at Phuoung Vietnamese Restaurant, 87 Willoughby Road, Crow's Nest. B.Y.O. 6: | ||
- | ===== Arthur and Us - Part 1 ===== | + | ===== Arthur and Us - Part I ===== |
by Bill Gamble | by Bill Gamble | ||
- | //In March, 1983, a club walk on the autumn programme went to Arthur' | + | //In March, 1983, a club walk on the autumn programme went to Arthur' |
- | Arthur' | + | Arthur' |
- | "The park is a rugged and mountainous area of about 100,000 hectares situated in the centre of the South Island (about 150 km west of Christchurch). It is a land of jagged skylines, tall snowy peaks and snowgrass clad ridges, deep gorges, steep, bush-covered hillsides, sheer cliffs of angular black rock, high.waterfalls, | + | "The park is a rugged and mountainous area of about 100,000 hectares situated in the centre of the South Island (about 150 km west of Christchurch). It is a land of jagged skylines, tall snowy peaks and snowgrass-clad ridges, deep gorges, steep, bush-covered hillsides, sheer cliffs of angular black rock, high.waterfalls, |
- | ...0 the area of mountain ridges above bushline approximately equals the forested area. From valley floors at about 700m on the east the peaks rise to 1800 in or more, but the western valley floors lie at only about 300 m or Slightly | + | "... the area of mountain ridges above bushline approximately equals the forested area. From valley floors at about 700m on the east the peaks rise to 1800m or more, but the western valley floors lie at only about 300m or slightly |
- | "The main divide of the Southern Alps bisects the park and from it branch intricate ranges of mountains between | + | "The main divide of the Southern Alps bisects the park and from it branch intricate ranges of mountains between |
- | Instead of going straight into the walk as programmed, our introduction to the park, as a party, was two days spent above Arthurs Pass itself, firstly on the east side in the Temple Basin and in the upper Mingha Valley, and then an the west side on the slopes of Mt.. Rolleston, | + | Instead of going straight into the walk as programmed, our introduction to the park, as a party, was two days spent above Arthurs Pass itself, firstly on the east side in the Temple Basin and in the upper Mingha Valley, and then an the west side on the slopes of Mt. Rolleston, |
- | Anyway, three of the party members arrived in Christchurch late on Wednesday afternoon, 16 March, on a cold, wet day (maximum 7 C) and were met by the leader (who had arrived ten days earlier to do some walking on his | + | Anyway, three of the party members arrived in Christchurch late on Wednesday afternoon, 16 March, on a cold, wet day (maximum 7< |
- | own account). They were quickly transferred from the airport to their overnight. accommodation at the Melville Private Hotel in Gloucester Street, close to the city centre, with instructions to be ready to be picked-up at noon the following day. It was a frantic morning for Brian, Bronwyn and Steve of making onward travel arrangements to reach Abel Tasman National Park, their destination after the walking in Arthurs Pass, and of buying food/fuel for the immediate walking. And we did get away on time. | + | |
- | All the way from Christchurch the Southern | + | All the way from Christchurch the Southern |
at Porters Pass. we found that the warmth of the day was melting the snow rapidly and, much the same as a rainbow, it seemed to recede the closer we got to it. It was the following day before we indulged in sliding around on steep slopes of compacted snow with its fresh cover. | at Porters Pass. we found that the warmth of the day was melting the snow rapidly and, much the same as a rainbow, it seemed to recede the closer we got to it. It was the following day before we indulged in sliding around on steep slopes of compacted snow with its fresh cover. | ||
- | ' | + | About 4:00 pm we walked away from the parking area on Arthur' |
In the gathering chill of the early evening the pot belly stove in the centre of the room was soon alight. It provided a little warmth, but was really quite inadequate to heat a room of hall-like proportions designed | In the gathering chill of the early evening the pot belly stove in the centre of the room was soon alight. It provided a little warmth, but was really quite inadequate to heat a room of hall-like proportions designed | ||
- | to shelter many day-use skiers. Piped water and flush toilets seemed luxuries, but were really necessities to cope with numbers in winter if the place was not to become a health hazard. Party 'members slept either on the floor or on the wide benches built in around the walls; and were awoken the follOwing | + | to shelter many day-use skiers. Piped water and flush toilets seemed luxuries, but were really necessities to cope with numbers in winter if the place was not to become a health hazard. Party members slept either on the floor or on the wide benches built in around the walls; and were awoken the following |
- | Aw,ly on a day walk, we traipsed through the debris and scattered ski-tow equipment on that is essentially a downhill ski area, to the upper part of the Temple Basin; and, after a brief inspection of the other park shelter, we scrambled up the steep scree alongside the last ski-tow to the Col itself. In.a few steps we were out of a chill breeze. and into the sun on the lee slope looking down into the upper Mingha Valley. Packed snow slopes offered glissading opportunities as we slowly made our way down. The way was fairly clear and there were probably a number of routes which we could have taken. Tn fine weather, all very easy. A waterfall of about 20,m falling on rocks and then tumbling on through a 'large snowcave enticed us to inspect before we settled down to lunch in the snowgrass alongside a. small side stream. | + | Away on a day walk, we traipsed through the debris and scattered ski-tow equipment on what is essentially a downhill ski area, to the upper part of the Temple Basin; and, after a brief inspection of the other park shelter, we scrambled up the steep scree alongside the last ski-tow to the Col itself. In a few steps we were out of a chill breeze. and into the sun on the lee slope looking down into the upper Mingha Valley. Packed snow slopes offered glissading opportunities as we slowly made our way down. The way was fairly clear and there were probably a number of routes which we could have taken. Tn fine weather, all very easy. A waterfall of about 20m falling on rocks and then tumbling on through a large snowcave enticed us to inspect before we settled down to lunch in the snowgrass alongside a small side stream. |
- | Our route back was to follow the rocky watercourse of the side stream which brought us out on a ridge spur about 500 m above. For the next hour or so we walked and scrambled our way along the ridge and confirmed the description in the park handbook of ridge upon ridge of broken rock.... deep-cut valleys below", | + | Our route back was to follow the rocky watercourse of the side stream which brought us out on a ridge spur about 500m above. For the next hour or so we walked and scrambled our way along the ridge and confirmed the description in the park handbook of " |
- | Early on Saturday morning we went back to the car to move it down the highway about 500 m and start another day walk, this time up on to Rome Ridge leading to Mt. Rolleston. By late morning we were back on a leVel with the shelter which we had left in Temple Basin opposite; that is, after a short taste of scrub-bashing to reach a ridge spur clear of the bushline - it gave us a healthy respect for the sort of foliage one can encounter by moving away from acknowledged routes. An ascent of Mt. Rolleston was not contemplated - although one could say that St4ve had higher expectations than the rest of us - and after a generous break in the sun, reasonably sheltered from a chill breeze and with sweeping views into the Bealey Valley, we took the plunge down a scree slope which dropped us about 400 m to the head of the Bealey Valley. The upper slope of the scree in fine shingle enabled giant steps, although lower down the size of the rocks slowed the pace - we still descended though in about 10-15 minutes. | + | Early on Saturday morning we went back to the car to move it down the highway about 500m and start another day walk, this time up on to Rome Ridge leading to Mt. Rolleston. By late morning we were back on a level with the shelter which we had left in Temple Basin opposite; that is, after a short taste of scrub-bashing to reach a ridge spur clear of the bushline - it gave us a healthy respect for the sort of foliage one can encounter by moving away from acknowledged routes. An ascent of Mt. Rolleston was not contemplated - although one could say that Sreve had higher expectations than the rest of us - and after a generous break in the sun, reasonably sheltered from a chill breeze and with sweeping views into the Bealey Valley, we took the plunge down a scree slope which dropped us about 400m to the head of the Bealey Valley. The upper slope of the scree in fine shingle enabled giant steps, although lower down the size of the rocks slowed the pace - we still descended though in about 10-15 minutes. |
- | After lunch, it was a pleasant half-hour walk out alongside the fledgling Bealey River to the highway, after which we repaired to L.: | + | After lunch, it was a pleasant half-hour walk out alongside the fledgling Bealey River to the highway, after which we repaired to Arthur' |
- | Nap referencec: Arthurs | + | (Map reference: Arthur' |
===== Advertisement ===== | ===== Advertisement ===== | ||
==== For Sale ==== | ==== For Sale ==== | ||
- | One only " | + | __One only__ |
- | Two only " | + | |
- | Phone Bronwyn Stow - 81,1257 (H) 789,9242 (B) after 4 pm. | + | __Two only__ " |
+ | |||
+ | Phone Bronwyn Stow - 81 1257 (H) 789 9242 (B) after 4 pm. | ||
===== For the Love of the South-West ===== | ===== For the Love of the South-West ===== | ||
Line 122: | Line 122: | ||
Lift your voices. Can you hear the call of the wild? Can you feel its burning caress of tender love - the driving force of life? | Lift your voices. Can you hear the call of the wild? Can you feel its burning caress of tender love - the driving force of life? | ||
- | There are times when I am alone that I can communicate with nature itself, when I sit upon a rock and see the place of which I've dreamed, and know without a single-doubt it:is exactly as it seemed. The cold bitter wind speaks to me in whispers of' | + | There are times when I am alone that I can communicate with nature itself, when I sit upon a rock and see the place of which I've dreamed, and know without a single doubt it is exactly as it seemed. The cold bitter wind speaks to me in whispers of intimate |
===== Notes of the June and July General Meetings ===== | ===== Notes of the June and July General Meetings ===== | ||
Line 128: | Line 128: | ||
==== June ==== | ==== June ==== | ||
- | There were about 30 members present by 2018, so the President, in the chair, | + | There were about 30 members present by 2018, so the President, in the chair, |
As is sometimes the way of things there were no apologies and no new members, so we went straight to the reading of the Minutes. This was accomplished with no business arising, so we passed to Correspondence. | As is sometimes the way of things there were no apologies and no new members, so we went straight to the reading of the Minutes. This was accomplished with no business arising, so we passed to Correspondence. | ||
Line 134: | Line 134: | ||
It seems our membership is becoming mobile for there was a spate of change of address notices. Apart from these there was a letter from the Wildlife Preservation Society advising of a three week bus tour to South Australia and environs planned for later this year; and a copy of a letter which Ray Hookway has sent to the N.S.W. Minister for Sport and Recreation supporting the provision of facilities for cross-country skiing in the areas around Kosciusko National Park. The only business arising was deferred to General Business. | It seems our membership is becoming mobile for there was a spate of change of address notices. Apart from these there was a letter from the Wildlife Preservation Society advising of a three week bus tour to South Australia and environs planned for later this year; and a copy of a letter which Ray Hookway has sent to the N.S.W. Minister for Sport and Recreation supporting the provision of facilities for cross-country skiing in the areas around Kosciusko National Park. The only business arising was deferred to General Business. | ||
- | The Treasurer' | + | The Treasurer' |
- | We began with Tony Marshall' | + | We began with Tony Marshall' |
- | The following. weekend, 20,21,22 saw Barry Wallace and a team of 10 dedicated experimenters conducting rainwear tests in the drizzle and swirling mists of Bonnum Pic. Steve and Wendy Hodgman had 11 people on their Goulburn River National Park trip that same weekend. The remark that the trip "has potential as a summer walk" is to be taken at face value only. of the day walks, Roy Braithwaite reported 7 starters on a very wet and cold coastal walk which was slightly re-arranged to go from Bundeena to Audley rather than Otford. Sandy Johnston had 10 people on his Hawkesbury River walk, reported as " | + | The following weekend, 20,21,22 saw Barry Wallace and a team of 10 dedicated experimenters conducting rainwear tests in the drizzle and swirling mists of Bonnum Pic. Steve and Wendy Hodgman had 11 people on their Goulburn River National Park trip that same weekend. The remark that the trip "has potential as a summer walk" is to be taken at face value only. Of the day walks, Roy Braithwaite reported 7 starters on a very wet and cold coastal walk which was slightly re-arranged to go from Bundeena to Audley rather than Otford. Sandy Johnston had 10 people on his Hawkesbury River walk, reported as " |
- | The weekend of 27,28,29 May saw various parties struggling with the aftermath of the wet weather. Don Finch and his party of 6 found the Capertee in flood, so they walked over to the Wolgan and back. Bob Hodgson (just call me Dad!) had an interesting but different experience coping with excess waters on his Krungle-without-Bungle walk. The report of Peter Christian' | + | The weekend of 27,28,29 May saw various parties struggling with the aftermath of the wet weather. Don Finch and his party of 6 found the Capertee in flood, so they walked over to the Wolgan and back. Bob Hodgson (just call me Dad!) had an interesting but different experience coping with excess waters on his Krungle-without-Bungle walk. The report of Peter Christian' |
+ | |||
+ | Bill Capon' | ||
- | Bill Capon' | ||
Federation Report concerned a proliferation of Helipads in the Kanangra area. It seems that once you have a chopper you then have to produce uses for it. | Federation Report concerned a proliferation of Helipads in the Kanangra area. It seems that once you have a chopper you then have to produce uses for it. | ||
General Business brought a motion that we write to the N.S.W. Minister for Sport and Recreation urging that he support the provision of facilities for cross-country skiers in areas adjacent to Kosciusko National Park. After an extensive but rather confused debate the motion was carried. | General Business brought a motion that we write to the N.S.W. Minister for Sport and Recreation urging that he support the provision of facilities for cross-country skiers in areas adjacent to Kosciusko National Park. After an extensive but rather confused debate the motion was carried. | ||
- | So then it was just a matter of the announcements, | + | So then it was just a matter of the announcements, |
==== July ==== | ==== July ==== | ||
- | The meeting began at around 2013 hours with 20 or so members present | + | The meeting began at around 2013 hours with 20 or so members present |
- | The Minutes of the 'previous meeting were read. and received with the only business arising being a follow-up on the propose. | + | The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with the only business arising being a follow-up on the proposal |
- | Correspondence brought letters out to new members and to the N.S.W. Minister for Sport and Recreation urging support for the provision of facilities for cross-country skiing in the Kosciusko area. There were also letters in from Sutherland Bushwalkers regarding a planned trip to Barrington Tops and from the Beswick family fund donating $200.00 toward the Coolana property costs! | + | Correspondence brought letters out to new members and to the N.S.W. Minister for Sport and Recreation urging support for the provision of facilities for cross-country skiing in the Kosciusko area. There were also letters in from Sutherland Bushwalkers regarding a planned trip to Barrington Tops and from the Beswick family fund donating $200.00 toward the Coolana property costs. |
The Treasurer' | The Treasurer' | ||
- | David Rostron began the Talks Report with his Axe Head Range high camps extravaganza. They began with 11 starters on a snow-swept Kanangra Walls and picked up an extra bod along the way. That same weekend 10,11,12,13 June saw Ian Debert and 8- others on a base camp at Yerranderie. They reported a very snowy Friday night, but were able to climb Yerranderie Peak and Chiddys Obelisk over the weekend to retain their license. Bill Burke' | + | David Rostron began the Walks Report with his Axe Head Range high camps extravaganza. They began with 11 starters on a snow-swept Kanangra Walls and picked up an extra bod along the way. That same weekend 10,11,12,13 June saw Ian Debert and 8 others on a base camp at Yerranderie. They reported a very snowy Friday night, but were able to climb Yerranderie Peak and Chiddys Obelisk over the weekend to retain their license. Bill Burke had 16 people on his Sofala to Hill End walk. They reported beautiful, but cold, weather. There were no day walks programmed for that weekend. |
- | The following weekend 17,18,19 June saw Gordon Lee with 20 people on his Ski Touring Instructional, | + | The following weekend 17,18,19 June saw Gordon Lee with 20 people on his Ski Touring Instructional, |
- | Over the weekend of 24,25,26th June Tony Marshall led his party of 7 through Jenolan Canyon - - twice, just to make sure. George Walton' | + | Over the weekend of 24,25,26th June Tony Marshall led his party of 7 through Jenolan Canyon - - twice, just to make sure. George Walton' |
+ | |||
+ | Ainslie Morris' | ||
The following weekend, 8,9,10 July Bill Capon had 3 starters on a Somewhat modified Yalwal-Leighton Creek-Corroboree Flat-Yalwal walk, and Bill Holland reported 16 people, beaut weather and lots of water on his Shoalhaven River walk. Roy Braithwaite' | The following weekend, 8,9,10 July Bill Capon had 3 starters on a Somewhat modified Yalwal-Leighton Creek-Corroboree Flat-Yalwal walk, and Bill Holland reported 16 people, beaut weather and lots of water on his Shoalhaven River walk. Roy Braithwaite' | ||
- | Federation Report brought news that the Barrier Ranges Bushwalkers have been accepted as members of Federation, that there are conservation concern over stock routes in the Kosciusko National Park, and that information is sought regarding the establishment of a Nattai National Park. There will .be S. & R. exercises on 22,23 October 1983, 24,25 March 1984 and 23,24 June 1984. | + | Federation Report brought news that the Barrier Ranges Bushwalkers have been accepted as members of Federation, that there are conservation concern over stock routes in the Kosciusko National Park, and that information is sought regarding the establishment of a Nattai National Park. There will be S. & R. exercises on 22,23 October 1983, 24,25 March 1984 and 23,24 June 1984. |
- | There was no General Business and the meeting closed at 2106 hours.- | + | There was no General Business and the meeting closed at 2106 hours. |
===== Letter to the Editor ===== | ===== Letter to the Editor ===== | ||
Line 178: | Line 181: | ||
We haven' | We haven' | ||
- | Bill Gamble' | + | Bill Gamble' |
- | I remember.,oneS.B.W. one-day walk from Heathcote via Karloo Pool and Uloola Falls to Waterfall. As it was. Such:an easy walk of course we had a large party that was well strung out,. Whenwe | + | I remember |
- | Best wishes to you and all the present active members of the Sydney Bush.-7Talkers.. ' | + | Best wishes to you and all the present active members of the Sydney Bush Walkers. |
+ | From Dorothy Lawry. | ||
- | Reprinted from The Ramblers | + | Reprinted from The Ramblers |
- | =====A Fable ===== | + | =====A Fable ===== |
by F. W. Thomas | by F. W. Thomas | ||
| Frederick Foljambe Fotheringai | | | Frederick Foljambe Fotheringai | | ||
| Went for a picnic one fine day. | | | Went for a picnic one fine day. | | ||
- | | Under the'trees he ate his meal | | + | | Under the trees he ate his meal | |
- | | Leaving a lot of bahana | + | | Leaving a lot of banana |
| Empty tins and a paper bag, | | | Empty tins and a paper bag, | | ||
| Tidying up was too much fag. | | | Tidying up was too much fag. | | ||
Line 201: | Line 205: | ||
| | Here's a job that will suit you fine, | | | | Here's a job that will suit you fine, | | ||
| |Tidying up this place of mine." | | | |Tidying up this place of mine." | | ||
- | | Frederick Foljambe | + | | Frederick Foljambe |
| For ever and ever and aye, | | | For ever and ever and aye, | | ||
| Spends his time and pays for his sins | | | Spends his time and pays for his sins | | ||
| Pursuing elusive banana skins, | | | Pursuing elusive banana skins, | | ||
- | | Armed_with_a | + | | Armed with a stick without a nail, | |
- | | BsIitter | + | | He chases litter |
| Shoving the pieces when he's got 'em | | | Shoving the pieces when he's got 'em | | ||
| Into a basket without any bottom. | | | Into a basket without any bottom. | | ||
- | ===== Trucking | + | ===== Trekking |
by Wal Liddle | by Wal Liddle | ||
__At O' | __At O' | ||
- | The many birds that raided our larder made our breakfast the next morning a sheer delight. Our light blue ground sheet was covered with red and blue rosellas, black and white magpies, and a couple of scrub turkeys feeding on scraps of bread. The cheekier birds would eat the cereal from oul bowls if not shooed away. | + | The many birds that raided our larder made our breakfast the next morning a sheer delight. Our light blue ground sheet was covered with red and blue rosellas, black and white magpies, and a couple of scrub turkeys feeding on scraps of bread. The cheekier birds would eat the cereal from our bowls if not shooed away. |
- | The walkers then packed for a 3-day hike without the benefits of a support vehicle. Pat and Mark shared the main load, consisting of food and tents, for the whole group.' | + | The walkers then packed for a 3-day hike without the benefits of a support vehicle. Pat and Mark shared the main load, consisting of food and tents, for the whole group. I estimated that they were carrying 40 lbs each. Mark was advised to leave his leggings and hard hat behind but he would not part with the briefcase. His excuse was that he might have time to finish his thesis for the New England University. Before leaving we visited the Botanical Gardens which consisted of terraced gardens behind the Guest House, laid out with native and exotic plants. |
The party left O' | The party left O' | ||
Line 224: | Line 228: | ||
At 1:30 Bill and I joined the rest of the group at Echo Lookout for lunch before trekking on to Mt. Wupawn and Mt. Durigan. | At 1:30 Bill and I joined the rest of the group at Echo Lookout for lunch before trekking on to Mt. Wupawn and Mt. Durigan. | ||
- | Late that afternoon a distinct recurring mee-ow sound was heard by our party. The call was not that of a feral cat but came from a Catbird | + | Late that afternoon a distinct recurring mee-ow sound was heard by our party. The call was not that of a feral cat but came from a Cathird |
- | We arrived at Rat-a-Tat Hut at 5.00 pm and divested ourselves of our packs. The hut is a 3-sided roofed shelter sheeted with corrugated iron located in a clearing surrounded by tall trees. | + | We arrived at Rat-a-Tat Hut at 5:00 pm and divested ourselves of our packs. The hut is a 3-sided roofed shelter sheeted with corrugated iron located in a clearing surrounded by tall trees. |
Graham was delegated to fetch our water from a nearby rivulet. As he was filling the water bags he noticed a movement under one of the rocks. Returning to camp he cadged a piece of meat which he placed on a stick and used to coax out a magnificent white yabbie with blue stripes. It was approximately 10" long with two huge claws protruding from its armoured carapace. Graham brought it back to camp and placed it in a corral of stones near the campfire. He then showed different members of the party how to carry the yabbie with safety and without injuring the creature. Eventually we released the yabbie near where it was caught. | Graham was delegated to fetch our water from a nearby rivulet. As he was filling the water bags he noticed a movement under one of the rocks. Returning to camp he cadged a piece of meat which he placed on a stick and used to coax out a magnificent white yabbie with blue stripes. It was approximately 10" long with two huge claws protruding from its armoured carapace. Graham brought it back to camp and placed it in a corral of stones near the campfire. He then showed different members of the party how to carry the yabbie with safety and without injuring the creature. Eventually we released the yabbie near where it was caught. | ||
- | As the darkness descended an earthen bank at the side of the clearing came aglow wblue-purple pinpoints of light. The light came from thousands of glow worms which lived amongst the green moss and ferns, but were | + | As the darkness descended an earthen bank at the side of the clearing came aglow with blue-purple pinpoints of light. The light came from thousands of glow worms which lived amongst the green moss and ferns, but were |
- | indisinguishable | + | indistinguishable |
- | Most of the party elected to sleep on the packed earth in the ht whilst two made up their beds in the open, but in the middle of the night the two toughies came inside because of heavy showers. The showers | + | Most of the party elected to sleep on the packed earth in the hut whilst two made up their beds in the open, but in the middle of the night the two toughies came inside because of heavy showers. The showers |
- | The walkers left Rat-a-Tat at 8.45 and trekked towards | + | The walkers left Rat-a-Tat at 8:45 and trekked towards |
- | We arrived at Kalinya Lookout overlooking the Tweed Valley at noon and partook of lunch. | + | We arrived at Kalinya Lookout overlooking the Tweed Valley at noon and partook of lunch. The afternoon proved to be very humid and oppressive with sweat pouring off all the walkers. Most of us were in shorts with some of the men stripped down to singlets or bare tops. |
- | The afternoon proved to be very humid and oppressive with sweat pouring off all the walkers. Most of us were in shorts with some of the men stripped down to singlets or bare tops. | + | |
- | As we traversed a ridge on top of the mountain storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. At 2.30 the dark clouds were moving closer accompanied by lightning flashes and thunder claps. At 3 pm the storm had nearly reached the ridge and most of us stopped to don our rain gear. Shortly after the storm burst upon us with all its fury.- First there came heavy torrential rain and lightning accompanied by a strong wind. Although I was protected by a parka my sleeping bag was in the haversack without a waterproof cover. Joyce came to the rescue with a large orange ground sheet which I held over my head and the haversack. | + | As we traversed a ridge on top of the mountain storm clouds were gathering on the horizon. At 2:30 the dark clouds were moving closer accompanied by lightning flashes and thunder claps. At 3 pm the storm had nearly reached the ridge and most of us stopped to don our rain gear. Shortly after the storm burst upon us with all its fury. First there came heavy torrential rain and lightning accompanied by a strong wind. Although I was protected by a parka my sleeping bag was in the haversack without a waterproof cover. Joyce came to the rescue with a large orange ground sheet which I held over my head and the haversack. |
- | After what seemed hours. the rain gave way to a hail storm. The hail pelted down, cutting the leaves and small twigs from the trees, changing the earthen path surroundings into a dark green carpet. Fifteen minutes later the green carpet had changed to a white one with hailstones | + | After what seemed hours the rain gave way to a hail storm. The hail pelted down, cutting the leaves and small twigs from the trees, changing the earthen path surroundings into a dark green carpet. Fifteen minutes later the green carpet had changed to a white one with hailstones |
Mark had been caught by the rain in only singlet and shorts and his clothing was wet under his rain cape. A bout of shivering came on him. He realised that it was a malarial fever attack, a legacy of his earlier years in the tropical north of Queensland. We made room for Mark under the groundsheet and huddled close together trying to keep him warm. | Mark had been caught by the rain in only singlet and shorts and his clothing was wet under his rain cape. A bout of shivering came on him. He realised that it was a malarial fever attack, a legacy of his earlier years in the tropical north of Queensland. We made room for Mark under the groundsheet and huddled close together trying to keep him warm. | ||
- | The hail ceased after a while but a light drizzle had set in. We 'decided to push on and I picked up Mark's large haversack which contained our main supplies. Our conversation had turned to aborting the expedition via Xmas Creek because of Mark's condition and the weather. | + | The hail ceased after a while but a light drizzle had set in. We decided to push on and I picked up Mark's large haversack which contained our main supplies. Our conversation had turned to aborting the expedition via Xmas Creek because of Mark's condition and the weather. |
- | + | ||
- | The.track had nearly been obliterated by the leaves and hailstones. The afternoon light was fading as we came to a large clearing. Pat was endeavouring to start :3 fire boy scout fashion, by setting small twigs and branches upright in the shape or an indian wigwam with the fire underneath. | + | |
- | The prospect looked very dismal for the campers because of a dark overcast sky, a chill penetrating wind and damp ground underfoot. The tents were pitched whilst some looked for suitable firewood and others volunteered to fetch water for the evening meal. These tasks proved to be very difficult as suitable fallen limbs were scarce and the creek was at the bottom of a steep, slippery slope. | + | The track had nearly been obliterated by the leaves and hailstones. The afternoon light was fading as we came to a large clearing. Pat was endeavouring to start a fire boy scout fashion, by setting small twigs and branches upright in the shape or an Indian wigwam with the fire underneath. |
After an hour the rain ceased. Mark seemed to have partly recovered. He looked rather odd in Mary's angora jumper. Pat had prepared a delicious tuna mornay which was wolfed down by the whole group. The first course was followed by tinned peaches and cream. Most of the campers slept that night in damp clothes with no chance of getting their belongings or sandshoes dry. | After an hour the rain ceased. Mark seemed to have partly recovered. He looked rather odd in Mary's angora jumper. Pat had prepared a delicious tuna mornay which was wolfed down by the whole group. The first course was followed by tinned peaches and cream. Most of the campers slept that night in damp clothes with no chance of getting their belongings or sandshoes dry. | ||
Line 258: | Line 259: | ||
After breakfast the walkers were surprised to see Bill with his haversack on ready for departure. Without warning he bade us all goodbye. He gave no reason for his sudden decision to return home. My assumption from conversation I had with him over a two day period was that he did not feel safe in the Australian bush. He was familiar with the German and Swiss forests where there are well-marked tracks, shelter huts and roads and railways close by. | After breakfast the walkers were surprised to see Bill with his haversack on ready for departure. Without warning he bade us all goodbye. He gave no reason for his sudden decision to return home. My assumption from conversation I had with him over a two day period was that he did not feel safe in the Australian bush. He was familiar with the German and Swiss forests where there are well-marked tracks, shelter huts and roads and railways close by. | ||
- | The party then proceeded down a steep gully to the Stinson wreck, where olive-green tubular steel trusses protruded from the undergrowth. One of the wheel struts lay nearby. Small pieces of broken | + | The party then proceeded down a steep gully to the Stinson wreck, where olive-green tubular steel trusses protruded from the undergrowth. One of the wheel struts lay nearby. Small pieces of broken window glass were found by one of the walkers. A plaque set in concrete marked the scene of the crash. The inscription read:- "This plaque marks the spot where the Stinson Airliner ' |
- | A white wooden cross nearby was marked:- " | + | A white wooden cross nearby was marked:- " |
Three passengers survived the crash - Westray, Bunstead and Proud. Westray, a young New Zealander, decided to go for help only to fall over a cliff and die in the bush. The other two survivors lived on the berries from the walking stick palm and water collected from Xmas Creek. | Three passengers survived the crash - Westray, Bunstead and Proud. Westray, a young New Zealander, decided to go for help only to fall over a cliff and die in the bush. The other two survivors lived on the berries from the walking stick palm and water collected from Xmas Creek. | ||
- | The papers of the day and the aviation authorities had given up the Stinson as lost. People had sighted what they thought to be the plane everywhere from the Queensland border to the Hawkesbury River.' | + | The papers of the day and the aviation authorities had given up the Stinson as lost. People had sighted what they thought to be the plane everywhere from the Queensland border to the Hawkesbury River. |
After eight days and differing radio and press reports, Bernard O' | After eight days and differing radio and press reports, Bernard O' | ||
- | He packed some supplies which consisted of bread and butter, onions, sugar and tea, and mounted his horse ready for the journey to Mount Bethongabel. Here he sent the mare home and proceeded by f6ot through the trackless jungle. On the morning of the second day O' | + | He packed some supplies which consisted of bread and butter, onions, sugar and tea, and mounted his horse ready for the journey to Mount Bethongabel. Here he sent the mare home and proceeded by f6ot through the trackless jungle. On the morning of the second day O' |
After returning to camp from the wreck we were able to see the stretcher track, approximately 4 feet wide, which is maintained free from undergrowth to this day. | After returning to camp from the wreck we were able to see the stretcher track, approximately 4 feet wide, which is maintained free from undergrowth to this day. | ||
- | Our party arrived at Tyalgum Valley Lookout at 9.30 where the hailstones on the track were thick underfoot, The track from here on became indistinct and we had to fan out meny times to find one of the tree blazes. Wherever a break in the rain forest canopy occurred, the undergrowth was thick and tangled because of the life-accelerating effects of the sunlight. The undergrowth was wet and we had to stop at intervals to extricate ourselves from the lawyer vines that got caught in our clothing and flesh. This proved to be very painful at times, Allegedly lawyer vines were given this name by the early settlers because once they got their hooks into you you would never get them out. | + | Our party arrived at Tyalgum Valley Lookout at 9:30 where the hailstones on the track were thick underfoot. The track from here on became indistinct and we had to fan out many times to find one of the tree blazes. Wherever a break in the rain forest canopy occurred, the undergrowth was thick and tangled because of the life-accelerating effects of the sunlight. The undergrowth was wet and we had to stop at intervals to extricate ourselves from the lawyer vines that got caught in our clothing and flesh. This proved to be very painful at times, Allegedly lawyer vines were given this name by the early settlers because once they got their hooks into you you would never get them out. |
We passed a number of antarctic beeches, a huge gnarled tree with buttressed arched roots that meet the trunk metres above the ground. These trees are thought to be thousands of years old and are a relic from a colder epoch. They usually occur at higher altitudes and are found in Victoria, Tasmania, New Zealand, South America and the New Guinea Highlands. | We passed a number of antarctic beeches, a huge gnarled tree with buttressed arched roots that meet the trunk metres above the ground. These trees are thought to be thousands of years old and are a relic from a colder epoch. They usually occur at higher altitudes and are found in Victoria, Tasmania, New Zealand, South America and the New Guinea Highlands. | ||
Line 277: | Line 278: | ||
At one stage we became disoriented and found ourselves heading in the opposite direction to our compass course. The group had just passed through a cleft in two large rocks which Pat recognised from our earlier wanderings. The mistake was confirmed, by reference to the area map. | At one stage we became disoriented and found ourselves heading in the opposite direction to our compass course. The group had just passed through a cleft in two large rocks which Pat recognised from our earlier wanderings. The mistake was confirmed, by reference to the area map. | ||
- | Some time after lunch the track became defined again and at 2.30 pm we arrived at a signpost which pointed to O' | + | Some time after lunch the track became defined again and at 2:30 pm we arrived at a signpost which pointed to O' |
- | At 5 pm the party emerged from the bush onto Forest Road. Here we were met by Peter Ma7woll, a ForesLry | + | At 5 pm the party emerged from the bush onto Forest Road. Here we were met by Peter Maxwell, a Forestry |
That night we camped in cold, overcast conditions in a clearing at the Border Lookout. | That night we camped in cold, overcast conditions in a clearing at the Border Lookout. | ||
- | The next morning we rejoined the mini-bus and were driven to the Tweed Valley Lookout, 940 metres above sea level. Here a notice | + | The next morning we rejoined the mini-bus and were driven to the Tweed Valley Lookout, 940 metres above sea level. Here a notice |
- | We arrived at Kyogie at 1,45 and sat down to a counter lunch, a welcome change from our bush repasts At 5 pm we escorted Joyce to the railway station and climbed aboard the bus for our journey back to Brisbane. | + | We arrived at Kyogie at 1:45 and sat down to a counter lunch, a welcome change from our bush repasts At 5 pm we escorted Joyce to the railway station and climbed aboard the bus for our journey back to Brisbane. |
===== Bush Walkers and the Big Bang ===== | ===== Bush Walkers and the Big Bang ===== |
198308.txt · Last modified: 2016/03/25 15:22 by kclacher