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198308 [2016/03/22 16:55] – kclacher198308 [2016/03/24 11:34] – [The Sydney Bushwalker] kclacher
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 |**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, 2118.  Telephone 871-1207.| |**Business Manager**|Bill Burke, 3 Coral Tree Drive, Carlingford, 2118.  Telephone 871-1207.|
-|**Production Manager**| Helen Gray.|+|**Production Manager**| Helen Gray|
 |**Typist**| Kath Brown| |**Typist**| Kath Brown|
 |**Duplicator Operator**|Phil Butt| |**Duplicator Operator**|Phil Butt|
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 | 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|
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 ==== For Sale ==== ==== For Sale ====
  
-One only "Norrona" two-man tunnel tent, "Skarstint" model, weight 2.8 kg, colour dark green, suitable for all conditions, AS NEW - $300. (Refer 1st issue of "Wild" magazine for review - cost over 43600 new.) +__One only__ "Norrona" two-man tunnel __tent__, "Skarstint" model, weight 2.8 kg, colour dark green, suitable for all conditions, as new - $300. (Refer 1st issue of "Wild" magazine for review - cost over $600 new.)
-Two only "Mountain Design" sleeping bags, "Ski Tourer" model, tulip shape; full: zip, gortex foot, rated :to minus 15o approximate weight 1.9 kg, AS NEW - $200 each.+
  
-Phone Bronwyn Stow - 81,1257 (H) 789,9242 (B) after 4 pm.+__Two only__ "Mountain Design" sleeping bags, "Ski Tourer" model, tulip shape; full zip, Goretex foot, rated to minus 15<sup>0</sup> approximate weight 1.9 kg, as new - $200 each. 
 + 
 +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 =====
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 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'intitate love, enveloping and carre4sing my body. 1%11y eyes reflect the awesome power of creation. I am not dying in the.night. I am not looking for the light. I have found the light in the . South-West. It is the tie that binds me to my Maker.+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 love, enveloping and caressing my body. My eyes reflect the awesome power of creation. I am not dying in the night. I am not looking for the light. I have found the light in the South-West. It is the tie that binds me to my Maker.
  
 ===== Notes of the June and July General Meetings ===== ===== Notes of the June and July General Meetings =====
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 ==== June ==== ==== June ====
-There were about 30 members present by 2018, so the President, in the chair, ganged the gong (this time with a wooden spoon, you will all be relieved. to know) and called the meeting to order.+There were about 30 members present by 2018, so the President, in the chair, gonged the gong (this time with a wooden spoon, you will all be relieved. to know) and called the meeting to order.
  
 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.
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 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's Report indicated that we began the month with 42005.76, spent $1161.11, earned or otherwise acquired. 4856.50 and ended up with $1701.15. All of which brought us to the heady stuff of which Walks Reports are wrought.+The Treasurer's Report indicated that we began the month with $2005.76, spent $1161.11, earned or otherwise acquired $856.50 and ended up with $1701.15. All of which brought us to the heady stuff of which Walks Reports are wrought.
  
-We began with Tony Marshall's Kanangra trip over the weekend of 13,1445 May. It was reported as a good trip, with 12 plus one starters. Gem Gagne's Coolana gourmet weekend was a case of biting off more than one could chew. It did not go. Jim Brown, on the other hand, reported 27 people on his Springwood day walk, which he described as a very nice trip. Geoff Bridge's Bobbin Head to Berowra trip had who knows how many starters, but 25 people finished, apparently in jig time, at 1430. Pulse and respiration rates were not disclosed, and final casualty figures are not available at time of writing.+We began with Tony Marshall's Kanangra trip over the weekend of 13,14,15 May. It was reported as a good trip, with 12 plus one starters. Gem Gagne's Coolana gourmet weekend was a case of biting off more than one could chew. It did not go. Jim Brown, on the other hand, reported 27 people on his Springwood day walk, which he described as a very nice trip. Geoff Bridge's Bobbin Head to Berowra trip had who knows how many starters, but 25 people finished, apparently in jig time, at 1430. Pulse and respiration rates were not disclosed, and final casualty figures are not available at time of writing.
  
-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 "satisfactory, with good views from Berowra trig".+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 "satisfactory, with good views from Berowra trig".
  
-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's day walk in Royal National Park brought forth a veritable spate of mixed - - um - -well anyway, one of the more memorable was that under the prevailing wet conditions "anti-leech repellents were soon in fall spate". The party of 28 seems to have ended up at various places at various timea.. Talk to John Newman if you want more Of the same. David Ingram's Wahroonga to North Turramurra walk attracted 18 starters and was described somewhat more succinctly as "nice".+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's day walk in Royal National Park brought forth a veritable spate of mixed - - um - -well anyway, one of the more memorable was that under the prevailing wet conditions "anti-leech repellents were soon in fall spate". The party of 28 seems to have ended up at various places at various times. Talk to John Newman if you want more Of the same. David Ingram's Wahroonga to North Turramurra walk attracted 18 starters and was described somewhat more succinctly as "nice". 
 + 
 +Bill Capon's walk from Yalwal over the weekend of 3,4,5 June had damper for lunch, a fine sunny Sunday afternoon, and 11 starters. Don and Jenny Cornell had 8 people on their Kowmung trip that same weekend and of the day walks Brian Bolton's Waterfall to Bundeena via Forest Island attracted 20 people who were rained on for their trouble, and Peter Christian had 12 people on an uneventful ramble in the Maroota State Forest.
  
-Bill Capon's walk from Yalwal over the weekend of 3,4,5 June had damper for lunch, a fine sunny Sunday afternoon, and 11 starters. Don and Jenny Cornell had 8 people on their Kowmung trip' that same weekend and of the day walks Brian Bolton's 'Waterfall to Bundeena via Forest Island attracted 20 people who were rained on for their trouble, and Peter Christian had 12 people on an uneventful ramble in the Maroota State Forest. 
 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, and it was all over.:. for another month at 2116.+So then it was just a matter of the announcements, and it was all over for another month at 2116.
  
 ==== July ==== ==== July ====
- The meeting began at around 2013 hours with 20 or so members present and-the President in the chair. There were apologies from Bob Sames and John Newman. New members Bronny Niemeyer, Jan McLean, Edith Townsend and Daksh Baweja were present to receive badge, constitution and applause, but Wendy Allan was not there to answer the call.+The meeting began at around 2013 hours with 20 or so members present andthe President in the chair. There were apologies from Bob Sames and John Newman. New members Bronny Niemeyer, Jan McLean, Edith Townsend and Daksh Baweja were present to receive badge, constitution and applause, but Wendy Allan was not there to answer the call.
  
-The Minutes of the 'previous meeting were read. and received with the only business arising being a follow-up on the propose. to levy member clubs of the South West Tasmania Coalition. It seems Federation plans to offer support for the Coalition as well.+The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with the only business arising being a follow-up on the proposal to levy member clubs of the South West Tasmania Coalition. It seems Federation plans to offer support for the Coalition as well.
  
-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's Report brought news that we began the month with $1701.15 earned $524.80, spent $105.89 and ended the month with $2120.06. The Treasurer's Report brought news that we began the month with $1701.15 earned $524.80, spent $105.89 and ended the month with $2120.06.
  
-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' 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.+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, reporting a rainy Sunday, and Peter Harris and his two starters diverting to' 100Man Cave to escape the snow an Kanangra Tops and environs. . Steve and Wendy Hodgman had 6 cyclists on their Moss Vale to Nowra by bike --- er --- walk(?), and of the day Walks Jim Brown had 8 people and a soggy day in the hills behind Coal Cliff, and Jo Van Sommers reported rainy conditions and 19 starters an her Waterfall to Engadine ramble.+The following weekend 17,18,19 June saw Gordon Lee with 20 people on his Ski Touring Instructional, reporting a rainy Sunday, and Peter Harris and his two starters diverting to 100 Man Cave to escape the snow on Kanangra Tops and environs. Steve and Wendy Hodgman had 6 cyclists on their Moss Vale to Nowra by bike --- er --- walk(?), and of the day Walks Jim Brown had 8 people and a soggy day in the hills behind Coal Cliff, and Jo Van Sommers reported rainy conditions and 19 starters an her Waterfall to Engadine ramble.
  
-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's Coxs River walk had 11 people covering similar ground, but only once. Ralph Pengliss reported 35 people on his Sydney Harbour day walk, and Roy Braithwaite reported 20 starters on his Cowan to Brooklyn trip. Ainslie Morris' Bundanoon Y.H.A. base camp walk had 9 starters spending part of their time ridging bikes over the weekend of 2,3rd July, and Gordon Lee's rockscrambling and abseiling,instructianal attracted two takers for the rockscrambling and 10 for abseiling. Errol Sheedy's Bundeena to Waterfall day walk did not go, but Peter Christian reported 27 people, and a raugl but truncated walk for his Canoe Lands Ridge to Duck Ponds Ridge and return trip.+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's Coxs River walk had 11 people covering similar ground, but only once. Ralph Pengliss reported 35 people on his Sydney Harbour day walk, and Roy Braithwaite reported 20 starters on his Cowan to Brooklyn trip.  
 + 
 +Ainslie Morris' Bundanoon Y.H.A. base camp walk had 9 starters spending part of their time riding bikes over the weekend of 2,3rd July, and Gordon Lee's rock scrambling and abseiling instructional attracted two takers for the rock scrambling and 10 for abseiling. Errol Sheedy's Bundeena to Waterfall day walk did not go, but Peter Christian reported 27 people, and a rough but truncated walk for his Canoelands Ridge to Duck Ponds Ridge and return trip.
  
 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's Lilyvale to Burning Palms day walk did not go (due to the train strike), but Kath Brown had 8 starters on an easy trip from Glenbrook to Glenbrook via Red Hands Cave. All of which brought the Walks Report to a close. 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's Lilyvale to Burning Palms day walk did not go (due to the train strike), but Kath Brown had 8 starters on an easy trip from Glenbrook to Glenbrook via Red Hands Cave. All of which brought the Walks Report to a close.
  
-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 =====
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 We haven't met because I am now an Honorary Member of the S.B.W. confined to a wheelchair in a nursing home. Back in the 1930s for a couple of years I had the job you are now doing so well.  I always look forward to my copies of our magazine and have just received the June issue, which I particularly enjoyed. We haven't met because I am now an Honorary Member of the S.B.W. confined to a wheelchair in a nursing home. Back in the 1930s for a couple of years I had the job you are now doing so well.  I always look forward to my copies of our magazine and have just received the June issue, which I particularly enjoyed.
  
-Bill Gamble's article on Page 9 Illy Favourite Garbage Dump" I feel should be answered. When I was the editor the Club exchanged magazines in various countries and from one copy of that of the British Ramb16s Club I copied a poem which travelled round the world in those of the Atoachian Club of U.S.A., of The Taraiva Tramping Club of. Wellington N.Z. aijid. probably many others as well as The Sydney.Bushwalker. It is called "A F ble" and I suggest you republish is; and also send, a copy to the N.P.ec W.S. o they can have it put up on noticeboards near Karloo Pool and along the t ack to Uloola Falls, etc.+Bill Gamble's article on Page 9 "My Favourite Garbage Dump" I feel should be answered. When I was the editor the Club exchanged magazines in various countries and from one copy of that of the British Ramblers Club I copied a poem which travelled round the world in those of the Appalachian Club of U.S.A., of The Tararua Tramping Club of Wellington N.Z. and probably many others as well as The Sydney Bushwalker. It is called "A Fable" and I suggest you republish it and also send a copy to the N.P.W.S. so they can have it put up on noticeboards near Karloo Pool and along the track to Uloola Falls, etc.
  
-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 at ft.h:ehead reached the flat above the Fails it was evident picnickers had been there. It was filthy with sheets of newspapers blowing across it etc. etc. By the time the tail of 'bur party feaehed.us we had it all cleared away and the place looking as.it should again.+I remember one S.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. When we at the head reached the flat above the Fails it was evident picnickers had been there. It was filthy with sheets of newspapers blowing across it etc. etc. By the time the tail of our party reached us we had it all cleared away and the place looking as it should again.
  
-Best wishes to you and all the present active members of the Sydney Bush.-7Talkers.. ' From Dorothy Lawry.+Best wishes to you and all the present active members of the Sydney Bush Walkers. 
 +From Dorothy Lawry.
  
-Reprinted from The Ramblers Handbdolq Southern. Federation, 1938 Edition, official year book.:6f The Southern and the'WeSt of England Federation of the Ramblers Associatipn._+Reprinted from The Ramblers Handbook, Southern Federation, 1938 Edition, official year book of The Southern and the West of England Federation of the Ramblers Association.
  
- =====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 peel, |+| Leaving a lot of banana peel, |
 | Empty tins and a paper bag, | | Empty tins and a paper bag, |
 | Tidying up was too much fag. | | Tidying up was too much fag. |
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 | | 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 Fdtheringai |+| Frederick Foljambe Fotheringai |
 | 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 stick without a nail, | +| Armed with a stick without a nail, | 
-| BsIitter in half:''a' gale, |+| He chases litter in half a  gale, |
 | 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 Through The McPherson Ranges, November 1982   Part II =====+===== Trekking Through The McPherson Ranges, November 1982   Part II =====
 by Wal Liddle by Wal Liddle
  
 __At O'Reillys__  __At O'Reillys__ 
-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.' I estimated that they were carrying 40 lbs each. Mask 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 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'Reillys "Green Mountains" at 9:30 to the call of a lyrebird echoing in the bush. Not long after departure a huge fat lizard lumbered across the track in front of us. It was black with a grey underbelly. This creature was the Australian Land Mullet which is the largest land lizard in the continent and can grow to 18 inches long. The party left O'Reillys "Green Mountains" at 9:30 to the call of a lyrebird echoing in the bush. Not long after departure a huge fat lizard lumbered across the track in front of us. It was black with a grey underbelly. This creature was the Australian Land Mullet which is the largest land lizard in the continent and can grow to 18 inches long.
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 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 in the forest on our left. A number of us tried to get a glimpse of the bird by tracing the sound but it was too elusive. Mark said that the plumage is bright, almost iridescent green., spotted with white.+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 in the forest on our left. A number of us tried to get a glimpse of the bird by tracing the sound but it was too elusive. Mark said that the plumage is bright, almost iridescent green, spotted with white.
  
-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 by day.+indistinguishable by day.
  
-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 :'aad cleared by dawn and the morning presaged a warm hot day.+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 had cleared by dawn and the morning presaged a hot day.
  
-The walkers left Rat-a-Tat at 8.45 and trekked towards Taal Lookout and onwards to Mt. Throakban. Soon after le'wing the mountain on an ever- narrowing path we came to the Roberts Survey Tree which had a large triangle blaze on the trunk. Mark indicated that the tree would have been blazed in approximately the year 1860 by the original Government Surveyor.+The walkers left Rat-a-Tat at 8:45 and trekked towards Ukai Lookout and onwards to Mt. Throakban. Soon after leaving the mountain on an ever-narrowing path we came to the Roberts Survey Tree which had a large triangle blaze on the trunk. Mark indicated that the tree would have been blazed in approximately the year 1860 by the original Government Surveyor.
  
-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 g" deep underfoot. In a short time the temperature had dropped from 32<sup>0</sup> C to 15<sup>0</sup> C.+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 2" deep underfoot. In a short time the temperature had dropped from 32<sup>0</sup> C to 15<sup>0</sup> C.
  
 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. 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.
  
 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.
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 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 -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 'VH-UHH, City of Brisbane, crashed on 19-2-37 and where two survivors sat for 10 days until found by Bernard O'Reilly. We remember the Stinson - a pathfinder at the damn of commercial aviation in Australia."+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 'VH-UHH, City of Brisbane, crashed on 19-2-37 and where two survivors sat for 10 days until found by Bernard O'Reilly. We remember the Stinson - a pathfinder at the dawn of commercial aviation in Australia."
  
-A white wooden cross nearby was marked:- "In memorium Capt. Rex Boyden died in Stinson crash 19-2-37." Three smaller silver plaques set in stone and concrete were marked:- "Flying Officer Beverley Shepherd - William Walden, Fountain, New York - James Roland Graham, Sydney."+A white wooden cross nearby was marked:- "In memoriam Capt. Rex Boyden died in Stinson crash 19-2-37." Three smaller silver plaques set in stone and concrete were marked:- "Flying Officer Beverley Shepherd - William Walden, Fountain, New York - James Roland Graham, Sydney."
  
 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'Reilly contacted one of his neighbours who thought that the plane had crashed in the McPerson Ranges. O'Reilly decided that his neighbour's story was authentic, particularly as there had been no reports of the plane's arrival at Lismore Airport. O'Reilly produced an aerial survey map of the area and plotted destination lines on it. He deduced that the plane could have crashed on one of four high mountain ranges in the district. After eight days and differing radio and press reports, Bernard O'Reilly contacted one of his neighbours who thought that the plane had crashed in the McPerson Ranges. O'Reilly decided that his neighbour's story was authentic, particularly as there had been no reports of the plane's arrival at Lismore Airport. O'Reilly produced an aerial survey map of the area and plotted destination lines on it. He deduced that the plane could have crashed on one of four high mountain ranges in the district.
  
-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'Reilly was an the top of Mount Throakban looking out over the three remaining mountain ranges. Eight miles away on the third range, Lamington Plateau, he sighted a burnt out tree which confirmed his theory. fight hours later he found the survivors who *were in Very poor' condition, one of whom had a broken leg. With help from all over the district a rescue party was organised which cut a stretcher path through the forest. Bunstead and Proud were lifted out over the next two days.+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'Reilly was an the top of Mount Throakban looking out over the three remaining mountain ranges. Eight miles away on the third range, Lamington Plateau, he sighted a burnt out tree which confirmed his theory. Eight hours later he found the survivors who were in very poor condition, one of whom had a broken leg. With help from all over the district a rescue party was organised which cut a stretcher path through the forest. Bunstead and Proud were lifted out over the next two days.
 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.
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 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'Gradys Creek. It was evident that we were leaving the rainforest area because of the stands of eucalypt trees that surrounded. us. At 4.30 we arrived at O'Gradys Falls and stopped to admire the surrounding black and grey rock formations. Tall lilies grew on the edge of a large pool above the falls. These lilies known as Helm Holtzia have light and dark green stems on which grow profuse pink and white flowers. +Some time after lunch the track became defined again and at 2:30 pm we arrived at a signpost which pointed to O'Gradys Creek. It was evident that we were leaving the rainforest area because of the stands of eucalypt trees that surrounded us. At 4:30 we arrived at O'Gradys Falls and stopped to admire the surrounding black and grey rock formations. Tall lilies grew on the edge of a large pool above the falls. These lilies known as Helm Holtzia have light and dark green stems on which grow profuse pink and white flowers. 
  
-At 5 pm the party emerged from the bush onto Forest Road. Here we were met by Peter Ma7woll, a ForesLry Commission Ranger. He drew the leaders aside and engaged them in earnest conversation. Pat later told us the story. Bill had assumed that we would get lost because of "poor leadership, inadequate maps and equipment. He had raised the alarm on reaching civilisation and the Forestry Commission had been alerted.+At 5 pm the party emerged from the bush onto Forest Road. Here we were met by Peter Maxwell, a Forestry Commission Ranger. He drew the leaders aside and engaged them in earnest conversation. Pat later told us the story. Bill had assumed that we would get lost because of "poor leadership, inadequate maps and equipment". He had raised the alarm on reaching civilisation and the Forestry Commission had been alerted.
  
 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 proclaimea: "We now saw the breakers again, their situation may always be found by the peaked mountain which bears SW byW from them End on their account I have named it Mt. Warning - Lt. Cook RN - 16 May 1770."+The next morning we rejoined the mini-bus and were driven to the Tweed Valley Lookout, 940 metres above sea level. Here a notice proclaims: "We now saw the breakers again, their situation may always be found by the peaked mountain which bears SW by W from them and on their account I have named it Mt. Warning - Lt. Cook RN - 16 May 1770."
  
-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
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