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198406 [2014/12/18 18:17] kclacher198406 [2015/08/06 12:51] (current) – [MOON MADNESS] sbw
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 |Duplicator Operators  |Phil Butt and Barbara Evans  | |Duplicator Operators  |Phil Butt and Barbara Evans  |
  
-==== JUNE1984====+==== JUNE 1984 ====
  
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 |Obituary - Anice Duncan  |Dot Butler  |   7| |Obituary - Anice Duncan  |Dot Butler  |   7|
 |Eastwood Camping Centre Advertisement  |    8| |Eastwood Camping Centre Advertisement  |    8|
-|Moon Madness - S.&..R Night Shift  |Gordon Lee  |   9|+|Moon Madness - S.& R. Night Shift  |Gordon Lee  |   9|
 |Editor's Quiz Question  |  |  11| |Editor's Quiz Question  |  |  11|
 |The Don Finch Moveable Re-union, 1984.  |Dot Butler  |  12| |The Don Finch Moveable Re-union, 1984.  |Dot Butler  |  12|
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 A few miles further on, the road went over the Rock Reef Pass at the “high” elevation of 0.9 metres above sea level. Then to the 0bservation Tower, at Pa-hay-okee (river of grass - Seminole Indian.), with its panoramic view of the Glades - a wide expanse of sawgrass marshlands dotted with tree islands. Mahogany Hummock, at two metres above mean sea level, boasts the largest mahogany tree in the United States, seen from the usual boardwalk. I was fortunate to see here the famous barred owl, and high up in a tree a red-shouldered hawk waited to make its swoop. A few miles further along the road at Paurote's Pond I crept up on my first alligator, 2 metres long, and got to a metre from it for the closest photo. A few miles further on, the road went over the Rock Reef Pass at the “high” elevation of 0.9 metres above sea level. Then to the 0bservation Tower, at Pa-hay-okee (river of grass - Seminole Indian.), with its panoramic view of the Glades - a wide expanse of sawgrass marshlands dotted with tree islands. Mahogany Hummock, at two metres above mean sea level, boasts the largest mahogany tree in the United States, seen from the usual boardwalk. I was fortunate to see here the famous barred owl, and high up in a tree a red-shouldered hawk waited to make its swoop. A few miles further along the road at Paurote's Pond I crept up on my first alligator, 2 metres long, and got to a metre from it for the closest photo.
  
-There were rare palms and many blue herons at this pond, and it is here that the mangrove ecosystem commences, where southward-creeping glades water meets salty water. The red andother mangroves are easily recognised by their stilt roots, and grow to l0 metres high. They act as nurseries for smaller marine animals and their leaves are the foundation for many food chains.+There were rare palms and many blue herons at this pond, and it is here that the mangrove ecosystem commences, where southward-creeping glades water meets salty water. The red and other mangroves are easily recognised by their stilt roots, and grow to l0 metres high. They act as nurseries for smaller marine animals and their leaves are the foundation for many food chains.
  
 At Nine Mile Pond I was very lucky to see the scarce roseate spoonbill. With its white plumage and distinctive rose-colour on its wings, it stood out against the dark green of the mangroves, but too far away for a photo. This bird has a spatula-shaped bill to strain the marine life from the water. In the early days it was probably mistaken for a flamingo, hence the name Flamingo (Visitor Centre), where there were many roseates. At West Lake, which connects to Florida Bay via Alligator Creek and used as a canoe trail, I had been told there were several alligators about, but a quiet stalk along the Mangrove Trail revealed none. Here the fresh water alligator and the salt water crocodile are known to swim together. At Nine Mile Pond I was very lucky to see the scarce roseate spoonbill. With its white plumage and distinctive rose-colour on its wings, it stood out against the dark green of the mangroves, but too far away for a photo. This bird has a spatula-shaped bill to strain the marine life from the water. In the early days it was probably mistaken for a flamingo, hence the name Flamingo (Visitor Centre), where there were many roseates. At West Lake, which connects to Florida Bay via Alligator Creek and used as a canoe trail, I had been told there were several alligators about, but a quiet stalk along the Mangrove Trail revealed none. Here the fresh water alligator and the salt water crocodile are known to swim together.
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 The return-journey out of the Park that afternoon was uneventful, except for another very heavy deluge and thunderstorm, and at Homestead I turned south on Highway 1 to leave the mainland and go over on to the Keys. This remarkable group of islands stretches 180 km in approximately an east-west direction and is connected by some marvellous bridges and the Overseas Highway to Key West. To the east are the Straits of Florida (part of the Atlantic), and to the west the Gulf of Mexico. The return-journey out of the Park that afternoon was uneventful, except for another very heavy deluge and thunderstorm, and at Homestead I turned south on Highway 1 to leave the mainland and go over on to the Keys. This remarkable group of islands stretches 180 km in approximately an east-west direction and is connected by some marvellous bridges and the Overseas Highway to Key West. To the east are the Straits of Florida (part of the Atlantic), and to the west the Gulf of Mexico.
  
-The first big island is Key Largo, where I paid a brief visit (as itwas getting late in the day) to the John Pannekamp Coral Reef State Park Museum. On through Islamorada village, over the Matecumbe Keys, Long Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key etc. to reach my appointed motel in Marathon. The heat was so great that to swim in their pool was a real effort. I only dida few laps as the water was 35 degrees C. After becoming lost in the dark, I eventually found the Castaway Seafood Restaurant down among the docks, and sampled some delicious fish. Back to the motel at midnight, to get a good sleep because of the air-conditioning.+The first big island is Key Largo, where I paid a brief visit (as it was getting late in the day) to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Museum. On through Islamorada village, over the Matecumbe Keys, Long Key, Duck Key, Grassy Key etc. to reach my appointed motel in Marathon. The heat was so great that to swim in their pool was a real effort. I only did a few laps as the water was 35<sup>o</sup> C. After becoming lost in the dark, I eventually found the Castaway Seafood Restaurant down among the docks, and sampled some delicious fish. Back to the motel at midnight, to get a good sleep because of the air-conditioning.
  
-Next morning I left the motel in the dark at 5.30 am to arrive atKey West by 8 am. This is a quaint town with old timber buildings and narrow streets, once a naval depot, now a tourist mecca. The southernmost tip Of the United States, it was once called The Conch (pronounced kongk) Republic, so if you lived here you were a conch. It is only 2.4 km x 7.2 km, with a harbour full of expensive pleasure boats, as well as the fishing fleet. I made a 2-hour tour on the Conch Train to see all the sights, and went on the glass-bottomed boat to see the marine life. Its lifeline is a 60 cm waterpipe coming 200 km from Florida City on the mainland.+Next morning I left the motel in the dark at 5.30 am to arrive at Key West by 8 am. This is a quaint town with old timber buildings and narrow streets, once a naval depot, now a tourist mecca. The southernmost tip of the United States, it was once called The Conch (pronounced kongk) Republic, so if you lived here you were a conch. It is only 2.4 km x 7.2 km, with a harbour full of expensive pleasure boats, as well as the fishing fleet. I made a 2-hour tour on the Conch Train to see all the sights, and went on the glass-bottomed boat to see the marine life. Its lifeline is a 60 cm waterpipe coming 200 km from Florida City on the mainland.
  
-The journey back along the Keys in the afternoon was made with brilliant sunshine.and shimmering blue water, the highlight being the Seven Mile Bridge with a high arch in the middle.+The journey back along the Keys in the afternoon was made with brilliant sunshine and shimmering blue water, the highlight being the Seven Mile Bridge with a high arch in the middle.
  
 So back to Miami by 6 pm and Washington D.C. by 10 pm, well satisfied with the trip. So back to Miami by 6 pm and Washington D.C. by 10 pm, well satisfied with the trip.
  
-=====YALWAL=====+===== YALWAL =====
  
-Report with Track Notes of Yalwal walk of 30, 31 March & 1st April 1984+**Report with Track Notes of Yalwal walk of 30, 31 March & 1st April 1984**
  
-by Bill Capon.+by Bill Capon
  
-Leader: Bill Capon. Map: Yalwal. Estitmated distance; 25 km.+**Leader**: Bill Capon. **Map**: Yalwal. **Estimated distance**; 25 km.
  
-RouteYalwal - Clarke Saddle - Bundundah Creek - Colley* Plateau - Ettrema Plateau - Leyden Creek - Colley Plateau - Corroboree Spur - Corroboree. Flat - Yalwal.+**Route**: Yalwal - Clarke Saddle - Bundundah Creek - Colley* Plateau - Ettrema Plateau - Leyden Creek - Colley Plateau - Corroboree Spur - Corroboree. Flat - Yalwal.
  
 Twenty people set out at 8.20 am across the Danjera Dam and up past the “orchid rock” among the burrawang palms that grow here in profusion. Clarke Saddle provides easy access south on to the un-named plateau which leads south-west to our drop off point at about 346876. Twenty people set out at 8.20 am across the Danjera Dam and up past the “orchid rock” among the burrawang palms that grow here in profusion. Clarke Saddle provides easy access south on to the un-named plateau which leads south-west to our drop off point at about 346876.
  
-The group scattered to zig zag down a clear steep slope to the bend on Bundundah Creek at 331873, where most enjoyed a cooling dip on this warm muggy March day. After lunch we headed slightly north of west up a ridge which was yery thick in places with native tobacco, full and green after the summer rain. This ridge leads to spot height 1430, but a bit of searching found breaks in the cliff line and a warm (even sweaty!) party assembled at 314880. Here we had a good view to the east.+The group scattered to zig zag down a clear steep slope to the bend on Bundundah Creek at 331873, where most enjoyed a cooling dip on this warm muggy March day. After lunch we headed slightly north of west up a ridge which was very thick in places with native tobacco, full and green after the summer rain. This ridge leads to spot height 1430, but a bit of searching found breaks in the cliff line and a warm (even sweaty!) party assembled at 314880. Here we had a good view to the east.
  
 We then walked gingerly along the faint dotted line, to the break in the low cliff line of upper Leyden Creek, here easily crossed to lead us on to Ettrema Plateau. We wound round two tributaries of Leyden Creek on generally sodden rock, moss and thin soil, looking for a dry place to camp. At 297896 we camped where there was plenty of flat ground and a creek a couple of hundred metres away, with Ettrema Hill looming above us. This spot could be very exposed in wind or storm, at least until the burnt-out scrub grows thickly again - and then it could be much harder to walk along the plateau. We then walked gingerly along the faint dotted line, to the break in the low cliff line of upper Leyden Creek, here easily crossed to lead us on to Ettrema Plateau. We wound round two tributaries of Leyden Creek on generally sodden rock, moss and thin soil, looking for a dry place to camp. At 297896 we camped where there was plenty of flat ground and a creek a couple of hundred metres away, with Ettrema Hill looming above us. This spot could be very exposed in wind or storm, at least until the burnt-out scrub grows thickly again - and then it could be much harder to walk along the plateau.
  
-Tom Wenman got the fire going again at 6 am (who was the April fool?) and we set off at 7.30 am. I left my knife behind as I intend to return next year, headed north-east for 20 minutes and dropped into a side creek. It was a bit slow and took another half hour to hit Leyden Creek at 307907. We made unexpectedly quick progress boulder scrambing in this picturesque creek. The exit creek on the east is at 312924.+Tom Wenman got the fire going again at 6 am (who was the April fool?) and we set off at 7.30 am. I left my knife behind as I intend to return next year, headed north-east for 20 minutes and dropped into a side creek. It was a bit slow and took another half hour to hit Leyden Creek at 307907. We made unexpectedly quick progress boulder scrambling in this picturesque creek. The exit creek on the east is at 312924.
  
 We got round to the right of the waterfall at the first cliff line with the aid of a short length of rope, and after a short rest on smooth pink rocks at the top, set out north along Colley Plateau. Half an hour of looking and checking was required to give us the start of the long Corroboree Spur. A little too far to the right brought us out on a fine rocky lookout with a view back up Bundundah Creek to where we had crossed it the day before. Back a little, and an easy descent through the cliff line and so on down to Corroboree Flat for lunch. We got round to the right of the waterfall at the first cliff line with the aid of a short length of rope, and after a short rest on smooth pink rocks at the top, set out north along Colley Plateau. Half an hour of looking and checking was required to give us the start of the long Corroboree Spur. A little too far to the right brought us out on a fine rocky lookout with a view back up Bundundah Creek to where we had crossed it the day before. Back a little, and an easy descent through the cliff line and so on down to Corroboree Flat for lunch.
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 So few take heed of nature's calling; stop to reflect upon her sighs and whispers,\\  So few take heed of nature's calling; stop to reflect upon her sighs and whispers,\\ 
 Only a handful of souls on fragile earth, care to listen, to commune with humility\\  Only a handful of souls on fragile earth, care to listen, to commune with humility\\ 
-On the very basic grass roots level, with forces so much greater than humanity.\\ +On the very basic grass roots level, with forces so much greater than humanity.
  
 The few drink keenly of her wisdom, with answers to questions not found elsewhere.\\  The few drink keenly of her wisdom, with answers to questions not found elsewhere.\\ 
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 Are lost now and for following generations - anything else is an exercise in futility. Are lost now and for following generations - anything else is an exercise in futility.
  
-* Miles Dunphy, S.B.W. Hon.Member, early conservationist, his son Milo Dunphy, bushwalker and conservationist.\\  * Bob Brown, Tasmanian Wilderness Society.+* Miles Dunphy, S.B.W. Hon.Member, early conservationist, his son Milo Dunphy, bushwalker and conservationist.\\  
 + * Bob Brown, Tasmanian Wilderness Society.
  
 =====OBITUARY - ANICE DUNCAN===== =====OBITUARY - ANICE DUNCAN=====
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 =====MOON MADNESS===== =====MOON MADNESS=====
  
-**or S.& R. Night Shift**+or **S.& R. NIGHT SHIFT**
  
 by Gordon Lee by Gordon Lee
  
- There was movement up on Flagstaff  +There was movement up on Flagstaff\\   
- For notice had been posted   +For notice had been posted\\  
- That the night search practice, S.& R., was underway.   +That the night search practice, S.& R., was underway.\\   
- And some tried and tested walkers   +And some tried and tested walkers\\  
- From suburbs near and far  +From suburbs near and far\\   
- Had met upon the hill at end of day;  +Had met upon the hill at end of day;\\   
- For walkers like hard walking, specially at night,  +For walkers like hard walking, specially at night,\\   
- In interesting country: Bell and Wollangambe  +In interesting country: Bell and Wollangambe\\   
- Be sure you get your navigation right. (Apologies Banjo!)+Be sure you get your navigation right. (Apologies Banjo!)
  
 There we all were as darkness descended and the moon ascended waiting to be allotted our Courses, all eager? to be on our way. A motley crew - there was one, a damsel, not even slightly undersized, who hailed from up the Novocastrian side (more apologies B!) all gathered for the fray. There we all were as darkness descended and the moon ascended waiting to be allotted our Courses, all eager? to be on our way. A motley crew - there was one, a damsel, not even slightly undersized, who hailed from up the Novocastrian side (more apologies B!) all gathered for the fray.
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 “Anyone for the Diehards' Marathon?” It must have been in a fit of moonshine madness that I heard us say, “That'll do us!” Though we heard not the bell it surely was the knell of doom. And what a hell of a knell it turned out to be. “Anyone for the Diehards' Marathon?” It must have been in a fit of moonshine madness that I heard us say, “That'll do us!” Though we heard not the bell it surely was the knell of doom. And what a hell of a knell it turned out to be.
  
-The first bit was easy. After being dropped at a hairpin bend on the Mt Wilson Road at 8 pm, we took off on what turned,out to be a track down to Du Faur's Creek. And there it was, our first “blinker”. Let me explain. At strategic points on our selected routes there were located small blinking lights, something like checkpoints in orienteering. On getting to one of these each party had to radio base giving the coordinates.+The first bit was easy. After being dropped at a hairpin bend on the Mt Wilson Road at 8 pm, we took off on what turned out to be a track down to Du Faur's Creek. And there it was, our first “blinker”. Let me explain. At strategic points on our selected routes there were located small blinking lights, something like checkpoints in orienteering. On getting to one of these each party had to radio base giving the coordinates.
  
 Here Doug's knowledge came in handy in knowing how to negotiate the creek crossing. This was to be the first of many hand over hand rope descents and ascents we were going to make that night. Here Doug's knowledge came in handy in knowing how to negotiate the creek crossing. This was to be the first of many hand over hand rope descents and ascents we were going to make that night.
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 Then a tricky little bit of navigation and we were coming up on a spot height. Again Doug's intuition proved to be correct. “I'll bet there's a blinker on that spot height!” We came up on what we thought was the spot - no light. Got to keep going till the ridge drops away to be absolutely certain. You see at this stage we were on a ridge top marked only by a single contour. This meant the top could vary up to 20 metres (65'6“). Slightly down then up and there it was - a crimson blinking “egg”. (Contemplate the contused confrontation in an Emu household.) We had some doubts as to position and thought the last bump we had crossed was really spot 912, for not far beyond our present position the ridge fell away. (It was confirmed on our return that we were right. We were sure after we emerged from Bell Creek for then, in daylight, we could look across at the ridge and see for ourselves what should have been the correct position of the “egg”.) Then a tricky little bit of navigation and we were coming up on a spot height. Again Doug's intuition proved to be correct. “I'll bet there's a blinker on that spot height!” We came up on what we thought was the spot - no light. Got to keep going till the ridge drops away to be absolutely certain. You see at this stage we were on a ridge top marked only by a single contour. This meant the top could vary up to 20 metres (65'6“). Slightly down then up and there it was - a crimson blinking “egg”. (Contemplate the contused confrontation in an Emu household.) We had some doubts as to position and thought the last bump we had crossed was really spot 912, for not far beyond our present position the ridge fell away. (It was confirmed on our return that we were right. We were sure after we emerged from Bell Creek for then, in daylight, we could look across at the ridge and see for ourselves what should have been the correct position of the “egg”.)
  
-We radioed base. As it happened, that was the last contact for some time. Time also for a break. Nothing like a glass of wine, some chocolate and jelly babies to revive the troops. Time to take stock. Doubts as to position caused trouble because our course changed direction from this point. We chose to turn from the light and kept strict line by “leading through”. We worked our way through minor cliff lines till - +We radioed base. As it happened, that was the last contact for some time. Time also for a break. Nothing like a glass of wine, some chocolate and jelly babies to revive the troops. Time to take stock. Doubts as to position caused trouble because our course changed direction from this point. We chose to turn from the light and kept strict line by “leading through”. We worked our way through minor cliff lines till - “How in the hell are we supposed to get down there?” A drop in front of us. Bell. Blackness and the sound of falls to the right and to the left a sheer cliff line. The drop directly in front of us was broken by a ledge about 25' (7.5 m) below. With us we had one sling and brakebar and 60' of Bluewater. On closer examination of the face we decided that we could climb back without rope. So down to the ledge.
-“How in the hell are we supposed to get down there?” A drop in front of us. Bell. Blackness and the sound of falls to the right and to the left a sheer cliff line. The drop directly in front of us was broken by a ledge about 25' (7.5 m) below. With us we had one sling and brakebar and 60' of Bluewater. On closer examination of the face we decided that we could climb back without rope. So down to the ledge.+
  
 Just as we were searching out the possibilities, lights appeared across the canyon. A call, then “You won't get down there! There's about 150 feet of cliff”. Morale took a nosedive. But by luck we survived, for growing alongside the cliff was a very helpful tree. Only by getting into the upper branches could we get low enough to get our rope to reach bottom. First time I've ever abseiled from the branches of a tree - at eleven o'clock at night. Luck held again and we were able to get on down to creek level without rope. Just as we were searching out the possibilities, lights appeared across the canyon. A call, then “You won't get down there! There's about 150 feet of cliff”. Morale took a nosedive. But by luck we survived, for growing alongside the cliff was a very helpful tree. Only by getting into the upper branches could we get low enough to get our rope to reach bottom. First time I've ever abseiled from the branches of a tree - at eleven o'clock at night. Luck held again and we were able to get on down to creek level without rope.
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 Then dress for dinner - prawns, dry toast (my marg. was still in the frig at home and Doug's in the car) and tea. We thought it an hour well spent. Then dress for dinner - prawns, dry toast (my marg. was still in the frig at home and Doug's in the car) and tea. We thought it an hour well spent.
  
-Away again. With some relief the walls appeared to be lowering. A possible 'exit? The balloon burst. The damn thing closed up tight and you guessed! - another pool. A deep one, but there were underwater ledges both sides. Up to the armpits but toes still making contact. Out and there it was! A creek entrance, but with one of those nasty smooth 8' corners.+Away again. With some relief the walls appeared to be lowering. A possible exit? The balloon burst. The damn thing closed up tight and you guessed! - another pool. A deep one, but there were underwater ledges both sides. Up to the armpits but toes still making contact. Out and there it was! A creek entrance, but with one of those nasty smooth 8' corners.
  
-Standing on an 18” (500 mm) ledge as dawn was breaking, shivering, bracing a pair of sandshoed feet while staringup at a bare white bum, certainly could not be compared to the ethereal experience of gazing in awe at the Taj Mahal by moonlight. But it was a “goer”, which Doug determined while I struggled into a dry singlet and shirt.+Standing on an 18” (500 mm) ledge as dawn was breaking, shivering, bracing a pair of sandshoed feet while staring up at a bare white bum, certainly could not be compared to the ethereal experience of gazing in awe at the Taj Mahal by moonlight. But it was a “goer”, which Doug determined while I struggled into a dry singlet and shirt.
  
 There in the piccaninny daylight, in the comfort once again of dry clothes, we were certain we were out. Four hours in that blasted canyon. Space of course has not permitted me to recount the number Of times we boosted up a problem climb necessitating the unpacking of the rope for pack hauling and assistance, All of this added up to the hours mentioned. There in the piccaninny daylight, in the comfort once again of dry clothes, we were certain we were out. Four hours in that blasted canyon. Space of course has not permitted me to recount the number Of times we boosted up a problem climb necessitating the unpacking of the rope for pack hauling and assistance, All of this added up to the hours mentioned.
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 Maps out. Beaut! We were right on course. And so the rest is history. Into and up the 'Gambe. 2 km and out, up and over and down once more to that damned Bell. Another abseil, then up and off to Flagstaff. Then the road, to be picked up. We'd done it!! We had been on the go for 14 hours. I must say that some of the troops weren't overjoyed at the delaying of debriefing until our arrival. Maps out. Beaut! We were right on course. And so the rest is history. Into and up the 'Gambe. 2 km and out, up and over and down once more to that damned Bell. Another abseil, then up and off to Flagstaff. Then the road, to be picked up. We'd done it!! We had been on the go for 14 hours. I must say that some of the troops weren't overjoyed at the delaying of debriefing until our arrival.
  
-All of this demonstrates that our S.& R. unithas the personnel, expertise, physical capability and determination to enable us to move at night in very difficult country.+All of this demonstrates that our S. & R. unit has the personnel, expertise, physical capability and determination to enable us to move at night in very difficult country.
  
 This could mean our earlier contact with a distressed person or party, giving greater opportunity for lifesaving. This could mean our earlier contact with a distressed person or party, giving greater opportunity for lifesaving.
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 =====EDITOR'S QUIZ QUESTION===== =====EDITOR'S QUIZ QUESTION=====
  
-What is the origin of the word “**billy**”?+What is the origin of the word “billy”?
  
 Choose from:\\  Choose from:\\ 
-1. Scottish dialect bally - a milkpail.\\  +1. Scottish dialect bally - a milkpail\\  
-2. French “boeuf bouilli”, a label on meat tins used as billies, thus “bully tin”.\\  +2. French “boeuf bouilli”, a label on meat tins used as billies, thus “bully tin”\\  
-3. A man's name.+3. A man's name\
 4. “billa”, the aboriginal word for water or river. 4. “billa”, the aboriginal word for water or river.
  
 **Answer** **Answer**
 +
 All are possible derivatives, but (4) is the likeliest. The billy was improvised about 1850 when, mainly because of the wire handle and lid, it largely superseded the quart pot.\\  All are possible derivatives, but (4) is the likeliest. The billy was improvised about 1850 when, mainly because of the wire handle and lid, it largely superseded the quart pot.\\ 
 (The Australian Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, 1977) (The Australian Encyclopedia, Vol. 1, 1977)
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 =====THE DON FINCH MOVEABLE RE-UNION, 1984===== =====THE DON FINCH MOVEABLE RE-UNION, 1984=====
  
-by Dot Butler.+by Dot Butler
  
 (In the Church Calendar, Easter is a Moveable Feast. On Don's Easter trip there were 40 walkers, including presidents past and present, so it could be called a Moveable Re-union.) (In the Church Calendar, Easter is a Moveable Feast. On Don's Easter trip there were 40 walkers, including presidents past and present, so it could be called a Moveable Re-union.)
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 As I dashed out the door to Geoff Wagg's car through a heavy downpour the radio announcer was intoning “Scattered showers…. clearing….” Wendy Aliano was aboard. We picked up Don Matthews and headed for Braidwood where Wendy naively suggested that a bedroom in the local pub would be nice in all this rain, but Geoffo is made of sterner stuff and pushed on. Around midnight we spotted John Redfern's car parked by the roadside and his occupants hastily sneaking into an empty shed, but there was no room for us. Eventually car lights at the Deua National Park campground showed we had arrived. The place was inches deep in water. Wendy decided the car seat would do her but we three others squelched up to a bit of higher ground near Joe's tent, put up a fly, crept in and hoped for the best. Others arrived all through the early hours, the Butt carload having left Sydney around 2 am in time to kick Finchy out of bed at 6.30. As I dashed out the door to Geoff Wagg's car through a heavy downpour the radio announcer was intoning “Scattered showers…. clearing….” Wendy Aliano was aboard. We picked up Don Matthews and headed for Braidwood where Wendy naively suggested that a bedroom in the local pub would be nice in all this rain, but Geoffo is made of sterner stuff and pushed on. Around midnight we spotted John Redfern's car parked by the roadside and his occupants hastily sneaking into an empty shed, but there was no room for us. Eventually car lights at the Deua National Park campground showed we had arrived. The place was inches deep in water. Wendy decided the car seat would do her but we three others squelched up to a bit of higher ground near Joe's tent, put up a fly, crept in and hoped for the best. Others arrived all through the early hours, the Butt carload having left Sydney around 2 am in time to kick Finchy out of bed at 6.30.
  
-**Friday**\\  +**Friday**\\ 
 Morning revealed a grey drizzling overcast, but at least it was not raining as we drove along the road to the Gundillion cemetery where all cars were to assemble. All present and counted, and the convey of cars moved off towards the Shoalhaven. Spirits were somewhat low when Don reported the river uncrossable, but the resourceful Finch found us a deserted house where the whole party crammed in to await the subsiding of the flood. Between showers we went for a 9.5 km walk through open country, fire trails and ridges, but most spent the time in odd corners and sheds catching up on lost sleep. Phil got to work with an axe, and as the wood was tossed over the fence Don worked flat out loading the carriers. Phil managed to keep up the supply of chopped wood and the carriers came in with armloads of firewood for our two grates. The hardy ones got a fire going out in the wind and wild weather and so we got our evening meal cooked. Then off to sleep, hoping the weather might clear by the morrow. Morning revealed a grey drizzling overcast, but at least it was not raining as we drove along the road to the Gundillion cemetery where all cars were to assemble. All present and counted, and the convey of cars moved off towards the Shoalhaven. Spirits were somewhat low when Don reported the river uncrossable, but the resourceful Finch found us a deserted house where the whole party crammed in to await the subsiding of the flood. Between showers we went for a 9.5 km walk through open country, fire trails and ridges, but most spent the time in odd corners and sheds catching up on lost sleep. Phil got to work with an axe, and as the wood was tossed over the fence Don worked flat out loading the carriers. Phil managed to keep up the supply of chopped wood and the carriers came in with armloads of firewood for our two grates. The hardy ones got a fire going out in the wind and wild weather and so we got our evening meal cooked. Then off to sleep, hoping the weather might clear by the morrow.
  
 **Saturday, morning**\\  **Saturday, morning**\\ 
-Don's measuring stick in the river showed the water was down enough for us to attempt the crossing. Linked together in groups we waded to the other side. Meanwhile the drivers had taken their cars three km down the road to Emu Flat for our return on Monday. They soon rejoined the party and we set out on our 13 km walk. For 5 km we followed a fire trail, then a climb of 260 metres through bush to the top of the ridge. At the highest point, Turks Head; we collected around our navigator, Phil Butt. Everything was shut in by trees. Assorted moans “Where's the view?” “Don't bring your complaints to me,” says Phil “I'm only the navigator. I only do as I'm told.” Now came a very steep 620 m descent through cliffs to Appletree Creek, and here we encamped about 3.30 pm on a grassy flat by the creek. +Don's measuring stick in the river showed the water was down enough for us to attempt the crossing. Linked together in groups we waded to the other side. Meanwhile the drivers had taken their cars three km down the road to Emu Flat for our return on Monday. They soon rejoined the party and we set out on our 13 km walk. For 5 km we followed a fire trail, then a climb of 260 metres through bush to the top of the ridge. At the highest point, Turks Head; we collected around our navigator, Phil Butt. Everything was shut in by trees. Assorted moans “Where's the view?” “Don't bring your complaints to me,” says Phil “I'm only the navigator. I only do as I'm told.” Now came a very steep 620 m descent through cliffs to Appletree Creek, and here we encamped about 3.30 pm on a grassy flat by the creek.
  
 To the accompaniment of muted hisses and boos Barry Murdoch produced  an axe he had been carrying and constructed a bed a triangular piece each end supporting something resembling a stretcher with side poles and strong plastic bags between; all this inside his tent. It was pronounced a success but whisper has it that he dismantled it for the second night. Dot and Geoff on a heap of bark under an open fly declared their method superior and warmer. To the accompaniment of muted hisses and boos Barry Murdoch produced  an axe he had been carrying and constructed a bed a triangular piece each end supporting something resembling a stretcher with side poles and strong plastic bags between; all this inside his tent. It was pronounced a success but whisper has it that he dismantled it for the second night. Dot and Geoff on a heap of bark under an open fly declared their method superior and warmer.
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 | |  knees (for the tall ones).| | | |  knees (for the tall ones).| |
  
-The Deua makes several great loops and considerable time would be saved by cutting across them. "**Four more crossings!**" yelled our leader. They got deeper each one All safely crossed... Did I say all? Well - +The Deua makes several great loops and considerable time would be saved by cutting across them. "**Four more crossings!**" yelled our leader. They got deeper each oneAll safely crossed.... Did I say all? Well - 
  
 | |The Deua was a raging flood, but daunted we were not.  | | |The Deua was a raging flood, but daunted we were not.  |
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 Then the wagon arrived. Wendy was carefully placed inside with Joan Cooper to comfort her, and so back to Emu Flat. Here the patient was transferred to Spiro's station wagon, there was a re-shuffle of passengers, the cars were pushed out over the wet grass to the road and one by one headed for home. Then the wagon arrived. Wendy was carefully placed inside with Joan Cooper to comfort her, and so back to Emu Flat. Here the patient was transferred to Spiro's station wagon, there was a re-shuffle of passengers, the cars were pushed out over the wet grass to the road and one by one headed for home.
  
-The whole trip was a great experience in comradeship and co-operation. The problem of accounting for 40 was lessened by making each car-driver responsible for his passengers, and only counting the drivers.  Phil Butt went ahead as navigator. There were incredible sidles and compass course so accurate-the mob came out exactlyon target with no wasted time. Gordon Lee, Geoff Wagg and Bob Younger were whippers-in, and Donnie raced up and+The whole trip was a great experience in comradeship and co-operation. The problem of accounting for 40 was lessened by making each car driver responsible for his passengers, and only counting the drivers.  Phil Butt went ahead as navigator. There were incredible sidles and compass course so accurate the mob came out exactly on target with no wasted time. Gordon Lee, Geoff Wagg and Bob Younger were whippers-in, and Donnie raced up and
 down the line like a young and eager pup in charge of a travelling flock. It was pretty to watch. This note of confidence was ably expressed by our Poet Laureate:\\  down the line like a young and eager pup in charge of a travelling flock. It was pretty to watch. This note of confidence was ably expressed by our Poet Laureate:\\ 
 | |When Donnie Finch is leading we have no need to fear,  | | |When Donnie Finch is leading we have no need to fear,  |
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 | |He took six out on his last walk and we haven't found them yet!  | | |He took six out on his last walk and we haven't found them yet!  |
  
-Having been on most of the Finch Easter trips I have come to expect faultless leadership, and this one was no exception... ..lots of laughter, beautiful scenery, lovely people. and (after day1) fine weather with blue skies and clean invigorating air. Need one ask why Bushwalkers bushwalk?+Having been on most of the Finch Easter trips I have come to expect faultless leadership, and this one was no exception... lots of laughter, beautiful scenery, lovely people. and (after day 1) fine weather with blue skies and clean invigorating air. Need one ask why Bushwalkers bushwalk?
  
 ===== TRACK NOTES EASTER TRIP 1984 ===== ===== TRACK NOTES EASTER TRIP 1984 =====
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 **Friday, April 20**\\  **Friday, April 20**\\ 
-Meeting place Gundillion Cemetery, ref KAIN 385432. Drove to old house marked "ruin" ref Krawaree 394397. Walked west via road junction ref 386397, grassy hill 377403 to unmarked fire trail 373405, fire trail to saddle Kain 411366; along ridge to 367418, back to road to 370426, down ridge on magnetic east bearing to 380423, thence straight back to "ruin" house. +Meeting place Gundillion Cemetery, ref Kain 385432. Drove to old house marked "ruin" ref Krawaree 394397. Walked west via road junction ref 386397, grassy hill 377403 to unmarked fire trail 373405, fire trail to saddle Kain 411366; along ridge to 367418, back to road to 370426, down ridge on magnetic east bearing to 380423, thence straight back to "ruin" house. 
  
 **Saturday, April 21**\\  **Saturday, April 21**\\ 
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 **Monday, April 23**\\  **Monday, April 23**\\ 
-From camp site over to Moodong ,Creek at Krawaree 4803909 up creek on to Kain map, to waterfall/cascade at 438421. Continue up creek to junction of Reedy Creek and Mulwelya Creek at 434426, and up Reedy Creek to lunch 432427. Up ridge to 429429, then to road at 425432. Along roadto ford at 390422 and along road to cars at 388427.+From camp site over to Moodong Creek at Krawaree 4803909 up creek on to Kain map, to waterfall/cascade at 438421. Continue up creek to junction of Reedy Creek and Mulwelya Creek at 434426, and up Reedy Creek to lunch 432427. Up ridge to 429429, then to road at 425432. Along road to ford at 390422 and along road to cars at 388427.
  
 ===== SOCIAL NOTES FOR JULY ===== ===== SOCIAL NOTES FOR JULY =====
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 |July 18  |A Singalong night. Learn some new songs, have a good time, and collect a free copy of a booklet of bushwalking songs to take with you on future walks.  | |July 18  |A Singalong night. Learn some new songs, have a good time, and collect a free copy of a booklet of bushwalking songs to take with you on future walks.  |
 |  |**Dinner** before this meeting at the Casa de Sol Mexican  Restaurant, 97 Willoughby Road. Meet outside at 6.30 pm.  |   |  |**Dinner** before this meeting at the Casa de Sol Mexican  Restaurant, 97 Willoughby Road. Meet outside at 6.30 pm.  |  
-| |Late arrivals ask for the "SydneyBushwalkers" table. BYO.  | +| |Late arrivals ask for the "Sydney Bushwalkers" table. BYO.  | 
-|July 25  |Arts and Crafts night.  Bring samples of your art and craft work to show to others. You may offer them for sale if you wish, With 10% commission to the Club. There will also be a demonstrations of craft techniques. So bring your paintings, sculptures, T-shirt designs, creative photography, and (YES!) your home-made or modified bushwalking gear.  |+|July 25  |Arts and Crafts night.  Bring samples of your art and craft work to show to others. You may offer them for sale if you wish, With 10% commission to the Club. There will also be a demonstrations of craft techniques. So bring your paintings, sculptures, T-shirt designs, creative photography, and (**Yes!**) your home-made or modified bushwalking gear.  |
  
 ===== 5TH AUSTRALIAN ROGAINING CHAMPIONSHIPS - AUGUST 11/12 1984. ===== ===== 5TH AUSTRALIAN ROGAINING CHAMPIONSHIPS - AUGUST 11/12 1984. =====
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 ===== "FOR SERVICES TO CONSERVATION" ALEX COLLEY, O.A.M. ===== ===== "FOR SERVICES TO CONSERVATION" ALEX COLLEY, O.A.M. =====
-In this year's Queen's BirthdayHonours, our Conservation Secretary (and one of our two Honorary Active Members) Alex Colley was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (0.AA.)+In this year's Queen's Birthday Honours, our Conservation Secretary (and one of our two Honorary Active Members) Alex Colley was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (0.A.M.)
  
 Of course, those who know Alex will be well aware that for more than  40 years he has given much time and effort to the cause of conservation, quite apart from The work he has put into his office with our Club. Of course, those who know Alex will be well aware that for more than  40 years he has given much time and effort to the cause of conservation, quite apart from The work he has put into his office with our Club.
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 ===== AT THE GENERAL MEETING, 13.6.84 ===== ===== AT THE GENERAL MEETING, 13.6.84 =====
-At the General Meeting it was resolved to purchase a reconditioned offset printer, plus platemaking equipment (copier and fuser) as offered by Redson Supplies at $2,80D.+At the General Meeting it was resolved to purchase a reconditioned offset printer, plus platemaking equipment (copier and fuser) as offered by Redson Supplies at $2,800.
  
 ===== ADVANTAGES OF OFFSET PRINTER ===== ===== ADVANTAGES OF OFFSET PRINTER =====
198406.txt · Last modified: 2015/08/06 12:51 by sbw

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