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-CENTRAL AUSTRALIA
+===== Central Australia - Part 2. =====
-PART 2.  by Tom Wilhelm.
-Day 4. In the morning we had some trouble. Bob had left his boots
+by Tom Wilhelm.
-near the fire and one of them had been badly burnt; it was curled and
-twisted and he couldn't wear it! You can't walk barefoot in this country.
+__Day 4__. In the morning we had some trouble. Bob had left his boots near the fire and one of them had been badly burnt; it was curled and twisted and he couldn't wear it! You can't walk barefoot in this country. David was concerned lest this difficulty should stop the walk. George, who had a repuration as Mr. Fixit, was called in and set about fixing the boot. Ultimately it was boiled in one of our communal billies and straightened out enough, or so it seemed, for Bob to get his foot into it. Bob returned moments later with both boots on and all was right. Suspicious!! It all came out - Bob had an extra shoe! It was all a joke, he had fooled the lot of us. Bob gave varying accounts of the prank, depending upon who he talked to! I think he carried the old burnt boot in with him just as a joke. That's just my opinion however - there are many others!
-David was concerned lest this difficulty should stop the walk. George,
-who had a repuration as Mr. Fixit, was called in and set about fixing the boot. Ultimately it was boiled in one of our communal billies and straightened out enough, or so it seemed, for Bob to get his foot into it. Bob returned moments later with both boots on and all was right.
-Suspicious!! It all came out - Bob had an extra shoe! It was all a joke, he had fooled the lot of us. Bob gave varying accounts of the prank,
-depending upon who he talked to! I think he carried the old burnt boot
-in with him just as a joke. That's just my opinion however - there are
-many others!
 This day we moved eastward, then up and over the ridges of Hugh Gorge where I could look back and see my day walk of yesterday. Down the other side and we had crossed the range. We were on the northern end of Hugh Gorge.
 We dropped our packs at the mouth of the gorge and descended to see if we could find water. What greeted us was the stench of death, the first of many encounters with dead horses and cattle. A mother and colt dead and stinking on the rocks - a broken leg? died of thirst? - it doesn't really matter. Horrible. The water at the bottom was putrid - I actually tasted it and regretted I had. We returned to our packs, then followed up over a ridge to investigate the other branch that feeds Hugh Gorge from this side. More death.
-We soon were on a track so defined that it looked manmade, lout it wasn't - it was cattle and horse made, and what a job they can do with their weight and hooves. At the bottom of this little valley the air was heavy with the stench of death. Mainly cattle here. Just beyond we
-descended into a rock canyon. No more dead animals - they couldn't get
+We soon were on a track so defined that it looked manmade, but it wasn't - it was cattle and horse made, and what a job they can do with their weight and hooves. At the bottom of this little valley the air was heavy with the stench of death. Mainly cattle here. Just beyond we descended into a rock canyon. No more dead animals - they couldn't get over the ledge we descended. And what geology! You would have sworn that the stream bed had been bored out by a tunnelling machine. Seven metres wide and eight metres high and bone dry. I couldn't help but think that the water that had done all this was from long ago, five thousand, ten thousand years ago?? It certainly wasn't last week, that's for sure!
-over the ledge we descended. And what geology! You would have sworn
-that the stream bed had been bored out by a tunnelling machine. Seven
+We arrived at a waterfall with twenty metres below us big pools of water while up where we were was bone dry. No way we could descend. The camera seemed inadequate, too big, too vast, too colourful, and far too bright! I tried, the results were pretty poor, and failed to capture any of the dynamic of the situation.
-metres wide and eight metres high and bone dry. I couldn't help but think that the water that had done all this was from long ago, five thousand, ten thousand years ago?? It certainly wasn't last week, that's for sure!
-We arrived at a waterfall with twenty metres below us big pools of water while up where we were was bone dry. No way we could descend. The
-camera seemed inadequate, too big, too vast, too colourful, and far too
-bright! I tried, the results were pretty poor, and failed to capture any
-of the dynamic of the situation.
 We returned to our packs, holding our noses while passing the dead cattle, then spent the afternoon crossing some dry watercourses in an eastward direction to reach Spencer Gorge. We eventually made camp in a canyon that animals could not reach, with water at hand, so pristine and beautiful that you could easily forget the stench of death we had encountered earlier in the day.
-I slept in a little sandy trough, next to a big boulder, and enjoyed the stars. The brightness of the Milky Way was so overwhelming that it was hard to fall asleep! I just wanted to lie in the cozy warmth of my winter-weight down sleeping bag and gaze at the majesty of the heavens.
-At this camp only a small portion of the whole sky was visible, and through trees at that, but I saw a number of shooting stars and found the view impressive.
+I slept in a little sandy trough, next to a big boulder, and enjoyed the stars. The brightness of the Milky Way was so overwhelming that it was hard to fall asleep! I just wanted to lie in the cozy warmth of my winter-weight down sleeping bag and gaze at the majesty of the heavens. At this camp only a small portion of the whole sky was visible, and through trees at that, but I saw a number of shooting stars and found the view impressive.
-October, 1986 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 13
-Day 5. Morning, and Spiro who I felt would qualify as a pyromaniac the way he would get up in the dark to start the fire, had the porridge on. It's hard to imagine, but you begin to look forward to the stuff!
+__Day 5__. Morning, and Spiro who I felt would qualify as a pyromaniac the way he would get up in the dark to start the fire, had the porridge on. It's hard to imagine, but you begin to look forward to the stuff!
-Today our plan was to descend Spencer Gorge right through to the south side. We had actually walked down to the mouth of the Gorge last night, where we also got water for our camp, so we knew the immediate ground. Like most gorges in this area, they are blocked by 'permanent' water holes at their narrowest point. Spencer was like this, and hence needed a swim or a climb to avoid the water. The, party divided, some went up and some went swimming. I went up; I couldn't be bothered to water-
-proof my huge pack. I had camera equipment that shouldn't get wet. Also the water looked cold and the climb short and easy. So it proved to be. We were on the other side waiting for the swimmers when the first of them came through. We had made a fire in anticipation of their-coldeate. While we were climbing over the ridge we had noticed brumbies (wild horses) coming up the canyon toward the water. This side of the gorge was filthy and horse soiled but the other side was pristine and clean. As the swimmers
+Today our plan was to descend Spencer Gorge right through to the south side. We had actually walked down to the mouth of the Gorge last night, where we also got water for our camp, so we knew the immediate ground. Like most gorges in this area, they are blocked by 'permanent' water holes at their narrowest point. Spencer was like this, and hence needed a swim or a climb to avoid the water. The party divided, some went up and some went swimming. I went up; I couldn't be bothered to water-proof my huge pack. I had camera equipment that shouldn't get wet. Also the water looked cold and the climb short and easy. So it proved to be. We were on the other side waiting for the swimmers when the first of them came through. We had made a fire in anticipation of their cold state. While we were climbing over the ridge we had noticed brumbies (wild horses) coming up the canyon toward the water. This side of the gorge was filthy and horse soiled but the other side was pristine and clean. As the swimmers warmed, I took my camera and telephoto lens and stalked the horses. I surprised them and was able to get several good shots (I was fortunately up wind of them) before they galloped off. I also photographed a dead wedgetail eagle that I found lying between two boulders. The smell of dead horses tainted this area.
-warmed, I took my camera and telephoto lens and stalked the horses. I surprised them and was able to get several good shots (I was fortunately up
-wind of them) before they galloped off. I also photographed a dead wedgetail eagle that I found lying between two boulders. The smell of dead horses tainted this area.
+David, our leader, was a wonder in being able to accommodate all our various desires without ever seeming to be a dictator, which in fact is what the leader is!
-David, our leader, was a wonder in being able to accommodate all our various desires without ever seeming to be a distator, which in fact is what the leader is!
-We regrouped, some repacked, and we wandered out onto the southern plains once again. We were back on the south side, heading east towards Stuarts Pass for yet another crossing of the range. Walking along in the foothills was interesting. Dry and open, with good distant views of all
+We regrouped, some repacked, and we wandered out onto the southern plains once again. We were back on the south side, heading east towards Stuarts Pass for yet another crossing of the range. Walking along in the foothills was interesting. Dry and open, with good distant views of all the major peaks, and ahead loomed Brinkleys Bluff. It got ever larger as we reached the Stuart River and turned northwards and headed for the pass.
-the major peaks, and ahead loomed Brinkleys Bluff. It got ever larger as we reached the Stuart River and turned northwards and headed for the pass.
-We investigated one side canyon, for water. None. Suddenly we found
+We investigated one side canyon, for water. None. Suddenly we found a flowing stream! True the horses and cows had been at it but it was so green, lush and alive compared to surrounding areas that it seemed wonderful. Lunch stop! Big billies of tea, and we realized that we were within shooting distance of the pass. We could carry water to our interded camp, and we all filled our wine skins when we left. An hour or so after departing we reached our camping place in Stuarts Pass. Brinkleys Bluff loomed above the camp, and looked magnificent in the afternoon sun. I wanted to climb it. Even though we were to climb around the southern end of the Bluff in a day, I still wanted to climb it. So I did.
-a flowing stream! True the horses and cows had been at it but it was so
-green, lush and alive compared to surrounding areas that it seemed wonderful.
+I went off on my own with a little bit of food, windbreak, camera, even a drop of water. I decided to climb the Bluff by the northwest ridge which from my vantage point in camp was on the skyline and looked mighty. I went through the pass, an easy dry one, with a big sandy bottom, and lots of dead horses, signs of digging for water by the live ones as well. David requested that I check the water situation in the spring that lies at the foot of this ridge. So I did, no trouble either. I soon realized that the animal tracks in front of me went nowhere else! I didn't have a map - I didn't need one.
-Lunch stop! Big billies of tea, and we realized that we were within shoot-
-ing distance of the pass. We could carry water to our interded camp, and we all filled our wine skins when we left. An hour or so after departing we reached our camping place in Stuarts Pass. Brinkleys Bluff loomed above
+I was not, however, prepared for the sight of the spring. Water like sump oil with dead cows rotting in it. I was almost sick. I surprised a big brown kangaroo who was drinking as I approached and it bounded up the ridge behind the spring. I followed it and soon the smell was behind me and I had a fabulous hour-long climb; clean rock, crystal air and the northern sun bathing this whole ridge. I was too hot most of the time.
-the camp, and looked magnificent in the afternoon sun. I wanted to climb it. Even though we were to climb around the southern end of the Bluff in
-a day, I still wanted to climb it. So I did.
+The view from the top was probably the best of the trip. What a vista! Mountains everywhere! Colour shaded from dark green in the west where the sun was rapidly sinking, to pinks and bright reds to the east. I was busy with my camera as I strolled up and down the main ridge top, marvelling yet again at the extent and rich variety of vegetation that existed there. I descended the way I had come with one small variation to avoid the 'spring' and to investigate another side valley. I saw my brown kangaroo again and also some more wild horses.
-I went off on my own with a little bit of food, windbreak, camera, even a drop of water. I decided to climb the Bluff by the northwest Adge which from my vantage point in camp was on the skyline and looked mighty. I went through the pass, an easy dry one, with a big sandy bottom, and lots of dead horses, signs of digging for water by the live ones as well. David requested that I check the water situation in the spring that lies at the f6ot of this ridge. So I did, no trouble either. I soon realized that
-the animal tracks in front of me went nowhere else! I didn't have a map -
+One of the pleasures of camp was barley rum; we each had a pre-dinner cup each night. It was made by mixing up lemon barley drink, heating it, and then adding a small amount of overproof rum. It was doubly pleasurable for me as I was one of the carriers of the lemon barley and rum, so each evening my pack went down by a quarter of a kilo! This evening after my long and tiring jaunt (I'd left at three and it was now after six) it tasted beyond mere words.
-I didn't need one.
-I was not, however, prepared for sump oil with dead cows rotting in it. a big brown kangaroo who was drinking ridge behind the spring. I followed and I had a fabulous hour-long climb; northern sun bathing this whole ridge
+This campsite in Stuarts Pass was big and open, at times a little too windy, but with a beautiful log to lean against as we sat around the fire. The wood here is of course as dry as dry can be, which makes fires a pleasure to make and keep burning. Plenty of singing this night, songbooks came out, all the old favourites and a few of the not-so-favourites! The river bed is huge here and provided us all with nice soft sandy sleeping places. There was some concern that horses might come and step on us in the night, so some of us slept near the massive river gums that grew all around the camp. The stars provided their usual entertainment as I drifted off to sleep.
-the sight of the spring. Water like
-I was almost sick. I surprised as I approached and it bounded up the it and soon the smell was behind me clean rock, crystal air and the
+__Day 6__. A delicate rosy pink dawn greeted us this morning, and Spiro stirring the porridge at the fire. It wasn't freezing but it wasn't warm either, so the fire was greatly appreciated in the early morning. We planned a day walk, and I was annoyed when the leader instructed us to hide our packs in a little side gully just behind our camp. It seemed unnecessary to me - who would be coming around here? There were not even any vehicle tracks to be seen, but in the end we did as instructed. It seemed to ruin some of the 'wilderness' feeling, and in the event we never did see any other humans on the walk.
-. I was too hot most of the time.
-Page 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1986
+Our day walk took us exploring some little canyons and ridges that run south and west from Brinkleys Bluff. We had a superb ridgetop walk that put us on some rock outcrops for lunch with a 360° view. We could see the road from whence we had come, and the road that ran up to Standley Chasm, but they were a long way off and not particularly intrusive, the size and peculiar intensity of the wilderness was the greatest impression.
-The view from the top was probably the best of the trip. What a vista!
-Mountains everywhere! Colour shaded from dark green in the west where the
+At lunch today as people could see, so many days into the walk, that they had either brought enough lunch material or not, nuts, fruits and other tidbits were more freely passed around than on previous days. Shirley and I had finally realized that since we carried the entire rum supply between us we could 'stop' the rum of those people in the party being non co-operative! Amid shouts and laughs we threatened such action any time the mood took us.
-sun was rapidly sinking, to pinks and bright reds to the east. I was busy
-with my camera as I strolled up and down the main ridge top, marvelling yet
+Our descent and return to camp had us find another secure (but horse soiled) water supply, and the country revealed its secrets to those who kept looking. I tried to count the rings of some of the smallish trees we found this day and discovered things the diametre of my thumb that were fifteen rings old! It was pointed out to me, and I suppose it's true, that rings in the arid country don't exactly correspond to years, as the trees only grow in the good seasons. Trees may lie dormant through many a dry year, so fifteen rings means at least fifteen, but probably many more, years! A country that is both extremely hard and extremely delicate, a contradiction seen and felt every day. We passed our 'spring' of the day before and so picked up water for our second camp at Stuarts Pass.
-again at the extent and rich variety of vegetation that existed there. I
-descended the way I had come with one small variation to avoid the 'spring'
+I decided for another afternoon walk to climb, if possible, Paisley Bluff, which lay opposite Brinkley Bluff, but farther back from the pass. I left too late. I even took a torch with me, but once I was out on my own, on a very long ridge walk, completely different than yesterday, the idea of descending in the dark seemed distinctly unattractive. So I had to stop just short of the summit and be content with the views to hand. The sunlight burning red on Brinkleys Bluff, which faced me across the pass as I descended, was worth the effort of the walk as well. It was practically dark by the time I reached camp, and the barley rum was better than ever!
-and to investigate another side valley. I saw my brown kangaroo again and
-also some more wild horses.
-One of the pleasures of camp was barley rum; we each had a pre-dinner cup each night. It was made by mixing up lemon barley drink, heating it,
-and then adding a small amount of overproof rum. It was doubly pleasurable
-for me as I was one of the carriers of the lemon barley and rum, so each evening my pack went down by a quarter of a kilo! This evening after my long and tiring jaunt (I'd left at three and it was now after six) it tasted beyond mere words.
-This campsite in Stuarts Pass was big and open, at times a little too windy, but with a beautiful log to lean against as we sat around the fire. The wood here is of course as dry as dry can be, which makes fires a pleasure to make and keep burning. Plenty of singing this night, songbooks came out,
-all the old favourites and a few of the not-so-favourites! The river bed
-is huge here and provided us all with nice soft sandy sleeping places. There was some concern that horses might come and step on us in the night, so some of us slept near the massive river gums that grew all around the camp. The
-stars provided their usual entertainment as I drifted off to sleep.
-Day 6. A delicate rosy pink dawn greeted us this morning, and Spiro stirring the porridge at the fire. It wasn't freezing but it wasn't warm
-either, so the fire was greatly appreciated in the early morning. We planned a day walk, and I was annoyed when the leader instructed us to hide
-our packs in a little side gully just behind our camp. It seemed unnecessary to me - who would be coming around here? There were not even any vehicle
-tracks to be seen, but in the end we did as instructed. It seemed to ruin
-some of the 'wilderness' feeling, and in the event we never did see any other humans on the walk.
-Our day walk took us exploring some little canyons and ridges that run south and west from Brinkleys Bluff. We had a superb ridgetop walk that put us on some rock outcrops for lunch with a 3600 view. We could see the road from whence we had come, and the road that ran up to Standley Chasm, but they were a long way off and not particularly intrusive, the size and peculiar intensity of the wilderness was the greatest impression.
-At lunch today as people could see, so many days into the walk, that they had either brought enough lunch material or not, nuts, fruits and other tidbits were more freely passed around than on previous days. Shirley and
-I had finally realized that since we carried th entire rum supply between us we could 'stop' the rum of those people in the party being nonco-operative! Amid shouts and laughs we threatened such action any time the mood took us.
-Our descent and return to camp had us find another secure (but horse soiled) water supply, and the country revealed its secrets to those who kept looking. I tried to count the rings of some of the smallish trees we found
-this day and discovered things the diametre of my thumb that were fifteen
-rings old! It was pointed out to me, and I suppose it's true, that rings in
-the arid country don't exactly correspond to years, as the trees only grow
-in the good seasons. Trees may lie dormant through many a dry year, so
-fifteen rings means at least fifteen, but probably many more, years! A
-country that is both extremely hard and extremely delicate, a contradiction
-seen and felt every day. We passed our 'spring' of the day before and so
-picked up water for our second camp at Stuarts Pass.
-October, 1986 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 15
- decided fijr alipther afternoon walk to climb, if possible, Paisley Bluff, which lay opposite Brinkley Bluff, but farther back from the pass.
-I left too late. I even took a torch with me, but once I was out on my own,
-on a very long ridge walk, completely different than yesterday, the idea of
-descending in the dark seemed distinctly unattractive. So I had to stop
-just short of the summit and be content with the views to hand. The sunlight burning red on Brinkleys Bluff, which faced me across the pass as I descended, was worth the effort of the walk as well. It was practically
-dark by the time I reached camp, and the barley rum was better thanenr!
 Camp was now a full-fledged routine - soup, main course and stewed fruit for dessert, all very predictable; plenty of singing afterward and discussion of the plans for tomorrow.
-Day 7. After another pink dawn with wedgetail eagles and horses for company, we packed everything up and we continued eastward. We headed across the sandy dry riverbed, and ascended a beautiful Col at the southern end of Brinkleys Bluff which we had seen from our camp. An hour or so later and we were there. The party rejected climbing Brinkley (which could have been easily done from this vantage point) and I was very glad I had made the effort the day before yesterday. I was familiar enough with the people in the party now that as we walked along I calculated the average age of the party. After lunch, which we had in a fine little side canyon with an excellent pool of beautiful water, I announced my result - fifty-three years! It was greeted
-with cries of "That's impossible" or "Far too old" but after some deliberation and the slight correction of a few ages, they beat me down to fifty-two. Big deal. We were no youngsters!
+__Day 7__. After another pink dawn with wedgetail eagles and horses for company, we packed everything up and we continued eastward. We headed across the sandy dry riverbed, and ascended a beautiful Col at the southern end of Brinkleys Bluff which we had seen from our camp. An hour or so later and we were there. The party rejected climbing Brinkley (which could have been easily done from this vantage point) and I was very glad I had made the effort the day before yesterday. I was familiar enough with the people in the party now that as we walked along I calculated the average age of the party. After lunch, which we had in a fine little side canyon with an excellent pool of beautiful water, I announced my result - fifty-three years! It was greeted with cries of "That's impossible" or "Far too old" but after some deliberation and the slight correction of a few ages, they beat me down to fifty-two. Big deal. We were no youngsters!
-The day continued with a fine long ridge walk to get us to the top of Hogsback, and after that diversionary climb a descent into the 'system' of Standley Chasm. We finally arrived, after a long,long day with full packs, at the backside or southside of Standley Chasm. We were close to civilization now - afterall, there is a kiosk at the other side of the Chasm, and there was much joking about walking through to get an icecream! But no one did.... We did descend the gorge to get water and have a wash, and saw a few bits of 'civilized detritus' which was about the only litter we saw on the entire trip. We saw no people, and therefore did not yet break our wilderness experience. A few drops of rain fell but by now we just didn't take it seriously and it went away and no flies were put up.
-The walk was nearing its end, our packs were finally getting light,
+The day continued with a fine long ridge walk to get us to the top of Hogsback, and after that diversionary climb a descent into the 'system' of Standley Chasm. We finally arrived, after a long, long day with full packs, at the backside or southside of Standley Chasm. We were close to civilization now - after all, there is a kiosk at the other side of the Chasm, and there was much joking about walking through to get an icecream! But no one did.... We did descend the gorge to get water and have a wash, and saw a few bits of 'civilized detritus' which was about the only litter we saw on the entire trip. We saw no people, and therefore did not yet break our wilderness experience. A few drops of rain fell but by now we just didn't take it seriously and it went away and no flies were put up.
-and we were in territory now that was unexplored on previous trips. David's knowledge and map work were impressive. We had had excellent campsites
-each night, found all the water we needed and were having a grand time climbing and exploring. What more could we ask?
+The walk was nearing its end, our packs were finally getting light, and we were in territory now that was unexplored on previous trips. David's knowledge and map work were impressive. We had had excellent campsites each night, found all the water we needed and were having a grand time climbing and exploring. What more could we ask?
 We weren't sure as we headed east yet again; the sirens of civilization were calling but we turned away and went into the next system east of Standley Chasm. From the top of the dividing ridge we saw Alice beckoning us far to the east! Down we went into what I called Garden Canyon. David had a sketch map of this area made by a local walker from Alice Springs and it indicated that we might find water down this one. However it was the plants that impressed me from the top - hence the name. The Macrazamias were so thick at the top we had trouble getting through. The fine large gum trees and cypress pines were luxuriant. The canyon went down about a kilometre and then narrowed at a mighty cleft. Several small crystal clear pools of water were found deep in this cleft, which in spite of its size we easily climbed through. Just below the water we camped where the canyon widened out again. We spent two nights here.
-TO BE CONTINUED.
- VICTORIA ROAD GLADESVILLE, 2111 PHONE (02) 817 5590 HOURS - MON.-FRI. 9-6
+To be continued.
-THURS. 9-8
-SAT. 9-4
+----
-(PARKING AT REAR OFF PITTVVATER. ROAD)
-A LARGE RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHT, QUALITY, BUSHWALKING Et CAMPING GEAR
+=== Canoe & Camping. ===
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOOD FOR BACKPACKERS AND CANOEISTS
- COLD WEATHER PROTECTION CLOTHING AND RAINGEAR
+ Victoria Road, Gladesville, 2111. Phone (02) 817 5590. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9-6, Thurs. 9-8, Sat. 9-4. (Parking at rear off Pittwater Road).
- MAPS, BOOKS AND LEAFLETS
- INFORMATION SERVICE FOR CANOEISTS AND WALKERS
+A large range of lightweight, quality, bushwalking & camping gear:
- KNIVES  COMPASSES  SURVIVAL GEAR
-WE STOCK THE LARGEST RANGE OF CANOEING GEAR IN N.S.W.
+  * Lightweight food for backpackers and canoeists
-QUALITY TOURING CRAFT OF ALL TYPES HIGH QUALITY PERFORMANCE COMPETITION CRAFT
+  * Cold weather protection clothing and raingear
- A HUGE RANGE OF PADDLES FOR ALL TYPES OF CANOEING  WETSUITS  SURF SKIS
+  * Maps, books and leaflets
- ALL TYPES OF SPRAY COVERS  WIDE RANGE OF JACKETS & CAGS  FACE MASKS
+  * Information service for canoeists and walkers
- FOOTWEAR  MANY TYPES OF BUOYANCY & LIFE VESTS  HELMETS
+  * Knives
-Page 17 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1986
+  * Compasses
-THE HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING.
+  * Survival gear
+We stock the largest range of canoeing gear in N.S.W.
+Quality touring craft of all types. High quality, performance competition craft.
+  * A huge range of paddles for all types of canoeing
+  * Wetsuits
+  * Surf skis
+  * All types of spray covers
+  * Wide range of jackets & cags
+  * Face masks
+  * Footwear
+  * Many types of buoyancy & life vests
+  * Helmets
+----
+===== The Half-Yearly General Meeting. =====
 by Barry Wallace.
-It all began, as best I can recall, at about 2006 hours with the President presiding, some 30 or so members present, and around half that number again held in reserve as "noises-off". There was an apology from Patrick James, and new members John Prior, Stephen Deverick and Jack and Kerry Higgs were called to be welcomed to membership. It transpired that only Jack and Kerry were actually present, but we 'later found Jeff Niven, a previous no-show, and put him through the process.
+It all began, as best I can recall, at about 2006 hours with the President presiding, some 30 or so members present, and around half that number again held in reserve as "noises-off". There was an apology from Patrick James, and new members John Prior, Stephen Deverick and Jack and Kerry Higgs were called to be welcomed to membership. It transpired that only Jack and Kerry were actually present, but we later found Jeff Niven, a previous no-show, and put him through the process.
 The Minutes of the August General Meeting were read and received with most matters arising held over to General Business. Peter Miller advised the meeting that a local contractor has agreed to place a rock barrier on the Coolana access track for $50.00, the work to be carried out sometime during September.
 Correspondence comprised letters from Hogg, Robinson and Associates clarifying some minor points regarding the club insurance policy; from North Sydney Council regarding the new Cahill Community Centre and the procedure for booking the hall; from Peter Miller advising of further minor vandalism at the Coolana hut; from Mouldy Harrison (a delightfully warm note of thanks for the flowers which the Club sent to Dorothy Lawry's funeral); from the National Campaign for Wilderness regarding the proposed N.S.W. Wilderness Act; a number of letters offering comments on the proposed Club constitution; a letter from Carol Bruce resigning her position as Walks Secretary and member of the 60th Anniversary Committee; and from Ainslie Morris resigning her positions as Vice-President, magazine Editor, member of the 60th Anniversary Committee and convenor of the Club Historical Booklet. Committee has written to Ainslie asking that she re-consider her resignations.
 The Treasurer's Report indicated that we began the month with a balance of $946, acquired $1847, spent $370 and finished the month with a balance of $2423.
 The Walks Report began with the weekend of August 15,16,17. As there was no report of Oliver Crawford's "exciting mystery trip to Yarramun Creek caves" we can only assume that mystery, rather than excitement, was the dominant theme. Peter Sharp reported 23 starters and lots of wind and snow on his beginners ski weekend, and Barry Wallace reported 6 people (plus 6, minus 2) and extensive flood damage on the Cox River observed during his wine and cheese walk. For the day walks, Bill Holland had 16 people on his Bob Buck's track walk (they reported extensive damage to the banks of the Colo and were late back at the cars as a result), and Errol Sheedy's Bundeena to Waterfall walk had ferry problems (also due to flooding curiously enough) so was altered to go from Waterfall to Heathcote with its 21 starters.
 The following weekend, 22,23,24 August saw Ian Debert's party of 18 getting rained on over Saturday night on his Kanangra walk. Sunday saw some people opt for the soft option by going up the Gingra track, but the tough went to program. Peter Miller's prospectives instructional weekend at Coolana attracted 5 members and 5 visitors (but no Prospectives), and Len Berlin had 12 people on his Heathcote to Waterfall day trip.
-Ian Wolfe's extended ski trip from 28th to 31st August had no report, but someone did say they had seen, the party near O'Keefes Hut. Over the weekend of 29-31 August Robert King's trip to The Castle attracted 7 starters and the Bill Holland/Jan Mohandas walk to Bungonia Gorge had 14 people on what was reported as a beautiful trip. There were no details available
-October, 1986 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 18
+Ian Wolfe's extended ski trip from 28th to 31st August had no report, but someone did say they had seen the party near O'Keefes Hut. Over the weekend of 29-31 August Robert King's trip to The Castle attracted 7 starters and the Bill Holland/Jan Mohandas walk to Bungonia Gorge had 14 people on what was reported as a beautiful trip. There were no details available for Wendy Lipiatt's day walk but Jim Brown had 18 people out enjoying a "beaut day" on his Wondabyne trip.
-YEE&
-for Wendy Lipiatt's day walk but Jim Brown had 18 people out enjoying a "beaut day" on his Wondabyne trip.
 David McIntosh's extended weekend (4th-7th September) Colo trip did not go but George Walton had 10 people enjoying good weather and scenery on his modified Three Peaks trip during the same period. Bob Younger's Cox River walk did not go and Jim Laing's mystery walk surprised everyone of the 12 starters by going to the Red Rocks area. They reported significant wash-aways on the Wolgan River with the Newnes pub just one pier-row from destruction. Of the day walks, Margaret Reid had 18 on her Mt.Victoria walk and Len Berlin's Waterfall to Heathcote trip is rumoured to have been led by Keith Docherty but no details are available. All of which completed the Walks Report.
 There was no Federation Report this month.
 Conservation Report brought advice that a wilderness policy working party has been set up and submissions are invited.
 Of the motions listed on the notice of meeting it was resolved that:-
 (a) Barrie Murdoch is authorised to Incorporate the Association (in this case the Sydney Bush Walkers).
 (b) The statement of objects of the proposed association is approved.
 (c) The motion to approve the rules of the proposed association be adjourned to the next general meeting (October).
 Significant progress was made with this item but it was the feeling of the meeting that more time should be allowed.
 General Business brought a motion that the Club re-submit the application to the Paddy Pallin Foundation for a grant to establish the Club archives. This was carried after some debate.
 Then came the announcements, and at 2215 hours the meeting closed.
-* * * * * * * *
-NEW MEMBERS.
+----
+===== New Members. =====
 Please add the following names to your List of Members:-
-CHRISTIE, Michael, 21 Nepean Avenue, Penrith, 2750 Phone (047) 21 0741
-GRAY, Kathleen, 209 Malton Road, Epping, 2121 86 6263
+  * Christie, Michael, 21 Nepean Avenue, Penrith, 2750. Phone (047) 21 0741.
-HOPKINS, Rod, 20/400 Mowbray Road, Chatswood, 2067 411 6763
+  * Gray, Kathleen, 209 Malton Road, Epping, 2121. 86 6263.
-TAYLOR, LIndsay, 6 Carter Street, Gordon, 2072 498 6671
+  * Hopkins, Rod, 20/400 Mowbray Road, Chatswood, 2067. 411 6763.
-*********
+  * Taylor, LIndsay, 6 Carter Street, Gordon, 2072. 498 6671.
-CONGRATULATIONS to:-
+----
+=== Congratulations to:- ===
 Sandy Hynes and John Williams who were married on Saturday, 20th September, 1986.
-October, 1986 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 19
+----
 BUSH WALKER - A NAME.
 by CLIO.