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 +=====The Search - A Personal View.=====
  
- 
-THE SEARCH - A PERSONAL VIEW. 
 by Bob Younger. by Bob Younger.
 +
 Half the population under 30 seems to be engaged in a struggle to find themselves, so it was refreshing to be asked to find some young people who were genuinely lost. Half the population under 30 seems to be engaged in a struggle to find themselves, so it was refreshing to be asked to find some young people who were genuinely lost.
-In the early afternoon on Tuesday, 1st September, Hans Stitcher rang to enquire whether I could assist in a search for three 18-year-olds who were missing in the lower Kangaroo Valley area. As I had no excuse for not joining the search I rang Rosie Maxwell for + 
-further details. She gave me the map reference for the Federation of Bushwalkers Search and Rescue intended search base. The S. & R. rescue vehicle and trailer had already left and I should have no trouble in following the signs which would be in place at strategic points along the valley floor. +In the early afternoon on Tuesday, 1st September, Hans Stitcher rang to enquire whether I could assist in a search for three 18-year-olds who were missing in the lower Kangaroo Valley area. As I had no excuse for not joining the search I rang Rosie Maxwell for further details. She gave me the map reference for the Federation of Bushwalkers Search and Rescue intended search base. The S. & R. rescue vehicle and trailer had already left and I should have no trouble in following the signs which would be in place at strategic points along the valley floor. 
-The three lads had been missing since the previous Thursday evening and their bogged and abandoned car had been discovered sometime later by some Scouts. The trio had gone out for the day and had no food or camping equipment with them. Rosie told me to take plenty of warm clothing as it was very cold down there. Snow and sleet had hampered police, State Emergency volunteers and others who had been searching the area for some days. The parents of the boys had not worried about them until the weekend as they presumed they must have decided to stay overnight with some of their mates. The situation had now been assessed + 
-as most serious and Keith Maxwell, the Director of the Federation Search & Rescue organisation, had been requested to place as many searchers as he could muster in the area as soon as possible. +The three lads had been missing since the previous Thursday evening and their bogged and abandoned car had been discovered sometime later by some Scouts. The trio had gone out for the day and had no food or camping equipment with them. Rosie told me to take plenty of warm clothing as it was very cold down there. Snow and sleet had hampered police, State Emergency volunteers and others who had been searching the area for some days. The parents of the boys had not worried about them until the weekend as they presumed they must have decided to stay overnight with some of their mates. The situation had now been assessed as most serious and Keith Maxwell, the Director of the Federation Search & Rescue organisation, had been requested to place as many searchers as he could muster in the area as soon as possible. 
-Although Christa always keeps some liaht-weicht rations for such occasions it seemed to take me a long time to get everything together for the equivalent of a normal weekend bushwalk. I did not have the requisite map but I found a 1:63,360 Military Map issued by the Australian Section of the Imperial General Staff in May, 1933. It had cost me two shillings when I bought it for an S.B.W. Easter trip in the 1940's. So if you keep something long enough it will come in handy eventually. + 
-It was dusk by the time I reached the Kangaroo Valley Jack's Corner Road turn-off with the S. & R. sian pointing west. There was a formidable ford at Yarrunga Creek which was too severe for conventional, motor care. These must be parked well off the track to allow passage of larger more powerful four-wheel-drive vehicles. +Although Christa always keeps some light-weight rations for such occasions it seemed to take me a long time to get everything together for the equivalent of a normal weekend bushwalk. I did not have the requisite map but I found a 1:63,360 Military Map issued by the Australian Section of the Imperial General Staff in May, 1933. It had cost me two shillings when I bought it for an S.B.W. Easter trip in the 1940's. So if you keep something long enough it will come in handy eventually. 
-After wading across the cold, slippery and dark crossing I reached the S. & R. base which had been set up on a pleasant flat alongside a creek about 1 km beyond the ford. There were already quite a few tents erected and the S. & R. truck and trailer had been set up with its radio aerial fully rigged complete with an aircraft warning liaht flashing away in a most professional manner. Maurie Bloom was among those gathered around the communal fire. Bob Cavill, the field officer for this S. & R. callmission, was working out a search plan for the following days. As each new arrival appeared at the fire they were asked to sign on and be ready to move off early as there was a general feeling that time was running out. The father and some of the family of the youth from Moss Vale were also there. They had been involved in the search for several days and were understandably very anxious of the outcome. The father in particular had been getting little sleep and had no appetite for food. + 
-It was a very clear, moonlit, cold night and at about 5.30 am the clammy tent decided +It was dusk by the time I reached the Kangaroo Valley Jack's Corner Road turn-off with the S. & R. sign pointing west. There was a formidable ford at Yarrunga Creek which was too severe for conventional motor cars. These must be parked well off the track to allow passage of larger more powerful four-wheel-drive vehicles. 
-to fall on my face and wake me up. I joined the father and family who had stayed by the fire all night talking and dozing and keeping it alight. This made for a quick breakfast and quite a few of us were packed and ready to move off soon after sun-up.+ 
 +After wading across the cold, slippery and dark crossing I reached the S. & R. base which had been set up on a pleasant flat alongside a creek about 1 km beyond the ford. There were already quite a few tents erected and the S. & R. truck and trailer had been set up with its radio aerial fully rigged complete with an aircraft warning light flashing away in a most professional manner. Maurie Bloom was among those gathered around the communal fire. Bob Cavill, the field officer for this S. & R. commission, was working out a search plan for the following days. As each new arrival appeared at the fire they were asked to sign on and be ready to move off early as there was a general feeling that time was running out. The father and some of the family of the youth from Moss Vale were also there. They had been involved in the search for several days and were understandably very anxious of the outcome. The father in particular had been getting little sleep and had no appetite for food. 
 + 
 +It was a very clear, moonlit, cold night and at about 5.30 am the clammy tent decided to fall on my face and wake me up. I joined the father and family who had stayed by the fire all night talking and dozing and keeping it alight. This made for a quick breakfast and quite a few of us were packed and ready to move off soon after sun-up. 
 Gary from the Coast and Mountain Walkers approached and told me I was to be in his party of three. The father and daughters were most impressed by the number of bushwalkers now gathered and by the efficiency of the S. & R. preparations now evident. Groups of three or four bushwalkers were soon equipped with "walkie-talkie" radios and informed of the area to be searched. The father thought that we might all go off and do our own thing. Keith Maxwell and his Assistant Director, Peter Tresseder, told him of the search plan and how we all managed to be there. I was sure that his hope of seeing his son alive was strengthened as walkers continued to arrive to join the search. Bill Capon and Gordon Lee were among these early morning arrivals. Gary from the Coast and Mountain Walkers approached and told me I was to be in his party of three. The father and daughters were most impressed by the number of bushwalkers now gathered and by the efficiency of the S. & R. preparations now evident. Groups of three or four bushwalkers were soon equipped with "walkie-talkie" radios and informed of the area to be searched. The father thought that we might all go off and do our own thing. Keith Maxwell and his Assistant Director, Peter Tresseder, told him of the search plan and how we all managed to be there. I was sure that his hope of seeing his son alive was strengthened as walkers continued to arrive to join the search. Bill Capon and Gordon Lee were among these early morning arrivals.
-Page 6 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1987+
 Our search area was to be a ridge leading up toward Mount Carrialoo (687 metres) so we waded across Yarrunga Creek again and began to climb the steep nose of our ridge. It flattened out after a while and was capped by interesting rocky outcrops with many overhangs. We checked each of the overhangs for evidence of recent camp sites without success. Gary took the top, I searched the eastern cliff line and Graeme examined the western side of the ridge. We maintained contact by calling each other's name. Other parties were proceeding up the creeks on each side of our ridge. To avoid confusion we were to use "Robert" in lieu of the traditional "Day Oh" to attract the attention of the missing trio, as two of them were called Robert. We were travelling into the early morning sun at a magnetic bearing of about 700. We checked the operation of the radio and continued on up the tidge. We really did not expect to find anyone on this ridge but it was our area and we would search as thoroughly as we could. At most, we hoped to report at the end of the day, "They are not on that ridge so we had better look somewhere else tomorrow". Our search area was to be a ridge leading up toward Mount Carrialoo (687 metres) so we waded across Yarrunga Creek again and began to climb the steep nose of our ridge. It flattened out after a while and was capped by interesting rocky outcrops with many overhangs. We checked each of the overhangs for evidence of recent camp sites without success. Gary took the top, I searched the eastern cliff line and Graeme examined the western side of the ridge. We maintained contact by calling each other's name. Other parties were proceeding up the creeks on each side of our ridge. To avoid confusion we were to use "Robert" in lieu of the traditional "Day Oh" to attract the attention of the missing trio, as two of them were called Robert. We were travelling into the early morning sun at a magnetic bearing of about 700. We checked the operation of the radio and continued on up the tidge. We really did not expect to find anyone on this ridge but it was our area and we would search as thoroughly as we could. At most, we hoped to report at the end of the day, "They are not on that ridge so we had better look somewhere else tomorrow".
-I was enjoying myself in a nice little valley when I realised I had not seen or heard Gary for some time. "Not to worry, if I top the ridge and watch my direction and yell more frequently we will meet up O.K.", I decided to myself. Well, I was wrong. The top of the ridge was flatter than ever and heavily overgrown, thus reducing visibility and audibility. "If I keep going a bit to the left I must hear them," I futther decided, until it became apparent that by now I must have crossed their path. How ridiculous. Here I am separated from my search party and now we will waste valuable time looking for each other. Nothing for it but to return to the rocky outcrops and hope I was ahead of the others. A bit of yelling brought a welcome reply. Gary had come up the ridge after me. He had been searching more overhangs on the western side of the rocky outcrops and we had lost contact. + 
-It was still only about 9.15 am when we located Graeme who was manning the radio. There was good news awaiting! A party of three young men (not us) had been spotted in a narrow +I was enjoying myself in a nice little valley when I realised I had not seen or heard Gary for some time. "Not to worry, if I top the ridge and watch my direction and yell more frequently we will meet up O.K.", I decided to myself. Well, I was wrong. The top of the ridge was flatter than ever and heavily overgrown, thus reducing visibility and audibility. "If I keep going a bit to the left I must hear them," I further decided, until it became apparent that by now I must have crossed their path. How ridiculous. Here I am separated from my search party and now we will waste valuable time looking for each other. Nothing for it but to return to the rocky outcrops and hope I was ahead of the others. A bit of yelling brought a welcome reply. Gary had come up the ridge after me. He had been searching more overhangs on the western side of the rocky outcrops and we had lost contact. 
-section of creek below the cliff line of the plateau above. S. & R. party No.8 who were in this vicinity were directed by radio to identify them and to report back. + 
-We soon had confirmation that the missing trio had been found, but they might have to walk out. Smiles of relief all round. The search was over by 9.30 am and the lads could be winched out by helicopter. We returned to our base and a very relieved and grateful father. We were required to remain at the base until all S. & R. parties had returned. This is to +It was still only about 9.15 am when we located Graeme who was manning the radio. There was good news awaiting! A party of three young men (not us) had been spotted in a narrow section of creek below the cliff line of the plateau above. S. & R. party No.8 who were in this vicinity were directed by radio to identify them and to report back. 
-ensure that all searchers return safely and no one is required to mount another search immediately on arrival back home.+ 
 +We soon had confirmation that the missing trio had been found, but they might have to walk out. Smiles of relief all round. The search was over by 9.30 am and the lads could be winched out by helicopter. We returned to our base and a very relieved and grateful father. We were required to remain at the base until all S. & R. parties had returned. This is to ensure that all searchers return safely and no one is required to mount another search immediately on arrival back home. 
 By 11.45 am Bob Cavill called us together and gave us a resume of his knowledge of the events before we all signed off. The young men had driven into the Kangaroo Valley from Moss Vale via Meryla Pass and had bogged their car. As one of them was suffering from a sprained ankle it was decided to take a short cut home through the bush. They had no map and no food and finished up under the cliff line of the valley. The one with the sprained ankle decided that he could walk no further so they sat and waited for rescue. By 11.45 am Bob Cavill called us together and gave us a resume of his knowledge of the events before we all signed off. The young men had driven into the Kangaroo Valley from Moss Vale via Meryla Pass and had bogged their car. As one of them was suffering from a sprained ankle it was decided to take a short cut home through the bush. They had no map and no food and finished up under the cliff line of the valley. The one with the sprained ankle decided that he could walk no further so they sat and waited for rescue.
 +
 Forty-five bushwalkers had taken part in the search and another ten or so late arrivals had been held in reserve in case a stretcher party was needed. The senior police officer present thanked us for our assistance and also thanked two local men who had observed footprints heading north during an earlier search of their own. Forty-five bushwalkers had taken part in the search and another ten or so late arrivals had been held in reserve in case a stretcher party was needed. The senior police officer present thanked us for our assistance and also thanked two local men who had observed footprints heading north during an earlier search of their own.
-FOOTNOTE:+ 
 +__Footnote__: 
 Meryla Pass is normally closed to private vehicles by locked gates at either end. Although it is now only a service track it once gave the Berrima, Moss Vale District access to the coast through Kangaroo Valley. The construction of the Sydney-Goulburn Railway made the general use of the Pass unnecessary. The gates were still open after a search for another overdue party during the previous week when the three young men drove through. Meryla Pass is normally closed to private vehicles by locked gates at either end. Although it is now only a service track it once gave the Berrima, Moss Vale District access to the coast through Kangaroo Valley. The construction of the Sydney-Goulburn Railway made the general use of the Pass unnecessary. The gates were still open after a search for another overdue party during the previous week when the three young men drove through.
-* + 
-October, 1987 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 7 +---- 
-WHAT A NIGHT  IT WAS - BUSHWALKERS FEDERATION BALL. + 
-by-Dehise Shaw.+=====What A Night It Was - Bushwalkers Federation Ball.===== 
 + 
 +by Denise Shaw. 
 Thanks go to just over 30 S.B.W.s who supported this year's Annual Federation Ball at Lane Cove Town Hall on Friday, 18th September. Our members certainly know how to enjoy themselves - letting their hair down, they 'Stripped-the-Willow', jigged 'The Gay Gordon' and clapped and danced the night away to the very lively music of the Hot Dot Bush Band, who donated their services for the evening. Thanks go to just over 30 S.B.W.s who supported this year's Annual Federation Ball at Lane Cove Town Hall on Friday, 18th September. Our members certainly know how to enjoy themselves - letting their hair down, they 'Stripped-the-Willow', jigged 'The Gay Gordon' and clapped and danced the night away to the very lively music of the Hot Dot Bush Band, who donated their services for the evening.
 +
 It was good to see quite a number of our members turning up in the new Club T-Shirts; which looked really great. This was our largest public showing, and we got a number of compliments from the other clubs. It was good to see quite a number of our members turning up in the new Club T-Shirts; which looked really great. This was our largest public showing, and we got a number of compliments from the other clubs.
-The theme this year was 'Sixty Years Walking - 1927 to 1987' to mark our 60th Birthday, and we were honoured by all the clubs attending when they sang"Happy Birthday, Sydney Bush- walkers". The Mount Druitt Bushwalkers even produced a birthday cake and handed it around; and Ainslie Morris was photographed by them, looking very smart in her Club T-Shirt.+ 
 +The theme this year was 'Sixty Years Walking - 1927 to 1987' to mark our 60th Birthday, and we were honoured by all the clubs attending when they sang "Happy Birthday, Sydney Bush Walkers". The Mount Druitt Bushwalkers even produced a birthday cake and handed it around; and Ainslie Morris was photographed by them, looking very smart in her Club T-Shirt. 
 Margaret Niven did a wonderful job of supplying all the Australian native bush flowers from their Belrose property, thanks Margaret; it certainly brought the bush to the Ball and added a colourful touch to our tables. Margaret Niven did a wonderful job of supplying all the Australian native bush flowers from their Belrose property, thanks Margaret; it certainly brought the bush to the Ball and added a colourful touch to our tables.
 +
 A tasty supper and drinks were enjoyed between the dances, and a recently de-cartilaged Donnie Finch was just happy to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and good company. A tasty supper and drinks were enjoyed between the dances, and a recently de-cartilaged Donnie Finch was just happy to sit and enjoy the atmosphere and good company.
-Barbara Bruce and Jim Percy were called upon to draw the lucky door prizes; while a + 
-Mount Druitt member drew out Spiro's name as third prize winner of the raffle - congratulations, Spiro!+Barbara Bruce and Jim Percy were called upon to draw the lucky door prizes; while a Mount Druitt member drew out Spiro's name as third prize winner of the raffle - congratulations, Spiro! 
 What a night it was! A great way to keep fit and help a very worthy cause. Gordon Lee announced that it was a financial success with all the proceeds going towards new radios for Search and Rescue. It was such a lively, happy fun night, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves; so next year I plan to organise an even larger S.B.W. group and you're all invited! What a night it was! A great way to keep fit and help a very worthy cause. Gordon Lee announced that it was a financial success with all the proceeds going towards new radios for Search and Rescue. It was such a lively, happy fun night, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves; so next year I plan to organise an even larger S.B.W. group and you're all invited!
-* * * * * * * * * * + 
-N.S.W. FEDERATION OF BUSHWALKING  CLUBS +---- 
-REPORT OFSEPTEMBERMEETING+ 
 +=====N.S.W. Fedeeration fo Bushwaling Clubs - Report of September Meeting.===== 
 by Spiro Hajinakitas. by Spiro Hajinakitas.
 +
 Federation has issued a press release to most newspapers, radio and televion stations pointing out inaccuracy in the reporting of search and rescues, the implication that bushwalkers (from Clubs) are not adequately prepared and the lack of recognition of the expert work done over many years by F.B.W. Search & Rescue. Federation has issued a press release to most newspapers, radio and televion stations pointing out inaccuracy in the reporting of search and rescues, the implication that bushwalkers (from Clubs) are not adequately prepared and the lack of recognition of the expert work done over many years by F.B.W. Search & Rescue.
 +
 The latest Plan of Management for Kosciusko National Park has provision for horse riding. F.B.W. is to ask Bob Carr to meet with a small delegation to discuss our opposition to horse riding in National Parks. The latest Plan of Management for Kosciusko National Park has provision for horse riding. F.B.W. is to ask Bob Carr to meet with a small delegation to discuss our opposition to horse riding in National Parks.
 +
 It now appears certain that the level of the Warragamba Dam is to be raised 5 metres. Stage two will be the construction of a spillway and stage three the building of a second dam. This will result in the loss of many favourite walking areas of significant worth. The Sydney University Bushwalkers are looking into the issue. It now appears certain that the level of the Warragamba Dam is to be raised 5 metres. Stage two will be the construction of a spillway and stage three the building of a second dam. This will result in the loss of many favourite walking areas of significant worth. The Sydney University Bushwalkers are looking into the issue.
 +
 C.M.W. has all but finished the track to Folly Point (Budawangs) and N.P.W.S. is to put up signs. C.M.W. has all but finished the track to Folly Point (Budawangs) and N.P.W.S. is to put up signs.
 +
 Attendance at Federation Meetings has dropped since F.B.W. moved to the Rocks area and some delegates think we should move to the Parramatta area. Attendance at Federation Meetings has dropped since F.B.W. moved to the Rocks area and some delegates think we should move to the Parramatta area.
 +
 Federation is keeping a close look on the Minister for Police's proposal to make people pay for expensive rescues and his plan to have all bushwalkers report to a Police Station prior to a walk to have their gear checked etc. Federation is keeping a close look on the Minister for Police's proposal to make people pay for expensive rescues and his plan to have all bushwalkers report to a Police Station prior to a walk to have their gear checked etc.
-* * * * * * * * * + 
-Page 8 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER October, 1987 +---- 
-ASOFT THREE PEAKS - JULY '87. + 
-byIkarus. +=====A Soft Three Peaks - July '87.===== 
-mount Ihurat - Mount Paralyser Whalania Deep - Mount Guouogang - Kanangra Gorge - Strongleg Ridge - Mount Cloudmaker - Craft's Walls - Kanangra Tops.+ 
 +by Ikarus. 
 + 
 +Mount Thurat - Mount Paralyser - Whalania Deep - Mount Guouogang - Kanangra Gorge - Strongleg Ridge - Mount Cloudmaker - Craft's Walls - Kanangra Tops. 
 Distance: 40 km. Distance: 40 km.
 +
 Total ascents: 2540 m. Total ascents: 2540 m.
 +
 Total descents: 2450 m. Total descents: 2450 m.
 +
 "Do you think I can do it, Gordon? Am I strong enough?" "Do you think I can do it, Gordon? Am I strong enough?"
 +
 "Sure, you can do it! I saw you carrying water onto the Axehead last June. You'll be right!" "Sure, you can do it! I saw you carrying water onto the Axehead last June. You'll be right!"
 +
 "O.K. I'll go." "O.K. I'll go."
-Saturday morning = twelve feet crunch the frozen earth on Thurat's ridge. Ice diamonds + 
-brushed from frozen bushes display a cheerful sun. +Saturday morning = twelve feet crunch the frozen earth on Thurat's ridge. Ice diamonds brushed from frozen bushes display a cheerful sun. 
-A cry, "There's the Axehead!" in the morning light - eyes turn right on a splendid sight. Bull Island, Green Wattle bring on the past - but the present is precious, ephemeral, + 
-and there is much to be done!+A cry, "There's the Axehead!" in the morning light - eyes turn right on a splendid sight. Bull Island, Green Wattle bring on the past - but the present is precious, ephemeral, and there is much to be done! 
 The morning starts easily with Mount Carra Mernoo and Mount Cyclops going almost unnoticed. The morning starts easily with Mount Carra Mernoo and Mount Cyclops going almost unnoticed.
-When approached from the west, Paralyser Trio is a disappointment. An inconspicuous pile of stones on a relatively flat area of ground, surrounded by a few sick saplings and nothing much to see, discourages loitering. Although a later climb from the south-east justifies its name in my mind, the party of the present signs the book and is soon on its way.+ 
 +When approached from the west, Paralyser Trig is a disappointment. An inconspicuous pile of stones on a relatively flat area of ground, surrounded by a few sick saplings and nothing much to see, discourages loitering. Although a later climb from the south-east justifies its name in my mind, the party of the present signs the book and is soon on its way. 
 The descent of Paralyser's northern ridge is surprisingly gentle with a few good views of Mount Guouogang and the afternoon's route up it, Nooroo Gables. At approximately 700 metres elevation we drop off the left of the ridge and descend into Whalania Deep. The dry Steeps are comparatively free of vegetation. Strategically placed trees are useful brakes - descent is sometimes more rapid than desired. The descent of Paralyser's northern ridge is surprisingly gentle with a few good views of Mount Guouogang and the afternoon's route up it, Nooroo Gables. At approximately 700 metres elevation we drop off the left of the ridge and descend into Whalania Deep. The dry Steeps are comparatively free of vegetation. Strategically placed trees are useful brakes - descent is sometimes more rapid than desired.
-Lunch is brief, and we are soon on that awkward climb. Statistics indicate that the average angle of ascent up the Gables will be about 30 with an elevation improvement of one kilometre, but observation indicates I am moving to a torrid afternoon. Not long is spent + 
-with the rest of the party. My view of their backs is transitory. It appears that the afternoon will be a sentence to solitude. Time is rendered meaningless, sweat pours and my feet fall in an endless trudge. Experience has taught me that stopping for pain only invites the greater pain of starting. So I go on in the knowledge that the hardship will eventually stop and the pain will be meaningless, past. +Lunch is brief, and we are soon on that awkward climb. Statistics indicate that the average angle of ascent up the Gables will be about 30° with an elevation improvement of one kilometre, but observation indicates I am moving to a torrid afternoon. Not long is spent with the rest of the party. My view of their backs is transitory. It appears that the afternoon will be a sentence to solitude. Time is rendered meaningless, sweat pours and my feet fall in an endless trudge. Experience has taught me that stopping for pain only invites the greater pain of starting. So I go on in the knowledge that the hardship will eventually stop and the pain will be meaningless, past. 
-Then, there, a welcome sioht seen through a haze - Karl sitting, waiting on a rock. + 
-"I thought I'd stop and give you a bit of company. It does get lonely at the rear," he +Then, there, a welcome sight seen through a haze - Karl sitting, waiting on a rock. 
-Says.+ 
 +"I thought I'd stop and give you a bit of company. It does get lonely at the rear," he says. 
 "Thanks," I gasp "how far to go?" "Thanks," I gasp "how far to go?"
 +
 "We may be half-way there." "We may be half-way there."
 +
 Up, up, up we go, seemingly forever; on rocky ridges, by yawning clifftops, stay-a-while bushes slowing my stride - the net of surrender thrust aside by a constant plod. Up, up, up we go, seemingly forever; on rocky ridges, by yawning clifftops, stay-a-while bushes slowing my stride - the net of surrender thrust aside by a constant plod.
-Then, there on a point are the others admiring a view. They don't look too cold. I am + 
-too hot to see much and there is neither time for a pleasure in cooling. The last, steep parts are climbed together until the shrub-shrouded dome of the Mount is reached; but there is no time to see its trio as the sun is falling fast.+Then, there on a point are the others admiring a view. They don't look too cold. I am too hot to see much and there is neither time for a pleasure in cooling. The last, steep parts are climbed together until the shrub-shrouded dome of the Mount is reached; but there is no time to see its trig as the sun is falling fast. 
 In sympathy with the sun we descend. Razorback and Mount Bullagower are soon negotiated. The latter's ridge is a luxury after the afternoon's climb. In sympathy with the sun we descend. Razorback and Mount Bullagower are soon negotiated. The latter's ridge is a luxury after the afternoon's climb.
-The proposed drop-off point to the east comes and goes and then   I am alone! + 
-Surely they're not too far ahead! Cursing lenses that could be improved or a second's attention +The proposed drop-off point to the east comes and goes and then... I am alone! Surely they're not too far ahead! Cursing lenses that could be improved or a second's attention on a vanishing view, I give a shout. Repetitions also meet with silence. I know that time is precious and thoughts of a lonely night on a Kanangra ridgetop and the irritation of others are thrust aside as I drop off to the left hoping the others are ahead. 
-October, 1987 +
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 9 +
-on a vanishing view, I give a shout. Repetitions also meet with silence. I know that time is precious and thoughts of a lonely nioht on a Kanangra ridgetop and the irritation of others are thrust aside as I drop off to the left hoping the others are ahead.+
 Down, down to Kanangra's gloom I go, jamming heels in giving ground. There is green grass here and things seem kinder than the morning's Steeps. Down I go, stopping, negotiating a steeper bit, then resuming my jerking slide. Scratches and nettles barring the way are unfelt against the anxiety of fading light and a seemingly endless slope. Down, down to Kanangra's gloom I go, jamming heels in giving ground. There is green grass here and things seem kinder than the morning's Steeps. Down I go, stopping, negotiating a steeper bit, then resuming my jerking slide. Scratches and nettles barring the way are unfelt against the anxiety of fading light and a seemingly endless slope.
-Then, at last, the creek is reached, and in good time too, for dusk is past. + 
-Kanangra's water tastes sweet beside the afternoon's drought. Time to reflect on a day well spent. Then, suddenly, the others, apparently noticing that they are "but five", arrive with torches, shouts and a whistle. +Then, at last, the creek is reached, and in good time too, for dusk is past. Kanangra's water tastes sweet beside the afternoon's drought. Time to reflect on a day well spent. Then, suddenly, the others, apparently noticing that they are "but five", arrive with torches, shouts and a whistle. 
-The pleasure of a good and apparently never-used campsite is only spoilt when a light rain starts soon after the tents go up. Gordon is early to bed and won't be moved, even when the rain stops. Perhaps he is showing his age. I'd rather think he is enjoying the soft + 
-part of his "Soft Three Peaks"! +The pleasure of a good and apparently never-used campsite is only spoilt when a light rain starts soon after the tents go up. Gordon is early to bed and won't be moved, even when the rain stops. Perhaps he is showing his age. I'd rather think he is enjoying the soft part of his "Soft Three Peaks"! 
-Morning brings a new burden - a sodden, shared tent. The shedding of last night's meal is doubly welcome. Strongleg's ridge is flatter than Nooroo but I regret not spending last + 
-night under my fly. Half-way up, Gordon and a deputation meet me with a request for one +Morning brings a new burden - a sodden, shared tent. The shedding of last night's meal is doubly welcome. Strongleg's ridge is flatter than Nooroo but I regret not spending last night under my fly. Half-way up, Gordon and a deputation meet me with a request for one sodden tent. This request is gladly complied with. However, in the confusion and by reason of my exhaustion I don't see my sleeping bag going walkabout! I realise that the catalyst for the preceding actions was not altruism, but rather the perceived best interest of the party, but I can only wish that the sleeping bag hangs heavily all the way to Kanangra Tops! 
-sodden tent. This request is gladly complied with. However, in the confusion and by reason + 
-of my exhaustion I don't see my sleeping bag going walkabout! I realise that the catalyst +Relieved of my burdens, the way home seems gentle stuff. The views from Mount Moorilla Maloo are outstanding and the finding of a temporarily lost Dex Creek is fine by-play. Lunch at that rubbish dump is soon followed by splendid views coming off Mount Cloudmaker. 
-for the preceding actions was not altruism, but rather the perceived best interest of the party, but I can only wish that the sleeping bag hangs heavily all the way to Kanangra Tops! +
-Relieved of my burdens, the way home seems gentle stuff. The views from Mount Mborilla Maloo are outstanding and the finding of a temporarily lost Dex Creek is fine by-play. Lunch at that rubbish dump is soon followed by splendid views coming off Mount Cloudmaker.+
 The tempo of the amble along the range to Kanangra Tops is only interrupted by a Gabe's Gap grind and a minor disagreement as to how Craft's Walls should be negotiated. The tempo of the amble along the range to Kanangra Tops is only interrupted by a Gabe's Gap grind and a minor disagreement as to how Craft's Walls should be negotiated.
 +
 Gordon promises me Monday morning stiffness, even though I have not had that lately. Monday proves him right but any ache is nothing beside the pain of getting it! Gordon promises me Monday morning stiffness, even though I have not had that lately. Monday proves him right but any ache is nothing beside the pain of getting it!
-BUSHCRAFT WEEKEND 7/8thNOVEMBER+ 
 +---- 
 + 
 +====Bushcraft Weekend - 7/8th November.==== 
 by Wendy Aliano. by Wendy Aliano.
 +
 Ben Esgate has agreed to put on another bushcraft weekend. Ben is the genuine article when it comes to understanding of and surviving in the bush, and every Sydney Bush Walker can benefit form his vast experience. Ben Esgate has agreed to put on another bushcraft weekend. Ben is the genuine article when it comes to understanding of and surviving in the bush, and every Sydney Bush Walker can benefit form his vast experience.
-Perhaps the best way to tell you what this weekend is about is to tell some of the things that Ben told us at the last one. He showed us how to light a fire in the rain, and when there is no dry kindling how to create your own from Mountain Mallee twigs or the inside bark of the Stringybark Tree. He showed us how to recognise if one has changed difection when walking by the way the clouds are going or the feel of the breeze on the face. We learned about bush fires, where to go and in what circumstances in the case of fire. He showed us how to read the signs in the bush of past fires. Ben talked about animals, rocks and water and we all came away from the weekend knowing a great deal more and able to see a lot more in the bush we love to walk through.+ 
 +Perhaps the best way to tell you what this weekend is about is to tell some of the things that Ben told us at the last one. He showed us how to light a fire in the rain, and when there is no dry kindling how to create your own from Mountain Mallee twigs or the inside bark of the Stringybark Tree. He showed us how to recognise if one has changed direction when walking by the way the clouds are going or the feel of the breeze on the face. We learned about bush fires, where to go and in what circumstances in the case of fire. He showed us how to read the signs in the bush of past fires. Ben talked about animals, rocks and water and we all came away from the weekend knowing a great deal more and able to see a lot more in the bush we love to walk through. 
 This is a weekend that experienced people and newcomers will all benefit from. So set it aside in your diary now. New members are welcome, and will be assisted in gaining basic camping skills. Also it is my birthday, so if you want to see Wendy cry at being a year older, you can help celebrate as well. This is a weekend that experienced people and newcomers will all benefit from. So set it aside in your diary now. New members are welcome, and will be assisted in gaining basic camping skills. Also it is my birthday, so if you want to see Wendy cry at being a year older, you can help celebrate as well.
-THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER + 
-265 VICTORIA ROAD GLADESVILLE, 2111 PHONE (02) 817 5590 HOURS - MON.-FRI. 9-6 +---- 
-THURS. 941 +
-SAT. 9-4 +
-(PARKING AT REAR OFF PITTWATER ROAD) +
-A LARGE RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHT, marry, BUSHWALKING Et CAMPING GEAR +
- LIGHTWEIGHT FOOD FOR BACKPACKERS AND CANOEISTS +
- COLD WEATHER PROTECTION CLOTHING AND RAINGEAR +
- MAPS, BOOKS AND LEAFLETS +
- INFORMATION SERVICE FOR CANOEISTS AND WALKERS +
- KNIVES  COMPASSES  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 +
-October, 1987 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 11+
 AWALK,INTHEMACDONNELL RANGES. AWALK,INTHEMACDONNELL RANGES.
 JULY 1987. by Margaret Niven. JULY 1987. by Margaret Niven.
198710.txt · Last modified: 2016/09/21 12:10 by tyreless
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