Table of Contents
The Sydney Bushwalker.
Established June 1931.
A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers Incorporated, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney, 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening from 7.45 pm at the Ella Community Centre, 58a Dalhousie Street, Haberfield (next to Post Office). Prospective members and visitors are invited to visit the Club on any Wednesday. To advertise in this magazine please contact the Business Manager.
Editor (for this issue) | Patrick James, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. |
New Editor | Morag Ryder, Box 347 PO, Gladesville 2111. Telephone 809 4241. |
Business Manager | Anita Doherty, 2 Marine Crest., Hornsby Heights, 2077. Telephone 476 6531. |
Production Manager | Helen Gray - telephone 86 8263. |
Typist | Kath Brown. |
Illustrators | Morag Ryder. |
Printers | Barrie Murdoch, Kenn Clacher, Les Powell. |
March 1989
In This Issue:
Page | ||
Office Bearers & Committee Members 1989 | 2 | |
The Dusky Track - The South Island of New Zealand | Jim Oxley | 3 |
In Memorium - Wally Roots | Dot Butler | 4 |
What's in a Name - The Aboriginal Guns | Jim Brown | 5 |
Advice on Equipment and Clothing | Don Finch | 7 |
Said the Leader “Hours Behind” | Barrie Murdoch | 10 |
“Where Have All the Leaders Gone?” | Kath Brown | 11 |
Fedn.B.W. Clubs NSW - February Meeting | Spiro Hajinakitas | 12 |
The February General Meeting | Barry Wallace | 13 |
Footnotes | 14 | |
SBW Annual Subscriptions 1989 | 14 |
Advertisements:
Page | |
Canoe & Camping - Gladesville & Kogarah Bay | 6 |
Eastwood Camping Centre | 9 |
Belvedere Taxis - Blackheath | 12 |
Deadline for April Issue - Articles 29 March, Notes 5 April 1989. Deadline for May Issue - Articles 26 April, Notes 3 May 1989.
S.B.W Office Bearers & Committee 1989.
The following Office Bearers and Committee Members as well as other Club workers were elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Club held on Wednesday, 8th March, 1989:-
President | Don Finch* | 88 1035 |
Vice-President | Kenn Clacher* | 419 2973 |
Public Officer | Barbara Bruce* | 546 6570 |
Treasurer | Spiro Hajinakitas* | 332 3452 |
Secretary | Deborah Shapira* | 439 7555 (B) |
Walks Secretary | John Porter* | 797 9784 |
Social Secretary | Carol Bruce* | |
New Members Secretary | Carol Lubbers* | 699 5450 |
Conservation Secretary | Alex Colley* | 44 2707 |
Magazine Editor | Morag Ryder* | 809 4241 |
Membership Secretary | Oliver Crawford* | 44 1685 |
2 Committee Members | Wendy Lippiat* | |
Maurie Bloom* | ||
2 Delegates to Federation | Gordon Lee* | |
Geoff Bridger* | ||
2 Federation Delegates (not on Committee) | Jim Percy | |
John Porter | ||
Magazine Business Manager | Anita Doherty | |
Magazine Production Manager | Helen Gray | |
Printer | Kenn Clacher (and others) | |
Assistant New Members Secretary | Narelle Lovell | |
Archivist | Ainslie Morris | 428 3178 |
Solicitor | Barrie Murdoch | 498 7834 |
Auditor | Tony Marshall | |
Search & Rescue Contacts | Hans Stichter (688 3050) | |
Don Finch (88 1035) | ||
Bob Younger (57 1158) | ||
Kosciusko Huts Assn. Delegates | Jim Percy | |
Ray Hookway | ||
Transport Officer | Les Powell | 389 9968 |
Note: All Club workers are honorary. * Indicates members of Committee.
Annual Subscriptions - See Page 14.
The Dusky Track - The South Island Of New Zealand.
by Jim Oxley
“I heard the silence, felt it like something solid, face to face… And I knew that I had left behind the man-constructed world. Had already escaped from a world in which the days are consumed by clocks and dollars and traffic and other people. Had crossed over into a world that was governed by the sun and the wind and the lie of the land. A world in which the things that mattered were the pack on your back and sunlight on rough rocks and the look of the way ahead. A world in which you relied always on yourself… And in that quiet place I felt that I had moved inside the silence.”
From Halfway Hut Book - Dusky Track.
As I write I think of Carol, John, Les, Debby and Neil who would surely be on their way - sleeping in Hauroko Burn Hut, recovering from the attentions of the local sandflies. There wouldn't have been much action on the first day - just bus, truck and boat, but a few nice views seen along Lake Hauroko.
The walk really begins with tomorrow's route to Halfway Hut - not much hardship - just a few beech roots, the odd rise and fall, mud and initiation to three rope bridges - not as bad as they sound.
The second day is the climax of the trip - the snow grass country around Lake Roe Hut. The trip from Halfway Hut is much steeper than yesterday's, but the snowline and relief from sandflies is enough. A trip to the meadows above completes a happy day - provided it doesn't rain!
Again, if it doesn't rain, the next day the party may make a trip to Tamatea Peak which will give splendid views west, more than forty kilometres to the sea with magnificent mountain ranges stacked in all directions.
It will be a real tug when on the fifth day the party descends again below the snowline to the welcoming embrace of the local sandflies. But before that they will have further magnificent views along the Pleasant Range and a very rapid descent off it.
For me the time around Loch Roe was the best part of the trip but there was more, much more, to come. The trip to Dusky Sound was interesting with more mud than before but relief from the sandflies gained with a row in the hut boat up Supper Cove. Perhaps they have luck with fishing - the fish fall on the hook here.
The next day should bring more fishing - then the next day, perhaps sick of fish they'll retrace their steps to Loch Maree Hut. They could perhaps continue the same day to Kintail Hut via a very confusing sphagnum bog. The mud only gets worse!
It was raining when I crossed Centre Pass last year. As I reached the high point the winds hit me and almost took my breath away as I gazed on rain squalls; waterfalls; wet, grey rocks against wet, grey skies; produced something magnificent. I hope this year's party has fine weather but not at this point.
For me the last day seemed an anticlimax except for hot showers while waiting for the ferryman and the shock reunion with “civilization”. But enough - enough of “days… consumed by clocks and dollars and traffic and other people”. I'm off - off in search of a “way ahead” and again - “inside the silence”.
(The trip along the Dusky Track by five SBW members this February caused a flood of happy memories for Jim and prompted him to re-walk on paper, his trip. It will be interesting to read and compare the reports from this year's visitors. Editor)
In Memorium - Wally Roots.
by Dot Butler
The death occurred on 24th February 1989 of Walter J. Roots, aged 84, while on a visit to Tasmania.
As a young man he was a member of No. 7 Patrol of the Bondi Life Saving Club, along with Harold Chardon and Tom Herbert. (All three became Presidents of the SBW.) Tom persuaded him to join the newly formed Sydney Bush Walkers and very soon he found himself on Committee, holding office as Secretary from 1930 to 1936. He was heavily involved, as a producer and performer, with the Club's entertainments, especially the plays which were produced at the St. James Theatre annually from 1928 to 1937.
He had a great love for the bush and introduced his son and four daughters to camp life while they were still infants. His son David was prime mover in the formation of the Sydney Rock Climbers Club.
Wally played a key part in the Club's first conservation efforts. Right from its foundation the Club was involved in trying to preserve some thousands of acres of bushland at Garrawarra as a recreational reserve. When success crowned their efforts Wal was one of the seven trustees appointed to control Garrawarra Park until later it was added to the Royal N.P.
About the same time the Club was involved with the preservation of Blue Gum Forest. It was necessary to buy out a lessee. Money for this worthy cause was donated by bushwalkers and tree lovers. More than half the required sum came as a loan from Mr. W. J. Cleary. To repay Mr. Cleary the Bushwalkers raised money from one of their annual concerts and from the Blue Gum Forest Ball. Wally treasured one of the admission tickets - gum leaves painted blue, artistically inscribed with hand lettering. Together with the repayment cheque, Wal, who was a great photographer, presented Mr. Cleary with an album of photos of Blue Gum Forest.
When the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs was formed in 1932 Wally became its first Secretary. Federation was a very vital organisation in those days - with Wally's enthusiasm it could hardly be otherwise.
In the early days of the Club we had annual Swimming Carnivals at Bushwalkers Basin, and Wal proudly kept the award telling that he was “Diving Champion of the SBW”. Another valued item was one of the early maps made by Myles Dunphy. Every Meeting night Myles would bring his Blue Mountains & Burragorang map into the Clubroom, and members who had recently done walks would add their new discoveries or corrections. A limited number of copies were printed (some two or three hundred), one of which Wal treasured. Root's Route at Kanangra features on the map. His bushwalking keepsakes will be a valuable inclusion in the Club Archives.
Wal considered the highlight of his walking career to be the discovery of Splendour Rock. The small party had made their way to the end of Mount Dingo from a camp on Warrigal, and Wal had gone on to be confronted by the most fantastic view in the Blue Mountains - most probably the first white man to be on Splendour Rock. Another of his “discoveries” was the “Pirates' Caves” - remarkable formations in the sea cliffs at Catherine Hill Bay.
In 1936 Wally was elected President. At the welcoming ceremony at the Annual Reunion Wally, with his flair for the dramatic, had himself ushered on stage by a choir dressed in long white robes and halos and each holding an arum lily, singing -
“Pure, pure and righteous are we,
We are your Committ-ee.
Try to be as like us as you can be
But you'll never be as pure as our Committ-ee!”
(This was a time when co-tenting was being heatedly debated.)
The choir drew aside to reveal Wally, robed as Moses Roots, who declaimed his Ten Commandments, all of which seemed to hinge on making the life of the President more comfortable.
Apart from his bushwalking, Wally was a very successful businessman, and a regular forceful and enthusiastic speaker in the Rostrum Club.
In his later years the sea became his other love and he joined the Coastal Patrol and spent much of his retirement in his little boat up and down the coast.
And so we close the book on 84 years of enthusiasm and integrity, more than half of them being directed to bushwalking and the great outdoors. The present day walkers are the beneficiaries. (See also Page 13)
What's In A Name? The Aboriginal Guns.
by Jim Brown
Some time last year there was a walk on our program which nominated as one of the route check points “Gunmarl Saddle”. The name relates to a notch in the ridge system south of the Shoalhaven River near Timboolina Trig. Seeing the name on the walks program I first thought, “Oh dear, they've spelt it wrong…. should be GUNMARI” (final “I” instead of “L”). Then I had a look at the Burrier map and found it really is “Gunmarl” - although I've been thinking of it as “Gunmari” ever since a stormy November evening in 1971….
I had taken advantage of a long dry spell to walk down the Shoalhaven from Badgery's Crossing to the Kangaroo Junction - before part of the Gorge was flooded by the Tallowa Dam. After the drought the river was low, which made the crossings easy, and I planned to sleep under the stars on the Saturday night. But as I ate, a great bank of bruised-looking cloud mustered in the west.
In failing light I looked at my maps to confirm how far I still had to go to reach the Kangaroo, and concluded I was camped almost immediately beneath the feature called (as I read it) Gunmari Saddle. Hastily I improvised a shelter from a big sheet of thin plastic, a cord, some sticks and stones, and crawled into my summer-weight sleeping bag. My lower legs and feet protruded from the makeshift tent, so I thrust them into a garbage bag. While the storm rumbled above I debated how one should pronounce “Gunmari” and presently came to “Gun-marry”. Why, of course, I thought - a shot-gun wedding.
Before I drifted off to sleep with the rattle of rain a few inches above my head (we still had inches in 1971), I began to think of all the other aboriginal names that commence “gun” and how you can interpret them in the same nonsense way as “gun-marry”. It included some places where the “gun” is used as a verb in the sense of “gun down” something or someone.
Gundagai, for instance. Who was the guy who was gunned, and did he have anything to do with dogs sitting on tucker-boxes? South of Goulburn, a couple of our Club members live at Gundaroo, and I'd guess a good many 'roos have been gunned thereabouts. Not far away to the west is the town of Gunning.
You'll recall that “dah” is a sort of affectionate term for “father” in some English North Counties dialects, so can we assume Gunnedah has something to do with a case of patricide? As a reverse side to that coin, there's a place called Gunnison somewhere, but I think it's in the USA, so we can't blame our aboriginals for that.
Obviously there should be shops selling fire-arms in the towns of Gunbar (post code 2711) and at Gunbower in Victoria (post code 3566). One might expect Annie (“Get-Your-Gun”) Oakley to reside at Gungal (post code 2333). And once there was a railway station in outback NSW called Gunebang, which is clearly Pidgin English for “gun 'e bang”.
The area west of Gosford is depicted on the “Gunderman” map. This has to be a reference to that wild woman Frankie in the Western ballad who “gunned her man… he was doing her wrong”. Down on the Hacking River estuary is the peninsula with the similar name “Gundamaian”. I can imagine an astute aboriginal sighing and saying, “Oh yes, we had trouble with names repeated over and over again… just like your Railway Streets (Lanes, Roads) or your Victoria Roads (Lanes, Places, Drives).” He'd be right at that…. a recent Sydney Street Directory shows 87 Railway Streets (Roads, Lanes) and a similar number of “Victorias”, although some are the same thoroughfare passing through a sequence of suburbs.
That still leaves some “gun” places I've not been able to tinker around with. Anyone is welcome to suggest what you could expect to find or what may happen at Gunnamatta Bay or at Gunningbland. Snowy Mountain walkers should pause and consider Gungartan or Gungarlin.
Come to think of it, with all those “guns” in the aboriginal armoury, maybe it's just as well for the European invaders of the past 200 years that they weren't “bang bang guns”.
Change of address.
Please make the following alteration to your List of Members:-
McGregor, Malcolm, 30/10 Minkara Road, Bayview, 2104. Phone 979 5401.
Canoe & Camping.
265 Victoria Road, Gladesville, 2111. Phone (02) 817 5590. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Thurs 9-7, Sat 9-4. (Parking at rear off Pittwater Road).
226 Princes Highway, Kogarah Bay, 2217. Phone (02) 546 5455. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5.30, Thurs 9-7, Sat - 9-4.
A large range of lightweight, quality, bushwalking & 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
Advice On Equipment And Clothing.
by Don Finch
The following is intended as a guide as to which clothing and equipment should be taken on walks taking into account various situations such as the area to be walked in, season, type and length of walk. Knowing what to take and when to take it are often learnt at the end of bitter experience. The failing or inadequacy of a piece of clothing or equipment can cause discomfort, loss of enjoyment, cancellation of a walk and can even contribute to a life threatening situation. A vague warning such as, “Expect any weather in the Snowy Mountains at any time,” should not be ignored especially when you are walking through six inches of snow, temperature is at -5°C counting “Wind-chill” factor, such that your fingers are aching from cold but you can't feel your toes at all and visibility is reduced to less than 200 metres in a grey swirl. This actually occurred in January 1988! On the other hand, you could end up with too much gear and incapable of lifting your pack off the ground. Above all, most of us have learned to accept advice such that the safe words of experienced members have rescued some of us from many an adverse situation.
Footwear.
Sandshoes. Dunlop Volleys with the distinctive small herringbone patterned sole. These provide excellent grip on rocks especially for extended creek and river walking whereby you are constantly in and out of water. They are generally light and comfortable for ridge and track walking. It is best to buy them one to two sizes too big as the uppers tend to shrink when wet.
Joggers. Pumas, Dunlop KT26. These have a chunky tread pattern and provide good grip on dry rocks. They are usually light and comfortable and provide good foot support for ridge and track walking.
Walking Boots. These are definitely the best for foot and ankle protection especially on muddy tracks and wet grass in winter. Especially advantageous in snow, ice sleet. They are not suitable for constant immersion in water or rock hopping. They must be “worn in” thoroughly, so that your feet and legs can get used to them.
Rainwear.
If you expect to remain totally dry in torrential rain - stay at home. If walking in rain the degree of dampness you will experience will depend upon how much you are prepared to spend and care for your equipment.
Rainjackets. Always get one with a hood attached. Your shorts will get wet in a standard coat length style unless overpants are worn. Longer coats will prevent this but weigh and cost more. If you use a cheap coat, you will get wet and although more expensive, treated fabrics are usually pretty reliable. Perspiration can be a problem and there are more expensive membrane type fabrics which “breathe”.
Hat. Your sun hat can also protect you in the rain. A stiff brim made of felt, leather or treated fabric can keep a lot of water off your head and face.
Cold weather clothing.
Thermals. A Thermal shirt is essential for winter trips and also wet summer trips (liloing, abseiling etc.). Long-johns often substitute for track-suit pants at night in winter and will protect your legs from sunburn when liloing in the summer. Polypropylene fibres are very popular at the moment although other fabrics are available. Care needs to be taken when sitting near open fires whilst wearing synthetic fibres.
Beanies and gloves. These need to be taken on all winter trips. It is important to remember that a large proportion of body heat is lost through the head. Spare socks can be substituted for gloves if necessary. Pure wool is the best material for these items.
Wet trip equipment.
Waterproofing packs. The single vitally important item which must remain dry is your sleeping bag. Stuffing it into a plastic bag inside its normal stuff-sac is a good way to ensure this. At least two layers of strong, new garbage bags are required along with closures, e.g. rubber bands or pieces of string. Care should be taken wherever possible not to puncture the bags. If a sleeping mat is being carried it can be inserted between two bags inside the pack and this will give extra protection to the inner lining and therefore to the pack contents.
Wet-suits. These are usually not required. You can usually get away with a set of Thermal underwear. Your leader will advise if they are necessary. If you do take a wet-suit, you will need to protect it from damage from rocks by wearing a pair of shorts over the top. It is not advisable to carry a wet-suit on a long trip.
Liloes. On long trips every person in the party should carry a full repair kit.
Tents.
A full tent with floor and fly is required for all trips to the Snowy Mountains, regardless of the time of year. A fly is usually sufficient at lower altitudes (including the Blue Mountains) in the spring, summer and autumn. Some people will use them all year around. A fly can be homemade or bought, strengthening tape or seam sealants are sometimes required. When selecting the size remember the “end-effect” where a certain area at the end of the fly can become uninhabitable in windy wet weather. This problem can be reduced by careful selection of your pitching site.
Cold weather walking.
In cold weather and for all Snowy Mountains walking the following items of clothing are mandatory. These are a beanie or balaclava, light wool or thermal gloves, thermal long-johns complemented by waterproof overpants, wool socks. When caught in unexpected snow whilst wearing sandshoes try wearing plastic bags over your socks.
Sleeping bags.
These are a big expense so must be chosen carefully. A low temperature rating is not the only consideration as a good bag might be just too hot to be comfortable in the summer in NSW. Unfortunately, the only real solution for both high country winter and low country summer is to have two bags. This can be partly solved by using an inner sheet and wearing thermal underwear and beanie in a higher temperature range bag.
Closed cell foam sleeping mats.
The extra long thicker types are suitable for sleeping on snow. A shorter and thinner one will still provide excellent insulation and comfort. Beware some cheaper mats are not closed cell foam and will not perform adequately. Always try to pack your “foamie” into your pack - it will get damaged when walking in scrub if left outside and will also protect the contents of your pack to some extent.
Marking.
Having assembled your gear you will realise that the range is limited and expensive. Identify all your equipment - from plates to packs, teaspoons to tents. This will save disputes over identical pieces and maybe return to you items lost or misplaced.
When travelling in a group, say by plane, mark your gear, pack included, so that it may be readily identified from a dozen similar pieces.
(This article is one of a series planned to be published in a new SBW booklet of advice to new members. Editor.)
Additional walk on Autumn Walk Program.
Please add the following day walk to your Autumn Walks Program:-
April 22 (Sat.) BLue Mountains N.P. Blackheath - Marks Tomb - Sunbath - Valley of the Glens - The Flying Fox - The Three Brothers - Medlow Bath. 9 km Easy. Leaders: Nancye Alderson & Ben Esgate 456 1020 (6 to 9 pm). Train: 8.20 am (C).
Eastwood Camping Centre.
From every State, Australian Made is great!
QLD
- QBB Butter Concentrate
NT
- Beef Jerkey
WA
- Wilderness Equipment Backpacks
- Goretex Clothing
- Cycle Panniers
ACT
* National Maps
SA
- Rossi Boots
- Flinders Baby Carriers
VIC
- Outgear Backpacks Accessories
- Feathertop Wool Shirts
- Giant Trees Dried meals
NSW
- Sleeping Bags - J & H, Mont, Romans
- Rainwear - Mont, J & H, Superior
- Day Packs - High Tops, Summit Gear
- Bonwick Caving Ladders
- Holeproof Undies 4 Socks
- Trailblazer Hats
- DB Canyon bags
TAS
- Blundstone Boots
3 Trelawney St (PO Box 131) Eastwood NSW 2122.
Phone us today & say “G'Day”.
02-858-3833
Said The Leader "Hours Behind!"
by Barrie Murdoch (First published in The Sydney Bushwalker, July 1981)
Boyd Range Track - Lannigan's Spur - Kowmung River - East Christy's Creek - Cottage Rock - Gingra Track - Kanangra - 15,16,17 May.
Participants: John Redfern (Leader), Jim Laing, Tony Marshall, Oliver Crawford, Scott Crawford, Greta Davis, Len Newland, Ainslie Morris, Bill Holland, Lawrie Quaken, Gary Huish, Jo Van Sommers, Geoffrey Broom, Don Williams, Roy Higginbottom, Brian Holden, Bruce Campbell, Barrie Murdoch.
Saturday… We left Boyd's Crossing at about 8 am in cars to find the start of the Boyd Range Track and thereafter to do a car swap so that almost all the cars would be at the finishing point of the walk - the car park at Kanangra. We made a mistake as to where the track started and a confused passing and repassing of cars took place. The Keystone Cops could not have done better.
About one hour later we started down the track and arrived at the northern end of Wheengee Whungee Swamps. Here we stopped while John Redfern and Tony Marshall investigated a route which would take us down the eastern side of the swamps. This process provided an entertaining spectacle as first John and then Tony would suddenly appear out of the bush. As he passed the stationary party the one would enquire whether the other had been seen. Decisions were made and we walked down the eastern side of the swamps to some stony outcrops. We had some more fun here as first John Redfern, Tony Marshall and Roy Higginbottom combed the area looking for the track and then we all combed the area looking for Roy's pack which he had put down somewhere and couldn't find. Eventually the pack was discovered and we started again. The trip was taking on the appearance of a Leader's Nightmare. John Redfern was heard muttering, “Hours behind time, hours behind!”
There were no further incidents as we moved along the track past Mount Goondel, Mount Savage and down Lannigan's Spur to the Kowmung. There was some debate about whether water from the Kowmung was fit to drink. Everyone decided that it was and showed the courage of their convictions by drinking large quantities. Almost immediately afterwards we found a good reason for not drinking Kowmung water - one very sick Hereford apparently shot in the jaw.
We then did some rock climbing up a ridge forming a neck to Billy's Point. The rocks seemed to be of the consistency of crumbly breakfast cereal biscuits. Just as we were enjoying our elation at surviving the climb, John Redfern pricked our respective balloons by telling us that a much safer route had been worked out but we had blundered on without waiting for the good word. Chastened, we scuttled downstream to a campsite at the junction of Shadforth Gully and the Kowmung.
Sunday… We left about 8 am and making frequent river crossings we passed over the hallowed ground of Murdoch Point and then on to Church Creek. There was some dispute as to the identity of Church Creek but let it be remembered that Redfern was right. It was here that while wading across the river, Greta fell in. The rest of us didn't laugh (well, not too loudly). After all, we might have been next.
Cambage Spire soon appeared and we stopped for morning tea at Christy's Creek. Oliver Crawford and Tony Marshall left us here to climb Cambage Spire and Bullhead Range. The rest of us (minus one who had made an unannounced bolt never to be seen again; are his bones whitening beside some branch of Christy's Creek?) rock-hopped up the corkscrewing bed of Christy's Creek.
Following Christy's Creek proved an easy way of climbing about 850 vertical feet enlivened by interesting things to do such as:-
- Wading across a deep cold pool with pack in plastic bag and then climbing through a gap.
- Rock climbing across a sloping rock.
- Climbing across a small waterfall.
- Wading across a deep pool followed by clambering around a rock and further wading.
- Climbing over a smooth rock (convenient foothole provided but you needed to be about six feet in height).
- Climbing across the mossy face of a rock using a convenient tree followed by further rock climb - optional Redfern rope lift for packs.
This was all good fun, spoiled a little by heavy rain after lunch.
We then scrambled up the ridge to Cottage Rock. We were rewarded on the way by the sight of a five inch long grey moth newly hatched from its cocoon. At Cottage Rock about two-thirds of the party who had the required skill, energy or assistance climbed to the top to enjoy the view by sunset.
We then moved quickly along Gingra Track to the Coal Seam and then up through a cleft on to the plateau. Darkness slowed us down as we crossed to the Walls and then on to the car park, where we arrived at about 6.45 pm.
Thanks, John, for an enjoyable walk and excellent navigation.
"Where Have All The Leaders Gone?"
by Kath Brown
Day walks are a very popular feature of the Club's activities. A very large number of members attend them, especially those that use train travel. Several day walks use car travel which often means starting out very early but get to some exciting places. But the problem is - how many people actually lead day walks?
I have made a survey of recent programs over the past year and these are the figures disclosed:-
- During March, April and May '88 there were 22 day walks on the program. But the number of leaders was only 14. Obviously several leaders led at least two trips on that program.
- In the Winter Program (June, July, August) a similar situation occurred. 18 day walks but only 11 leaders.
- In the Spring Program, similar again; 20 day walks, 13 leaders.
- In Summer, 19 day walks, 14 leaders.
But these walks as reported at each General Meeting and printed in the magazine, attracted more than 250 people for the Autumn Program, approximately 300 for the Winter period, approx. 200 for the Spring Program and about 100 for the first half of the Summer Program.
When I quote figures such as “250”, “300” etc. it does not mean that number of individuals, but these are the figures shown as people attending day walks. Of course many members attend several day walks in a three month period, and also prospectives and visitors would be included to make up those numbers.
The question is - why do not more of the capable members who participate in day walks have a try at leading them?
When a limited number of leaders put on day walks but a large number of people attend, it means that more strain is placed on each leader to control the party in addition to the navigation required of a leader. It also means that day walkers are always walking in large groups which may spoil their appreciation of the bush. And finally, it also means that on some weekends there are no day walks at all, or only very hard ones that may be too strenuous for the moderate walker.
In my walking days with the Club I used to put on an easy day walk on every program; I did this for many years. Now I am a “senior citizen” in my seventies and no longer able to even walk with the members, let alone lead trips. It does seem sad to me that so many people who get great benefits from their Club membership do not make any effort to help keep the Club going by leading the kind of walk that they themselves enjoy.
So please, members who like day walks, do take your turn at leading them occasionally. There must be some easy day walks that any Club member can lead.
Federation Of Bushwalking Clubs NSW - Report Of February Meeting.
by Spiro Hajinakitas
Incorporation/Insurance.
Federation is taking the preliminary steps towards incorporation as an Association under the Associations Incorporation Act 1984 and for this purpose:-
- Authorise the preparation of a new set of rules based on the Model Rules of the Act
- Call a general meeting of members on 18th April 1989 to consider a special resolution to adopt the new rules and proceed with incorporation. Motion Carried.
Correspondence.
Discussion of:
- NPWS draft plan Kanagra Boyd N.P. management plan.
- Geehi Bushwalkers want to incorporate.
- South East Forest Alliance - woodchipping.
- Hon. Tim Moore - additions planned to NSW national parks.
- Invitation to exhibit at 1989 Nat. Sports Exhibition 4-10 Sept. at Homebush Sports Centre.
Conservation.
Discussion of:
- Deua Wilderness proposal.
- Diamond Creek - intended logging.
- Warragamba Dam - second stage, the spillway, has been completed.
- Northern Rivers Bushwalkers to be contacted re north coast development.
Search & Rescue.
Fundraising weekend 18/19 February at the Three Sisters and Echo Point, Katoomba, raised $2205.76. Thanks to the helpers who collected and the public for the money.
—
New Member.
Please add the following name to your List of Members:-
MacFarlane, Karen, 7 Hinkler Street, Greenwich, 2065. Phone 438 5774.
Belvedere Taxis Blackheath.
10 seater mini bus taxi. 047-87 8366.
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The February January Meeting.
By Barry Wallace
The meeting began at around 2012 with some 25 or so members present and the President in the chair. There were apologies from Deborah Shapira and Spiro Hajinakitas.
The Minutes of last month's meeting were read and received, with practically no matters arising.
Correspondence brought a letter from the Federal Department of Primary Industry and the Environment replying to our much earlier letter regarding the Lemonthyme Forest. For our effort we got a long and winding response which did not seem to lead anywhere in particular. There was also a letter from the N.S.W. National Parks and Wildlife Service regarding the proposed plan of management for the Kanangra Boyd National Park and inviting submissions. This will be passed to the Hon. Conservation Secretary so if you want to have a say, talk to Alex. A letter from A.N.U. gave notice of a proposed conference on guardia infection and its likely impact on the community.
There was also a letter from a former member, Peggy Barker, saying how much she had enjoyed the ABC program on bushwalking in earlier times. (If you don't know what that is about, go back and re-read last month's magazine.) A letter from the N.S.W. Roads and Traffic Authority regarding roads in the Pennant Hills area left us somewhat mystified but did complete the correspondence.
The Treasurer's Report indicated that we spent $2318, acquired income of $301 and closed with a balance of $1190 in round figures.
So then it was on, on, at a maddening pace to the Walks Report. The weekend of January 20,21,22 saw Ian Debert cancel his McArthurs Flat trip and David Rostron cancel his Kowmung River swimming trip. Not a propitious start to the month. Gordon Lee reported 10 on his Kalang Falls abseiling trip on the Saturday and the same number, although not necessarily the same people, doing Wallara Canyon on the Sunday. They reported one near miss (unspecified) involving Chris Perry. Maurie Bloom's day walk from Waterfall to Waterfall had a troupe of 31, so-so weather, and went well.
Over the Australia Day weekend Carol Bruce had a party of 7 enjoying four days of magnificent fine alpine weather on her Kosciusko N.P. walk, and Wendy Aliano led a late scheduled trip to the Main Range area in similar conditions. George Walton's Kowmung River trip was cancelled. Jim Callaway submitted a report which timed his Waterfall to Otford walk down to the last minute but curiously enough reported the number present as 10 or 11. There was also a supplementary report to the effect that the leader ate a cheese sandwich for lunch. Alan Mewett reported 17 on his Patonga Creek walk. His timing was thrown out somewhat by a party which exhibited an unusually broad range of walking speeds. They were also forced to change the route to allow for tides in the creek.
February 3,4,5 saw Greta Davis with a strong party of 12 on her Constance Gorge walk. The weather was overcast with some rain and the party were back at the cars and away to the tea rooms by 1530. Jan Mohandas had 11 on his Glenbrook Creek trip but there were no further details. Jim Percy's Waterfall to Engadine trip attracted 11 starters, and completed the Walks Report which was followed by the screening of slides taken on a recent walk.
There was no Federation Report or Conservation Report and there was no General Business. The Club will need a new Transport Officer. Barrie Murdoch will take on the job for the time being but are there any volunteers?
Those present were saddened to hear of the death of member Heather Williams after a long period of illness.
The meeting closed at 2109.
Memorial Service.
At a Memorial Service for the late Wal Roots at St. Andrews Church, Wahroonga, on 3rd March, more than 200 people were present, including five of his children, ten grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchilren, and many bushwalking friends.
Members of SBW extend their deep sympathy to Wal's widow, Miriam.
Footnotes.
The dangers of bushwalking. Not only Lyme disease but now Ross River fever to stop you in your tracks. A debilitating disease spread by the humble mosquito that can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome (and I thought I was just overworked). The disease has spread southwards from Queensland, beautiful one day, very tired the next, to Port Stevens, Gosford and the south coast. Maybe it would be better to stay at home!
On 16 April 1989 the National Parks & Wildlife Service are holding a seminar on rock-climbing and canyoning. The public management seminar will discuss all aspects of these adventure activities. Contact the Secretary if you think you must attend; places are limited and the Committee has organised official delegates already.
New telephone numbers - Please take note of these important changes:- Bill Capon - 398 7820 (his new address will be in next month's magazine). Spiro Hajinakitas - 332 3452 (our new Treasurer!). Colin Barnes - 905 5165. Please advise the Membership Sec. of any other changes.
1st March was the last meeting of the present Committee. Appearing in print soon will be an introductory booklet for new members. This will answer a lot of the questions and quell a lot of the worries that our new members might have until they get their bush legs. Another document is the guidelines for the management of the Club. This has collected and collated all those pieces of knowledge, information and history which to now have existed as an oral set of guidelines. On the conservation front there have been some very encouraging developments of late. Of this more next month when Alex will give us a Conservation update.
The coming Social Program looks good. In March we have the Parlez Vous Bushwalking team; first we had the book now we get the movie, actually slides. Then in the same blue vein a wine and cheese night. In April trekking in PNG and Indonesia on one night and the Bush Rock Cafe on another. In May the “When a girl marries an Englishman” team gives its visual version of their epic saga of walking in Britain, Norway and America. May ends with a glow as young Ben Esgate talks on bushfires. Ben is very experienced in the ways of the bush and in his talk he will pass on some of the vast knowledge and experience he has gained over many years. “Ben's Bushfires” is a must for all, from green novice to the very experienced. Come along, fill the hall, overload the catering arrangements, learn heaps and surprise the Social Secretary.
What's in a name. Enough it seems to whet Colin Barnes' geographic appetite and put him into a research mode. An article soon?
What you missed last month. Maps and Mapmaking attracted a large crowd of attentive members. The CMA should be complimented on their presentation.
The Annual General Meeting has been held and we now have a new Committee and Office Bearers. We also have a new Editor to uphold the traditions of 57 years of The Sydney Bushwalker. These could be the last Footnotes, it all depends on the Editor.
Keep the articles flowing in. For example soon, very soon we can expect Wayne Steel's dingo story.
Annual Subscriptions - 1989.
The following annual subscriptions were decided at the Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 8th March 1989:-
- Single active member $25
- Household (Single plus $15 for each extra person)
- Non-active member $ 6
- Non-active member plus magazine $18
- Magazine subscription only $12