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A monthly bulletin -Of matters of interest to TheSydney Bush Walkers:H Iorporated, Box 4476 GPO, Sydney, 2001. Club meetings are held everyWednesdaYYeveningfrem 7(:45 pm at the Ella Community Qaatre, 58a Dalh110-e: Street, Haberfield(nsxtidoor to the Post Office): -Prospective members and visitors are inirited to visitthe Club any Wednesday. “ceiktvced:gt.4.

t . 'EDITOR f ,PRODUCTION MANAGER ILLITSTRATOR' PRIN'TER'S Morag Ryder, Box 347 P.O. GladesVille 2111 Telephone 809 4241 Helen Gray Telephone 86 6263 Kath Brown Morag Ryder Kenn Clacher, Les Powell & Margaret Niven * * * * * * * * APRIL - 1990 - Morag- -.- Maurie Bloom Joan Rigby Jeff Niven Clio Jim Brown Alex Colley Greta Davis MiAum:Challis Barry Wallace David Rostron Kath Brown Page 2 2 3 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 15' 18 19 20 While the Billy Boils Notes from the Walks Secretary Four Memories of a River Kiandra to Thredbo New Members Challenging the Grose Who is Clio? Conservation News The 1990.SBW Reunion The Gotrmet'Grub Ditty - The March General Meeting (62nd AGM Mailbag

Footnotes * * * * * * * *

Advertisements Bld&kheath Taxis & Tourist- Services- Canoe & Oa - GladeSville & Kogarah Bay . - - EaStwoOd.CamPing-Centre * * 4 *.* * * * 7 13 14 17 'Page 2 The Sydney Bushwalker April 1990

With miners, foresters, realtore and 'developers' of all kinds trying to grab crown land-, the battles become harder and more costly. each year. So we pay - perhaps a good example of 'user pays'? - Apart from the wilderness, what else will your $5 buy? Fully re- cycled, Australian made paper for the magazine - here's hoping other outdoor clubs.follow our lead. It takes determination to be a leader, but SBW's have always been 'out front - havn't they? See you on the track NOTES FROM THE 'WALK SECRETARY Maurie Bloom Well, the political bull-dust has. finally settled, now we can all picks up our swags and geton with life. , e If you ever-rtad the magazine, you will have noticed it is annual subScription time - and that the fees haver increased. Why? Reading AleX Colley's 'article on conservation will give you a clue. 'Along 11111 with all lovers of the great outdoors, we battle constantly' to keep a ” little of it 'undeveloped'. And this takes money. Since the Battle for' ji Blue Gum in the '30's, SBW has been struggling to keep some bush for - the walkers. m $4.4 In future S.B.W. Walks Programs it is proposed to delete (E) and (C) after train times and substitute (S) and (I). (S) will indicate suburban Services, bounded by Cowan, Richmond, Penrith and Helensburg. These leave from platforms 16-25. (I) will indicate inter-urban services, bounded by Newcastle, Lithgow, Goulburn.and Nowra. These services leave,from platforms 1-15. The reasons for thee chatiges- are:- 1. The electrificatiop,Of rail services now extends to Newcastle and beyond Campbelltown. Further electrification will take place, therefore (E) for electric may - and in future more so - be misleading, partiCulariy tO new members and prospectives. 2. The (S) and (I) designations are in keeping with S.R.A. terminology. For S.B.W. purposes the (I) designation will include country and inter-city services ('beyond inter-urban or requiring bookings') as they also leave from platforms 1-15. NEXT WALKS PROGRAM. A binder containing duplicate layout sheets for the next liialks program will be in the Club's cabinet at Haberfield, available to any leader to add walks, on any Wednesday evening. Alternatively, details of walks may be phoned through to me on 525 4698 (H) or 543 3637 (B). The closing date for the winter program is 25th April. Forlyaders wishing to promulgate trips, an advance notice section will be available in future walks programs. - April 1990 The Sydney Bushwalker Page

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FOUR MEMORIES OF A RIVER by Joan Rigby Summer walking at its best! With the clear river running beside us, we stroll along green banks, free of scrub and nettles, enjoying the sun yet appreciating the shade of the Casuarinas. Frank's and my New Year walk on the APSLEY is just what we need. This morning we followed a 4WD track through open forest, north-east of Walcha, admired the-deep gullies and rugged ridges around Rusden's Creek and Paradise Rocks, then dropped down a long ridge to where a deserted orchard marks some pioneer's home on one of the great river flats. There we lazed in the shallow waters while the billy boiled and three horses crossed the ford. - With the long summer day there is no need to hurry, so when we find a great circle of deep shade beneath a white cedar tree, “Bilbo's BIrthday Tree” I call it, we camp early. The grass slopes gently down to the river, and there on the edge of the water, with the murmur of gentle - rapids in our ears, we relax by the fire. This is a river of contrasts. We recall that trip of Easter 1967 whenRoss and Don lead innocent walkers down into the canyon below Apaley FAlls. Then we swam through cold pools of muddy water, rich with the odour of dead eels, and climbed high up the steep-sidings before dropping again to the river boulders. We slept on rocks beneath crumbling cliffs and marked on the map the mile or two we had travelled each day. On the third afternoon we reached grassy banks like these, only to climb a long steep ridge the next morning, leaving but not forgetting a remarkable river. Now we cross the river as we please. Pebbles of many colours gleam through the clear water,aydeep pool,demands a stop, there is plenty of time to boil a billy.: Kangaroos and Goannas,statt up as we:pass, an, hour is spent watching a pair of Bee-eaters take-insects on the wing. Our second camp, by a shallow lagoon of still water, shaded by an'ancient Casuarina, is as pleasant as the first. A tiny fire, a yard away from the sandy bank against which we lean, is all we need at night. By the fire we talk of the trip of last June. Clad in balaclavas, overpants and gloves we had fled snow flurries and biting winds of the tableland and followed a long ridge to Rusden's Creek Junction. There we had huddled in a tiny patch of sunshine, until, aware of the short afternoon, we started slowly upstream. As we scrambled around below rocky bluffs or climbed high above the river, we gazed with longing at the clear flats across the water. Again and again our leader encouraged the party to the water's edge, but a look at that cold grey flood - scramble was enough. -Be far ar t o scram ethan to swim. That evening a big fire cheered us before We snuggled -deep,into-preeping bags. It was from high on the ridgeto Paradise Racks that we looked back over the Wderfiess from the Hastings to the Maoleay and planned this walk of easy miles. Today at Rusden'S Junction We seek -shade and avoid the river rocks heated by the sun. Rusden's Ceek rises -about 250 metres in 9 kilometres, but then climbs 150 metres in a kilometre to where a Single 'Waterfall is marked on the map 300 metres below' the tablelands. The lower part of the creek we had seen an that cold June weekend, and remembered the reluctant crossings we had made and how welcome it had been to start up the steep exit ridge. It was on that Page 4 The Sydney Bushwalker April 1990

ridge that Frank, sheltered by a boulder and facing the midday sun, declared himself warm for the first time in three days. This afternoon the first 6 or 7 km are like a miniature Apsley, green banks, clear pools and pretty runs of water. We-camp,on one of the pleasant flats, disturbing a family of wallabies. By the fire we consider tomorrow's possibilities. Soon the creek would begin tq close in, with no easy exit up those steep sides. The UNE Walking Guide was vague,,. 'remains largely unexplored“ it said The confluent contours around the waterfall could hold - any surprise-pt.:- We have had our days of contentment, perhaps there is a challenge ahead. 4,W,,ge, on: the cred< changes subtly. Small patches of rain forest creep down the slopes boulders interrupt the flow, Hibiscus flowers float in s pool and butterflies drift downstream dust above the w4tet, The crepk-:bed is closed in by rocky walls. It is somehow familiar, - ould I have been he before? - –6ince We moirecrt6 Tamworth I have tried to recall a second trip to the:Apsley in the

Qoakp, /,401trivwtiPre wihad.clescended a creek (there was a rope carried for a possible wandered along the Apsley, chased trout in a pool, then followed another creek back to the cars. But which 'creeks, which route eluded me. Could Rusden's be my lost creek? Those-rocky-.walls7- I remembered.a small:canyon, narrower and more sheer than this - but perhaps the frightened steer that chased. us up the sides made it seem so. -7 We found.a route out ontthat,ocpasion,:. but what did 'wesee beforehand? Still the creek continues, smooth rock channels with water rippling over, craggy outcrops above, a'pool below a slope of polished rock where we pause to waterproof our packs. So I imagine Doone sitting above, encouraging the tailenders? Was it here I sat, years ago, hoping that the Tigers planning exit routes up those crags would not prevail? I follow Frank up a small fall, we find another protected by a deep pool, detour around it and then a definite 'stopper'. Though it seems 200 metres too soon, perhaps this is the marked fall and above it we will find a gentler gradient and a campsite. Two or three false starts before we sidle around until we see the creek bed rising to meet us. Here is a way down - cautious Joan marks our entry with a cairn - and we walk upstream 100 metres and then - - - we stand dwarfed in a great cirque of grey rock. Our lovely creek is a delicate trickle of water, down one side, disappearing into the rocky floor of this absolute barrier. Could I have seen this before and ever forget it? Camp is on a shingle bed, a wary eye on rocks which may fall in the night, and in that narrow canyon, so different from the grassy spots of other nights, we settle. Next morning we climb the steep ridge until we turn to look down, down into the creek flowing over that great grey wall. Out of the past I hear Dorothy saying, “Did you ever see anything like that?” and my response, “No, and I never will again”. - I am So happy that I was wrong. April 1990 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 5 WALKING AND SKIING - 1E1 26 NOVEMBER 1989 By JEFF NP/EN Leader: David Rostron Members: Heather Finch, Shirley Dean, Wendy Lippiatti Maurie Bloom, Bob Niven,. Tom Wenma, Bob Duncan, Jeff Niven, Wayne Steel. We were at David's home to discuss the options as to where and how we would go an our November trip. The oriOnal plOnllas a Victorian Alps walk over ten days.- But with the airline troubles it was going to be a very long train, bus or 'self-drive there and back. So after some suggestions the options were reduced to three:- 1. The Vic Alps trip over 10 days 2. Kiandra to Thredbo walk over 8 days 3. Mittagong to Katoomba over 7 days Just as we were about to have a democratic secret vote, 'a certain member of the group who had been skiing,two,days earlier on very good late spring snow, suggested, tongue-in- cheek, that we could just about make a Kiandra to Thredbo cross-country ski trip on the amount of snow left, with ,only minimal walking involved. Even though a few of the group were not xc skiers, the idea of ,a mixed skilng/walking trip was received with great fervor (well, by David and Jeff anyWay), so there were four options. '-But to keep everything democratic the secret vote on pieces of paper was held, after preferences were allocated it-tas very close, but with a post-counting pep talk by David we had soon settled on the ski/walk from Kiandra to Thredbo.

The trip was to be in three weeks time. Meanwhile, some ski fanatic returned to the snow for a few days, to find the melt-off-had decimated the snow, with no chance of any skiing between Kiandra and Mount Twynam (too'far to carry skis and boots). A frantic phone call was made to David. Being flexible is the name of the game so a change of plan would make it a walk/ski rather than a ski/walk. Skis etc would be left at a Guthega Lodge before the trip started and picked up on the way past, with skiing for the final three or four days on the Main Range. Meeting at Thredbo on Saturday at 8.30 am we piled into ourTychaftered minibus and were dropped off on the Snowy Mountains Highway just short of Kiandra. Mount Tantangara was our first objective, even though it was in the opposite direction to Thredbo, it' was a Worthwhile scalp to take before swinOing south. Camp was made just as the ominous looking weather let loose. Heather's turn at food party cooking for ten was done in steady rain without a word of complaint. We were-a few kilometres south of the Snowy mountains Highway and just across the Eucumbene River. The next day would see us going up and over Four Mile Hill, past Broken Dam Hut to lunch on Tabletop Mountain. A superb campsite just past Happy Jack's Fire Trail was found for Sunday night. -Page 6 The Sydney Bushwalker April 1990 “Look at those pigs,” I heard someone shout. (I didn't think our camp was that untidy.) On looking up I realized it wasn't another party of walkers commenting on us, but real pigs nearby doing- some Anti-Soil Conservation Work. JLeaving-at 8 am we travelled through Happy Jatk's Plains - a quick look in on Boobee HUt and then a break at Macky's (Tobedos) Hut where a group from an Army exercise had jettisonsd a quantity of rations with a note attched - Help Yourself. Sweets, sugar, biscuits, powdered drinks etc were collected before proceeding along Grey Mare Fire Trail to lunch at Doubtful Creek. By the time we had reached O'Keefe's Hut where we found more Aimy-Sdrplus rations, ; the decision was made to camp about one kilometre from the'hut-and climb Jagungal the next rOorning rather than that afternoon. Monday morning 9 am and the view from Mount Jagungal's summit was clear and spectacular; the snow dtifts on i1ount Twynam andin the.gullies of Watson's Crags looked 'great. We' descended the south-east side of Jagungal which must be one of the most pleasant sections of walking in the park., Continuing on we crossed the Geehi River before having lunch 'atBig Bend on thPlialeeitine's River. The sight of the ski runs on the Main Range seemed to cause a quickening in pace and we pushed on to pass Mawson's HUt then along. the Kerries, dropping down to., the road at Schlink Hilton Hut, before reaching Schlink Pass. Where we turned off, and climbed up steeply to a magnificent alpine Meadow Campsite just below the Summit of Dicky Cooper Bogong. ,Wednesday's early start through the Rolling Gra:Ind-a was ideal walking, sunny, cool and soft alpine grass, along with, panoramic views. -On'this seCtion we saw an enormous Hare, as big as ar.mediumsize We lunched up high before descending Guthega Ridge and across the dam wall to collect our ski gear and food cache. Then along to Illawong Bridge to cross the Showy River before pushing through thick scrub to a campsite near Little Twynam and beside a large'enow drift. Camp was set up and it wasn't long before a few of us were testing.the snow ancrOur turns. A pleasant hour or two was enjoyed. Thursday morning saw seven of ue=make the top of Mount Twynam, some practicing turns on the gentler slopes, while others skied the north-west ridge of Twynam and-some steep gully runs off Watson's.Crags and a lovely bowl of snow above Blue Lake. Wendy had a rest day, Tom walked to Mount Tate and Wayne skied u0 later in the day to join the main group. No one seemed keen to have a strenuous day on Friday, it wasobviously going to- be hot and there were. afew weary people wanting a rest. So it was spent around camp andon the nearby snow drift. A serious looking Heather returned from a stroll with news of a find she had made nearby. A half-melted Snow cave with a lot of gear scattered around and a large blue tarpauline with SOMETHING wrapped up in it. We went to the site and gingerly pulled the cover back, hoping it wasn't going to be what it looked like. With great relief we found no bodies, but'a large quantity of - food, camping equipmnt and ski gear neatly packed up. It all looked a few weeks old; we couldn't work out why it was left there and we still haven't. Tom and Bob Duncan were in fine voice that night and we all enjoyed a very pleasant evening of songs and singing. Maurie and Jeff were still skiing at 8.40 pm in just shorts and T-shirts. 41h, the joy of springtime skiing. Saturday we broke camp at 7.30 am in two groups. David, Wayne, Bob Niven and Jeff were to ascend 'mount Twynam and follow the Main Range around on skis with a pleasant two-hour interlude skiing Mount Northcote before lunching near Seaman's Hut, and then along Etheridge Ridge and on to Thredbo. While Maurie led group two on foot, traversing from camp around April 1990 The Sydney 8ushwalker Page'. 7. to Blue Lake, up Mount Carruthers, across Mueller's Pass, on to Seaman's Hut and along the snow pole line to Thredbo. We all met up on the walk down, the front ski slopes of the village. The flesh' pO-t-S of Thredbo were very welcome - showers - toilets - restaurants - dafibin-g - clean clothes - beds. We had pre-booked accommodation in a comfortable lodge, and what a pleasant relaxing way to end a great trip. Sunday morning after a large breakfast we packed cars and departed around 9 am, leaving plenty of time for a safe drive home. 4#######4####### NEWIEMIkRS. Pleasadd the following names to your List of Members:- JONKMAN, nsurike - 7/33 William STreet, ROsb13.ay 2029 371 9592 361 2263 MANU5U, Patricia - 2/70 Clovelly Road, Randwick 2031 398 4368 - COHEN4i7PNJ4 7-7) a,barita Road, Avalon 2107 918 0074 923 2077 RANNARD, (mrs) Glad - 56 Eastern Valley Way, Northbridge 958 1514 2063 WAITERS, Ron , 15 Paul STreet, EAst Balmain 2041 810 4970 339 7614 CARLSON, John-5B/l07.4 Anzac Parade, Maroubra 2035 661 8072 BLACKHEATH TAXIS & TOURIST SERVICES 10 & i8 SEATER MINI BUS TAXI 047-87 8366 KANANGRA BOYD . UPPER BLUE MOUNTAINS . SIX FOOT TRACK PICK UP ANYWHERE FOR START OR FINISH OF YOUR WALK - BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT- Share the Fare Competitive Rates Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker April 1990 CHALLENGING THE GROSE - Over the years the Grose Valley has proved to be a magnet for recreational walkers:' Probably the first was Eccleston Du FaUr who, in July -1875:; led'an -Academy of Arta party. art a preliminary -trip into the Grose-Valley., - Du Faur then wrote to the Philadelphia Exhibition Commission proposing to find a practical route into the valley, and to the foot of Mount King George (now Mount Banks), “to collate a portfolio of Blue Mountains scenery worthy of transmission-to Europe” for a forthcoming exposition. In September he returned to set up camp at Govett's Leap where the party cleared away some of the vegetation to sketch and photograph the panorama and to make a topographical plan. At the same time Lewis Thompson, with an assistant, was commissioned to erect a camp in the Grose Valley and maintain it for a month. The result was a canvas and bark shelter suitable for up to thirty persons. About a dozen members of, the Academy of Art and the Philadelphia Exhibition Commission detrained at Hartley Vale on September 23 where they were joined by several others. The old (1860) survey track down the Grose was now so overgrown and obliterated by landslides that the party spent most of the first day clearing it. Next day ten members proceeded a further eight kilometres and reached “Camp Flat” (Blue Gum). Once the camp was established they set about “felling trees to clear views for the photographer and the sketcher”. When an account of the camp was given to the papers there were claims of earlier visits to the valley. , No doubt there were many visits to the Grose after this event. Bill Holesgrove (CM(ii) recalls an old uncle of his walking down the Grose from Mount Victoria to the Nepean about 1890 and not thinking it was anything exceptional. On the King's Birthday weekend in June 1916 Harry (Baldy) Whitehouse and a companion left a hoarding house at 8.00 am and proceeded to Perry's Ocii0own. They descended to Blue Gum Forest (lithe place 'seemed a fairyland”), then climbed a ridge to the escarpment and found a way on to Mount Banks. , (Their route appears to have taken up the Western Chimney which is now called Gordon Smith's Chimney.) They then continued out to the Bell Road and returned to Blackheath some nineteen hours aftercommencing. Harry later found that this was the first time that Mount Banks had been climbed from the Grose.' In mid April 1928 the Sydney Morning Herald noted that,ai party of Sydney Bush Walkers was walking from Blackheath to Richmond. A local farmer expressed surprise at seeing three females in the group and wa's of the opinion that this was the first time that females had completed the walk down the valley. This party was probably Jean and Ernie Austin, Anice and Frank Duncan, Jack Debert and an unidentified female. - - , When Harry Black (YMCA Ramblers) started walking in 1936, he recalled that the Grose River was considered the best part of a week“S trip. Then someone did it over Easter, another party in three days, then in two days. In 1936 (or '37) Gordon Smith, Max Gentle and Hilma Galliot left Govett's Leap at 0520 on Saturday and reached Richmond at 1950 on Sunday - the first weekend trip. Max then succeeded in walking from Blue Gum to Richmond in one day. Later he repeated this with Dot Butler when they spent the Saturday night in Blue Gum beneath the pages of the Sydney Morning Herald which they then burned on their breakfast fire. Lunch was carried in bags tied to their belts. :6-ROSE VALLEY quo. April l:12590 The Sydney Bushwalker The Grose grew to be very popuilai4 durling the 1930s, but its rough terrain had many parties finishing behind schedule. It was following the October 1936 long weekend that bushwalkers were first called out to assist Police searchers. As a result Paddy called upon the Federation to consider establishing a permanent body of walkers for use in search and rescue. Late last year Peter Treseder caught the Saturday afternoon, train to Blackheath and walked down to BlUe Gum to camp round 2015. His goal:: to re-enact the Gentle/Butler one day trip which Dot had placed to fifty years earlier. Strange looks were cast from his., fellow campers.as Peter unWrapped his copy of The Sydney Morning Herald, spread it out onjhe ground, and went to sleep. Though the night was cool he was afraid to light a fire in case sparks would set the paper aflame. Arising at fritst light - '35.30 am, he used the paper to light, a fire and cook a break- , fast of sausages. Peter then set off finding the trip difficat as he was not as fit as he would have liked. Peter later recounted the trip saying it was not too bad with the upper Grose slow due to,oasuarinas. The wort section, however, was below WentwoFtht,Creek where there were difficulties getting around the boulders. He phoned his wife round 2.00 pm from Agnes Banks to arrange for her to meet him with the car an hour later at Rithmond. ; * * , WHO IS CLIO ? by Jim Brown Over the past two or three years articles have been published in our magazine authored by Clio. The items have one thing in common - they are well-informed and informative on the history of the bush walking moyement, its pioneering members and the early settlers in the bUshland areas where walking began. From time to time I have heard rumours and suggestions about the identity of the writer Clio, but I now find they were all false. I now know who Clio is.

Looking through a dictionary of mythological names recently, I discovered Clio was one of the nine Muses in the Ancient Greek-pantheon. The Muses -0ere a group of Gbddesses (Junior Grade), each of whom promoted and sponsored one of the Arts. Thus Calliope-was,the Muse of Epic Poetry, while Terpsichore looked after Dance. Predictably, Clio was the MUse of History. The Concise Oxford Dictionary eVeln contains a word “cliometrics” whicri means an appraisal of historical events in the light of whatever facts and statistics are known about the period, so getting away from-the prejudices and,easy asbuiptions in the Media of the time: It would be interesting, with the aid of cliometrics, to find out how many one-litre billies of tea could have been made with the cargo thrown into Boston Harbour at the time of-be-famous “Tea Party”. It is even possible we would find that the real reason why Napoleon's Old Guard could not break through the lines of Wefti6dtbn's Redcoats-at:Waterloo was because all the British soldiers,had-two or three kilogtammes of Flanders Mud clinging to their boots, making it impossible to break and run. I am surprised, though, that Clio has taken the trouble to write to our modest little, Club journal all the way from Mount Olympus (no, you goog, not the mountain in Tasmania, but– the original in Greece, where all the gods and goddesses dwelt when they weren't having a punch-Up or trying to seduce some personable young mortal). Anather discovery is that there masa Muse of Music -named Euterpe. Also-that the word”musiaPO'arentlY derives from an Ancient Greek term which meant “an Art favoured by the Muses”. Well, now, since our Editor, evidently has a direct line to the Muse of History, I wonder if a question from me could be passed on to Euterpe, Muse of Music. It is this…. why was composer Wolfgang A. Mozart (the A stands for Amadeus, Latin for “Beloved of God”) sent to his grave in December 1791, atTIthe early age of 359 Was it because the Gods feared that“, if he were given another 20 or 3O ,years on earth, nothing would be left for the later music-makers to say? Editor please ask Clio to put that question to Euterpe just for me. -X -X if 4E* Page 10 The Sydney BushWalker April 1990 CONSERVATION NEWS by Alex Co11e}!- THE PRESERVATION OF WILD LIFE AND NATURAL BEAUTY One of. the Club's objectives is 'to establish a definite regard for the welfare and preservation of the wild life and natural beauty of this country'. The S.B.W. has pioneered conservation and has done ,a great deal to further its objective. Its latest efforts were directed to stoppingthe' 'Barrallier Trail” and the addition of 'Rio Park' to the Warrumbungles National Park. Reports by Club members on trail markings, and the activities of the INattai Foundation' walking party on the Cox (forwarded to the Catchment Manager of the Water Board), favourable publicity in the 'Highland Post', and addresses by Tim Coffee and Paul Barnes to the N.P.A. Council were most effective. The 'Nattai Foundation' has now withdrawn its proposal for “track construction and site development” and the Department of Employment has refused an educational grant (to train tour operators). Regarding Rio Park, the Hon. Tim Moore said that “As a result of negotiations between the Public Trustee and The Attorney General's Department there is now a good chance that the undeveloped, naturally vegetated parts may be acquired for inclusion in the Warrumbungles National Park”. Our Club has also made generous donations to various conservation bodies. As bushwalkers our main interest is wilderness preservation. So that members will know how the Club's donations would be spent, the following is a run-down of the societies of interest to bushwalkers:- The Colono Foundation for Wilderness Originally celled 'The Colong Committee', this is the oldest existing Australian wilderness society, carrying on the work of Myles Dunphy's National Parks and Primitive Areas Council. The directors are very experienced and could be described as professional conservationists. Its effectiveness comes from concentrating on one or two major issues at a time. It initiated most of the major wilderness campaigns in NSW, secured support from the rest of the conservation movement and persisted for however long it took to win. The National Parks Association The N.P.A. was formed in 1957, largely due to the efforts of ex-5.8.W. President, Tom Moppett. As well as working to establish national parks, the Associatioh focuses on environmental education and ionservation of natural resources outside the parks. Its general aim is to maintain the scenic, conservation and recreational values of the natural and rural lands in the States - The Australian Conservation Foundation The R.C.F. pampaigns on three major fronts: Global change resulting from ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect; biodiversity, i.e. the protection of endangered species, wilderness and native forests; and resource management, e.g. reducing waste, encouraging recycling, minimising pollution and re-Storing degraded lands. The WildesmajlalLtly, Originally The Tasmanian Wilderness Society, it waged a tremendous and effective campaign to save Tasmanian forests. It is now an Australia wide organisation and has campaigned for such projeCts as preserving Daintree, the South East Forests and Kakadu. It supported the ,Nattai cdmPaign, and is very active in demonstrations, welcoming those willing to participate. The Total Environment Centre s- Founded in 1972,this is Australia's first Environment Centre. It campaigns to save rain- forests,-protedt Perks', limit woodchipping, save.endangered species and wetlandsehd 0PPose urban blight. It has supported hundreds of community groups and citizens struggling to have a say decisionscthat 'affect their environment. Its main present campaigns are for the South East Forests, -independent environmental impact statements, toxic chemicals control, and preservation of urban parks and bushland. April 1990 The -Sydney Bushwalker Page 11- South East Forest Association t - , S.E.F.A. has one main aim to save the 8buth East Forests. 'It claims the longest running peaceful campaign in Australia's history - a campaign which symbolises the plight of our nationai;616-tend'Oid-growth forests. The Nature Conservation Council of N.S.W. This is comprised of representatives from over 70 societies. It covers the entire field of nature conservation. The S.B.W. is represented on it indirectly, by the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs N.S.W. By building up our conservation fund, which was founded by member donation, the Club can allocate the interest to whatever projects or organisations it favours. Individual members k can contribute to the fund, knowing that the proceeds are used for projects of benefit to the Club. * * * * * * * * * * * * * THE 1990 SBW REUNION- by Greta Davis We arrived at Coolana mid-afternoon to find many members already in residence. These included Barry Wallace and Lynne Jones, Bill (the new President) and Fran Holland, Don Finch (the outgoing - I wouldn't say “old” President); Tom Wenman, Maurie Bloom, Margaret, Bob and Cindy (the dog) Niven, Les Powell, Mike Reynolds, Dot Diller, Carol Lubbers, various members of the Brown and Gray clans (bushwalkers ARE a colourful lot) and remnants of Ian Debert who had disappeared down the river doing some exploring for his Birthday trip. Later arrivals included'Spiro Hajinakitas and Brian Hart. After much deliberation, we pitched our tent on a high and previously uninhabited terrace and then proceeded down to the already burning campfire (well, Bob Niven and Les Powell were already there) to have a cup of tea and to solve some of the world's problems which had resolutely got unsolved since the last time they were discussed. To get some exercise, I accompanied Fran Holland to the river flats where she watered the nativeArees that she had planted earlier in the day. Since it was rather overcast, only a few hardy souls were actually swimming. , - On our return to the “upper levels”, it was time to start Happy HOur so as to be in the right mood for the formalities to come. After dinner, we all moved down to a grassy bank just below the hut (which looksterrific with its new concrete floor) where Ian Debert had set up an enormous bonfire earlier in the day. This was duly lit and we prOceeded to the hitherto mysterious ritual of the induction of the new SBW President. However,-before that there was much. singing led by Tom Wenman, Bob Younger and Mike Reynolds. There were also two skits. The first was organised by Dot Butler/andiWSs a dramatisation of the Banjo Patterson poem “Bush Christening”, with Patrick James as the Priest and Carol Lubbers as the boy. This was followed by Jim Brown's production which was to do with the wet weather and “Hughie”, and starred Jim, Dot, Tom and Mike. Then Bill Holland was duly inducted into his high office and after some more singing and some cake, we all crept off to bed. The next day saw us emerging from our tents to scattered showers, so we abandoned the traditional damper making competition and most people headed back home about mid morning. This was my first reunion. Thanks to all of the-members who were there for making it a most enjoyable weekend. ###* (Note: The damper competition did take place later With about 7 dampers being made.) Page 12 The Sydney Bushwalker April LbU THE GOURMET GRUB DITTY (To be sung to the tune of “Botany Bay”) By Mirium Challis Chorus: Farewell to my waistline for ever, -Farewell to those Ry-vita blues LAfter feasting with Jan on the weekend We are now buying size 22s. It was a fie' October weekend When we set'out for Kanuka Brook,- Brenda with -stilettos tied on her 'pack Really made the train passengers look. We all assembled for intros And Jan - with his flu. nonetheless - Was anxious to see ample alcohol Should be carried tomake us leg-less. After two hours of relaxed amblingAncLgorging of. mulberries sweet !! We 'arrived at our first destination $a-E,down-and-took the load off our feet. Chorus Chorus Chorus uLet's eat!“ cried the party assembled For they only had two things on their minds: To feast on their gourmet creations And to sunbake their exposed pink behinds. Chorus Gourmet lunch was a mere appetite - A preltide of great things to come. Though a hot day, some avoided the water (Was it the sight of Mirium's big bum?) Chorus After numerous swims in the pools We arrived at the K-Brook campsite, The crowds donned their evening wear finery And prepared 'for a revellous night.

Chorus Bill and Jan, Jenny Ward, Lorraine Bloomfield For the best-dressed award all did vie, And Morrie Ward - though he said that size doesn't count - Felt obliged to wear a massive black tie. Chorus Michele stunned us all with her pink chiffon, Kay and Patrick made a dashing young pair, And after demolishing great food and wine They all started to let down their hair. As the evening Wore on the crowd mellowed Rob and Bill both gave us a song, Whilst Ptrick W. spoke of religion With Judy 0. - who by then was long gone. By about 12 or one in the morning Only the hardy remained To hear of the “Nuttella fantasies” Of that poor twisted man, Patrick James, Chorus Chorus Chorus The Sydney.Bushwalker Page 13 Next morning Patrick wasn't so cheerful =, And we all were a little subdued As we sipped at Rob's filter coffee And surveyed the remains of the food. In short, it was rather riotous. Congrats to Jan once again. Why don't you come with him next year, To experience more of the same? *###### Chorus Chorus ON THE LIGHTER SIDE 130,4-HrIRE.S. ,-..:', 40 I l i Unfold f Uno special Z. 4. . 73: Add chives * I Lie dawn and aluminium space Wrap self lemon, pepper wait while fire blanket (as used by up. and and a little sweeps on….

astronaughts) white wine.

erie , , 4, Lave your Winter worries baiind while you explore onii$f the most beautiful wilderness areas in' –t- , , , r Aitstralia. Step out of the vehicle and walk back into a lancji t time forgot. Trails are non-existent. - – The only signs 61 man are rock paintings done tens, huiEir ds or even thousands of years ago. - - i- .., Flowers line he banks asyou retake your way along cleaeitreams, stopping for yet another swim when a pool is justtOo inviting to resist. Gorges and waterfalls add to the beauty of this Wondrous -land. ' - , 4 Short sleeves suffice by day. At night, you sit quietly around the campfire before snuggling down in' 'your ,Okepirtg.,,bag under a blanket of stars. From the rugged escarpment of Kakadu to the tioundedditimei,and deep gorges of the Bungles,.Willis's Walkabouts has something to suit every .. bushwalkerf';4. , , ( .7 .44 Willis's Walkabouts offers extended bushwalking trips throughout Kakadu and the rest of the NT, the Kimberley, and even overseas to Alaska and the Yukon Oen and SouthAmerica. A En Write fby thasfull 1990 program. 12 Carrington Street Millner, NT 0810 Phone:: (089) 85 2134

THE SYDNEY BUS CANOE & CAN 265 VICTORIA ROAD GLADESVILLE 211 PHONE (02) 817 5590 HOURS HON-FRI 9-5.30 THURS - 9-7 SAT - 9-4 (PARKING AT REAR, OFF PITTWATER ROAD) 226 PRINCES HIGHWAY KOGARAH BAY 2217 PHONE (02) 546 5455 HOURS –NON-PHI 9-5.30 THURS - 9-7 SAT-9-4 A LARGE RANGE OF LIGHTWEIGHT, QUALITY, BUSHWALKING B. 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 THELARGEST RANGE OF CANOEING GEAR IN N.M. :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 , April 1990 The Sydney Bushwalker Page 15 Im.,..-.. … THE MARCH GENERAL MEETING AND 62ND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING by Barry Wallace The meeting began at around 2011 despite all those people who kept insisting that the agenda required it to start at 1945. The 40 or so members present came to some semblance of order as the retiring President persisted in ganging the gong and calling for attention. There were apologies from Bob Hodgson, Bob and Jeff Niven, Narelle Lavell, Denise Shaw and Alan Doherty. New members Glad Rannard, Ron Watters and Phil Cohen were called forward' but only :the first two of these were present for welcome. The Minutes of the February meeting were read; and received with no matters arising. Correspondence was comprised of incoming letters from the Melbourne Women's Walking Club (thanking us for the extensive information and advice provided in response to a letter from them enquiring about walks in the Kangaroo Valley area), from the librarian at Hurstville library, from Ainslie Morris resigning from her position as Hon. Archivist, from the A.C.F. appealing for funds, and outgoing letters to our new members. The Annual Report of the liffice Bearers and Committee for 1989 and the Financial Statement and Accounts (having been duly audited) for the same period had been posted to all members prior to the Annual General Meeting. These were now taken as read and received by the meeting with no matters arising. - At this point in the meeting a series of procedural motions were passed to permit the election of Office Bearers to proceed concurrently with the business of the general meeting and to establish the methods of voting. Georges Gray and Mawer were appointed as scrutineers on account of their intense scrutes, and the elections proceeded. It was all too exciting to describe here but you will have read the results in last month's magazine. The Treasurer presented a budget for the coming year and proposed that the annual subs be increased. This was passed after some discussion and a rather close vote. The Treasurer's Report showed that we received income of $591.00, spent $1,370.50 and the current account at the end of last month was $577.11. The Walks Report began at the weekend of 16,17,18 February with Barry Wallace leading a party of three on his wine and cheese weekend in the Megalong Miley and Errol Sheedy leading a party of 24 on his day walk from Waterfall to Heathcote on the SundaY. February 23,24,25 saw Carol Lubbers leading a party of 7 members through what she described as terrible weather along the Grose River, which she described as gross, due to recent and present rains,. among fields of leeches which she did not describe in any way that we coad include here. They (the party that is) were described as “tired but happy” at the conclusion of what our journalists would no doubt describe as their “ordeal in some of the ruggedest country in the state”. Bill Holland's walk in the Elaura bushland with barbecue and awimming at the leader's house was led by Richard Brading, Bill being afflicted by some foot malady or other (gout has been mentioned). There were 9 people, some rain, and by the sound of it Richard had the hide to turn it into an extended walk of some sort. There was a. barbecue however, so all's right with the world.” Jim Calloway had a party of 16 on his Waterfall to Otford day walk; all are reported to have walked well. On the weekend of 2,3,4 March Jim Percy led a group of 7 on his Bungonia Gorge weekend trip in rather hot weather. This weather no doubt suited Kenn Clacher's party of 10 in Cerra Boanga Brook. It's not clear whether getting separated from the main party on Saturday night entirely suited the two party members who did it, but the two groups were re-United early on the Sunday with much relief all round. Margaret Reid reported 12 on her Blackheath area day walk and Maurie Bloom had his 14 starters finishing up at a run for the 1918 train. (Yes, Virginia, they probably do have trains that old.) Jim Rivers led a party of 5 or 6 on his Megalong Valley walk over the weekend of March 9,10,11 and Les Powell (you remember, young Les who helped string up exhibits at the Nostalgia night) led a party of 9 on his Gunmarl Saddle trip. Jan Mohandas's day walk to Ruined Castle attracted a troupe of 20 - to complete the Walks Report. Page 16 The Sydney Bushwalker April 1990 The F.B.W. Report revealed that there have been numerous enquiries regarding affiliation and that the upcoming S & R practice weekend (too late, you have missed it) will be held at Howes Swamp. There are also two letters, which we are hoping to publish. All a bit of a mystery at this remove, but all will no doubt become clear, in due course. The Social Secretary reported that it had been a good month for arachnidophiles if no one else. The Conservation Report indicated that the proponents of the Barallier Trail appear to have abandoned the idea and what's more they didn't get the State Grant of $35,000 for a wilderness college. N.P.W.S. have come out in support of the proposed Nattai Wilderness Area and Tim Moore, the NSW Minister for Conservation has rejected the proposal to permit grazing in Kosciusco National Park. At the call for General Business, a motion for a vote of thanks to the outgoing committee was passed by acclamation. Announcements were followed by the President closing the meeting with the traditional “Let Us Re-une!” at 2151. ###*-*###* STRICTLY FOR THE ADVENTUROUS.. Kenchenjunga, the world's third tallest mountain is situated in a remote Area in far eastern Nepal, near the Sikkim border. It is open for trekking only for organised groups, which implies Sherpas, (guides), porters, cooks, tents etc. The trek will depart Sydney on November 30, 1990 and return January 17 1991. Group Size; We have preliminary flight bookings for 7 and the trek will go if we can get 5 takers, including the leader. Grader Trekking is not hard and the average daily effort is comparable to a medium day walk. However, the length of the trip requires committment and high-altitude walking at the end (essentially optional side trips) is hard. You always finish up very fit and very thin. Estimated Cost; 'Return flight Sydney-Bangkok-Kathmandu; $1,500. Trek– $47 per day Expenses' in Bangkok and Kathmandu - $600. There f1ightss—$2001 Total approx: $1,800. - LEADER: SEV-STERNHELL,- Ph. 439.1463 (H) or 692.2749 (W) may be additional' QLD QBB . Butter Concentrate ACT National Maps Vic. Outgear Backpacks Accessories Feathertop Wool Shirts Giant Trees Dried meals NSW Sleeping Bags & H, Mont, Romans Rainwear Mont, J & H, ' Superior Day Packs High Tops, Sul:milt Gear Bonwick Caving Ladders Holeproof Undies Socks Trailblazr Hats DB C nyon bags TAB. Blundstone Boots WA , Wilderness Equipment Backpacks Goretcc Clothing Cycle'Panniers SA Rossi B t8 Fj.nd Baby Carriers - STWOOP CAMPING CENTRE 3 Trelawney St (PO Box 131) gastwood NSW 2122 The Sydney Bushwalker April 1990 Page 18 MAILBAG LIGHT-WEIGHT WALKING by David Rostron Morag's elequent editorial about light-weight walking in the 1950's and 1960's draws attention to the unnecessary burdens to which many present bushwalkers subject themselves. My earliest overnight walking experience was with the Scouts when aged about 13. I struggled all weekend to keep up with the group. My pack was far too heavy and my body, particularly the shoulders, screamed for relief from the pain. I resolved never to carry unnecessary weight again. In my early years of club walking in the late 1940's and early 1950's light-weight walking (as espoused by Paddy Pallin) was in vogue and he had many disciples. For a weekend walk my starting pack weight was 8 kg. When I joined S.B.W. in 1964 light-weight walking was still the trend and on the “Very Hard” trips, such as The Three Peaks, initial weights for many were 5 - 6 kg. I recall Helen Gray starting one weekend in the Budawangs with an 8 lb (3.6 kg) pack. Why the trend to these “monster” packs and paraphernalia? Obviously the packs, with their hip belts, are much more comfortable and provide better weight distribution. However some packs weigh as much empty as Helen's starting weight that particular weekend. The “monsters” with their gaping mouths obviously create the illusion that they have appetites and will not be satisfied unless filled. For weekend walking I still carry a comfortable Paddy Pallin 2-pocket Bushman Pack, weighing about 700 grams. My starting weight varies from 5 to 8.5 kg - depending on the time of year and the difficulty of the trip. With these loads weight distribution and hip belts become almost irrelevant. As a result many weekend walks become a stroll. For a week's trip my pack is 14-15 kg - a weight which many carry on a weekend. What a waste of energy and time (in packing)! Remember Paddy's famous adage - “Look after the ounces and the pounds will take care of themselves”. It is as applicable today as it was then, even after metric conversion. ########## (I think David hit the nail on the head with his comment about “monster” packs with gaping mouths. It's all too easy to throw in 'this' and 'that' because they don't weight much, and finish carrying 20 kg of light weight gear! On a recent 4 day walk in the Snowys, packs varied from 9 kg to 18 kg. Yet the guy with 9 kg had ample food and warm clothing - what was in the 18 kg pack, goodness knows. Apart from a few 'spares', gear tends to remain the same on short or long trips; it is food which increases. This can be carried in a day pack or dilly bag strapped on the main pack. No need to buy a giant pack for the occasional longer trip, and then be tempted to fill it with unneoessary junk. EDITOR.) –0000 April 1990 The Sydney aushwalker Page 19.. -.Now MAIL BAG Kath Brown I was surprised and rather sad to read Ainslie Morris's letter in the March magazine about her sufferings when she bought and used a Paddymade A-frame pack in 1957. I have had one or two similar packs during my walking career, and always found my A-frame pack very comfortable and certainly did not have “searing pain in the back and cut shoulders”. (I am also one of the “elderly women Club members”, being in my 70s, but Ainslie did not talk to me, nor was I ever called a “Rabbit”, and definitely not a “Tiger”.) But then I have always been very careful just what I put in my pack and also used foam rubber shoulder pads. What you put in your pack makes all the difference to your comfort whether it is an A-frame or an H-frame pack. Keeping the weight down is of primary impor-tance. Of course, if Ainslie had come-,along to S.B.W. in 1957 she would not only have got good advice about what to take to the bush and where to go, but she would have met and walked with some of the bushwalkers of those days, such as Bob and Christa Younger, Bill Burke, “Snow” Brown, George Gray, Geof and Grace @agg, Frank and Joan Rigby, Sheila Binns, Jim Brown, Sara Hajinakitas-and many others whose comPany I'm sure she would have enjoyed. Also Dot Butler and Alex Cbliejfi but as they are two ex-Tigers, maybe they would have worried her. But better late than never. When Ainslie did come to S.B.W. in 1979 she at last found what she was looking for. And not only has she become a very good walker, carrying light– weight gear, but has done a lot of good work for the Club, which has been greatly appreciated. During those missing years I at least was still able to do many great overnight trips, magic moments in the bushland, and happily carried my A-frame Paddymade pack, which I still use when going to Reunions. E ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS - 1990 The following annual subscriptions were decided at the Annual General: Meeting held on Wednesday 14th March 1990:- Single active member $30 j(, Household - 48- Non-active member 9 plus magazine 21 Magazine subscription only 12 The Treasurer would appreciate early payment. NEW ADDRESS Jo van Sommers and Jim Percy moved to Hazelbrook on 20th February. Their new address is:- 14 Mountview Avenue, Hazelbrook. NSW 2779 Telephone (047) 586 009 Pag620 The Sydney BUghwalker April 1990 FOOTNOTES WHAT'THEANCULTUREb MISSED - Our culture night, attended by nearly 70 people, was a great success. Organised by Helen Gray, it proved to be an evening of very diverse entertainment and laughter as well. We had singers, male and female, pianists, recitations, a guitarist, and a short extract from the “Chronic Operas”, With two pianos, one without pedals and the other with a note missing our pianist, Owen Marks, had a lively time, rushing from one instrument to the other, as need be As well as our gifted amateurs we had one professional, Alan Mewett, a star trombonist; He also starred in the unexpected ror& - of Birthday Boy, when Helen brought him back on stage to present him with' a -giant sponge cake, large enough to feed everyone! *.roirly thanks to all our performers, who were:- Owen marks (pIar4st- acpoitiPaniaqii Beverley Foulds '(accompanist), Alan Mewett (trbmtiOnef'demOnstratiOri atWplaying)4-Bob Duncan (songs), Tom Wenman (songs),'GordlYn'Lee Chrpnici Operal-“10.01 Troglodytes”),

WHEN IS A LYME NOT A LI1lE7 whenit'-s a disease Lyme 'disease has been known in America since 1975, and there are now fears it may become widespread in Australia. Cases have been confirmed from Royal National Park, Buladelah State Forest and Bowral. Drs Rosemary Munro and Richard Russell are doing further research in NSW, and it is believed that the paralysis tick could be a vector. For further details read the January 1989 edition -of The Sydney BUshwalker - and in the meantime - “Don't forget the AN ABSOLUTE MUST - the latest copy of “Wild” magazine - because it contains a terrific article about Dot Butler. I particularly liked the photo of Dot dangling from a rope inside a New Zealand glacier - barefoot of course! (recitation and Songs), Ailsa Hocking (guitar and piano accOmpaniaaftd',. , songs), Roslyn Duncan(songs), Anita Doherty (songs), Barbara' 'Bruce (Songs OWButler ,(recitation) and Geof Wagg with Jim Brown (ex-cerptsj-rp.m,,the AT LANE COVE TOWN HALL - A 'RUSH DANCE - An aid of Search and Rescue. The date - May 11th. Dancing from 8 pm until midnight, come and give S -& R the support they deserve. Band: “Hot Foot String Band”. B.Y.O. food and drink Spot Prizes Door Prizes Raffle Tickets (pay at door): $10 single S.B.1JJ03arty is being arranged by Denise -Shaw - Phone 922 6093 DRe,Ss informal - No need to bring a partner CHANGEAr DATE OF WALK Tile clay walk to be led by Joe Marton Faulconbridge, Glenbrook Creek, SpringWpoi4 Will now be led on 13th May 5dnstead of 6th May. Please mark your Walks Program accordingly. * * * * * * * * * *

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