1992 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 at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kinibilli (near Milson's Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. To advertise in this magazine. please contact the Business Manager. 52 :
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<7467“- (eV-. June 1931 Deborah Shapira, 8/1 Blackwood Ave., Ashfield 2131 Telephone: 798 0309(h), 439 7555 (w), 439 3671 (fax). Joy Hynes, 36 Lewis St., Dee Why 2099 Telephone: 982 2615 (h), 888 3144 (w) George Gray, telephone: 876 6263 ICath Brown Morag Ryder Kenn Clacher, Kay Chan; Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven and Les Powell EDITOR BUSINESS MANAGER PRODUCTION MANAGER TYPIST AND LAY-OUT ILLUSTRATOR. PRINTERS JULY 1992 Editorial Notes New-Members Blue Gum Forest 60th Anniversary Bike Ride - Wyong to Windsor Social Notes The -Bogey Hole Bleed Confederation Notes - June Meeting Conservation - Logs FirSt The June General Meeting Walks Reports “The Crocks Walk” Day Test Walk RNP Hints for Foodies - Dried Apples Advertisements Paddy Pallin - The Leaders in Adventure Eastwood Camping Centre Willis's Walkabouts Debbie Shapira -2 2 3 Stuart Corner 4 Belinda McKenzie 5 Alan Mewett 7 8. Alex Colley 9 Barry Wallace 10 Ian Debert 13 Errol Sheedy 14 Christine Floyd 16 6 12 15
. Page 2 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July 1992
Firstly, I would like to thank. those walks leaders who have been sending in walks reports. Various members have commented that the magazine should cater to the membership activity, thus reports on its outdoor activities are very important. We will try to publish as many, as possible, however, we will
sometimes need to shorten them for space reasons. Please
keep them coming! Also please send contributions to the food section.
The next Special Issue will be in September and will be a combined Spring Wildflowers and Bush Safety Issue. I have seen various members busily identifying items of shrubbery. - well some of us want to be let in on the 'secret too!!
See you on the track, DEBBIE.
NOTICE FROM COMMITTEE
Members who do not request and receive a receipt for subscriptions paid but require evidence of membership when purchasing goods with a discount, then they should produce their magazine wrapper as evidence of membership.
[-NEW MEMBERS sit,
Please add the following names to your List of Members:-
Telephone -
Home Business
ATKINSON Colin -.12 Yarrennau Ave, West Pymble 2073 498.1041 427 0288
DEAN Mrs lone ”- 28 Saywell St. ChatSwood 2067 419 6130 259 5852
MCDONALD Bruce - 96 WakehUrst Parkway, Narrabeen 2101 913 8646 411 3355
PRQVAN Doreen - 3 Reuss St, Leichhardt-2040 560. 1408 250 3241
July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 3
'ROE GUM ,.FOREST*
-160t. ANNIVERS
Dear Club Secretary
There are. now only just over two months to go to the Blue Gum Forest 60th Anniversary weekend,
The Confederation committee has been working hard to make this event a success but we can't do it without your help,
The weekend will start on Friday. night (4th September) with the Blue Gum Ball. The ball will be held once again at Petersham Town Hall from 8prn to 12 midnight. The cost will be $10 or $25 for family tickets. The theme for the night will be “Blue Gum Forest” and clubs can compete for “The Boot” by organising the best decorated table.
All bushwalking clubs are invited to start gathering in Blue Gum at midday on Saturday 5th September,. Some things to remember are:
* We will camp in “The Meadow” not at Blue Gum
* Bring plenty of water containers - we swill have to carry water from clean creeks Bring.,garbage bags - we will do a cleanup of Blue Gum while we are there
* Please avoid using Perry's lookdown as an access route if you are travelling by car. We want to keep the parking area at the top clear for Sunday
* Anniversary t-shirts will be on sale at $15 each
* It may be possible to organise buses from Blackheath if there is enough demand - let us know
On Saturday night we will have a campfire where members from different clubs can renew old friendships and make new ones.
On Sunday morning we will clean up the area before the dignitaries arrive for the formal part of the weekend at llam.
If your have any older members who would like to attend but are not confident of being able to manage the climb in (and out!) let us know, We may be able to help.
If you want any more information or would like one of the committee to come and talk to your club please let us know by ringing:
- ROBYN ARTKUR - 897 2270
SEE YOU THERE!
Page 4 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July 1992-
BUMBLING ALONG…
by Stuart Corner
Bumble:' To act ineptly or floundering. Very apt. There we were all
ten of us floundering up Bumble Hill- 20 kilometres west of Wyong pushing bicycles laden down with tents, sleeping bags and all the usual necessities for camping out overnight on one of the all-too-rare weekend bike rides on the SBW program, this one organised by George and Christine Floyd.
Having to get off and push came as a shOck. Not the getting off. I
expected that. We all had to do it. It was trying toepush. Hell, it was
as hard as pedalling! don't remember it being like this last time, but
then last time was 13 years ago. -
I've come ba,k to serious cycling after an absence of some 13 years. I've done the Sydney-to-the-Gong, the Great NSW, Mulga Bill's and sundry other rides in the last 12 months, and I've never had to get off and hoof it, but then I've not tried riding the countryside laden with tent and trappings. Must be age. Ah no, I know what it is. 13 years ago we didn't have mountain bikes and granny gears: ten speeds was the ultimate in gearing. hike that explanation much better.
Anyhow, it was worth the effort. -Bumble Hill is the one gut-busting ascent in what is otherwise an extremely pleasant ride through the.stud and hobby farms of the Yarramalong and Hawkesbury Valleys. By and large they're
pretty flat and very pretty. Bumble Hill is the daunting barrier between
the two. Never mind, what bumbles up must bumble down and the corresponding
descent to the Hawkesbury was very exhilarating. -
We'd set out from Wyong about 10 am on Saturday morning, the plan being to cycle ,80 kms to the Mill Creek campsite near. Wiseman's Ferry, spend the night there and then clock up another 65 kms into Windsor on the Sunday. “It's one of the rides from. 'the Hang Ten bicycling book,” explained-George Floyd handing:out photocopies of the relevant pages. But we're doing it
in reverse because the trains through Wyong.are very crowded on Sunday
afternoons.“
“Station - radlway - the - into - left - then - right -'the - to - around - Road - Alison 7- follow - Wyong - at” intoned Maurie Bloom, duly reading the ride intructions backwards from the end. There were plenty more
where that one came from during the weekend, but I'll spare you the rest.
At this time of year it must be one of' the best bike rides in the Sydney
environs. The valleys were green, unnaturally so, the sun shone and the
roar of teh motor ear noticeably absent. This is a favourite water skiing
area and in the summer the roads are full of people who get their kicks by
being dragged up and down the Hawkesbury at high speed. Whatever turns you
on, but not for me thanks.
- We made.Mill Creek campsite with little daylight to spare after running
the gauntlet of several aggressive-sounding dogs which seemed determined to
defend their owner's property with all the canine ferocity at their disposal and with neither chain nor boundary, fence to constrain them.
We were warned, A'party of locals supping beer outside the bottle shop
in Spencer had told us. “There's a dog just down the road. He'll go for
you, but just say 'piss off Bastard' and he'll stop 'cos that's his name.”
Very re-assuring. In the event these beasts showed an amazing ability to
stay within the confines of their patch: All bark and no bother. Not so
the kamikaze blue-heeler in the suburbs of Windsor. Yards before the station
-July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 5
it threatened to put a catastrophic end to an otherwise enjoyable ride by repgatedly: running across my. path. I:requested it to depart by 'immediately employing, the native terMinology I had reeentlOparnt and this.so-ehocked the creature that it immediately prostrated itself under myjront.wheel. - My brakes saved us both.
I digress, that was later. Back at camp We discovered that Mill Creek had but two
drawbacks: its leeches and its distance from the pub at Wiseman's Ferry. To save weight
the Floyds came equipped with only a fly-sheet George and Christine, the leeches of
Mill Creek thank yo0 for your generous blood donation.
The.campsite is about 6 kms from the. pub and that includes a ferry ride and 2 kms of
dirt road. Would that it were 1 km or 20. At one we'd have gone for some booze. At
?Owe wouldn't have given it a thought. At six we were sorely tempted but decided-the dark
and the distance were too much. Deb Shapira shared some pOrt. John drank the beer he'd
had the foresight to.buy in Spencer and the fortitude to lug it into camp. The rest Of.
us abstained. -
Next morning it was on the ferry and across the Hawkesbury.to continue our journey,
but not before…a quick detour for an inspection of the Great North Road. The plaque at the end tells how 500 convicts built this, the most-difficult stretch of the inland route to Newcastle, in a mere six months in 1829. They scaled the steep sides' ofthe Hawkesbury
Valley 'by- drilling and blasting away the escarpment and hewing the stone into huge blocks
to hoist their road high above the river,the marks. of their chisels still sharp in the rock. But how did they live t 'and how many died? The plaque is enigmatically silent.
As I stride this piece of history, this national treasure, long unOsed, its career cut short by. bushrangers and the coastal steamers, Trecall that other Great North Read. which the Roman armies built up the spine of Britain. It can still be seen in parts 2000
'years after they left. It's hard to believe this antipodean great North Road Was 'travelled, neglected and passed into history in a mere two centuries.
( The rest of the day presented its own challenges. Riverside tea shops selling pies
and cakes, the Ebenezer church (oldest in Australia still in use) and its nearby Devonshire tea house, All celled for Serious attention and to rejuvenate ourselveS we had to quaff an ale or two ih Windsor while we waited for the train.
You don't have to suffer thee distractions bush bashing in the Blue Mountains, but to hell with the kilojoules, a great time was had by all and we resolved to do another one soon.
Participants! , George and Chris–ftne Floyd (leaders), John Montague, Chris Nugent, Stuart Corner, Maurie Bloom, Peter Martin, Deborah Shapira, Brennie Niemeyer and John Carlson.
SOCIAL NOTES
by Belinda McKenzie
Slides of exotic places, should not be missed! INDIA and NEPAL - by Bob Younger.
- PHOTO COMPETITION - Bring prints for display (this is for prints only). We will have a competition for slides later on. THEME - Your favourite place and show us you favourite place. Judge is undecided at the moment but it promises to be a good night:' Don't forget your old prints for Nostalgia Night in October.
29th July -
19th August
26th August
-. CLUB AUCTION Another night not to be missed! Your chance
to clear away un-needed gear. Anything that can be sold, but
please no rubbish. This is an opportunity to buy or sell - clothes, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, ski gear,. Auctioneer is not decided as yet.
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July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 7
Sunday,. March B, 1992. It is warm and sunny with a pleasant sea breeze. Twenty-four
Sydney walkers have been enticed to the Catherine Hill Bay - Caves Beach coastline by Frank Wopdgate's description in the SOW Walks Program': a beautiful coaStal walk - beaches, headlands, sea canyons, pools, swimming, sea caves.
After a car swap delay, we assemble at caves Beach, south of Swansea, introduce ourselves, and listen to lone Dean's short talk about the history of the area. As we prepare to move off,
a Ranger approaches and warns us of death adders in the gullies. The alder, experienced club 'members hang back. as Frank leads. off through bitou-bushin a sand dune reclamation area.
- ,
We are soOth-bound fOr sea, aurft, sand, swimming and Soul satisfaction. We pause on
Quarries Head to.admire.the,view north towards Port Stephens and wonder at the colour, the azure of the deep water turning to aqua as the crested waves curl towards the shore We look'
down on energetic seas dashing:against the rocky inlets and through Frank's Sea canyons.
Weadrop. ourepacks and daks for a pre-lunch swim at the Bogey Hole, -a large rock. pea' Shelteredjrom the pounding surf by an expanse of conglomerate rock. It appears Safe with submerged rock platforms. to the:north and south, constantly fed with fresh sea water from the platforms and from the 'washof ueves. that break on the seaward rock. It is an idyllic setting
and twenty walkers are up to tHeir necks in it.
A few swimmers, including the writer, are tempted ta leave the water end sit against the seaward rock, enjoying the “spa” of the wash and watching the other swimmers cavorting in the pool, our backs to the sea. Without warning, we are enveloped, by.the white water and noise
of a big wave hurtling over the rock, and four of U8 are lifted and dumped, skidding along the -conglomerate towards the pool. ' Naked figuiPsleave the rock hurriedly.
'Across the pool, the four' are helped from the water, our thighs and legs bloodied. The
writer looks.down at his left thigh and imagines a shark has bitten his bum. In fact, the
conglomerate rock has been like a cheese shredder on naked Skin. Members, prospective S and
visitors move around the injured, essiSting. Sterile pads, adhesive strips, tape and
bandages have erupted from packs and there are olouds of antiseptic surgical powder puffed on - to raw buttocks, elbows, knees and feet. Willing and caring hands carefully patch up all
abraded and bruised areas of naked skin. There are reassuring words from mates and strangers
alike.
Now dressed, we lunch quietly on the shore side of the Bogey Hole. a After the sight of -
so much blood it is a wonder that few appetites appear to be affected. Frank is cheerfa in
spite of a bloodied foot. I face my visitors and laugh nervously; they must think we are a
, lunatic lot.
After lunch we cross Middle Lamp Beach with the 'odd limp evident here and there. The
walk pauses at Catherine Hill Bay and three of the injured depart to seek medical aid on their
way home. Five other walkers.also leave, some of them to help the injured retrieve their cars.
Frank's departure has left the writer, as co-leader, in charge of the afternoon walk. With Frank's sketchy, sketch map and GEoff'Bradley's knowledge of-the area to assure us, we set off around Deep Caves Bay, past Flat Island, to the caves on Timber Beach. As we pass'
through a “hallway” Geoff recounts haw, at high tide, it is a-great thrill to stand there and
have the Waves go over your head. Oh yeah! I've had enough adventure for one day, thank you
all the same!
We nibble afternoon tea in the shade of the cliff, and then bound back along the beaches to the pub at Catherine Hill Bay. A few of us dawdle taking in Flat Island, which is not an island, when two trail bikes race along the beach.
Page 8 THE SYDNEY'BUSHWALKER July 1992,
The bikies are confronted by one Of our visitors who lets them know in their own language what they can do with their machines. The riders are effectively stunned and so is Judy
MacMillan. Oh, come on, Judy, you've heard worse on the school playground!
Back at the pub, the passengers enjoy their drinks, as drivers retrieve their cars from Caves Beach. It has been an eventful day, mostly enjoyable, and Onforgettable-jor some of us. Thank you, Frank.
FOOTNOTE: Two months later, the -scars on the writer's left arm, thigh and foot serve as a
-
constant reminder of the 9ogeY Hole-bleed, a time when he and othrs were caLight off-guard
by a danger ever-present on our coast. -
.*44*k*
MEETING HELD 16/6/92
Ron Muir from The Colong Foundation for Wilderness was guest speaker addressing the meeting on various Wilderness proposals now under consideration. Proposed plans for certain wilderness areas on display at present should be seen add people should submit their viewsto get wilderness legislation established quickly.
It was agreed to pay the costs of repairing the S &.R radio equipment. The Upper Blue Mountains Walking Club has been admitted to membership. Appproval has been given by the Parks Service for the holding of the Blue Gum Forest 60th Anniversary celebrations.
The.Tasmanian Dept of Sport & Recreation plans to set up a pilot scheme for accreditation of organisations and trip leaders. Confederation will pay travel and accommodation costs for a NSW representative to attend, Gordon Lee SBW was nominated as representative.
Various local branches of NPA have been in touch about Insurance Schemes.
Search & Riiscue:
26 people attended the last First Aid Course.
The “Rock Squad” specialising in cliff rescue, held a practice in May. Contact is being made with State Emergency Service authorities in an effort
to have a better understanding by them of the part walker. S & R is best equipped to play.
Conservation: At least three bodies - the TotalEnvironment Centre, the
Oolong Foundation for Wilderness and NPA are all planning campaigns to support the Wilderness Legislation measures. After discussion, it was resolved to make donations to each organisation, and as Confederation's allocated funds for this year are low, to provide for them from next year's budget.
Annual Gilneral Meeting: Bookings have been made at the Burwood RSL Hall.
Delegates and visitors to the AGM are asked to pay $5 tOwards cost. However this includes afternoon tea.
* * * * * * * * * *.
. THE ROGAINE which was runby the Confederation on 26/27 June 'attracted 57 teams and there were 215 participants.- See “The BushwaIker”, July.
July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 9
LOGS FIRST
by Alex Colley
For more than six months wilderness conservation has occupied centre stage in State Parliament. The bone of contention has been the determination of the Forestry Commission to
log old-growth forest regardless of the wilderness values of these forests or the endangered species dependent upon them.
Following prolonged protests by some 200 conservationists over the logging of Chaelundi State Forest in the Guy Fawkes Wilderness, a blockade and many arrests, John Corkill, a co-ordinator of the North-East Forest Alliance took the Forestry. Commission to the Land. and Environment Court. The Court ruled that logging and roading would be a breach of the National
Parks and Wildlife Act because it would spell the death knell of the 'truly exceptional'
wildlife values. Subsequently John Corkill challenged the State Government under two more Acts - the Environmental Planning and Assessment At and the Heritage Act. In all he won seven challenges, after which he was movedto say, “If I don't enforce the State's laws, who will?”
The Governemnt reacted by introducing a regulation exempting forestry and other agencies From sections.of the National Parks and Wildlife Act related to endangered and protected species.
Then the Opposition, with the support of the Independents, succeeded in passing the Endangered Fauna (Interim Protection) Act; giving the National Parks and Wildlife Service power to approVe or refuse applications tp leg forests where logging: would kill or disturb wildlife.
The Government responded ,with yet another Act, passed in March - The Timber lwdustry.
(Interim Protection) Act. This Act precluded legging In a number of old-growth forests. Until
an environmental impact statement was obtained and also imposed a moratorium on eight
wilderness areas nominated Under the Wilderness Act In the rest. of the state forests the
Commission was free to pursue its wilful way. The Act was pushed through under the Govern-
ment slogan of “jobs, jobs.; jobs” which. also means that it doesn't matter what damage people do so.long as they get paid for doing it.
Yet anotherBill. Was plaCed on the parliamentary agenda by Dr. Terry Metherell - the Wilderness (Declaration of New Areas) Bill - which had the object of having the wilderness -areas described in the Colong Foundation's.Red Index declared as wilderness. The Pill -
covered 19 wilderness areas.- Although the Bill lapsed.followingOr. Metherell'e resignation, it did provoke action and may be taken up by anothermember.
Tim. Moore gazetted 10 wilderness areas within national parks. This is important in
that these areas now have statutory protection instead of depending on park management, which
is often Unfavourable to wilderness. On April 9th he presented to Parliament. a schedule
giving. the date by which the NPWS is to report on each wilderness, the display period during which it will be open for public comment, and the date of the final submission to. the
Minister. Seeing that only one wilderness had been assessed before these announcements,
this was a very positive step.
Also on the parliamentary agenda is the Opposition's South-East Forests Protection which, if passed, would protect most of the major south-east old-growth forest areas.
Page 10 The Sydney BuShwalket July 1992
Figure 1.2 Remaining forest that is unlogged, 1990
Source: AUSLIG (1990) and Resource Assessment Commission.
(Australian Surveying and Land Information Group)
On April 22nd the Club was fortunate to have a run down of all the,wilderness areas, illustrated with Henri' Gold's slides, presented by the Colony Foundation's Project Officer, Keith Muir. This talk helped greatly to elucidate. the present pOsition and the threats to which our wilderness areas, which are the last refuge of many endangered species, are subjected.
* * * * * * S * * * * * *
THE JUNE GENERAL MEETING
by Barry Wallace
There we were, with around 18 members present and the President in the chair, initially tinkling an upstart glass bell, such as might serve to call attention to the wants of patrons at a tea oufeci- for order. It didn't work, of course, so after a while Ian went and got the bone, the only true source of power for the chairman at an SBW General Meeting and
got the shOw on the road so to speak at around 2011. There were apologies. from Bill and Fran Holland, Spiro Hajinakitas, Helen and George Gray and George Floyd.
New members-Rodney Harroll and Len Heinke were called and welcomed in the usual way. Len became a member in May but was unable to attend that meeting due to other commitments.
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July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 11
The Minutes of: the preceding General Meeting were read and received as a true, and correct record with no matters arising. Correspondence was
comprised of an outgoing letter 'to Tim Moore and a letter ofreturn thanks. to from Michelle Powell.
The Treasurer's Report indicated that we received $3,122, spent $564 and -cloSed the month with a balance-of $7,999-
The Walks Report began at the Weekend of 16,17 May with Ian Debert's walk down Gingra Creekand up the Kowmung River. It seems the 12 members of
the party spent a fair amount of time separated into subunits of various
sizes, beliefs and persuasions. The weather was good, however, and they
all reached the cars just a fraction after dark. There was no report of Bill Capon's Budawangs walk but both day walks -followed the trend and ended
in the dark. Wilf Hilder had 10 or 12 walkers, depending on just when
You polled the party, on his Berowra. to Brooklyn walk which ended at -Cowan, and Jim Callaway reported 17 on his Waterfall to Heathcote:trip.
The weekend of 23,24 May saw Spiro out with a party of 13 enjoying good weather and the unlimited.viewsTromised for his Megalong Valley trip. Alan Mewett was able to report that he had lost not one' of the 15 starters on Jerusalem Bay walk and Errol Sheedy had a party of 12 plus Jim Callaway, whom one would never really count as lost in that areaon his Bundeena to Waterfall trip.
The following weekend, 29,30,31. May we had Carol Lubbets.leading her base camp trip from Airley. It was aAaerfect winter weekend, with cold nights
and Mild sunny days. Some 14 startersattended on the Saturday, and..
17 on the Sunday. Not all of the party did the same things at the same
time, but in general the party climbed Pantoneys Crown on Saturday and
browsed around the diggings on Genowlan Mountain. on Sunday. Greg Bridge
had 16 on his Megaiong Valley day test walk,-and there was no report of Morag's Offord to Bundeena walk,
Kenn Clacher's long weekend walk to the Blue Breaks went but there were no details. It was the same story with Maurie:Bloom's Budawangs (gaiters
desirable) trip. Ian Rennard was much more forthcoming about his Mount
Colong walk. There were 13-starters although pne of these failed early
due to inadequate footwear. They reportedcrowds on- the Kowmung River,
good weather and an enjoyable. trip. Dick Weston reported a party of 5
on his day walk that weekend, to complete the walks report.
The Conservation Report included an odd item on the depredations Wrought on staghorn (or was that elkhorn) populations by marauding bushwalkers. An article in last month's magazine dealt more fully with this scurrilous accusation and our response to the perpetrator of this vicious untruth. There was also a report that the sudden burst of declarations of Wilder-
ness Areas have disturbed landholders in many of the areas affected. There was no Confederation Report.
General Business saw passage of a motion that we donate $200 to the
Cancer Council of NSW. After that it was just a matter of the announce-
ments and it was all over for another at 2110.
July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 13
WALKS REPORTS 4141111
“THE CROCKS WALK”
by Ian Debert
I led my traditional walk on the 16th/17th May from Kanangra - Pages Pinnacle - Gingra Creek - Kowmung River - Hughes Ridge - Kanangra. I originally had 14 booked on the walk only
to find Morag had injured her ankle jogging during the week so this put an end to her weekend
away. When we arrived at Kanangra I discovered that our only prospective, Chris Johnson,
had to work so our numbers were down to 12. Out of the rest of us, namely Ray Hookway, John
Montague, Margaret and Laurie Bore, Lyn Jones, Barry Wallace, Bob Hodgson, Keith Perry, Dick Weston, Patrick Wasielewski, Allan Wells, some were fit and others were 99999 Bob Hodgson
was recovering from operations on both knees and went like a Bondi Tram! Barry Wallace who,
has been having troubles with a leg and back problem handled things with little difficulty, and then there was Ray Hookway who claimed to have been bitten by a leech the previous weekend but there was no evidence showing (sounds a strange story) and yours truly had a paid.
. After all, this the “Crocks”' walk began at 8.45 am sharp. We left Kanangra car park on -
a beautiful day, stopping to look at the breathtaking views, took off for a scramble down Gordon Smith Pass and had morning tea at Crafts Walls, another great spot. From here some of the party went one Way around Crafts and the leader went the best way and waited for the rest.
of them. We were then on our way to Pages and on to the Gingra - going. down Pages is steep
but you get down fast. The creek looked great and three of us even had a swim (well a dip
a anyway), when it was. suddenly realised that Laurie was not with us, so we made a sub-committee
decision and decided to have lunch and wait for him to catch up. Lunch over and no sign 'of
Laurie, so crocks Barry and Bob went back up Pages. Next minute Laurie came down with them,
for reasons unknown, he had ended up in Gabes Creek, but he was certainly glad to see us.
After a bit to eat we were on our way. John asked if he, Allan and Keith could go ahead
and get a fire going at the campsite we had used last year. I stayed with the tail-enders
and caught up with the middle group at 5.45 pm at an earlier campsite (not the campsite we had
used last year where the three front-runners were), so again the party was split. With some
music from Bob's harmonica an enjoyable night was had by all.
Next morning we caught up with the others and decided to send Marg and Laurie up the
Gingra Track and arranged to meet them at Coalseam Cave. We all went up the Kowmung which was
fairly easy, but Allan decided to have an unscheduled swim. Lunch was at the bottom of Hughes
Ridge or Ferny Flat, with 'a long lug to cross the river, which saved getting our feet wet.
Then for the climb straight up, however you can. It was steep but enjoyable when the views
came into sight. Once again we were on our way to Coalseam Cave where we found Marg and Laurie.,
We all finally walked together across the Tops (the, first time together since Saturday!!). It was just on dark when we reached the cars and a few spots of rain began to fall - good timing.
The “Crocks” did well considering they disabilities, and I strongly believe, that if
nothing exciting happens on a trip it is rather boring. We finished the weekend at Youngs at
Katoomba for a meal.
ge THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER 'July 1992
WALKS REPQRI5
DAQESTWALKi ROYAL NATIONAL PARK - 24/5/92 led by Errol Sheedy
Twelve walkers left the ferry at Bundeena and set out for Waterfall on a clear day of caused by a cod.' southerly breeze which had blown away-pollution.
The first stretch was an eroded track- with plenty of running water. morning tea was
enjoyed at Little Marley in such.glorious conditions that SOME members of the party threatened
to mutiny by remaining. Jim Callaway joined at this point and left at Wattamolla.
By this time the whips were cracking and the party mOved to Curracurrong Creek. .Here a slight detour was made to view Eagle Pock. - Lunch was held further up the creek but was shortish due to the leader's concern Of being benighted in.thebush. From here the party.moved south
through Scrub, not as thick as previously experiened sinre recent bushfires had reduced the
level.of sue–oak and hakea. The party then followed the fire trail to the Sir Bertram Stevens
Drive which led half a kilometre later.tothF Wolumarra Track. Here the party partook of
afternoon tea befor' derrending tr Bola CEEWA and Lady Carrington Drive. Some lucky members
, saw a lyrebird raisin ci and iowerirrQjts. long tall fPatheT'q. The party headed up the Couranga
Trkk and arrived at Waterfall together with a red cloudy sunet.
Those who participated in thin 26 km “stroll”-were Barry Moore, Peter Dyce,, Robin Plumb,
BlgoT, Vince FoSkrAt, John Carlson, Patrick Hasilews'ci, Bronny Niem2,pr, Helen Ketelbey (P), Arthur Plakinson (P). Brian Holden and Errol
BUSHWALKERS NSW
-seamimmestionsmaismaso
. ANNUAL CONFERENCE
All Uub members. are invited to attend the combined AnnualConference and - Annual General. Meeting of the 'confederation of Bushwalking Clubs 'NSW (Inc). The Conference is a time for bushwalking clubs to 'meet, exchange information and find out in-depth what the Confederation has been doing on the behalf of bushWalkerS.
PLACE: Burwood RSL, 96 Shaftesbury :Road, Burwood -
DATE: Saturday 22nd August 1992
TIME: 10 am to 6 pm (1000 to 1800)
COST: $5 per person (Includes afternoon tea)
PROPOSED AGENDA:
10.00 Opening of Club
10.30 Welcome by President and summary of activities for day. 10.45 INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
12.00 Annual Report Summary
12.15 Lunch and. outdoor- shops gear SALE
1.30 Presentation by Insurance exchange of Australia
2.30 Discussion Groups
3.30 Afternoon Tea
4.00 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
5.30 Wind up
SUNDAY, 23rd August: * BUSHWALK *** BYO Day Pack and essentials for a medium day walk
* * * * * * * *
July 1992 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER Page 15
us walking in the Arid Lands
Ustralia's arid lands contain some of the most dramatic and inspiring landscapes in the world. Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to see places like Ayers Rock and the Olgas. Tens of thousands spend a few days touring those parts of the mountain ranges which are easily accessible by veliicle. They spend an hour here and an hour there, never knowing the wonders they have missed. Not one in a thousand takes the time to really experience this magnificent wilderness in the only way item.' be fully appreciated – on foot.
in ever changing land
The Red Centre is not the Dead Centre. It is the living heart of the world's oldest continent. Rain is infrequent but when it does arrive the land springs to life. A few days after a good rain, new growth turns the red sands green. A few more days and a blanket of wild flowers turns the landscape into one of the most colourful in the world. Put a few good seasons together and the animals multiply in their thousands. The sight of thousands of budgerigars swooping and turning in unison is one of the most inspiring in the World.
As well as being infrequent, the rains which bring new life to the land are irregular. In some years it may not rain at all. Even at such times,. an astounding variety of Plants and animals is waiting to be found by those willing to wander slowly through the land, from oasis t6 oasis, stopping to observe and enjoy the small things the masses miss as they rush through - a grasshopper so perfectly camouflaged that it is invisible until it moves, a small lizard scuttling by in search of its dinner, a bird as it comes down for a drink.
Wet year or dry, the eternal landscape provides a peaceful and inspiring environment for those. who take the time to experience it. White ghost gums stand in stark contrast to the red rock and blue sky. The soft.pastel lilacs and mauves of dawn give way to the bright yellows of the early morning. These slowly. fade with the increasing sun then deepen into the magnificent reds “Those who wish to experience the best that the arid lands have to offer have a special responsibility to care for these lands” which precede the sunset, At night the cool, dry air brings every star into focus allowing you to appreciate the heavens in a way which is impossible in any city Or town. Respect and responsibility But for all of its timeless grandeur, the land is a harsh mistress and quickly punishes those who dare to go out with inadequate water, clothing or knowledge: ThoSe who take the time to get off the beaten track and out into the wilderness need to treat the land with respect, respect both for what it can do to them and for the damage they can do to it. The slow pace of natural change in the arid lands makes them surprisingly fragile. Those who wish to experience the best that the arid lands have to offer have a special responsibility to care for these lands, to ensure that they keep each waterhole as pure as it was before they arrived, to avoid careless acts which might damage the natural surrounds, to take nothing but photographs and leave nothing but footprints. Bushwalking holidays If you are reasonably fit and would like to enjoy a wilderness bushwalldng experience, with a small group of;like minded people in an arid land environment, Willis's Walkabouts may be able to offer exactly what you want. All those who take part are, provided with a comprehensive information booklet which enables them to prepare for the conditions they will encounter. Every trip is accompanied by one or more experienced- guides who will navigate through a land where there are few trails or tracks. The guide will expla hrthe things you see and will cook you a three course meal every night. You will be free to relax and enjoy this unique wilderness experience. For full details on all our bushwalking holidays, contact 0 'clic. tl b.} tit W Walkabouts 12 Carrington Street MILLNER NT 0810 Ph: (089) 85 2134 Fax: (089) 85 2355 ADVERTISEMENT Page 16 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER July 1992
HINTS FOR MODES by Christine Floyd DRIED APPLES Dried Apples are well known to most bushwalkers,often. talked of with
.contempt and usually eaten- 'straight“, having been boiled to death over an inferno, then drowned in p gallon Of custard. (Did I hear you mutter “WoCs. tong Wif that??) On the recent Flinders trip Goof Wagg demonstrated that with a little imagination and careful cooking, the basic “apple and custard dessert” could be delivered night after night in delicious combinations, providing variety a-plenty for the taste-hungry palate.
The secret to good apples aCcording to Geoff, is to allow them to soak plenty of cold water, before cooking slowly in the embers of a gentle fire. (Note the apples were soaking long, before preparation for any other course was began.) Here are some of the combinations that kept the team happy for -eight nights - all served with wonderful thick custard, by courtesy of Shirley Dean. Proportions are presented in brackets. Dried Apples and Dried Pineapple & Dried Banana (2:1) ff 11 Dried Pears & Ginger (6:3:1) 11 Dried Apricots (2:1) or -(1:2) It 7-1 11 77 ”” & a few Dates (2:1).
It Dried Peaches & a few Prunes (2:1)
If cooked with a Cinnamon Stick & Sultanas dstsp Sultanas per kg of Apple) Dried Apples can also be used in main curse dishes. The following recipe for a Fruit Cur#y is good for those longer walks. The sweet fruity flavour can be varied with the choice and quantity of fruits used. The following quantities make a generous meal for two. FRUIT CURRY 50 g Dried Apple 25 g Dried Pineapple 80 g TVP (Chunky pieces) 1 Beef tube 25 g Dried Onion 50 g Sultanas 1 tblsp Tomato Magic (optional) 4 tsp Curry Powder (adjust to taste) Soak all ingredients in cold water for about 30 “minutes'. Cook in the embers of a gentle. fire far 20-30 minutes. About 10 minutes before serving add: 25 g Dried Bananas. Serve with boiled rice. 75 g per average appetite 100 g per person on a hard walk