Table of Contents
June 1995
THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc, Box 4476 GPO Sydney 2001. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager
Editor: | George Mawer | 42 Lincoln Road, Georges Hall 2198 | Telephone 707 1343 |
Business Manager: | Joy Hynes | 36 Lewis Street, Dee Why 2099 | Telephone 982 2615 (H) 888 3144 (B) |
Production Manager: | Fran Holland | ||
Editorial Team: | George Mawer, Jan Roberts & Barbara Bruce | ||
Printers: | Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell | ||
Clubroom Reporter: | Jan Roberts |
President: | Greta James |
Vice-President: | Ian Debert |
Public Officer: | Fran Holland |
Treasurer: | Tony Holgate |
Secretary: | Spiro Hajinakitas |
Walks Secretary: | Eddy Giacomel |
Social Secretary: | Jan Roberts |
Membership Secretary: | Barry Wallace |
New Members Secretary: | Bill Holland |
Conservation Secretary: | Alex Colley |
Magazine Editor: | George Mawer |
Committee Members: | Morie Ward & Annie Maguire |
Delegates to Confederation: | Ken Smith & Wilf Hilder; Jim Callaway |
In This Issue
2 | Jenolan to Katoomba in 1943 | |
5 | G.P.S. and the Bushwalker | |
5 | Relaxing at Coolana | |
7 | Across the Ettrema | |
8 | From The Clubrooms | |
8 | 25th Anniversary of the Andean Expedition | |
8 | SBW Concert | |
8 | NZ Slide Night | |
8 | Upcoming Events for June | |
9 | Eco Adventures | |
9 | Advance Notice | |
11 | Lighten Your Pack | |
11 | Wilderness Shield Navigation | |
12 | Confederation - Notes on the May Meeting | |
12 | Brainteaser | |
13 | The May General Meeting | Barry Wallace |
14 | For Sale | |
14 | Wanted | |
14 | A Barbie at Dot's Place |
Advertisers: 3 Mountain Equipment 4 Eastwood Camping Centre 8 Willis Walkabouts 10 Alpsports 15 Paddy Pallin
Jenolan To Katoomba 1943
by Bert Whillier My wife Evelyn and I.,decided to do the trip in August 1943 and our oldest daughter Lynette was 14 months old then. Those days unlike the present we.. had to make a special pack for Lyn.
Day one Taking a train to Katoomba, then a bus to Jenolen Caves we arrived just before lunch, so we booked for a caves inspection after lunch. After the caves tour of inspection we set off up the mountain for Kanangra. As we climbed we began to walk into snow and at the top we passed a pair of cottages. The people from the first, house, came out and were surprised to see Eve with baby on her back heading into the snow. After hearing where we were heading they said “you must not go on tonight, the other house next door is vacant so you can stay there” so thankfully we accepted.
Day two
In the morning we set off. The snow still falling heavily and the wind very strong. After battling along for about 8 km, Eve in leather top crepe soled shoes and myself in hobnail boots on which the snow had built up 2 or 3 inches thick, we came to a tin shed which was unlocked, inside a dirt floor, so we went in and made ourselves comfortable. There was a wooden banana case, some sheett of andi some wire. We thought to make a sled so we got to work.
Putting Lyn inside the banana case, my pack as well, it became fun rather than a hard slog. We had expected to camp in the large cave but there were icicles like elephant tusks and the wind was horrific blowing right into the cave, so we went to the corner cave which is smaller and was more sheltered.
Day three ( we agreed on a rest day.) Day four
We set off with the wind still 'at gale force across the scrubby tops. The ground was icy. Eve in her light 'shoes, with the baby on her back was blown over once. So after that we held hands until we reached the comparative Shelter of the trees. 'Around us as we walked tree branches were crashing to the ground. 'natures pruning ?.
With much relief we came to Hughs Ridge, then down to the Kowmung where we carped for the night
Day five
Next morning we had the pleasure of walking along the banks of this beautiful river, not available now: Then up the Cox to Breakfast Creek, then on to Carlons.
The late Mr and Mrs Canon gave to us their usual great hospitality.
Day six
After a comfortable night, next day we went up to NeVs Glen and on to Katoomba for the train home, none the worse for our experience, Lyn with rosy cheeks. 0
1 joined the SBW in 1937 and walked with the tigers (so called), I joined Gordon Smiths 3 months trip of New Zealand and climbed with Dot and Gordon.
Bert
About Evelyn Whiffler (Swimming)
Evelyn Whither (nee de Lacey), born in Perth on 21 St November, 1917, dominated women's freestyle events in Australia from 1935 to 1940, winning eight national championships over distances from 110 yards to 880 yards. She became WA's first female Olympian when selected for the 1936 Berlin Games and at the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney she won a gold medal in the 110 yards as well as silver and bronze medals in the freestyle and medley relays.
From “The Western Australian Hall of Champions”
NOTES OF SOME FAMOUS.BUSHWALKERS
There's a pleasure sure in being mad, Which non but madmen know:
- Farquhar
He who can draw a joy
From rocks, or woods or weeds, or things that seem All mute and does it - is wise
- B. Cornwall
A little fire is quickly trodden out
Which, being suffered, rivers cannot quench
- William Shakespeare
Therefore, let the moon
Shine on thee in thy solitary walk
and let the misty mountains winds be free
to blow against thee
- William Wordsworth
GPS AND THE BUSHWALKER.
by Frank Rigby
Remember the debates about electronic gadgets on buslvalks in recent times? Well, I. am starting another one-although this one is unlikely to be so controversial. What is UPS (Global :Positioning System)? The US Defericeclepattment (USDD) operates a system of 24 satellites in precise polar orbits and UPS receivers (miniature computers) anywhere in 'the'. world receive signals from several satellites simultaneously from which the receiver can compute its position. The system is widely used by aircraft, ships at sea and now increasingly on land. Obviously the UPS is invaluable in situations devoid of landmarks, eg. deserts and white outs in the mountains. The receiver is capable of providing lots of information but position fixing is of primary importance to bush walkers. The system is extremely accurate. So accurate that the USDD deliberately downgrades the signals for civilian users to put enemies at a disadvantage (??). The USDD can obtain fixes within 10 metres of true position but will, under current policy, only guarantee within 100 metres for others. In practice the accuracy is generally better than that. With my own receiver I obtained the following results with about 100 observations at different times; 46% within 45 metres, 75%. within 50 metres, 90% within 75 metres and 100% within 100 metres. When you plot your position on a map it may be the map which is inaccurate; maps of course have limits of accuracy. UPS can be used day- or night, in any weather, anywhere in the world and will provide a fix either in latitude/longitude or UTM, (grid system) as selected. The grid mode means that land users can conveniently plot position onto a topographical map. The time required for a is Variable (depending on configuration of the satellites) and is commonly 2 to 5 minutes for a cold start. There is one limitation, however; heavy foliage will. block the signals. Just what is “heavy foliage” cannot be defined. You have to try it and be prepared to move around to obtain a more open sky. Nevertheless 1 have obtained readings under moderate-tree cover; in thick bush there may be a problem. Small hand lield receiver's suitable for bushwalkers now cost about $900 to $1000. and that will no doubt be a deterrent for many Mine, a Magellan Meridian (there are many makes), weighs 0.42 kg and measures 15 x 8 x 3 cm's, so is easily carried. It uses 3 size AA batteries which will give about 5 hours operation and, in use, is completely silent. I have now used it in many places all over the country with excellent results. Essential? No, of course not. Some bushwalkers might say the gadget takes the fun and skills out of navigating. On the other hand, try navigating in the Snowy Mountains in a white out! It's up to you. 0 A 'few pleasant days at Coolana Craig Shappert With a group of friends 1 enjoyed a few days at Coolana over the Easter period. I was amazed that even at this time we virtually had Coolana to ourselves. We were fortunate to see a lyrebird in the clearing below the hut and while walking down from the cars hear a wallaby bounding away through the bush. As one of those who was actively involved in building the hut I was delighted to see how well it had been maintained. The extra shelving is great and hooks were put to good use much to the disappointment of a nearby possum. A word of warning though. Beware of those tiny scrub ticks and do come prepared. Rid is an effective deterrent but it is a good idea to check oneself thoroughly if venturing near the river. Come armed with sharp tweezers and methylated spirits. Unfortunately, other commitments do not permit as many opportunities to enjoy Coolana these days as in the past but it was good to sit around the campfire, enjoy a good meal, share the odd glass or three and reminisce about the times when we were active walkers. El On GPS I believe that the human animal comes equipped with everything necessary to become a reasonably good navigator. I believe that if you look and take note, open your mind and your senses to the nature of the bush, the total input will be infinitely greater (and rewarding) than the tiny amount of data received by the GPS. To. quote from Ken Smith's article “The Art And The Science Of Route Finding” in the May 1995 issue of The Sydney Bushwalker - “Skilled route finding is essential for safe off trail travel. Route finding is the key to wandering at will through the bush” Navigating can be fun and can bring a high level of personal confidence and satisfaction. Ed
ACROSS THE ETTREMA: TALLONG TO SASSAFRAS.
EASTER 1995 - THE _PARTY; Bill Capon (leader),Val and Bob Calvert, Maurice Smith, Geoff NIcIntosh, Bob Milne, Tony and Ellen McGregor, Jan Hodges, David Robinson, Marefla Regan, Aseilichelle Powell and john Riddell: FRIDAY. it was after two in the morning when the drivers returned, from Sassafras to. our camp along Funnel's Fire Trail: At breakfast we appointed the morality officer. David, nominated himself but was rejected as being unsuitable, ,,Geo ff, being the eldest, was elected unopposed. Next came the briefing for the trip. But.Bill, still half asleep, had,trouble finding the maps,. When they. were more or :less set. out correctly and he had found his glasses. it started., dri,zzling. We gave up, shouldered :our burdens and set off. It was then that. 1 realised that we hadn't stood. in the traditional formation and introduced ourselves. We would have to resort to less 'round about methods - such as “'Hello., I'm —- Do you come to this 'GodforSakeri place often?” An hour later we arrived at the cliffs. Directly opposite was Split Rock Point. Further back was the unknown wilderness - the :badlands'. We followed the old Water Board track down i to an easy crossing of the Shoalhaven. For safety reasons the party was split (as was our destination). It was steep and loose'. We regrouped and headed for the Pass. LunCh Was on the Point. Superb views! The afternoon was spent crashing through scrub. Soon we were following Diner Creek (more scrub). We camped early to give Geoff More time to check accommodation arrangements-and Bill time to fold his Maps correctly for the next day. .SATURDAY. An hour's Walk over more open country brought us to the old Drover's Trail - a badly eroded 4WD track, now closed: Fifty scrub free paces to Rorari Creek where we collected water. Off into the bush again. Over Rosella Knob.. Soon we were following Maurice who had found an easy way into Coo-ee 'Creek, Within no time we were sliding over greasy logs and boulders and up to the knees in water. Retreat! '1Ohn led the way up to the cliff line. This was much better. Plenty of picturesque Overhangs with 'flat floors. By lunch time we had reached the Ettrema Gorge cliffline and clambered over a gully and onto Moke Spur for more views - to the left theformidable cliffline of Chain Lightning Plateau - to the. right Mt 'Edwards. This would have been another five star lunch.. spot: but we were low on water. A dropoff caused some delay while David and Tony. set up the ropes. In the meantime Bob,Val and others who didn't need to show how scared they weren't, found a way around the obstacle. Luxury at Cooee Flat. An hour for afternoon tea! And a fire - courtesy of Marella, our regular arsonist, who normally prefers to break the twigs at dawn. The C to C (Cooee to Cinch) rock hopping classic began at three thirty. At dusk the B team (Jan, Bill, Marella and one or two 'others) dragged their bruised feet up to the hive of activity that was our campsite. But of:course tents already. occupied the best places. After dinner I wandered downstream and looked in awe at the gorge lit up by the full moon. Heaven. SUNDAY. Still 3 km short of Cinch Creek. At the junction we met a party. Someone asked what trip we were,doing. Michelle said we'd come from Tallong (a slight exaggeration) and were off to Sassafras via Bundundah Creek. They just looked at us. From the top (Handcuff Hill) to Cinch Creek was hard Work. We weaved around trying to get through wall to wall Banksia and Ettrema Malice. Bill was trying to use rock bands that were there last time. Lunch was at Manning Saddle (Tilly Anne's Gap - see chapter 6 “Man from the Misty Mountains”). Then more scrub and more non existent rock bands. From the broken cliffline at Pass Point we looked across at Kameruka Point and down Bundundah Creek. We were about 101cm upstream from Corroboree Flat. An easy ramp then onto the ridge which was gentle at first then curved and plunged towards the chasm. Bill had a word to Tony who ran off like a mountain goat to make sure the way was safe. We were safely down in no time. It was three o'clock. We'd had two hard days and no doubt would soon be rewarded with an excellent camp site in beautiful Bu ndundah Creek. No doubt at all. On to the junction then up Moore Creek for another hour. Nothing even remotely resembling a camp spot. As the shadows lengthened and the cliffs closed in we sat on our packs in disbelief as Bill pointed out our campsite, 250m higher beyond the cliffline. Tony, having the only working legs left, had to find a way out of the creek. Twenty minutes later we were clawing our way' up a scree slope, carrying water. On to a crumbly traverse with the best handhold being a strategically sited stinging tree. A slot took us to the plateau and the last rays of a beautiful sunset. (The stragglers just got darkness!) continued page 12
FROM THE CLUBROOMS
Jan Roberts
Wednesday's clubroom entertainment was all SBW homegrown last month. First up Dot Butler took us on a trip to Peru and the Cordillera Vilcabamba region of the Andes, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the first all, Australian expedition. Later in the month SBW members and friends got the chance to show off their talents at the club's Concert night, and finally Tom Wenrnan led us through the Mt Aspiring National Park; on the trip he organised in February this year. Overall it was a very entertaining month. 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANDEAN EXPEDITION - 'May 17th Dot Butler, SBW Honory Life Member and one of the main instigators of this early Andean expedition, presented to us last month. Always an interesting and entertaining speaker, Dot helped us relive her experiences as though they were yesterday instead of a quarter of a century ago. Although the slides taken during the expedition were,..well used, the sheer magnificence of this part- of the Andes had not diminished, Dr John Sutton was also there on the night 'to support Dot, and as expedition doctor for the party he was able to help us appreciate some of the many health risks faced by those involved with high altitude climbing in the 60's. Not surprisingly, all nine members o f the group were physically well equipped to cope 'with: the extremes in weather and altitude the Andes would be likely to produce, but what was surprising was that Dot, ( the only woman climber) was 54 at the time and the eight men involved were all in their early 20's! The expedition was successful in both its climbing and scientific'endeavouts, with 19 mountains conquered in all, including 13 first ascents. Mt. Lasun' ayoc (19,910 feet) was the math mountain targeted for the '1969 expedition, with a new route and third ascent achieved during the three months the expedition spent climbing in the region. Dot also told us about the earthquake and avalanche devastation inflicted in the Mt Huarascaran region following the expedition party's return to Australia in 1970. Many thousands of lives were lost with the landslide damage Which resulted from the quake. Horrified by the quake, Dot immediately initiated fund raising for the survivors, and set up the Peru Relief Fund She still manages the organisation's efforts today, 20+ years on. A. thoroughly enjoyable night, Dot. Thank you as always for the enduring inspiration you give to us all. SBW CONCERT - May 24th The club concert last month proved that Sydney Bush Walkers do not require a camp fire. to bring out their talents and we were treated to a program crammed with lots of fun and variety. Star performances on the night were provided by The Kris Stevenson Four' debuting Kris's new song and choreography about the joys of being a Sydney Bush Walker. Next Ken Cheng entertained us with his 'own verse 'Trekking End to End ' about walking the famous trail in Canada. Keith Perry delivered a hilarious tongue twister about the problems introduced by bringing foreign fauna into Australia and George Carton (ex Tusendot performer) sang up a storm! Eddy Giacomel proved very talented armed with a guitar, in spite of his earlier reluctance, and Owen Marks brought along his sister to join him in a piano duet. We also got the chance to hear Tom Weinman sing minus his thermals, accompanied by Owen on piano. Husband and wife team, Bob and Roslyn Duncan both performed, with Bob reciting the. best ever deadpan version of 'The Lion and Albert'. For her part, Roslyn contributed with a lovely aria. Dance was not forgotten on the night either, with Deidre Kidd performing 'a selection of dances from the Baltic. John Hogan , Master of Ceremonies for the night, turned magician for his act and Bill Smallwood who we feared had forgotten about the night altogether, appeared at the last moment and concluded the program with his song! There is a Place on The Six Foot Track'. The talent was staggering! Thanks to everyone who participated over the time the concert took to make happen. Perhaps those of you who couldn't be talked into performing this time will not be so bashful next opportunity at the Annual Reunion in November. D.
NZ SLIDE NIGHT - MAY 31st
John Hogan had another commitment on the night, so Tom Weninan presented John's slides taken on the SBW trip of 9 made to the Mt Aspiring National Park last February. Unusual for New Zealand's South Island, the weather we were told was perfect for the entire trip.
Although the walking conditions were not a problem, the same couldn't be said of a particular species of bird it seemed. The mischievous Kea, the only alpine parrot and native to New Zealand, was the cause of cdntinued amusement and harassment to the party. Tom told us in particular of a sleepless night,. Michele and John experienced as they attempted to stop the Kea s firstly from crashing their cooking gear around the camp after everyone had retired for the night and then from demolishing their ,,..tent:: .After, this the entire party retreated to hut: to avoid other midnight encounters of the 'feathered' kind. 0 UPCOMING EVENTS FOR JUNE Winter Solstice Feast - June 21st With winter setting in the days are becoming shorter, and the nights longer…, but it's not all bad news. The longest night of the year also a time to celebrate! Caine along on the 21st of June with your offering And celebrate the Winter Solstice with a feast At the clubroom. We plan; to start at 7.30pm and will be warming up with club provided HOT Gluhwein.
Eco Adventure - June 28th
Planning on heading north for a winter break this year or any other time for that matter? Eco Adventures Provide a wide range of outdoor holidays that are also environmentally sensitive. Just imagine waking up in the Queensland rainforest wilderness in your hammock! Come along to meet Don Rosenfeldt this Month to hear more about Eco Adventures' unique trips. 0 Restaurant Night - 'Saturday 22nd of July - _ Advance Notice Many SBW members have requested an opportunity to break bread and share some wine on a weekend night, without having to rush off to the club meeting. As a result, plans are under way for a Saturday night out on the 22nd of July. If you're interested, mark the calender and look out for more details soon.
IN THE ARCTICe, A thermal oasis in the polar desert, a river. that never freezes; this is the Lake.:,… Hazen_area;1500 kilometres north of\J., the Arctic:: Circle on Canada's Ellesmere Island. During theTbrief arctic summer there darkness to mark the passage of time. The scale of the land is both immense and intimate at the same time. Intricate patterns of rock, frost-cracked ground, willows and wildflowers at your feet extend out from where you stand into endless vistas in the clear dry air. The animals lack fear of 1…}V.people and may approach closely, eurious about yourpresence.
LIGHTEN YOUR PACK
And Enjoy Walking by Jim Vatiliotis First printed x x x People often say that they would like to do weekend walks but they are not confident about carrying a heavy' pack- Or they cannot do,difficult walks for the same reason, Others carry2 14 kg (30 lb) pack for a weekend and say that they cannot reduce the Weight. Well, if you decide that a light ,pack while you are walking is. more important than -luxuries and fresh food around the campfire, you will be surprised at how much you can reduce the weight of your pack. Last Easter after being _asked by the leader to keep the weight. to-a minimum, I was able to get the weight down to 8,400 grams (18.5 pounds) for the four days. Since then I have been on quite a few weekend walks when my pack weighed 8,35.0 grams (14 pounds). . . I started off by listing all the things which I thought were essential and then' looking for the lightest equipment I could find. These are the basic essentials: When you are carrying only 6350 grams (14 pounds) you don't, need a frame pack or one , of the elaborate frameless climbing packs. A large day pack or one of the cheap nylon packs from a disposal store will do. There is no point in carrying an extra three or four pounds for a frame pack, I use a nylon tent fly with the ends cut and sewn in as doors. It is adequate but a two man tent shared between two people is better and not much extra weight. A good quality heavy parka is essential even in summer. Proofed nylon ground sheets are lighter than polythene and can be used as a cape. Everyone has his own preference on food but 4 pounds (1800) grams should be adequate. On extended trips we work on less than two pounds (900 grams) per day and a weekend is only one breakfast, one dinner and two lunches. Fresh meat is not very heavy in itself, but by the time you wrap it up, carry a frypan, billy lifters, etc. it is something like 550 grams (19 ozs). The freeze dried dinner is only 100 grains (4 ozs). A change of clothing is good after a walk but it is not essential. I have included a woollen pullover and a heavy parka which should be enough for warmth. My experience is that in wet weather people do not change into their spare clothes even if they carry them. When you go lightweight, you have to watch even the smallest item. You don't carry a knife, fork and spoon when you only need a spoon. You don't carry a cloth food bag unless it is absolutely necessary and you have toweigh all your food. Never throw, something into your pack because it does not weigh much. It all adds up to a heavy pack. As you can see you won't have any luxuries but think of the advantage of carrying only 6350 grams (14 pounds) on a hard trip on the second, day you will be down to 4540 grams (10 pounds) which.' is not much more than a day pack.
Wilderness Shield Navigation
Con-lining up on the weekend of 24 & 25 June (a few days after the winter solstice) is the annual Wilderness Shield Navigation competition organised by the NSW Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs. This is off track wilderness navigation at its most challenging. Last year SBW had one team in the short event. This year I would like to see several teams entered by SBW, in both the short and long event. So dust off your map and Compass knowledge and give me a call to register your interest (but not until after June 17 when 1 will be back from walking in Kakadu). For further details please contact Maurice Smith on (02) 587 6325 (H) or (02) 285 5573(W). 0 Item pounds/oz gLarlis
Pak 1-00 450 Sleeping bag 3-00 1360 Tent and pegs. 1-03 540 Ground sheet 0-11 320 Parka 1-08 680 Wool pulloVer ,044 400 Billy (small) 0-06 170 Map, compass 0-06 170 Spoon 0-01 30 Cup 0-01 30 Wineskin pillow 0-02 60. Torch 0-03 80 First aid, matches, miscellaneous 0-11 300 Total fq9d 10-02 4590
Bread 0-10 290 Cheese 0=07 200 Salami/corned beef 0-05 150 Muesli, powdered milk - 0-07 200 Eggs 0-14 400 Tea, salt, butter .0-08 430 Total Food '4-01 1870 Total Gear & Food 14-03 6460
The May Confederation Meeting
Report from Confederation Delegate, Ken Smith, :'VVarraaiiilja exclusion zone -'new- signs have been installed by Sydney Water on both Kowmung and COX Rivers and at 'White Dog Road, explaining that entry to the exclusion zone is prohibited. The sign at Medlow Gap is expected to be updated soon. It is suspected' that there was an agreement between Confederation and the Water 'Board during the 1970's allowing some access for bushwalldrig club -Members to the exclusion zone without the need to apply for a permit. 2. Issues referred to the Tracks and Access officer: - Central Coast Umina to Pearl Beach track has been - Closed Benowie track and the Hornsby rifle range - Yadboro (Budawangs) 3. Editorial committee - volunteers are sought to assist on the editorial comniittee for “The BushWalker”. The essential tasks are content chasing and desktop publishing. (Vicwalk News is published Monthly. Its production is included in the job description of the part time employee of the Victorian Confederation.) Conservation matters addressed: 4: Proposed meeting with the NPWS Director General (R her schedule is too busy; the meeting will go ahead with her deputy, Alistair Howard. Matters to be raised by Confederation are wilderness declarations, NP Plans Of Management, commercial activities and their, licensing within NPs, participation by bushwalkers in NP plans and surveys, role of Confederation in advisory committees. 5. Npwries sludge - pressing that in future the scheme should not be expanded, that EPA should control. 6. Wollangambe Creek sludge - in January moderate rain in the area caused a Clarence colliery dam to fail andblack coal ash escaped to settle in the river. IJMNP advisory committee - in the past Confederation. has considered- bushwalker representation to be inadequate on this committee. 8. Horseriding in Kanangra Creek - the licence associated with the Kanangaroo and -Whalania Creek inholdifigs has expired and is Up for negotiation. NPW want a Clause that'the liceriee' lapses if the area is declared wilderness. General business 9. Ball 95- the theme for the Ball, “The Volley Ball”. The date in the calendar is wrong, the ball will be on 22 September. 10. Enquiries :41.ave again'. came from 7:Japan Travel Bureau for a group of Japanese walkers in late August this Year:.. -Last week an enquiry, carne from a Korean group for some time “in 1996”. Some options - Confederation to organize again, individual clubs as hosts, point them to commercial activities. El Bill Capons Easter walk I> continued from page 7 We were all so tired Geoff had little policing to do. 'TUESDAY. Started with the hour of regulation scrub. Then through a break into, a beautiful creek bathed in sunshine. It was Moore Creek again, this time only 50m below' us. (We'd left it laSt night to avoid waterfalls). Very soon we came. to a 'huge crescent shaped overhang across our path: The creek cascaded over it into an inviting pool - inviting for John anyway. The rest of us basked in the sunshine or explored the cave. The next hour provided smile of the best creek walking I can remember. Lots of bedrock with interesting formations: Lunch, all 90 minutes of it. was spent spreadeagled over the Kakadu like landscape of Plain Creek. Memories of the previous day faded as bliss took over, if this was all part of a plan to help us forget earlier hardships then it was working. The rest was a bit of an anticlimax. We were soon heading south west following animal trails. We reached the fire trail near Jones Creek. An hour or so later the peace was disturbed by the roar of a 4WD on the Turpentine Road: Our epic trip was over. El A.PERSONAL CHALLENGE This test does not measure your intelligence, your fluency with words and certainly not your mathematical ability. It will, however, give you some gauge of your mental flexibility and creativity. Good luck! Example: 16 = 0 in a P = Ounces in a Pound 1. 26 = L of the A 2. 7 =WoftheAW 3. 1001 =AN 4. 12 = S of the Z 5. 54 C in a D (with the J) 6. 9=PintheSS 7. 88 = P K 8. 13 –SontheAF 9. 32 = D F at which W F 10. 18HonaGC 11. 90=DinaRA I?. 200 = P for P G in M More, (and answers) next month. JUNE 1995 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 13 The May General Meeting. by Barry Wallace There were around 20 members present by 2007 so the president called the. meeting to order and started proceedings. There were apologies from Eddie (uiacoraei, Jim Calloway and Bill and Fran Holland. The minutes of, -the April general meeting were read and received with no matters arising. Correspondence included a letter from Confederation, enclosing a set of minutes of their Most recent general meeting and _responding to our questions about insurances. There were also no less than three letters out from Alex, our Conservation secretary to: a) Hornsby Shire Council. b) The NSW minister for conservation. c) The Jenolan Caves Trust asking about car parking and the use of buses to access Kanangra Walls. There was no business arising from the correspondence. The treasurer's report showed that we spent $1,445 acquired income of $2,706 and closed the month with a balance of $883. The walks report began at the Easter weekend, with Morrie Ward presenting the reports in the absence of Eddie, who was away commissioning something somewhere. Ian Rannard had a party of 16 plus 1 (retired early) on his Hume and Hovel track walk. They experienced some rain in the early and late stages of the walk but otherwise it was all right. Tony Holgate led 13 on his walk in the rainforest at Waslapool National Park. They had some rain early in the trip and judging by the look of the photos the trees never dried. They also enjoyed the pleasure of getting out to the cars a bit late on the last day and Washpool's a long drive home. Bill Capon had 13 On his Budawangs walk. Setting up the initial car swap involved the drivers getting to bed at 0200 and rolling out again at 0600. And that was the easy bit. The high dry camp on Sunday became less so when the rain and strong winds arrived at 2100. Dick Weston's assault on the length of the Grose River was repulsed with no losses to either, side. Going was so slow along the banks of the Grose that the party of three turned back after the first couple of days. Oliver Crawford's long car shuffle from Mount Wilson to Angorawa Creek along the Colo was cancelled due to lack of starters. Ken Smith's day walk on the Monday had the party of 13 struggling with difficult vines and leeches despite the fine sunny day. The following weekend saw a couple of people take Monday as holiday and form a long weekend with Anzac day. Bill Capon had such a walk scheduled in Deua National Park but ceded leadership of the party of 13 to a team made up of Rik King and Tony Holgate. Peter Miller's walk from Kananga Walls to Carlon's Farm over the same weekend was described as lovely by one of the ten participants. Of the day walks, Dick Weston led 15 on his Wollongambe River trip on the Sunday, Ken Smith had the 15 starters on his walk in the Glenbrook area on Anzac day enjoying separate time phased lunches and fan Debert cancelled his Megalong Valley walk scheduled for the same day. April 28 - 29- 30 had Tom Wellman leading 14 walkers on his Kanangra to Katoomba stroll. The weather was unexpectedly mild and there was rather a lot of water in the streams, but otherwise all went to program. Eddy Giacomel had 27 on his Sunday walk along the Old Northern Road. The going was gentle so they spent some time practising and teaching map reading. Greta James reported a beautiful day for the 19 starters on her Glenbrook area walk. Wet ctmditions caused the Cancellation of Jan Mohandas's programmed four day walk covering Three Peaks and Splendour Rock Over the weekend 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 May. There were no details for Rosemary MacDougal's Saturday day walk in the Megalong or for Laurie Bore's Canoelands to Ivory Hill Sunday walk but conditions that weekend were generally damp as Ken Smith was prepared to attest. His Six Foot Track walk from Devils Hole to Explorers tree saw the party, of 9 initially delayed due to the substitution of buses for trains and then battling 1). cont' page 14 PAGE 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER JUNE 1995
continued from F.. 13 with cold wet conditions involving sleety rain. It ,cleared.. a bit in the afternoon so they did get to relax and eat lunch at the suspension bridge before, dashing back to The Tree. Not sure that was a good note on which to end the walks reports but that's how it happened. Conservation report brought news of a letter from Colin Watson of the Budawangs Committee alerting us to a problem with a landholder who is refusing to permit access to the Clyde River and Yadboro Creek in the National Park near Yadboro.Flat area. The meeting resolved to refer this to , Confederation tracks and access committee. We were also apprised of the present balance of parties in the recently elected NSW Legislative Assembly. It seems that with 7 independents there is now a chance that conservation bills may pass through the Assembly with at least some of the initial intent and powers intact, , Tim Yoden is the new minister for conservation and water management. I guess it would have: been worse if they had phrased it the other way round. Confederation report indicated that NPWS have acknowledged the letter regarding horse riding in Kanangra Boyd National Park and, in a completely un related move, the Director General of NPWS is seeking discussions with Confederation. The CAA have responded to suggestions for an increase in the minimum flight level for helicopters flying over Blue Mountains National Park by pointing out that the use of airspace above the present maximum flight levels by large commercial aircraft make this impractical. Confederations have donated $500 to the Tina. Creek Progress Association to assist in their campaign to prevent the establishment of a mushroom composting plant near the headwaters of the Wolgan River. General business saw passage of a motion that our Confederation delegates move that Confederation oppose all helicopter flights over the Blue Mountains National Park other than park administration or search and rescue flightS. The announcements followed and the meeting closed at 2107; Kath Brown has been in hospital. As far as we know it is not terribly serious and we understand that she is doing well. No she does not want hordes of visitors or phone calls. Kath, we all hope that everything is OK with you and that you make a speedy recovery. Love and best wishes from all of your friends in the Club. Dot Butler “in for repair” Dot doesn't want to be left out and is soon to go into hospital for some reworking of a hip that seems to be showing signs of wear. It's a wonder that both legs aren't worn down to the knees considering what they've had to do over the past very many years (mostly bare footed too). Plus a few hard knocks including being smashed up by a car when bike riding some years ago. The same goes for you too, Dot. We all hope that the repairs are successful and that you make a speedy recovery. Love and best wishes from all at the Club. For Sale One pair of Hi -Tek Boots, size 45, in “As New” condition. Worn three hours on the road only. Cost me $120. Will sell for $95. Bill Capon. Wanted Buy or borrow. Map - Touga - 1:50,000. Bill Capon. A Barbie at Dots Place. A Bar-B-Q to welcome Ross VVybom home from Canada on a short visit will be held at Dot Butler's place - 30 Boundary Road Wahroonga - on Friday 14th July from 6pm. Bring your own food and grog. Park in the street. Slides Of Glacier Bay Alaska will be shoNivn. All of Rosso's friehds are welcome. Alaff arid-Alice Wybom, Maltia Bay (044) 715 139.