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199612 [2016/12/07 11:34] joan199612 [2022/01/07 10:18] (current) – Add images sbw
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 |P 6| Cover Story |Dennis Gittoes| |P 6| Cover Story |Dennis Gittoes|
 |P 11| Quo Vadis |Peter Miller| |P 11| Quo Vadis |Peter Miller|
-|P 11| A Christmas message from the Walks Secretary+|P 11| A Christmas message from the Walks Secretary| |
 |P 12| A Breath of Fresh Air| Hans Stichter| |P 12| A Breath of Fresh Air| Hans Stichter|
 |P 13| Mail and Notices| |P 13| Mail and Notices|
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 The sign outside the hut said "Rangers Hut - 1 Hour' and on our third morning we set off early for our final day. My single hardest day of walking .. ..ever! Drifts over four feet, forget markers, no bush tops to walk on, and cold, cold, cold. The sign outside the hut said "Rangers Hut - 1 Hour' and on our third morning we set off early for our final day. My single hardest day of walking .. ..ever! Drifts over four feet, forget markers, no bush tops to walk on, and cold, cold, cold.
  
-VVhen you are leading and fall into a drift; take off the pack and roll out... if you still have the strength... if you don't, your friends can help roll you. Crawling on hands and knees spreads the weight better but still only works where the snow is hard. Sometimes breaking while dragging the pack helps.+When you are leading and fall into a drift; take off the pack and roll out... if you still have the strength... if you don't, your friends can help roll you. Crawling on hands and knees spreads the weight better but still only works where the snow is hard. Sometimes breaking while dragging the pack helps.
  
 When all this failed, we broke trail by first crawling, followed by tramping down (without packs), followed by moving on with packs. It's slow going when you have to make three passes. Breaking snow wears you down quick and you can only lead for 15 to 30 minute shifts. Just before dark on this 'one hour' walk, we spotted the tent of three walkers who'd given up and spent two days stranded. They were really glad to see us (Why?). We tramped down squares, trenched them and pitched tents near our new members. By some miracle Paul got a billy going for soup (our first meal since breakfast). We turned in warm and proud of our snow camping skills and hopeful of finishing the next day. When all this failed, we broke trail by first crawling, followed by tramping down (without packs), followed by moving on with packs. It's slow going when you have to make three passes. Breaking snow wears you down quick and you can only lead for 15 to 30 minute shifts. Just before dark on this 'one hour' walk, we spotted the tent of three walkers who'd given up and spent two days stranded. They were really glad to see us (Why?). We tramped down squares, trenched them and pitched tents near our new members. By some miracle Paul got a billy going for soup (our first meal since breakfast). We turned in warm and proud of our snow camping skills and hopeful of finishing the next day.
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 As a post script, I would add that, subsequently, a tram tunnel was punched right through The Causeway, linkng the two tramways and, fortuitously, shortening the miners rout to Heaven. There is still at least an airway through that old tunnel (well I can vouch for winter '95), which can be simply verified. About 20 to 30 minutes walk from the foot of the Stairs towards Katoomba, little tunnel of rusty water crosses. The track, confined by two pieces of wood. Some metres to the left two fallen boulders form a squeeze way beyond which is the tunnel entry. If a westerly is blowing, you will feel quite a breeze on your face as you peer into the darkness. As a post script, I would add that, subsequently, a tram tunnel was punched right through The Causeway, linkng the two tramways and, fortuitously, shortening the miners rout to Heaven. There is still at least an airway through that old tunnel (well I can vouch for winter '95), which can be simply verified. About 20 to 30 minutes walk from the foot of the Stairs towards Katoomba, little tunnel of rusty water crosses. The track, confined by two pieces of wood. Some metres to the left two fallen boulders form a squeeze way beyond which is the tunnel entry. If a westerly is blowing, you will feel quite a breeze on your face as you peer into the darkness.
  
 +
 +===== Cover Story =====
 Thank you for producing and forwarding my copy of the October issue of THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKER. Thank you for producing and forwarding my copy of the October issue of THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKER.
  
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 As previously explained, We use recycled paper - not because it's cheaper - (it actually costs more than new paper) but because it uses less trees. Ed As previously explained, We use recycled paper - not because it's cheaper - (it actually costs more than new paper) but because it uses less trees. Ed
  
-Regarding The Cover Of SBW Magazine+ 
 + 
 +**Regarding The Cover Of SBW Magazine**
  
 I could hardly believe it when I heard it rumoured that the cover of the Sydney BushWalker magazine was to be changed and the long-standing illustration originally drawn by Alan Rigby was to be dropped. I could hardly believe it when I heard it rumoured that the cover of the Sydney BushWalker magazine was to be changed and the long-standing illustration originally drawn by Alan Rigby was to be dropped.
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 The illustrations herewith may show the high degree of craftsmanship which goes into scraperboard illustration and hopefully engender a higher appreciation of Alan's work. The illustrations herewith may show the high degree of craftsmanship which goes into scraperboard illustration and hopefully engender a higher appreciation of Alan's work.
  
-Dennis Gibes+Dennis Gittoes 
 + 
 +{{:199612_p9_image1.png?400|}} 
 1 Scene pencilled onto scraper board 1 Scene pencilled onto scraper board
 +
 +{{:199612_p9_image2.png?400|}}
 +
 2 Dark areas inked in 2 Dark areas inked in
 +
 +{{:199612_p9_image3.png?400|}}
 +
 3 Lines scraped into dark areas 3 Lines scraped into dark areas
-CA RP SOAR p bAs+ 
 +{{:199612_p9_image4.png?400|}} 
 4 Scraperboard is a layer of fine semi-hard white clay on a cardboard backing.  4 Scraperboard is a layer of fine semi-hard white clay on a cardboard backing. 
 +
  
 ===== Quo Vadis ===== ===== Quo Vadis =====
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 Judging by the intemperate tones of some of the letters published in answer to my query "Quo Vadis The Sydney Bushwalker?" it appears that some members are in danger of losing their sense of proportion (and their sense of humour), on the subject of the magazine and its cover. Judging by the intemperate tones of some of the letters published in answer to my query "Quo Vadis The Sydney Bushwalker?" it appears that some members are in danger of losing their sense of proportion (and their sense of humour), on the subject of the magazine and its cover.
-The cover.+ 
 +The cover.\\
 To some members the cover is sacred and cannot be touched. To others it is repetitious, dull and boring and bears little resemblance to the Blue Gum Forest which we all know as a place of sunshine and light. The idea of offering a new cover was to show that we could have a different and exciting photograph or high quality drawing in that space each month and offer the members the chance to show their artistic talents by having their best work displayed on the front page. Covers are the most distinctive part of any magazine and it is a pity to use the same cover when, in the opinion of many, it is time for a change. We could also offer the members the opportunity to design a new cover if the October layout does not meet with general approval. To some members the cover is sacred and cannot be touched. To others it is repetitious, dull and boring and bears little resemblance to the Blue Gum Forest which we all know as a place of sunshine and light. The idea of offering a new cover was to show that we could have a different and exciting photograph or high quality drawing in that space each month and offer the members the chance to show their artistic talents by having their best work displayed on the front page. Covers are the most distinctive part of any magazine and it is a pity to use the same cover when, in the opinion of many, it is time for a change. We could also offer the members the opportunity to design a new cover if the October layout does not meet with general approval.
-Layout.+ 
 +Layout.\\
 The dub should purchase a desk top publishing program to lay out the magazine. Except for the August and October issues the magazine is laid out using Word which is a word processing program only and not suited to the more sophisticated finish that can be obtained with desk top publishing soft ware. The dub should purchase a desk top publishing program to lay out the magazine. Except for the August and October issues the magazine is laid out using Word which is a word processing program only and not suited to the more sophisticated finish that can be obtained with desk top publishing soft ware.
-Drawings and photographsWe can produce good quality line drawings and photographs, which many members have indicated they,wantin the magazine, only if we salhe >present unsatisfactory printeranci -replace it with a good quality photo copier. An examination of the November issue will point up the deficiencies in our printer. On my copy pages two, three, five, 11, 13 and 18 are smudged with ink from the + 
-previoUs page and the scanned Willis Walkaboutadvertisement on page 10 is barely legible. A comparison of pages three, four and five of the October issue shows the difference between photo copied and a printed pages.+Drawings and photographs\\ 
 +We can produce good quality line drawings and photographs, which many members have indicated they want in the magazine, only if we sell the present unsatisfactory printer and replace it with a good quality photo copier. An examination of the November issue will point up the deficiencies in our printer. On my copy pages two, three, five, 11, 13 and 18 are smudged with ink from the previous page and the scanned Willis Walkabout advertisement on page 10 is barely legible. A comparison of pages three, four and five of the October issue shows the difference between photo copied and a printed pages. 
 I had pages three and four photo copied because our printer will not satisfactorily print scanned images. Our printer only prints in a shade or grey and misses out on the sharp definition that is necessary for a good quality page. This is not meant as a criticism of the printers, who like myself are all volunteers, but unless we provide them with the right equipment we cannot expect them to do a good job. Having pages commercially photo copied is expensive and time consuming for the editor and we should have the equipment to do the work ourselves. I had pages three and four photo copied because our printer will not satisfactorily print scanned images. Our printer only prints in a shade or grey and misses out on the sharp definition that is necessary for a good quality page. This is not meant as a criticism of the printers, who like myself are all volunteers, but unless we provide them with the right equipment we cannot expect them to do a good job. Having pages commercially photo copied is expensive and time consuming for the editor and we should have the equipment to do the work ourselves.
 +
 The artwork on pages seven and eight of the November issue is of particularly poor quality and we should ask the advertisers to submit new copy. The artwork on pages seven and eight of the November issue is of particularly poor quality and we should ask the advertisers to submit new copy.
-The position of Editor + 
-George MaWer has indicated to the Committee that he will not be standing for the position of Editor at the next Annual General Meeting in March 1997. It will be up to the members to then decide what sort Of magazine they require.+The position of Editor\\ 
 +George Mawer has indicated to the Committee that he will not be standing for the position of Editor at the next Annual General Meeting in March 1997. It will be up to the members to then decide what sort Of magazine they require. 
 I will be standing for the position of editor with the intention of offering the following: I will be standing for the position of editor with the intention of offering the following:
-a) a new cover eacti'month. +a) a new cover each month.\\ 
-b) a magazine laid ouf with sophistcated desk top publishing software.+b) a magazine laid ouf with sophistcated desk top publishing software.\\
 c) the replacement of our present printer with a good quality photo copier which will allow us to print our own covers and artwork. c) the replacement of our present printer with a good quality photo copier which will allow us to print our own covers and artwork.
-d) deliVery of the magaZind on the second Monday in the Monthwith fixed cut off time for +d) delivery of the magazine on the second Monday in the Month with fixed cut off time for contributions. (The magazine would be delivered on the third Monday when we print the walks program).\\ 
-contributions. (The magazine wxild be delivered on thp third Monday when we print the walks program). +e) quality scanned  photographs and line drawings as a regular feature. \\ 
-e) qualityscanned photographs and line drawings as a regular feature. h +f) the careful editing of articles, poems and notices so that we present the best possible image and give our members the encouragement to contribute material.\\
-f) the careful editing of articles, poems and notices so that we present the best possible image and give our members the encouragement to contribute material.+
 g) the formulation of an editorial policy (in consultation with the members). g) the formulation of an editorial policy (in consultation with the members).
-Other magazine positions+ 
 +Other magazine positions\\
 All those associated with the production and distribution of the magazine should have deputies. We should have a deputy editor, printer and collator so that the magazine can stick to a predetermined timetable and not be late when people are away on holidays. Also, with the editorial policy formulated and the position of deputy editor decided at the Annual General Meeting you won't get any upstarts like myself of only 24 years standing coming up with new ideas will you? All those associated with the production and distribution of the magazine should have deputies. We should have a deputy editor, printer and collator so that the magazine can stick to a predetermined timetable and not be late when people are away on holidays. Also, with the editorial policy formulated and the position of deputy editor decided at the Annual General Meeting you won't get any upstarts like myself of only 24 years standing coming up with new ideas will you?
 +
 See you all at the next AGM. See you all at the next AGM.
-From the Walks + 
-Secretary+ 
 +===== From the Walks Secretary ===== 
 1. May you have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy whatever you get up or down to. 1. May you have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy whatever you get up or down to.
 +
 2. May "St Nick bring you whatever you ask. 2. May "St Nick bring you whatever you ask.
 +
 3. May you have a happy new year. 3. May you have a happy new year.
-4. May 1997 bring you good fortune and happyness+ 
-5. May you not forget the Autumn 1997 Walks Program closing date (Friday 24 January). Reefer to walks+4. May 1997 bring you good fortune and happiness. 
 + 
 +5. May you not forget the Autumn 1997 Walks Program closing date (Friday 24 January). Refer to walks
 program last page. program last page.
-May you not be short of ideas for walks.+ 
 +6. May you not be short of ideas for walks. 
 Eddy Eddy
-12 The Sydney Bushwalker December 1996 + 
-Ah, what a breath of fresh air!+ 
 +===== Ah, what a breath of fresh air! =====
 At last, someone in the Club prepared to suggest and trial improvement in the Club for the purpose of keeping up with the times. But at what cost for it appears from discussion that I have had with some members and as evidenced from some letters to the editor (Nov.'96 issue), that there may be dissension among Club members and committee position holders. At last, someone in the Club prepared to suggest and trial improvement in the Club for the purpose of keeping up with the times. But at what cost for it appears from discussion that I have had with some members and as evidenced from some letters to the editor (Nov.'96 issue), that there may be dissension among Club members and committee position holders.
 +
 Yes, the trial change certainly stirred up sentiment and traditionalist views and it appears in one case, even opened up old wounds from many years ago. Yes, the trial change certainly stirred up sentiment and traditionalist views and it appears in one case, even opened up old wounds from many years ago.
-Whilst supportive of reviewing and implementing change which may improve processes and outputs within the Club, it disappoints me to see the negativity and the way in Mich the opposing views is being so openly displayed. Surely the long time member in the middle of this controversy (Peter Miller), has the Club's interest at heart. Let's not create an image of "power building" amongst the upper ranks.+ 
 +Whilst supportive of reviewing and implementing change which may improve processes and outputs within the Club, it disappoints me to see the negativity and the way in which the opposing views is being so openly displayed. Surely the long time member in the middle of this controversy (Peter Miller), has the Club's interest at heart. Let's not create an image of "power building" amongst the upper ranks. 
 It would appear to me that certain comments made by several of the writers in the Nov. Issue have been based on emotion. With comments like "losing a member of the family", "Amateurish unattractive cover", "Shades of a past incident", and "Shame", some of television's soapies may begin to look somewhat timid in comparison to the proportion that this issue is starting to take on. It would appear to me that certain comments made by several of the writers in the Nov. Issue have been based on emotion. With comments like "losing a member of the family", "Amateurish unattractive cover", "Shades of a past incident", and "Shame", some of television's soapies may begin to look somewhat timid in comparison to the proportion that this issue is starting to take on.
-Perhaps the last two comments of those mentioned above may have been better left to rest. After all, let's not start hitting below the belt but rather  maintain strong + 
-leadership and based on teatriWork; particularly among the committee members. +Perhaps the last two comments of those mentioned above may have been better left to rest. After all, let's not start hitting below the belt but rather maintain strong leadership and based on teamwork; particularly among the committee members. 
-Of Att6 letters published, the comments and views of Geoff Bradley probably expresses the most objective case for + 
-considering change within the Club - well done!+Of all the letters published, the comments and views of Geoff Bradley probably expresses the most objective case for considering change within the Club - well done! 
 Peter, you have my support. During the 20 years during which I have been a member of the Club there has been little change. It is refreshing to see improvements now being considered and trialed. Peter, you have my support. During the 20 years during which I have been a member of the Club there has been little change. It is refreshing to see improvements now being considered and trialed.
-After all, should change not be successful, it is always possible to revert back to the way it used to be. Above all, let us all become supporters of worthwhile change which in turn encourages the Club to grow and improve, ,Milst also allowing meaningful debate to be part of this process.+ 
 +After all, should change not be successful, it is always possible to revert back to the way it used to be. Above all, let us all become supporters of worthwhile change which in turn encourages the Club to grow and improve, whilst also allowing meaningful debate to be part of this process. 
 Hans Stichter.  Hans Stichter. 
-Your Name, Address + 
-'phone Numbers+ 
 +**Your Name, Address & Telephone Numbers**\\
 The SBW listing for 1997 is closing now. Please check your entry and if it's wrong advise Barry Wallace promptly. You must do this before the end of this year (1996) or you will be too late. The SBW listing for 1997 is closing now. Please check your entry and if it's wrong advise Barry Wallace promptly. You must do this before the end of this year (1996) or you will be too late.
-Barry Wallace + 
-1/20 Elfrida Street+Barry Wallace\\ 
 +1/20 Elfrida Street\\
 Mosman 2088. Mosman 2088.
 +
 Do it now Do it now
-WANTED + 
-Magazine Copy+ 
 +**WANTED- Magazine Copy**\\
 We are forever in need of stories and items for this magazine. We are forever in need of stories and items for this magazine.
 +
 You like reading about what someone else did don't you? Well someone else would like to read about what you did. Or what happened and how it turned into a disaster or maybe something wonderful. You like reading about what someone else did don't you? Well someone else would like to read about what you did. Or what happened and how it turned into a disaster or maybe something wonderful.
 +
 We all need to know what's happening to you - the good and the bad. Gossip? - There is almost nothing reported and yet there must be a lot of juicy interesting things to blab about. There's no need to quote actual names - (SBW members are pretty good at putting two and two together.) We all need to know what's happening to you - the good and the bad. Gossip? - There is almost nothing reported and yet there must be a lot of juicy interesting things to blab about. There's no need to quote actual names - (SBW members are pretty good at putting two and two together.)
 +
 If you don't have something to tell, perhaps you want to know something about bushwalking or rock climbing or abseiling or some other aspect of our activities. If you don't have something to tell, perhaps you want to know something about bushwalking or rock climbing or abseiling or some other aspect of our activities.
 +
 Or maybe you want to sell or buy something. Let's have it. Or maybe you want to sell or buy something. Let's have it.
 +
 Ed Ed
-Seasons Greetings+ 
 +**Seasons Greetings**\\
 Well, it's that time of the year again. A time of goodwill. A time for giving and forgiving. A time for being grateful for the good things that came to us in the past year, and looking forward with optimism, expecting good things to come. Best wishes to everyone. Well, it's that time of the year again. A time of goodwill. A time for giving and forgiving. A time for being grateful for the good things that came to us in the past year, and looking forward with optimism, expecting good things to come. Best wishes to everyone.
 My thanks to all who gave some of their time and energy to help with the production of the magazine. The editorial assistants, the dedicated small band of printers and collators, the advertisers, and especially those who submitted stories and letters (whether you were printed or not). And the ideas and constructive criticisms. My thanks to all who gave some of their time and energy to help with the production of the magazine. The editorial assistants, the dedicated small band of printers and collators, the advertisers, and especially those who submitted stories and letters (whether you were printed or not). And the ideas and constructive criticisms.
-The magazine is very much a joint effort and every contribution, no matter how big or small has helped make the production just that muc h easier.+The magazine is very much a joint effort and every contribution, no matter how big or small has helped make the production just that much easier. 
 My sincere thanks, Ed.  My sincere thanks, Ed. 
-Gear-checks+ 
 + 
 +**Gear-checks**\\
 For all those intending to do an extended walk over the big break, now is the time for that final checkup. For all those intending to do an extended walk over the big break, now is the time for that final checkup.
 Have a thorough and critical look at your footwear. Will they hold together for at least twice times the trip you are planning? Have a thorough and critical look at your footwear. Will they hold together for at least twice times the trip you are planning?
-You tent seam sealing and proofing. Ropes, poles and pegs. Same with your rain coat and over- pants. Your back pack - Stitching and straps. Waterproofing. Zips.+ 
 +Your tent seam sealing and proofing. Ropes, poles and pegs. Same with your rain coat and over-pants. Your back pack - Stitching and straps. Waterproofing. Zips. 
 Take a strong needle and thread - just in case Take a strong needle and thread - just in case
-The Sydney Bushwalker December 1996 13 + 
-I would like to respond to Maurice + 
-Smith's article on "Excesses" (The Sydney Bushwalker November,1 996). +===== Mail and Notices ===== 
-CROWD CONTROL - having :-.participated in or led numerous ,wee'kend walks with 10 plus walkers I have rarely experienced communications + 
-problems. By making announcements_ at appropriate times eg. before leaving the vehicles, at morning tea, lunch, etc. supplying track notes and +I would like to respond to Maurice Smith's article on "Excesses" (The Sydney Bushwalker November, 1996). 
-having proper planning, communication problems should hardly ever arise. + 
-Secondly, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - many areas, including The Snowy Mountains, have large +CROWD CONTROL - having participated in or led numerous weekend walks with 10 plus walkers I have rarely experienced communications problems. By making announcements at appropriate times eg. before leaving the vehicles, at morning tea, lunch, etc. supplying track notes and having proper planning, communication problems should hardly ever arise. 
-open spaces suitable for accommodating camping groups in excess of 10 with minimal impact. Most impact problems arise through selection of unsuitable camp sites, non use of stoves or inappropriate positioning of camp fire(s); improper hygiene habits and lack of toilet training.+ 
 +Secondly, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT - many areas, including The Snowy Mountains, have large open spaces suitable for accommodating camping groups in excess of 10 with minimal impact. Most impact problems arise through selection of unsuitable camp sites, non use of stoves or inappropriate positioning of camp fire(s); improper hygiene habits and lack of toilet training. 
 Thirdly, SOCIALISING - I have rarely found lack of socialising a problem and often many of the participants already know each other. Socialising is more an individual thing. At the end of extended trips I have often seen a dozen or more contented people happy with their wilderness experience. Thirdly, SOCIALISING - I have rarely found lack of socialising a problem and often many of the participants already know each other. Socialising is more an individual thing. At the end of extended trips I have often seen a dozen or more contented people happy with their wilderness experience.
 +
 For those people who wish to walk in smaller parties - great. There should always be that opportunity. If a particular area is likely to suffer adverse environmental impact I would expect that any responsible leader would always take this into account. In respect to the notion that Club Guidelines should impose a blanket limit of 10 walkers on any weekend walk, I regard this as too ludicrous to discuss. The number of people participating on a club walk should be at the discretion of the leader and the prerogative of those who wish to take part. For those people who wish to walk in smaller parties - great. There should always be that opportunity. If a particular area is likely to suffer adverse environmental impact I would expect that any responsible leader would always take this into account. In respect to the notion that Club Guidelines should impose a blanket limit of 10 walkers on any weekend walk, I regard this as too ludicrous to discuss. The number of people participating on a club walk should be at the discretion of the leader and the prerogative of those who wish to take part.
-MAURIE BLOOM+ 
 +Maurie Bloom 
 EDITORS COMMENT  EDITORS COMMENT 
-Refering to Maude Bloom's comments on the impact of improper bush hygiene habits and lack of toilet training: +Refering to Maurie Bloom's comments on the impact of improper bush hygiene habits and lack of toilet training: 
-Regrettably one sees too much evidence that this is very true. There are 'still (and always will be) lots of people who need training in these simple skills. +Regrettably one sees too much evidence that this is very true. There are still (and always will be) lots of people who need training in these simple skills. Leaders should not assume that everyone on their walk knows how to shit in the bush and how not to pollute streams with soap, toothpaste and urine. 
-+ 
-Leaders should not assume that everyone on their walk knows how to shit in the bush and how not to pollute streams with soap, toothpaste and urine. +Maurie also mentions the use of stoves. You are really safer and more self reliant when you pack a stove. The tribal campfire, in use for many thousands of years, is a wonderful multi-functional tool and just the thing on a cold night. But it's also a wonderful way to denude the surrounding area of vast amounts of dry wood and (over time) deprive existing vegetation of essential recyclable nutrients. Fallen timber serves a multitude of environmental purposes. Let's conserve it.
-Maurie also Mentions the use of stoves. You are really safer and more self reliant when you pack a stove. The tribal campfire, in use for many thousands of years, is a wonderful multi-functional tool and just the thing on a cold night. But it's also a wonderful way to denude the surrounding area of vast amounts of dry wood and (over time) deprive existing vegetation of essential recyclable nutrients. +
-Fallen timber serves a multitude of environmental purposes. Let's conserve it.+
 Ed.  Ed. 
-I would like to put an alternative + 
-point of view to the opinions expressed by Maurice Smith in his article headed 'Excesses" in the November 1996 issue of The Sydney Bushvvalker+ 
-Contrary to Maurice's assertions, SBW walks with over 10 walkers can be very enjoyable experiences for all participants. Many people feel more comfortable in relatively large walking groups (say 15 - 20 people) than in small groups. They like the variety of company, they are able to avoid group members they don't feel comfortable with, they feel safer, and they feel more secure because they know that in large groups there is a better chance there will + 
-be someone slower than +I would like to put an alternative point of view to the opinions expressed by Maurice Smith in his article headed 'Excesses" in the November 1996 issue of The Sydney Bushwalker. 
-themselves. + 
-Maurice exaggerates the degree of difficulty involved in organising +Contrary to Maurice's assertions, SBW walks with over 10 walkers can be very enjoyable experiences for all participants. Many people feel more comfortable in relatively large walking groups (say 15 - 20 people) than in small groups. They like the variety of company, they are able to avoid group members they don't feel comfortable with, they feel safer, and they feel more secure because they know that in large groups there is a better chance there will be someone slower than themselves. 
-and managing larger groups compared to smaller groups. He cites the difficulty in communicating accurately, the amount of pre-walk organisation, how to ensure no walker gets separated from the group, etc. What is critical here is how these issues are handled, not the group size. They can be handled just as badly in small groups as in larger ones. How well they are handled is determined by the competence, knowledge and experience of the leader and other key members of the group. It doesn't follow that a group will be better managed because it is fewer than 10, or poorly managed because it is larger than 10. + 
-Maurice states that "Larger groups usually meana larger impact on the bush . especially .. around the campsite". This is a difficult and emotive issue. Whenever we walk in the bush we have an impact. The issueis whether or not that impact will be damaging and lasting. Will 2 groups of 10 walkers do less damage than one group of 20 walkers? Surely the appearance of an over-used campsite (bare earth, stone circled fireplaces, the absence of fallen dead timber) is caused by the intensity of its use, le, the total number of people and their camping practices, who have camped there over a given time period, rather than the size of a particular group? If we, in small or large groups, use dispersed campsites whenever possible the traces of our overnight stay disappear relatively quickly. +Maurice exaggerates the degree of difficulty involved in organising and managing larger groups compared to smaller groups. He cites the difficulty in communicating accurately, the amount of pre-walk organisation, how to ensure no walker gets separated from the group, etc. What is critical here is how these issues are handled, not the group size. They can be handled just as badly in small groups as in larger ones. How well they are handled is determined by the competence, knowledge and experience of the leader and other key members of the group. It doesn't follow that a group will be better managed because it is fewer than 10, or poorly managed because it is larger than 10. 
-Maurice asks "How can there be a genuine wilderness experience if the group has over 20 people?" Well, not all weekend walks are held in designated wilderness areas. For example in the Myall Lakes National Park walkers can expect to meet vehicles, boats, fishermen, family groups, etc on the beaches and lakes. It'snot wilderness but still a good place to walk. Similarly walks in state forests, SRA's, on the Six Foot Track, Hume and Hovel Track, 1). +Maurice states that "Larger groups usually mean a larger impact on the bush ... especially .. around the campsite". This is a difficult and emotive issue. Whenever we walk in the bush we have an impact. The issue is whether or not that impact will be damaging and lasting. Will 2 groups of 10 walkers do less damage than one group of 20 walkers? Surely the appearance of an over-used campsite (bare earth, stone circled fireplaces, the absence of fallen dead timber) is caused by the intensity of its use, ie, the total number of people and their camping practices, who have camped there over a given time period, rather than the size of a particular group? If we, in small or large groups, use dispersed campsites whenever possible the traces of our overnight stay disappear relatively quickly. 
-1 4 The Sydney Bushwalker. December 1996 + 
-or the trails in Barrington Tops couldn't be called wilderness experiences. Placing a mandatory group size of 10 in these and many of our other walk areas would be a nonsense. In the SBW our leaders mostly don't take large groups into wilderness areas for the obvious reasons of difficult terrain and restricted campsites. These are inbuilt controls. +Maurice asks "How can there be a genuine wilderness experience if the group has over 20 people?" Well, not all weekend walks are held in designated wilderness areas. For example in the Myall Lakes National Park walkers can expect to meet vehicles, boats, fishermen, family groups, etc on the beaches and lakes. It's not wilderness but still a good place to walk. Similarly walks in state forests, SRA's, on the Six Foot Track, Hume and Hovel Track,  
-Maurice's third contentious point is that "socialising is .. very difficult in large groups". This generalisation just doesn't seem true for many SBW members. On weekend walks there is time for talk and companionable silence. Groups become more cohesive through sharing the pleasures and +or the trails in Barrington Tops couldn't be called wilderness experiences. Placing a mandatory group size of 10 in these and many of our other walk areas would be a nonsense. In the SBW our leaders mostly don't take large groups into wilderness areas for the obvious reasons of difficult terrain and restricted campsites. These are in built controls. 
-'discomforts of the walk. After listening on many walks to the happy chatter of voices on the final fire trail, the murmur of voices in the camp on long summer evenings in the high country, observing spirited debates around the campfire, the jokes, the singing, it seems to me that "socialising" is a relatively easy thing to do, if one wishes it, on a weekend walk. Unfortunately the difficulties Maurice describes do seem to occur on some day walks when the group is large. + 
-On the issue of park policy, NPWS restrictions on group size where they now apply are directed at reducing the total numbers of 'walkers in an area at any one time, sharing the available places among applicants. +Maurice's third contentious point is that "socialising is .. very difficult in large groups". This generalisation just doesn't seem true for many SBW members. On weekend walks there is time for talk and companionable silence. Groups become more cohesive through sharing the pleasures and discomforts of the walk. After listening on many walks to the happy chatter of voices on the final fire trail, the murmur of voices in the camp on long summer evenings in the high country, observing spirited debates around the campfire, the jokes, the singing, it seems to me that "socialising" is a relatively easy thing to do, if one wishes it, on a weekend walk. Unfortunately the difficulties Maurice describes do seem to occur on some day walks when the group is large. 
-We don't all come out of the same walking mould. Some of us like 'walking in small groups, some in large groups, some in both. Our walks program offers many graded walks for most weekends which helps to spread numbers and so prevent excessively large groups forming. Implementing rules and :regulations that unnecessarily restrict our group sizes is not in the best interests of our club. + 
-IAN RANNARD. w +On the issue of park policy, NPWS restrictions on group size where they now apply are directed at reducing the total numbers of walkers in an area at any one time, sharing the available places among applicants. 
-WHERE HAVE THEY GONER Aary Perry, the visitor to our inclub from London earlier this year, has written to the club and sends her regards to all. She has + 
-included a five page itinerary, of her trek to the Himalayas / Pakistan. +We don't all come out of the same walking mould. Some of us like walking in small groups, some in large groups, some in both. Our walks program offers many graded walks for most weekends which helps to spread numbers and so prevent excessively large groups forming. Implementing rules and regulations that unnecessarily restrict our group sizes is not in the best interests of our club. 
-She also included a copy of 'Strider", the journal of the Long Distance Walkers Association. 100 pages of Mat appears to be a combination magazine and walks program. It has colour + 
-photographs, including one showing dogs on a walk! And it has a crossword puzzle!! +IAN RANNARD. 
-Anyone wishing to view these should contact Eddy Giacomel on + 
-9477 6475. + 
-Mary's new address is: 155 Andrewes House Barbican +**Where have they gone?**\\  
-London EC2Y 86A UK. +Mary Perry, the visitor to our in club from London earlier this year, has written to the club and sends her regards to all. She has included a five page itinerary, of her trek to the Himalayas / Pakistan. 
-Bob Stewart, the American Caltex executive has moved from Sydney to Singapore. His new postal address is: +She also included a copy of 'Strider", the journal of the Long Distance Walkers Association. 100 pages of Mat appears to be a combination magazine and walks program. It has colour photographs, including one showing dogs on a walk! And it has a crossword puzzle!! 
-Bob Stewart + 
-C/- Caltex Singapore +Anyone wishing to view these should contact Eddy Giacomel on 9477 6475. 
-PO Box 646 Singapore 901246+ 
 +Mary's new address is:  
 +155 Andrewes House Barbican London EC2Y 86A UK. 
 + 
 +Bob Stewart, the American Caltex executive has moved from Sydney to Singapore. His new postal address is:\\ 
 +C/- Caltex Singapore\\ 
 +PO Box 646 Singapore 901246\\
 Phone 0011 65 533 3000. Phone 0011 65 533 3000.
-John O'Shea has moved from Goulbum to Sydney. His new postal address is + 
-John O'Shea +John O'Shea has moved from Goulburn to Sydney. His new postal address is 
-Christian Brothers Private. Bag 154+ 
 +John O'Shea\\ 
 +Christian Brothers Private. Bag 154\\
 Balmain NSW 2041. Balmain NSW 2041.
-1. SBW magazine. + 
-I agree that the layout of the articles and news items need to be presented in more of a desktop manner. Since George Mawer took over the editorship the presentation has slowly become more easy to read. I would like to congratulate George in his endeavours as the skills of layout via the computer was something he learnt on the way. Personally now that the technology is cheaper we could do with photographs (professionally printed) of various walking activities and scenery. + 
-Even photographs in the + 
-magazine.(Photographs printed in +**1. SBW magazine.**\\ 
-the Colong Bulletin cost $30 per page).+I agree that the layout of the articles and news items need to be presented in more of a desktop manner. Since George Mawer took over the editorship the presentation has slowly become more easy to read. I would like to congratulate George in his endeavours as the skills of layout via the computer was something he learnt on the way. Personally now that the technology is cheaper we could do with photographs (professionally printed) of various walking activities and scenery. Even photographs in the magazine (Photographs printed in the Colong Bulletin cost $30 per page). 
 However on the way to having the smartest presentation of articles etc. I believe it is important to preserve the identity of the SBW magazine. It is not necessary to smarten up the cover. Allan Rigby's woodcut stands the test of time both from an artistic point of view, as well as keeping the historical identity of the magazine. Let's not change for change sake. However on the way to having the smartest presentation of articles etc. I believe it is important to preserve the identity of the SBW magazine. It is not necessary to smarten up the cover. Allan Rigby's woodcut stands the test of time both from an artistic point of view, as well as keeping the historical identity of the magazine. Let's not change for change sake.
-1. 70th Anniversary. + 
-Congratulations to the forward thinking sub-committee on their early work towards a great event. As a long standjng (walking) member I look forward to participating in all the celebrations. I am somewhat concerned however at the prospect of paying $70 for the dinner. And at an out of town venue as well. Maybe the committee might rethink the amount and the location of the dinner so that people on lower incomes could be included. +**2. 70th Anniversary.**\\ 
-SHIRLEY DEAN II +Congratulations to the forward thinking sub-committee on their early work towards a great event. As a long standing (walking) member I look forward to participating in all the celebrations. I am somewhat concerned however at the prospect of paying $70 for the dinner. And at an out of town venue as well. Maybe the committee might rethink the amount and the location of the dinner so that people on lower incomes could be included. 
-Kedumba Creek +SHIRLEY DEAN 
-Do not drink Kedumba Creek! When you're thirsty, elsewhere seek. + 
-A thousand demons therein lie, Awaiting fools like you and I. Pollution harbours in this sink, Do not Drink! Do not Drink! + 
-Crystal clear the water seems, But with hateful life it teems. +**Kedumba Creek**\\ 
-For it stems from Leura's drains, And Katoomba's streets and lanes. Avoid these waters as if ink,+Do not drink Kedumba Creek! \\ 
 +When you're thirsty, elsewhere seek.\\ 
 +A thousand demons therein lie, \\ 
 +Awaiting fools like you and I. \\ 
 +Pollution harbours in this sink, \\
 Do not Drink! Do not Drink! Do not Drink! Do not Drink!
-Recall the fate of Key O'Neill, Drank the water with his meal, Then Kedumba Pass ascended, Raving like a soul demented. Let this be clear to all who think, Do not Drink! Do not Drink! + 
-Ivor tried its fateful lure, +Crystal clear the water seems,\\ 
-Drank the stream that was not pure. +But with hateful life it teems.\\ 
-Now his views are widely known, Leave Kedumba creek alone! +For it stems from Leura's drains, \\ 
-Next time you cross, then at it wink But do not drink! Do not Drink!+And Katoomba's streets and lanes. \\ 
 +Avoid these waters as if ink,\\ 
 +Do not Drink! Do not Drink! 
 + 
 +Recall the fate of Kev O'Neill, \\ 
 +Drank the water with his meal, \\ 
 +Then Kedumba Pass ascended, \\ 
 +Raving like a soul demented. \\ 
 +Let this be clear to all who think, \\ 
 +Do not Drink! Do not Drink! 
 + 
 +Ivor tried its fateful lure,\\ 
 +Drank the stream that was not pure.\\ 
 +Now his views are widely known, \\ 
 +Leave Kedumba creek alone!\\ 
 +Next time you cross, then at it wink \\ 
 +But do not drink! Do not Drink! 
 Jim Barrett. The Waysider 1952 Jim Barrett. The Waysider 1952
  
199612.1481070865.txt.gz · Last modified: 2016/12/07 11:34 by joan

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