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- | 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, | + | **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: Patrick James | + | |
- | 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 | + | |Editor| Patrick James 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 Telephone 9953 8384| |
- | Telephone 9953 8384 | + | |Business Manager| George Mawer. 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall Telephone 9707 1343| |
- | Business Manager: George Mawer. | + | |Production Manager| Fran Holland| |
- | 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall | + | |Printers| Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell| |
- | Telephone 9707 1343 | + | |
- | Production Manager: Fran Holland | + | THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in 1927. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre: 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. |
- | Printers: Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, | + | |
- | Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven | + | |President| Tony Holgate| |
- | & Les Powell | + | |Vice-President| Morie Ward| |
- | THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in, 1927. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre: 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. | + | |Public Officer| Fran Holland| |
- | President: Tony Holgate | + | |Treasurer| Greta James| |
- | Vice-President: Morie Ward | + | |Secretary| Michele Powell| |
- | Public Officer: Fran Holland | + | |Walks Secretary| Eddy Giacomel| |
- | Treasurer: Greta James | + | |Social Secretary| Peter Dalton| |
- | Secretary: Michele Powell | + | |Membership Secretary| Barry Wallace| |
- | Walks Secretary: Eddy Giacomel | + | |New Members Secretary| Jennifer Trevor-Roberts| |
- | Social Secretary: Peter Dalton | + | |Conservation Secretary| Bill Holland| |
- | Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace | + | |Magazine Editor| Patrick James| |
- | New Members Secretary: | + | |Committee Members| Suzanne Garland & Don Wills| |
- | Jennifer Trevor -Roberts | + | |Delegates to Confederation| Jim Callaway & Ken Smith| |
- | Conservation Secretary: Bill Holland | + | |
- | Magazine Editor: Patrick James | + | **NOVEMBER 1997** |
- | Committee Members: | + | |
- | Suzanne Garland & Don Wills | + | **In This Issue, No. 756** |
- | Delegates to Confederation: | + | |
- | Jim Callaway & Ken Smith | + | |P 2 |Letters. Letters. Letters. Letters.| |
- | NOVEMBER 1997 | + | |P 3 |Secretariat Mergers| |
- | In This Issue, No. 756 | + | |P 4 |Conservation Corner| |
- | P 2 Letters. Letters. Letters. Letters. | + | | | The Day my Shoes lost their Soles by Ute Foster| |
- | P 3 Secretariat Mergers | + | | | Expressions |
- | P 4 Conservation Corner. | + | |P 6| Honorary Membership| |
- | The Day my Shoes lost their Soles by Ute Foster, Extressions | + | |P 7| Address & Phone Changes| |
- | P 6 Honorary | + | |P 8| Wilf's Winter Solstice Weekend Joint by Judy Jones| |
- | P 7 Address & Phone Changes | + | |P 9 |Army Training in the Grose Valley by Ralph Sutton| |
- | P 8 Will's Winter Solstice Weekend Joint by Judy Jones | + | |P 11| Book Review by Frank Davis| |
- | P 9 Army Training in the Grose Valley by Ralph Sutton | + | |P 12 |Test Walk in the Royal National Park by Errol Sheedy| |
- | - | + | | | SBW Song Book| |
- | P 11 Book Review by Frank Davis | + | |P 14 |Forty Degrees South by Frank Davis| |
- | P 12 Test Walk in the Royal National Park by Errol Sheedy | + | |P 15 |Problems in Kakadu| |
- | SBW Song Book | + | |P 16 | Lightweight Stove by Don Brooks| |
- | P 14 Forty Degrees South by Frank Davis | + | | | Little Wobby & Beyond by Don Brooks| |
- | P 15 Problems in Kakadu | + | | |Walking Wedding in the Swiss Alps by Carol Lubbers| |
- | P 16 Lightweight Stove by Don Brooks | + | |P 17 |September General Meeting| |
- | Little Wobby & Beyond by Don Brooks Walking Wedding in the Swiss Alps by Carol Lubbers | + | |P 18 |Vale Ivor Ashby| |
- | P 17 September General Meeting | + | | | Footnotes| |
- | P 18 Vale Ivor Ashby. Footnotes | + | |
- | Advertisers | + | Advertisers\\ |
- | P 3 I Willis' | + | P 3 I Willis' |
- | P 5 Alpsports | + | P 5 Alpsports\\ |
- | P 13 Eastwood Camping Centre | + | P 13 Eastwood Camping Centre\\ |
Back cover Paddy Pallin | Back cover Paddy Pallin | ||
- | Page 2 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 | + | |
- | Letters. Letters. Letters. Letters. | + | |
- | LETTER #1 Congratulations to all in the Club on the achievement of the Sydney Bush Walkers 70th Anniversary. I value very much my Honorary Membership and the monthly delivery of The Sydney Bushwalker, which all the family reads. | + | ====== |
- | My husband Alan Rigby (aged 26), my sister Olive Greenacre (aged 18) and myself (aged 20) joined the Club in 1927, in the days when conservation was a dirty word and bushwalkers were perhaps communists! It was thought shocking for women to wear shorts and carry packs. Now seventy years on, environmental subjects are taught in schools and heritage is an important matter for many people (and we hope, for politicians) and the idea that men and women wearing shorts could be considered shocking is not only incomprehensible, | + | |
- | I remember the camaraderie of those times born out of the discovery of bushwalking as a new activity of many city people. Newspapers wrote up trips and articles and there were even attempts to exploit the new pastime by linking bushwalking with promotions for commercial enterprises. More ithportantly,. the new activity provided a vital outlet for many people who may otherwise have been bowed down by the Great Depression. | + | |
- | In 1993, I attended the celebration at, Blue. Gum, thanks to the NP&WS helicopter; three generations of Rigbys were present that day. A year or so ago, I even looked down on Burning Palms which was to a great extent, the ancestral home for many walkers in the 20s. Last year, I went to Kanangra and again looked out over that fantastic place and saw the distant outline of Gangerang which I traversed with Alan and others in the thirties. Towards the east, I could see range after blue range as the country stretched from the valley of the KoWmung | + | **LETTER #1** |
- | I am sorry that I cannot attend the 70th Anniversary Dinner, I am in my 90th year and a recent illness and convalescence means that I | + | |
- | need to exercise some caution, however this old SBW is present at least in spirit. Best Regards, Enid Rigby. | + | Congratulations to all in the Club on the achievement of the Sydney Bush Walkers 70th Anniversary. I value very much my Honorary Membership and the monthly delivery of The Sydney Bushwalker, which all the family reads. |
- | LETTER #2 Dorothy and I shall miss every item on the 70th anniversary programme. This is partly due to family commitments and partly due to departure on a mini-odyssey with once-werewalkers; | + | |
+ | My husband Alan Rigby (aged 26), my sister Olive Greenacre (aged 18) and myself (aged 20) joined the Club in 1927, in the days when conservation was a dirty word and bushwalkers were perhaps communists! It was thought shocking for women to wear shorts and carry packs. Now seventy years on, environmental subjects are taught in schools and heritage is an important matter for many people (and we hope for politicians) and the idea that men and women wearing shorts could be considered shocking is not only incomprehensible, | ||
+ | |||
+ | I remember the camaraderie of those times born out of the discovery of bushwalking as a new activity of many city people. Newspapers wrote up trips and articles and there were even attempts to exploit the new pastime by linking bushwalking with promotions for commercial enterprises. More importantly, the new activity provided a vital outlet for many people who may otherwise have been bowed down by the Great Depression. | ||
+ | |||
+ | In 1993, I attended the celebration at Blue Gum thanks to the NP&WS helicopter; three generations of Rigbys were present that day. A year or so ago, I even looked down on Burning Palms which was to a great extent, the ancestral home for many walkers in the 20s. Last year, I went to Kanangra and again looked out over that fantastic place and saw the distant outline of Gangerang which I traversed with Alan and others in the thirties. Towards the east, I could see range after blue range as the country stretched from the valley of the Kowmung | ||
+ | |||
+ | I am sorry that I cannot attend the 70th Anniversary Dinner, I am in my 90th year and a recent illness and convalescence means that I need to exercise some caution, however this old SBW is present at least in spirit. Best Regards, Enid Rigby. | ||
+ | |||
+ | **LETTER #2** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Dorothy and I shall miss every item on the 70th anniversary programme. This is partly due to family commitments and partly due to departure on a mini-odyssey with once-were-walkers, | ||
Would you therefore do two things for me please; extend my compliments to all who helped with the anniversary issue of the magazine, and my good wishes to all those SBW members who contributed so much to my personal development and pleasure (and that means all of them). With fond memories of everyone. Ron Knightly. | Would you therefore do two things for me please; extend my compliments to all who helped with the anniversary issue of the magazine, and my good wishes to all those SBW members who contributed so much to my personal development and pleasure (and that means all of them). With fond memories of everyone. Ron Knightly. | ||
+ | |||
(Ron's 1960 presidency, interrupted by a stint overseas, finished in 1964. Editor) | (Ron's 1960 presidency, interrupted by a stint overseas, finished in 1964. Editor) | ||
- | LETTER #3 May we offer our congratulations to the Club in producing and arranging a series of events to suit all tastes as well as making it practicable for all ages to be able to attend. | + | |
+ | **LETTER #3** | ||
+ | |||
+ | May we offer our congratulations to the Club in producing and arranging a series of events to suit all tastes as well as making it practicable for all ages to be able to attend. | ||
Jack & Edna Gentle. | Jack & Edna Gentle. | ||
- | (Jack was president three times, in 58-60, 60-61 and 65- 66. Editor) | + | |
- | LETTER #4 Just to put on record how pleased we both were to join in, although far too briefly, the gathering at the Kangaroo Valley reunion. It was interesting and rewarding for us to meet and talk with some of the present SBW generation and also to renew acquaintance, | + | (Jack was president three times, in 58-60, 60-61 and 65-66. Editor) |
- | Our particular thanks to you for supplying copies of recent issues of the magazine and for the directions re location of Coolana. | + | |
+ | **LETTER #4** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Just to put on record how pleased we both were to join in, although far too briefly, the gathering at the Kangaroo Valley reunion. It was interesting and rewarding for us to meet and talk with some of the present SBW generation and also to renew acquaintance, | ||
+ | |||
+ | Our particular thanks to you for supplying copies of recent issues of the magazine and for the directions re location of Coolana. | ||
I hope it goes without saying that we would be delighted to have any SBW members visit us here. We are at home most days, but it would be advisable to give some notice. Marjorie (Hill) & Norman Rodd, Mt Tomah (02) 4567 2162 | I hope it goes without saying that we would be delighted to have any SBW members visit us here. We are at home most days, but it would be advisable to give some notice. Marjorie (Hill) & Norman Rodd, Mt Tomah (02) 4567 2162 | ||
- | LETTER #5 I must first congratulate you and your team in producing the excellent 70th | + | |
- | sIt avor VAtA.:; | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 page 3 | + | **LETTER.#5.** |
- | LETTER.#5. I must first congratulate. you. and 'Our team in prodticing he, excellent 70th Anniversary issue Of The Sydney Bushwalker. It was a pleasure to be able to re-read | + | |
- | Jack Debert: Heretic, Jack was noted for contrary opinions in order to prolong or provoke discussion, Hilma Galliott: Dealer in Tonics, Hilma worked at Elliotts & Australian Drugs, in Balmain, and as all the rest have been accounted for Bill McCoster: One who knelt on Kanagra | + | I must first congratulate you and Our team in producing the excellent 70th Anniversary issue of The Sydney Bushwalker. It was a pleasure to be able to re-read the past adventure of our Club members. I would like to add to the identities of the various authors of "Over Gangerang in a Hurry" |
- | Reg Alder. | + | Jack Debert: Heretic, Jack was noted for contrary opinions in order to prolong or provoke discussion, Hilma Galliott: Dealer in Tonics, Hilma worked at Elliotts & Australian Drugs in Balmain, and as all the rest have been accounted for Bill McCoster: One who knelt on Kanangra |
- | New Members Secretary. & Walks Secretary : Secretariat merged, but separate Portfolios | + | |
- | retained. | + | Reg Alder |
- | surprise to experienced Committee watchers, New Members Secretary and Walks Secretary announced a merger of their activities. | + | |
- | The many photos will attest the bride was radiant, beautiful, and demure; the groom. handsome and dashing. As Eddy', his best man' | + | |
+ | ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | In a move which came as no surprise to experienced Committee watchers, New Members Secretary and Walks Secretary announced a merger of their activities. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The many photos will attest the bride was radiant, beautiful and demure; the groom. handsome and dashing. As Eddy, his best man, and guests waited for Jennifer to arrive the sun shone, birds sang in the gum trees and a string ensemble played in the background. Then to the strains of The Triumphal March from Verdi' | ||
We all heard both the bride and groom say I do to that very leading question. And so they were married. Eddy's mother from Broken Hill, sister and nieces from Darwin, Jennifer' | We all heard both the bride and groom say I do to that very leading question. And so they were married. Eddy's mother from Broken Hill, sister and nieces from Darwin, Jennifer' | ||
+ | |||
Eddy and Jennifer, you join a select and happy sub-set of the Sydney Bushwalkers, | Eddy and Jennifer, you join a select and happy sub-set of the Sydney Bushwalkers, | ||
- | Space is going fast. Get in | + | |
- | Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield and more: our first fully accommodated wet season bushwalking trip. | + | |
- | The land is green and lush, every waterfall is at its magical best. The daily walks are all long enough to show you places that the 4WD tourists will never see. | + | ====== Conservation Corner ====== |
- | Without a full pack, walking is easy. You cover a good distance and still have time for swimming, photography, | + | |
- | good meal. What more could you ask? | + | |
- | another year. | + | We have been very active |
- | What's it like? The photo on the back page of the July 1997 issue of Wild magazine was taken on our 1995 trip. | + | |
- | Waterfalls, gorges, beautiful pools we have to ourselves and a wealth of Aboriginal rock art combine to make this one of Australia' | + | 1 Wollemi |
- | Too long? Hop on the seaplane that | + | |
- | brings in our food drops xf.2 | + | |
- | and you can do any 5ell | + | |
- | part of the trip. | + | |
- | For more | + | |
- | .CC) 44VAit | + | |
- | information J>) | + | |
- | about these ti ro .e | + | |
- | trips and the rest 0,_ | + | |
- | Of our bushwalkirig. : | + | |
- | program contact: 1 11 | + | |
- | .7m ff | + | |
- | Willis' | + | |
- | Page 4 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 | + | |
- | was' perfect, no rain, despite an uncertain forecast, the sun shone, and the temperature was neither too warm nor too cold. After lunch we only had a few very brief stops along the way, past Mount Warrigal and the coal seams, then the fire trail, until we got back to Carlon' | + | |
- | CONSERVATION CORNER | + | |
- | We have been very active | + | |
- | 1 Wollerni | + | |
2 NP&WS Draft Public Access Strategy | 2 NP&WS Draft Public Access Strategy | ||
+ | |||
The importance of people participating in preserving national parks and wilderness areas cannot be over-emphasised. We have to compete with industry funded recreation groups such as 4WD clubs, horse-riders, | The importance of people participating in preserving national parks and wilderness areas cannot be over-emphasised. We have to compete with industry funded recreation groups such as 4WD clubs, horse-riders, | ||
+ | |||
Their actions and loud voices are making an impression on NP&WS management and the Minister for Environment. There is a very real danger that additional access will be granted to these groups with " | Their actions and loud voices are making an impression on NP&WS management and the Minister for Environment. There is a very real danger that additional access will be granted to these groups with " | ||
- | The Sydney Bush Walkers have joined with the Total 'Environment Centre, Colong Foundation and National Parks Association in forming a "Save our National Parks" campaign. Two successful meetings have been held in Glebe and Katoomba and more are planned. Our Club has a proud history of working on conservation issues. All members are invited to write expressing their concern at the probability of open access to national parks and weakening of wilderness legislation.. Please write to: | + | |
- | The Hon. Pam Allen MP | + | The Sydney Bush Walkers have joined with the Total Environment Centre, Colong Foundation and National Parks Association in forming a "Save our National Parks" campaign. Two successful meetings have been held in Glebe and Katoomba and more are planned. Our Club has a proud history of working on conservation issues. All members are invited to write expressing their concern at the probability of open access to national parks and weakening of wilderness legislation.. Please write to: |
- | Minister for Environment, | + | |
- | Parliament House, | + | The Hon. Pam Allen MP\\ |
+ | Minister for Environment, | ||
+ | Parliament House,\\ | ||
SYDNEY. NSW 2000. | SYDNEY. NSW 2000. | ||
+ | |||
If you would like to be involved in Conservation issues please phone me on 9484 6636 (all hours) Bill Holland, Conservation Secretary | If you would like to be involved in Conservation issues please phone me on 9484 6636 (all hours) Bill Holland, Conservation Secretary | ||
- | The Day my Shoes lost their Soles | + | |
- | ,by Ute Foster | + | |
- | On Sunday, 14 September. 1997, Tony Crichton lead his Blue Mountains walk from Carlon' | + | ====== |
- | The enjoyment, for me, was marred only by the state of my shoes. They had looked all right when I put them on in the morning. But by 10 o' | + | |
- | the hard ground. Or there would have been, but for the foresight of those terrific bushwalkers who produced a whole array of stick-on padding and plasters from their packs, which helped protect | + | by Ute Foster |
- | 14 September 1997: Greg Bridge, Gail Crichton, Tony Crichton, | + | |
- | EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | + | On Sunday, 14 September 1997, Tony Crichton lead his Blue Mountains walk from Carlon' |
- | Remote Area Walking In Isdell River Area | + | |
- | We are doing advanc. | + | The enjoyment, for me, was marred only by the state of my shoes. They had looked all right when I put them on in the morning. But by 10 o' |
- | This Willis' | + | |
+ | 14 September 1997: Greg Bridge, Gail Crichton, Tony Crichton, | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | **EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST** | ||
+ | |||
+ | Remote Area Walking In Isdell River Area.\\ | ||
+ | We are doing advance | ||
+ | This Willis' | ||
===== Honorary Memberships ===== | ===== Honorary Memberships ===== | ||
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On this the 70th Anniversary of the SBW it is right and fitting to honour those members who have made a significant contribution to the Club over the last few decades. The beatification process of recognising those deserving few who did much more than their fair share is a slow process that can take a couple of decades, and involves the Club elders, however no white or black smoke signals are used. | On this the 70th Anniversary of the SBW it is right and fitting to honour those members who have made a significant contribution to the Club over the last few decades. The beatification process of recognising those deserving few who did much more than their fair share is a slow process that can take a couple of decades, and involves the Club elders, however no white or black smoke signals are used. | ||
- | The Committee of the Sydney Bush Walkers, at the meeting of Wednesday 1 October 1997, resolved to invite 8 members and ex-members to become an Honorary Active Member or Honorary Member of the Sydney Bush Walkers in recognition of the significant contribution they have made to the Sydney Bush Walkers for an extended period, over and above what could be considered normal. If the details given here are sketchy please remember that some of our honoured few have well documented_ | + | The Committee of the Sydney Bush Walkers, at the meeting of Wednesday 1 October 1997, resolved to invite 8 members and ex-members to become an Honorary Active Member or Honorary Member of the Sydney Bush Walkers in recognition of the significant contribution they have made to the Sydney Bush Walkers for an extended period, over and above what could be considered normal. If the details given here are sketchy please remember that some of our honoured few have well documented |
==== Paul Barnes OAM ==== | ==== Paul Barnes OAM ==== | ||
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Honorary Active Member | Honorary Active Member | ||
- | Paul joined the SBW in 1941 and was an active member until the late 1980s. In 1950 Paul became the SBW delegate to the then Federation of Bushwalking Clubs. This apparently was just the catalyst needed for he remained with Federation management for over 15 years. During this time her became active in the NPA and was Sydney Branch President and State President. Paul's time with SBW, NPA and Federation was actively devoted to conservation issues. The Morella Karong: Heathcote Primitive Area (was Trustee Secretary) and the Blue Mountains National Parks are two such issues. | + | Paul joined the SBW in 1941 and was an active member until the late 1980s. In 1950 Paul became the SBW delegate to the then Federation of Bushwalking Clubs. This apparently was just the catalyst needed for he remained with Federation management for over 15 years. During this time her became active in the NPA and was Sydney Branch President and State President. Paul's time with SBW, NPA and Federation was actively devoted to conservation issues. The Morella Karong, Heathcote Primitive Area (was Trustee Secretary) and the Blue Mountains National Parks are two such issues. |
Paul's contribution to conservation was recognised when he was made an honorary life member of NPA in 1957. Later the people of Australia also recognised his services to conservation by awarding him the medal of the Order of Australia. Now SBW is making the same recognition. | Paul's contribution to conservation was recognised when he was made an honorary life member of NPA in 1957. Later the people of Australia also recognised his services to conservation by awarding him the medal of the Order of Australia. Now SBW is making the same recognition. | ||
Line 153: | Line 178: | ||
Ian joined the Club in 1977 and has been an active walker and walks leader for 20 years. In 1986 Ian was elected Delegate to the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs. In 1987 Ian was chairman of 60th Anniversary Committee. Then in 1988 he was Social Secretary. He took over the top job as President in 1992-1994. In between this Ian was archivist from 1990 - 1997. | Ian joined the Club in 1977 and has been an active walker and walks leader for 20 years. In 1986 Ian was elected Delegate to the Federation of Bushwalking Clubs. In 1987 Ian was chairman of 60th Anniversary Committee. Then in 1988 he was Social Secretary. He took over the top job as President in 1992-1994. In between this Ian was archivist from 1990 - 1997. | ||
- | Besides these stints in the limelight, Ian is the type of person who works away in the background, doing what is necessary and required. Bringing lights and tables and barbeque | + | Besides these stints in the limelight, Ian is the type of person who works away in the background, doing what is necessary and required. Bringing lights and tables and barbecue |
==== Frank Rigby ==== | ==== Frank Rigby ==== | ||
Line 171: | Line 196: | ||
Honorary Member | Honorary Member | ||
- | Malcolm joined the Club in the late 1940s and was a very active walker and walks leader in the 1950s and 1960s and less active up to the 1980s. Malcolm was president 1952 - 1954. Malcolm is a person with wit, charm, imagination, | + | Malcolm joined the Club in the late 1940s and was a very active walker and walks leader in the 1950s and 1960s and less active up to the 1980s. Malcolm was president 1952 - 1954. Malcolm is a person with wit, charm, imagination, |
- | trials and corroborees. With Malcolm' | + | |
==== Grace Noble ==== | ==== Grace Noble ==== | ||
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Honorary Member | Honorary Member | ||
- | John joined in 1941 and rather early in his time with the Club had a serious fall which affected the rest of his life: he fell in love with Miss Grace Edgecombe. John was an active walker with the Club from 1941 through to the 1980s, thus for over 40 years. John also actively campaigned for National Parks and conservation issues of direct interest to the Club. John has worked and still works on bush regeneration and the use of Australian native plants in Council revegetation works. He and his co-protesters actively campaigned and **won**, for the preservation of the stand of blue gums at the intersection of Beecroft Road and Pennent | + | John joined in 1941 and rather early in his time with the Club had a serious fall which affected the rest of his life: he fell in love with Miss Grace Edgecombe. John was an active walker with the Club from 1941 through to the 1980s, thus for over 40 years. John also actively campaigned for National Parks and conservation issues of direct interest to the Club. John has worked and still works on bush regeneration and the use of Australian native plants in Council revegetation works. He and his co-protesters actively campaigned and **won** for the preservation of the stand of blue gums at the intersection of Beecroft Road and Pennant |
(It has not escaped the Editor' | (It has not escaped the Editor' | ||
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Country phone numbers have started to change from 9 digit to 10 digit numbers. For example Frank & Joan Rigby' | Country phone numbers have started to change from 9 digit to 10 digit numbers. For example Frank & Joan Rigby' | ||
- | Carole Beales, 5/15 Wood St. Manly 2095, 9977-4541 (home), (015) 173 933 (mobile) Kaite Matilda, " | + | Carole Beales, 5/15 Wood St. Manly 2095, 9977-4541 (home), (015) 173 933 (mobile) Kaite Matilda, " |
- | Atifikr | + | |
- | Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997, | + | |
- | ===== WILF'S WINTER. SOLSTICE WEEKEND JAUNT ===== | + | ===== Wilf's Winter Solstice Weekend Jaunt ===== |
- | |||
by Judy Jones | by Judy Jones | ||
Following a pretty dreadful week weatherwise, | Following a pretty dreadful week weatherwise, | ||
+ | |||
Starting off on a cool and misty morning from Otford railway station, we climbed quietly up the very sludgey road of an Otford Farm (yes private property, but don't forget this was one of Will's walks) and on to the very beautiful Kelly' | Starting off on a cool and misty morning from Otford railway station, we climbed quietly up the very sludgey road of an Otford Farm (yes private property, but don't forget this was one of Will's walks) and on to the very beautiful Kelly' | ||
+ | |||
I discovered what a traumatic experience misplacing your compass can be. While Gretel and I took a very quick backtrack as we left our lunch spot, the rest of the troop continued and were out of sight in an instant. Deserted for what seemed like an eternity, we were ever so pleased to come across Rowland' | I discovered what a traumatic experience misplacing your compass can be. While Gretel and I took a very quick backtrack as we left our lunch spot, the rest of the troop continued and were out of sight in an instant. Deserted for what seemed like an eternity, we were ever so pleased to come across Rowland' | ||
- | " | + | |
- | Heading off from campsite the following morning, our beloved leader advised that we had a secret meeting with an ASIO agent along the track. Having absolutely no idea what Wilf was talking about, we dutifully followed, temporarily leaving the cliff line and walking a short while along the roadway until we picked up a track heading back into the bush towards Sublime Point. As we turned off the highway and onto the track a glance over the shoulder revealed the 'ASIO agent' hot On our heels. A five minute break gave Roger time to catch up with the group and wipe the sweat from his brow, before we continued. How did he find us? Even more amazing was the fact that he caught up with us some distance from the intended meeting point. | + | " |
+ | |||
+ | Heading off from campsite the following morning, our beloved leader advised that we had a secret meeting with an ASIO agent along the track. Having absolutely no idea what Wilf was talking about, we dutifully followed, temporarily leaving the cliff line and walking a short while along the roadway until we picked up a track heading back into the bush towards Sublime Point. As we turned off the highway and onto the track a glance over the shoulder revealed the 'ASIO agent' hot on our heels. A five minute break gave Roger time to catch up with the group and wipe the sweat from his brow, before we continued. How did he find us? Even more amazing was the fact that he caught up with us some distance from the intended meeting point. | ||
Gradually working our way towards our destination, | Gradually working our way towards our destination, | ||
+ | |||
For some, a reward, a 'pot of gold' at the end of the journey, came in the form of Council clean up of all things. Picture ten very weary SBWs trudging along a Woonoona street late in the afternoon, when suddenly half the group are seen huddled in a circle, heads down and going through a pile of clean up rubbish. "This is not scavenging, its recycling" | For some, a reward, a 'pot of gold' at the end of the journey, came in the form of Council clean up of all things. Picture ten very weary SBWs trudging along a Woonoona street late in the afternoon, when suddenly half the group are seen huddled in a circle, heads down and going through a pile of clean up rubbish. "This is not scavenging, its recycling" | ||
+ | |||
Sydney to Nowra Stage 5 & 6, 21/22 June 1997: Marcia Corderoy, Will Hilder, Jacqui Hunt, Judy Jones, Jitka Kopriva, Glad Rannard, Ian Rannard, Gretle Woodward, Rowland ?, Bill Smallwood, Roger Treagus, David ?. | Sydney to Nowra Stage 5 & 6, 21/22 June 1997: Marcia Corderoy, Will Hilder, Jacqui Hunt, Judy Jones, Jitka Kopriva, Glad Rannard, Ian Rannard, Gretle Woodward, Rowland ?, Bill Smallwood, Roger Treagus, David ?. | ||
- | years 19fl | + | |
- | The SydnekBushwalker, | + | |
- | Army Training in the Grose | + | ===== Army Training in the Grose Valley (Part 1) ===== |
- | f | + | |
- | ,Valley. (Part 1) by Ralph Sutton | + | by Ralph Sutton |
- | : For me, Mountains | + | |
- | primary school our history lessons dealt with the first major European incursion into the Blue Mountains in 1813 by Gregory Blaxland, | + | For me, mountains |
- | Sydney by steam-train we found the views of the giant sandstone ramparts of the deep gorges of - the Blue Mountains very exhilarating | + | |
- | . the particles of soot which constantly blew into our. eyes. We also enjoyed the refreshments which, on ordering, were brought to our seats: | + | When we were at high school, my brother and I hiked in the nearby hills; and on the occasions when we travelled to and from Sydney by steam train we found the views of the giant sandstone ramparts of the deep gorges of the Blue Mountains very exhilarating despite the particles of soot which constantly blew into our eyes. We also enjoyed the refreshments which, on ordering, were brought to our seats: in summer ham sandwiches and Schweppes fizzy cold lemonade were my favourite; in winter we enjoyed piping hot meat pies with tomato sauce and white sweet tea. |
- | in summer | + | |
- | | + | |
The Grose River Trek | The Grose River Trek | ||
- | In February 1944 the Mortar Platoon, which I commanded, of the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion AIF undertook a very testing | + | |
- | - endurance exercise in the Grose River Valley. In January 1944 I planned the exercise which was to be a four-day march carrying personal gear, _personal | + | In February 1944 the Mortar Platoon, which I commanded, of the 1st Australian Parachute Battalion AIF undertook a very testing endurance exercise in the Grose River Valley. In January 1944 I planned the exercise which was to be a four day march carrying personal gear, personal |
- | 7 February 1944: After breakfast we departed from Scheyville and marched along the road through Windsor; past the Richmond Airbase on our right and the Parachute Reinforcement | + | |
- | Holding Unit located on our left in the | + | 7 February 1944: After breakfast we departed from Scheyville and marched along the road through Windsor; past the Richmond Airbase on our right and the Parachute Reinforcement Holding Unit located on our left in the Clarendon racecourse; through Richmond; past the stone crusher |
- | ,Clarendon racecourse; through Richmond; past the stonectusher | + | |
- | We then followed the Grose River upstream and as we moved further in to the mountain ranges the going became more and more difficult. As we could find no track we used. machetes constantly to cut our way through scrub and, at other times, we clambered over large boulders in | + | We then followed the Grose River upstream and as we moved further in to the mountain ranges the going became more and more difficult. As we could find no track we used machetes constantly to cut our way through scrub and, at other times, we clambered over large boulders in the stream. In the late afternoon, feeling footsore and weary, we reached the junction of the Grose River and a creek in the deep gorge south-west of Vale Lookout. I am not sure of the name of the creek at this junction but, several hundred yards to the north, the Burralow Creek and the Cabbage Tree Creek feed into it. The hill on the western side of the creek, opposite Vale Lookout, is now named Paterson |
- | the stream. In the late afternoon, feeling footsore and weary, we reached the junction of the Grose River and a creek in the deep gorge south-west of Vale Lookout. I am not sure of the name of the creek at this junction but, several hundred yards to the north, the.Burralow Creek and the Cabbage Tree Creek feed into it. The hill on the western side , of the creek, opposite Vale Lookout, is now named Paterson | + | |
- | At the junction I decided that we should adopt a defensive position for the night. I sited the detachment positions and indicated the defensive fire tasks for the night. When I was sure that | + | At the junction I decided that we should adopt a defensive position for the night. I sited the detachment positions and indicated the defensive fire tasks for the night. When I was sure that tactical aspects were Satisfactory the detachments then set about completing their administrative arrangements for the night: digging the detachment shallow trench latrines; treating blisters, bruises, minor cuts and nettle stings; establishing the detachment ablution and cooking areas; collecting firewood; and preparing the evening meals of bully beef, dehydrated vegetables, boiled rice, hard army biscuits with margarine and jam; and tea or coffee with evaporated milk and sugar. |
- | .. | + | |
- | alker, November 1997 | + | |
- | Page 10 The Sydney Bushw | + | |
- | tactical aspects were Satisfactory the detachments then set about completing their administrative arrangements for the night: digging the detachment shallow trench latrines; treating blisters, bruises, minor cuts and nettle stings; establishing the detachment ablution and cooking areas; collecting firewood; and preparing the evening meals of bully beef, dehydrated vegetables, boiled rice, hard army biscuits with margarine and jam; and tea or coffee with evaporated milk and sugar. | + | |
Our first night out was rather restless for, apart from sleep being broken by sentry duties, most of us found that as usual our first night of sleeping on hard ground - after being in camp for some time - was uncomfortable. Nevertheless, | Our first night out was rather restless for, apart from sleep being broken by sentry duties, most of us found that as usual our first night of sleeping on hard ground - after being in camp for some time - was uncomfortable. Nevertheless, | ||
- | 8 February 1944: After breakfast for which we had camp pie instead of bully beef, we filled in the latrines, buried our used tin cans which had been put into the fires to burn and then doused the fires. When I felt that the site had been returned as nearly as possible to its pristine state, we resulted our trek upstream. The going now was really tough and it was no longer possible to march for fifty minutes and then have a ten- minute break. We had to resort to marching for fifteen minutes and then having a five-minute break. In battalion training exercises later on, this would become the norm, in order to keep up with the more lightly equipped rifle 'companies. | + | |
- | About mid-morning Corporal Shorty Bawden, who was carrying the very heavy 1-mile reel of telephone cable slipped from a narrow ledge as he tried to make his way around a projecting | + | 8 February 1944: After breakfast for which we had camp pie instead of bully beef, we filled in the latrines, buried our used tin cans which had been put into the fires to burn and then doused the fires. When I felt that the site had been returned as nearly as possible to its pristine state, we resulted our trek upstream. The going now was really tough and it was no longer possible to march for fifty minutes and then have a ten-minute break. We had to resort to marching for fifteen minutes and then having a five-minute break. In battalion training exercises later on, this would become the norm, in order to keep up with the more lightly equipped rifle companies. |
- | rock. He fell into the water about twenty feet below and as the surface calmed we could see him looking up at us, whilst his 60-odd pound pay-load prevented his coming up to the surface. In that time the two men nearest to him had quickly removed their gear; they jumped into the water, pushed him up for air and then brought him safely to the rocky bank. The three then clambered up the rocks and eventually onto the ledge on which we were walking. " | + | |
- | tey .. . . In the late afternoon we reached the junction of the Grose River and Wentworth Creek. The massif to the north-west is now named Royal Engineers Ridge; a spur running to the southeast is named Whitton Hill (after the Chief Engineer) and one running to the north-east is named Martindale Hill (after the Commissioner of Railways). The gully below Royal Engineers Ridge, which runs into Wentworth Creek, is now named Sappers Gully. That evening we went through much the same drill as for the previous evening. Although we all were weary we had virtually forgotten about camp conditions and were very much at peace with the rugged bush. | + | About mid-morning Corporal Shorty Bawden, who was carrying the very heavy 1-mile reel of telephone cable slipped from a narrow ledge as he tried to make his way around a projecting rock. He fell into the water about twenty feet below and as the surface calmed we could see him looking up at us, whilst his 60-odd pound pay-load prevented his coming up to the surface. In that time the two men nearest to him had quickly removed their gear; they jumped into the water, pushed him up for air and then brought him safely to the rocky bank. The three then clambered up the rocks and eventually onto the ledge on which we were walking. " |
+ | |||
+ | In the late afternoon we reached the junction of the Grose River and Wentworth Creek. The massif to the north-west is now named Royal Engineers Ridge; a spur running to the southeast is named Whitton Hill (after the Chief Engineer) and one running to the north-east is named Martindale Hill (after the Commissioner of Railways). The gully below Royal Engineers Ridge, which runs into Wentworth Creek, is now named Sappers Gully. That evening we went through much the same drill as for the previous evening. Although we all were weary we had virtually forgotten about camp conditions and were very much at peace with the rugged bush. | ||
9 February 1944: A very tough day as we pushed on upstream and by now we realised that when we had camp pie meals we really needed four meals a day instead of three, to provide the calories necessary for this mountain activity. Fortunately, | 9 February 1944: A very tough day as we pushed on upstream and by now we realised that when we had camp pie meals we really needed four meals a day instead of three, to provide the calories necessary for this mountain activity. Fortunately, | ||
- | From the Grose River and Hungerfords Creek junction we struggled on along the gorge in a south-westerly direction to the junction with the Tomah Creek. Today the 'cliff face on the south side of the river bears the name Kolonga Walls. In the late afternoon we noticed that the narrow valley was opening out and walking became a little easier although we still needed to use our machetes to cut our way through the scrub. As the daylight started to fade away we stopped in a fairly open glade slightly south-west of Mt. Caley and set up our defensive position for the night; Mt. Caley is named after the naturalist and explorer. Here, the cliff face below Mt. Caley is named Explorers Wall. By this time we were utterly exhausted but we sensed that, with luck, | + | |
- | The Sydney BUshWalker; November 1991 page 11 | + | From the Grose River and Hungerfords Creek junction we struggled on along the gorge in a south-westerly direction to the junction with the Tomah Creek. Today the cliff face on the south side of the river bears the name Kolonga Walls. In the late afternoon we noticed that the narrow valley was opening out and walking became a little easier although we still needed to use our machetes to cut our way through the scrub. As the daylight started to fade away we stopped in a fairly open glade slightly south-west of Mt. Caley and set up our defensive position for the night; Mt. Caley is named after the naturalist and explorer. Here, the cliff face below Mt. Caley is named Explorers Wall. By this time we were utterly exhausted but we sensed that, with luck, we might climb up out of the valley late on the following day. |
- | explorer. Here, the. cliff face below Mt. Caley is named ' | + | |
- | 10 February 1944: After a refreshing., rest and then an early breakfast we set off again and observed that, with the widening of the valley, there was much more birdlife about. A little later we passed a foot track which, according to the map, led north to a mine. Today, the map' | + | 10 February 1944: After a refreshing rest and then an early breakfast we set off again and observed that, with the widening of the valley, there was much more birdlife about. A little later we passed a foot track which, according to the map, led north to a mine. Today, the map indicates that it is an abandoned shale mine. Now, with comparatively easier going, we continued our way up stream until we reached the junction of the Grose River and the Govetts Leap Creek. The Creek is named after the surveyor, William Govett. At that stage I called off the tactical situation for a two-hour break. In this delightful area known to bushwalkers as Blue Gum Forest we all signed a log-book which was on a small cairn and then had an early lunch and rested in preparation for the ascent up cliffs in the afternoon. A little over a mile to the east of Blue Gum Forest is a massif which is now named Edgeworth David Head, after the geologist, |
In the newly named Explorers Range, some miles to the north-east of Edgeworth David Head, lies Mt. Strzelecki which was named after the Polish explorer; and some miles to the northwest of Edgeworth David Head lies Mount Banks which was named after Sir Joseph Banks who had accompanied James Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. | In the newly named Explorers Range, some miles to the north-east of Edgeworth David Head, lies Mt. Strzelecki which was named after the Polish explorer; and some miles to the northwest of Edgeworth David Head lies Mount Banks which was named after Sir Joseph Banks who had accompanied James Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean. | ||
- | Much refreshed after our long lunch-break we set 'off south-west along a track -which followed the Govett' | + | |
- | wet, sweaty shirts when we took off our heavy packs and equipment. | + | Much refreshed after our long lunch-break we set off south-west along a track which followed the Govett' |
- | After about twenty minutes of gazing out over the valley and generally congratulating ourselves on having come through.. this arduous ordeal without serious injury we set off for Blackheath railway station to board the trucks which had been sent up from Scheyville to meet us. At this stage we were very hungry and thirsty and for the Mortar Platoon finding the local milk bar was like finding an oasis in a desert. After a break of about half an hour there we departed for Scheyville - very weary but very contented that we had achieved what we had set out to do. | + | |
- | The "army matters" | + | After about twenty minutes of gazing out over the valley and generally congratulating ourselves on having come through this arduous ordeal without serious injury we set off for Blackheath railway station to board the trucks which had been sent up from Scheyville to meet us. At this stage we were very hungry and thirsty and for the Mortar Platoon finding the local milk bar was like finding an oasis in a desert. After a break of about half an hour there we departed for Scheyville - very weary but very contented that we had achieved what we had set out to do. |
- | BOOK REVIEW | + | |
+ | The "army matters" | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==== Book Review - 1788 ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Frank Davis | ||
1788 by Watkin Tench, edited by Tim Flannery. Published by The Text Publishing Company, rrp $16.95. Comprising of A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay, and A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. | 1788 by Watkin Tench, edited by Tim Flannery. Published by The Text Publishing Company, rrp $16.95. Comprising of A Narrative of the Expedition to Botany Bay, and A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. | ||
- | From A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. Writing of an expedition, of April 1791, to 'ascertain whether or not the Hawkesbury and the Nepean were the same river', Tench says, in part (pp 185-186) | + | |
- | "Every man (the governor excepted) carried his own knapsack, which contained provisions for ten days. If to this be added a gun, a blanket and a canteen, the weight will fall nothing short of for0, pounds. Slung to the knapsack are the cooking kettle and the hatchet, with which the wood to kindle the nightly fire. and build the nighti5, | + | From A Complete Account of the Settlement at Port Jackson. Writing of an expedition, of April 1791, to ascertain whether or not the Hawkesbury and the Nepean were the same river, Tench says, in part (pp 185-186) "Every man (the governor excepted) carried his own knapsack, which contained provisions for ten days. If to this be added a gun, a blanket and a canteen, the weight will fall nothing short of forty pounds. Slung to the knapsack are the cooking kettle and the hatchet, with which the wood to kindle the nightly fire. and build the nightly |
- | Thus encumbered, the march begins at sunrise, and with occasional halts continues-Until ab6ut an hour and a half before sunset. It is necessary to stop thus early to prepare for: passing the night, for toil here ends not with the march. | + | |
- | atkos. 7 | + | Thus encumbered, the march begins at sunrise, and with occasional halts continues |
- | .. | + | |
- | Page 12 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 | + | |
- | the cheering blaze, the welcoming landlord, and the long hill of fare, the traveller has now to collect his MI, to erect his wigwam, to fetch water, and to broil his morsel of salt pork Let him then lie down and, i fit be summer, try whether the effect of fatigue is sufficiently powerful to overcome the bites and stings of the myriads of sandflies and mosquitoes which buzz around him." | + | |
- | Safter lunch it was back to the Hacking for an easy splash across to the foot of Neram Spur which I hadn't visited since the January 1994 bushfires. A hundred metres up from the river, on the large rock, the elkhorn colony had been burnt but among the dead ferns were several small healthy specimens. | + | |
The book is a fascinating and informative account of the early days of Australia, written by an extremely observant and humane Marine Officer. Here is reporting of the efforts of a band of pioneers to settle a land, the complete opposite to that they had left. | The book is a fascinating and informative account of the early days of Australia, written by an extremely observant and humane Marine Officer. Here is reporting of the efforts of a band of pioneers to settle a land, the complete opposite to that they had left. | ||
- | As bushwalkers you will know the "joys of off- track walking" | + | |
- | A Test Walk in the Royal National | + | As bushwalkers you will know the "joys of off track walking" |
- | Park: By Errol Sheedy Twenty-one sturdy bushwalkers, | + | |
- | We had morning tea at the little creek on the Courage Track, before stepping over the Hacking River at the official crossing place. Then, when the Forest path brought us to the northern edge of Forest Island, Jim Calloway left us and headed off through | + | |
- | stalkAfter | + | ==== A Test Walk in the Royal National Park ==== |
+ | |||
+ | By Errol Sheedy | ||
+ | |||
+ | Twenty-one sturdy bushwalkers, | ||
+ | |||
+ | We had morning tea at the little creek on the Courage Track, before stepping over the Hacking River at the official crossing place. Then, when the Forest path brought us to the northern edge of Forest Island, Jim Calloway left us and headed off through | ||
+ | |||
+ | After lunch it was back to the Hacking for an easy splash across to the foot of Neram Spur which I hadn't visited since the January 1994 bushfires. A hundred metres up from the river, on the large rock, the elkhorn colony had been burnt but among the dead ferns were several small healthy specimens. | ||
+ | |||
+ | After the fires it was easier to get to the low cliff line and to wind our way up through the rocks to the top. From here our way, trackless for two kilometres, headed in a gradual climb south, southwest then north-west to the Uloola Track. It was because of its interest and comparative that I originally included this ridge in the walk. After all, a test walk need not be a gruelling marathon but should be, as well as being sufficiently long, show Prospective Members the kind of terrain that may be encountered. After afternoon tea at Uloola Falls there were more showers as we headed for Karloo Pool, Kangaroo | ||
Bronny said she couldn' | Bronny said she couldn' | ||
+ | |||
Sunday, 6 October 1996. Jim Calloway, Errol Sheedy, Bronny Niemeyer, Nigel Weaver, Tom Wenman, Derek Wilson plus 15 others. | Sunday, 6 October 1996. Jim Calloway, Errol Sheedy, Bronny Niemeyer, Nigel Weaver, Tom Wenman, Derek Wilson plus 15 others. | ||
- | SBW SONG BOOK | + | |
+ | **SBW SONG BOOK** | ||
At long last the official "SBW Song Book" has been printed and is available to members at a cost of $5-00. Now you can sing around the campfire - no longer lost for words! There have been earlier songbooks, from times long long ago but this version has old songs (from 1930/40 etc) and new songs (1960/70 etc). Price $5.00 (available in the Clubrooms or mailed if you include $1.00 for postage). | At long last the official "SBW Song Book" has been printed and is available to members at a cost of $5-00. Now you can sing around the campfire - no longer lost for words! There have been earlier songbooks, from times long long ago but this version has old songs (from 1930/40 etc) and new songs (1960/70 etc). Price $5.00 (available in the Clubrooms or mailed if you include $1.00 for postage). | ||
- | SBW CHRISTMAS PARTY | + | |
+ | **SBW CHRISTMAS PARTY** | ||
Wed. 17 December at 7.30 PM for 8 PM. Bring a " | Wed. 17 December at 7.30 PM for 8 PM. Bring a " | ||
- | At Fastwoocl Camping Centre | + | |
- | WE'LL GET YOU COVERED | + | |
- | Give us a call now. | + | ==== Forty Degrees South, Enigma that is Flinders |
- | Packs, Tents, | + | |
- | eastwood | + | Frank Davis |
- | sErTtpicg | + | |
- | ... (02) 9858 3833 | + | |
- | 3 Trelawney Street (PO Box 131) Eastwood. N.S.W. 2122 | + | |
- | Page 14 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 | + | |
- | Forty Degrees South: The the island' | + | |
- | Frank Davis, | + | |
Remnant of a land bridge that once joined Tasmania to Victoria, Flinders Island sits astride the Fortieth Parallel of Latitude. Lapped by sparkling, clear blue water, this enigmatic land is in many ways a place of contrasts. | Remnant of a land bridge that once joined Tasmania to Victoria, Flinders Island sits astride the Fortieth Parallel of Latitude. Lapped by sparkling, clear blue water, this enigmatic land is in many ways a place of contrasts. | ||
- | The island: Fronting winds and seas that arrive unchecked from Africa, the west coast is predominantly a granite bulwark. Smallish beaches and an occasional outcrop of erosion sculptured limestone the only chinks in this armoured shore. The east coast is almost entirely beach, interrupted by a couple of inlets and backed by a half dozen shallow lagoons that, during dry periods., can become sandy deserts. | + | |
+ | The island: Fronting winds and seas that arrive unchecked from Africa, the west coast is predominantly a granite bulwark. Smallish beaches and an occasional outcrop of erosion sculptured limestone the only chinks in this armoured shore. The east coast is almost entirely beach, interrupted by a couple of inlets and backed by a half dozen shallow lagoons that, during dry periods, can become sandy deserts. | ||
Between the major granite outcrops of Mt. Killiecrankie in the north, the Patriarchs to the east and Mt. Leventhorpe in the Darling Range, lie flat sandy plains. Some ten thousand years ago these plains were seabed, this surface needs barely to be scratched to reveal sea shells from this by-gone age. It is largely these plains that were divided and cleared by soldier-settlers, | Between the major granite outcrops of Mt. Killiecrankie in the north, the Patriarchs to the east and Mt. Leventhorpe in the Darling Range, lie flat sandy plains. Some ten thousand years ago these plains were seabed, this surface needs barely to be scratched to reveal sea shells from this by-gone age. It is largely these plains that were divided and cleared by soldier-settlers, | ||
+ | |||
A 'dry spell' had proceeded our arrival, the pasture on these plains was desiccated and the one time sea bottom looked like it would require constant nourishing to maintain adequate stock grazing. | A 'dry spell' had proceeded our arrival, the pasture on these plains was desiccated and the one time sea bottom looked like it would require constant nourishing to maintain adequate stock grazing. | ||
+ | |||
Now numbering some 600, the population is less than half than at its peak. Many farms are up for sale (with no buyers). Few young people stay on after school age. There must be some concern over the future of the island, but then, a local identified Australia as 'the north island' | Now numbering some 600, the population is less than half than at its peak. Many farms are up for sale (with no buyers). Few young people stay on after school age. There must be some concern over the future of the island, but then, a local identified Australia as 'the north island' | ||
- | Sitting atop Mt. Strzelecici you could believe this, besides, as the brochure says ' | + | |
- | I97 The Sydney . .The Walks: Our first walk was an easy 5k warm up on the west coast. Starting on the edge of an extensive tidal marsh flat on an arm of Parrys Bay, rock-hopping around the prominent Long Point, returning via the western facing beach. | + | Sitting atop Mt. Strzelecici you could believe this, besides, as the brochure says ' |
+ | |||
+ | The Walks: Our first walk was an easy 5k warm up on the west coast. Starting on the edge of an extensive tidal marsh flat on an arm of Parrys Bay, rock-hopping around the prominent Long Point, returning via the western facing beach. | ||
On day 2 we tackled Mt. Strzelecki. An easy climb through small trees and scrub to begin - steeper and rougher as we progressed. A strong, chill wind in exposed areas saw us seek shelter at the top for lunch: Some cloud and haze made it less than ideal for photography but the panorama was spectacular. | On day 2 we tackled Mt. Strzelecki. An easy climb through small trees and scrub to begin - steeper and rougher as we progressed. A strong, chill wind in exposed areas saw us seek shelter at the top for lunch: Some cloud and haze made it less than ideal for photography but the panorama was spectacular. | ||
+ | |||
Day 3. While in mountain mode we headed for Mt. Killiecrankie. An hours beach walk took us to the beginning of the Quoin Cattle Co. property. With prior permission we followed extensive trails through tea-tree, small eucalypts and miniature banksias to reach the base of this granite crown. | Day 3. While in mountain mode we headed for Mt. Killiecrankie. An hours beach walk took us to the beginning of the Quoin Cattle Co. property. With prior permission we followed extensive trails through tea-tree, small eucalypts and miniature banksias to reach the base of this granite crown. | ||
- | We scrambled almost to the top, then came a time when the wind was so heavy, (would have blown the spots off a Dalmatian), it would have been irresponsible folly to continue. Retreating, we lunched in the shelter. of scrub-bordered fire- trail, then returned along the beach to Killiecrankie settlement. | + | |
- | Next day saw the start of the 3-day walk along the N-W coastline. This was 451cm from the mouth of the North East River around to West End. A shortage of water necessitated caches to be left for the end of day 1 and day 2. This also meant that our packs could be left, so on days 1 and 3 we carried only day packs (a wonderful idea). | + | We scrambled almost to the top, then came a time when the wind was so heavy, (would have blown the spots off a Dalmatian), it would have been irresponsible folly to continue. Retreating, we lunched in the shelter of scrub-bordered fire- trail, then returned along the beach to Killiecrankie settlement. |
- | The route was a mixture of some serious rock- hopping on small and large granite boulders, a patch or two of some spiteful looking ragged limestone, small sandy coves and beaches, headlands of thick tussock grass and areas of fallen casuarinas. We used some tracks through low, wind pruned vegetation that would have | + | |
- | The Sydney nushwalker, November 1997 page 15 | + | Next day saw the start of the 3-day walk along the N-W coastline. This was 45km from the mouth of the North East River around to West End. A shortage of water necessitated caches to be left for the end of day 1 and day 2. This also meant that our packs could be left, so on days 1 and 3 we carried only day packs (a wonderful idea). |
- | low, wind pruned vegetation' | + | |
- | Landmarks such as Sleepy Beach, She Oak Point; The Dock, Stackeys Bite, Twelve Hour Point and Egg Beach were reached and passed: there is possibly | + | The route was a mixture of some serious rock-hopping on small and large granite boulders, a patch or two of some spiteful looking ragged limestone, small sandy coves and beaches, headlands of thick tussock grass and areas of fallen casuarinas. We used some tracks through low, wind pruned vegetation that would have been been fine, had we been no taller than the wallabies who forged them. |
- | Back to day walks; the east coast beaches were attacked, then a switch to the west to Walk from Emita to Castle Rock. In the south we visited Logan: Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, then walked | + | |
+ | Landmarks such as Sleepy Beach, She Oak Point, The Dock, Stackeys Bite, Twelve Hour Point and Egg Beach were reached and passed: there is possibly a book in just how these locations got their names. As well, in the south, there is Trousers Point, Pigs Head Point, Tongue Point and Badger Corner (the local name for wombats): sure wouldn' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Back to day walks; the east coast beaches were attacked, then a switch to the west to walk from Emita to Castle Rock. In the south we visited Logan: Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary, then walked | ||
For a change of pace the next walk was through the Darling Range. This walk started with a gradual climb on a compacted loam/clay road, a surface not encountered before. We took a side track to see the 'White Gum' grove and to spot the rare Forty-spotted Pardalote. | For a change of pace the next walk was through the Darling Range. This walk started with a gradual climb on a compacted loam/clay road, a surface not encountered before. We took a side track to see the 'White Gum' grove and to spot the rare Forty-spotted Pardalote. | ||
+ | |||
The track then passed through larger trees; this area reminiscent of the Lower Blue Mountains with vegetation of eucalypts, tea-tree, hakeas and xanthorrhoea. We missed the side track to Mt. Leventhorpe but then, the wind strength would have made the climb uncomfortable if not dangerous. This 17 km walk through the low range was a stark contrast to the coastal walks. | The track then passed through larger trees; this area reminiscent of the Lower Blue Mountains with vegetation of eucalypts, tea-tree, hakeas and xanthorrhoea. We missed the side track to Mt. Leventhorpe but then, the wind strength would have made the climb uncomfortable if not dangerous. This 17 km walk through the low range was a stark contrast to the coastal walks. | ||
+ | |||
Our last day available and we at last visited Trousers Point: a mystery solved at last, so named because someone swam ashore from a ship sans trousers. Why not NO TROUSERS POINT? | Our last day available and we at last visited Trousers Point: a mystery solved at last, so named because someone swam ashore from a ship sans trousers. Why not NO TROUSERS POINT? | ||
- | This programme of walks had been great, the diversity of terrain and scenery unforgettable. Don's planning, as usual, immaculate. The daily return to bed, hot water shower and micro-wave oven, however, has been a mixed blessing. The | + | |
+ | This programme of walks had been great, the diversity of terrain and scenery unforgettable. Don's planning, as usual, immaculate. The daily return to bed, hot water shower and micro-wave oven, however, has been a mixed blessing. The walks have lacked the flow and cohesion of say a Hume and Hovell walk or a Kakadu Trek. | ||
The Place: Carnsdale, our host farm, is situated just north of the centre of the island and some 4k from the east coast beaches. The house has every facility to make a stay comfortable and enjoyable. Our hosts, Judy and Rob Wilson could not have been more pleasant or helpful. | The Place: Carnsdale, our host farm, is situated just north of the centre of the island and some 4k from the east coast beaches. The house has every facility to make a stay comfortable and enjoyable. Our hosts, Judy and Rob Wilson could not have been more pleasant or helpful. | ||
+ | |||
The location could be considered isolated without transport, but then our programme would have been impossible with no vehicle. We had a white, 8-seater van to begin with, which was later replaced by a red one. This one went much faster (red vehicles are always faster than other colours, aren't they). | The location could be considered isolated without transport, but then our programme would have been impossible with no vehicle. We had a white, 8-seater van to begin with, which was later replaced by a red one. This one went much faster (red vehicles are always faster than other colours, aren't they). | ||
+ | |||
Barry Hall shouldered the task of driving. In no time he knew his way around the island like a local. Barry did a wonderful job, shielding the rest of us from this chore. I'm sure the rest of the party much appreciated his efforts. I know I enjoyed being able to pay full attention to the scenery. | Barry Hall shouldered the task of driving. In no time he knew his way around the island like a local. Barry did a wonderful job, shielding the rest of us from this chore. I'm sure the rest of the party much appreciated his efforts. I know I enjoyed being able to pay full attention to the scenery. | ||
- | Feb/Mar 1997: Ron Barr, Don (Milo) Brooks, Frank Davis, Barry Hall, Joan Hannan, Norah Mace, Dick Weston and George Winter . | + | |
- | PROBLEMS IN KAKADU | + | Feb/Mar 1997: Ron Barr, Don (Milo) Brooks, Frank Davis, Barry Hall, Joan Hannan, Norah Mace, Dick Weston and George Winter. |
- | Russell Willis has written to seek our assistance in having changes made to Draft Area Plans For Jim Jim & Twin Falls, | + | |
- | If you would like to add your voice in protest, please write to: The Planning Officer | + | |
- | Kakadu National Park | + | **PROBLEMS IN KAKADU** |
- | PO Box 71 | + | |
- | Page 16 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 | + | Russell Willis has written to seek our assistance in having changes made to Draft Area Plans For Jim Jim & Twin Falls, |
+ | |||
+ | If you would like to add your voice in protest, please write to: \\ | ||
+ | The Planning Officer\\ | ||
+ | Kakadu National Park\\ | ||
+ | PO Box 71\\ | ||
Copies of the draft plans for the three areas can be obtained by fax addressed to Sandy Toth Kakadu Park Headquarters (Fax 08 8938 1115) or by letter to the above address. | Copies of the draft plans for the three areas can be obtained by fax addressed to Sandy Toth Kakadu Park Headquarters (Fax 08 8938 1115) or by letter to the above address. | ||
- | Lightweight Stove by Don Milo Brooks | + | |
+ | ==== Lightweight Stove ==== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Don Milo Brooks | ||
With the tend towards prohibition of fires in National Parks the need to carry stoves arises. If your Trangia seems more than adequate for a weekend, or if weight and space are a consideration on an extended trek there is a simple solution. | With the tend towards prohibition of fires in National Parks the need to carry stoves arises. If your Trangia seems more than adequate for a weekend, or if weight and space are a consideration on an extended trek there is a simple solution. | ||
+ | |||
Take a 750 gram Milo can, and with a can punch (the type used to open beer cans before ring pulls were invented) pierce holes around the side at the top of the can. Next about halfway down from the top drill 4 holes to allow tent pegs to be passed through the can, parallel and about 45 mm apart. Finally remove the bottom of the can. The base of the can is now the top (and the top is of course the bottom). The can is positioned over the Trangia burner and a 110 mm diameter billy rests on the tent pegs. | Take a 750 gram Milo can, and with a can punch (the type used to open beer cans before ring pulls were invented) pierce holes around the side at the top of the can. Next about halfway down from the top drill 4 holes to allow tent pegs to be passed through the can, parallel and about 45 mm apart. Finally remove the bottom of the can. The base of the can is now the top (and the top is of course the bottom). The can is positioned over the Trangia burner and a 110 mm diameter billy rests on the tent pegs. | ||
- | This does not have the versatility of the full Trabgia | + | |
- | Little Wobby & Beyond by Don Milo | + | This does not have the versatility of the full Trangia |
- | Brooks | + | |
- | I have always gained access to the ridge immediately above Little Wobby through the Little Wobby Sports & Recreation Centre property; this access having been previously arranged by a quick phone call to their office. With permission granted I have been able to disembark at their wharf proceed through their property and thus access the Highway Ridge track and onto Rocky Ponds, The Icicles, Patonga and Wondabyne, etc. All this has changed however. You now need to be in posession of a " | + | |
- | to proceed through the Centre' | + | ===== Little Wobby & Beyond |
+ | |||
+ | by Don Milo Brooks | ||
+ | |||
+ | I have always gained access to the ridge immediately above Little Wobby through the Little Wobby Sports & Recreation Centre property; this access having been previously arranged by a quick phone call to their office. With permission granted I have been able to disembark at their wharf proceed through their property and thus access the Highway Ridge track and onto Rocky Ponds, The Icicles, Patonga and Wondabyne, etc. All this has changed however. You now need to be in posession of a " | ||
However all is not lost, a simple phone call to (02) 4349 0600 where you will be asked who and what you are, numbers expected, date, ETA and destination. After providing this information I had my " | However all is not lost, a simple phone call to (02) 4349 0600 where you will be asked who and what you are, numbers expected, date, ETA and destination. After providing this information I had my " | ||
- | Walking Wedding in the Swiss | + | |
- | Alps by Carol Lubbers Some of you may remember Enrica Fenini, a Swiss-Italian visitor who walked with us a year ago. She was working in Australia for just 3 months and wished to see the. Australian bush. Well, with the SBW she did, and is now so hooked on walking that last week, Enrica' | + | |
+ | ===== Walking Wedding in the Swiss Alps ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Carol Lubbers | ||
+ | |||
+ | Some of you may remember Enrica Fenini, a Swiss-Italian visitor who walked with us a year ago. She was working in Australia for just 3 months and wished to see the Australian bush. Well, with the SBW she did, and is now so hooked on walking that last week, Enrica' | ||
All being well, they collided at the door of the church on the right day at the right time and the wedding went off without a hitch. Wonder if she wore white walking boots? | All being well, they collided at the door of the church on the right day at the right time and the wedding went off without a hitch. Wonder if she wore white walking boots? | ||
- | Enrica sends her best wishes to all the SBW she met on such activities as the Hunter Valley wine weekend, City to Surf; Tony Manes & Kay Chan's walks, Six Foot Track, and others. Enrica' | + | |
- | MAGAZINE ARTICLES. Dear Readers, it is most satisfying to receive your contributions: | + | Enrica sends her best wishes to all the SBW she met on such activities as the Hunter Valley wine weekend, City to Surf; Tony Manes & Kay Chan's walks, Six Foot Track, and others. Enrica' |
- | The SydrieY Buhwallcer, November 1997 page 17 | + | |
- | 51H1 | + | |
- | temberGenera1 | + | **MAGAZINE ARTICLES** |
- | Trmy declared the mceting | + | |
- | A very subdued Walks Secretary (big day getting closer Eddy?) presented the walks report. Bill Capon' | + | Dear Readers, it is most satisfying to receive your contributions: |
- | Wilf Elder's mid-week walk was postponed as Wilf 'recovered from the flu. A similar fate for his weekend walk scheduled a couple of days later. Jan Mohandas had between 35 and 40 on his annual Six Foot Track in a Day classic on Saturday 23rd August with front " | + | |
- | Ian Ram-lard | + | ===== September General |
- | 121 The Sydney usCreek | + | |
- | The weekend of 6th/7th September featured the 65th anniversary of Blue Gum Forest. Reports of many people wearing packs in Blackheath. No report of Eddie Collins walk in Kanangra. Presumably, they would have met the 14 participants in the annual "K to K in a Day" Kanangra to Katoomba classic. Cloudy conditions saw this group reach Cox's River at noon and the gate on Narrow Neck at 5 pm. Tony Holgate postponed his Saturday walk in Lane Cove Park to Sunday but couldn' | + | |
+ | Tony declared the meeting | ||
+ | |||
+ | A very subdued Walks Secretary (big day getting closer Eddy?) presented the walks report. Bill Capon' | ||
+ | |||
+ | Wilf Hilder's mid-week walk was postponed as Wilf recovered from the flu. A similar fate for his weekend walk scheduled a couple of days later. Jan Mohandas had between 35 and 40 on his annual Six Foot Track in a Day classic on Saturday 23rd August with front " | ||
+ | |||
+ | Ian Rannard | ||
+ | |||
+ | The weekend of 6th/7th September featured the 65th anniversary of Blue Gum Forest. Reports of many people wearing packs in Blackheath. No report of Eddie Collins walk in Kanangra. Presumably, they would have met the 14 participants in the annual "K to K in a Day" Kanangra to Katoomba classic. Cloudy conditions saw this group reach Cox's River at noon and the gate on Narrow Neck at 5 pm. Tony Holgate postponed his Saturday walk in Lane Cove Park to Sunday but couldn' | ||
The walks report concluded with Bill Holland reporting 6 participants on his mid week walk on Tuesday 9th September. Spectacular displays of wild flowers featured on this walk from St Ives to Wahroonga via Bobbin Head. | The walks report concluded with Bill Holland reporting 6 participants on his mid week walk on Tuesday 9th September. Spectacular displays of wild flowers featured on this walk from St Ives to Wahroonga via Bobbin Head. | ||
- | The Conservation report drew attention to the Draft Access Strategy for National Parks. Bill Holland urged members to write and protest at proposed relaxing of access restrictions to give 4WD, horse riders et al " | + | |
- | Ken Smith presented the Confederation report. Seems SBW were successful in moving for monthly general meetings at the AGM. Also we recorded our protest at Confederation' | + | The Conservation report drew attention to the Draft Access Strategy for National Parks. Bill Holland urged members to write and protest at proposed relaxing of access restrictions to give 4WD, horse riders et al " |
+ | Ken Smith presented the Confederation report. Seems SBW were successful in moving for monthly general meetings at the AGM. Also we recorded our protest at Confederation' | ||
Patrick James gave details of the 70th anniversary celebrations and the meeting closed about 9.10 pm . | Patrick James gave details of the 70th anniversary celebrations and the meeting closed about 9.10 pm . | ||
- | : | + | |
- | Page 18 The Sydney Bushwalker, November 1997 | + | ===== Vale Ivor Ashby ===== |
- | Vale Ivor Ashby. | + | |
- | In the Blue, Mountains, on Saturday 4 October 1997, it was a beautiful day, , warm and sunny; perfect walking weather. At the end of a medium hard Bush Club walk from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba, Ivor Ashby collapsed and died suddendly | + | In the Blue Mountains, on Saturday 4 October 1997, it was a beautiful day, warm and sunny; perfect walking weather. At the end of a medium hard Bush Club walk from Wentworth Falls to Katoomba, Ivor Ashby collapsed and died suddenly |
Ivor was born 70 years ago in the UK and after a period as a submariner in the Royal Navy came to Sydney. Ivor was a quiet, gentle man and his love of the bush prompted him to move to the Blue Mountains. | Ivor was born 70 years ago in the UK and after a period as a submariner in the Royal Navy came to Sydney. Ivor was a quiet, gentle man and his love of the bush prompted him to move to the Blue Mountains. | ||
Ivor is survived by his former wife, two sons, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. At Ivor's funeral on Thursday 9 October Jo van Sommers and Jim Percy represented SBW. | Ivor is survived by his former wife, two sons, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. At Ivor's funeral on Thursday 9 October Jo van Sommers and Jim Percy represented SBW. | ||
- | FOOTNOTES | + | |
- | The 70th Anniversary, | + | |
+ | ===== Footnotes ===== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Patrick James | ||
+ | |||
+ | This month the magazine is back to normal coming to you in about the third week of the month. This change back to a comfortable routine wont last: next month to make allowance for Christmas the Sydney Bushwalker will be 1 week EARLY. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The 70th Anniversary, | ||
October was a doubly significant month for Walks Secretary Eddy Giacomel. Firstly Eddy chalked up that significant birthday after which life begins; and begin it did. The second matter of significance was the marriage of Eddy and Jennifer Trevor-Roberts on Sunday 26 October. | October was a doubly significant month for Walks Secretary Eddy Giacomel. Firstly Eddy chalked up that significant birthday after which life begins; and begin it did. The second matter of significance was the marriage of Eddy and Jennifer Trevor-Roberts on Sunday 26 October. | ||
+ | |||
Barbara Bruce has taken catching a cab one step too far. In Pitt Street last month a taxi knocked Barbara down and broke her leg. At the 70th Anniversary Dinner Barbara was there with the latest fashion accessory, a self-propelled, | Barbara Bruce has taken catching a cab one step too far. In Pitt Street last month a taxi knocked Barbara down and broke her leg. At the 70th Anniversary Dinner Barbara was there with the latest fashion accessory, a self-propelled, | ||
+ | |||
Information Received and Wanted: The Henley Cup is named after Bill Henley an outstanding athlete and member active in the 1940s and early 1950s. At SBW reunions provided that there is water to swim in and contestants to swim, a competition for the Henley Cup may be held. The Cup is not contested each year but, it seems, in bursts of enthusiasm. The first and latest Henley Cup winners, according to the shields on the Cup are Gwen Jewell in 1949 and Ian Debert in 1995. | Information Received and Wanted: The Henley Cup is named after Bill Henley an outstanding athlete and member active in the 1940s and early 1950s. At SBW reunions provided that there is water to swim in and contestants to swim, a competition for the Henley Cup may be held. The Cup is not contested each year but, it seems, in bursts of enthusiasm. The first and latest Henley Cup winners, according to the shields on the Cup are Gwen Jewell in 1949 and Ian Debert in 1995. | ||
+ | |||
When did we start calling Day-0. Probably in the early 1960s when Harry Belefonte' | When did we start calling Day-0. Probably in the early 1960s when Harry Belefonte' | ||
+ | |||
Some information has been received about the Mandleberg Cup. The Cup was probably purchased from a pawn shop in Castlereagh Street Sydney run by a man called Mandelburg. (The Mandelburg family ran a number of pawn shops in Sydney in the first half of this century.) The Cup was an aluminium dipper with large one-sided handle and was awarded for swimming. Where is the Cup now? Is it in someone display cabinet or in the laundry? | Some information has been received about the Mandleberg Cup. The Cup was probably purchased from a pawn shop in Castlereagh Street Sydney run by a man called Mandelburg. (The Mandelburg family ran a number of pawn shops in Sydney in the first half of this century.) The Cup was an aluminium dipper with large one-sided handle and was awarded for swimming. Where is the Cup now? Is it in someone display cabinet or in the laundry? | ||
- | The long brass Sydney Bush Walkers name plate is still a mystery. Any comments from the oldies? The plate has been polished and coated with clear lacquer. Bushwalkers Basin has been found and a walk will be led there soon, see summer walks program.. | + | |
- | Kaite Matilda has forsaken the city and is now living in a cabin, in a canyon on 55 ha of bushland in beautiful Rylstone. There' | + | The long brass Sydney Bush Walkers name plate is still a mystery. Any comments from the oldies? The plate has been polished and coated with clear lacquer. Bushwalkers Basin has been found and a walk will be led there soon, see summer walks program. |
+ | |||
+ | Kaite Matilda has forsaken the city and is now living in a cabin, in a canyon on 55 ha of bushland in beautiful Rylstone. There' | ||
NB Changes to name, address or phone numbers should be sent as soon as possible to Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace. | NB Changes to name, address or phone numbers should be sent as soon as possible to Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace. |
199711.txt · Last modified: 2016/04/22 14:09 by kennettj