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199711 [2016/04/21 11:15] – [WILF'S WINTER. SOLSTICE WEEKEND JAUNT] kennettj | 199711 [2016/04/22 14:09] (current) – [ADDRESS & PHONE CHANGES:] kennettj | ||
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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, please contact the Business Manager. | + | **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 Telephone 9953 8384 | + | |Editor| Patrick James 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 Telephone 9953 8384| |
- | Business Manager: George Mawer. 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall Telephone 9707 1343 | + | |Business Manager| George Mawer. 42 Lincoln Road Georges Hall Telephone 9707 1343| |
- | Production Manager: Fran Holland | + | |Production Manager| Fran Holland| |
- | Printers: Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell | + | |Printers| Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell| |
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. | 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. | ||
- | President: Tony Holgate | + | |President| Tony Holgate| |
- | Vice-President: Morie Ward | + | |Vice-President| Morie Ward| |
- | Public Officer: Fran Holland | + | |Public Officer| Fran Holland| |
- | Treasurer: Greta James | + | |Treasurer| Greta James| |
- | Secretary: Michele Powell | + | |Secretary| Michele Powell| |
- | Walks Secretary: Eddy Giacomel | + | |Walks Secretary| Eddy Giacomel| |
- | Social Secretary: Peter Dalton | + | |Social Secretary| Peter Dalton| |
- | Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace | + | |Membership Secretary| Barry Wallace| |
- | New Members Secretary: Jennifer Trevor-Roberts | + | |New Members Secretary| Jennifer Trevor-Roberts| |
- | Conservation Secretary: Bill Holland | + | |Conservation Secretary| Bill Holland| |
- | Magazine Editor: Patrick James | + | |Magazine Editor| Patrick James| |
- | Committee Members: Suzanne Garland & Don Wills | + | |Committee Members| Suzanne Garland & Don Wills| |
- | Delegates to Confederation: Jim Callaway & Ken Smith | + | |Delegates to Confederation| Jim Callaway & Ken Smith| |
- | NOVEMBER 1997 | + | **NOVEMBER 1997** |
- | In This Issue, No. 756 | + | **In This Issue, No. 756** |
- | P 2 Letters. Letters. Letters. Letters. | + | |
- | P 3 Secretariat Mergers | + | |
- | P 4 Conservation Corner. | + | |
- | The Day my Shoes lost their Soles by Ute Foster, Expressions of Interest: Remote Areas walking. | + | |
- | P 6 Honorary Membership | + | |
- | P 7 Address & Phone Changes | + | |
- | P 8 Will's Winter Solstice Weekend Joint by Judy Jones | + | |
- | P 9 Army Training in the Grose Valley by Ralph Sutton | + | |
- | P 11 Book Review by Frank Davis | + | |
- | P 12 Test Walk in the Royal National Park by Errol Sheedy | + | |
- | SBW Song Book | + | |
- | P 14 Forty Degrees South by Frank Davis | + | |
- | P 15 Problems in Kakadu | + | |
- | P 16 Lightweight Stove by Don Brooks | + | |
- | Little Wobby & Beyond by Don Brooks | + | |
- | Walking Wedding in the Swiss Alps by Carol Lubbers | + | |
- | P 17 September General Meeting | + | |
- | P 18 Vale Ivor Ashby. | + | |
- | Footnotes | + | |
- | Advertisers | + | |P 2 |Letters. Letters. Letters. Letters.| |
- | P 3 I Willis' | + | |P 3 |Secretariat Mergers| |
- | P 5 Alpsports | + | |P 4 |Conservation Corner| |
- | P 13 Eastwood Camping Centre | + | | | The Day my Shoes lost their Soles by Ute Foster| |
+ | | | Expressions of Interest: Remote Areas walking| | ||
+ | |P 6| Honorary Membership| | ||
+ | |P 7| Address & Phone Changes| | ||
+ | |P 8| Wilf's Winter Solstice Weekend Joint by Judy Jones| | ||
+ | |P 9 |Army Training in the Grose Valley by Ralph Sutton| | ||
+ | |P 11| Book Review by Frank Davis| | ||
+ | |P 12 |Test Walk in the Royal National Park by Errol Sheedy| | ||
+ | | | SBW Song Book| | ||
+ | |P 14 |Forty Degrees South by Frank Davis| | ||
+ | |P 15 |Problems in Kakadu| | ||
+ | |P 16 | Lightweight Stove by Don Brooks| | ||
+ | | | Little Wobby & Beyond by Don Brooks| | ||
+ | | |Walking Wedding in the Swiss Alps by Carol Lubbers| | ||
+ | |P 17 |September General Meeting| | ||
+ | |P 18 |Vale Ivor Ashby| | ||
+ | | | Footnotes| | ||
+ | |||
+ | Advertisers\\ | ||
+ | P 3 I Willis' | ||
+ | P 5 Alpsports\\ | ||
+ | P 13 Eastwood Camping Centre\\ | ||
Back cover Paddy Pallin | Back cover Paddy Pallin | ||
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We have been very active in seeking members' | We have been very active in seeking members' | ||
- | 1 Wollemi National Park Draft Plan of Management, and | + | 1 Wollemi National Park Draft Plan of Management, and\\ |
2 NP&WS Draft Public Access Strategy | 2 NP&WS Draft Public Access Strategy | ||
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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 ==== | ||
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(It has not escaped the Editor' | (It has not escaped the Editor' | ||
- | ===== ADDRESS | + | ===== Address |
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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, " | ||
- | ===== WILF'S WINTER SOLSTICE WEEKEND JAUNT ===== | + | ===== Wilf's Winter Solstice Weekend Jaunt ===== |
by Judy Jones | by Judy Jones | ||
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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. | ||
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by Ralph Sutton | by Ralph Sutton | ||
- | For me, Mountains | + | 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 weapons, 3-inch mortars with their associated sights and stores, mortar bombs, small arms ammunition, field telephones, first aid kit and rations for four days plus emergency rations. We all carried heavy loads, for example, my load, which included a reinforced mortar baseplate - was 92 lbs. | ||
- | 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 stonectusher and over the bridge to the left bank of the Hawkesbury River where we stopped for an hour for lunch. Our normal order of march was one detachment leading, followed by platoon headquarters and then, in turn the remaining three detachments. We would march for 50 minutes and then have a break for ten minutes. When resuming the march the detachment which led during the previous hour would move to the rear and the detachment which had followed platoon head-quarters would become the leading platoon. This was the standard system of rotation on the march. After lunch we followed the bank of the Hawkesbury River up-stream to the foot of the hill on which Belmont Ho is located (now the Hospital of St John of God), opposite Clarks Island (the maps of today identify the hospital as being on Richmond Hill) From there we walked to the junction of the Hawkesbury and Grose Rivers. At the junction, the water level - although so far inland - is less than 18 metres above sea level. | ||
- | 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 Ell, in recognition of Captain Paterson of the New South Wales Corps. Further to the northwest is another hill now named Grose Head North after Major Grose of the New South Wales Corps; and to the west of that feature lies a range now named Paterson Range. | ||
- | 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. | + | 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 weapons, 3-inch mortars with their associated sights and stores, mortar bombs, small arms ammunition, field telephones, first aid kit and rations for four days plus emergency rations. We all carried heavy loads, for example, my load, which included a reinforced mortar baseplate - was 92 lbs. |
+ | |||
+ | 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 and over the bridge to the left bank of the Hawkesbury River where we stopped for an hour for lunch. Our normal order of march was one detachment leading, followed by platoon headquarters and then, in turn the remaining three detachments. We would march for 50 minutes and then have a break for ten minutes. When resuming the march the detachment which led during the previous hour would move to the rear and the detachment which had followed platoon head-quarters would become the leading platoon. This was the standard system of rotation on the march. After lunch we followed the bank of the Hawkesbury River up-stream to the foot of the hill on which Belmont Hospital is located (now the Hospital of St John of God), opposite Clarks Island (the maps of today identify the hospital as being on Richmond Hill). From there we walked to the junction of the Hawkesbury and Grose Rivers. At the junction, the water level - although so far inland - is less than 18 metres above sea level. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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 Hill, in recognition of Captain Paterson of the New South Wales Corps. Further to the northwest is another hill now named Grose Head North after Major Grose of the New South Wales Corps; and to the west of that feature lies a range now named Paterson Range. | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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. | ||
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, | ||
- | 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.' | + | 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. |
- | 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. |
+ | |||
+ | The "army matters" | ||
==== Book Review - 1788 ==== | ==== Book Review - 1788 ==== | ||
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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 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 hut is to be cut down. Gared ,to drag through morasses, tear through thickets, ford rivers and scale rocks, our autumnal heroes, who annually seek the hills in pursuit of grouse and black game, afford but an imperfect representation of the picture. | + | 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 hut is to be cut down. Garbed |
- | Thus encumbered, the march begins at sunrise, and with occasional halts continues-Until | + | Thus encumbered, the march begins at sunrise, and with occasional halts continues |
- | 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. | ||
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By Errol Sheedy | By Errol Sheedy | ||
- | Twenty-one sturdy bushwalkers, | + | 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 | + | |
+ | 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' | ||
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- | Forty Degrees South: The the island' | + | ==== Forty Degrees South, Enigma that is Flinders Island |
- | Frank Davis, | + | |
+ | 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, | ||
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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. | ||
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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. | ||
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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). | ||
- | 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 | ||
- | low, wind pruned vegetation that ri 7' you' | + | We scrambled almost to the top, then came a time when the wind was so heavy, (would |
- | 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 | + | |
- | 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 | + | 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). |
+ | |||
+ | The route was a mixture | ||
+ | |||
+ | 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' | ||
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+ | 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. | ||
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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. | ||
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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. | ||
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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). | ||
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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 . | ||
+ | Feb/Mar 1997: Ron Barr, Don (Milo) Brooks, Frank Davis, Barry Hall, Joan Hannan, Norah Mace, Dick Weston and George Winter. | ||
- | PROBLEMS IN KAKADU | ||
- | Russell Willis has written to seek our assistance in having changes made to Draft Area Plans For Jim Jim & Twin Falls, | + | **PROBLEMS IN KAKADU** |
- | If you would like to add your voice in protest, please write to: The Planning Officer | + | |
- | Kakadu National Park | + | Russell Willis has written to seek our assistance in having changes made to Draft Area Plans For Jim Jim & Twin Falls, |
- | PO Box 71 | + | |
+ | 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 ==== | ==== Lightweight Stove ==== | ||
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by Don Milo Brooks | 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. | ||
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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 | + | |
+ | This does not have the versatility of the full Trangia | ||
Line 377: | Line 407: | ||
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' | + | 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. | + | **MAGAZINE ARTICLES** |
Dear Readers, it is most satisfying to receive your contributions: | Dear Readers, it is most satisfying to receive your contributions: | ||
+ | ===== September General Meeting ===== | ||
- | ===== September Genera1 Meeting ===== | ||
- | + | Tony declared the meeting open about 8.10 pm with about twenty members present (not counting those chatting in the kitchen). Your replacement scribe overlooked getting details of correspondence etc but recollects that the financial report showed the club remains quite solvent with a bank balance near $7,000 despite paying a hefty fee to Confederation. | |
- | Tony declared the meeting open about 8-10 pm with about twenty members present (not counting those chatting in the kitchen). Your replacement scribe overlooked getting details of correspondence etc but recollects that the financial report showed the club remains quite solvent with a bank balance near $7,000 despite paying a hefty fee to Confederation. | + | |
A very subdued Walks Secretary (big day getting closer Eddy?) presented the walks report. Bill Capon' | A very subdued Walks Secretary (big day getting closer Eddy?) presented the walks report. Bill Capon' | ||
- | Wilf Hilder' | + | Wilf Hilder' |
Ian Rannard prepared for hospital entry on his mid-week walk on Tuesday 26th August, finishing at 1 pm. No report of Kenn Clacher' | Ian Rannard prepared for hospital entry on his mid-week walk on Tuesday 26th August, finishing at 1 pm. No report of Kenn Clacher' | ||
Line 401: | Line 430: | ||
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 " | 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' | + | 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 . | ||
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===== Vale Ivor Ashby ===== | ===== Vale Ivor Ashby ===== |
199711.txt · Last modified: 2016/04/22 14:09 by kennettj