199901
Differences
This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.
Next revision | Previous revision | ||
199901 [2012/09/29 11:32] – external edit 127.0.0.1 | 199901 [2016/01/22 21:29] (current) – kennettj | ||
---|---|---|---|
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
- | SYDNEY | + | **THE SYDNEY |
- | 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 | + | |Editor| Patrick James 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 Telephone |
- | 5/2 Hardie Street Neutral Bay 2089 | + | |Business Manager| Elizabeth Miller 1 The Babette, Castlecrag, 2068 Telephone |
- | Telephone 9904 1515 | + | |Production Manager| Frances Holland| |
- | Business Manager: Elizabeth Miller | + | |Printers| Kenn Clacher, Tom Wenman, Barrie Murdoch, Margaret Niven & Les Powell| |
- | 1 The Babette, Castlecrag, 2068 | + | |
- | Telephone 9958 7838 | + | 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 |
- | Production Manager: Frances Holland | + | |
- | Printers: Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch, | + | |
- | Margaret Niven, Les Powell, Tom Wenman, | + | |President| Eddy Giacomel| |
- | 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 IVIiisOns | + | |Vice-President| Tony Holgate| |
- | | + | |Public Officer| Fran Holland| |
- | Treasurer: Greta James | + | |Treasurer| Greta James| |
- | Secretary: Don Wills | + | |Secretary| Don Wills | |
- | Walks Secretary: Bill Capon | + | |Walks Secretary| Bill Capon| |
- | Social Secretary: Peter Dalton, | + | |Social Secretary| Peter Dalton| |
- | Membership Secretary: Barry. Wallace. | + | |Membership Secretary| Barry Wallace| |
- | New Members Secretary: | + | |New Members Secretary| Jennifer |
- | Jennifer | + | |Conservation |
- | Conservation | + | |Magazine Editor| Patrick James| |
- | Magazine Editor: Patrick James | + | |Committee |
- | Conarriiitee | + | |Delegates to Confederation| Jim Callaway & Ken Smith| |
- | Jim Callaway & Ken Smith | + | |
- | January 1999 | + | |
- | Issue No. 770: | + | **January 1999 Issue No. 770:** |
- | 2 We're out for a walk. | + | |
- | by Pauline Watson | + | . |
- | 4 Blackheath to Richmond via the Grose Valley | + | |2 |We’re out for a walk by Pauline Watson| |
- | by Jean Malcolm | + | |4 |Blackheath to Richmond via the Grose Valley by Jean Malcolm| |
- | 10 Ian's Red Hot New Year Walk in Koscuiszko National Park | + | |10 |Ian’s Red Hot New Year Walk in Koscuiszko National Park by Charles Montross| |
- | by Charles Montross | + | |12 |Footnotes by Patrick James| |
- | 12 Footnotes | + | |12 |Ground to Air Communication| |
- | by Patrick James | + | |
- | 12 Ground to Air Communication | + | |
- | ADVERTISERS | + | ADVERTISERS\\ |
- | 3 Eastwood Camping Centre 9 Alpsport | + | 3 Eastwood Camping Centre\\ |
- | 11 Willis' | + | 9 Alpsport\\ |
- | 12 Outland | + | 11 Willis' |
- | back cover Paddy Pallin | + | 12 Outland\\ |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, January 1999 Page 2 | + | back cover Paddy Pallin\\ |
- | WE'R OUt TOR -1.-AT WALK | + | |
- | by Pauline Watson,..fi | + | |
- | I was six or seven when I had my first ' | + | ====== We're Out For a Walk ====== |
- | It Was mid-summer and already. hot- when we started,' | + | by Pauline Watson |
- | Every so often, my father would stop and call out to the troop trailing behind him: 'Time for a break' | + | |
- | Then: 'Packs up' and We would all be off again. We were the only people climbing the mountain on that hot mid-summer day. I should add that all this was happening in the late 1920s when there were very few cars around, especially' iliOse | + | I was six or seven when I had my first ' |
- | Instead, like the rest of us, he travelled on public transport or walked. | + | |
- | So, off we set again. Suddenly we heard the 'chug, chug,' of a, car ,coming up behind us. As soon as it readied | + | It was mid summer and already hot when we started, each of us carrying |
- | 'No, thanks all the same,' was the friendly reply. ' | + | |
- | Well, I made it to the top and we ate sandwiches and boiled the billy for tea and admired the wonderful views. The car was nowhere to be , seen. My father never mentioned that incident again. The particular quality of his voice; -however, when he spoke to the driver, | + | Every so often, my father would stop and call out to the troop trailing behind him: 'Time for a break' |
- | And in all the day walks we did during the time I lived at home- plus,: at least twice a year, in those for over one or two weeks camping out on the way; then for many years of walking with Ken when 1, was married and even now, seventy,,years, latei, when I stroll along the beach, or through the. National Parks on this beautiful | + | |
- | Happy New Year. | + | Then: 'Packs up' and we would all be off again. We were the only people climbing the mountain on that hot mid summer day. I should add that all this was happening in the late 1920s when there were very few cars around, especially |
- | Eastwood Camping Centre is a | + | |
- | privately owned business, estabished in 1970 | + | So, off we set again. Suddenly we heard the 'chug, chug,' of a car coming up behind us. As soon as it reached |
- | by Nancy. and Jack Fox. | + | |
- | After 28 years experience we can confidently offer the best | + | 'No, thanks all the same,' was the friendly reply. ' |
- | service in Sydney at the lowest prices. | + | |
- | We carry the most extensive of camping gear & accessories in Sydney, specialising in: tents | + | Well, I made it to the top and we ate sandwiches and boiled the billy for tea and admired the wonderful views. The car was nowhere to be seen. My father never mentioned that incident again. The particular quality of his voice, however, when he spoke to the driver, |
- | backpacks | + | |
- | = sleeping bags | + | And in all the day walks we did during the time I lived at home plus, at least twice a year, in those for over one or two weeks camping out on the way; then for many years of walking with Ken when I was married and even now, seventy years later, when I stroll along the beach or through the National Parks on this beautiful North Coast, I sometimes think of those simple words and the wealth of meaning behind them: ' |
- | = rock climbing & abseiling gear | + | |
- | = walking boots | + | |
- | gas equipment (lights, stoves, spares) | + | ====== Blackheath to Richmond via the Grose Valley ====== |
- | For further enquiries and expert advice | + | by Jean Malcolm. |
- | give us a call and talk to our fulitime staff: | + | |
- | Paul Lidgard Toby Watson Margaret Fox | + | We had a grand send off at Central Station, Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl, mother and one or two others being at the train to see us off. Knowing we were doing rather a gallop trip and all feeling in a frivolous mood we told the parents not to worry if we didn't turn up till Thursday. The carriage was packed with another Party of SBW's so we had a jolly singsong all the way up to Katoomba. Boarding the train at Strathfield, |
- | eastwood | + | |
- | camping | + | It was a freezing June night, so we rather |
- | centre Phone: 02 9858 3833 | + | |
- | 3 Trelawney Street Eastwood | + | About 9 o' |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, Jainiary 1999 -Page 4 | + | |
- | EFF-. | + | At 4.45 we decided to stop in a green glade, which seemed a suitable camp spot, and all set out to get everything done before darkness came down. We had a very sumptuous |
- | Blackheath- to Richmond via the Grose valley. | + | |
- | We had If grand send off at Central Station,. Mr. and Mrs. Kuhl, mother and one or two others being at the train to see us off. Knowing we were doing rather a gallop trip and all feeling in a frivolous mood we told the parents not to worry if we didn't turn Lip till Thursday. The carriage was packed with another Party of SBW's so we had a jolly singsong all the way up to Katoornba. Boarding the train at Strathfield, | + | The rain wasn't heavy but lasted off and on all night and cleared about 8.30 Sunday morning. On starting off, we found the country very, rough and got soaked with the wet undergrowth. |
- | The peculiar thing' | + | |
- | other " | + | However, we decided we must be almost there, and camped at the first available flat. This was a very pretty spot with a creek flowing just handy. |
- | strangers. | + | |
- | it was a freezing June' | + | Next morning Linda and I arose early and she confided to me her fears that we hadn' |
- | 1 3Opm. Saturday morning, Linda, Corkie and I were all glad to rise as our shed had an air-gap about :One inch all round which made it chilly. I for one felt the wind whistling under me and was cold several times during the night. Of course it was a very exposed spot, as we realised when we viewed the valley below us in thp morning sunshine | + | |
- | About 9 o' | + | The going was pretty rough and 11AM. came without any sign of Wentworth Creek. We were on the right hand bank all the way and there were dozens of little creeks, which we started numbering "No. 1 Wentworth Creek", |
- | Gum Forest, where we had a light lunch of Johnnie Cakes etc. The Weather | + | |
- | . country all afternoon: very pretty and green. | + | 5.15 saw us still walking and no sign of getting out of the valley with the track no better, so we held a council. Bob was for camping the night, Linda was prepared to fall in with anything, and I was for keeping going and trying to make Richmond for the early train. Ian and I were the only ones who had to be back at work the next day, and I felt I couldn' |
- | - | + | |
- | At 4.45 we decided to stop in a green glade, which seemed a suitable camp spot, and all ;set out to 'get everything. done before darkness came down. We had a very sumptuciuS | + | Very reluctantly Ian and I left the others to go ahead on our own. There was no time to fix details |
- | The rain wasn't heavy but lasted off and on all night and cleared about 8.30 Sunday morning. | + | |
- | However, we decided we must be almost there, and camped at the first available flat. This was a very pretty spot with a creek flowing just handy., The tents went up and a good stack of wood piled near .SO we settled down to tea. There were several courses and every one did justice to them in front of the blazing fire. We had a bit of a sing song, and I decided to retire early, rather to.. the | + | We decided about 9 o' |
- | Happy New Year. | + | |
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, January 1999 Page 5 I | + | Twice, that fire went black out, but eventually we got it going nicely. |
- | ati-IU: | + | |
- | spoken of walking all night, Monday, if necessary, should we be running late and it had become the joke of the camp. Linda had said she would walk with me. So, of course, it was quite in order that I should have some extra sleep that night. We had a jolly time that night, as I only, dozed, I could hear all the fun from my tent. | + | We were by no means burdened with food having only half a loaf of bread, a jar of jam, (over which Ian danced) and some figs. Unfortunately we had no tea and a cake of chocolate was lost with my things, so we had to make do with Ian's one bar of chocolate between us. The hot chocolate, bread and jam was very welcome, as it warmed us up and revived us. Ian then took the torch and tried to trace our track from the water' |
- | Next morning Linda and I arose early and she confided to :me her fears that we hadn' | + | |
- | The going was pretty rough and I IAM. came. without any sign of Wentworth | + | He returned |
- | altho' I felt 1 could have gone much quicker; just nervous. energy. About 4 PM we came to a large creek- and we _knew we had reached Wentworth Creek at last; no doubt this time The creek was in flood and, as we had to go up stream a bit, it took us the best part of an hour getting across and the precious daylight speeding on. According to what we had been told after Wentworth Creek the track was easy, but we hardly found it better than before. I took the lead from Ian as I seemed to be able to keep the track better, altho' at times it was very elusive. We came to Linden creek after some time. | + | |
- | 5.15 saw us still walking and no sign of getting out of the valley with the track no better, so we held a council. Bob was for camping the night, Linda was -prepared to fall in with anything, and I was for keeping going and trying to make .Richmond for the early train. Ian and I were the only ones who had to be back at work the next day, and I felt I couldn' | + | The next thing I remembered I awoke with a start to discover that I had fallen asleep sitting at the fire, and Ian awoke simultaneously, |
- | Very reluctantly Ian and I left the others to go ahead on our own. There was no time to fik' | + | |
- | We decided about 9 o' | + | After a while we had a friend in the moon, which shone out gloriously |
- | Happy New Year. | + | |
- | -The-Sydnek: | + | About 5 AM Ian went down to test the water and, as I thought he was rather quiet, I called out "Is it going the right way?" Imagine my dismay when he called back quietly |
- | aftervvards: | + | |
- | Twice, that fire went black out, but eventually we got it going nicely. Ian accidentally put his snakebite outfit on the fire,' | + | We lay down to have a much needed rest and talk the matter over. The only thing to do was to face our position. We had no map, as Bob carried that, all we had was an end of loaf and jam (which wouldn' |
- | We were by n' | + | |
- | tried to trace our track from' | + | About 6 o' |
- | He returned | + | |
- | thisSing | + | Both of us felt revived in body and spirit and kept on thinking we might still manage to get into town in time for work. Once, looking back, we imagined |
- | The next thing I remembered I awoke with a start to discover that I' | + | |
- | Happy New Year:. | + | At last, about 10 o' |
- | The Sydney Businv-alker, | + | |
- | shoulelhave | + | It was now 2 PM and, on enquiry, we discovered a train did not run till 4 PM and no other conveyance was available. Feeling rather stranded, we adjourned to the public oval, where we regaled ourselves with fruit galore, until we felt satisfied. Later we boarded the train, where I gave Ian forty minutes |
- | After. a while we had a friend in the moon, which shone out gloridusly | + | |
- | then to test the. flow 'of the. river and see that we were really travelling down stream, | + | The party: Jean Ashdown (nee Malcolm), Bob, Beno, Corkie, Linda, Ian (Scottie) Malcolm, Jean. |
- | About 5 AM Ian went down to test the water and, as I thought he was rather quiet, I called out "Is it going the right way?" Imagine, ,my :.,dismay when he called back quietly, 124t,.ominously " | + | |
- | We lay down to have a much needed rest and talk the matter over. The only thing to do was to face our position. We had no:map, as Bob carried that, all we had was an end of loaf and jam (which wouldn' | + | When: King's Birthday, June 1931 |
- | About 6 o' | + | Distance: About 90 km (56 miles). |
- | Happy New Year, | + | |
- | The s; | + | |
- | our delight that we On/y mile' | + | |
- | Both of us felt revived in body and spirit and kept on thinking we might still manage to get into 'town in time for work. Once, looking back, We...iinagined | + | |
- | At last, 'about '10' | + | |
- | to' | + | |
- | It was now 2 PM arid, on. enquiry, we discovered a train did not run till 4 PM and no other conveyance was available. | + | |
- | The party:, Jean Ashdown (nee Malcolm), Bob, Beno, Corkie, Linda, Ian (Scottie) Malcolm, Jean. | + | |
- | When: King's Birthday, June,1931 Distance: About 90.km (56 miles). | + | |
The popular song. | The popular song. | ||
- | Another fittle job for the undertaker, | ||
- | Another little job for the tombstone maker,. In the village cemetery they' | ||
- | The 72w' Reunion will be held at Coolana on the weekend after the Annual General, Meeting in March. See. the autumn walks progtarn_for details. | ||
- | Happy 'tar. | ||
- | A Australian 12oz canvas | ||
- | A Made in Katoomba the old traditional way A 40 litre capacity | ||
- | A Proper hip loading with 2 shoulder strap sizes for walking comfOrt" | ||
- | A Wide throat for easjilogding and unloading A Buckle up front pocket ivith internal divider A Top lid pocket . | ||
- | A Extendable lid for overloading | ||
- | A Padded hip belt with 38nrim buckle | ||
- | A Hip belt retainer for city use (conveniently holds the hip belt back and out of the way A Padded back (removable) | ||
- | A Thumb loops on shoulder straps for more comfortable walking | ||
- | At Internal compression strap for holding down your canyon rope | ||
- | A Side compression straps for minimising volume A Storm throat to keep out the rain | ||
- | A Hard wearing Cordura base | ||
- | A Price $159.00 | ||
- | ONLY AVAILABLE AT | ||
- | IIIMMINAMENNIMMENEV | ||
- | 111911111111F MOINIMMINIMINIV miEsimememour reimmisommir | ||
- | 1045 VICTORIA RD, WEST RYDE Ph 9858 5844 | ||
- | pick s'ome with 101 d of different c expanding poe So Ws nice to | ||
- | Amongst the vast array of day packs that decorate the' | ||
- | "th the right features, what es of nylon, allsorts , airflow systems, 4 neon colours, at if your the type of | ||
- | person that wants pOple robust functionality that reflects years of local bushwalking experience with solist locally made material, | ||
- | then the BLUE 3106TAINS TRIASSIC could | ||
- | be your best companion for many years to come. | ||
- | by David Noble | ||
- | It's good to see a pack Made in the Blue Mountains for use in the Blue Mountains. The " | ||
- | waist belt and chest strap enabling a tight fit which is great when climbing over rocks. | ||
- | The volume is large enough to allow a 50rn rope and wetsuit to easily fit in and the top is made larger so that | ||
- | | ||
- | large front pocket for those essential items such as a torch, and a top pocket for the map and camera. The pack is large enough to be used as a weekend pack when no ropes etc. are needed. This can keep the bulk down and stop you from packing too much on those weekend bushwalks. | ||
- | ' The " | ||
- | . can withstand the abuse given to Lt in canyons and when walking through scrub. All the seams are double stitched and sealed to prevent failure. It is also very water proof, on a recent trip down Hole In The Wall" canyon, no water entered the Main compartment despite a number of lengthy swims. | ||
- | The pack is bush green in colour making the walker almost invisible in the bush, This is handy for sneaking up on wildlife with a camera or just blending in to the wilderness as you walk along. Good for those who like to keep the visual impact minimal too. A quality Blue Mountains pack for our tough conditions, the " | ||
- | Overall an excellent pack for either short or tall with the 2 shoulder strap options. And great for canyons or short weekend trips. | ||
- | NB: David Noble is a keen canyoner and bushwaiker. He is also the discoverer of the rare Wollemi Pine (WOLLEMIA WOWS) found in 1994. | ||
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, January 1999.. | ||
- | the..river. Everyone was able to enjoy a good Cooling splash in the river. It was rumored that one of the hikers sighted Elvis Singing Blue ;Pacific along the hike out of Pretty | ||
- | On Wednesday, January 6', the group hiked to Valentine' | ||
- | Page 10 | ||
- | Ian's Red Hot New Year Walk in Koviuszko, | ||
- | By Charles Montross' | ||
- | The trip through. :Kosciusko National Park started on January 3' in Thredbo Village where we met Gordon,. the bus driver frOrn Adaminaby. Gordon drove us up through Kiandra to our start off point on Tooma Road, where we hiked 5km. to Sna key Plain. We started off at 6prn and arrived. at Snakey Plain at approximately 8pm. Along the way, we found out that the map didn't match reality with the trail on the ground not matching the rnal.)..Snakey Plain was a smallish, rolling plain that was marshy with some mosquitos. | ||
- | We then moved out on Monday, January 4th towards Pretty Plain with a stop at Wheeler' | ||
- | Along 'the way to Pretty Plain Hut, the group stopped to have lunch. Unfortunately the plain was virtually empty of trees and the group wound up having lunch under a tree with few leaves. Because of the difficulties experienced by the hikers, the group stayed at Pretty Plain Hut. There was not much of a problem with marsh flies, but the blowflies were plentiful, and ants made camping difficult.. The group had to move around to find a spot without ants after the initial selection of a camp down the trail from the hut was found to be too dangerous. | ||
- | On Tuesday, January 5th, the group hiked past Grey Mare Hut and while having lunch, looked at the abandoned mining equipment. The dunny appeared to have been constructed over a deep pit, with poor construction. One of thelasses.: | ||
- | On Thursday, January 7th, the group hiked passed Mt. Tate, Mts Anderson, Anton, Twynam and on to Muellers Pass. With the weather changing, the breezes cooled everyone and kept the blowies at bay:The group stopped to admire the view from Mt. Twynam and the idiot tourists who were unprepared for the weather. One of the group noted that there were dark clouds coming towards the group but someone said not to Worry. Unfortunately, | ||
- | Happy New Year. | ||
- | The Sydney Bushwalker, January 1999 Page 11 | ||
- | By Friday morning, January 8th, the rain had continued since it started the night before. The group had to break camp in the rain and hike up and over Mt. Kosciuszko, then down to Thredbo. Ray did an imitation of "the Blob" while breaking camp. 1-Ie had packed everything into his backpack leaving only the we tent. At the last moment, he pulled the tent poles down leaving only the tent on top of Ray. After a bit of movement by the " | ||
- | The group successfully hiked up Mt. Kosciuszko and down to the pass between the Rains Heads and Mt. Kosciuszko where the took advantage of the freshly emptied PortaI, | ||
- | At the top of the ski runs, a quick break was had in the building before the group broke up and either headed down the trail or took the ski lift to Thredbo. 'A number of the hikers thought that the price of $14 for the ski lift was a bit too much: However, the steepness of the trail down to Thredbo caused a bit of irritation to a couple of people' | ||
- | The Who: Will Hilder, Bill Holland, Fran Holland; Greta' James,, Patrick James, Geoff. McIntosh, Charles Montross, Robyn O' | ||
- | The When: JallUaTy 3rd to 8th, 1999 | ||
- | The Where: Wolseleys Gap to Threadbo. | ||
- | Thanks to the pressure from many concerned individuals and organisations like the Australian Conservation Foundation, the Wilderness Society and Environs Kimberley, the WA government has agreed not to permit a ,darn on the Fitzroy River at.Dimon cl gorge. At least for now, this region has been saved. | ||
- | Why not see this wild and spectacular country for you Cark carry a pock, we can take you beyond the 4WD tracks and show you some of..thelncredible places that | ||
- | hove been lost.' | ||
- | We offerthree departures for 1999: 25 April 9 May, 97.3b May and 8-22 August. On the May trip, you need not carry any more than eight kg. On the others you carry a full pack, however, it wilkbe quite light as you camp away ,from l the vehicle for no more than 'two nights at a tiMe and perfect weather means you can do without many things you would need in other climates. | ||
- | Walkcilb*uts | ||
- | 2 Carrington St Milliner 'NT 0810 | ||
- | walkaliou ais net,au | ||
- | Happy New Year. | ||
- | one:, | ||
- | 1 . The Sydney Bushwalker, January 1999 | ||
- | Page 12 | ||
- | FOOTNOTES by Patrick Ja mes. Arid a happy New Year to you all. | ||
- | Pauline Watson, the author of our first article, although not a member of SBW, has had a long association with bushwalking. It was her father, W. J. Cleary, who lent SBW 80 in 1932 to help acquire the forestry rights to Blue Gum FOrest, and so save the forest from the woodsman' | ||
- | Jean Ashdown (nee Malcolm), the author of Blackheath to Richmond,' | ||
- | symbols large enough to be seen from a distance, make the symbols with what ever is available, such as packs, people, towels, clothing, stones, etc. Smoke will help locate the party and also indicate wind direction and wind speed; parameters which helicopter pilots like to know. If a helicopter is to land: make sure the landing zone is big enough (about 40 x 40 metres or twice the overall length of the aircraft), have all the party assemble in one stationary group (so that the pilot is not distracted by different groups moving in different directions), | ||
- | Message symbol | ||
- | Require assistance' | ||
- | require medical assistance X no or negative | ||
- | yes or affirmative | ||
- | proceeding in this direction | ||
- | in doubt use international symbol SOS | ||
- | Something new at the top | ||
- | of the Blue Mountains ... | ||
- | Courses | ||
- | intro to climbing | ||
- | .,intro to abseiling | ||
- | remote area first responder | ||
- | vertical rescue | ||
- | roping & rescue | ||
- | carryon leader | ||
- | navigation & | ||
- | Expeditions | ||
- | trekking, Kokoda Trail | ||
- | trekking, Mont Blanc | ||
- | trekking, Nepal | ||
- | plus | ||
- | cheap flights, permits, | ||
- | visas 7 complete expedition | ||
- | management service | ||
- | us on the verandah | ||
- | Relax with a free coffee | ||
- | while you wait for your | ||
- | buskwalking mates | ||
- | Sell some old gear on the noticeboard. | ||
- | I | ||
- | Gear Join | ||
- | clothing | ||
- | rainwear | ||
- | hardware - rope | ||
- | wetsuits sale/hire | ||
- | thermals - hats | ||
- | maps - compasses | ||
- | books - guides | ||
- | chalk - tape | ||
- | packs | ||
- | Wait out a rain storm With old copies of Wild, Geo, Rock and Outdoor. | ||
- | We're open 7 days | ||
- | 22 Station St Mt Victoria (opp. the Pub) | ||
- | All the extended walkers are back from being away, all safe and sound. Some of the walkers perhaps might be thinking of New Year resolutions and the need to get into condition. There was one health-related incident where a helicopter was required. details of this next month. | ||
- | Club Coolana: Volunteers are needed to go down there to continue the maintenance pfogram. You can go at weekends or during the week. You can go, alone or in a group. You can take your spouse, partner, children a dn /or parents. | ||
- | This is the last year of the decade of theiiineties. This gives us 12 months, time enough I hope, to prepare for the first year of the decade of the naughties. | ||
- | Ground to Air Communication | ||
- | Sometimes bushwalking groups need to communicate with planps or helicopters as in Picking-up an injured walker. The letterS (symbols) below have specific meanings in | ||
- | the 'uhd to Air Visual Code: Make the | ||
- | - | ||
- | Happy New Year. | ||
+ | Another little job for the undertaker, | ||
+ | Another little job for the tombstone maker,\\\\ | ||
+ | In the village cemetery they’ve been digging a nice new grave for … | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | The 72nd Annual Reunion will be held at Coolana on the weekend after the Annual General Meeting in March. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Ian’s Red Hot New Year Walk in Kosciuszko National Park ====== | ||
+ | | ||
+ | |||
+ | By Charles Montross | ||
+ | |||
+ | The trip through Kosciusko National Park started on January 3rd in Thredbo Village where we met Gordon, the bus driver from Adaminaby. Gordon drove us up through Kiandra to our start off point on Cooma Road, where we hiked 5km to Snakey Plain. We started off at 6pm and arrived at Snakey Plain at approximately 8pm. Along the way, we found out that the map didn’t match reality with the trail on the ground not matching the map. Snakey Plain was a smallish, rolling plain that was marshy with some mosquitos. | ||
+ | |||
+ | We then moved out on Monday, January 4th towards Pretty Plain with a stop at Wheeler’s Hut. The warmth noticed on the hike to Snakey Plain became very evident on the hike to Pretty Plain. Temperatures of 30+C were measured on Bill’s backpack thermometer and everyone was having difficulties. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Along the way to Pretty Plain Hut, the group stopped to have lunch. Unfortunately the plain was virtually empty of trees and the group wound up having lunch under a tree with few leaves. Because of the difficulties experienced by the hikers, the group stayed at Pretty Plain Hut. There was not much of a problem with marsh flies, but the blowflies were plentiful, and ants made camping difficult. The group had to move around to find a spot without ants after the initial selection of a camp down the trail from the hut was found to be too dangerous. | ||
+ | |||
+ | On Tuesday, January 5th, the group hiked past Grey Mare Hut and while having lunch, looked at the abandoned mining equipment. The dunny appeared to have been constructed over a deep pit with poor construction. One of the lasses noted that every time you had a movement, the dunny moved too. Heat was still a problem and the trip was modified. It was decided to camp at the intersection of the fire trail with the Geehi River which had a nice view overlooking the river. Everyone was able to enjoy a good cooling splash in the river. It was rumoured that one of the hikers sighted Elvis singing Blue Pacific along the hike out of Pretty Plain. | ||
+ | |||
+ | On Wednesday, January 6th, the group hiked to Valentine’s Hut which was found to be very plush. The dunny had excellent ventilation and a panaromic view over the river. The originally planned stop at Mawson’s Hut and climb over the Kerries was not done and the trip focused on getting to Schlink Pass. From lunch at the Schlink Hilton, the group hiked up Schlink Pass up towards Dicky Cooper Bogong and onto the Rolling Ground. We passed a group of hikers by the Granite Peaks, resting because of the heat. Even in the Alpine region, it was unusually warm in the 30’s when normally it would be between 10 to 20C. There were not many marsh flies or mozzies about but the ants could be bothersome when you put your pack down. The Blowflies were in abundance and a real pain. One of the guys reported about the unusual sensation of blowies in the bum when he stood up fast from the toilet. The group made it to Concept Stephen Pass by 6 PM and made camp. The weather was starting to change with moderate breezes keeping the blowies down and some cloud cover keeping the blazing sun at bay. | ||
+ | |||
+ | On Thursday, January 7th, the group hiked passed Mt. Tate, Mts Anderson, Anton, Twynam and on to Muellers Pass. With the weather changing, the breezes cooled everyone and kept the blowies at bay. The group stopped to admire the view from Mt. Twynam and the idiot tourists who were unprepared for the weather. One of the group noted that there were dark clouds coming towards the group but someone said not to worry. Unfortunately, | ||
+ | |||
+ | By Friday morning, January 8th, the rain had continued since it started the night before. The group had to break camp in the rain and hike up and over Mt. Kosciuszko, then down to Thredbo. Ray did an imitation of “the Blob” while breaking camp. He had packed everything into his backpack leaving only the wet tent. At the last moment, he pulled the tent poles down leaving only the tent on top of Ray. After a bit of movement by the “Blob”, Ray appeared free from the “Blob” which was then stuffed away. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The group successfully hiked up Mt. Kosciuszko and down to the pass between the Rams Heads and Mt. Kosciuszko where the took advantage of the freshly emptied Porta-Loo’s set up for the tourists. From there the group had fun trying to walk the wet metal grid of the elevated track towards the top of the Thredbo ski runs. A number of people slipped and landed on their bums but there were no injuries noted. | ||
+ | |||
+ | At the top of the ski runs, a quick break was had in the building before the group broke up and either headed down the trail or took the ski lift to Thredbo. A number of the hikers thought that the price of $14 for the ski lift was a bit too much. However, the steepness of the trail down to Thredbo caused a bit of irritation to a couple of people’s knees. It was noted that Thredbo got you one way or another, by either a ticket for the ski lift or by consultation with an orthopedic surgeon about the sore knees. Everyone made it safely down to the Friday Flat car park and headed home. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The Who: Wilf Hilder, Bill Holland, Fran Holland, Greta James, Patrick James, Geoff McIntosh, Charles Montross, Robyn O’Bryan, Glan Rannard, Ian Rannard (leader), Frank Sander, Jenny Stillwell, Ray Turton, Andrew Vilder, Alan Wells and Gretel Woodward. | ||
+ | |||
+ | The When: January 3rd to 8th, 1999 | ||
+ | The Where: Wolseleys Gap to Threadbo. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Footnotes ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | by Patrick James. | ||
+ | |||
+ | And a happy New Year to you all. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Pauline Watson, the author of our first article, although not a member of SBW, has had a long association with bushwalking. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Jean Ashdown (née Malcolm), the author of Blackheath to Richmond, was an active member of the Club in the early days. This story of their walk is published for the first time. The people, the events and the walk that Jean describes are as vivid and as real as if it was last weekend and not some 68 years ago. I have a couple of other articles by Jean which will be published in due course. | ||
+ | |||
+ | All the extended walkers are back from being away, all safe and sound. | ||
+ | |||
+ | Club Coolana: | ||
+ | |||
+ | This is the last year of the decade of the nineties. | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | ====== Ground to Air Communication ====== | ||
+ | |||
+ | |||
+ | Sometimes bushwalking groups need to communicate with planes or helicopters as in picking-up an injured walker. The letters (symbols) below have specific meanings in the Ground to Air Visual Code. Make the symbols large enough to be seen from a distance, make the symbols with what ever is available, such as packs, people, towels, clothing, stones, etc. Smoke will help locate the party and also indicate wind direction and wind speed; parameters which helicopter pilots like to know. If a helicopter is to land: make sure the landing zone is big enough (about 40 x 40 metres or twice the overall length of the aircraft), have all the party assemble in one stationary group (so that the pilot is not distracted by different groups moving in different directions), | ||
+ | |||
+ | Message symbol | ||
+ | |||
+ | Require assistance V\\ | ||
+ | require medical assistance X\\ | ||
+ | no or negative N\\ | ||
+ | yes or affirmative Y\\ | ||
+ | proceeding in this direction \\ | ||
+ | in doubt use international symbol SOS\\ |
199901.txt · Last modified: 2016/01/22 21:29 by kennettj