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199911 [2015/12/04 17:53] – kennettj199911 [2015/12/04 18:07] – kennettj
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-The October General Meeting+**The October General Meeting**
 Reported by Barry Wallace Reported by Barry Wallace
  
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 The bridle track continued on down the river and saved us much time. The sandstone bluffs that hemmed in the valley presented a very striking appearance and in my opinion the gorge scenery puts the Nattai and Burragorang Valleys in the shade. A few wallabies were seen and Wonga pigeons and wild duck were in great numbers. About 3 miles before the Wolgan River Junction the track died out and we plunged into the roughest river walking that I had up to this time experienced. The steep sided banks were strewn with boulders and overgrown with blackberry, lawyer vines, lantana and nettles. It came so suddenly that it took the stomach out of me, and after doing 1 mile in 4 hours I suggested giving up. However, my more determined mate knew only one word : "forward". The bridle track continued on down the river and saved us much time. The sandstone bluffs that hemmed in the valley presented a very striking appearance and in my opinion the gorge scenery puts the Nattai and Burragorang Valleys in the shade. A few wallabies were seen and Wonga pigeons and wild duck were in great numbers. About 3 miles before the Wolgan River Junction the track died out and we plunged into the roughest river walking that I had up to this time experienced. The steep sided banks were strewn with boulders and overgrown with blackberry, lawyer vines, lantana and nettles. It came so suddenly that it took the stomach out of me, and after doing 1 mile in 4 hours I suggested giving up. However, my more determined mate knew only one word : "forward".
 +
  
 Next morning, after 11 miles of similar work, we reached the point where the inflow of the Wolgan joins the Capertee and so forms the Colo. We could look up the Wolgan a short way and it appeared hellish rough. Next morning, after 11 miles of similar work, we reached the point where the inflow of the Wolgan joins the Capertee and so forms the Colo. We could look up the Wolgan a short way and it appeared hellish rough.
- 
- 
-Would you like to feel this way? It's easy just join one of our tropical treks. 
-No phones, no cars, no hassle. Every day brings perfect weather. Every hour brings another beautiful pool. You relax because you are enjoying the moment too much to wont to move on. 
-Willis's Walkabouts 
-12 Carrington St Millner NT 0810 Email: walkabout@ais net au 
  
  
 From this point the Colo flowed between huge boulders for about a mile after which there was a long stretch of sandbank - a pleasant relief. Another mile, however, and rock-hopping was the order of things. Scrambling over boulders and bashing our way through lawyer vines and other creepers, alternated with short stretches of sandbank. Frequent waist-deep wadings were necessary, as was also the case down the whole length of the Colo, and treacherous quicksands had to be guarded against. The towering cliffs on each side of the valley presented a very broken appearance and occasionally we caught glimpses of gigantic sandstone caves at great heights above the river. Such was the order of things until the entrance of Wollemi Creek was reached. It had about as much water in it as Kanangra River. The Wollemi Gorge was hemmed in by towering precipices, and I doubt if its profound depths are ever disturbed by mankind. Three quarters of a mile beyond we chose a sandbank as our campsite for the night. Nearby was a seemingly bottomless pool and opposite a cliff face rose for about 1,500 feet sheer. From this point the Colo flowed between huge boulders for about a mile after which there was a long stretch of sandbank - a pleasant relief. Another mile, however, and rock-hopping was the order of things. Scrambling over boulders and bashing our way through lawyer vines and other creepers, alternated with short stretches of sandbank. Frequent waist-deep wadings were necessary, as was also the case down the whole length of the Colo, and treacherous quicksands had to be guarded against. The towering cliffs on each side of the valley presented a very broken appearance and occasionally we caught glimpses of gigantic sandstone caves at great heights above the river. Such was the order of things until the entrance of Wollemi Creek was reached. It had about as much water in it as Kanangra River. The Wollemi Gorge was hemmed in by towering precipices, and I doubt if its profound depths are ever disturbed by mankind. Three quarters of a mile beyond we chose a sandbank as our campsite for the night. Nearby was a seemingly bottomless pool and opposite a cliff face rose for about 1,500 feet sheer.
 +
  
 Next morning we pushed onward again and much to our dismay the sand-banks disappeared. We found that clambering over boulders was good for all- round muscular development. The rocks were purely of Next morning we pushed onward again and much to our dismay the sand-banks disappeared. We found that clambering over boulders was good for all- round muscular development. The rocks were purely of
-sandstone and in places had a topping of ironstone. The Colo River was in the form of long, smooth pools alternating with rapids,where the water flowed between barriers of boulders. As a rule these barriers were the only practicable crossing places. By this time our packs weighed only 30-pounds each, but with the hellish rough walking we found them quite heavy enough. The monotony of rock hopping was broken here and thereby a rough passage through lawyer vines. Occasionally blackberry and wild raspberry bushes barred the way, and these had to be gone around, either through the water, or around the hillsides above. We were very disappointed that the blackberry was not in on the other hand a shotgun was sadly +sandstone and in places had a topping of ironstone. The Colo River was in the form of long, smooth pools alternating with rapids,where the water flowed between barriers of boulders. As a rule these barriers were the only practicable crossing places. By this time our packs weighed only 30-pounds each, but with the hellish rough walking we found them quite heavy enough. The monotony of rock hopping was broken here and thereby a rough passage through lawyer vines. Occasionally blackberry and wild raspberry bushes barred the way, and these had to be gone around, either through the water, or around the hillsides above. We were very disappointed that the blackberry was not in on the other hand a shotgun was sadly missed on the trip. There were wild duck in droves, and never being disturbed they would provide excellent shooting at close range.  
-missed on the trip. There were wild duck in droves, and never being disturbed they would provide excellent shooting at close range. + 
 + 
 +Towards sundown our spirits were brightened by the reappearance of sandbars and that night we camped on a fine stretch of sand, beside a deep pool. We had covered 8 miles for the day.
  
-Towards sundown out spirits were brightened by the reappearance of sandbars and that night we camped on a fine stretch of sand, beside a deep pool. We had covered 8 miles for the day. 
  
 On the following day we found that 4 miles was our limit. The going was frightfully rough and consisted of hauling one another over boulders and through crevasses. In places a rocky buttress would rise, sheer out of the water, and sometimes the water was shallow enough to permit a passage around. In other cases it was doubtful if the depth could be measured in hundreds of feet. The Colo in this section is a magnificent canoeing stream and should satisfy the most exacting. Towering walls of sandstone rise almost from the water's edge, and here and there are narrow shelves at varying heights where turpentine and gum grow wild. At intervals is seen a cliff face of more moderate height and from its foot descends steeply a forest- clad slope to the waters of the Colo. On the following day we found that 4 miles was our limit. The going was frightfully rough and consisted of hauling one another over boulders and through crevasses. In places a rocky buttress would rise, sheer out of the water, and sometimes the water was shallow enough to permit a passage around. In other cases it was doubtful if the depth could be measured in hundreds of feet. The Colo in this section is a magnificent canoeing stream and should satisfy the most exacting. Towering walls of sandstone rise almost from the water's edge, and here and there are narrow shelves at varying heights where turpentine and gum grow wild. At intervals is seen a cliff face of more moderate height and from its foot descends steeply a forest- clad slope to the waters of the Colo.
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 (The Smith-Gentle Colo River venture holds the distinction of being the fastest known traverse of the Colo, notwithstanding the fact that 2 days were occupied on the Gospers Mountain (Uraterer) side trip. Their's also is the smallest party. Two previous successful attempts are known and one, at least, partly so. Apparently the going is so discouragingly difficult that only the able-bodied and most sanguine could ever hope to win through, and the penalty for failure in this aloof canyon could well be the most extreme. - M.J.Dunphy) (The Smith-Gentle Colo River venture holds the distinction of being the fastest known traverse of the Colo, notwithstanding the fact that 2 days were occupied on the Gospers Mountain (Uraterer) side trip. Their's also is the smallest party. Two previous successful attempts are known and one, at least, partly so. Apparently the going is so discouragingly difficult that only the able-bodied and most sanguine could ever hope to win through, and the penalty for failure in this aloof canyon could well be the most extreme. - M.J.Dunphy)
  
-Walk through Connemara, The Burren, Dingle Peninsula,Ring of Kerry & The Aran-Islands. 
-Walking tours in the French Alps, Loire Valley, Dordogne & The Pyrenees. 
-ECOTREK: BOGONG JACK ADVENTURES 
-PO BOX 4 KANGARILLA SA 5157 
-Phone 08/8383 7198 Fax 08/8383 7377 
-Email ecotrek@ozemail com au 
  
- +**Social Notes**
- +
- +
-SOCIAL NOTES+
  
 News of Frank Rigby's illness. News of Frank Rigby's illness.
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-MUSIC FESTIVAL AT COOLANA+**Music Festival at Coolana**
 Reported by Bill Holland Reported by Bill Holland
  
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-"U RELAX 4 WE'LL DRIVE" 
-John Hogan advises that he will be in Sydney for the northern wet season and his tour business will be closed until next year. 
-Suncrest 5112 Girralong St Woree Qld 4868 Phone 07 4054 2111 Fax 07 4054 1166 Email jhogan@ozemail.com.au 
- 
- 
- 
-Eastwood Camping Centre is a privately owned business, established in 1970 by Nancy and Jack Fox. 
-After 20 years experience we can confidently offer the best service in Sydney at the lowest prices. 
-We carry the most extensive of camping gear and accessories in Sydney, specialising in 
-tents, backpacks,sleeping bags,rock climbing & abseiling gear,walking boots,gas equipment (lights, stoves, spares.For further enquiries and expert advice give us a call and talk to our full time staff:Paul Lidgard, Brett Murphy,Toby Watson, Matt de Belin,Margaret Fox, Nancy Fox 
  
 +**Bushwalkers Locked out Too** by Garth Coulter and Peter Stitt
  
-Bushwalkers Locked out Too by Garth Coulter and Peter Stitt 
  
 We are replying to Henry Gold's article in the September 1999 Sydney Bushwalker.  We are replying to Henry Gold's article in the September 1999 Sydney Bushwalker. 
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-CHANGE TO SBW WEBSITE.+**Change to SBW Website**
 by Eddy Giacomel by Eddy Giacomel
 www sbw.org.au www sbw.org.au
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-FOR SALE +**SBW Younger Members Group**
-NEW OC VOLLEY INTERNATIONAL SANDSHOES. +
-WOMEN'S SIZES +
-2 PAIR +
-Phone 9411 187 +
- +
-SBW YOUNGER MEMBERS GROUP+
 by Eddy Giacomel by Eddy Giacomel
  
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 The committee has resolved to form a younger members group with the aim of encouraging younger people to join and to continue in the club. It will be an informal association of the young and those that want to be young. While there is no strict cut off age limit, this group is aimed at those in their 30s and younger. It is not intended to be an exclusive group, merely a method of enabling younger members to meet other younger members. The initial response has been encouraging. However, for this group to succeed it will require younger members to make an effort to participate and the "not younger members" (such as me) to provide encouragement. The committee has resolved to form a younger members group with the aim of encouraging younger people to join and to continue in the club. It will be an informal association of the young and those that want to be young. While there is no strict cut off age limit, this group is aimed at those in their 30s and younger. It is not intended to be an exclusive group, merely a method of enabling younger members to meet other younger members. The initial response has been encouraging. However, for this group to succeed it will require younger members to make an effort to participate and the "not younger members" (such as me) to provide encouragement.
  
-This group is not the only special interest group in the club. We also have the "Mid Week Walkers" and there is no reason why other special interest groups should not be formed. +This group is not the only special interest group in the club. We also have the "Mid Week Walkers" and there is no reason why other special interest groups should not be formed. Further details about the Younger Members Group can be found on 'The Back Page' of the Summer Walks Program.
-Further details about the Younger Members Group can be found on 'The Back Page' of the Summer Walks Program.+
  
-THE MID-WEEK WALKING GROUP+**The Mid-Week Walking Group**
 by Bill Holland by Bill Holland
 +
 This group is mainly retired, semi-retired, non-working people or those personally organised to take time off work when more attractive ways of spending the mid-week days emerge. Some our past trips have included Wombeyan Caves, Lord Howe Island and Currawong Cottages. Our next activities are shown in the Summer Walks Program where there are Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday walks for each week. However, we also offer extended mid week activities such as: This group is mainly retired, semi-retired, non-working people or those personally organised to take time off work when more attractive ways of spending the mid-week days emerge. Some our past trips have included Wombeyan Caves, Lord Howe Island and Currawong Cottages. Our next activities are shown in the Summer Walks Program where there are Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday walks for each week. However, we also offer extended mid week activities such as:
  
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-ILLEGAL PIG SHOOTERS IN THE ICNP +**Illegal Pig Shooters in the KNP** 
  
 A request for information of any sightings. Illegal pig shooters have been observed in the KNP. As well as presenting a hazard to walkers and campers, some shooters are reported to be using dogs obtained from animal pounds, which sometimes take up residence in the, park and create problems for Park wildlife and to the stock on adjacent grazing properties. A request for information of any sightings. Illegal pig shooters have been observed in the KNP. As well as presenting a hazard to walkers and campers, some shooters are reported to be using dogs obtained from animal pounds, which sometimes take up residence in the, park and create problems for Park wildlife and to the stock on adjacent grazing properties.
  
-The NP&WLS have a program of pig trapping and also spotlighting pigs from helicopters, and they have even used radio tracking of released pigs fitted with miniature transmitters. +The NP&WLS have a program of pig trapping and also spotlighting pigs from helicopters, and they have even used radio tracking of released pigs fitted with miniature transmitters. They do not license private pig shooters. Please report any sightings of shooters, including their vehicle registration numbers, to the NP&WLS at Jindabyne on: (02) 6450 5500
-They do not license private pig shooters. Please report any sightings of shooters, including their vehicle registration numbers, to the NP&WLS at Jindabyne on: (02) 6450 5500+
  
-COOLANA NEWS+**Coolana News**
  
-COOLANA -PLANT SURVEY RECE WED+**Coolana -Plant Survey Rece Wed**
  
 A copy of a report entitled "Survey And Description of Vascular Plant Species and Assemblages Brush Rock-Wallaby Sites, Kangaroo Valley West of Hampden Bridge", has been received. This report prepared for the NPWS byGary Leonard is as suggested by its title, specific to the Kangaroo Valley area. Appendix F covers "Crown Land and Sydney Bush Walkers Land" (Coolana). It lists over three hundred plants located on our property by their botanic and common names. These details may be of interest to those of botanical bent in the Club and a copy of the report will be kept in the Club Archives. Appendix F will be displayed in the shelter shed at Coolana and will form an attachment to the Coolana Management Plan. A copy of a report entitled "Survey And Description of Vascular Plant Species and Assemblages Brush Rock-Wallaby Sites, Kangaroo Valley West of Hampden Bridge", has been received. This report prepared for the NPWS byGary Leonard is as suggested by its title, specific to the Kangaroo Valley area. Appendix F covers "Crown Land and Sydney Bush Walkers Land" (Coolana). It lists over three hundred plants located on our property by their botanic and common names. These details may be of interest to those of botanical bent in the Club and a copy of the report will be kept in the Club Archives. Appendix F will be displayed in the shelter shed at Coolana and will form an attachment to the Coolana Management Plan.
  
  
-DONATIONS TO THE COOLANA FUND+**Donations to the Coolana Fund**
  
 The response to the recent published report of the special Coolana committee has been most favorable and it is obvious that the majority of club members wish to retain Coolana. The Coolana maintenance group would like to point out that the maintenance fund is still open and any member can contribute money to that fund in any amount at any time. Donations can be sent to the club secretary. The response to the recent published report of the special Coolana committee has been most favorable and it is obvious that the majority of club members wish to retain Coolana. The Coolana maintenance group would like to point out that the maintenance fund is still open and any member can contribute money to that fund in any amount at any time. Donations can be sent to the club secretary.
  
-PERSONAL ADVERTISEMENTS WELCOME+**Personal Advertisements Welcome**
  
 Personal Advertisements from members for the sale or donation of items of gear associated with bushwalking activities will be published free of charge if possible. Personal Advertisements from members for the sale or donation of items of gear associated with bushwalking activities will be published free of charge if possible.
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-THE GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) INFORMATION Compiled by Ray Hookway+**The Global Positioning System (GPS) Information** Compiled by Ray Hookway
  
 Several club members have acquired GPS receivers to assist in navigation in remote areas and others are wondering whether they should do so also. Several club members have acquired GPS receivers to assist in navigation in remote areas and others are wondering whether they should do so also.
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 With experience and if used correctly with intelligence and common sense, a GPS receiver could be most useful particularly in featureless country and in conditions of poor visibility, but it does not remove the requirement for the user to be able to read a map and to use a magnetic compass. With experience and if used correctly with intelligence and common sense, a GPS receiver could be most useful particularly in featureless country and in conditions of poor visibility, but it does not remove the requirement for the user to be able to read a map and to use a magnetic compass.
  
- 
-Something new at the top of the Blue Mountains. 
  
 Notes. CD The Soviets have a similar GPS system called GLONASS giving similar accuracy. Notes. CD The Soviets have a similar GPS system called GLONASS giving similar accuracy.
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 Articles or letters for the magazine from club members outlining their experiences using GPS receivers in actual walking or skiing situations would be welcome. Ed Articles or letters for the magazine from club members outlining their experiences using GPS receivers in actual walking or skiing situations would be welcome. Ed
- 
- 
- 
-Expeditions, trekking, Kokoda Trail, trekking Mont Blanc 
-trekking Nepal. Plus cheap flights, permits,visas - complete expedition management service. 
-Join us on the verandah.Relax with a free coffee while you wait for your bushwalking mates. 
-Sell some old gear on the noticeboard. 
-Wait out a rain storm with old copies of YAW Geo, Rock and Outdoor. 
-Were open 7 days, 22 Station St Mt Victoria (opp the Pub)(02 4787 /777) 
-Courses : intro to climbing,intro to abseiling,remote area first responder,vertical rescue 
-roping,canyon leader,navigation & survival,clothing,rainwear,hardware, rope,wetsuits - sale/hire, maps, compasses,books, guides,chalk, tape,packs 
  
  
 *** FINAL NOTICE *** *** FINAL NOTICE ***
  
-SBW PHOTOGRAPH AND SLIDE COMPETITION+**SBW Photograph and Slide Competition**
  
 Wednesday 24th November 1999. $300 total prize value. Wednesday 24th November 1999. $300 total prize value.
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 PADDY PALLIN 507 KENT STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000 PADDY PALLIN 507 KENT STREET SYDNEY NSW 2000
  
- +** Wet In Wollangambe**
-WET IN WOLLANGAMBE+
 by Frank Davis by Frank Davis
 +
 'Easy-Medium Canyon' read the Walks Schedule. The Rambler's programme said `Introduction to Canyoning'. 'Easy-Medium Canyon' read the Walks Schedule. The Rambler's programme said `Introduction to Canyoning'.
  
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 My first experience of canyoning, and I had learned at least two things. Wear a real wetsuit and take flotation that floats. On the way back up the ridge the rain became a torrent and the track became a wild cascade. Lightning and thunderclaps 'came simultaneously. The rain turned to hail. We left the track and sought the shelter of a large rockface. The soaking rain had caught up with the walking party as well and they had become as wet as we canyoners. Fine weather returned in time to give us perfect conditions at Wynnes Rock for the ritual of afternoon tea. My first experience of canyoning, and I had learned at least two things. Wear a real wetsuit and take flotation that floats. On the way back up the ridge the rain became a torrent and the track became a wild cascade. Lightning and thunderclaps 'came simultaneously. The rain turned to hail. We left the track and sought the shelter of a large rockface. The soaking rain had caught up with the walking party as well and they had become as wet as we canyoners. Fine weather returned in time to give us perfect conditions at Wynnes Rock for the ritual of afternoon tea.
  
-Next Month+**Next Month**
  
 Myalls and Miles Myalls and Miles
199911.txt · Last modified: 2016/01/20 20:11 by kennettj
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