DECEMBER 2001 Amongst the vast array of day packs that decorate the shelves of outdoor shops, it's difficult to pick something with the right features, what
with 101 different types of nylon, all sorts of different canvases, airflow systems, expanding pockets and neon colours.
So it's nice to know that if your the type of
person that wants simple robust functionality
that reflects years of local bushwalking experience with solid locally made material
then the BLUE MOUNTAINS TRIASSIC could be your best companion for many years to come.
. + . eta * ethos Pack Review by David Neble It's good to see a pack made In the Blue Mountains for use in the Blue Mountains. The Triassic features two shoulder strap sizes so that the pack can be properly hip loaded, sitting down comfortably in the lumbar region of the back. This is sometimes difficult especially if you are a taller person. The harness system also includes a thick waist belt and chest strap enabling a tight fit which is great when climbing over rocks. The volume is large enough to allow a 50m rope and wetsuit to easily fit in and the top is made larger so that your stuff slides in and out with ease, The pack has a large front pocket for those essential items such asa 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 neecled. This can keep the bulk down and stop you from packing too much on those weekend bushwalks. The Triassic is made from durable 120z canvas which can withstand the abuse given to it in canyons and when walking through scrub. Aff the seams ara 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 Triassic carries a lifetime guarantee on workmanship and materials. Overail an excellent pack for either short or tail with the 2 shoulder strap options. And great for canyons or short weekend trips. NB: David Noble is a kean canyoner and bushwalker. He {s also the discoverer of the rare Wollem! Pine (WOLLEMIA NOBILIS) found in 1994,
& 4 fe a
FPP PDP
p> pb
A
Australian 1207 canvas
Made in Katoomba the old traditional way
40 litre capacity
Proper hip loading with 2 shoulder Strap sizes for walking comfort
Wide throat for easy loading and unloading Buckle up front pocket with internal divider Top Jid pocket
Extendable lid for overloading
Padded hip belt with 38mm buckle
Hip belt retainer for city use (conveniently holds the hip belt back and out of the way
Padded back (removable)
Thumb loops on shoulder Straps for more comfortable walking
Internal compression strap for holding down your canyon rope
Side compression straps for minimising volume Storm throat to keep out the rain
Hard wearing Cordura base
Price $159.00
ONLY AVAILABLE AT
1045 VICTORIA RD, WEST RYDE Ph 9858 5844 io
THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is a monthly bulletin of matters of interest to members of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager.
Editor: Bill Holland Telephone: 9484 6636 Email: billholl@hotkey.net.au
Fax: 99805476 (phone 9484 6636 first)
Business Manager: Gretel Woodward
Telephone: 9587 8912
Production Manager: Frances Holland
Printers: Kenn Clacher, Barrie Murdoch, Tom Wenman, Don Brooks
THE SYDNEY BUSH WALKERS INCORPORATED was founded in 1927, Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at & pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday.
General Enquiries: phone 0500 500 729 SBW WEBSITE _www.sbw.ord.au
COMMITTEE President Wilf Hilder Vice-President: Peter Dalton Public Officer: Fran Holiand Treasurer: Carole Beales Secretary: Judy O'Connor Walks Secretary: Carol Lubbers
Social Secretary Gemma Gagne Membership Secretary: Barry Wallace New Members Secretary: Kay Chan Conservation Secretary: David Trinder Magazine Editor: Bill Holiand Committee Member: Pam Morrison Maurice Smith
Delegates to Confederation:
Jim Callaway Tom Wenman
Wilf Hilder, Geoff Bradley
DECEMBER 2001
Issue No. 805
INDEX: Editor's Note President's Report
3,4,5. Letters to the Editor Jean Moffat 6. Book Review Exploring GPS Bill Holland 7. DutyofCare Rosemary MacDougal 8. New Members Page 10,11. November General Meeting Barry Wallace 11. Bushwaiking Recipe Of The Month Patrick James 12,13. Walking In South Korea - Trip 1. lan Wolfe 14,15. Walks Reports 16,17. GlobalWarming David Trinder 18. Social Notes ADVERTISERS: ACF Environment Shop 11 Alpsport Front cover Eastwood Camping 9 Paddy Pailin Back cover Wildemess Transit 7 Willis's Walkabouts 5
The Sydney Bushwalker magazine is printed on recycled paper. _ _ oe
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR
Editor's Note: ; During the past year a great deal of time, and many pages in this magazine, has been devoted to, as one member recently stated, navel gazing. It seems we are continually asking ourselves what is wrong with the club?
But are we correct in assuming that a great deal is wrong? After all, only a few of our walks fail through lack of starters and some social evenings are poorly attended.
Perhaps we looking for problems that dont exist, or if we find them assuming that they are isolated to SBW.
In the search for negatives it is easy to overlook the positives and there are certainly many positives!
Our membership remains high, at about the 450 level with another 100 or so prospective members.
The Walks-Programme has more walks, more variety and more leaders than most clubs.
We are unique in that our club meets regularly once a week.
= * There is an active Training Programme
s The Social Programme continues to offer a variety of speakers and events.
This magazine is published monthly.
However, as shown by the recent Membership
Survey, the profile of our members is changing,
many (about 50%) are not walking regularly and
others cannot find the time or are not inclined to attend mid-week meetings or spend the whole weekend in walking.
But do we achieve much by dwelling on problems such as changing membership profiles that are beyond our immediate control.
Perhaps we can approach the New Year with an accentuation of the positives and a de- activation of the negatives.
So, while I am very happy to publish constructive comments and suggestions for improvement (see Letters to the Editor on Pages 3,4 and 5) I would welcome contributions on what you find positively appealing about our club.
Your magazine this month includes a new section Bushwalking Recipe of Month (see page 11). Patrick James is the first contributor and Im sure that there are others out there in our wide readership. Also, the Walks Page has been extended to include promotional articles on coming walks Bill Holland
President's Report:
Hospital Report: The club was shocked to hear of Alex Colleys accident and subsequent hospitalisation. Alex is now well enough to receive visitors and is in the Royal North Shore Hospital. Please visit him or send a card to wish him well. Shirley Dean or Ray Hookway would be pleased to answer your phone calls concemming Alexs recovery while in hospital. We wish you a speedy recovery Alex.
It was also a shock to hear that John Poleson is in hospital with a serious illness. John would be pleased to receive visitors and mail at St Vincents Public Hospital. His phone number is 8382 3318. Our very best wishes go with you and your family, John.- _
Volunteers Our club runs on volunteers, who are the backbone of every not-for-profit organization. At the moment we need some extra volunteers to assist Patrick James in planning our 75” Anniversary Celebrations. Photographic Competition: Please note that the NSW Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs is running a photographic competition, which closes on 15th May 2002. The first prize is a trip worth $3,000. Details and entry forms are in every recent issue of The Bushwalker, the Confederations free quarterly magazine. So keep your camera handy on your next walk. First_Aid Certificates for Leaders: To encourage our walks leaders to get their St Johns First Aid Certificate, the Committee has offered to subsidise current Walks Leaders for half the cost of gaining an accredited Senior First Aid Certificate up to $50 of an accredited Remote Area First Aid Course (combined) up to $80. This will be for a trial six-month period. What a great incentive for leaders to get first class first aid training! Details of next years Confederations First Aid Courses will be published in Januarys magazine.
NPWS Regulation 2001. This was apparently issued on 2nd of November. 2001. It appears to be almost identical with .the Land Management Regulation 1995 in its definition of dangerous/risky activities in NPWS areas. Christmas New Year Greetings On behalf of the Management Committee I would like to wish you and your families a Happy Christmas and a Healthy New Year and thank you all for your support during the year.
Wilf Hilder
The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2001 Page 3 |
[< Letters To The Editor
DA) From Andrew Vilder
During the last half-year spent as Club Archivist I have looked back through many an historic photo album, and the one thing which, really struck me was how many young members we had in the Club until about the 1970s. The average age in any group photo was maybe 30
~ not the case any more.
It is not my intent here to suggest the causes for this: it's merely an observation. One of the great things about our Club is the way members of all ages have successfully interacted through the various activities we enjoy. If people were immortal, there is no reason why the status quo could not continue. Since none of us are, it is imperative that we begin enlisting more active younger members as soon as possible.
I believe that SBW now stands at a critical juncture in its long and well-recorded history. Basically we have two choices.
(1) Remain an elitist club with a stable but ageing membership.
(2) Make it easier to join the club on a more egalitarian basis.
What is the difference between a Prospective
and a Full Member today? Voting rights? It
seems not many use those - witness 10 -15%
attendance levels at recent AGMs, let alone
General Meetings.
Perhaps today's Prospective is not as fit or experienced? Not necessarily! I've seen many an older Member overhauled by the new chum on a tough walk, because the Member has maybe not walked seriously for years -or for all we know, the rookie has just returned from climbing Mount Everest! -And I'll bet that many existing members can't navigate reliably in the bush, or respond correctly to a medical emergency, for lack of practice.
I absolutely believe the Club should aspire to a high standard for walks and walkers, as it has for almost 75 years now. Though any standard is meaningless unless it is maintained. There is no point setting the bar high for the first jump, if everyone can duck under it later. While it would be unreasonable to hold some kind of annual track test' for all existing members, is it no less unreasonable to run an initial test? With the ultimate responsibility on Walks Leaders to screen all comers on programmed walks, we stand equal under their scrutiny anyway.
It is not good enough to say that people who don't want to do overnight walks should go and join another bushwalking club - because we can't afford to lose the vast numbers who will. Personally, I love camping in the bush but nobody likes it forced upon them - even once. Who knows, some might develop a taste for it later if we provide a little encouragement instead of making it compulsory… and we have to accept that it isn't everyone's idea of Paradise.
I have been member of many other common interest clubs. None have ever prevented a person from joining due to lack of initial skill. Obviously. a new member will take time to become competent; this is much more likely to happen once that person is welcomed into the circle, not a pretender spending months trying to break in. Earning rank may be a further option, and a natural progression.
If we choose (2) I believe the Prospective induction system has to go, for the following reasons:
- It is not suited to the deregulated society we have in the 21st Century. It causes endless argument amongst members about what must be done to pass, and when
- A riddle, which will never be solved. It is an extra burden to administrate, having a different cost structure and tortuous paper trail. It can be demeaning to the Prospective, as reported by many recently joined people.
-It presents a barrier to joining which for too many is insurmountable: the long-standing 10% conversion' rate speaks volumes.
Even the word “Prospective” has been
discredited so much lately that many are
reluctant to use it, preferring instead “New
Member”. Doesn't this all tell us something?
Time and experiences will soon enough make those who are incompatible with the Club leave of their own accord. It is not for us to judge their reasons for joining. Why does SBW make it so hard? Let's give Boot Camp Prospective the boot and let everyone join as equals…we may be pleasantly surprised by the result.
Editors Note: Do you agree or disagree with Andrew? Your comments in response would be welcome.
Dont Forget! Our Christmas Party - Wednesday 19“ December 7-00 pm Page 4 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001 |
<] Letters To The Editor
ZA From Eddy Giacomel
Administrative functions aside, no bushwalking club can survive as a bushwalking club unless its members walk and it recruits new members. This sounds too obvious to even bother stating. Yet with the assistance of Elyssebeth Leigh at her last meeting with the club on Tuesday 1 May this year, members identified these two areas that we as a club are managing badly.
In my five years on committee (1995-2000) very little committee time, if any, was allocated to schemes to improve the walks program and encourage new leaders. Further, during committee meetings, the new members secretary was mostly in another room dealing with new members, not in the committee meeting discussing issues related to new members.
Credit is due to this years committee for the discussion nights and progress made in both these areas. However, I am of the opinion that the priority given to walking and new members should not be limited to this year, but should be a permanent feature of the club.
A reason for the lack of priority given to these two areas is because the committee is busy with other issues. Every other issue that the committee involves itself with dilutes its commitment to walking and new members for two reasons. Firstly, other issues take up committee time. Secondly, those that are attempting to do something about walking and new members find themselves entangled in the other issues or find that the other issues have taken priority.
This is not an argument for limiting the club to walking and new members. Jt would certainly be a less interesting club if we limited activities. However, by having an appropriate management structure there is a way to have our cake and eat it too. Using subcommittees for other activities means that other activities can proceed without excessively interrupting the main committee. The subcommittees need to have some autonomy otherwise all decisions will have to be approved by the main committee, somewhat defeating the purpose of having a subcommittee. For those interested in other activities, there would be the benefit that their activity can take number one priority in the subcommittee; time and attention allocated is limited only by their enthusiasm.
How did the club survive for almost 75 years if the management structure is inappropriate? There can be no exact answer. The management
structure may have been appropriate for another time when we had a captive market (ce. little competition) and perhaps we have drifted into inefficiency. Todays club faces issues such as members having less time due to busier lifestyles. competition from other activities and having more to do to adapt to an ever faster changing world.
There are many other issues to consider in designing a management structure, including motivation and efficiency. Elyssebeth Leigh noted that public recognition for work done is one factor in motivating people and the number of persons in a meeting can impact on its efficiency.
It appears the club could benefit significantly by a revised management structure.
Editors Note:
What do you think?
Does Eddy represent a minority view? After all 85% of the 216 respondents to the recent Club's Questionnaire were satisfied with the present management of the Club.
It should be remembered that approx 20 25 members attended the specially called discussion nights with Elyssebeth Leigh, a percentage of whom were not necessarily in agreement with all that is stated as coming from these meetings. The two items referred to by Eddy were among many positive and negative matters arising from group discussion see report of the meeting in June magazine.
Is Eddy being a little unfair to current and past Walks Secretaries who in recent years have gone to a great deal of trouble, with full support of the Committee, to introduce new walks in new areas with new leaders?
The assumption he makes is that our present management structure is inappropriate? Is this your view? Would the management structure be more efficient with a smaller management committee or would this be placing more power in the hands of a select few committee members?
At present there are four sub-committee; New Members, Club Review, 75 Anniversary and Coolana. Each of these is working well. Should there be more subcommittees? Should they be autonomous and not accountable to the Management Committee? (In which case they would be committees not sub-commiitees).
Please send in your comments and suggestions preferably no more than 300 words. Space permitting a balanced selection will be published in coming months.
Contact The Editor: a7) Copy for publishing in the SBW magazine should be received by the editor by the end of the first week of each month. Please send your submission in by mail (preferably typed), on floppy disc, email billholl@hotkey.net.au or by fax on 9980 5476.
The Sydney Busbwalker
December 2001 Page 5 |
Letters To The Editor (continued)
4) From Frank Rigby Back in the May Bushwalker there was published, above my name, a Letter to the Editor describing the parlous state into which our Annual Reunions have fallen in recent years (e.g. 35 attending from a membership of about 450 people). I concluded the Letter thus: “Would at least a handful of the silent majority please do the Club a favour by writing to the Editor telling him why they don't attend Reunions before the tradition of the Reunion finally dies on its feet? It appears the “silent majority” was even more silent than what I anticipated. Not one, not even a single letter on this subject has surfaced in the intervening six months. Since the Reunion was
unfortunately omitted from the recent
Questionnaire, | again appeal to caring members to flood the Editor with bright Ideas on what we should do with the Reunion, ie. apart from scrapping it!
DX From Lyn Yeaman
Hi SBW! . Just wanted to pass on a small idea to the committee. Since moving interstate I have been sampling a number of the Melbourne bushwalking clubs.
I have tried 3 so far and the cultures are all quite different! However I thought it worth mentioning about the Boroondara Bushwalkers who have an exceptional culture of welcoming newcomers.
They are a fairly new club ie only about 12 years old and originally formed by residents of the Boroondara Shire. The idea is not ground breaking but all the members wear name tags which makes it really easy for the visitors to identify and get to know members.
All the members make a special effort with any visitors and I felt extremely welcome from my first minute with the club. Also the criteria to become a member of any of the clubs I have sampled is to undertake between 3 and 4 walks - not necessarily any overnight walks.
All 3 clubs offered reasonably priced hire equipment to new members to encourage introduction to overnight walking however I note that SBW are also getting some gear together.
Hope this info is useful - I certainly miss SBW very much and hope to get up to Sydney to do at least a couple of walks a year with you.
Best wishes to you all Lynne Yeaman
The Kimberley has changed!
Well not the Kimberley
itself, but our program has just undergone its biggest change in 15 years. Six new trips and mayor changes to
others, Ask for the new list or check it out on our website.
[Page 6
The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001 |
Jean Ada Moppett = 13/8/09 ~-9/9/01 Last month we reported the passing of Jean Moppett one of our earliest members. Here is a tribute to her life taken from the memorial Service
Born in Sydney, Jean was the first child of Ruby and James Trimble, followed by brother Jim and sister Joyce. The family lived at Hunter Street Sydney then moved to Northbridge and later to St Johns Park. James built a holiday cabin at Mooney Point on the Hawkesbury river and a 14ft cedar launch which they used for fishing, oyster gathering and exploring the bush they were wonderful times! We were so interested in
“the bush.
Jeans love of the bush led her to join the Sydney Bush Waikers in 1930 at the age of 21. With her homemade tent, sleeping bag and dried food she and friends undertook many epic trips. She participated in fundraising that saved the Blue Gum Forest from the axe.
_ In 1933 Jean skied from Hotel Kosciusko to
Charlottes Pass where she met Tom Moppett. This was the beginning of a life-long adventurous relationship full of walking, ski touring, camping and wonderful friendships. In 1936 Jean made history by being the first women to ski the 100 miles from Kiandra to Kosciusko an epic journey.
On 4th October 1940, Jean and Tom were married at Shore School Chapel, North Sydney.
While Tom was absent during World War 11 she continued to work, gardened, enjoyed walking and cycling trips with friends and was Secretary of the Sydney Bush Walkers.
With the arrival of their first child, Nancy, weekend walks included carrying the baby in a home-made sling and the nappy basket. A car was purchased and Jean learned to drive while pregnant with Kate, her second child.
Jean provided unwavering support to Tom in his conservation initiatives in the founding of the NSW National Parks Associaticn.
After Toms retirement from business in the early 1970s they sold the family home at Roseville and built their dream-home on a bush block at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains. They were then free to travel overseas which they did extensively through the 1970s and early 1980's.
Jean was warm hearted yet serious. She had an adventurous spirit, loved life and nature, accepted situations she could not change and always moved forward with a positive attitude,
Jean was a great tree in the forest of life
Fron Book Review Bil! Holland
Exploring GPS - a GPS Users Guide
I probably purchased this book too late to get full value as much of the information had already been gathered from other members, internet searches and other means. Nevertheless, it is a very handy guide and will very useful to those who have recently bought a GPS or intend buying one shortly. It
would have saved me some time and effort if I had purchased it earlier.
“Exploring GPS” is well presented book complete with amusing sketches, good information, handy tips and twelve basic exercises. Background technical data is simply stated and easily understood. The introduction to the book includes the following note “Although aimed at the general user, this book will go a long way towards satisfying the curious and technical reader”.
The chapter headings explain the contents: GPS: The Nuts and Bolts GPS: How Does It Work Choosing A GPS Receiver Getting Started On the Move Improving Your Accuracy Real Time DPGS . Modernising GPS
One shortcoming is the absence of any outline of procedures dealing with route finding and tracking. After all, in bushwalking, this is one of the major advantages of having-a GPS. A brief mention to computer mapping software and procedures is made but not enough to be of real use. Perhaps there will be a more advanced sequel at a later date.
Although reasonably familiar with my . Magellan GPS I will find this book a handy reference tool.
“Exploring GPS - a GPS Users Guide” is published by GPSCO. Email to mapsales@ditm.nsw.gov.au. Cost including postage, $18-50.
Updating your Magellan GPS
Magellan GPS users with PC connection facilities may be interested to leam that the latest version of their software may be uploaded from the Magellan GPS site.
I purchased my Magellan GPS 320 last year with Version 3.05 software. I have now uploaded Version 3.14 software from the following site: www.magellangps.com
SNAMSWNeE The Sydaey Bushwalker
December 2001 Page 7 |
The Duty Of Care Rosemary MacDougal
The duty of care is to take reasonable steps to avoid injury to participants in our activities.
It arises when there is relationship of offering a service for acceptance by a particular category of person.
The club organizes and controls trips for the benefit of its members and holds itself as competent to do so. People are encouraged to walk safely by joining a club.
The activity can be dangerous and people will be injured. Whether the injury arises because the club has breached its duty to take reasonable care will depend upon the facts of each case.
In the workplace, to recover compensation an injured worker had to show that the employer was at fault. An example of this was the failure of an employer to provide safe working conditions. It is now pretty easy to show fault in the workplace and of course there are now numerous statutory obligations which mile the workplace.
The trouble is that there are now a number of court cases, which show that it is pretty easy to successfully sue a sporting organization. In a 1998 case in the High Court-a,voluntary referee
in basketball sued her association for not giving :
instructions that she should not try and run backwards while refereeing a game. She fell and broke both wrists and the court found the association had an obligation to instruct junior referees about these dangers.
It seems that an injured sports person does not have to show very much to succeed. There will always be some experienced sport person to come along and give evidence that the person responsible for the particular activity had not been careful enough.
What Might Be Done To Protect Ourselves Disclaimer:
It is often said that this does not afford
protection. Nevertheless, it is an
acknowledgement by a participant that the
activity is dangerous and we should continue
to use it. There are certainly some cases
where these clauses have been upheld Voluntary Assumption of Risk:
This is having less impact as a defence but still
has some limited use. It simply means that a
participant cant blame the club if he or she
trips over for no apparent reason. Guidelines:
These could be developed drawing upon our
extensive experience. They might deal with the
variety of ways to, for example, cross a river,
deal with an approaching fire or simply manage bolder scrambling
Leader training This could be continued by meetings of leaders to exchange ideas with input from participants. Lessons could be learned from accidents which have happened from time to time
5. EPIRB-& GPS Consideration could be given to these being available for extended and remote walks This is not intended to be exhaustive.
(Talk on The Duty Of Care given To Sydney Bushwalkers June 2001)
oo0o00a0000 ag
= Dont Forget! Christmas Party In the Clubrooms Wednesday 19th December 7-00pm
1 JENOLAN CAVES. Knanera Wis. :
STARLIGHTS TRACK. BUNGONIA CAVES.
Woe Woe. NERRiGA Departs from Sydney's Campbelltown Railway Station g Via Penrith, Katoomba & Blackheath for Kanangra Walls Mon & Wed at fam. Frid at 7am : Retums 49m Mon, Wed, Frid. Vie Siaviights, Mittagong & Maruian for Wog Wog-Nerriga Tues.& Thurs & Sun at 11am J Retums 4 pm Tues, Thurs, Sun. Yerranderie Ghost Town first Saturday in each
month, returns Sun at 1 pm (any Friday min 6) | Group booking discounts or charter service
I Tel 0246 832 344 Mob 0428 832 344 i www.wildernesstransit.com.au |
Please advise Barry Wallace of any changes to your address er phone numbers.
The new Membership List for the coming year will be published shortly! | Page 8 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001
NEW MEMBERS PAGE:
A Walk To Deep Pass Please Welcome: Frank Grennan ran a walk in this area early this The following new members: year, to introduce novice overnight walkers to Josephine Black Caroline Clay the art of camping in the bush. Although not Jean Farry Scott Forbes new to overnight walking, the inclusion of Leonie Hesketh Tip Lou canyons in the walk description attracted me. Dirk Petera Ian Thorpe
A party of seven adults, a small child and one Sophie Watson Julienne Worrell babe in arms set off for our campsite, an easy Fay Worrall
downhill walk from the cars. The campsite was stunning: a large grass and fern covered flat surrounded on all sides by low cliffs, fringed by a clear stream on one side.
After setting up camp we commenced our walk, encountering, along the way an alternate route for the adventurous, a tunnel passing under the cliffs and lit by glowworms. Rejoining the track it soon petered out and our way was cris- crossed by fallen trees. For those of us who were under a metre.tall the going was tough! Eventually we arrived at our destination, a large semi-circular overhang with the dimensions and atmosphere of a cathedral. This did not prevent us from having an irreverent swing on the pendulous vines hanging from the ceiling of the cave!
After lunch we set off to explore a narrow canyon located barely a stones throw from our camp. Soon we were scrambling up the sides of waterfalls, balancing on suspended logs, straddling the canyon walls and inching along narrow ledges. The canyon was spectacular, demanding but very rewarding. We topped our day with dinner under the stars, enjoying all the luxuries made possible by an easily accessible camp.
On Sunday we explored another canyon slightiy further afield, occasionally wading along the clear fern fringed creek bed. Being a small party we decided to attempt a new route back to camp, discovering along the way an abandoned farmhouse hidden away in a narrow gully, surrounded by household detritus dating back to the 1950s. ~
Our navigation was spot on and we arrived back at our camp in time for a late afternoon cup of tea, having enjoyed a pleasant but interesting day. Frank is running another walk in this area on our summer program and I recommend it as worthwhile for both the novice and the seasoned walker. Be sure to bring a change of clothes and
shoes though, you could get wet! Kay Chan New Members Co-ordinator
Hint: Plastic bread bags over your sox will keep your feet dry when crossing creeks.
And Congratulations To:
The following who have progressed through to full membership:
Michael and Susan Amott
3 Woolcott Street Waverton 2060
9955 1759
Easy Day Walks in the Coming Month: Full details are shown in the Summer
Programme.
Boxing Day 26” Dec: Kuring-Gai NP 12km with a boat cruise in the afternoon.
Tues 1” Jan: : Kuring-Gai NP 12km Including BBQ and boat cruise
Tues 15” Jan: Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk Evening walk starting 6 pm - dinner in the park. Sun 27“ Jan: Royal NP 5 km
Picnic for beach lovers, families welcome
Club Training Nights:
Due to the holiday break the next Prospective
Training Night will be. held on Wed 13 February Packing For A Walk
The next Prospective Training Weekend at Coolana will be 16”, 17 February.
Test Walks in the Coming Month:
Day Test Walks:
Sun 13“ Jan: Middle Harbour Source to Mouth 24km walk in Garingal and Sydney Harbour NP Sun 20” Jan: Royal NP Bundeena to Otford Coastal walk with swimming
Sun 20“ Jan: Blue MtnsNP 11km
Mt Hay Rd - Govetts Creek area. Rock hopping Weekend Test Walks:
12”,13“ Jan: Wollemi NP 23kms
Mountain Lagoon Colo River compulsory swimming
Hinchinbrook Walk Aug 2002
We now have a vacancy for one more to join us for one week on the beautiful Hinchinbrook Island. If you would like have your name added to the list please advise Bill Holland, phone 9484 6636
Whether it's bush walking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, trek- king or travel, a pack is your best friend or worst enemy. Why? Because you depend on the agility and comfort that your pack provides.
The Mont oy Innovative designs, Moto-Active THON ena cuutity ma. adjustable har- ee, Hack terials. i ac * Anatomically con- ness system Is d y ivel Country toured hip-belts. . eceptively Pack + Spandura and 3D , simpie, fast to Air-Flow fabrics for adjust and easy Boe, contact points. - . ar tacks on the im- to fit. Available portant high stress in three sizes points. and Triple stitched with - . webbing bound featur ing inter- seams to ensure changeabie massive seam
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The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001
The November 2001 General Meeting.
There were 13 members present at around 2009 hours when the president called for apologies and began the meeting. [Numbers increased as the meeting progressed … Ed]
Apologies there were for Carol Lubbers, busy putting the finishing touches to another Walks Programme, and for Fran Holland.
The minutes of the previous general meeting were read and accepted, with no matters arising.
George Mawer has written to the club formally resigning from the position of walks recorder due to the poor level of support for the activity. The committee has recommitted to the need to record details of walks activities and will ask George to reconsider. Gretel Woodward has resigned as magazine business manager due to difficulties with guidelines for advertising in the magazine. Jenny Ward has written to the club as aretum thanks, This letter was published in last months magazine.
No Treasurers report was available to the meeting.
The President reported to the meeting on committee activities. Revised guidelines for advertising in the club magazine have been set and a notice providing details appeared in the last magazine. Patrick James has been appointed as Convenor for the clubs 75 Anniversary celebrations. A proposal to consider making changes to the club management structure and procedures was generated at a recent meeting held to discuss the size and structure of the club. As a result these proposals will be discussed at General Meetings in December and January. Details of the proposals will be circulated before the meetings to facilitate debate.
No Conservation Report was available to the meeting.
Confederation Report reminded all that their 70” anniversary will be celebrated next year. They are seeking input on the preferred venue and activities. Confederation sponsored personal accident insurance requires that individual clubs keep records of claims made and attendance records for each club event. A mountain bike forum was held recently at Heathcote. The rangers hut at Burning Palms requires re-roofing. CMW have donated $500.00 for this purpose. The meeting resolved that SBW donate $100.00 to the effort.
New members Lesley Barry, Robert Berry and John Keenlyside were welcomed into membership.
The walks reports began with Wilfs midweek walk on Thursday 11“ October, covering stage 19 of the Re-circumnavigation of Port Jackson. There were 7 starters on a pleasant day with some light rain.
There was no report to the meeting for Kenn Clachers Main Range XCD trip over the 12” to 14“ October, but an article has since appeared in the magazine. Bill Capons Ettrema Highlights No.1 walk went that weekend with a party of 11. We were told that there were some navigational
. problems, possibly due to the incorrect map
being taken along. The scrub density was a surprise, there was some rain, and the party was polite. George Floyds Saturday walk along the coast from north Bondi had excellent weather for the party of 11, one of whom abandoned the endeavor after lunch. (It may have been the lack of coffee stops; they are rather expected for that sort of trip.) Sunday saw Errol Sheedy leading a party of 8 on his Waterfall to Heathcote walk. Wildflowers were reported to have been a feature of the event. .
John Polesons day walk, scheduled for 16” October was cancelled.
All of which brought us to a string of minimal reports. There was no report for Oliver Crawfords trip to the Gardens of Stone National Park over the weekend of October 19, 20, 21. Stages K and L of the Great River Walk, under the guidance of Wilf Hilder attracted a party of 3 on the 20 and 21“. There were no reports for: Charlie Monttross Saturday walk from Leura to Katoomba, and for Tom Wenmans Sunday bike tip from Hornsby to Woy Woy Station.
The weekend of 26, 27, 28 October continued the trend, with no report for Kenn Clachers main range XCD trip. The same fate befell Peter Millers weekend walk out from Carlons farm. Maurice Smith went against the trend briefly for his Saturday start walk in the Ettrema Wilderness, with the party of 9 enjoying (?) fine but scrubby conditions on. the Saturday and extremely scrubby conditions for the Sunday. There were no details available for Nancye Aldersons Saturday walk from Leura to Katoomba and none for Tony. Manes Waterfall to Sutherland trip scheduled for the Sunday.
There was a general belief that Stephen Adams extended walk from the 1” to 5“ of November went, but no one at the meeting seemed to know more than that. There was no report for Bill Capons Buddawang Highlights .
Walk 1 over the weekend of 3 and 4 November | The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2001 - Page 11 |
and although we know Jim Percys trip to
Lawson Creek the same weekend went, that is
_ all we know of it. Saturday 11” November saw Zol Bodlay and a party of 11 visiting a range of art sites on his walk in Popran National Park. On the Sunday Nigel Weaver led 5 starters on an excellent day with numerous sightings of waratahs for his trip to Mount Solitary. . Stephen Adams extended trip to Tasmania over the period 7“ to 17” November was still in progress at the time of the meeting, so watch this space, or perhaps that one over there?
Wilf Hilder had 7 starters for Stage 20 of the Recircumnavigation of Port Jackson. Windy but pleasant conditions obtained but for some reason there was a measure of attrition in the numbers along the way.
All of which brought us to the last weekend in the walks reports, 9, 10, 11 October. There was no report for David Trinders overnight test walk from Kanangra Tops into Christys Creek and the same can be said for Michael Bickleys Saturday walk from Berrowra to Hornsby. Nigel Weaver described Erskine Creek as lovely
for the 5 starters on his Saturday li-lo trip. It is unclear just why the party came out early; pethaps they didnt stop to smell the wildflowers. Roger Treagus had a party of 10 out on a warm day with cool winds for his Great River Walk stage 8 on the Sunday. Enrol Sheedys walk from Waterfall to Engadine the same day had no report but it did bring the walks reports for the month to a close.
The call for general business saw an extensive period of what, for want of a better term, one might call waffle. There was waffle about the Wollemi Pine; there was waffle about a weekend magazine article about a canyon trip that ended badly; and all without an item of business in prospect. Eventually we moved and passed a motion that the club writes to Wild magazine protesting at a recent article that purports to provide clues to the location of the fabled pine(s).
The meeting closed at around 2120.
nnpoaoaceo00gd
Wanted!
Dedicated workers for long hours, no pay, great job satisfaction; to plan, organise and manage the SBW 75 anniversary celebrations in 2002. The ideal applicant is a team player, bubbling over with enthusiasm, full of ideas, with a great sense of history, a member Jess than 5 years, with some experience in organising functions.
If you nearly fit this description, have been to any birthday party, have been a member from 0 to 75 years, and want to get to know everyone and everything about SBW, then call me, Patrick James, on 9904 1515 between 7 am and 10 pm, as soon as possible.
Bushwalking Recipe Of The Month Patrick James BACON LAKSA: a quick, easy, single pot dish.
At home, take two rashers of bacon, remove rind, cut into strips, add a pinch of chilli powder and wrap in paper towel until ready to use.
Put bacon in the billy with enough water to cover the base, as the water boils, it renders the bacon and soon the bacon will braise, even fry and perhaps burn a bit, dont worry.
Add 2 cups of water, some dried onions if you have them and half a handful of dried green beans (more if you like vegetables), and boil for a couple of minutes.
Next, add some Asian noodles (one block will do) and boil for a few minutes more.
Take off the fire, add about half a handful of coconut milk powder, mix up, let stand for a minute or so and then eat.
Boiling the noodles and beans cleans the billy.
It would be smart to pack the noodles, beans and onions in one package. This is enough for one person.
Variations include adding dried peas, dried mushrooms, fresh banana, swapping salami for bacon, rice noodles, wheat ngodles or Italian pasta for Asian noodles.
Like all good cooks, if in doubt, improvise.
|Page 12
The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001
Walking in South Korea Trip 1 North Pukansan National Park
In April this year an urgent work situation called me to South Korea for a 6 week stint which extended into 6 months. The rigors of Project Management being what they are I ensured that I took a break at least once a week in order to stay relatively sane. Besides lots of sight seeing opportunities Korea also has some very good day walking to be done. This and subsequent articles will describe some of the options.
Seoul is a city of 16 million but it rejoices in one of the most extensive subway systems in the world. This provides a fast and cheap way to get to the outskirts of the city from where you can access this ring of ranges which surround the city.
I ended up doing most of my walking in late Spring through Summer tll early Autumn (April to August). Summer walking is very humid (dripping with sweat by 8.30am) and necessitates carrying a reasonable amount of water and then buying bottled water enroute where possibie. Dependant on the range there are also often springs to fill up from especially at temples.
Koreans work on Saturday till 2.30pm, so if you can, go walking on Saturday. Otherwise be content to-share your Sunday trails with many others. The Koreans are keen day walkers. This is a function of many interweaving aspects which include:
a) Buddhism has quite a strong following and it emphases mountains and streams as places for contemplation and enlightenment. This results in there being many mountain temples to which people walk as an act of sloughing off their worldly cares with each step upwards.
b) Koreans having great reverence for ancestor worship. The best place for ones ancestors ashes is on a small terrace just below the crest on a south facing range so that the grave mound catches the early morning sun and has a pleasant vista. Dutiful descendants should then visit to tend the grave a number of times per year, With a population of 45 million this practice of mountain burial has had to be severely curtailed but people still go to the mountains to pay their respects.
c) Compulsory military service of 2.Syrs for all males. Much of this time is spent learning how to rapidly move over the mountains that cover 70% of Korea in order to be able to deter/counter/evade the North Korean Army if it ever moves south again. Although this time in the Army is very tough it builds a lasting focus on physical fitmess and love of the mountains in many male Koreans
d) The pressures of living in a crowded country and a Confucian delight in nature.
Any way, it means that there are a lot of
Koreans walking the hills. This means that trails
are usually very well formed, sometimes eroded
and often bewildering in their profusion.
My first trip was to the northern section of the Pukansan National Park to climb the Mt Tobongsan hill complex (average of 700m). The subway ride was on the surface for the last 5 kms up the main valley and this provided a good view of the rugged eastern face of the range. The rock is light grey to faint yellow coloured pranite. In places this has been eroded to reveal great spires and sheets of rock which soar above the slopes to provide a mugged skyline reminiscent of the Eastern Arthurs in Tassie.
The Tourist Information places will supply a good subway map and then its just a matter of keeping an eye on the stations as you pass them. This is easy to do as they have multiple large signs with the name in both Hangal (Korean) and English as well as an identifying number. Sometimes also a tannoy announcement in English on the train as you approach the station.
Before the trip I had obtained a trail map of the National Park. Initially I had tried the very large bookstores, which reside under the main streets of Seoul. They had every National Park except for the one on the outskirts of Seoul! The Tourist Info Centre also was out of stock but they showed me how to get to the National Park Office. A couple of subway hops latter I was sipping very sweat cinnamon tea with the Assistant Director of Koreas National Parks Service. We then discussed the merits of differing Park Management approaches adopted by Services around the world. So umpressed was he with my extensive knowledge that he pressed upon me a bag full of maps for all the The Sydney Bushwalker
December 2001 Page 13 |
Parks in Korea at no charge (with profuse thanks and much bowing I escaped before the shallowness of my expertise was revealed!).
Park Maps are generally 1:50,000, show about 60% of trails and have some English on them. Fortunately the Korean King Sejong got frustrated with trying to learn Chinese characters in the 15 century and had his scholars produce Hangul. This is the unique Korean character set and it only has 24 characters rather than the 8,000+ in Chinese. Better yet, Hangul characters Tepresent sounds rather than words. Thus it is possible to figure out what a Hangul trail sign or map label means. Topo maps are also available but not of the DMZ. Whilst walking, if you come to an unmarked track junction just get out your map and look confused. Within seconds at least two or more Korean's will be there to help you. Problem is that: a) their English will vary from OK to limited, b) one or more of them will obviously have no clue about how to orientate a map and, c) opinions will vary widely as to where you are actually standing and where you want to or should go (in all just like and SBW day walk!)
After a short walk through the apartment blocks I found the road to the Buddhist Temple. This I followed up into the foothills and then past the medium sized temple to the approach spurs. Vegetation is mainly a relative of the Scotch Pine and Beech or Elm with various under story shrubs. Spring is spectacular with blossom all over the hillsides but its only there for a week.
The track climbed steadily and once on the ridge funneled us through a small ticket kiosk ($2). I had elected to walk the spine of the range from North to South and this resulted in the ascent and descent of a number of granite pinnacles (Chaunbong and Manjangbong). Some of the summits were optional with the track sidling around the contour. The side tracks to the summits generally offered the best views and occasionally involved some bouldering to attain the view point. The yellow granite did provide very good traction as it was very abrasive as the soles of my hands and boots found out (my old faithful tassie boots did not return from Korea and lie in some far forgotten field that will be forever ….)
When in Korea you need to understand that Koreans are one of the most technically literate populations and that each and every one of the 45 million of them has a close and intimate relationship with their Mobile Phone. They will spend upwards of 30% of their waking hours
speaking into this appendage.
Fortunately there is some decorum whilst walking in the mountains in that hardly ever will you find some one talking into their phone whilst actually walking. However, at all other times they will make up for this period of abstinence.
in parts the ridge narrows dramatically and is a bit like the tail of the Castle in the Budawangs. This necessitates a number of short but steep descents and ascents aided by steel ropes and spikes. Added challenge flows from the glass like surface of the rock resulting from the passage of countless pairs of feet. So, take plenty of bananas to eat as after a few of these yo yos yours arms will be 30% longer and you will feel just like a chimpanzee.
Mt Tobongan was a picture postcard rock spire with stunted pines and cypress growing out at interesting angles. The near view was spectacular with the major drop off to the valleys on either side. However, the haze mostly obscured the far view. This is largely a product of the loess dust from China which the westerly winds carry across the Yellow Sea for much of the year. It means that when you do get a clear day you really relish it and need to make the most of it.
Lunch was taken on a rock platform above a small Buddhist temple to the chanting of the monks and the deep bass of the ringing bell. This set the scene for the afternoon, which was a very pleasant meander along the ridge over the summits of Sominbong and Obong. Many of these summits have some curious man made additions. These take the form of Pill Boxes cunningly made to look like clumps of boulders. These date from the Korea War when this area was heavily fought over and subsequently fortified.
Eventually I found what I thought was the correct descent side spur. Here I took the wrong path amongst the mass of options but as ] was on the right side of the mountain and in the correct watershed I was confident that all roads would lead to Rome. Or in this case, a fairly large Buddhist Temple which I explored for a tume.
The path gradually swelled into a road and the increasing frequency of concession stands heralded the return to civilisation. The long pleasant walk down the valley terminated at the trailhead and a bus stop. Thereafter it was back to the hotel for a sauna, massage, happy hour and someone to clean my boots. lan Wolfe
Congratulations to Maurice Smith on his appointment to the Clubs Management Committee. The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001
Co THE WALKS PAGES
Cees OUR eating POO REO Photo by Tony Manes
The Snowies with no Snow David Trinder I will be taking a group of club members to the Windarra Ski Lodge at Smiggin Holes in the Snowy Mountains from 26“ December to 2 January. We will be doing several walks on the main range, principally a three-day walk north to Mt Jagungal. The first day of that walk will be to a camp site at Tarn Bluff. a favourite site for the club. It has been known in the past for two parties of Sydney Bushies to camp there on the one night wwith thirty people around a fire. The second day will be a dash with daypacks to our target - mountain and on the third we return to Windarra. We will travel to Windarra on Boxing Day and spend a week there. The lodge was built to . provide comfortable accommodation for winter skiers but the Snowy. Mountains is a beautiful place to visit in summer also. The wildflowers are out and the naked rolling mountains of the main range, the cool clear air and bright stars at night are as strong an attraction as the snow. This trip is a great opportunity to see the highest land in the country in summer.
aye
Advance Notice - 27” Sept - 27“ Oct 2002 Walking in California - The John Muir Trail
We shall walk 350 kms through the glorious High Sierras wilderness, including an ascent of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the Continental United States. Quite simply the walk of a lifetime! There is a party limit of 8. Leader: Stephen Adams tel:0414642154
e-mail wazark@pocketmail.com.au*
Come Canyoning! Ian Wolfe 4 6” January: | Wollemi Canyons
This is the “new frontier” of canyoning in NSW with these canyons still being visited by only a few. Distinctly different, even from Newnes canyons. There are a large number of very narrow canyons of considerable length. Access generally requires talking a weekend pack and an ascent of the escarpment followed by a descent into one or more canyons on Saturday. Camp in the rainforest, at creek junctions and sometimes in caves. Climb out via passes on Sunday and then do another canyon on the way out. Great “Wilderness” Canyoning in the mediun/+hard category.
2*-3“ Febmary: | Bungonia
Bungonia canyons are open faced, have dry rocks .and large drops, pools are short and generally warm, usually have a nver/creek walk section to the climb out track which are substantial. Do as Day Trips with Base Camping at the Bungonia campsite - toilets, showers, deck chairs, boots full of red wine and munchies ie easy/medium but with mental challenge!
Walk Deferred:
Wilf Hilder's Tuesday 18 December Mid Week Walk (Re-circumnavigating Port Jackson Stage 21) has been deferred to Tuesday 22”? January. 2002. Any inconvenience to any member is regretted
| The Sydney Bushwalker
Page 15 |
December 2001
THE:-WALKS PAGES
Living It Up On A Lilo = Maurice Smith If you have never experienced the joys and
challenges of liloing or maybe you don't know | what's involved then there are. several one day .
lilo activities on the summer program.
For those who don't know a lilo is a rubberised canvas inflatable airbed, purchased quite cheaply. The objective is to carry an uninflated lilo with you and upon arrival at the river or creek you then inflate it, that's a good test of your lung power. Upon inflation you then sit on it and float down the river or creek. On occasions it is necessary to clamber over rocks, trees or other obstacles in the water with the lilo
under your arm. Some of the lilo trips are on.
quite cold water so you may need a wetsuit. See the program or check with the activity leader to see if this applies to a particular trip. If you
come off your lilo or you develop a catastrophic .
puncture you must be able to swim. You will also need to waterproof your pack.
Both Nigel Weaver and Maurice Smith are leading one day lilo trips in the Mount Wilson area (off the Bells Line of Road at the top of the mountains). For some superb scenery, narrow canyons, lovely moss covered rocks, ferns, small waterfalls and interesting challenges contact either of these leaders. None of these trips involves any abseiling. Note that on Saturday 9 February Maurice is leading the lilo trip down Bell Creek, truly an amazingly tight, beautiful canyon and even at this time of the year the water is probably the coldest you will ever encounter. The following day, Sunday 10 February Nigel is leading the Lower Middle
section of the Wollangambe River. Several club
members are planning a car camp at Mount Wilson and do both trips, so book early.
Aboriginal Workshop Walk in. Marra
MarraNP: 17“ November 2001, A hot day (reaching 30) after a cool week, The walk went according to plan and finished at 6-30pm. Most of the walk was crogs country with a variety of vegetation from open, forest ridge top to creek bed rockhop. Some. track, some fire trail, some views. Along the way we saw the Aboriginal Paintings Cave , Devils Rock Engraving Site plus the Aboriginal Workshop an unique site of hundreds upon - hundreds of axe grinding - grooves. We enjoyed a cool swim at a secluded pool at our lunch spot. - Zol'Bodlay
A Delightful Bonus Maurice Smith
Nine club members received an unexpected
delight at the end of a wonderful weekend walk held over 17” and 18 November 2001.
I had the privilege Of dading the walk in Morton National Park into the southern end of Ettrema Creek and then Myall Creek. We had delightfully lovely weather, four swims on both days in magnificent pools. Even though the water temperature in the pools was a little brisk it did not diminish our enthusiasm for our swims. In fact, I think that I finished the weekend walk the cleanest that Ive ever finished. a weekend walk.
Along the. way on Saturday we had a close- encounter with an upset black snake. Saturday evening entertainment included several fireflies that I imagine were trying to seduce us. Then on Sunday morning I upseta tiger snake that I didnt see. It was sunning itself under some bushes and apparently I came close to treading on it. It slithered off under a small rock shelf beside the creek. There was absolutely no doubt about our identification of the snake; the banding on it was very distinct.
For those readers who have not been privileged to walk in upper Ettrema Creek the swimming spots are of very high standard. In fact, the only problem with these swimming
- spots is that they set the standard against which
all other pools on other walks will be judged.
After arriving back at our cars and changing for the trip home we were driving slowly along the Touga Road when we received our bonus. Tkere walking slowly along the side of the road was a koala. Whilst the koala scampered along the road when our vehicle noise was heard, we stopped the cars and most of our group managed to gain a sight of the koala. In my years of walking in this area of Morton National Park with SBW and in my bushwalking experience this was a first for me and also for many of our group. ,
Party members were: Heike Krauss, Marie Rose, Rick Symons, Rosemary MacDougal, Rosemary McDonald, Henry Roda, Graeme Woodward, Alan Oakey and yours truly. , ~
Extended Walk Change of Date Geoff Dowsett advises that the dates for his
+ walk in Termeil State Forest is 2nd 6th
January and not as shown in the. programme (2nd 8th Jan) :
| Page 16 The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001
Global Warming David Trinder
Our most worrying environmental issue is the damage we are doing to our atmosphere. Burning of fossil fuels, land clearing and other practices add carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. The resulting increased surface temperatures will have many detrimental effects on our children and grand children. The process is already doing noticeable damage but over the next hundred years it will cause reduction in food production and water storage, damage to wildlife and forests and more wild weather.
Governments reject reduction measures because of the economic costs. Governments lead us where we want to go. The people lead the leader, thats how a democracy works.
Energy producers like selling energy made from fossil fuels and they lobby governments, thats their job. If there is enough concern for our long-term future the peoples votes and lobbying will have more power and result in reductions in greenhouse gasses. Thats our job!
Atmospheric changes will not have a severe effect on most of us because we wont last long enough but we will be criminal if we leave a damaged planet for those that are now too young to act (and that includes my grand children). Young people and people who are not yet born will be effected seriously if no change is made.
Scientists say that to stabilise world climates greenhouse gas emission have to be reduced by 60%. The international Energy Agency predicts a 60% increase by 2020. Australia-and the US, two of the worlds highest per capita users are refusing to cut emissions. Europe is more compliant and has agreed to the Kyoto targets, which involve a small reduction.
_ By the time we discovered that CFCs would damage the ozone layer we took 10 years to start acting and another 10 years to stop production of CFCs, How long will it take to overcome this much larger problem? Lets look at research results.
Temperatures in NSW will increase by between 0.5 and 2.7 deg C by 2050. In the next 50 years climate change will result in a decrease in available water resources, higher temperatures, reduction in area of arable land and a reduction in crop and livestock quality and output.
A
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Meds Sieh d gaged ; 8h: 2 dhes SEF, got
A major finding of all studies is that a small change in temperature causes a major change in regional climate pattems and in NSW the overall impact of climate change will be negative. Increased temperatures are expected to alter crop seasons, increase dairy and beef cattle heat stress and introduce new pest and disease occurrences. Australias relatively low latitude makes it vulnerable through impacts on its scarce water resources and on crops presently growing near or above their optimum temperatures.
Climate change will decrease the area of arable lands currently used for agriculture in NSW. Extreme weather events are expected to occur twice as frequently, causing loss of arable land through soil erosion and landslides. Soil moisture will decrease due to evaporation from higher temperatures. An increase in drainage will change landscape hydrology and is likely to increase salination. The predicted decrease in land suitable for cropping is 300,000 ha.
Water is predicted to become scarcer. Price increases of agricultural water will result from greater competition for an already over allocated water supply. The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001 Page 17 |
An initial increase in temperature and atmospheric CO2 will increase pasture growth and financial outcomes for beef producers, however increases in heat stress in animals, water consumption, possible changes in grassland distribution and decreases in rainfall and salination will offset the initial advantage. Research shows that the milk production in cows without shade cover will reduce by 4% by 2030. Notwithstanding the initial advantage of additional CO2 wheat, yields and quality are expected to reduce. Less winter chilling will reduce stone fruit and apple production.
Global warming wilt increase the probability of drought, flood, fire and heatwave. Forest bio-diversity is expected to be reduced because of contractions in habitat. Plants and animals that are less mobile (such as fish in lakes) may decline or become extinct. Slowly maturing trees will be more vulnerable to rapid change.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is predicting more severe climate extremes, more droughts, and more heavy rain events. The coast that Australians like to live on will be battered by storms, high seas and rising sea levels.
Tony Blair said on the 3“ December that global warming is our most pressing problem and we must act on it. Weare all involved in this. It is the people of developed countries who must raise awareness for governments to act on before the changes can be made.
Reference Environment NSW March 2001 published by The Nature Conservation Council
All You Need To Know About Bushwalking Paul Sharp (First published in The Sydney Bushwalker February 1984)
I set out below, from my vast experience of bushwalking, a few simple facts that will surely help the less experienced, the blind, and the lame, more fully to enjoy that most spiritual and uplifting of all man's (sorry, dears, person's) activities.
1. 75% of all journeys, in either direction, are up hill.
2. However much you eat from it, the pack gets heavier rather than lighter.
3. The map is wrong.
4. There is (always) a magnetic anomaly (maybe ironstone) in the area that causes the compass to be
misleading.
5. The last pair of boots was more comfortable.
6. The job of the leader is to be way out in front, to prove that he is the leader.
7. The best camping spot is a little farther on.
8. Halfway, through the j journey back it is “only about five minutes to the cars”.
9. An easy descent to, .crossing of, and ascent from, Pigeon House Gorge exists, and is easy to find. 10. The “Beers for Bushwalkers Association” actually exists.
11. Women are better walkers than men.
12, Its only now that this heavy storm has set in that the tent has suddenly sprung a Jeak.
13. It doesn't matter if you can't find the exact ridge where the trail is indicated.
- One ridge is as good as another.
14, My boots are waterproof.
15. Leeches won't attack you if you are smoking.
16. Lung cancer is good for you.
17. Waterproof matches are.
18. It's easy to light a fire in the heaviest rain.
19, The pass used to be here last time I came.
20. Men are better walkers than women.
21. At Wog Wog they love you.
22. Bushwalking is relaxing, and good for you.
23. Dot is an orthodox conservative.
24, inflatable mattresses are just as good when they are punctured.
25. [like walking in this heavy fog - it's a good test of navigation. -
26. No. You don't subtract the magnetic deviation, you add it.
27, A competent bushwalker can always find his way from the sun.
28. “The bush is not a rubbish dump”
29. This river never floods.
30. Members of SBW don't get lost
|Page 18
The Sydney Bushwalker December 2001
SOCIAL NOTES
Social Programme: Recent Happenings: Almiss very professional talk and slides on the English Coast to Coast Walk was well received. Members also enjoyed the recent slides of past Christmas walks whetting our appetites for this coming Christmas - and Den Matthews montage of photos of older days in the Club. Coming Events: We are now into the Summer Programme which includes such highlights as: The Club's Christmas Party on Wednesday 19th December and the evening Picnic at Balmoral Beach on 9” January -see details below.
Have a safe and happy festive season and pleasant walking. Gemma Gagne
December:
Wed. 19“ Club Christmas Party (7.00 pm)
; Please bring a plate of food to share. The club will supply wine beer and soft drinks but if you dont want to drink out of plastic cups bring your own glass.
Wed. 267 Clubrooms closed
January:
Wed. 2 Clubrooms closed
Wed 9” Club Picnic Held at the southem end of Balmoral Beach from 6.00 pm. BYO food and drink. Fish and chips available nearby.
Wed i6“ Committee Meeting 6.00 pm
(prior to General meeting) General Meeting and Management Structure Review (8.00 pm) Following a _ short general meeting there will be discussion on the management Structure of the club. Your patticipation is welcome. Introduction to Sydney Bush Walkers (8.00 pm)
Wed 23” Dinner night at Kirribilli RSL
Wed 30“ Native Bees - (8.00 pm) Malcolm Batley a “Bee Specialist” from the Australian Museum will give us a talk and slide show about native bees. This will be followed by a walk in Curra Moors with emphasis on Banksia Bees on
February 3
Congratulations to:
Carol Lubbers on the birth
of her first grandchild
f= Kentlyn Sarah = Rowney, = daughter of Selina and Paul.
Kentlyn was born on 28/11/01.
And to:
Ken Cheng and Danielle on the birth of their
daughter Tia Samantha CurnoeCheng on
31/10/01. Photos of Tia may be viewed on
Kens Website: :
axon. bhs.mq.edu.au/kcheng/tia/tia.html
A Note about Elwyn Morris
It is with regret that we advise members that Elwyn Morris and husband George Carter have resigned their membership of our Club due to Elwyns illness.
Elwyn is a longtime member of our club and has been very active as a leader and committee member holding various positions.
She now has advanced Alzheimers disease and George has a fulltime job caring for her.
Calls from her many friends and walking companions concerned for her well being will be welcomed by George Phone 9955 1827.
Mark These Dates On Your Calendar: Sai/Sun_16/17”__Feb:; Coolana Training Weekend for new members.
Wed 13“ March: Annual General Meeting Election of fnew President-and Office Bearers. Sat/Sun 16% 17” March: Reustion and Family. weekend at Coolana, A great time for adults
and children.
ce
to. new prospective members
We want your Surphus.Gear ! No longer used but. pre-loved and in. good condition equipment to be hired out by our Club
We would like.to assemble 2 kits of suitable lightweight gear to be made available for hire. It is intended that each kit consist of -
1 sleeping bag
1 inner sheet
1 foam sleeping mat
1 ground sheet
~/] lightweight (waterproof) tent
(microlight would be ideal)
If you can help with any of the above items: please contact our New Members Secretary (phone 9520 0266). with your-. offers of suitable equipment
The Leaders in Adventure since 1930 |
Ever since Paddy Pallin began making his gear in his back room, Paddy Pallin has led the way in manufacturing and selling a range of quality products for fellow bushwalkers. We understand that walkers need lightweight, functional equipment which will perform in all kinds of conditions, so if you want the best products and the best advice, come
in and see us.
WE SPECIALISE IN: * Footwear for bushwalking * Rucksacks
* Day packs
* Gore-Tex rainwear
* Polartec fleece warmwear * Thermal bodywear
* Outdoor clothing
* Sleeping bags
* Tents
* Stoves and water purifiers
* Cross country skis and boots * Rockclimbing equipment
* Books and maps
* Accessories
And if you are just starting out, or perhaps trying something new, we have a range of
equipment for hire at competitive prices.
For a free catalogue, drop into your nearest store, or call (02) 9524 1385.
Miranda 527 Kingsway City 507 Kent St Parramatta 2/74 Macquarie St Katoomba 166B Katoomba St Canberra 11 Lonsdale St. Braddon + Jindabyne Kosciusko Rd