SBW Magazine & History Project

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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 you're 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 safely be your best companion for many years to come.

by David Noble

It's good to see a pack made in the Blue Mountains for use in the Blue Mountains. The 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 as a torch, and a top pocket for the map and camera. The pack is large enough to be used as a weekend pack when no ropes etc. are needed. This can keep the bulk down and stop you from packing too much on those weekend bushwalks.

The Triassic is made from durable 12oz canvas which can withstand the abuse given to it in canyons and when walking through scrub. All the seams are double stitched and sealed to prevent failure. It is also very waterproof; 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.

Overall an excellent pack for either short or tall with the 2 shoulder strap options. And great for canyons or short weekend trips.

* Australian 12oz 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 lid 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

NB: David Noble is a keen canyoner and bushwalker. He is also the discoverer of the rare Wollemi Pine (WOLLEMIA NOBILIS) found in 1994.

Alpsport

RSVP: by 11th OCTOBER

The Sydney Bush Walkers 75th Anniversary Dinner at the Harbour View Room, Kirribilli Club 11-23 Harbour View Crescent Lavender Bay Friday, 25 October 2002 7 PM to Midnight

All current members and past members of the Sydney Bush Walkers are invited to this 75th Anniversary Dinner. The Kirribilli Club has entrances on Harbour View Crescent and Cliff Street at Lavender Bay. Both entrances have wheelchair access and are serviced by lifts. The Kirribilli Club is a licensed club and dress rules apply. For this gala event smart casual is the mode.

Tickets for the evening and buffet dinner cost $40 each. Drinks are not included and are to your individual account. A waiter service will be available. If you require a vegetarian meal please check the box below. The Harbour View Room has good ambience to mix and mingle.

Parking is not a problem. The Kirribilli Club car park entrance is in Harbour View Crescent. Nearby motel accommodation at reduced rates can be arranged. Contact the Kirribilli Club Functions Manager Natalie Hayden directly on 9955 2245 during business hours.

All forms of public transport are available: train, bus, ferry and taxi, thus eliminating the drink and/or drive quandary. Walking is also a possibility. Something different is to travel by water taxi to Lavender Bay wharf. Train to Milsons Point station, then walk 4 minutes to the Club.

Buses 265: McMahons Point-Lane Cove-via Greenwich, and 269: McMahons Point-Kirribilli. Any bus to North Sydney station, then walk.

Ferry from Circular Quay (usually wharf 4) to Milsons Point or Lavender Bay.

By Foot, from the south, head to the city, cross the Harbour Bridge, then ask. From the north, head south, don't cross the Harbour Bridge, at Kirribilli ask someone.

(See over the page for details of the Celebrations during the 75th Anniversary Week)

—- cut along this dotted line —-

Send a cheque made out to SBW for the number of tickets. Include your name and address. (If in doubt add more information, not less!). No tickets will be sold at the door. Alternatively hand-deliver payment and booking form to the Club Room. Post to SBW 75 P O Box 431 MILSONS POINT NSW 1565

Name Address Post Code: Cheque enclosed Vegetarian Meal? _O Yes Current member _O Yes year joined Past member _ Yes year joined

Data Entered: Date Banked:

1045 VICTORIA RD, WEST RYDE Ph 9858 5844

THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER is the monthly bulletin of matters of interest to members of

The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc

PO Box 431 Milsons Point 1565.

Bookings for the fabulous 75th Anniversary Dinner close on the 11th October. Tickets will be mailed out immediately after this date to reach you before the 18th October.

If your tickets fail to arrive please phone:

Patrick James 9567 99998

Come and help decide the Club's future at the Special General Meeting on Wednesday 9th October when a Special Resolution will be proposed to change the constitution so as to avoid the requirement to have Monthly General meetings.

Issue No. 814

INDEX:

1. Index and Notices 2. Editor's Note 3. Treasurer's Report 4. Maurice Smith 5. The August General Meeting 6. Barry Wallace 7. Trekking Poles and Environmental Degradation 8. Trevor Grigson 9. 1927 And All That Frank Rigby 10. Queens Birthday Origins Clio 11. Sub-Committee Review 12. Don Brooks 13. Good News for the Forests 14. David Trinder 15. The Walks Pages 16. Of Interest To New Members 17. Social Notes

The Sydney Bushwalker: First Edition July 1931 Official publication of The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc.

The Sydney Bush Walkers Inc.

This year we celebrate our 75th anniversary. The Club's main activity is bushwalking, but it has grown to include other activities such as ski touring, canyoning, abseiling, li-loing, cycling and social events.

Our Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milsons Point Railway Station).

Visitors and prospective members are welcome. General Enquiries: Phone 0500 500 729 SBW Website www.sbw.org.au

Members will be saddened to learn of the sudden death of Elwyn Morris, a member of SBW for twenty years. Elwyn died at the Royal North Shore Hospital at 2:30 pm on Tuesday 3 September.

During her time with the club she led many walks and held several positions on the Committee, including two years as Social Secretary.

Elwyn was a victim of frontotemporal dementia, with the last two years of her life being the most torturous.

She was cared for throughout this period and to the very end by her partner George Carter, himself an SBW member.

George would like to extend his heartfelt thanks to all those members who came to the funeral service and who kept in contact by offering their sympathy and best wishes throughout Elwyn's ordeal.

Mark 19/20th October on your calendar! Annual Reunion at Coolana Old and new members, friends etc welcome

Next month the club celebrates its 75th Anniversary, and throughout this magazine you will see many reminders of the celebratory activities. Next month there will be a Special Edition of the magazine looking back on the earlier days and more recent times.

It is one thing to reflect on what has made our Club survive so many years; it's another to ponder what lies ahead.

On Page 8 of this issue you will see the outcome of the Review Committee's deliberations on the future direction of SBW. Many of the recommendations have already been adopted by the Management Committee, and others are to be considered by Special General Meetings, the first to be held on the 9th of October and another later in the year.

As your Editor I would like to dwell awhile on the totality of the changes already made and proposed and how these will affect your magazine.

There are some major changes that may impact on the information available to Club members.

The first is that the Committee has decided to have only one social meeting per month - so our social activity nights will reduce from about twenty-four per year down to approx. ten nights a year - it will be very difficult to report a monthly social column on one event per month, but we'll try.

The meeting in October will be asked to delete the monthly general meeting and replace it with a six-monthly meeting - Barry Wallace has reported the monthly meetings in each Magazine for many years, but in future, with no meetings, no report.

However, this recommendation, along with proposed constitution changes to give the Management Committee (perhaps only seven people) the powers presently vested in members in general meeting, will make the communication of many matters either out of date or redundant - why have a financial report if the members have no means of query or comment.

Further, without a monthly general meeting there will be no opportunity to present narratives of walk reports other than in the few reports included in the magazine.

Let this not be viewed as a criticism of the Review Committee or its recommendations. The review was necessary, and the totality of all of the proposed changes may be beneficial to the future of the Club.

But, all of these changes require your thoughts and contributions. There should be no need to rush and so completely change the conduct of a club that has survived 75 years.

The Review Committee was given over a year to consider and suggest changes, so perhaps the members should now be given the chance to debate all of the Committee's recommendations, perhaps suggesting less drastic alternatives, instead of having the Committee implement some changes in isolation and refer only those changes which require a Special Resolution to the members.

And the committee should consider how our six hundred members will be kept informed of what is happening in the Club.

Now, reverting to this month's issue, there is no President's Report as Rosemary is away on leave and walking somewhere wonderful and well away from Sydney. Don Brooks has prepared an article on the Review Sub Committee recommendations. There is a letter (copied from Wild Magazine) on trekking poles, some 75th Anniversary reflections, the regular features, and some interesting walk reports.

Oh! Of course, I do need more articles, poems, photos or other items from you, whether previously published or not, to complete the Special Edition next month. By the way, if you know of ex-members of long standing who would like to receive a complimentary issue of the magazine, please advise.

Bill Holland

Copy for publishing in the SBW magazine should be received by the Editor by the end of the first week of each month. Letters stating your viewpoint on matters of interest are most welcome. Please send your submission in by mail (preferably typed), on floppy disc, by fax or by email addressed to The Editor

Telephone: 9484 6636 Email: billholi@hotkey.net.au Fax: 9980 5476 (phone 9484 6636 first)

Members are invited to assist with the collating of the 75th Special Edition magazine at the Holland's home at Westleigh on Thursday 17 October. This will be an enlarged issue and your assistance would be welcomed. Contact Fran Holland beforehand for details on 9484 6636.

Don't Forget! Send in the enclosed booking slip to reserve your place at the fabulous 75th Anniversary Dinner on Friday 25 October.

The last of the annual subscriptions are still dribbling into the post office box. Remember, if you haven't paid your subscription then don't blame us when you don't receive a Spring Walks Program.

Maurice Smith

NSW WILDERNESS Transit BUS

—-

Reported by Barry Wallace

The meeting began at around 20:08 hours with 11 members present and the president in the chair. There were no apologies.

The minutes of the previous meeting were read and received, with no matters arising.

Correspondence was comprised of letters of resignation from members Stephen Anstey and Alex Hunt, a proposal from Roger Treagus that we provide a facility to enable walks leaders to post notifications of walks cancellations on the club's web site, from Don Finch providing information on activities at Coolana, and from Don Brooks supporting Eddy Giacomel's suggestion that we place walks detail on the club's web site. There was also a notice of annual general meeting from Natural Areas Ltd, a letter from member Geoff Dowsett expressing concern at the activities of trail bike gangs in the national park areas north of the Hawkesbury River and a letter from Patrick James opposing the programming of walks on the reunion weekend. Confederation had also sent minutes of their latest general meeting.

The meeting was also appraised of recent committee activities, including modifications to the walks reports form and the re-instatement of the walks guidelines formulated some time ago by a group headed by John Porter (g'day John). The proposed changes to meeting frequency will have been covered in greater detail elsewhere.

There was no Confederation report and no conservation report.

New member Clive Klugman was welcomed into membership in the usual way.

The Treasurer was next, with tales of monetary splendour. It seems we began the month with $4,943, earned income of $1,366, spent $6,120 and closed with a balance of $189.

Walks reports commenced with the weekend of 13, 14 July with Bill Holland canceling his trip to Meryla Pass. Phil Newman had a party average of 13 and beautiful weather for his Saturday expedition along the Great North Walk. Roger Treagus deferred his Sunday Great River walk stage 12 to another day but Ralph Penglis reported 12 walkers, mild weather and a good walk for his Rose Bay to South Head and return via The Gap walk the same day.

No report was available to the meeting for Bill Holland's mid-week walk from Pierces Pass on the Tuesday. [It went with 8 starters … Ed]

A similar situation prevailed for Kenn Clacher's cross-country skiing event over the period 19 to 21 July. Tony Crichton had a party of 14 on his qualifying walk to the Kowmung over the weekend of 19, 20, 21 July. Rumour has it they managed to celebrate Yulefest along the way. There was no report for Wilf's Great River walk scheduled for the Sunday. Ron Watters had the 7 starters on his Sunday visit to Macquarie Pass National Park out in time to enjoy the delights of the Robertson pie shop. The weekend of 27, 28 July saw Kay Chan with a party of 9 and cold nights but good views on her Newnes area base camp. Unfortunately one of the party suffered an eye injury along the way. Ray Ogilvie's walk out from Blackheath Station on the Saturday attracted 6 starters and glorious weather. Sunday saw Judy Jones leading 8 walkers on her Edgecliff to Watsons Bay ramble. No mention seems to have been made of Wilf's leaders training walk and workshop out from Brooklyn the same day. Kenn Clacher cancelled his August 1st to 5th cross-country ski tour out from Munyang. Stephen Adams had a party of 3 for his walk to Mount Dawson over that weekend but Sheila Zaman's scheduled walk from Cowan to Hornsby did not go. Tony Crichton had a party of 23 out on a hot day with storms on the Saturday for his walk off the Mount Hay fire trail into Blue Gum. They assisted a visiting but distressed American visitor along the way to Perrys Lookdown and still came out on time. Maurice Smith's walk from Quiera Clearing, scheduled over the weekend of 10, 11 August was cancelled due to low numbers. The only other report for that weekend was for Tony Crichton's walk out from Carlon's Farm on the Sunday. There were 17 walkers and conditions were again hot.

The call for general business went unanswered, announcements followed, and the meeting closed at around 21:05.

Jan & Margaret write from France:

We enjoyed the train journey as it rapidly travelled through the serene and beautiful French countryside, passing through a number of townships and rivers on the way. There were many cyclists travelling in the train to different destinations and the area allocated to store the bikes very soon got overfilled, but everyone managed to get the bikes in.

[Jan and Margaret arrived home near the end of August… ………Ed]

Stephen sends a postcard from California Aaah! Just delightful - Starting the John Muir Trail tomorrow. Ten days of sunshine predicted. This is going to be one heck of an adventure!

The following letter appeared in the Winter edition (No. 85) of Wild Magazine. It raises an important issue regarding track damage from the growing use of trekking poles. This letter is reproduced here with the permission of the publishers of Wild magazine and the writer.

I have just finished employment as a Track Ranger with the Tasmanian Parks & Wildlife Service, working on the Overland Track. I'd like to bring to your attention the issue of Trekking Poles and environmental degradation caused by them.
These poles are fitted with a tungsten carbide point. Tungsten carbide is harder than stone and the poles are causing significant damage by
(a) ripping up vegetation that is stabilising track edges (as the poles are driven in to soft edges)
(b) producing large scratches on rocks where they have slipped and
© acting as vectors for the spread of the Phytophthora die back fungus (especially when used over the edges of boardwalks constructed to prevent its spread).
Whilst some people would probably consider this a small matter, the fragile alpine terrain this damage is occurring in is very slow to recover, and in the case of the scratching and dieback is going to be visible for centuries.
There is already evidence of damage on the Overland Track (especially on Mt Ossa and through Du Cane Gap) and also on Mt Eliza/ Mt Anne in the South West National Park.
Trekking poles have increased in popularity in recent years, probably because of exposure from European visitors and promotion by importers, so I was hoping that there would be some way you could encourage their responsible use. Techniques include using the rubber feet available as accessories, only placing the tip on hardened track surfaces and using a staff with a large end as a substitute.

Trevor Grigson

Do you agree with the comments in this letter? Your comments on the use of trekking poles would be most welcome… … ……..Ed

Would leaders please check before walking in National Parks near Sydney to determine if closures or partial closures apply. The continuing dry weather is delaying recovery of some areas following the disastrous bushfires earlier this year.

A Kimberley Icon

The Mitchell Falls

* So spectacular * But no one else can show it to you in full flood.

In January 2003, we will use light aircraft and helicopters to show you the Mitchell Plateau at its spectacular best. Thundering waterfalls, majestic gorges, Aboriginal paintings and rock shelters where you can escape the heat just as the original inhabitants did for thousands of years. This is a major two-week expedition. For more information, check out our website or ask. www.bushwalkingholidays.com.au Willis's Walkabouts

by Frank Rigby

“When SBW was founded in 1927, most of the present members were not even a twinkle in their father's eye.”

So wrote Patrick James in the July magazine. Well, Patrick, here is one member who had long passed the twinkle stage; in fact, I was a real live person with three months experience of the world and, being a keen and intelligent observer, I can tell you a lot about 1927, first hand. No imagination required, Patrick.

Sure, we didn't have the Harbour Bridge and we didn't miss it, either. We had ferries, so much more pleasant than the congested, noisy and toll-ridden coat hanger we were given. Sydney was so much smaller, the bush so much closer and people were doing recreational walks maybe where half the members are now living. No ABC radio? True, but we did have the wireless and I can remember the fun tuning into my little crystal set and wondering what on earth I was going to hear. No television? True again, and although we didn't realise it then how fortunate we were to escape the idiot box! Instead we enjoyed sing-songs around the piano or stimulating conversations. Both arts have now been lost but in 1927, Patrick, we were participants, not couch potatoes. The opinion makers called the decade “The Roaring Twenties”. Well, maybe that was an overstatement but we were reasonably well-off for the times, heaps better than the desperate Thirties which followed.

Patrick noted there were few cars. You're damn tootin' right. Ah, how peaceful and quiet were our streets! Road accidents? Hardly. And when the walkers took to the bush they travelled the sensible way, by train. The whole party turned the journey into a social occasion, a far cry from the fragmented groups of today, isolated in their little tin boxes. We could not go everywhere by train but we saved the more remote areas for our annual leave. Yes, it's true people were more conservative then; despite the popularity of the Charleston and the scantily-clad flappers who danced it, our lady walkers changed from shorts to skirts on returning to the railway station. Of course, they would never be seen dead in slacks! Oh horror!

Although the word “bushwalking” was not coined until 1927, many independent people “hiked” in our bushlands prior to the formation of SBW; the love of the bush was always there. Yes, the gear was heavy, the knowledge scanty and the maps rudimentary, but with the birth of SBW a new era of “professional” bushwalking had begun. The idea spread quickly - the Hobart Walking Club was formed the very next year.

I tried to join the Sydney Bush Walkers as a foundation member but they told me I would have to wait another sixteen years. Actually, it took a little longer than that.

We turn Seventy-five on 21st October 2002 and would like you to join us in celebrating this great event. All members, old, new, prospective, partners and friends are welcome to join us at the following events. To help with your planning please mark these dates on your calendar and refer to the insert with this magazine.

JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF CELEBRATING !!

* Social Weekend and Reunion at Coolana. 19th/20th October. This will extend to the Monday as well to celebrate the actual birthday. Activities include some cycling, canoeing and easy walks around the property. This event is for all whether old members or new to the Club. Friends are welcome. * Gala Night Wed 23rd October. Join us in the club room, for reminiscences and historical displays of old SBW photos, minute books, magazines and equipment. * Anniversary Dinner Fri 25th October - at the Kirribilli RSL Club. Tickets required! Don't forget to mail in your $40 payment ASAP as tickets will NOT be sold at the door. (see insert notice) * Anniversary Picnic Sun 27th October. At Quarantine Park - Abbotsford. Enter from Spring St. BYO everything - sausage sizzle. All welcome including family, friends and visitors. * 75th Anniversary Tee-shirts. These will be available soon. Place your orders!

by Clio

Well, another Queen's Birthday long weekend has passed with the usual comments about this seemingly anachronistic holiday. Why celebrate an event that is not (i) Queen Elizabeth II's actual birth date, or (ii) celebrated in Britain.

Should republicans take advantage of this anniversary?

Should there be another event to celebrate - perhaps Mabo Day?

Since the reign (1901-1936) of King George V, the King's Birthday holiday has been generally held on the second Monday in June. (The King's Birthday was celebrated on different days in different States). When the King died, in January, his son Edward's wish was for no holiday for the funeral - to avoid financial hardship and loss.

The June holiday continued for Edward VIII (also was born in June). As his birth date fell on June 23, the public holiday was declared for the following Monday (29/6) in NSW.

When Edward stood down late in 1936, his brother George VI, whose birth date was December, became regent. Consequently, NSW had an additional public holiday for 1936 (14th Dec).

However, as the new celebration was so close to Christmas, sporting (and presumably commercial) interests moved to have it restored to the middle of the year. When the NSW Government declared that the 1937 King's Birthday was to be celebrated on 12th May (Coronation Day) - winter sporting bodies wanted it (restored) to the first Monday after 6 June.

In December 1937, there was a deputation to Minister by representatives from football, hockey and tennis organisations, including J Debert (FBW). As a result new arrangements to come into force in 1938 - the King approved the 'King's Day' being observed on 9th June. Consequently, the King's Birthday was held on June 13. It was reported that thousands of hikers passed through Central Railway Station during that morning, most bound for National Park and places along the Illawarra Line.

Queen Victoria's birth-date was 24th May and, as Empire Day, was celebrated 1905-1958 but not as a holiday. Between 1958 and 1965, this date was celebrated as British Commonwealth Day. From 1966 Commonwealth Day was celebrated on 11 June (the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II). Those of us young enough to remember Empire Day was celebrated with bonfires and cracker night.

Interestingly, George III reigned 1760-1820 and his birthday was celebrated in the early days of the Colony (though I haven't tracked this holiday throughout the years).

Still a holiday by any other name.

by Don Finch

Some of the things done at Coolana over the last few months include the completion of a fenced area for the protection of future planting. Consensus on what should be planted is yet to be reached with local stock of local native flora from the block or Kangaroo Valley nursery an option. The battle of the weeds has seen hand weeding, spray poisoning, hand removal of mats of wandering jew and large quantities of cobblers pegs thrown into the pit for burning. With the onset of warmer weather, a renewed effort to keep weeds under control will be required and more volunteers are needed. Turkey rhubarb has been poisoned around the flat; some damage to adjacent grass is apparent. The poison strength has been set to kill the turkey but allow the grass to recover.

Among the tall wattles on the flat are trees in varying stages of decline; they tend to die from the top down with the top half dead and falling, with others completely dead but standing, to trees laying on the ground. An effort has been made to cut and stack the fallen trees with a view to preserving the firewood for future campfires. A number of dead and dying wattles have also been cut down and stacked in an effort to make the flat safer. Before you pitch a tent, have a good look up for hazards, dead branches, dead tops or dead trees.

The large tree at the zigzag near the car park has been cut into manageable lumps; these need stacking on the outside of the bend under the rock shelf close to the bole of the tree. A water-diverting hump is to be constructed across the road at the apex where the erosion is obvious; do not stack blocks in this area. The locked chain and sump buster have been re-activated. Work on the access road to the car park has continued and more is to be done. After discussions with our neighbor, some water works on Lazy Acres have been agreed to. The aim is to minimize erosion on our road.

by Don Brooks - for the Review Sub Committee

The Review Sub Committee held its final meeting on 19th August and has prepared a final report for consideration of the Management Committee. During the thirteen month period of review, we met every second Monday evening in the very pleasant surroundings of the Kirribilli RSL Club. Our brief was to analyse and report on the written submissions, and June 2001 Member Survey, regarding SBW's current and future direction.

There were many and varied suggestions, and our role was to formulate a view which mirrored the general view of our membership - no easy task!

Participation in the Sub-Committee averaged around eight members at any time with changes from time to time. The following participated with many contributing their time over the prolonged period (in alphabetical order):

Don Brooks, Kay Chan, Maureen Carter, Peter Dalton, Eddy Giacomel, Wilf Hilder, Fran Holland (original co-ordinator) Patrick James, Rosemary MacDougal, George Mawer, Maurice Smith and Barry Wallace.

Already, some of the early recommendations of the Sub-Committee have been implemented, particularly those dealing with changes to prospective membership procedures, viz:

* The period allowed for gaining full membership changed from six months to a period determined by the Management Committee (now set at twelve months). * The name “Test walks” changed to “Qualifying walks”. * Nomination by a member of six months standing is no longer required. * Endorsement for full membership changed from six other members to leaders of three qualifying walks. * Prospective members are now able to hire gear from the Club's Gear Hiring Centre.

The above changes were approved at the March 2002 Annual General Meeting. Additionally, the Sub-Committee suggestion of a colour printed brochure to be distributed to members of the public enquiring about membership has been adopted and is now implemented.

Changes to other areas of Club procedures have been recommended and have either been accepted, or are being considered, by the Management Committee.

The changes are:

* Delete the current requirement to hold a general meeting each month and replace it with at least one general meeting every six months - as advised in the August magazine. * Re-schedule Wednesday social nights to one per month plus special occasions. * Form an Activities Leadership Training Sub-Committee. * Update all of the Club's training notes and procedures into a booklet and have a master copy retained in the Kirribilli Club rooms. * Establish standard testing criteria for mapping, first aid and bushcraft to ensure consistency in training and testing. * Define standard criteria to be used in grading programmed walks and identifying qualifying walks. * Produce a Leadership and Training Handbook - 50 copies of the draft handbook have been issued for comment (refer George Mawer). * A recommendation was also made that prospective members be required to undertake two overnight camps, one of which will be a qualifying camp/walk as part of gaining full membership.

The Review Sub-Committee sincerely thanks all those members who responded because without your contribution most of the above recommendations would never have seen the light of day.

Lantana (Lantana camara) is another weed found at Coolana. The green fruits can be poisonous and the sharp prickles and hairy leaves produce allergic reactions in many people. Lantana has been shown to bring about substantial changes in soil chemistry and structure, interfering with nutrient recycling and inhibiting native plant regeneration. It has a remarkable growth rate, especially in wet weather. The rough leaves are mid-green with slightly round-toothed and they have a distinctive sharp smell which can be used to distinguish them from the native look alike, poison peach (Trema aspera). Lantana flowers throughout the year with the pink, red or yellow flowers in dense heads at the end of long stalks.

Eradication is relatively easy as the plant is shallow rooted and can be hand weeded. But all the large surface roots must be removed or they may reshoot.

Reminder - Don't forget the 75th Anniversary Picnic on Sunday 27th October

Whether it's bush walking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, trekking 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 Moto-Active Pack's adjustable harness is deceptively simple, fast to adjust and easy to fit. Available in three sizes and featuring interchangeable harness components, a truly best fit is possible, and best fit means a truly comfortable carry.

Mont Adventure Equipment: The Australian company with over 20 years of manufacturing excellence. * Innovative designs, detailed construction and quality materials. * Anatomically contoured hip-belts. * Spandura and 3D Air-Flow fabrics for body contact points. * Bar tacks on the important high stress points. * Triple stitched with webbing bound seams to ensure massive seam strength. * We use Evazote foams, the most durable, high quality foams available. * Hip-belt secures directly to the aluminium frame-stays for direct load transfer. * Only highest quality Duraflex buckles. * The shoulder yoke adjusts independently of the frame stays. * Dual aluminium frame-stays adjusted and reinserted in seconds.

www.mont.com.au

eastwood camping centre 3 Trelawney Street Eastwood. Phone: 02 9858 3833. All packs personally fitted by our experienced Staff.

by David Trinder

Environmentalists are celebrating Bob Carr's decision to end the wood-fired power station proposals throughout the state. Years of campaigning by the combined environmental movement sent a strong message to the woodchip industry that burning woodchips for power is not acceptable.

Independent polling showed the Government a massive wave of opposition against the proposed industry, only 7% supporting the proposal. This is an excellent move, but New South Wales still burns so-called sawmill waste for electricity and there are no details on how this is monitored to ensure that waste is not produced if needed for power generation.

It is now time for the Government to rule out the south coast charcoal mill that will also consume large quantities of native forest timber.

It is clear that the NSW ALP sees the environment vote as important. With six months to the election, the green fight is on. This is an excellent first step for Bob Carr to re-establish his credentials as a Green Premier. Peak environmental groups call on business to do more on environmental sustainability.

The Total Environmental Centre, Australian Conservation Foundation, Greenpeace, World Wide Fund for Nature, The Wilderness Society of NSW, Humane Society International, and Friends of the Earth have jointly issued a statement calling for further action by corporate Australia, to address the serious and potentially irreversible environmental problems confronting society.

Corporate sustainability programs are important, but they have the potential to be corrupted, dashing the hopes of socially responsible investors. Non-government organisations have a responsibility to expose corrupt practices and enforce transparency. Environmental groups should work from a common front. Some environmental protection measures such as environmental impact statements have in the past been allowed to wither because of industry capture. This situation should be prevented.

The Federal Government should introduce stronger corporate laws to regulate the environmental performance of Australian companies here and overseas so that companies not willing to behave voluntarily will still improve their environmental performance.

WildCountry is a plan to re-wild Australia. By means of reservation and rehabilitation, Australia's natural ecosystems are to be restored and sustained, breaking the destructive cycle in which modern society competes with (and usually destroys) indigenous cultures, the integrity of ecological communities and the habitats of plants and animal species.

As a first step towards achieving this ambitious goal, the Wilderness Society has established the WildCountry Scientific Council bringing together some of the nation's most eminent environmental scientists. The Council plans to undertake a continent-wide comprehensive assessment of our landscapes and ecosystems.

The Wilderness Society is developing an Implementation Plan which, nationwide will protect threatened environments, rehabilitate degraded natural areas and restore devastated ecosystems. The objective is to work in partnership with other conservation organisations to develop a conservation network. Where possible, wilderness areas will form the core of the network …..

The above is an extract from the WildCountry brochure issued by the Wilderness Society - for more information www.wilderness.org.au -

I'm itching to go the 75th Anniversary Gala Night on Wednesday 25 October

by Roger Treagus

This walk started in spectacular fashion as 4 of us out of the 6 walkers doing the walk decided to fly in to Yerranderie from Camden. The flight lasted 20 minutes and avoided a 3 hour drive in over rough roads. There were blue skies and sparkling clear weather for the flight which took us over the Lake, then over Lacy's Tableland, then through Byres Gap and finally to the airport, a 400m dirt strip pointing right towards Colong. The non-flyers had been driven in by kind souls who didn't mind driving 600 km for the day - just to do a good deed. The walkers comprised two members (Raf Byron, myself), one prospective (Ron Horvatch), two visitors (Tim Wright and Dave Love - but members of the Great River Walk Association) and Beth Robertson from the Goulburn Bushwalkers Club.

We limbered up by climbing Yerranderie Peak, where on a clear day it is said that with a good pair of binoculars you can see the Japanese Tour buses on Echo Point. We pitched tent on the beautiful camping grounds adjacent to the wonderfully restored ghost town of Yerranderie and proceeded to have a party with all the excess food brought in that we were not going to carry.

The walk began early next morning in a thunderstorm with the prospect of a 30 km plod ahead. It remained wet and cold for most of the day as we hit the trail through Byrnes Gap and on to the interminably long Scott's Main Range. Lunch was under a tarp big enough to keep my peanut butter sandwich dry but not me. Scott's has always been a bad place for water, but I noticed that periodically there were small water storages off the road, there to fill up the fire tankers during fire emergencies, but I imagine were drinkable at a pinch.

We dried out in the Catholic Bushwalkers hut (not actually owned by them but a mob called the Guntawang Catholic Youth Centre) that night at New Yards around a very welcome fire. We raised our port glasses to them as the joint had flush loos and new mattresses. The warmth and the tiredness could have been the reason for one of the best demonstrations of synchronised snoring my ears have heard, that is, before I dropped off and contributed myself.

Next day was sunny and cool but the hut was just too comfortable but we eventually struggled off a bit after 9. The view along the road proved we were making progress. The Wild Dog mountains with Mouin looming up ahead were getting closer and we were leaving the Gangerangs behind.

The very end of Scott's Main Range came suddenly with a track leading steeply down to the Cox River. It used to be scratchy but now looks almost graded. Standing by the broad and clear stream made a pleasant change from the ridge bashing of the day before. On the other side of the river there was a nice sign declaring we were in the walkers corridor through otherwise prohibited catchment lands pointing to no actual track. On the way up White Dog ridge we stumbled (quite literally) upon it and in fading light puffed up the long ascent towards Medlow Gap. It is surprising how the eyes can adapt to the near dark of dusk. Even just a little light is enough to pitch a tent by but not to find the tent pegs, to cook by but not to find the billy lid. Still we survived on a second night of pasta.

The morning of the third day saw us climb Mt Debert, a well known name in SBW circles, climb Taro's Ladders (why didn't Taro ever get the spike spacings right) and finally attain the plateau of Narrow Neck. Up here we could appreciate how far we had come in two days with the Axehead Range and Yerranderie Peak behind way way down to the south, almost on the horizon.

Then came the easy stroll into Katoomba. David summed up the arrival back into civilisation, “You know that you have finally left the bush when the joggers are wearing lipstick.” In 3 days we never saw another person, then suddenly we were seeing hundreds. There's something mystical about walking through wilderness. You never recognise what it is until you've lost it.

This stage marked a turning point in the Great River Walk, over half way, and on the downhill run to the coast. I figured that at our rate of progress with about 9 stages still to go it would only take another year to reach the coast, about 9 or 10 day walks in fact. I wonder what the tiger walkers would have done it in back in the old days when bushwalkers were bred tougher.

Wanted! Short articles promoting a recent walk or a coming walk in an interesting area.

by Dick Whittington

The leader was a Nordic skier of considerable talent, [who could] throw himself down the side of Watson's Crags with a measure of control. Being a downhill specialist, his skis were less suitable for climbing, which is probably why he was well to the rear of the party whilst ascending the SMA road north from the Munyang Power station. It was perhaps his desire to catch up that led him to tackle the first downhill section at maximum speed, thus allowing him little opportunity to avoid the bare section halfway down. He executed a face-plant in the wet gravel, cutting his hand and grazing his forehead. The front of his shirt was covered in mud. Upon reaching the rest of the party, he might have expected some sympathy, but instead met only with astonishment at his dishevelled appearance, and a suggestion that he should continue to ski at the back of the party until he changed his shirt.

The party moved on quickly to Schlink Hut where one of our number, I shall henceforth call him Hill-man, found that his boot was falling apart. It was clear that he must return to Jindabyne to purchase a new pair. We split, the main group proceeding as planned, with Hill-man returning at full speed. I leisurely made my way back to Whites River Hut to await Hill-man's return that evening.

It was about 7 p.m. when I looked out to noticed that it was snowing heavily and the tracks from the road to the hut had been covered; to make matters worse, visibility was zero. I lit a candle and set it outside the hut. Hill-man eventually saw this light and made a beeline towards it, encountering, to his dismay, several small creeks. Later we settled down to a peaceful sleep but were rudely awoken shortly after midnight by four Canberra Skiers. They seemed to take ages banging and clattering around the hut whilst re-arranging our gear.

In the morning, we made an early start with a view to catch the main party, and reached Valentine's Hut without incident. We then took a short cut by descending directly to the Geehi River. Hill-man is one of the most capable cross-country skiers I have ever met; I was therefore greatly surprised when he fell in, losing both stocks and a glove. These were recovered some distance downstream and we proceeded in falling snow to Grey Mare Hut, to rendezvous with the main group.

It was in the Grey Mare Hut that I realized how totally prepared our leader was for any eventuality. The muddy shirt had been washed and his hand was expertly bandaged. He seemed to have a comprehensive wardrobe, including that ultimate luxury, dry socks. His kitchen paraphernalia extended to a device for lifting hot billies, and when it was realized that the toilet was snowed in, a folding shovel miraculously appeared. I have no doubt that an analysis of his pack contents would reveal every navigational aid, and item of survival gear thus far invented.

The next morning dawned cold and clear. As we climbed Smith's Lookout, the snow gums with their snow-laden branches were splendidly back-lit by the rising sun. I now had no doubts as to why I was here. We continued past Strumbo Hill into the open high country at the foot of Jagungal. The big mountain looked impressive in its total snow cover. A packless ascent was made, followed by the opportunity for good telemarking on the upper slopes. We then enjoyed excellent skiing on our way to Mawson's Hut.

Mawson's is one of the best of the traditional mountain huts, and is often a very welcome sight. During a storm in 1969, its two rooms accommodated no less than 23 skiers! It is set amongst delightful snow gums with views across the Valentine's River to Jagungal. If it has one flaw, it is its resident rodents. These can be charming as they scamper about in the evening, but become wearing as they noisily continue their activities through the night. One member of our group had his pack chewed through even though it was hung on the wall.

The next morning was again clear and cold. We skied across the Kerries along the skyline instead of the traditional route, eventually reaching the summit of Gungarten. Here the party again split. The main group descending to Schlink pass to return via the SMA road. Hill-man and myself returned via Disappointment Spur, enjoying an exciting descent through steep timber above the Aqueduct Track. The Aqueduct was well covered and fast. I kept my skis on until we reached the car park of the Munyang Power Station.

On the journey back to Sydney, I reflected upon the noisy rats, the noisier Canberrans and the less than perfect weather of the first two days. I also reflected that by itself, the climb through the snow gums to Smith's Lookout would justify the whole enterprise.

24th August by Vicki Garamy

I'm not a marathon walker; I have no intention of walking the Six Foot Track in a Day. At least that is what I said last year when I was almost swept up in the hype. Then again I'm a Gemini, we're the fickle sign.

I first heard about the Six Foot Track on my first SBW walk two years ago. It came about its name because it was designed to be six foot wide to allow for the horse and carriage.

Each year, a couple of months leading up to this annual club walk, the training walks are put on the programme. So what happened this year? I contacted Roger Treagus to do a walk of his which he unfortunately had to postpone. This left me with one option, Phil Newman's 33km annual walk from Cowan to Westleigh. I thought to myself if I complete this walk and am still upright at the end, I'll consider tackling the Six Foot Track. Phil's walk was worth completing just for the yummy spread in the evening at his place, thank you Christine and family.

What's another 10km, hey, I reckon it's doable. I was now in training! This meant I had to keep walking every weekend and on harder walks than I would necessarily have chosen. Each time I walked up a long steep hill, I wondered why had I said yes, I wanted to do some doddle walks.

It's true what they say, the weekend is a very social event. Friday evening we met at the Parakeet restaurant in Katoomba for dinner then slept at the Sky Rider hotel (or should I say broken sleep). Saturday was an early start, which included the regulation introductory circle. One of the group yelled out, “Are we there yet?” It was closer to 7am than the planned 6:30am start but we were off.

The walk itself was pretty straightforward. I was really impressed with the support crew; we had tables (with tablecloths), a selection of fruit juices, tea, coffee, bickies, oranges and home baked goodies at the various stops. The weather was perfect and yes, the chatting along the way does distract one from the distance. Some of the group ran/jogged the final 9km. It was nice to be greeted at the end of the walk but the clapping was a little embarrassing.

Saturday evening we stayed at Caves House. After a nice hot bath (some had this option) we enjoyed happy hour and relaxed. There were some that treated themselves to a highly recommended massage with the hotel's masseuse. We then moved on to the dining room to a three-course dinner. Later on, to loosen up our muscles, we went for a short circuit stroll through the Jenolan Caves archway and over. Sunday morning it was brekkie and then we headed home.

What have I learned? With proper training, at my own pace, my legs can take me a long way and further if necessary. By the way, having completed the walk, I now take my words back. Walking the Six Foot Track doesn't make one a marathon walker, it just means one has completed a solid day's walk.

PS - A big thank you to Gail & Tony Crichton for coordinating the weekend.

25th August by Bill Holland

We met at 9:30 for a cup of coffee in the park adjacent to the Wiseman's Ferry crossing - it was that sort of walk.

There were ten of us, six members and four prospectives. A mixture of old and new. Nice to have Jim Valiotisis and Fiona walking again after so many years and Heather Finch having a rare outing. For three of our prospectives it was their first walk with the club.

We started walking about 10 am - it was meant to be that sort of a walk - plenty of time to amble up the old convict built road admiring the convicts' stone work and imagining the conditions under which they laboured. I'm sure there was lots of history around us but the leader hadn't really studied the subject and was forced into lengthy but quite believable improvisation.

After a few km, morning tea and on to a scenic side track to the left along the ridge to a view point overlooking the valley and the MacDonald River.

After lunch we retraced our steps and took the Finch Line alternative back to the road and ferry. Our 12 km had turned into 15 km but we finished at 3:30 pm in early time for coffee and scones at the restaurant.

Ever wanted to learn more about bush care, weed eradication, indigenous grasses and local plant species? Well, come along on any of the scheduled Coolana maintenance weekends. These are included in our Walks Programmes. For instance:

* 19th - 20th October: The Coolana Road Gang will be carrying out road repairs before joining in the 75th anniversary Celebrations. * 9th - 10th November: Another weekend of light maintenance and bush care.

7 July by Marianne (the Interstate Import)

The Budawangs have always been a special place to me. For most of its area it is an unspoilt wilderness with cool, green rainforest gullies, magnificent sandstone cliffs and sculptured rock formations. This is combined with lots of opportunities for adventurous exploring and rock scrambling.

With most of my bushwalking being done from Victoria, the opportunities to walk in the Budawangs are limited. So, when I saw this walk on the program as a Maurice The Walker trip, I immediately put my name down.

The weekend was fully up to expectations. The coolness of winter creates an extra luminescence to the greenness of the green room and the other deep gullies. Banksia Ericifolia was in full bloom with the deep orange-red brushes adding a striking colour in the more sheltered hollows. Honeyeaters and other birds were flitting around no doubt taking advantage of the abundance of nectar.

Saturday lunch was had perched on the Natural Arch and after some clever route finding by Maurice we were at our rock shelter by 2:30. We set up our respective possies, trying our best to avoid the strong winds still gusting around despite our sheltered position. Water was found in the creek below but reaching it did involve a few battles with sword grass and other deep, thick donga.

Despite the wind we had a pleasant evening sampling the various goodies (solid and liquid) provided by the party members together with the usual campfire tales. 8pm saw most of us tucked up warmly in sleeping bags, drifting off to sleep with starlight above us.

We woke to a delightful morning, lying warmly tucked up in our sleeping bags watching the sun rise through the trees. The only negative was the 6:30 call of time to get up sleepyheads.

We were away by 8:02am for a long but very enjoyable day. First, a traverse below the cliff line under Mt Cole, interrupting the later breakfast of some younger campers in one of the overhangs. Then, a climb up the gully between Mt Cole and Mt Owen and morning tea in the sun on Mt Owen. Nenad and I went exploring and found the surprise that Maurice was going to provide after morning tea — a magnificent view from Mt Owen back to the Castle and other surrounding valleys and ridge tops.

The next stage involved a bit of tricky route finding off Mt Owen to pick up the trail out of Monolith Valley. We missed the gully for which we were aiming coming down an alternative, but again our leader showed his navigation skills by navigating us back to the main route without any drama.

From here it was retracing our route up and down the interminable steps and traverse below the Castle to the last stage on the fire trail back to the cars. A weary but very satisfied group of walkers arriving at the cars by 5:00pm.

The only other incident was the towing out of the mud of Heike's car. We did not see the sign that said go through the middle until we had taken the side route.

The traditional post walk meal was at the Nowra RSL, two of the ladies objecting to yet again the Berri Pub.

Thanks to Maurice for the excellent leadership, Don and Liz for taking me down and Heike for the return trip and the rest of the followers for the excellent company.

Leader: Maurice Smith Followers: Don & Liz, Heike, Nenad, Grace Steve (the Plumber) Neil, Marianne

22 June by Zol Bodlay

A fine clear day saw 15 starters on the fire trail. After 2 km our heads were down as we cut across country, through a pass in the escarpment, continued beside the mighty Hawkesbury River, cross grassy farm land (with owners permission) and up to an aboriginal cave painting site for morning tea and views.

After the break, back to the Hawkesbury, along a disused convict built road and on to Gentleman's Halt for lunch (accompanied by a settlement history briefing).

With lunch over we scampered up a broken escarpment and had afternoon tea at a magnificent lookout with sweeping views. Then back to the cars with a 10 km dash/stroll (depending on choice or stamina) along the fire trail to finish at 3pm.

We stopped off at the Yoothamurra Kiosk for the best milkshakes in the Sydney area.

Regular cycling activities are scheduled in the Club's Walks Programme. On Sun 29th September there will be an easy ride from Berkeley along the shores of Lake Illawarra - see details on the Spring Walks programme.

October is an ideal time for an extended walk: The weather at this time of the year is comfortable and there is reasonable daylight in the evenings for enjoying the meal around the campfire. Extended [walks are for] more difficult or remote areas.

The SBW walks listed for October 6 in the Spring Walks Programme are shown below. Where walks are shown as commencing on 4th October this will require a Friday evening journey to the starting point. If the dry weather continues through to this weekend please be aware that extensive water carrying may be required.

Please refer to the Spring Walks Programme for details of leaders and contact numbers.

* 4th - 7 October: Kanangra Boyd NP

• Maps: Bindook & Yerranderie
• Kooragang- Mt. - Mt Colong ~ Kowmung Gap - Bill Creek Caves - Mt Billy area.
• Myles Dunphy classic south of Kowmung walking. Views and interesting caves en-route

* 4th - 7th October: Kanangra Boyd NP

• Maps: Kanangra & Yerranderie
• Kanangra Walls - Gingra Range ~ Cambage Spire - Kanangra Walls
• A relaxing way of enjoying the Kowmung river.
• Grade: Medium 32 km.

* 5 - 7 October: Barrington Tops

• Map: Barrington
• Lagoon Pinch - Mt Corker - Carey's Peak Camp at Big Hole for two nights and explore the Tops.
• Scenic walk through rainforest and alpine plateau.
• Grade: Medium 36 km.

* 4th - 7th October: Mt. Canobolas SRA

• Maps: Orange & Cudal Lo
• Fern Gully Trail - Spring Glade Trail - Mt Canobolas - Federal Falls - Mt Towac etc.
• Great camping at 1300m. Visit the local wineries on Sunday. Grade: Medium

* Sat 5th October: Rhodes - Parramatta River

• A riverside walk in waterside parks with spectacular views. Carry water.

* Sun 6th October: From Circular Quay around the bays in Pyrmont, Rozelle Drummoyne; Gladesville, and northern suburbs.

• A long but easy walk. Grade: Easy
• 22km

24 August by Jo van Sommers

Urella Ridge is a long ridge off the Mt. Hay Road. Jim and I had made several attempts to find the way through the extensive cliffs at the end of this ridge, which would then give a connection to the descent into Wentworth Creek, which we had previously established from the Lawson side. Shortly before, Jim and Brian Hart had finally succeeded in finding a way, so Jim changed his planned day-walk going from Lawson to Wentworth Falls to this new crossing, and put in a long car shuffle to avoid the drag out along Mt. Hay Road. One member claimed the walk was fine, but the car shuffle was hell!

The party of eight set off through the bush along Lawson Ridge to the junction with a side ridge at 638710 which we followed to its end. Carol and I were only allowed a brief stop to admire the shining white Boronia floribunda, looking so different amongst its usual pink form. The party appreciated the view from the lookout at the end of the fire-trail, as it afforded a panorama of the country we were going to negotiate. The recent dry weather helped with the steep descent into Wentworth Creek, with the faint track showing little signs of use. The creek also was well below its usual level and easily crossed. The lack of rain hadn't affected the lush rainforest, with stag-horns and rock-orchids and huge coachwood trees. All too soon we left the easy walking through the rainforest along the creek. Darcy loved it; I think we only got him out of there with the promise of lunch on the rocks higher up in the sun.

What an amazing system of ledges and outcrops! So far as I can ascertain from old Walks Programmes, this trip has not been done before (by SBW). The ascending ridge seemed to go on a long way, with bands of thick scrub to push through before the Uralla Ridge Fire-trail was finally reached. Altogether, the walk was 60% off-track. We reached the cars at the comfortable hour of four o'clock, and had afternoon tea at our place.

Leader: Jim Percy - Scribe: Jo van Sommers

Please Carry Water!

Leaders and walk participants should take care to carry adequate water for the day. Much of NSW is experiencing severe drought conditions and normal water bearing creeks may [be dry].

They say people are born leaders; I don't really hold this to be true, to me leaders are those with vision, drive, with determination to seek their own path in life and in addition have the ability to enthuse, inspire, guide and encourage others. This ability can be completely unconscious in some, with others it is a concerted will and desire to influence. But good leaders have also watched and sought direction from others they acknowledge as successful in what they do.

Leadership in bushwalking is often taken from a learning history of many, many bushwalks. Being out there fine weather and foul, following many others' footsteps, seeking new paths, poring over maps in the field and at home, getting lost, finding one's way again, sometimes deliberately, other times by being “temporarily directionally challenged”.

Becoming a walks leader, or offering to be a leader is, I believe, a big step in one's bushwalking life. It is to say “I love what I do and want others to know and take part in these experiences, see the places that few but I see, make friendships like I've made”. It is a free generosity and altruistic ability to share not very often realised in everyday life.

However, it is not always an easy decision; it takes confidence, strength of character and the ability to control feelings of responsibility to realistic levels. True leadership should be collaborative, democratic and involves listening.

Leaders “can be made”, very often by the perceptive encouragement of current leaders who can see potential and offer their support.

SBW actively tries to encourage new leaders with the planning nights, the developing, almost-finished, New Leaders Booklet and a host of experienced walks leaders that will happily “buddy” you.

However, in considering an article on leadership I was reminded of an etiquette I left out of last month's article and that was “Thou shalt be loyal to thou leader”.

It can be demoralising, destructive, and dangerous to have leadership challenges on a walk. A new leader has planned a grand day out within their current capabilities, and part way through some would be saboteur says, “why are you going that way? It is quicker, much more interesting, less of a hill, more of a challenge,…if we take this bearing, or that ridge..”, or simply just vanishes, or more concerning, disappears with some of the party.

It feels extremely awkward and puts you in a very uncomfortable position as a prospective listening to coup attempts/hijacking, and I would advise you stand your ground behind the listed leader. Support their walk as they intended, planned to their experience and responsible knowledge. Be aware that you came on the walk as the leader described in the program and based on the pre-walk info you discussed when you were “booking in” on the walk.

Voice your concerns obviously if it is patently dangerous, i.e. a leader saying, “nay tis but ankle deep” as you watch trees being flung round like matchsticks in a foaming torrent. As I've said often….commonsense prevails.

99.9% of new leaders have planned their walk ultra-carefully, are safe, sensible and if stuck know it, and will have a “back-up” leader to guide them if in doubt, or will involve discussion with the group as to the course of action/direction. Support them as you would wish to be supported as a leader.

Remember bushwalking involves a collective responsibility and some of the best leaders do so from behind…..

Please welcome on your next walk our new members:

* Will Anderson * Timina Beagle * Bradley Fries * Peter Gledhill * Suzanne Jenner * Paul and Robyn Kulmar * Anne-Marie Marczan * Deanne Meikle * Thuy To

Striding on to full membership are:

* Kelvin Mason * Trevor Kloeden * Ian Thorpe * John Tsang

The club now has a small pool of weekend walking equipment available for hire to Prospective Members. The rates for weekly hire are:

(For hygiene reasons you must provide and use your own sleeping bag liner).

Geoff McIntosh has volunteered to act as Gear Custodian on a trial basis and would be hirers should telephone Geoff on 9419 4619. Please be aware that our pool is presently still small, so give plenty of notice.

The following walks are extracts from the Spring Walks Programme. For additional details of starting times, leaders, contact numbers etc, please refer to the programme.

* Sat 28th September: Kuringai NP

• Cowan to Brooklyn. Easy 13kms all on tracks.

* Sat 5th October: Rhodes - Parramatta River.

• From Rhodes to Meadowbank. Easy 10 km.

* Sun 6th October: Circular Quay around the bays

• A long but easy walk.

* Sun 3rd November: From Brooklyn with ferry to Palm Beach

• The last stage of the Great River Walk. 7 km.

* Sunday 13th Oct, Great River Walk Nepean Loop

• Berowra - Great North Walk - Brooklyn. Scenic hilly day walk. Medium 22km.

* Sun 3rd November: Blue Mountains NP

• Victoria Falls - Blue-Gum Forest - Evans Lookout.
• A good walk through scenic parts of Grose River valley. Medium 20km with steep climb.

* 28th - 29th September: Blue Mountains NP

• Lawson - Wentworth Creek - Jim's Creek.
• Creek crossings and some scratchy scrub. 50% off track. Medium Grade 16 km Mid-Week.

All members are advised to re-check the restrictions on lighting fires in intended camping areas. Be aware that the bush fire danger season throughout NSW has been advanced to 1st September due to the dry conditions. This means that fires in the open are restricted and may only be used under certain conditions, e.g. a camp fire for cooking purposes.

Total Fire Bans may be declared on days of extreme fire danger and fires in the open, including cooking and camp fires, are totally prohibited for the period of the ban. Lighting any fire in the open on a day of Total Fire Ban may lead to a fine of $5,000 and six months imprisonment. This applies to any naked flame including camp fires and camping stoves.

There is a group of members with time available to participate in midweek activities. If you have time during the week or can take leave from work please join us. Phone 9484 6636 for more information.

Here are coming activities:

* Deep Pass - Wollemi National Park.

• Wed 25th - Friday 27th September
• Three days, possibly extending into the weekend.
• Deep Pass is a magnificent camping ground deep in the Wollemi with only about 15 minutes walk in from the cars. There are toilet and other facilities for easy camping. Canyons and spectacular scenery make easy to medium day walking a real pleasure, followed by long campfires and happy hours at night.
• There is no limit on numbers but I would like to know who plans to join us and give detailed directions.

* Berrara Beach Holiday Cottage

• Mon 28th October - Fri 1st November
• It was a great week last time. A week in the Holiday Cottage by the beach at Berrara on the South Coast. Costs will be minimal. The cottage provides a good base for beach walks, canoeing on the lagoon and river, cycling beachside and on forest roads or just easy to medium bushwalks. Enjoy good company, comfort and water views. Book early as there will be a limit on numbers.

Possible future activities are:

* Boat hire on Myall Lakes or on the Hawkesbury. * Lord Howe, Norfolk or Pacific Island trip - Fiji sounds nice for next year!

Register your interest and suitable dates so early arrangements can be made. Contact Bill Holland 9484 6636 billholi@hotkey.net.au

Pamela Irving's slide night of the Namche Bazaar and Gokyo Ri near Mt Everest region was well attended and very interesting. We look forward to another slide night later this month.

The balance of the Social programme is:

* Wed 25th Walk across the Harbour Bridge

• Meet at Kirribilli Community Centre (Club room) 6:30pm, walk across the bridge to the Rocks for a couple of drinks, a meal and return.

* Wed 2nd Committee Meeting * Wed 9th Special General Meeting

• A Special meeting to consider changing the Constitution to remove requirement for monthly general meetings.

* Wed 16th Free Night * Weekend 19th - 21st Coolana

• 75th ANNIVERSARY REUNION
• Weekend at Coolana. Catch up with old friends, meet new people. Join in the celebrations with new and old members. For those that are interested, bring along a bicycle as some of us will be going for a ride as part of the celebrations.

* Wed 23rd 75th ANNIVERSARY GALA NIGHT

• Join us in the club room, for reminiscences and historical displays of old SBW photos, minute books, magazines and equipment.

* Fri 25th 75th ANNIVERSARY DINNER AT KIRRIBILLI RSL

• Don't forget to mail in your $40 payment ASAP, as tickets will NOT be sold at the door. (see insert notice)

* Sun 27th 75th ANNIVERSARY PICNIC

• At Quarantine Park - Abbotsford. Enter from Spring St. BYO everything - sausage sizzle. All welcome including family, friends and visitors.

* Wed 30th Free Night

Any suggestions, ideas or questions about the social programme should be directed to the Social Secretary: Vicki Garamy 9349 2905. You can find this social program (and updates) on our web site www.sbw.org.au

Some friars were behind on their belfry payments, so they opened up a small florist shop to raise the funds. Since everyone liked to buy flowers from the men of God, the rival florist across town thought the competition was unfair. He asked the good fathers to close down, but they would not. He went back and begged the friars to close. They ignored him.

He asked his mother to go and ask the friars to get out of business. They ignored her, too.

So, the rival florist hired Hugh MacTaggart, the roughest and most vicious thug in town, to “persuade” them to close.

Hugh beat up the friars and trashed their store, saying he'd be back if they didn't close shop. Terrified, the friars did so - thereby proving that Hugh, and only Hugh, can prevent florist friars.

This month our recipe is one for lunch, a snack, or for the happy hour before the main meal.

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup borghul. * 2 tbls. dried onion. * 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes. * 1/2 tsp salt. * 1/4 cup dried parsley. * 2 tbls. dried mint.

Method:

To prepare: Mix all ingredients and place in a sealed bag.

To cook: Heat 1 and 1/2 cups of water until boiling. Remove from heat and add ingredients from bag. Stir and leave to stand for 1 hour. Drain off any excess liquid.

The above recipe is copied from Marilyn's Recipes for Dehydrated Meals, a section of The Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs NSW website www.bushwalking.com.au

Many other recipes for bushwalking snacks, lunches and dinners are shown on this page.

Forgotten Something?

Turn to Page 6 for a reminder

We have to use with skill what simple equipment we can carry on our backs to achieve shelter, prepare food and have a night's rest? Paddy Pallin, 1900-1991

If you really want to get the best out of what you carry with you, then move up to Black Diamond, exclusive to Paddy Pallin.

Black Diamond

* Black Diamond Moonlight Headtorch: Constantly frustrated with replacing your torch battery? Then the Moonlight is for you. With 4 ultra bright, energy efficient LED bulbs, it provides 70 hours of constant light. It weighs a mere 90g (without batteries) so you'll hardly know you're carrying it. Ideal for night walking, cooking and reading. * Black Diamond Contour Trekking Pole: Trekking poles don't just improve your balance and reduce the strain on your lower limbs; they help re-distribute the load to your upper limbs as well, meaning you can keep going for longer. The Contour, featured, is ideal for comfort over long periods of walking with an ergonomic 15 degree correction angle in the upper shaft and soft dual density hand grip. It also features a unique NEW adjustment system, making these the most easily adjusted poles on the market. * Black Diamond Betamid Tent: When you want to go ultra-light or you need extra storage space, the Betamid has you covered. This compact, floorless tent will go anywhere and pitches using a pair of trekking poles! Weighing in at a fraction over 1kg, it sleeps two and stands strong against the elements. (Optional, detachable tub floor is also available.)

Store locations: Sydney: 507 Kent Street * Miranda: 527 Kingsway * Parramatta: 74 Macquarie Street * Katoomba: 166 Katoomba Street Also in Canberra and Jindabyne Website: www.paddypallin.com.au Mail order: 1800 805 398