The Sydney Bushwalker

Established June 1931

A monthly bulletin of matters of interest to the Sydney Bush Walkers Inc., Box 4476 GPO, Sydney 2001. Club meetings are held every Wednesday evening at 8 pm at Kirribilli Neighbourhood Centre, 16 Fitzroy Street, Kirribilli (near Milson's Point Railway Station). Visitors and prospective members are welcome any Wednesday. To advertise in this magazine, please contact the Business Manager.

by Morag Ryder

“Easy medium….no need for tents…suit beginners” said the program. “Suits me too”, thought I. A cold Friday night was followed by a wilder but cloudy Saturday, when we began the energetic wriggle down Blayden's Pass.

Some time later we arrived at the outlet, breathless but reasonably intact. Morning tea on Boolijah Creek, in a forest of wattles heavy with flowers, sitting on soft grass and befriended by the occasional leech.

Packs weighted with water for lunch; we began the slow ascent to Danjera Plateau. Speedy Peter and John stood on the escarpment making encouraging noises, as we searched for Harris' Hole. “I can't get in there” said Judy, eyeing the…tunnel, but she did.

A warm, lazy lunch in the sun, with views over Danjera Creek. Fortified, we plunged into the flowering scrub and scrambled across three gullies, two dry and one with deep water. Our resourceful leader found the perfect crossing-log: complete with a long branch which served as a handrail.

More scrub, combined, with careful navigation. “I know it's here,” muttered George, as we battled through the scrub along the cliff edge; John peered over the edge, and cried triumphantly. “That looks like the cave!” Our leader agreed. But where was the slot? More searching and more scratches. then at last, at last - Gemma's slot.

For the third time that day, we towed our packs through a crevice and then went down to the beautiful Discovery Cave. Definitely worth the effort. Having booked our accommodation, George said, “Let's have a look at the 'Passage of Time' on the other side of Bundundah Creek”. Away they galloped, with Peter leading the charge.

All except yours truly, who collected water and stayed to enjoy the sunny overhang in peace. Close to dusk I lit a small fire, just as Greta and Patrick returned. The others returned about dark, a trifle muddy but well satisfied with the Passage - Timely or otherwise.

George had intended to return via Danjera Creek, but it was very slippery. Peter said, “I've been down another way - we go to the end of the plateau and down a narrow, rock nose, which will eventually take us down to Boolijah Creek”. George considered this for a while and said - “All right, let's give it a go.”

Trustfully, we trotted along behind George and Greta, his 2IC for navigation. Heavy clouds above, while below the scrub bloomed and the wind blew - hard enough to whisk wattle blossoms through the air.

Across the saddle was easy enough, but the long, curved escarpment with its many gullies and little noses was a navigational trap. “I think this is it,” said George looking hopefully through the scrub. But after a short distance, Greta began to mutter and shake her head. A consultation, “We've gone too far,” said George. About turn, back through the scrub to something which agreed with the compasses. Peter murmured, “I seem to remember we had same trouble last time”. (Now he tells us!)

The next nose was nice and open. The sun popped out and George declared lunch. Fed and tea-ed, we wandered along. - only to be confronted by a sheer drop. Another consultation, “We haven't gone far enough,” said George.

The flowers bloomed and the wind blew - and George's scratches began to bleed. Consultation No.3. “This must be it,” growled George. The spur curved in the right direction, growing thinner and thinner, with cliffs on both sides. The end at last - a tangle of mighty rocks and crevices. On the left was a sheer drop with a large cairn - (interesting)

On the right were no markers, but Peter said.“I'm sure we went down on the right”. Five minutes later he called “This way!” and we had an easy slither down through the ferns. Back around to the point again - a choice of three spurs to the creek. More consultation with 21C Greta, then George signalled us down. And down, and down…….

Boolijah Creek at last! A well earned rest and drink, followed by a steep climb and the reverse-wriggle up Blayden's Pass. With packs only slightly tattered, we meandered back to the cars. Close to dusk, George led the cavalry charge back to Nowra and food, glorious food…

A great walk George, lets go back and do it all again!

by Shirley Dean

There is no doubt about it, the friends you make in the SBW are friends for life, alnd in a very special way. When Marjorie Johnston, whom I met on a walk from Kanangra to Katoornba in 1943, suggested that I join her in 1993 to travel in Alaska I did not hesitate. After all we had shared the agony of Rick-Rack-Roar and Rumble on a hot summer's day only a decade or so ago. As trips goAlaska provides all a bushwalker mighed,ream of Walking, scenery,1 snow, glaciers, wildlife; plenty of glorious national parks and wilderness areas. 1 We planned to Spend as much time as possible in Glacier Bay National Park and also the Denali National Park, as well as being shoe-string travellers in the Southeast and the Kenair eninsular. The State Marine Highway which runs from Bellingham to Skagway was a very relaxing', scenic and cheap way in travel the first section of the State - Prince Ruport to Skagway is also called the panhandle, a reminder of the gold rush days in the late 1800s. The ferries run all the' year-round, but in the /ate Spring and Summer their numbers increase to handle the'huge road vans, caravans etc4 and their owners who want to spend summer in Alaska.' The cheapest way is to pay for a passage and then either put a tent up on the deck, or take up a banana lounge in the solarium, and sleep there or turn up early and park in a reclining chair. There are also cabins at an extra cost.. The food on board and service is good, cheap and very friendl.

So we spent a week or more travelling the pan-handle, getting on and off the ferry, staying two or three days where the fancy took us. All the towns, Ketchikan, Sitka, Petersburg, Juneau and Wrangell have mountains to climb, day walks, more than one day walks and also little float planes which will take you into the middle of A forestry area or National Park Where you can stay a week in a rented log cabin or camp. Denali National Park (a subarctic park) is different but also worth the time and effort of getting there. We returned to Juneau from Glacier Bay and took the ferry to Skagway, and then the bus up through the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, through Whitehorse to Fairbanks. The train from Fairbanks to Denali National Park and then on to Anchorage, with its glass dome and commentary from an Alaskan rail worker makes the journey exciting and gives the passengers a perspective , historically as well as socially; something I had not encountered anywhere else. We stayed just outside Denali National Park and spent our days travelling on the Free Shuttle Bus provided by the Park, to anywhere on the road where we thought we might like to do some walking. We had plenty of daylight hours for this as the sun rose at 2.30am and set at 11.30 pm. Mt. Denali (or Mt. McKinley) is the biggest massive I have seen and it of scenic interest in. that it rises from an elevation of 610 metre so that at 6194 metres it stands out hugelyfrorn the rest of the range. While we were there a woman from Adelaide successfully climbed it, even though there had been a climbing death earlier in the month. The Park Rangers and the drivers of the shuttle bus have an immense knowledge . os. of the area, encourage people to get out and walk and give talks atnight on various aspects of the park. We were given instruction on what to do if we 141) happened on a bear. The instruction went something like this. Stand still and talk to the bear calmly (do not move), if the bear decides to run at you do not move as it is likely that the first run is only a bluff and it will turn aside at the last moment, but if the bear runs at you a second time - do not run - but assume a fetal position on the ground covering your head. !! On our last day, about 8 p m. and about 20 kilometres from the entrance to the park a female bear with two very large cubs crossed in front of us. All very impressive and just as well they were intent on t going down to the creek. Nevertheless both of us were so surprised that we were unable to inoVe. We also saw our first artic fox. We flew out of Juneau to Gustavus (about one and a half hours) and then by road to Glacier Bay National Park where we stayed for a week - some of the time in a dormitory provided by the National Park,, and some of the time on the Bay in something the size of a Halvorson Cruiser. Glacier Bay was discovered in 1774 and in the late 1800s John Muir found that the end of-the bay had retreated some 32 kms in that time and in 1994 the Bay is some 100 kms from Icy Strait. So it is immense interest to the environmentalists etc. There are 16 tidewater glaciers within the-Bay spilling out of the mountains and the cruise on and around the Bay was most worth while. There is also a lot of interest in the surrounding area, and the National Park Rangers give an excellent range of lectures and act as guides both on and off the water. We saw brown bears, humpback whales, sea otters, moose and a variety of birds. Vti fq.,

I could go on and on about the variety of Parks and the varie of activities around the Parks in Alaska, but the purpose of this article I think is mainly to say how Cheaply ozte can do it and hoW easily. At every point there are camping facilities, and at every point there is a mountain to be. climbed, a view to be seen and a glacier to gaze at. From Bellingham to Bellingham (5 weeks) with travel, food and the odd accommodation it cast me about an Oz dollar a mile. also had the added pleasure of having a meal. with Ross Wyborn and family in Vncouver, loss is a second generation SW who migrated to Canada in the 70s and is how happily and successfully making,manaarturing and bike gear. He showed Marjorie and me his slides on kayaking in Glacier Bay, which were glorious+

Gold upon gold upon gold -
who would have thought
these old dry twigs
had so much gold in them

Erupting from green ridges
then flowing molten,
down pouring into the stony gully
and blazing up the other side

Flinging showers of pure gold
high against the winter sun
votive offerings to their creator
gold returning to gold again.

by John Hogan

Please note changes,to the Social ':everse the order of our “speakers”, r: -“Summer Activities” on 20th October “Crazy Whist Night” on October 27th by John Hogan Programfor October. We have had to so that Kenn Clacher. ,will speak on and Olvier Crawford will arrange the Don't forget the RE-UNION at Coolana on 23/24th October. This is always .a fun weekend.

GOOD WALKING!

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by Maurice Smith

A triple act comprising David Roston, Tony Holgate and Sprio Hajinakitas presented a slide evening of their walk undertaken in late May and early June this year. The party comprised 10 intrepid members of the club, including the three slide presenters.

David started the evening by telling us about the constant problems caused by lack of adequate water, despite the recent rain that had fallen in the area. It would seem that the vegetation manages to survive on the occasional rainfall and water in the form of mists and dew. Some further details can be found by reference to Barry Wallace's write-up in of the July general meeting published in the July issue of the club's newsletter.

Among the scenes shown on the slides that caught my eye were the vertical face of Mt. Mitchell, the black boy forests, rain forest pockets, wildflowers, mists. The ridge line access to Mt Barney appeared to be an interesting walk. While the camp site on Mt. Barney provided a delightful view of the mountain.

David drew considerable laughter from the audience when in a delightful scene he seemed to be lecturing three lady party members who looked incredibly bored. I think it deserves to be used in a “supply the caption competition”, with the question being “what is David proposing that we do tonight?”.

Folks, thanks for sharing your trip with us.

When John Hogan announced this item on the social calendar at a recent general meeting considerable laughter was brought forth by the question from Maurie Bloom to Dot “was,that an overnighter Dot7'. We now know that In June 1975, Dot paddled for a fortnight downAhe Alaskan Yukon River. The party included Dot, her daughter Rona, son- in-law Jack, and various other friends, including a quite young child, travelling in five canoes retlowing tha malt of tho vim thp Yukon River fIQw ta raPici rate and considerable volume (and very cold) through significant areas of Alaskan wilderness. The population of the wilderness, seen !Fiy, Dot seemed to be composed of a large number of insect living out their short aggressiVe lives in the brief AlaSkan summer, bears building up their _layers of fat for next winter, and large tasty fish.

Although Dot and the party oniy saw one non-party person during their fortnight, there were plenty of 'signs. of previous human habitation, This evidence was decaying log cabins, boats, a. paddle steamer and ghost towns. What a hard life it must have been to live in the land of the midnight sun in mid-winter, The scenery -along the Yukon was grand, with granite mountains frequently coming down to the river side The decaying ,cabins were the source of wild fruit and vegetables that supplemented the fresh fish and the rations carrieo. in the canoes. The cabins were also the source of the Occasional hip bath wherein various members indulged in their ablutions. The trip ended in pawsoh City that had the appearance of a wild west pioneer. town, with more hotels than residents (well almost), including the Flora Dora Hotel (two storeys , galvanised iron) and the Occidental Hotel. The evening came to a conclusion 'with Dot reciting the poem written by a well-known Canadian poet. The poem titled “The Cremation. of Jack McGee” deserves to. be printed in this newsletter, Maybe Dot will allow US to print the words in a future editibn.

Our most ambitious expedition - five weeks during March and April 1994 exploring the area between the Berkeley and Drysdale Rivers.

Three sections: Berkeley to King George; King George Falls area; King George to Drysdale. A float plane provides food drops and transport for those doing only one section. For further information about this unique opportunity to experience this magnificent wilderness at a time when the creeks and pools are all full, contact: Willis's Walkabouts.

by Jim Callaway

A letter was received 'from the Premier of NSW stating that the 1995 extension to Warragamba Dam was for flood mitigation purposes only. .George Souris ,acknowledged a complaint that fluorescent paint had been used to mark the Six Foot Track for the annual marathon. A letter from 'Water Board requesting aSsistance from the bushwalkin movement in reporting any illegal entry of helicopters into the Warragamba CatchmentArea.:. Any sighting to be reported (eg when, where, type of heli- copter and registration ,number) to Peter BrookhouSe at the Bullaburra Office. KoSCiusko National Park. There is a move afoot to start' cloud seeding in. the Park. This experiment was proposed several years Ago but failed due, to the opposition to it received at the time. It is hoped that, it will be strongly. opposed againas it ,is an inappropriate use of a National Park. . Ihe_Wattigan Wanderers are requesting affiliation with the Confederation.- The Victorian Federation of Bushwalking Clubs sent a list of member clubs. Treasurer. General - Bank account Savings Investffient account S & R - Bank account Savings Investment account Affiliation Fees are now due. SearCh'& Restite.- ,Rogaining Event Expetditure - Note Book Computer for S & R Secretary to store records $2200 New Base Radio 3600 ImprOvement to existing Kodan Radios 200 COnsrvation. 'Draft Plan of Management for Royal & Heathcote National Parks also Garrawarra.SRA should be released by NPWS in a month. ConServation'Secretary has'received a pamphlet brought out by the NPWSs of ACT, Tasmania, Victoria & NSW on a Bushwalking'Code. .There has been illegal logging on the Sara River in Guy Fawkes National Park, 'Let the politicians know of your support for the Barrington Tops Wilderness Area:. The 4WD faction 'has mounted a strong campaign against it Bonnie Vale Royal National Park. NPWS plans to spend $60,000 to consolidate the existing boat launching area. General Business. - 'WEA Ramblers Wollongong were accepted as a member of the Confederation: , The N,P.A. is a financial member of the Confederation. Brian Saunders NPA is seeking Confederation's support to protest against r any move to ban bush camping in Royal and Heathcote National Parks by?N,PWS.:. This matter will be discussed' at-the August-Meeting of Confederatid MONTHLY MEETING AUGUST 1993 'Search & Rescue. Rock Rescue Group. Anybody, interested in joining this group Should contact Peter,Tresseder on (02) 489 4182 between 7.30 and 9.30 pm from 5th to 15th October. First Aid course. -Contact Keith Maxwell in October for the course to be held on October 23/24. Training Weekend October 16/17. Will be held at Yalwal near. Nowra. A motion was carried to spend $1795 for equipment for the Rock Rescue Group. '$ 1769.61 17721.78 3675.35 . 10213.54 7 1 day. – won _by, a Police Team won lby.– a Span Teal* SEPTEMBER 1993 THE.SYDNEY BUSHWALKER PAGE 11 Conserva Relmoingin the:1DeualdldernesS Area A letter of protest has been sent to 'the' Minister for the Environment.' Logging has recommenced in the South West Forests of Tasmania, in particular the Picton Valley. Logging is also taking place in the Coolangoobra.-State Forest._ The Conservation Secretary is shortly going to take a group of MPs to visit the Garden of Stones Area. . Submissions for the Budawang Wilderness Area close on 21 October. Get your submissions going. Friends of Blue Gum. Working bees on 18/19 September Contact Kath Ireland (047) 87 8877. TrackS'&'Access. It appears that there are plans for the Six Foot Track t6, be marked every kilometre so that the runners On the annual marathon will know where they are Ball. Preparations are well in hand for the BushwalkersBa Tom.3rd September. The theme is “GREEN”, ANNUAL. GENERAL MEETING - 21 AUGUST 1993 During the afternoon the members attending broke up into various discussion workshops. The subjects of the workshop included Direction of Conservation, R Communications, Education Benefits. The A.C;M. itself. The minutes of last year's Annual Meeting, the Annual RepOrt and the Financial Statement with the proposed budget for the present year were accepted by the meeting. - and 30/3l -October. - Elections. President Senior Vice-President Junior ” Secretary Treasurer Assistant Secretary Minutes Secretary , Public Officer'''. -'S & R Director PublicitY'Officer Tracks & Access Officer Conservation Secretaries NCC Delegates Magazine CommitteeRobyn Cox (Bankstown) -Tony Parr (Sutherland) David Sheppard (NPA) Roger Lembit (Springwood) Diana Peters (Fairfield) Alan Dixon (CMW) Michael Maack,(Springwood) Jim Callaway (SBW) Maawell (MountDruitt),. Simcin Knight (Sutherland) Maurice Smith (Sutherland) Louise de Beuzeville (Sydney Uni) Andrew Cox (Sydney Uni) Roger Lembit, Andrew Cox & Louise de Beuzeville Simon Knight, Dave Noble, Tony Parr, Louise de Beuzeville & Andrew Cox The position of Magazine Editor has been abandoned for the above committee. Don Brooks resigned from the position of Senior Vice President. General Business. The meeting accepted in principle a new “Code of Ethics” for Bushwalking. The code will be ;further discussed at-the September monthly meeting. (B.MOCS gladly offer a full refund or exchange if goods returned unused) Phone or fax orders to: (047) 588 734 or mail (postage free) to: Reply Paid 8, B.MOCS, PO Box 5, Woodford, NSW, 2778 * Please add $5 for freight & pkg. All garments shipped by certified mail * theques,payable to “Blue Mountains Outdoor Clothing Specialists”, or circle Mastercard / Visa / Bankcard No. Cardholder Name Expiry date Signature Please send me No. Garment type Size Colour NAME ADDRESS PH The traditional bushshirt is an essential garment for the Australian bushwalker. 100% Australian in soft merino wool, the bushshirt is generously cut for a roomy comfortable fit. With closedfront design, zip neck and long tail you are assured of many seasons of hard wear. Sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 in red or blue. Exceptional value at only $94. The “Stormboy” jumper is a classic alpine garment. Comfortable and attractive, the “Stormboy!) retains a hint of lanolin to enhance the wool's natural ability to eepel. water. Made from pure merino wool the “Stormboy” is perfect for winter walks in the Blue Mountains when its misty and damp. In natural or navy blue, the “Stormboy” is exclusive to Blue Mountains Outdoor Clothing Specialists. Sizes 12, 14, 16 only $114; 18, 20, 22, 24 only $129.

by Rudi Dezelin

1,/b7 primary 'reason for returning to Europe in 1991 was to revisit my relatives scattered in Austria, Croatia and Slovenia, and whilst there took the opportunity to visit half a dozen different countries. My experiences may_be of use to members contemplating overseas travel. By flying British Airways to an Eastern European destination a considerable' savings in fares is possible compared with flying to London or any other West European capital. This may be useful to anyone travelling on a “shoestring” budget as was my case. - ' After a very tiring 24 hour flight I disembarked et Warsaw: an unimpressive, shabby, dirty city. Spent the night in Warsaw Youth Hostel, and was glad to leave the country on the first train the following tornitg. .After transiting CZechoslovakia, it was a huge relief to arrive in Vienna, Austria Here I bought a beautiful 2.1-gear. “Mountain/Trekking Bike” for about $660 Australian, and set out forLubiana., the capital of newly independepublic of. Slovenia (formerly Yugoslav state): Here I was greatly relieved to find my relatIvswere safe and sound, as there had been heavy fighting in this city during June 1991. Briefly passing through Croatia I entered Italy through the large port of Trieste. Here. I enjoyed swimming at -(waterfront) Trieste Youth Hostel. From this. hostel it was just ',a:20-minute walk to the beautiful and imposing famous Miramar e Castle, set on the edge of the blue Adriatic Sea, and having a delightful luxurious garden (both open to visitors). From Triest, I took a train for Florence in central Italy. There was delightful mountain and Tuscan hills scenery between Bologna and Florence. Florence is a highly recommended City as it has 6 wealth of historic buildings to see, including The Palazzo Pitt, the Piazza Signoria and. the superbly situated Piazzale Michelangelo on a hill overlooking the 'city With glorious views: I 'enjoyed cycling in the famous Cascine Park which follows the meand- ering. River Arno.' Highly recommended is the famous Ponte Vecchio with its - jewellery and leather craft small shops. Leather goods are an excellent buy in Florence.. After twO days in Florence, I cycled the 100-odd km to the port city of Leghorn, then,followed. the Tyrrenian sea coast north towards Genova, passing resOrt sea towns along the way, such as Portofino, La Spezia and Viareggio. Along the road were many ceramics and marble works. The world-famous Carrara and Massa marble used during Michelangelo'S time is still mined here today. After Gen6va, ht;5ading for the French border, I had the great misfortune of haVing'my bicycle (with pannier bags) stolen at a town calledSavona.. With the contents of theattached bags, my total loss was around $1,000, so it was a great shock and upset megreatly! After my bike was stolen, I.tOok a train for France. I found France a more pleasant country to visit and somewhat cleaner and less expensive than Italy. Nice, on the French Riviera, is a delightful place to spend a few days. This being late October, the weather was still warm enough for swimming, and -I enjoyed a few'very relaxing days swimming on the world-famous pebbly beaches. It was nice going for walks along the. famous “Promenade, de l'Angles” as the French call the waterfront, wide street with its endles;luxury hotels and casinos. Nice's delightfully situated Youth Hostel is highly recommended. It is set near a beautiful 'pine forest, halfway up a:steep mountain just behind Nice with glorious views up and down the Cote d'Azur. PAGE 14 THE SYDNEY BUSHWALKER SEPTEMBER 1993 The prices on the French Riviera came as a bit of a shock; the cheapest pension room is around $40 Aust, and:most food items cost about double the cost in Australia. From,Nice I caught the ultra-modern “Very Fast Train” to travel the 1000 kilometres to Paris. The'ticket cost 500 francs (then about $110 Aust) and the ride was a very fast 7 hours. Paris is a delghtful city, but its high prices are legendary. I would have liked to spend a week here, but owing to budget constraints, managed only two days. The views from the 'Eiffel Tower are superb and a stroll along the famous Champs Elysee very interesting. It was with sadness that I left the so-called “most beautiful city in the world' to catch a train for Munich, Germany. Munich was another most interesting but VERY. expensive “touristy” city, the capital of Bavaria in southern Germany. Here it was a delight to eat the local food and drink the famous beer, but the most interesting thing for me was a day visit to the world-famous DeutsChes Museum, set on the River Isar. This museum is said to be the largest and best of its type in the world, and it can take several days to properly see all the exhibits on display. I found the old steam railway engines, vintage cars (old T-Model Ford, pre-war Rolls, Mercedes, BMWs, VWs etc) most interesting. Also on displaY were the dreaded Vi and V2 German rockets used during the last months of World War 2, as well as the first jet fighter planes flown during 1944/45. A stroll through Munich's famous “Englisches-Garten” was most delightful, enjoying the late autumn sunshine and the beautifully coloured autumn Ieaves. Leaving Germany it was off to my fav'ourite country - Austria! Arriving in Salzburg on the morning train, I found this city to be very beautiful, clean, neat and historically interesting. Visited Mozart's famous Getreidegasse Birth-house. Anyone going to this city is highly advised to take the famous “Sound of Music” tour. At only 210 schillingS (about $23) it is excellent value and the 4-hour bus tour-takes one to all the sets used during the 1965 filming of Julie Andrew's famous film. Included is a visit to the beautiful Salzkammergut district,-30 km east of Salzburg, a delightful lake district with resort towns such as Fuschl St.Gilgen, St.Wolfgang and Mondsee. Austria's last emperor, Franz Josef, used to spend his summer holidays in this deltghtful district. The other 'city in AuStria which is a “must' is Vienna! Here I booked another “City Tour”, taking in all of Vienna's famous sights, including the State Opera, St. Stephens Cathedral, the Belvedere atd the Schoonbrunn Palaces. After some skiing in the Austrian province of Styria, and a delightful “White Christmas” in the snow, it was with great sadness that I returned to Australia, flying out of Budapest with stopovers in London and Singapore, arriving back in Sydney in early January to face Sydney's oppressive heat and humidity.

A great trip - highly recommended.

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by Maurice Smith

The August meeting was opened at 2015 with President Ian Debert in the chair and a large number of members in attendance waiting eagerly for the festivities for Kath Brown's 80th birthday party to commence. An apology was received from Barry VVallace.

Two new members were inducted into the club with the usual formalities, they are Marian and Paul Knight, a husband and wife team. Welcome to the club folks and we look forward to enjoying your company on the track.

The minutes of the July general meeting were read by Joy Hynes. Then followed correspondence incoming and outgoing. The Treasurer's report followed with the advice that the club's bank account was in a healthy position.

Bill Holland then marched us through the Walks Report at a tigerish rate. There were no major incidents on walks during the previous month.

Alex Colley then proceeded to tell us briefly about current matters of interest on the conservation scene. Advice has been received from the Australian Conservation Foundation that donations to SBW can no longer be passed through them for the purpose of obtaining a tax deduction. A delegate to Natural Areas Ltd is required, after discussion it was agreed that Alex Colley be SBW's delegate.

The Confederation report was given by Bill Holland who advised that aircraft noise over national parks is an issue which is being pursued. A new base radio and a notebook computer are to be purchased for the Search and Rescue section of Confederation. The Water Board has advised of illegal helicopter flights over Lake Burragorang dropping off fisherpeople, any sighting of such, including, ideally, registration codes, are to be reported to the Bulaburra branch. NPWS has spent $60,000 on a new boat ramp at Bonnie Vale.

General Business - Zol Bodlay advised that in a monument recently unveiled, in Burwood Park by thp Prime Minister, to commemorate the World War II Sandakan Death March, includes the name of one of the SBW's noted pre-war “tiger” walkers Gordon Smith.

Walks announcements then followed.

The meeting closed at 2100. Then followed the celebrations for Kath Brown's 80th birthday. Kath is the long suffering typist of the club's newsletter. Brief speeches were made by our Social Secretary, President and Dot Butler. All members present offered their best wishes to Kath. A birthday toast was made followed by singing of songs appropriate to the occasion. Feasting on cake and drink by the assembled members then followed in the true bushwalker manner; that is, with great relish and in appropriate volume.

On 23/24th October the Club will hold the Annual Re-union at the Club's property “Coolana” (see map below for those who have never been there) in the Kangaroo Valley. This is an opportunity for old members to get together and for new members to see the lovely property, meet older members, and have an enjoyable time at a fixed camp. There will be a big campfire on the Saturday night with singing and skits followed by supper provided by the Club. On the Sunday there is a damper-making competition (using only S.R. Flour and water - bring your own). This is in the ashes of the previous night's campfire. There is also swimming in the Kangaroo River with perhaps races and lilo-floating. And a lot of very pleasant bush to walk in. Water is laid on to the hut and the camping area.

Access- The entrance to the property is located at grid reference 692513 on CMA_map Burrier 8928-2-N. It is about two hours drive south of Sydney via either the Hume or Prince's Highways, the distance approximately the same. Drive to Mittagong via the Hume Highway, then turn off on the road to Moss Vale, then State Route 79 to Kangaroo Valley. Pass over the Hampden Bridge, an impressive landmark complete with sandstone pylons, then turn at the second road to the right - Mount Scanzi Road which later veers right into Tallowa Dam Road. Coolana is about 5 km along and there is a signpost - “Coolana S.B. Walker” at the entrance of the access track. You can park along this track, then make your way downhill by foot - it only takes about 15 minutes to the camping area.

<missing image - map of access to Coolana>

by Kath Brown

Thank you very much, bushwalkers, for the lovely party you arranged for my 8Qth birthday. It was a great evening. I renewed acquaintance with several old friends, and also spoke with many new ones, as well as the regulars that I know so well. There were about 60 people present, we had balloons and light refreshments, speeches and photographs. And a lovely homemade birthday cake (thanks Fran). Joining SBW was one of the best things I did in my whole life - going to the bush every weekend with like-minded people was wonderful. And the social side of the Club has been great too. So thank you all.