||||| How to get lost - by Paddy Pallin||||| An experience in the Blue Gum Forest 1933||||| Early Bushwalking - Andy Macqueen||||| The Beauty of Holsworthy

60th ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

Magazine of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) IncISSN 0313 2684 Spring issue - August 1997 Vol 23 No 1

http://www.bushwalking.org.au

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The Bushwalker

ContributionsContributionsContributionsContributionsContributions, letters to theeditor, original cartoons andsuggestions are welcome. They shouldbe sent to the address below. Exceptfor short notes or letters, allcontributions should be accompaniedwith text file on three and a half inchfloppy disk in IBM format or E-Mail.

Advertising rates Advertising rates Advertising rates Advertising rates Advertising rates are availableon request.Ring John Clarke on (02)9744-1916

DistributionDistributionDistributionDistributionDistribution is throughaffiliated clubs, major retail outlets,council information centres andnational park offices. Address allAddress allAddress allAddress allAddress allcorrespondence tocorrespondence tocorrespondence tocorrespondence tocorrespondence to The Editor, TheBushwalker Bushwalkers NSW POBox 2090 GPO Sydney 1043.E-mail turton@fastlink.com.au

The Confederation ofBushwalking Clubs NSW Increpresents approximately 65clubs witha total membership around 8200bushwalkers. Formed in 1932, theConfederation provides a united voiceon conservation and other issues, runstraining courses for members, andprovides for the public a freewilderness search and rescue service.People interested in joining abushwalking club are invited to writeto the Secretary of the Confederationof Bushwalking Clubs at the aboveaddress for information on clubs intheir area. Or visit our web site athttp://www.bushwalking.org.au

Printed on recycled paper byMLC Powerhouse Design Centre,Casula

The Bushwalker

In This Issue

Magazine EditorColin Wood, Tel (046) 26 5513041-9608561 Mobileturton@fastlink.com.au

The BushwalkerThe BushwalkerThe BushwalkerThe BushwalkerThe Bushwalker is the magazineof the Confederation of BushwalkingClubs NSW Inc. It's published quarterly.The aim of the magazine is to providearticles and information of interest tothe members of clubs affiliated with theConfederation and bushwalkersgenerally. Any opinions expressed byindividual authors do not alwaysrepresent the official views of theConfederation.

Committee Members

Committee members for1997-98 will be displayedin November issue, afterAGM

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Tthe recent debate about the closingof access roads should now be put inperspective, in particular, the New HavenGap road. This event , If the GroseWilderness Nomination proposed by TheConfederation in February 1996 isaccepted, it could mean that webushwalkers may have to walk further toour favourite places (and it looks like the‘service’ is starting with this road) I'm

sure we can expect to hear about moreroad closures in the future.

I have been reading a few of the oldissues of “The Bushwalker”, and it's quiteenlightening to see how the old timebushwalkers took it in their stride (no punintended) to walk from Katoomba stationalong Narrow Neck. Or from Blackheathstation to perry’s lookdown to start a walkthat we now do in a couple of hours, I’msure they had a great feeling ofsatisfaction arriving by steam train Fridaynight , walking down perry’s in the dark,slipping and sliding on tracks to spend afew hours in the magnificent Blue Gumthey had so recently saved from the axe.Whereas we complain about walking afew extra Klms to our favourite spots. Inthe years to come I’m sure we will cometo accept these changes and realise theextra effort is worth it.

I think it is worthwhile reprinting

part of the article written by AndyMacqueen in the February 1996 issue of“The Bushwalker”.

One night in 1941 Jack Watson, amember of the Rover Ramblers Club,spent a contemplative time in Blue GumForest sitting by the camp-fire: he wasthinking of the walking mates who hadaccompanied him to the spot on pastvisits, who were now scattered around thebattlefields of the world, fighting the

Germans or the Japanese. In the pre-wardays which he looked back to, Blue GumForest was out of reach of most day-walkers: Time marches on . Since then aplethora of firetrails have been built alongridge-tops in the Blue Mountains. Oneach occasion, we bushwalkers haveexpressed our horror and indignation, buta few years later, after we have becomeaccustomed to the closer vehicle access so-afforded, we have grown to accept thetrails.

It’s time not only to stop the rot, butto reverse it. Confederation has submitteda proposal to NPWS for the creation of aGrose Wilderness Area. In our proposal, wehave put the view that the firetrails shouldbe closed and revegetated.

This means that I for one wouldhave to walk further to get to some of myfavourite spots. But to see that as an

inconvenience is self-centred and shortsighted, compared with the attraction ofgaining a large, intact wilderness. If ourrecommendations are accepted, I am surefuture generations of walkers will thankus for it.

If any reader would like copies ofthe Grose Wilderness Nomination write toThe Editor Bushwalkers NSW PO Box2090 Sydney 1043, and enclose a stampedself-addressed envelope.

Editorial - Wilderness or WilderlessColin Wood

The Blue Gum Forest 1943 Photo J. Wood Sydney Bush Walkers

RIVER ROVING BYCANOE 1937

By TOM HERBERT

(River Canoe Club and SydneyBush Walkers).

A twelve-foot cedar canoe movesgracefully along a placid stretch of theShoalhaven.The two stalwart paddlerswield their blades with perfect rhythmand puff their pipes in comfortablecontentment.

What actually happens isuncertain. One man struggles to gain afooting as he is swiftly carrieddownstream in the grip of the current.Bobbing along near him are sundryitems of equipment, billy cans, foodtins, clothing and a couple of paddles.The other man is waist deep in theracing water desperately clinging to a

rock with one hand and the swampedcanoe with the other.

The tent and a valuable camerahave disappeared as well as many itemsof minor equipment. Search at thebottom of the torrent is Impossible. Wateris in everything; leaves of bread are soggymasses of jelly. Mournfully everything isunpacked and laid out to dry. Thepaddles are recovered a half-mile down-stream. Without a tent the canoeists sleepunder the stars and do likewise for thenext ten nights.

Days of endless variety, roaringtorrents, long deep pools, gleaming sandbanks, the rugged grandeur of the gorge,the solitude of evening after an excitingday, the glorious uncertainty of what isahead—all these are for those whoventure along rivers by canoe.

Reprinted from The Bush WReprinted from The Bush WReprinted from The Bush WReprinted from The Bush WReprinted from The Bush Walkeralkeralkeralkeralker19371937193719371937

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The ninthEmergencyServices

NavigationalShield, “The Rogaine” was again a verysuccessful event. A total of 112 teamscompeted in either the one day or thetwo day event. Teams came again fromall the emergency services; police,ambulance, Fire Brigade, SES, NPWS,

Defense Forces, VRA and bushwalkingclubs. The area chosen around Devil’sRock in the Mt Yenyo National Park wasideal. Modest relief, open ridges, mostlyclear creeks with very few rocky bluffs.Aboriginal art and engravings arecommon. An added advantage was thatthe local roads went well wide of thecourse and would provide little help forthe ‘road runner’ type of competitor.Consequently we set out our checkpointswith maximum randomness.

Our base was the Mogo Creekcampsite. Now 112 teams means wehave around 400 competitors. With ourcontrol organisation, helpers from St

John Ambulance, Wicen (radioamateurs), Winmalee Bushfire Brigade,observers, official representatives andhangers on our total must be in therange of 450-500.

Mostly though we see very fewpeople during the whole weekend- mostof them are scattered throughout the

course collecting checkpoints. Manyalso are bush as radio checkpoints/first-aid staff . For safety there are 4 radiocheckpoints spread throughout thecourse. Competitors must report to atleast one radio checkpoint/day.

The largest group during theweekend is for the massed start at 8-30Saturday morning. All competitorsattempt to control their enthusiasmlong enough to be welcomed, remindedof some of the most important rules andcorrections for checkpoints (somehowthere is at least one) and etc. They haveto listen, as they don’t get their control

cards antil I say so!The aim is to choose a route

according to your navigational abilityand fitness to gain as many pointspossible without coming back late(severe penalties apply). Checkpointsvary in value and consist of colourednylon flags with a clicker punchattached. Each punch gives a uniquepattern of holes. When you get to thecheckpoint you can click your Control

Card in the box for thatcheckpoint number.There is no obvioussolution so you can’t justfollow the leader aroundthe course.

Saturday was aglorious warm wintersday, contrary topredictions. The bestteams are truly bitten bythe competitive bug. Fifthplace had only half thepoints of the winningteam. Most take a morecasual approach. Theysee it as a great training/revision of theirnavigational skills butdon’t bother to test theirnight navigation, andreturn before dark. Thereason they can do this isthat checkpoints are setin obvious places since in

every Rogaine we have always hadteams of very little ability. Each teamhas a clue sheet that gives the gridreference of the checkpoint and a shortdescription of it, eg, creek junction, topof cliffs.

Catering/tea/coffee is availablewhile you wait for the presentationaround 8-30 pm.

Sunday was, as predicated - wet.Steady rain fell on and off all morning.Teams reporting back often needed helpto take their control cards out of theirmap-cases as their fingers were toonumb. The best teams are again bittenby the bug and find many checkpoints

Would you trust this mob with your money? The Springwood Bushwalking Club teamplaced first in the bushwalking class and second overall Glen Lewin, Peter Butler,

Greg King, Kevin, Kevin Lloyd, Andy Macqueen

Rogaine 97 June 28-29Keith MaxwellDirector Wilderness Rescue

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at night although this years secondplaced team actually got 6 hours sleep!Normal teams camp at nightfall usuallyaround on of the radio checkpoints.

Unfortunately the minister foremergency Services, Mr Bob Debus, wasunable to present the trophies for familyreasons. He was keen to attend againafter doing the Blue Labyrinth 1996presentations. The rain held off for theopen air presentations. I always involvethe senior police, State Rescue Boardand VRA officials observing to presentvarious awards. The hope is thatcompetitors will feel some appreciationof their efforts. As well as first, secondand third there are class awards for thebest of each service present, ie bestpolice team, Defense Forces, SESbushwalking club etc.

We also have a participationaward. If you think the nature of thisevent suits bushwalkers. Many otherservices are simply not fit enough andwe hope they notice how well our

ordinary bushwalkers do by comparisonto them.

The Rogaine is a great way topractice/learn your navigation.Regularly throughout the event youprove you got it right when you find thecheckpoint. This is a greatreinforcement. It is also a great mentalchallenge. No team can get everycheckpoint. What strategy will work toget as many checkpoints as possible?Teams that do well have followed a plandeveloped before they even put theirpacks on! Some teams don’t even leaveimmediately they get their control cardas they are still planning their strategy.

So remember to set aside the lastweekend of June 1998. We don’t followthe moons. The Rogaine is always inthe dead of winter - the best time forbushwalking, get a team together fromyour club during April ’98. Better stillget two teams. Put the speed freaks inone while you join the socialisers in theother and enjoy Rogaine ’98.

Walking inKyrgyzstan -Expressions ofInterest

A walking trip in the Tien ShanMountains of Kyrgyzstan (a formerSoviet central asian republic borderingMongolia) is being planned for eitherJuly or August next year (1998). Thetrip will be approximately 20 days inlenght and is open to any fit bushwalker.

Contact Lou ZamberianPresident Brisbane WaterOutdoor Club. email

d4427pn1@oznet02.ozemail.com.au

CorrectionThe volume number in the last

issue should have been22 not 23.

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The Bushwalker

Bushwalkers’ PersonalAccident Insurance

Do you have personal accident insurance cover when you are on a clubactivity? Don’t Know? NO?

• Confederation’s national Personal Accident Insurance provides cover forbushwalking club members. A wide range of benefits is available to memberswho are injured on a club activity.

• Confederation’s Personal Accident Insurance is wide ranging and very cheap.Talk with your club’s committee to get details of the cover.

• Some clubs provide this cover for all of their members. Does your club?Ask your club’s committee now.

Confederation ofBushwalking Clubs

NSW Inc.

GPO Box 2090Sydney NSW 1043

www.bushwalking.org.au

For no more than the cost ofan ice cream that you might buy atthe end of a walk you can obtainpersonal accident cover for yourclub bushwalking and relatedactivities. The policy covers youfrom the time you leave homeuntil you arrive back home.

If you do have an accidentwhen bushwalking the policy won’tmake you so rich that you can giveup working and go bushwalkingfor the rest of your life (afterrecovering from your accident). Itwill help ease the pain on the hippocket nerve for that things thatMedicare or your private healthinsurance doesn’t cover.

The cover operates when youare on a club sanctioned activity.The cover also travels with you, sothat if you walk with several clubs,

Personal AccidentInsurance

you need only have personal accidentinsurance cover through one club.You are covered when you walk withany other club that is affiliated withConfederation.

As you might expect, there aresome terms and conditions that apply.The critical one is that if you do havean accident, the insurance brokermustmustmustmustmust be notified within 30 days of theaccident.

If you want some more details,please have a chat with theappropriate member of your club’scommittee.

Maurice SmithInsurance Officer

exploring those parts of the forestthat I had not seen the day before; andscorching, beyond human aid, a pairof shorts that one of the party hadhung near the fire to dry. This wasdone during one of my efforts atcooking, which were most strange.

It is of the camp fire that nightthat I always think whenever good

camp fires are talked of. The nightwas cloudless and stars hung in thebranches. A massive log burned whilethe bushwalkers sang to us “Old Folks,Young Folks.” “Hey, ho, Come to theBush,“Where the Slopes” and all theold favourites. Ernie and Edger obligedwith solos, and then together gave us“The Two Gendarmes.” I think it wasLet pura’s “Volga Boatmen” with thelast note dying away in the rippling ofthe Grose, that completed myconversion from a mere hiker to aperson with bushwalkery ideals.

Last Eight-hour weekend I wasdown the Forest again. Perhaps it wasa trifle crowded and one was apt tocome upon hosts of small boy scoutsat very odd moments, but I found thatafter four years, the hold of the Forestover me was still as great. Let’s hope itstops forever as lovely as it is now.

Continued from page 11

Reprinted from The BushWalker 1937.

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This year,I have been involved inseveral meetings about walking tracks.The most significant for Confederationhave been about a Blue MountainsCrossing Walk in which we may have aleading role. The concept was brought toConfederation by the Scripture UnionClub and inspired three longtimewalkers to submit alternatives whichthey had been developing for someyears. A marked up map and a spreadsheet will be on display at the AGM, andI can send a copy of the latter to anyclub which is not represented there .Hand copying of the map is more timeconsuming.

I represent Confederation on acommittee of Standards Australia whichis reviewing AS 2156 -1977- Signs forWalking Tracks. This was a very briefdocument and the Victorian Federationand some Government land managersrequested a revision. The first meetingdiscussed a number of changesincluding International Symbols for thenature of tracks and a standard fordesign and construction. It is proposedto set up a Design subcommittee andConfederation can nominate one of ourmembers with an interest and preferablyan engineering background. InFebruary I attended a workshop on thepreparation of a Management Stategyfor the Australian Alpine WalkingTrack,(AAWT) which extends fromWalhalla in Victoria to Namagji N.P inthe ACT.The draft document has justbeen issued.

Most recently I attended a meetingconvened by the Northern RiversRegional Economic DevelopmentOrganisation (NOREDO) to promote aGreat Eastern Centennial Trail (GECT)

to extend from Mt.Mistake nearToowoomba to Hawk's Nest, the later toconnect with the Great North Walk,Hume & Hovell Walk and the AAWT. Themost useful result for me was anoverview of existing or proposed longdistance tracks ; The Appalachian Trailin U S ,Bibbelmun Track in W A, TheFederation Walk and Pacific Peace Trail.The latter two and CEGT will becompeting for Government funding withthe Blue Mountains Crossing. This hasan advantage, I think, because, of itssmaller scale and lower costs.

Denied AccessFour instances of Denied Access for

bushwalkers have been brought to myattention. This sort of problem can onlybe resolved if landholderswho areneighbours of National Parks acceptConfederations assurances that we haveadequate insurance Protection for ourmembers and the public and that wehave a Code of Ethics. Then the actionsof every walking party must be evidencethat our Code is being observed. Ifreelected at the AGM I will continue toseek resolution, and would welcomenotification of new problems.

There has been a partial resolutionof the problem with the road toBaalbone Gap , Pantoney's Crown NPand the south eastern section of Gardensof Stone N.P. Baalbone Colliery hasclosed the direct road from the MudgeeRoad at Cullen Bullen where It enterstheir mining reserve. The reason is saidto be that continuing blasting workcould endanger the public. The NPWSranger advises that there is alternativeaccess from the Capertee Glen DavisRoad. This route is said to include somesteep sections but be negotiable by twowheel drive vehicles. I have some doubtabout this after wet weather and I wouldappreciate road reports from walksleaders.

My attempt to initiate discussionof a track construction group must beregarded as a failure. Further, I havebeen unable to find an affordable shorttraining course which might certify ourabilities and committment. Some clubshave over many Years worked with thelocal rangers and earned theirconfidence. I hope that other clubs willconsider adopting a park andscheduling regular track maintenance

Along the Track

Following an initiative of theScripture Union Club three otheroptions have been notified toConfederation. There Is somecommonality and in other locationsboth minor and major differences. Likeall such projects this will requiregovernment involvement and funding.Success in obtaining funding willdepend primarily on selling the projectto the community. Confederation canplay a part not easily available todepartments. Confederation willreimburse the Project Officer forreasonable travel and other expenses.

It is expected that the ProjectOfficer would be involved in researchingthe available sources of funding and inpreparing submissions.This officerwould undertake a field assessment ofmajor alternatives in sufficient depth tomake a credible case for funding andwould represent Confederation atmeetings of interested parties.

If the grant application issuccessful the Hon Project Officer couldapply for the paid position. Thesuccesful candidate will probably bechosen by a Steering Committee onwhich Confederation will presumablybe represented. The Hon Project Officerwill report to Confederation'sManagement Committee through theTracks & Access Officer., who can becontacted for further details.

Wanted Project Officer - BlueMountains Crossing Walk

Alex TuckerTracks & Access Officer

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The Bushwalker

Andy Macqueen

The bushwalker may

justly claim that thispastime is one of thevery few that develops

both the mind and the body. It takeshim far away from the hustle andbustle of the modern city, and he maytread in places where no white manhas trodden before. He learns toappreciate the strange, peacefulcharm of the Australian bush, known

only to those who seek its virgin spots,and he realises that man and hiscivilisation form a small part only ofa wonderful creation.

—From An Introduction toBushwalking, Federation ofBushwalking Clubs, 1939.

There weren’t manybushwalking clubs in the 1930s, butthe walkers were very enthusiastic.These were the heydays ofbushwalking. Faced with economicdepression on the one hand andconservation issues on the other,walkers had been drawn together witha spirit of adventure and goodwill.

When did our pastimeoriginate? The term ‘bushwalking’was coined by the Sydney BushWalkers, the club formed in 1927when the Mountain Trails Club

decided to maintain its exclusivityand not open its doors to the throngsof new walkers (particularly women).But even last century there were manyrecreational walkers who could bedescribed as bushwalkers.

The Melbourne Walking Club(which still operates) started in 1894,while the now-defunct WarragambaClub started a few years later in New

South Wales. The Mountain TrailsClub, whose leading light was thatFather of Conservation, MylesDunphy, was formed in 1914. Thegrowth of the Scout movement wasalso influential: many well-knownwalkers starting out as Boy Scouts.

But bushwalking in the earlydays was not quite the same as today.There were no plastic bags and nofancy tents. There were no packs untilPaddy Pallin started making them.There were no helicopters and nomobile phones—there wasn’t even asearch and rescue organisation untilthe bushwalkers formed their own in1936. There were no useful mapsuntil the army maps appeared:walkers relied on sketches and adviceprovided by people like Dunphy andPallin. Minimal impact bushwalking

was unheard of: many bushwalkers,including Dunphy, were accompaniedby a dog. Some carried an axe, andperhaps a rifle. Rubbish was disposedof on the ‘burn, bash and bury’principle.

In an era when woman raisedeyebrows merely by wearing shorts,mixed bushwalking parties causedconsternation in polite circles: therewas quite a row about the ‘co-tenting’issue within the Sydney Bush Walkers.Not that the women always walkedwith men—Dorothy Lawry, a keyfigure in the Sydney Bush Walkers,the Blue Gum Forest campaign, andthe Federation, took all-femaleparties on ambitious trips down theKowmung and elsewhere.

Few people had a car, and therewere fewer roads and fire tails thantoday. Bushwalks were plannedaround the trains, and remote placeslike Kanangra Walls (to which therewas no road) were the province onlyfor dedicated walkers on extendedtrips. For instance, Tom and SissyGodfrey were dropped near JenolanCaves to walk to Burragorang viaKanangra—but after walking severaldays in the rain they were unable tocross the Kowmung, and had to walkall the way back—still in the rain.The bedraggled pair were greeted withastonishment and disdain by touristsat the Caves! In another epicdescribed as ‘sheer bloody hell’, RayBean, Nin Melville (founder of theCoast and Mountain Walkers) andWin Duncombe took fourteen days towalk the Colo, which was in flood:they survived by eating eels caughtwith pegs and guy ropes.

Such were the risks of seriousbushwalking: going out there, andbeing totally responsible for yourself.A true wilderness experience. Todaywe have the security offered by phonesand helicopters; we can travel far intothe wild by car or bicycle; many newtracks and pads have appeared, andwe have accurate maps. Thewilderness experience has beendiminished.

EARLY BUSHWALKING - SOME PERSPECTIVES

Easter 1934: Sydney Bush Walkers at Kanangaroo Clearing: GordonSmith, Jock Kaske, Hec Carruthers (seated), May Smith, unknown,unknown, and Gordon Mannell. Four of the men are brandishing rifles ata mock target. (Hec Carruthers collection)

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Have you heard about

The Blue Gum Forest?Come along to the monthly meeting of the Hikers Club, on 6

September 1932

The meeting will be addressed by a representative of a group called the BlueGum Forest Committee, who have been busy saving a beautiful stand of BlueGums in the Blue Mountains.

The representative will show us some especially prepared lantern slides, andexplain why we should all support their cause.

The above re-enactment will be a highlight of the 65thanniversary celebrations, hosted by The Friends of BlueGum. It’s to be held in the NPWS Heritage Centre, nearGovetts Leap, at noon on Sunday 6 September, following theofficial commemoration at the Leap at 10 am.

There will be plenty of afternoon left to get down to theforest to join other walkers camped at Acacia Flat, or on theother side of Govetts Creek, where there will be a communalcampfire.

On the Sunday there will be a short historical tour of theforest, commencing at 10.30 at ‘the big tree’ at the botom ofthe Perrys track.

Easter 1916: ‘Baldy’ HarryWhitehouse, who later joined theMountain Trails Club and Coast andMountain Walkers, camped by the CoxsRiver while on a walk from WentworthFalls to Yeranderie with his friend CecilWebb. (Maria Sozanski collection)

book add backfrom brink

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‘An article for the next issue?”gueried our editor, and as the lift wascoming and “ But I was in a hurry, Ianswered, “Yes now I came to think ofit, what have I to write about’ For norecord breaker am I. No miles of snowplains have I traversed, nor “bagged”virgin peaks, nor walked the Grose in aweek-end. It is true I was with a partythat “did” Mount Solitary in a day, butall I remember of that memorable tripwas falling down the Golden Stairs inthe morning and dipping up theKedumba Pass in the afternoon. The restof the gallop is as hazy as the mists that

rested on Solitary that day. I have thought and thought about

the trips I have done, but always mymind reverts to the very first one, whenthe magic of Blue Gum Foresttransformed me from a casual hiker tolifelong Bushwalker. How I lookedforward to that trip I was to sleep in theopen, a thing I had never done in mylife before. My outfit was ratherextraordinary:—one small militarypack, without extra pockets, one small,grey blanket, purchased specially for thegreat occasion, black strap-shoes withwooden heels, a bulky, yet whollyinadequate supply of food and othersundries too numerous to mention.

What would not push into the peak wastied on the outside, or carried under thearm. On the Friday night before Eight-Hour day, the party boarded a train at7.30 or thereabouts, and whiled awaythe journey by alternately sleeping, andeating a large cake which had beenkindly donated by a friend of one of us.

Eventually we tumbled out on toBlackheath Station, and took to the roadto Govett’s Leap. At the Leap, one of theparty cheered our flagging spirits byraising a series of echoes. Then, withtwo torches between the lot of us, we

started down the track which had notfully recovered from a week’s torrentialrain. The glowworms were shiningalong the reeks, but soappalling was my ignorancethat, looking up the cliff face,I remarked how close the starsseemed to be.

Neither of the torches shed aparticularly bright beam, and pumpsoles and wooden heels were not so goodon that slippery path. Half-way down, Imoaned loudly, because I had left a heelbehind on the last flight of steps. It wasgoing to be most awkward, Icomplained, finishing the trip on oneheel. However, my fears were put to

A Camp in The Blue Gum ForestPhoto by Horace Salmon Coast and Mountain Walkers

flight by an examination of the othershoe. It was heelless, also. But when wecame to that part of the track that runsparallel to the creek, slippery paths andwooden heels were soon forgotten. Bythis time, the moonlight was helping uson our way, and I shall never forget thesight of it on those small waterfalls.

At last we reached the Junction.Here an argument ensured as to whichwas the best crossing. To prove his point,one of the party took a flying leap, andlanded in the water, long pants, andall—all, in this instance, meaningpack, bread carried under the right arm,and a billy, containing a pound ofbutter, in the left hand. We soon had afire going and untying my blanket fromthe outside of my pack, I rolled up in it,and my ideas of admiring the stars werelost in a dreamless sleep. About 4.30 to 5o’clock the ground grew harder and theblanket gave less warmth, so I was ableto enjoy the lovely sight of the sun’s ragsgradually penetrating the slight mist inthe valley

An experience in The Blue Gum Forest 1933

By 'Anonymous'

A dip in the creek, and a heartybreakfast, and then away we

went towards the forest—THEFOREST as I had always heard it called.The trip along the track and thenumerous crossings of the creek were allof tremendous interest to me, the mug.Then we met the outlying blue gumsand gradually, as we neared the Grose,the real forest was before us. There is noneed for me to try to describe to any

Bushwalker the gloriousexperience of seeing those tallgums for the first time.

We pitched our tents (oneof heavy canvas) and wandered

around, enthralled with the beauty ofthe place. During the day Bushwalkersseemed to arrive from all directions, andby evening there were tents and fires allaround us. I had a great timeexamining the different kits andwriggling into a sleeping bag for thefirst time. The next day I spent

Let’s hope itstops forever as

lovely as it isnow.

Continued on page 6

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The Bushwalker

Cookery Corner

APPLE CAKEAPPLE CAKEAPPLE CAKEAPPLE CAKEAPPLE CAKE

IntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroductionIntroduction

If you see a CMW party holdingbillies over a fire with sticks and sayingthat they can “feel the vibrations”, youwill probably think that a strangeceremony is being carried out, and youwill be right. They will be cooking applecakes.

Ingredients (per person)Ingredients (per person)Ingredients (per person)Ingredients (per person)Ingredients (per person)(i) 25 grams of dried apples;(ii) 40 grams of packet cake mix.

I use sponge cake or goldenbuttercake mix.

UtensilsUtensilsUtensilsUtensilsUtensilsIn a one-litre billy you can cook a

cake large enough for three people. Awide billy is preferable to a tall one.

ProcedureProcedureProcedureProcedureProcedureBoil the apples in the billy. In a

separate container, add water to the cakemix to produce a paste which is just thinenough to be poured. When the applesare almost cooked, make sure that thereis plenty of water left in the billy. Thenpour the cake mix on top of the applesand put the lid on the billy. Heat thebilly from below, not the side, so that thewater simmers. The steam rises throughthe cake mix and cooks it, taking about15 minutes to do so.

When people from my club arecooking the cake on a fire, we hold the

billy over the fire with a stick. When wecan just feel vibrations through thestick, we know that the water issimmering gently and that the rightamount of heat is being applied.

The cake can be eaten by itself, orwith cream or custard.

Contribution by Alan Dixon,Coast and Mountain Walkers

Thanks Alan - we certainly havelot's of good male male male male male cooks inConfederation, how about a few recipesfrom the girls!

mountain des different

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The Bushwalker

Don’Don’Don’Don’Don’t be half-hearted with yourt be half-hearted with yourt be half-hearted with yourt be half-hearted with yourt be half-hearted with yourwalking. Plan your trips ahead, andwalking. Plan your trips ahead, andwalking. Plan your trips ahead, andwalking. Plan your trips ahead, andwalking. Plan your trips ahead, andif you are considering getting lost, doif you are considering getting lost, doif you are considering getting lost, doif you are considering getting lost, doif you are considering getting lost, dothe thing in style and make a job ofthe thing in style and make a job ofthe thing in style and make a job ofthe thing in style and make a job ofthe thing in style and make a job ofit.Here are a few tips that will help.it.Here are a few tips that will help.it.Here are a few tips that will help.it.Here are a few tips that will help.it.Here are a few tips that will help.

Before you set off there are certainpreparetions to be made. It is silly to getlost in easily accessible country, and so itis best to choose the wildest and mostrugged territory. Of course, you musthave information to help you to get intothe area, so go to some one who knowsthe district and get some dope on it, butwhatever you do don’t take notes ofwhat he tells you. Rely on your memory,or should he insist on giving you notesand route sketches, it is much better toleave them behind.

With food, you have the choice oftwo courses. You can so cut down thefood supply that you will be on shortrations before the first week is up, or youcan take an extra liberal supplyincluding lots of fresh or tinned fruitand vegetables (so full of vitamins,don’tyou know), in a number of bottles andtins. The latter course is preferable,because getting lost on an emptystomach is distinctly ultra vires or honisoit qui mal de mer (if you know what Imean). Besides the bottles and tinscome in so useful for leaving messagesbehind for the search party. By the way,you mustn’t dream of taking pencil andpaper along with you, it is so muchmore fun writing messages with a burntstick on rocks, or the tail of your shirt.

Then, of course, keep yourproposed route a profound secret. If

possible don’t even let anyone knowfrom what station you will becommencing your trip and need I sayhow foolish it would be to give anybodyeven a brief itinerary of your trip,because, obviously, that would make itso much easier for the search party, andthat would spoil the fun. Unfortunately,for some obscure reason, parentsgenerally want to know when you willbe coming back, but be as vague aspossible. It is even better to say youintend leaving from one place, and thenchange your plans at the last moment.This puts possible rescuers quite off thescent.

Having thus prepared, set off onyour trip with light hearts and fullknowledge that you are going to cause aspot of bother before you reach homeagain.

It is not a bad plan if you wish toget lost to leave map and compass athome, but some people prefer to takethem along because then they havesomething to blame. If you do take mapand compass, put them carefully in thebottom of your pack so as not to be ableto get at them. In this way, you can’teasily identify landmarks, and it ismuch simpler to get lost that way.

If you have any difficulty ingetting the party lost, an individualmember of the party can go off fromcamp without pack, map, compass ormatches—just for a look round. Thenhe should wander round aimlessly for awhile, admiring the scenery and pick afew flowers. Without a great deal oftrouble he can very effectively get lost ina remarkably short time. But this is nota very matey thing to do, because eventhough he has the thrill of being reallylost in the bush, it is a bit uncomfor-table spending a few nights in the bushwithout a fire, on an empty stomach,when you’re by yourself.

It is not nearly so bad if there aretwo or three. So it might be advisable forthe whole party to leave camp withoutgear, food and matches and wander off.Besides, it is ever so much harder to findcamp if there is no one there to answeryour calls.

In the best circles, however, this isconsidered bad technique, becausepossums or bandicoots might raid thestores and it wouldn’t be very nice if,after being without food for three or fourdays, the party stumbled across thecamp and then found the tucker allmessed up.

Another way to make getting lostmore exciting is, on learning that theparty is lost, to get very excited and rushabout first in one direction and then inanother, and, of course, it is even betterif the party separates because thatmakes it so much harder for the searchparty.

Generally only the mostenthusiastic “get-loster” get astraywithout food. As a rule there is generallysome rice or flour left, but, of course, itis simply not done to have anyknowledge of cooking. Think what funit must be to learn cooking when lostand after all you will want something towhile away the hours until the searchparty finds you.

That brings me to my final point.Never make a smoky fire when lost; itmight be seen by searchers, and as forproper signal fires, well, of course, as agood “get-loster” you simply wouldn’tknow anything about such things.

When after days of heroicfortitude and endurance, you are found,or stagger weakly up to some lonelyfarmhouse, just think how you will baskin the sympathy and endearment ofyour distraught parents, to whom youhave been so providentially restored.

From 'The Bush WFrom 'The Bush WFrom 'The Bush WFrom 'The Bush WFrom 'The Bush Walker No 1alker No 1alker No 1alker No 1alker No 1published in 1937.published in 1937.published in 1937.published in 1937.published in 1937.

HOW TO GET LOSTBy “PADDY” Pallin (Rover

Ramblers and Sydney Rush Walkers)

Sketch by Dot English

Page 16

The Bushwalker

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EcotrekBogong Jack Adventures

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((((( 08/8383-7198 - Fax 08/8383-7377

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Come along and join us.

Bushwalking,Camping, Weekends

Away ...

The Outdoor Club( ( ( ( ( Arthur (02) 9874-7868Arthur (02) 9874-7868Arthur (02) 9874-7868Arthur (02) 9874-7868Arthur (02) 9874-7868

Phone (02)9387 4095

For Cartoons - DrawingsSpecialised Art Work -

Newsletter DesignJoanne Wells

Macarthur NPA( ( ( ( ( (046) 25-5386

Maps - Camping - Climbing - Clothing - Adventure Trips

Web Page http://www.ozemail.au/~erock/

EUROKA CAMPINGAND ROCK SPORTS

Steve lear Lindy Body

1A Ross St Glenbrook 2773Phone (047 39-3152

Email erock@ozemail.com.au

10% discount for bushwalkingclubs

Gleeful RefillsIs you bag looking a bit down?

Sleeping bags washed, repaired and refilled.Tent, garment and pack repairs.fast reliable service, reasonable rates( Venus on (02) 9787 1628See story - page 17

Page 17

The Bushwalker

Photograph by Henry Gold - Kanangra Deep

BLACK GOLD

COUNTRY CABINSBlack Gold Country Cabins is inBlack Gold Country Cabins is inBlack Gold Country Cabins is inBlack Gold Country Cabins is inBlack Gold Country Cabins is in

close proximity to Wclose proximity to Wclose proximity to Wclose proximity to Wclose proximity to Wollemi Nationalollemi Nationalollemi Nationalollemi Nationalollemi NationalPark. Ideal to be able to bushwalk allPark. Ideal to be able to bushwalk allPark. Ideal to be able to bushwalk allPark. Ideal to be able to bushwalk allPark. Ideal to be able to bushwalk allday and come back to a warm showerday and come back to a warm showerday and come back to a warm showerday and come back to a warm showerday and come back to a warm showerand large room to relax in.and large room to relax in.and large room to relax in.and large room to relax in.and large room to relax in.

Accommodation suitable for groupsand families, sporting teams andbackpackers.

Rooms accommodate up to 12people with a self contained kitchen andgas heating.

A modern shower block, large BBQarea, huge recreation area includingbasketball court.

Other attractions close to ourfacility are Archvale Trout Farm, Mt PiperEnergy Expo, Zig Zag Railway,Wallerawang Lake Wallace Glow WormTunnel and Jenolan Caves.

Eighty Years of ConservationNSW Parliment House 22 September to 3 October 1997An exibition of photographs presented by the ColongFoundation for Wilderness

The exibition "Eighty Years of Conservation ' demonstrates that the conceptof presevation of the natural environment is not a recent phenomenon butstreches back to the early 1920's and beyond.

The photographs are the work of Alan Rigby and Henry Gold whose careersspan the period from about 1920 to 1977. They are representative of of the host ofbushwalking photographs throughout this period, whose work has informedpublic opinion and helped to facilitate the conservation of scenic wilderness. AlanRigby born in Sydney in 1901 was a pioneer bushwalker and member of theMountain Trails Club. Alan instigated the campiagn to save the Blue Gum ForestHenry Gold born in vienna, arrived in Australia in 1955, Henry took over Alan'swork after he died.

Venus RepairsI began refilling and repairing

sleeping bags about 4 years ago, at the timeI was managing an indoor climbing gymin Sydney. In May ’96 I decided to leave thegym and expand the repairs into tents,packs and garments also.

As soon as I made the decision to gofull time I was bombarded with dirtysleeping bags to wash, about 8 a week - offto a promising start in the bath.

Later last year I bought a walkingfoot post machine, good for packs andleather, and extended the repairs tomotorcycle leathers in addition to theoutdoor side. Before it all got too much Igrabbed a much needed climbing trip onFlinders Island, Bass Strait, over Xmas andreturned to a million limp bags and tattypacks. No more holidays since then (one ofthe shops that sends a lot of work my wayhas said so!).

Early this year I added a Goretexseam-sealer to the weaponry (affectionately

known as “Stampy”)and now do a lot ofseam sealing.

Someone recentlyasked me if runningyour own business was agood way to manageyour time, with lots oftime off. It was aninteresting concept, butI haven’t had time tothink about it yet.