Magazine of the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs (NSW) Inc ISSN 0313 2684 Autumn Issue - May 1997 Vol 22 No 4 http://bushwalking.hightide.net.au/

Environmental Vandalism- says 4WD Magazine It is not my normal practice by John Macris which to manage, we reminded the as Conservation Officer, to write Conservation Officer NPWS of the need to protect and reports for the Bushwalker as a Since a fence cannot be built restore the area to a primitive state. reaction to other media articles. along a river bed, the park Our long standing policy on A recent article however, in a four boundary was an arbitrary one with wilderness is that there should be wheel drive magazine happened to generally everything to the west not only no vehicle use, but no fit in well with this general topic National Park and declared roads on which they could be used. and deserves some scrutiny. wilderness and to the east Yalwal In this case physical closures of a One of the most unworkable State Forest. This presented a good few routes would be required. The opportunity to test affected creek bed was subject to a the idea of self grading to remove the trail formed regulation by by the imprint of vehicles, and motorised recreation some large rocks and boulders groups, something were strategically placed so as to they often champion form barriers of natural materials. as a concept. The Drovers ridge trail was also Unfortunately self closed off and should now begin to regulation was revegetate. discredited here with Confederation congratulates Ettrema Creek, the Nowra district of NPWS on this within a declared work. In many other areas of wilderness, receiving declared wilderness, park managers - Photo Webster multimedia regular vehicle use have hung on to vehicle tracks, in the same manner when according to our policies and park boundaries I have yet come as Yalwal Creek - along the river the spirit of the wilderness act, they across was Yalwal Creek, a bed, for several kilometres into its should be closed and revegetated. tributary of the gorge. A fire trail onto Drovers Now, the four wheel drive and until last year, dividing Morton Ridge in the wilderness was also magazine took a rather different National Park from adjacent State accessed regularly from Yalwal view on this work, heralding it as Forest. Creek and used to the extent that it an act of environmental vandalism This very attractive creek is had become braided and deeply pot by the service and pledging support popular for liloing, canoeing and holed along much of its route. Is for some recreationalists’ aims of walking, with nearby Ettrema creek playground too strong a term? reversing the work in the name of being a favourite NSW area for The State Government the environment. Considerable remote walks. The gentle gradient proposed eastern extensions to the outrage has also been expressed by of the creek bed also allowed off Ettrema Wilderness in late 1995 some, over the severe damage road vehicle use along the water which included the Yalwal Creek sustained to a Wombat’s residence course for many kilometres, which Valley. Confederation made a during the works! took place to the extent that a supporting submission and also I say let them bellow and chest ‘road’ like imprint had formed in raised with the National Parks and beat, a new playground will be the stones and pebbles on the dry Wildlife Service our concerns found soon if it has not been part of the bed. I was told on my about illegal vehicle use of the already. Ettrema Wilderness is one last visit that collisions between existing wilderness. of those wonderful natural places canoes and vehicles were a real risk In April 1996 the addition of that should be set aside foremost and I thought that was a nice the Yalwal lands was announced for nature, with human use taking a metaphor for landuse conflict and has since been declared. With a small and unimposing second place (water use conflict?) much improved boundary with behind that preservation goal. The Bushwalker Committee Members The Bushwalker Contributions, letters to the President Training Officer editor, original cartoons and Brian Walker (02)9969-8476 Andy Macqueen (047)51-2556 suggestions are welcome. They Coast & Mountain Walkers Springwood Bushwalking Club should be sent to the address [email protected] below. Except for short notes or Wilderness Rescue officer letters, all contributions should be Vice-President Keith Maxwell (02)9622-0049 accompanied with text file on Don Brooks (02)9807-1657 Rescue Number M 019395047 three and a half inch floppy disk The Bush Club Pager 106020 #277321 in IBM format or E-Mail. Mount Druitt Bushwalking Club Advertising rates are Secretary [email protected] available on request.Ring John Bill Holland (02)9484-6636 Clarke on (02) 9744-1916 The Sydney Bush Walkers Conservation Officer Distribution is through [email protected] John Macris (02) 9526-7363 affiliated clubs, major retail National Parks Association outlets, council information Assistant Secretary [email protected] centres and national park offices. Vivien Dunne (02) 9522-6508 Address all correspondence to National Parks Association Public Officer The Editor, The Bushwalker [email protected] Jim Callaway (02)9520-7081 Bushwalkers NSW PO Box 2090 The Sydney Bush Walkers GPO Sydney 1043. Treasurer E-mail [email protected] Ken Pickering (047)39-1346 Magazine Editor The Confederation of Springwood Bushwalking Club Colin Wood, Tel (046) 26 5513 H Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc 041-9608561 Mobile represents approximately 63clubs Tracks and Access [email protected] with a total membership around Alex Tucker (02)9451-4028 8000 bushwalkers. Formed in National Parks Association 1932, the Confederation provides a united voice on conservation and other issues, runs training In This Issue courses for members, and provides for the public a free Environmental Vandalism...... 1 wilderness search and rescue service. People interested in Annual General Meeting & Reunion...... 3 joining a bushwalking club are invited to write to the Secretary Tracks & Access Report...... 3 of the Confederation of Training Workshop Report...... 4 Bushwalking Clubs at the above address for information on clubs First Unsupported Crossing of Simpson Dessert...... 5 in their area. Or web site http:// bushwalking.hightide.net.au Lone Rescue in Claustral Canyon...... 5 Printed on recycled paper by Rogain 97...... 6 MLC Powerhouse Design Centre, Casula Conservation News...... 7 First Aid Training (St John Courses)...... 9 The Bushwalker is the magazine of the Confederation of I'm a Walker Boots and All...... 11 Bushwalking Clubs NSW Inc. It's Blue Gum Forest 65th Anniversary ...... 13 published quarterly. The aim of the magazine is to provide articles and Cookery Corner...... 14 information of interest to the members of clubs affiliated with the Calling Campground Hosts...... 14 Confederation and bushwalkers The Great Grose Gorse Walk...... 14 generally. Any opinions expressed by individual authors do not always Philosophy in the Arthurs...... 17 represent the official views of the Confederation.

Page 2 The Bushwalker Confederation Reunion & Annual General meeting - The Discovery Centre - Kurnell Saturday August 23rd 1997

This year the AGM will be held at Botany Bay National Park, Cape Solander Drive, Kurnell Programme: Arrive approx midday. 1.00: AGM Reports, special issues, and elections, afternoon tea provided by host club. The detailed agenda and other details will be sent to all Confederation members and club secretaries by July. The Committee is looking for a club to host the AGM. For details please contact the President or Secretary.

Annual Bush Dance August 22nd This year the annual bush dance will be held in conjunction with the AGM. The dance will be at Petersham Town Hall starting at 8pm (see add this magazine). The theme this year is the Blue Gum Forest 65th Anniversary. Come along and mix with the ghosts of the Blue Gum, the Dunphies, Chardon, Rigby, Lawry and others. The original Blue Gum committee, formed in 1931 comprised Rigby,Myles Dunphy, Harold Chardon, Walter Roots, Joe Turner, Harold Buckland, Roy Bennett and Harold Perrott. Dorothy Lawry replaced Chardon in February 1932 on the latters resignation. We would like to encourage country clubs to be more involved with their confederations business, especially with the ORCA and bushwalker training uppermost on the agenda of all outdoor recreation organisations. The Confederation will be happy to arrange accommodation to any country member who would like to come to the dance and AGM.

Down the Track - Tracks & Access Report by Alex Tucker Confederation's There has been a lot of TALK Tracks and Access officer Sydney about Tracks in the last three NPA months, but virtually none about A Access ! More of that later. Australian Alpine Walking Track working I mailed to a random sample of (AAWT) group which 30 members of Confederation, one I represented Confederation at a includes a delegate from the Canberra from each club in the Sydney suburbs, workshop on a Management Strategy Club and one from the Victorian and have had three recruits to the T & for the AAWT. It was attended by Federation is preparing a draft strategy A sub committee. I would welcome representatives of the Victorian which will be discussed at a meeting in some more people either to attend Federation of Bushwalking Clubs, the Canberra at the end of April. It is committee meetings in the City or to be National Parks Associations of Victoria hoped that the final draft will be corresponding members to whom I can and NSW and Canberra Bushwalkers available for wider comment later this write for personal opinions on draft and the Rangers responsible for the year. Please tell me if you are documents or for advice on issues local various sections of the track. Naturally interested in making an input. to them. So lets hear it from club the majority of the latter were from Standards Australia. delegates outside the suburban area. I Parks Victoria as the route of the 396 should emphasize that I am not km track starts from Walhalla and I represented Confederation on a necessarily seeking for club opinions, continues through the Baw Baws, the S-A committee reviewing AS 2156- but input from individual bushwalkers Razor - Viking Wilderness,the Barry 1978 - Walking Track Signs. The so that documents can receive a wider Mountains, Hotham and Bogong to the committee was established following a scrutiny before presentation to the Cobberas Wilderness. request from the Victorian Federation. Management Committee and then to all In NSW it goes through the Pilot The existing standard is limited to clubs if that Committee so decides. and Jagungal Wildernesses to Kiandra specifying an isosceles triangle The invitation is also extended to and Murray Gap. In the ACT there is indicator which is mounted with the any bushwalker. If it is convenient for the Cotter Wilderness and the track base vertical to indicate a change of you to attend sub committee meetings ends at the Visitor Centre of Namadgi direction or horizontal to indicate you can be co opted and vote in that NP Notice that the AAWT avoids the straight ahead. The preferred colour is sub committee as an individual. You Main Kosciusko Range by going from fluorescent orange or, in desert areas, can of course attend Management and Dead Horse Gap, Charlottes Pass, blue. Information signs covered are general meetings, as a visitor, and may Smiggins and Guthega PS to Slink limited to routed timber. There is a address those meetings , but without Pass. Many walkers will no doubt very brief look at the relationship any voting rights. think that this somewhat round about route is a good thing to avoid overuse between the grade of track and the of the Main Range.. Do you ? Continued on Page 10

Page 3 The Bushwalker

Page 4 The Bushwalker Training workshop report The First Unsupported Lucy Moore Crossing of the Gibson The begginnings of Sydney Bush Walkers Desert Confederation’s training policy, In April 1997, Peter Treseder Confederation continues to was workshoped on April 12, This completed the first unsupported policy, when devised, will be to reject the need for mandatory crossing of Western Australia’s Gibson provide support for clubs who will accreditation of leaders and instead Desert. retain responsibility for training promotes adherence to minimum Starting near Giles Weather their members. standards or accepted practice with Station at the eastern edge of the a view to minimising the Rawlinson Range (eastern edge of the incidence of claims based on desert) he completed the 500 kilometre negligence. crossing to near Carnegie Station The new training policy, to (western edge of the desert) in four days, 11 hours. be implemented by the new Most of the crossing was through training sub-committee, help to trackless desert and Peter carried all his provide opportunities for leaders food and water requirements in a pack. to access appropriate training to This trip represents a leap enable them to comply with forward in what has been achieved in accepted practice. significant desert crossings and builds A group at the Training Workshop During the workshop, there on Peters and William’s first was considerable discussion about unsupported crossing of the Simpson Such support may include: Confederation’s role in the Desert in 1996. •circulating the new competency provision of training courses, such standards as leadership skills, first aid and Peter Treseder carries •circulating training materials, train-the-trainer, as well as the out lone rescue in probably based on the standards issue of fees for participants and Claustral Canyon •developing a code of practice payment for trainers. This matter and model manuals for leaders and was not resolved and will be taken While traveling home from the up by the training committee. members desert, after a week of very little sleep •providing information about Mechanisms for minimising and almost three days of continuous training resources, geographical the workload of the training driving, Peter pulled into the Claustral knowledge and areas of club committee include using existing Canyon car park where he tried to expertise. resources wherever possible, catch up on some much needed sleep The workshop, attended by encouraging clubs to nominate a before completing the drive to Sydney. some 40 representatives of Training Officer and share Peter presumed that no one would be affiliated clubs, laid the ground canyoning because it was extremely draft after discussion, of the results cold at the time. He put his head down at about of Confederation’s 1996 training 9pm, but within 30 minutes he was survey. woken by a male companion of a The need for a training women who was trapped on the second strategy has been accelerated by of Claustral’s three waterfalls. Her the publication by The Outdoor wetsuit and hair were firmly jammed in Recreation Council of Australia’s her abseil device. (ORCA) controversial new By the time Peter reached her, competency standards for leaders approximately 35 minutes later, she of outdoor activities. was almost unconscious. She had been Lunch catered for by trapped in the waterfall for approx - These standards, still not John & Sylvia Clarke NPA imately eight hours. embraced by many in After much difficulty, Peter had Confederation, are seen by others information directly and providing her safely back to the car park by the as providing a convenient basic resource information to clubs next morning. benchmark to measure the skills of who can keep it up to date. The amazing thing about this club leaders. Once the standards Throughout the day isn’t so much the rescue, but the are finalised, it is foreseeable that participants returned to the need to circumstances surrounding it. After land managers and underwriters of keep the training strategy simple - driving across Australia and back and club public liability policies may after all, everyone really just wants running across a desert, Peter somehow managed to be in the right place at the to go bushwalking. adopt them as a minimum right time. requirement for leaders of group Lucy Moore It is clear that the woman would activities. The Sydney Bush Walkers have died without immediate help.

Page 5 The Bushwalker ROGAINE 97

probably be discussing how to do teams regularly do better than better in 1998. many two day teams from outside So why not start planning rescue squads as they do not have your teams. The Rogaine is always experience in bush travel. on the last weekend of June so this This is a great opportunity to It’s time to start year it will be on 28th / 29th. The train club members in navigation. planning your clubs’ Rogaine entry forms have been sent to all In my club I regularly hold a teams. The site for this annual the bushwalking clubs. The one navigation training day prior to the event has been selected but (as day teams must be 2 to 4 persons Rogaine. The beginner navigators usual) we ain’t saying where it are! while the limit on two day teams is then enter the one day event on The only clue for the grapevine is 4 to 6. Now since this is just a their own for some concentrated north of Sydney Harbour. variety of either a one day or two practice and usually end up around The aim of the Rogaine is to day bushwalk you must carry midway of the results. This gives make bushwalkers look good adequate equipment. Overnight them a tremendous confidence compared to the other rescue teams must have sleeping bags and boost. groups that are invited to attend. tents or tentflys. You can make the Food is available at the end of This is not hard to do even for event as hard or as easy as you like the day. So when you return tired beginners! Thus the course is set but you must stay together as a and hungry there is a hot meal and up to be straight forward. team. Close to the event the details drink just waiting for you. You can Checkpoints are always set in of the location will be sent to you. then do some serious socialising obvious places such as the top of When you register at the event you with the other bushwalkers present hills or creek junctions. There is a will receive the necessary 1:25,000 as you all wait for the presentation. choice of either the one day or map. We try to do the presentation no overnight event. Everyone starts I hope to see you at this later than 90 minutes from the together and returns by 7pm seldom visited bushwalking area finish time. So when you head Saturday night or 2pm Sunday. (do I have to tell you that’s another home you know your results and Capable one day bushwalking clue?). will

Page 6 The Bushwalker

Newnes Area John Macris Conservation Officer Wildlife Atlas There is currently exploration Then there is the NSW been holding willow eradication for coal in a part of the Newnes wildlife atlas, where some note walks along the Kowmung River. State Forest which is surrounded on taking of field observations is With the recent Easter effort we three sides by Blue Mountains passed on to the service for their can now say with some confidence National Park. This plateau area faunal records. that all willows between Ferny Flat forms the upper catchment of the In late June we would like to and Ritson Elbow have been got, Wollangambe and Dumbano make a weekend of campsite as have most between Church Creeks and their system of rationalisation along the Creek and Bulga Dennis Canyon. canyons. Shoalhaven River from Blockup The Canyon to Ferny Flat section Disturbance to bushland from Gorge to Badgeries Spur. The will be the likely next target with mineral exploration tends to number of fireplaces with their the lower Kowmung to follow include clearing of vehicular trails futile ring of stones is startling and (with access permission obtained constructed as a network over the a weekend could be well spent of course) area and drilling sites at various removing a good proportion of With some imagination, there points, both leading to a them. Education will hopefully lead is potential for voluntary degradation of the areas natural to people dismantling their bushwalker involvement in a wider values. High natural values they are campfire places at the conclusion range of National Park too, as this encroaches into the of their stay. management issues than the State's largest undisturbed piece of Any club representative or traditional track upkeeping or parkland - the northern Blue individual interested can contact clean ups. Mountains and Wollemi National Conservation Officer John Several districts have been Parks. Macris on the number in the successfully running voluntary Willow Eradication front of this issue. The Kowmung Committee and bush regeneration programs in Blue Mountains NPA branch have various parks.

Page 7 The Bushwalker FIRST AID TRAINING Keith MaxwellDirector There Wilderness Rescue are many for your club provided that you can $110 for the two day course good reasons guarantee at least 10 definite $160 for the three day course. for getting starters. You pick the weekend to So there you have it. For less some basic First Aid training but suit yourselves in consultation with than 0.5% of your potential you won’t read any further if I try the Wilderness Rescue First Aid bushwalking time (52 weekends x to list them. I think you should co-ordinator, David Sheppard on 3 =156 weekends but don’t forget consider how easy it is to get a (042) 26-6565. three years of annual leave - recognised St John First Aid The Senior First Aid discussion is welcome on the sums; Certificate via the Confederation. Certificate teaches you a lot of it proves you have read the article) The Senior First Aid skills and is not taught as though and minimal expense you can gain Certificate and the Remote Area the Ambulance is just around the some invaluable skills. First Aid Certificate are available corner as is assumed when you go at a discount (i.e. cheaper than to other instructors. An even more elsewhere) to club members. detailed and practical course is Each year the Senior course is available called the Remote Area offered twice as well as on demand First Aid Certificate. Now there are to clubs. It is always offered on the two ways in which you can do this Last weekend of May and October Certificate. If you have a current so for this year that means May 24/ Senior First Aid Certificate you 25 and October 25/26. Bookings need only do another 16 hours must be made in the month leading (two days) training. IF you do up to the course by phoning me, NOT have a current First Aid Keith Maxwell, on (02) 9622 0049. certificate you will need to do three I will not take bookings outside of days training spread over two May or October. The course weekends. Wilderness Rescue only requires 8 hours instruction each offers this course (two or three on Saturday and Sunday. The exam day) on demand via our First Aid is held a week later one evening Co-ordinator, David Sheppard on and takes around 90 minutes. Your (042) 266 565. You can also Certificate is then valid for three contact St John Ambulance to book years. into the next available course. DATES FOR 1997 Alternatively your Club Either way the cost will be the Put them in your diary now! Secretary could arrange a course same - Make sure they get into your club’s walks program. 28-29 June: The Navigation Shield Rogaine 22 Aug: Annual Bush Dance see add this magazine 23 Aug: AGM and Reunion Discovery Centre - Kurnell 6-7th Sept: 65th Anniversary of Blue Gum Forest 18-19th Oct: Wilderness Rescue training weekend August 9th-17th : Great Grose Gorse walk. 25-26th Oct: First-aid course

Has your club updated its Wilderness Rescue personel to Confederation

Page 8 The Bushwalker From page 3 frequency of indicators. Moderate up to 2 hours. DLaWC so if you want to comment on Several Land Managers are Obviously, bushwalkers are the information in the November represented on the review committee mainly (?) interested in Challenging Bushwalker, please do so quickly. and the Western Australia, South Walks. Here I would add to that Australia, and Queensland authorities symbol a “Boot “ rating which I Track Maintenance Parties. are seeking a considerable expansion understand is used in parts of Europe of the standard to included engineering and Asia. I am told Everest rates 15 Although I had no direct response standards for track construction,as well boots ! Whilst one criteria of Moderate to the section of my article headed a as the use of internationally recognised walks is a recommendation for sturdy Confederation Construction Corps ?, I grading symbols. An officer of the footwear and whilst many experienced have learnt of a number of clubs who NSW State Forests also represents bushwalkers prefer Volleys, for me, are involved in track maintenance in NPWS and DLaWC. bushwalking needs the ankle support NP’s and of other clubs who could Nominations have been called for and protection provided by boots ! support the idea. I have the approval of a Working Group to draft engineering I would limit this additional sign the Management Committee to design standards for presentation to the to four boots, and define the latter as commence preliminary work on a main committee. I think that three or the hardest, or longest walk in any submission to NPWS. By the time you four meetings might be involved read this I hope to have submitted between now and the next full a draft to the General Meeting on committee meeting in October/ May 27th. November. I would appreciate comments Blue Mountains Crossing on my ideas for the new standard. It Track. seems that every track management has its own grading and signage system The proposal by the Scripture and I dent think they will be very Union Club for a Blue Mountains willing to make major changes. Crossing Walk was detailed in a back Obviously most systems are targeted at issue of The Bushwalker. I have now the popular short walks. For example, had the opportunity to talk to two of one authority uses the International the three people who have, over several specific management area. If visitors symbols for three grades of walk; years, developed more ambitious plans from interstate or overseas find a One • EASY defined, amongst other for such a walk. I am engaged in Boot walk is too easy for them they can plotting the four routes on one map to criteria, as less than 2 km long upgrade. They can be warned about facilitate comparisons. There are, of • MODERATE tackling a four Boot walk first off. course, several sections which are I would appreciate comments between 2 & 5 km common to two or more schemes. from readers before I put the above to • CHALLENGING Two proposals start with the the S-A committee. greater than 5 km Great North Walk at Acquire Place and at Epping and these might well prove I don’t know if the definitions are Blue Mountains Track Survey also international standards but as attractive to politicians as the GNW did in 1987. Once we get into the assuming that they are , S-A would Establishing Limits of Mountains, find it difficult to use the symbols with Acceptable Environmental Change. I expect that the SU .route, vastly different definitions. So I I attended a workshop at which comprising mostly existing “day” propose to leave them stand and let the consultants for this project aimed tracks from the railway stations and each authority reconcile their own for input from bushwalkers to requiring minimum new construction, gradings with the symbols. It might complement that available from will prove more politically achievable mean that track head signs would have surveys of users of more tourist as Stage 1. The extended routes several grading symbols to establish oriented tracks. A questionnaire was through Eureka, Ironbarks. the Oaks, the relation between the international distributed to allow individual Murphies Glen and Kings Tableland and the local gradings. This is not very bushwalkers to comment on track etc do require more track construction different to the practice in Finland, for management matters with specific or upgrading and will have less appeal example , where track head signs are reference to the Blue Mountains to the non “bushwalking” population. I usually in Finnish, German, English NPWS District. The Project officer, Ms hope that the latter might be funded as and Lappish (Sami) in the North and Sue Morison is located at the NPWS a “Millennium” or Centenary of the first three plus Swedish in the Blackheath office, PO Box 43 Federation Project as Stage 2, because South. BLACKHEATH 2785, phone (047) of their historic and cultural heritage. If the definitions can be modified, 878 877. I would change the length criterion to The end points of the routes are either Hartley Vale, Clarence Zig Zag one of walking times, since this allows Manly Link to Great North Walk for differences in gradients number of Station or Lithgow . There are also steps etc. I suggest that times be based possible extensions to the 1860 My direct mail also achieved on say 2:5 km per hour on level track Engineer’s Track, to , some helpful comments on alternative and on a lesser rate for steeper Jenolan or Rylstone. routes for this link track. I have some gradients and many steps. So “ Easy” site checking to do before I write to would be up to one hour return, and

Page 9 The Bushwalker “I’m a Walker — Boots and All!”

t was Xmas 1946. A time By Joan Morrison OAM sending up a misty spray as the when one could rely on water cascaded into the valley Iseasonal weather. ignored him and the others. below. TV and Computers were Admittedly my pack was heavy, at Packs on ... another road bash unknown and the concept of least 301bs but back then, dried to Belmore Falls. The weather was space travel was only read about food as we know it to-day was hot. The sky a cloudless blue. The in comic books! As for the Ozone unheard of. What there was was ex- dirt road crunched beneath our feet layer ... it might well have been a army rations and very unpalatable. as we walked. The sign had said new brand of fly spray. One good thing from Army ration three miles to Belmore Falls. We “Mum - I’m going away for kits was the miniature can opener found later that local signs were not four days bushwalking. We are which also doubled as a spoon. reliable We arrived at last. Time for leaving Xmas afternoon, so could Everyone carried one of these. lunch and marvelled at these new you get this food on my list for Snack food was pretty much like falls, different to the one at Fitzroy, me?” that of to-day ... dried apricots, but equally as beautiful. ‘Packs “Bushwalking for FOUR sultanas, cheese and Vita wheat On!’ called our leader. days?” My mother shook her head biscuits and a special glucose We left the road and I gained in disbelief. “Leaving Xmas day! treat, BMI solid form jelly. The an education in bush bashing. The What is happening to the young squares of solid jelly provided leader led us a merry dance trying people of to-day.” She held out her instant energy. to locate McAndrews Gap and the hand. “Give me the list.” As for Bushwalkers always met trail down to the Upper Valley. It me, I was excited. This was my ‘under the clock’ at Central was extremely hot by now and we first big trip. I can use my new Railway Station. This clock is now encountered several false trails all sleeping bag and rucksack.Paddy in the Powerhouse Museum at along the escarpment. Eventually was a ‘one man to supply light Darling Harbour. we hit pay dirt and began our weight camp gear. He only made a Not many girls did full pack descent. The trail was indistinct few bags each month, and on’sale’ walks in those days, and to see us and petered out in many places, but day you had to be there early or among a group of young men drew one or other of the boys soon miss out. My rucksack was a many disapproving glances. picked it up again. Those of us Paddy’s Ladies three pocket A Soon we were settled in the without gaiters were covered in frame. Both these items cost me train . It had two long seats facing scratches. I stared at my scratched almost four weeks pay! With what each other, a door in one corner and bleeding legs. I wont be able to change I had left, I crossed George leading to an attached toilet, and a shave them for a week! The trail street to Sterns Disposals and large glass bottle of water beside led into a grassy clearing. Below us bought a compactum set (knife/ the elevated luggage racks. We the narrow ribbon of river glistened fork/spoon) for two shillings a began to move .... Moss Vale, here in the sunlight as it gushed noisily square army mess with handle we come! over some rocks. There was a for one and sixpence and a pair of The walk: Moss Vale - Fitzroy deserted cabin amongst the trees army leather boots, a bargain at Falls - Belmore Falls - Yeola Gorge surrounded by some wild fruit trees nineteen shillings and sixpence! I in Upper Kangaroo Valley - and cactus plants, strangely out of was well prepared. Not like my Junction of Kangaroo river and place, nearby. first trip ... a fiasco of borrowed Fitzgeralds Creek - the Old ‘This is Yeola, and that is the gear and an army pack that had Buderoo trail - Jamberoo - Kiama - Watchmakers Cabin’ said our fallen out the trains dog box train to Sydney. leader. ‘We camp here to-night.’ window just after leaving Sydney It was a hard road bash from Dumping our packs we Central! But ‘that’s another story. Moss Vale to our camp at Fitzroy inspected the fruit trees.. After Christmas dinner over, I Falls, but it was a glorious night, pitching tents and collecting incurred the wrath of relatives as I studded with stars. Too tired to firewood, we went for a swim. The donned my boots and walking gear. pitch tents, we spread out our water was crystal clear, a little cold Swinging my A frame on my back, groundsheets and crawled into our at first, but very refreshing. As we I bid them all a haughty goodbye. sleeping bags dead tired. I woke to yarned around the fire that night I Everyone came out the front and the smell of gum leaves. They wanted to know who the stood at the gate to watch my crackled on the fire while the billy watchmaker was. No one knew. We progress to the bus stop. My boiled merrily. A quick breakfast, presumed he was a recluse who had brother, a World War II veteran rucksackpacked, and a look at turned his back on city life and yelled out ...”You’ll be sorry!” I Fitzroy Falls. It was truly beautiful, built a cabin in an ideallic spot. We

Page 10 The Bushwalker it would stop them in their tracks, drank the water freely. Polluted The cars rush by .... our My husband and I had never been streams and purifying tablets were transport was mostly by steam back until late last year. A nostalgic not an issue in 1946. train, or as a group in an journey 50 years later into the past Twittering birds woke us uncomfortable and draughty army to locate the creek where we early. To-day was an ‘easy’ day we blitz truck to areas not serviced by pitched our tents and find the old were told. We made our way down train. It was tough - but then ... so hall where we went to the pictures the valley. The faint trail followed were we! My husband Bruce and I that night. Did we find them? No. the river. Later, it became a rough agree that we experienced the best They are lost forever in the dirt road which serviced the years for both walking and mainstream of progress and tourist isolated farms we began to see on canoeing. We are still active in both activity. either side of the river. The valley sports and proud members of two The clubs, Sutherland Bushwalkers and sweat poured the Sutherland Shire Canoe club. out of me as I trudged up I'm a walker Boot's and all that mountain trail. This was I bought a pair of leather boots, my No longer needed by the Army. apprenticeship Bushwalking? said my family, into the art of I think you must be barmy! bushwalking. A new vista Those boots they walked a hundred of discovery miles, had opened Up mountains they would climb, for me. I For views no tourist ever sees would walk Magnificent — sublime! many Federation's Anzac Day ceremony at Splendour Rock - 1993 hundreds of Those boots (and Paddy Pallin’s Bruce & Joan Morrison with Federation's ex-president miles in the next gear) few years. Decided my life’ fate, was lush. We discovered a Climb many mountains. Gaze at Bushwalking introduced me to suspension bridge and had loads of Nature’s beauty from escarpments My husband and my mate. fun running across, swaying as we that only the true bushwalker knew, went. The boys got us girls in the At the end of the sweat and toil was Those army boots just fell apart, middle and we had to hang on like achievement. I supposed that this Now my joggers pound the track grim death. We reached the was how the early explorers felt. But they led me on a mountain path junction of Fitzgerald Creek round Yes ... I experienced sights and To walk .. with pack on back. midday. sounds not found in the city. It was We stopped for ten minutes, the beginning of a lifetime of Joan Morison. eating oranges from the trees at the outdoor activity. Watchmakers Cabin. From here we To-day, as I gaze into the Joan started Bushwalking in headed along the narrow creek, windows of the Outdoor shops at 1946 as a member of the YHA picking our way carefully. As we the vast array of tents, packs and Campers Club. She was a member got closer to the towering valley gear of a new age technology; and of the Federation’s Social walls, we found a clearing where read and listen to tales of the Committee in the late 1940s; a we made camp. It was early continuing destruction of the member of the YHA Executive; afternoon. We found a deep pool in wilderness ... I recall the days when and later in 1949 Joan and husband the creek free of leeches, so we had a fire trail did.not exist on Bruce began the YHA Canoe Club. a quick swim. Relaxing around the Katoomba’s Narrow Neck, and and they have been involved campfire that evening, we yarned there was no to deeply in administration, as and talked of tomorrow. The Old stop us canoeing the Lower officials and competitors. Joan is Buderoo trail was a tough climb, It in the beautiful now Historian/Archivist for NSW was one of the original trails in and Burragorang Valley. The shops & National Canoeing, and are still out of the Valley used by pioneers. have detailed books on all areas active in both walking and It led over the mountain into the and on all outdoor pursuits Our canoeing. Joan also write stories hamlet of Jamberoo. maps were ex-army survey or if and articles, many on Canoeing If those early explorers could lucky like me... a copy of a genuine including a chapter in the see Jamberoo now, with its Fun Mile Dumphy map of the Blue Budawang Committee book - Park and large tourist population ... Mountains. Fitzroy Falls and Beyond.

Page 11 The Bushwalker Blue Gum Forest 65th Anniversary Sept 6th-7th

The Blue Gum Forest was Andy Macqueen Training Officer reserved on 2 September 1932, after being ‘saved from the axe’ by a group of bushwalkers. Those The function will conclude events provided the stimulus for about midday, providing time for many conservation campaigns and you to get down to the forest to for the formation of the Federation camp for the night. of Bushwalking Clubs. The forest, Evening: Join other which became the major focus for bushwalkers camped at Acacia Flat bushwalkers in the 1930s, may or on the other side of Govetts truly be described as the Cradle of Creek, at ‘The Meadow’. There Conservation in . will be a group campfire at The The 65th anniversary of the Meadow. reservation will be held on the weekend of 6-7 September 1997. Sunday 7 September: The Friends of Blue Gum Forest 10.30: Meet at the ‘big tree’ at invite bushwalkers old and young the base of the Perrys track for a to join in. The preliminary program historical tour of the forest. In this is as follows: stroll of an hour or so, Andy Macqueen and other Friends of Saturday 6 September: Blue Gum will point out some 10 a.m.: The official points of interest in the area, celebrations will commence at including: the true Blue Gum Govetts Leap, then continue at the Forest (not what most people nearby NPWS Heritage Centre. think); the Hordern Pavilion; the The function will include: sites of the first European • the launch of the book campsites, in 1859; the route of the ‘Back from the Brink: Blue Gum Engineers Track through the forest; Forest and the Grose Wilderness’, changes to the forest ecology, past by Andy Macqueen land-clearing, river changes, etc. • a presentation of the original 10 slides used by the Blue Watch the August edition for Gum Committee to raise funds in more details! 1932

Death of an old Colonist

A death notice appeared in the Maitland Mercury November 7th 1899 of a James Eggins, a very old colonist who had resided in the district since 1857. Petersham Town Hall 8pm During his early days James was a great walker, having Theme this year - $10.00 single repeatedly walked from Dungog $25 family to Maitland and back, a distance 65th anniversary of 64 miles, within a day: and BYO while on the Manning he has of Blue Gum band is accomplished the remarkable feat The Currency of walking to Maitland within 48 Forest Lads hours. “He much prefered walking to riding.” Prizes for best decorates table, lucky door prizes. Marie Jones Come along & make up a table with your club Newcastle Ramblers Page 12 The Bushwalker Ingredients: Calling Campground 2 Bottles Beer Hosts Cookery Corner 500 grams Self Raising Flour The perfect Garlic,Peas, chopped vegetables or anything you like The Friends of Blue Gum (cheese, bacon bits etc.) are calling for more volunteers to damper be ‘campground hosts’ for Blue Steve Hart is a NPWS Camp Method: Gum Forest. Under this scheme, Host for the Flinders Ranges Open one bottle of beer and individuals, groups or clubs are National Park and after many years test for taste rostered to visit the forest, as a volunteer he has come up with Mix the SR flour with the peas especially on weekends, to talk to the ideal way to make the perfect and other ‘extras’ campers, gather information, and Damper. Open second bottle of beer help with campground management and combine until about scone generally. Interested people should mixture contact ranger Cath Ireland at Leave to rise NPWS, PO Box 43, Blackheath Cook in the camp oven until 2785. done (about 25-30 mins) The Great Grose Gorse Drink the rest of the beer! Walk August 9th-17th Thanks Steve. It was a really great damper. This event, aimed at Vivien Dunne Yarrawood controlling noxious weeds in the BWC Grose Valley, will be on again this For Sale year.Volunteers can be involved for Coleman Powerhouse a day or two, or a whole week. No Lantern - dual fuel - model 295- experience necessary. Interested 700 as new with case cost $164, volunteers should register with ranger Cath Ireland, NPWS, PO sell $110 ONO, Veronica AH Box 43, Blackheath 2785. (02) 9983-9895

wildsport

Page 13 The Bushwalker For Sale Phone (02)9387 4095 Women's "Scarpa" boots, size 38, worn twice - Phone Helen (02)9983-1397 $100 ONO.

10% discount for bushwalking clubs For Cartoons - Drawings Specialised Art Work - Newsletter Design Joanne Wells Macarthur NPA ( (046) 25-5386 see pages 10&13

1A Ross St Glenbrook 2773 Phone (047 39-3152 Email [email protected] EUROKA CAMPING AND ROCK SPORTS Steve lear Lindy Body Maps - Camping - Climbing - Clothing - Adventure Trips Web Page http://www.ozemail.au/~erock/

wilderness transport

Bushwalking, Camping, Weekends Away ... Sound Interesting to you ? Come along and join us.

The Outdoor Club ( Arthur (02) 9874-7868

Page 14 The Bushwalker Bushwalk by day - city by night Sydney Central YHA YHA You may decide that you The newly re-furbished 532 have some would like to stay overnight at bed hostel features the very best in great ideas for Katoomba or Pittwater YHA, both budget accommodation with a your club’s located virtually amidst Kuringai heated roof-top pool and BBQ next weekend Chase and Blue Mountains area; TV lounges and games room; away. With National Park. After a hard day on groups meeting room and audio the opening of the trails, sit back and enjoy the visual equipment (available on our new hostel beautiful bush settings, stunning request); day tours desk; bistro; and Sydney Central YHA, you can water views and friendly wildlife at mini-mart. now mix a little action with the Pittwater YHA. Take an evening Sydney Central YHA is part serenity of Sydney’s famous stroll to Katoomba’s famous Echo of the world’s largest budget National Parks. Point and escape the day time rush! accommodation network with 130 Sydney Central YHA offers a Wherever you decide to stay hostels in Australia and 4000 superior standard in budget group for your weekend, Sydney Central worldwide in over 60 countries. accommodation. The hostel is the YHA is well worth including into YHA Group Membership costs just perfect location for day trips to a your club’s itinerary. Why not take $27. It gives you more than 800 range of National Parks and a three night/four day trip and stay Australian discounts on travel bushwalking trails. at all three hostels? insurance, day tours, coach passes, Suggested weekend ideas: Sydney Central YHA cafes, outdoor equipment and much Catch the train to any of the combines state-of-the-art facilities more. There are NO age limits! following National Parks: · within a heritage building, close to • Berowra Waters National all the action. The hostel is located For more information and a Park opposite the city’s major transport brochure please contact YHA • Royal National Park hub - Central Station - providing NSW on (02) 9261-1111. • BlueMountains National Park easy access to trains, buses and airport connections.

Page 15 The Bushwalker Philosophy in the Arthurs I recall my first visit to the Tasmanian A matter of opinion southwest. It was a major trek of nearly 260 km that included the Huon Track, Western Arthur Range, Port Davey Track, South West Cape and the South Coast by Confederation President, Brian Walker Track. On that journey I developed a love-hate Although it is mid-summer, the early morning relationship with this region, where weather, mud, scrub chill keeps me in my sleeping bag long after sunrise. and the terrain seem to conspire to make all forward I lie, relaxed and warm, listening to the first progress as difficult as possible. In places I felt as if I faint sounds of the day. At eye level outside my tent were fighting for every step. three fat little brown birds are fossicking busily among Back in the more benign walking conditions fallen scoparia leaves. The air is pungent with the around Sydney, I decided I had seen enough of Tasmania. It was too wet, too cold, too unpredictable, too difficult for truly enjoyable bushwalking. But as time passed, I found my mind wandering back repeatedly to that wild and lonely landscape. On reflection, I realised I had not been prepared mentally for Tasmania’s southwest. Of course I was expecting it to be tough in places. And I had heard all about the unpredictable weather. But somehow my brain hadn’t made the necessary adjustment. While hoping for the best, I was unwilling to accept the worst when it happened. All I remember long afterwards is the appalling weather, the inescapable mud, the vicious scrub and the pain of slogging hour after hour through freezing wind and rain. I decide this is one part of the world where man is not meant to intrude. Not until much later do I begin to recall the good things – such as my elation Tasmania's South West-Photo Coutesy Websters Multimedia on completing the full east-west traverse of the Western Arthurs. And the extraordinary smell of leaf mould and damp earth. sense of being at one with the world as I My camp is among gnarled, weather-beaten wander along the windswept sands of Prion Beach. As scoparia scrub on the edge of Thwaites Plateau, below the swirling waves obliterate my tracks, I think I could the towering pinnacle of Federation Peak in be here in spirit alone. Tasmania’s remote Eastern Arthur Range. Here a few On that first trip, a wonderful bond of level tent sites have been hacked out of the steep friendship developed between me and my three slope. The dark brown soil is hard and cracked with companions as we shared the good and the bad. At the rocks protruding; after rain it will be liquid mud. end of each day, sometimes in awful conditions and As I watch the birds I realise with a shock almost at the limit of our endurance, we always that I am an alien in this harsh mountain environment managed to cheer each other up. We laughed and joked where they are so clearly at home. Getting here was a lot as we shared the pleasure of knowing we had hard work for me. My well-being – in fact my very survived another day. survival – depends entirely on what I can carry on my Gradually I realised that the bad things I back. With food for ten days, camping gear and remembered were important elements of a journey that cameras, it is no light load. had been immensely uplifting. For a brief time I had When I realise my insignificance in the total experienced the planet merely as a spectator, exercising scheme of things, it quickly sets my mind to pondering no control, completely at the mercy of the elements. philosophically. What right do I have to be here, I With this realisation came a longing to return, wonder? How can I claim to be at home in the bush a longing that has since been fulfilled several times. I when my ability to survive in it is so limited? have been back to the Western Arthurs, the south-west

Page 16 The Bushwalker coast, the Central Conservation Area, the Walls of many species of animals that inhabit this planet. In our Jerusalem, Precipitous Bluff and twice more along the arrogance, we assume the planet is ours, to use however South Coast Track—all in the past four years. we please. We try to subjugate it to our needs despite On this occasion I’m back again, this time the consequences for ourselves and everything else. traversing the Eastern Arthurs to Federation Peak. I In this selfish, short-sighted way, we act as if reached the range by way of the Huon Track —the the present conditions will last forever. We diminish, infamous yo-yo with its interminable ups and downs destroy, pollute and alter irreplaceable natural elements. across the ends of all the ridges that sweep down from Our actions endanger the very fabric that sustains life as the northern side of Mount Picton. we know it. The 900-metre climb up Luckman’s Lead in The little birds that prompted my thoughts are blazing heat leaves me feeling exhausted and dizzy. ‘I in their natural habitat. They are at home peacefully think I need a lay day’ I gasp to Rob Simon, my going about their own business; I am an intruder, lucky walking companion, as I stagger into Stuart Saddle. He to be sharing their space for a while. I think surely this

Hartz Mountain National Park Photo courtesy Websters Multimedia gives me a sly look and says ‘I guess you have to expect is what wilderness conservation is really all about. this sort of thing when you walk with older people.’ The Isn’t it our recognition that other species have bastard! the right to exist too, free from interference by the all- But for once I’m inclined to agree that my age dominating Homo sapiens? Wilderness consists of is beginning to show. Luckily it’s only a momentary those few places still unspoiled by the hand of man. It is glimpse. Next morning I feel fine and have little trouble only proper that we visit them on sufferance, if at all. scrambling around the Needles, across Goon Moor and We must realise that we simply do not have through the rocky maze of the Four Peaks. We emerge some divine right to go anywhere we please in any onto Thwaites Plateau as a huge bank of cumulus cloud fashion we choose. If we build roads, bridle paths, huts behind Federation Peak turns to in the late – even walking tracks – in wilderness areas, we afternoon sun. diminish them. We also diminish ourselves. Now it is the morning of our fifth day. Rob is We should enter wilderness only as silent still sleeping in his tent lower down the slope. He won’t spectators. Being there is a privilege, not a right. I get up until he hears me shout ‘tea’! As the early riser, I deplore the modern trend to regard bushwalking as an put the billy on for both of us. This morning I’m taking energetic fitness activity and the bush as a vast a leaf out of his book and staying in bed. gymnasium. This is based on the same arrogant Which brings me back to my philosophising. It assumption that the planet is for our use alone. seems to me we have forgotten that we are just one of This attitude is no different from that of 4WD

Page 17 The Bushwalker and trailbike owners, horse riders, and so-called the crucial links between sunlight and plants, air and ‘adventurers’ who think they have a God-given right to water. Totally engrossed with our own mundane go anywhere they please. The bush (what’s left of it) is existence we are unaware – or do not care – about the not our playground. It is the home of many other disastrous effects our actions are having on other species that depend on it for their very existence. species and on the environment. It is unforgivable to endanger or eliminate In densely populated countries it is impossible other species by recklessly destroying their natural to escape from the overpowering crush of humanity. habitats. The complete removal of centuries-old native Places free of the destructive aspects of human forests is an act of vandalism on a monumental scale. intrusion are very rare. It is no wonder people are now The shameful practices of modern forestry are based on coming from all over the world to experience short-term greed for money, not on responsible land Australia’s vast open spaces. husbandry. Warm air rising from the valley gently stirs the Fouling rivers, the oceans, the very air we flap of my tent and sets the scoparia rustling and breathe, are acts of folly that will have harmful clattering overhead. It is almost time to make a move. repercussions for thousands of years. Mining and Reaching for my clothes, I decide the enlightened few farming practices that result in saline soil, erosion, and who are fighting so passionately to save the world’s other degradations are totally irresponsible. vanishing wilderness will prove to be the true guardians Hunting other species to extinction cannot be of this planet. justified on any grounds. Such behaviour highlights the Only those who experience the world with breakdown of high moral and ethical principles as open minds and hearts, free of all but the most basic forcefully as the shocking mistreatment of our own trappings of civilisation, will ever truly understand. kind. When you can survive the elements at their worst and Most people are unconcerned by such matters observe nature as it is, without interfering in any way, because they have lost touch with the life force of the you will know true humility. planet. Living in cities and towns, in artificial, man- made environments, we are seldom forced to confront the results of our depredations, let alone take more than superficial action to curb them. We have only limited opportunity to observe

Mountain Design

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