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We're still missing some tents and stuff lent out over the holidays. It is important that we get this gear back, as other people need to use it for all the up and coming club trips. We won't bite your head off for returning gear late, but we are likely to get more annoyed if you leave it much later. And now that we've got a cupboard at Uni, it'll make returning the gear that much simpler.
After doing a maths exam on Friday morning � such a suitably different activity to that which my mind was really resting on - I started to prepare. Buying food from around the university and then other equipment from the city. Then it was pack, eat a large plate of dinner and try to get some sleep. I had - for a number of reasons - a deep feeling of anxiety and apprehension (fear?) about this weekend. On paper, it is about 80km through the bush, three summits and a plateau to ascend and descend promising about 8000m of vertical climbing and ascending over the trip. I had not been to any of it before, only received the maps in photocopy form a day prior, and knew only that it would be similar to a Rogaine except the height changes were going to make it difficult. Added to this was the fact that the whole thing is voluntary. No competition, no organised event, no other 'competitors', nobody to worry if we got lost, had problems or were injured, nothing. Only a wilderness area that we would most probably enter and leave under the cover of darkness, not seeing anyone else over the whole trip and rendering ourselves completely knackered, possibly worse.
The train stopped at Katoomba Railway station right on time 02:10, Saturday. This would be the last train that would go the whole way to Katoomba for the weekend, owing to track-work, a coincidence perhaps, but made our choice of an early morning start all the more important. Stepping onto the platform, we both took a deep breath of the malevolent night air. It was cold. Less than 10?C probably. A quick gear rationalisation and then it was a check of the watches and begin. I trusted Matt entirely (and would consequently continue to for much of the trip) since he had 'contacted' his maps with sturdy plastic and actually knew some of the area. Whereas, I felt very much the lesser navigational partner - being a Victorian, having only glanced at my maps, never having been there before and (apart from three mystical mountains and a myriad of stories and reminiscences about the trip),I knew even less of the route we were planning to take. So I followed, jogging through the streets of Katoomba, mostly down-hill until the roads became small roads, which became 4WD tracks, and then were on our way out to Narrow Neck. This section in the early hours was my favourite of the trip � with a brilliant star clad hemisphere above us, swirling mist trapped far below in the Mega-long Valley, the imposing escarpments of the Katoomaba Plateau on either side and most importantly, still healthy, happy, running well and mentally alert. The memory of this section would later suffer immeasurable pressure to be forgotten under the weight of all the other, less comfortable memories that would begin to accumulate.
We reached the top of Tarros Ladder at about 04:30 to drop our sleeping bags and shoulder smaller packs. Descending the ladder (via a row of spikes in the cliff-face), I couldn't help thinking that this section was going to be interesting project the next time we were here, many hours later and with severe judgmental problems. Then it was a quick run down a single track to the base of the Wild Dog Mountains. The map here shows a 4WD track that heads off around the Northern side which turns into a single-track�the map is wrong. Instead, we were left to battle on a severe slope around the entire length of the mountains, finally meeting the track just meters before it heads off down the spur to Cox's River. This section lost us about 2 hours and would have major ramifications for the rest of the trip.
Running down the track in the dawn-light we made it to Cox's River by 09:00. The marshalling point of the trip - one goes through on the way in and then returns again after the mountains loop is completed on the return. It was with trepidation therefore, that we left the river behind and started up the slope to Mt Cloudmaker. In the early morning sun-shine this turned out to be a long ridge.
Pushing on and on up the first pitch and then over the dozen or so knolls on the way to the real summit made for a mentally challenging ascent. We would climb another of the outcrops, only to be shown one more in our way. The realisation that this was to be, perhaps, the tamest of the three ascents prompted serious questions of viability in my sleep-starved mind and body. Reading the log-book on the summit, we would see that it was recent, 1998 infact, with many day-trippers and extended walkers reaching the rocky summit cairn - only the odd three-peaker since last year. Not reassuring. We would find later, that the attrition-rate between this logbook and the next on Mt Paralyser and finally Mt Guouogang would be immense.
The spur down to Kanangra River took us quickly and consequently, knee-knockingly down, all the while increasing the view of Mt Paralyser for us. It just kept getting bigger. I downed a chocolate bar at the river thinking that it was about time I exploited some quick energy options to get me up there. This would be a formidable mistake. As eating dog liver was for the ill-fated Mawson-lead mission to the South Magnetic Pole, that single action would almost ruin my resolve completely. I know now that eating such a high sugar-content foodstuff before a sudden release of energy is not how my body likes to operate, cutting my blood glucose considerably. So much so, that I really struggled, rather than pushing solidly up Mt Cloudmaker. All I could do was follow the white shoes of Matt and hope that each step would take me closer to home. This was a foreign action for me, usually being the one infront, and again, the questions and protests inside my mind became louder and louder.
We eventually reached the top at 16:00, now some 14 hours in. Some say that it is the mid-way point of the trip. We were obviously behind schedule. Attributed largely, at that point, to our track problems around Wild Dog Mountains. Both Matt and I were absolutely stuffed, realising the enormity of what lay ahead of us. Realising also, that to abort now would be a formidable journey home in itself.
So it was down to the next river - a trip that would also cause delay. In fading light, the options for a safe descent became thinner and thinner. The contours would have permitted a day-light drop off to the river, but now that dusk had become early evening, we had to take the spur all the way down stream. This dropped us off about 500m from where our spur started up Guouogang, the highest of the three peaks. Whilst sitting next to the rush and gurgle of that stream, another night out in this bush ominous ahead of us, and a 1200m climb to bag the last of them, I began seriously considering home. But it was Matt who turned to me, his fatigued jaw struggling to chew through some dried fruit, "we've got some work to do, but I still want to get this one" he said, a kind of hollow masochism resonant in his eyes. I looked up from examining my eyelids, hearing his resolve, finding the small voice inside me to say, "OK, let's get this one, then get the hell out of here." Because something wouldn't let me say "I'm buggered and I want an air-lift". Though my tongue was all ready to dispense that response.
Into the river we went, finding it easier to navigate the bends with our feet wet. However, where we wanted to ascend from the river, there was a cliff overhanging for some 50m. Further up-stream we found a small chute and tried for it. Grabbing pieces of grass and loose rocks, we clambered, climbed and muscled our way up about 100 vertical metres away from the water. The darkness helping to conceal the drops below us. The spur finally materialised and so it was back into the old climbing routine � slow, steady and stop at the top.
This time though, the first top was a smaller summit from which we planned to attack the real summit. Now it was another 200 vertical metres up a car-width thin spur called the razorback, which spat us out in a thicket of head-high scrub, no summit to be seen. We attempted to traverse the plateau but we couldn't get through it. Turning off our lights, looking for the silhouette of the summit cone on this high plateau, it was obvious that we were looking for a ripple in a pond rough with vegetation. We walked North, pushing over to the other end of the plateau, before walking wherever our feet found it to be higher, finding tiny tracks, crawling on all fours in places. Finally, one such track took us to a pile of rocks, barely higher than the surrounding scrub (still taller than us), making for a cleared area as big as a basketball key. A pile of rocks, a tin for the logbook, and a feeling that we'd just come to possibly the most non-picturesque place in the world hung heavy within us. Signing the book this time - a book that has lasted since the early 80's, filled mostly with three-peakers, since, we assumed, that no-one would come here otherwise - Matt put down the time and date, but forgot to include our names in his delirious state. I added them with a smirk and then dropped off asleep for 20 minutes before waking, shivering uncontrollably � the rogainer's nap.
The trip down off this peak would take us 6 hours. Two sets of being lost (mostly due to Matt's torch-light dying, and so the maps falling to me, and for the previous reasons, plus a great deal of mental distress on my part, I was struggling greatly with anything that did not involve following someone else or a distinct ridge-line), and a lot more scrub and knee-knocking, the mountain traverse came to an end.
We arrived at the river for the second time at 05:00, Aware that I would be seeing my second sunrise out here. We decided to take a nap, considering the enormity of the trip home from here. A 24km walk, over 1000m of ascent � the kind of trip that would be considered a huge day at my old bushwalking club. But, now, some 27 hours in and the three peaks behind us, we needed the sleep.
Again, waking so cold, taking the plastic bag off my legs and putting back on my wet shoes (which had been causing a sleep stopping itch � the smallest things were bothering us by now), we took some food and resolved to get out off the river before another day dawned.
The trip up was very hard work. We did find the track around Wild Dog Mountains this time which helped, but it is still a long section. Ascending the Taros ladder again was interesting � thinking that my mother would probably not want to be witnessing it. We picked up our bags at the top and started the road slog back to Katoomba.
My legs would basically die at about the 35 hour mark, making the trip back extremely painful. Wanting to cry all the way but not having the energy or the care for emotion at that point. Just a desire to be somewhere soft, dry, clean and safe.
Walking through the streets of Katoomba, we must have looked a little like flagrants. Not even enough energy to say hello to most people or when we tried to, we were unconvincing. It is a strange world that one walks in after such a trip. Passing the residents who were out to buy their groceries, or just catch up with friends. Ordinary lives. While we had brought the unordinary upon us, voluntarily. We ended up buying chips and pies and milk to devour on the railway platform. I think it was a case of salt-loss that took my legs from me in those last few hours.
The clock read 37 hours 15 minutes - a long way home.
Simon Angus 7 June, 1999
Though not quite the wilderness experience we had originally planned, the 1999 Annual University of New South Wales Bushwalking and Mountaineering
Club Introductory July Cross-country Ski Trip in the Snowy Mountains (hereafter referred to as 'the trip'), was indeed a lot of fun. Participants got to experience the best and worst of winter weather conditions the Snowy Mountains have to offer. They also felt, and frequently succumbed to, the temptation of the warm atmosphere, hot drinks and pricy food (and of course the toilets) at the Blue Cow Skitube terminal.
First came the worst, well ... not really the worst, but it was bloody windy, snowy, and foggy. This resulted in a somewhat compromised choice of campsite: directly under a marked (downhill) ski trail (we didn't know it was there at the time) and about 5 minutes' ski from the Skitube terminal. It was a nice spot though, and no-one seemed to mind, even the snowboarder that we asked not to jump onto our tents. The second day we discovered the thrills of wind-powered skiing, until we found ourselves on ice sloping steeply down into Perisher Valley and decided that we could do without the wind for a bit. On the way back, some of us had the pleasure of having ice blown into our faces by snowmakers during the final steep climb back up to Blue Cow. That's what we get for skiing up downhill runs I guess. We had a snowcave building and sleeping competition that night.
On day three, things started looking a lot better and from then on we had three days of beautiful sunshine. Our base camp was relocated to a beautiful valley between Mt Wheately and Porcupine Rocks. Highlights included coming down front valley with our packs on and getting strange looks from downhillers, trekking to Charlottes Pass Village and chasing the Sun onn the way back, and some excellent downhill skiing, with jumps!, near our campsite. We found some pretty steep slopes, including one verging on suicidal, which Owain picked out. I followed him up to the top of it, to find him looking down hesitantly. After some consideration, he asked: "Do you want to go first?". Needless to say we didn't go that way.
Marton Hidas
| Friday 13 August, 12:30pm | Club Barbeque Come and meet some of the other members of the club at the first social event of the session. Food will cost $2 for both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options |
Daniel Marlay, 9969 9167 |
| Saturday 14 August | Daywalk - Blue Mountains A day walk to an as yet undecided destination. Call to find out more about this spur of the moment walk. |
Ken Wilson, 9550 2989 |
| Sunday 15 August | Dalpura Canyon between Bell and Mt Wilson on Bells Rd. A few short abseils and some deep wades before looking out over the Grose Valley. Ppl need harnesses and descenders. |
Owain Williams, 9399-9718, owain_williams@bigfoot.com |
| Friday 20 August, 6:30pm | Club Pub Crawl Come along and join us for the first pub crawl of session 2. We'll take in the marvellous pubs in the rocks area of Sydney, and we'll try to stick to the less noisy ones, so that we can all boast about our latest achievements in the bush. |
Daniel Marlay, 9969 9167 (h), danielm@multinet.com.au |
| Saturday 21 August - Sunday 22 August | Some canyons in the Blackheath area Arethusa Canyon (or maybe Victoria Brook Canyon) and Crayfish Creek Canyon. Don't know much about them, except that there are a number of abseils and a few short swims. (Water quality in Arethusa Canyon is meant to be much improved these last two years; apparently it used to make cuts go septic). Abseil gear required, but wetsuits probably not essential. Bring thermals though. |
Owain Williams, 9399-9718, owain_williams@bigfoot.com |
| Tuesday 24 August, 5:45pm - 9pm | Mountain Designs Sale Night Come along with your membership card to get 20% off the marked price on all non-sale items at Mountain Designs. They'll be opening the store just for us, so this is a fantastic opportunity to get that bit of gear you've needed for a while. | Ben Cirulis, bc@student.unsw.edu.au |
| Tuesday 24th August | Introduction to Climbing Course City Crag, Mountain Designs, 499 Kent St, Sydney If you want to start climbing but don't know where to begin, this course is a terrific start. Your will be taught basic climbing technique, belaying and safety. The course is for 1hr and includes all gear hire for only $20 for BMC members (normally $35). There are 2 courses: 6pm and 7:30pm start. (If you do the early course, you can climb for longer afterwards ie until 9pm!). Places are limited, so e-mail Ben at bc@student.unsw.edu.au to reserve your place. |
Ben Cirulis, bc@student.unsw.edu.au |
| Saturday 28 August - Sunday 29 August | Outdoor climbing I will be climbing outdoors both of these days, subject to weather conditions. Saturday will probably be at Berowra or Joll's Bridge (both to the north), and Sunday at Mt. Kiera (near Wollongong). Both these areas have harder grades only. |
Ben Cirulis, bc@student.unsw.edu.au |
| Saturday 28 August - Sunday 29 August | NSW Championships Rogaining Check out our website for an explanation of what rogaining is. Despite being a Championship event, this rogaine will also be suitable for beginners. It is a 24 hour event that will be held 2 hours or so north of Sydney. As usual the club will pay the entry fee for members. |
Simon Angus, adsummum@hotmail.com |
| Friday 27 August - Sunday 12 September | Cross Country Skiing This trip will probably comprise several slightly smaller trips, and so people who can't make it to the entire 2 weeks can probably come for part of the trip. These trips will be visiting the beautiful northern end of the Kosciuzko National Park. Contact Ken for more info. |
Ken Wilson, 9550 2989 |
| Friday 3 September - Sunday 5 September | Outdoor climbing, Watagan Mountains, near Newcastle I am planning to camp at the Watagan's friday and Saturday night, climbing saturday and sunday. Beginners are welcome, but places are limited as there is no public transport. |
Ben Cirulis, bc@student.unsw.edu.au |
| Saturday 11 September - Sunday 12 September | XC-skiing A weekend xc-skiing trip, suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. This trip may include either the Friday before or the Monday after the weekend. This trip will probably traverse from Blue Cow mountain through to Thredbo, and may meet up with Ken Wilson's trip. |
Marton Hidas, 9314 5764, mgh@ugrad.phys.unsw.edu.au |
| Tuesday 14 September, 7:00pm | Club Meeting In the squarehouse as usual. This month we'll have Alan Rogers who ascended Federation Peak 50 years ago as a guest speaker. He'll definitely be a great speaker, so make sure you come along |
Merinda Voigt, 9371-9129 |
| Saturday 18 September | Lake Macquarie 12 hour Rogaine Always a fantastic event, only an hour or two north of Sydney. Set by a very experienced course setter, the course always combines the right level of difficulty and interest. |
Simon Angus, adsummum@hotmail.com |
| Saturday 18 September - Sunday 19 September | Rock Climibng Recreation Course Come along an learn how to rock climb. This is a course has a cost (see the Sports Association Recreation Course brochure), but you get the guaraunteed attention from our experienced climbing instructors. A great way to learn if you are short on time. |
Sports Association - 9385 4880 |
| Saturday 18 September - Sunday 19 September | Beginners XC-skiing trip A XC-skiing trip suitable for beginners, involving a short distance of touring on each day. Participants should be reasonably fit and competent bushwalkers, but no previous skiing experience is neccesary. Expenses for the trip will probably end up costing you between $100 and $150 |
Daniel Marlay, 9969 9167 (h), danielm@multinet.com.au |
| Sunday 19 September | Mountain Biking - Royal National Park A day trip down to the Royal National Park, for some of the finest mountain biking close to Sydney. There will be a lunch time bail out point for those who don't wish to take the steep climb to access the beaches in the afternoon. |
Peter Kirievsky, pkir@cse.unsw.edu.au |
| Saturday 25 September - Sunday 26 September | Intermediate XC-skiing trip A trip to the western slopes of the Main Range. We will be leaving from Thredbo, and heading out to Lake Albina, below Mt Townsend. Here we will set up our camp from which we will base our skiing. There is plenty of excellent terrain in this area to suit the intermediate to experienced skier. |
Daniel Marlay, 9969 9167 (h), danielm@multinet.com.au |
| Saturday 25 September - Saturday 2 October tentative | Cycle Touring - Broken Hill Catch the train to Broken Hill, and then do a tour hopefully to Menindee Lakes and then to Mungo National Park. Tentative at this stage, so call Owain for more details. |
Owain Williams, owain_williams@bigfoot.com |
| Saturday 23 October - Sunday 24 October | Australian Championships 24 hour Rogaine near Wadonga in Victoria. This event promises to be very enjoyable and looks to be held in some fantastic rogaining country. A bus will be leaving from Sydney to provide transport, along with some cars. Well worth the effort of attending as it won't always be this close to Sydney |
Simon Angus, adsummum@hotmail.com |
Daniel Marlay, 12/8/1999