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BUSH WALKERS seeking an ideal Summer walk
should visit the Araluen and Deua River Valleys. Here rural beauty
and rugged grandeur go hand in hand. Crystal clear streams flow
through ideal grazing lands and fat cattle lie contentedly in the
shade of casuarinas. In the distance blue peaks beckon to the more
adventurous.
Last November saw us aboard the train en route
for the "Dewy." Our starting place was Tarago, from where we
travelled to Braidwood by service car. We found Braidwood a
picturesque old town, rich in historical interest, for years ago it
was a thriving mining centre. Now it has settled down to the less
exciting occupation of farming. We were told by a resident that one
of the churches was literally built with gold nuggets which the
miners used to put on the plates on Sundays. Next day we stocked up
with fresh bread and a few vegetables and set off for Bell's Creek.
Our way led us through undulating pastoral lands dotted here and
there with farm houses, and watered by swampy creeks. Bell's Creek
was once a rich alluvial gold diggings, but now consists of a Post
Office farm house. ;
Here the road left the pastoral lands and
passed through typical mountain growth, and being fairly high up, we
were able to catch glimpses of the surrounding mountains. We had
noticed the heavy mist clinging to the hill tops and asked the lady
at the post office if it was a sign of rain. "Oh no," she said,
"that's just a sea breeze from the coast" (approximately 50 miles
away). It was the first sea breeze that we have ever been able to
see. The ruins of many gold races were along the creeks, and
deserted huts bore silent witness of the "roaring days."
From the lookout above the Valley we were
entranced by the magnificent view before us. The Araluen Creek
meandered along through green paddocks, its, banks lined with
graceful willows and casuarinas. The summer sun simmered down and
everything looked drowsy and still. Wending our way down the pass,
we soon arrived in Araluen township, and while we replenished our
supplies we learned that the population was once around the 50,000
mark and that some 100 odd hotels had flourished throughout the
Valley.
Interesting Personalities
We found a pretty place to camp just outside
the township, and while we were waiting for the butcher to corn us a
piece of beef we wandered about and made the acquaintance of one of
the locals. He became very interested in our trip and warned us of
snakes on the Deua River. "They stand up on their hind legs and
bark," said he. Incidentally, we didn't see a snake on the whole
trip. Whilst talking to us, he put his hand into his vest pocket and
produced two eggs which, he informed us, were hard boiled and for
his tea. He then proceeded to peel them, still keeping up a
conversation. In the meantime the door opened and we were able to
see signs of recent ablutions, for in the centre of the room was a
large bathtub, while water and clothes were scattered around the
room. From out of this chaos stepped a most immaculate vision
dressed in a well pressed brown suit, complete with vest and bowler
hat and shoes all polished. But, to our amazement, when he
approached us we noticed he was sans .shirt, singlet, collar and
tie. After bidding us good evening, he strolled off with more
swagger than a Duke of the Realm.
Nor was this the end of our adventures, for
that same evening, as we were about to retire, we were disturbed by
loud voices and flaring lights in the distance. We decided to
investigate, and, armed with large sticks and a tomahawk, crept
cautiously down to the river and awaited the menace. As it advanced
down the river towards us we were able to distinguish the forms of
men carrying kerosene flares and long wooden spears. They were
wading knee deep in the stream, and cussing and swearing like a
cartload of bullockies. Every few minutes one of them would shout
out, make a sudden dive with his spear, and thrust a writhing body
into the chaff bag on his back—yes, they were only enjoying Araluen
Valley's Saturday evening pastime—eeling.
A Hot Run
Next day we left the Valley and, after a very
hot morning's walk, met still more adventure in the shape of a BULL.
We had asked permission to cross a paddock to avoid, as we thought,
a hot walk, and so get to the Deua more quickly. The farmer warned
us of young steers in the paddock, some being a bit on the wild
side. Soon we came to a nice cool pool and decided to have a dip
before lunch, but, not liking the look of a young bull who was
eyeing us, we left our things near a fence—in case of an accident.
Just as we were finishing our meal, Yvonne looked up, muttered
something, and made a wild dive through the fence. We soon found out
the cause of this burst of energy, for, glancing up, we beheld the
bull, charging full speed ahead across the paddock, and it was only
a matter of seconds before we too were scrambling after her. About
fifty yards away from us our young friend pulled up and stood
looking at us with such a bad glint in his eye that we thought it
was time to move. So with sticks we hauled our packs through the
fence and threw things into them as fast as we could. It was only a
short while before we were moving off again. Our way now passed a
large herd of cattle that were peacefully browsing in the shade of
trees. When we were nearly abreast of them, the bull started to
bellow, and very soon the peaceful cattle were peaceful no longer,
but were moving towards us in a solid mass. We didn't wait to meet
them, but turned and tore up a hot, treeless hill as fast as our
legs could carry us, nor did we stop till we had reached the road.
Later on in the day we found that the temperature at that time was
around about 106°. Were we hot!
We reached the Deua, however, without further
mishap, and spent a whole day recovering. From here on to Moruya we
passed through some of the most beautiful walking country one could
wish for. Crystal water to swim in and cool, green, tree-lined banks
along which to stroll— what more could any walker ask? We were able
to buy fresh eggs and milk all along the way, and so lessened our
burdens.
The week passed all too quickly, and soon we
found ourselves back in Sydney with dozens of photographs and
memories of one of the best holidays we have ever had.
The work of the Federation is increasing by
leaps and bounds in all spheres, and in particular it is pleasing to
note that its prestige and public force show a vast improvement on
previous years. This is due largely to the greater number of
enthusiasts in the movement and to the untiring and ceaseless
efforts of the Hon. Secretary, Mr. C. D'A. Roberts, and those who
act as his assistants in carrying on the administrative work of the
Federation. For the first time, the Federation this year has printed
an Annual Report of its work during the year 1938-1939, and a
perusal of this document, totalling ten pages, will indicate how
extensive are the ramifications of the Federation and what its
administration entails. Many copies of this are still available and
will be furnished on application to the Hon. Secretary.
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