A Compass, a Map and everything on my Back!

Well, we got more than we bargained for this weekend!

By Ali S

I was thinking we were going to learn how to drive a compass, but that was just a small part of the exercise.

Ashely reinforced to us that the compass was in fact the tool we used to *confirm our suspicions* once we had decided, *what was what* on the map.  I guess we all knew that contour lines close together meant it was a bit steep and spread from each other was not so steep, and how to recognise an area that was relatively flat - but there is so much more to it than that, and I can recommend the course to everyone whoever sets foot in the bush - it all makes it so much more fun.  The underlying criteria for me were that when planning a walk, or probably when a track had been previously laid,  you actually chose the ups and downs, in other words crossing the contours, as opposed to trying to stay about level, (choosing to follow a contour).

If that all sounds like garble then a navigation course is for you!

Rock scrambling was an inherent part of our weekend, and with a 14 kg pack, that proved challenging. Located in the Blue Mountains, it was a given that the scenery was magnificent, and we were not disappointed when we found ourselves looking back at our first lunch spot from our second lunch spot , It was all kind of making sense by then.

Camping down in the crater was rather picturesque, particularly from the rim both in the evening and in the morning, and the zero degrees overnight sorted us out, lots of squeaking of air mattresses during the night as we all decided that perhaps lying on the other side may be warmer. A lovely campfire, sharing descriptions of our dehydrated meals, preceded by wine & delicious hors d' oeuvres supplied by Ashley was a fitting wind up of the first day.

As Sunday was ANZAC Day, we shared a minute’s silence, actually rather more because the location was so serene, to contemplate just how fortunate and grateful we are for those thousands of young Aussies who, through their dedication and sacrifice, enabled us to enjoy the lifestyle we have today.

The second day, we saw pink Flannel Flowers, possibly a once in 50 years phenomenon.  To germinate they require an intense bushfire; TICK; followed by intense rain; TICK; and then if you are fortunate enough to be in the region the following summer, there they all are, located in masses around the top of the crater.   Ashley said they were simply magnificent in March, so who knows, next year’s course may be run a tiny bit earlier, not only for the increase in o’night temperatures.

As always, the weekend was all the more satisfying and rewarding due to the group of Diamonds girls, including being  lucky enough to have two of our illustrious leaders accompany the group, providing the *just right* company, support and comradery we have grown familiar with over the years.  Thanks to everyone involved. It was a fabulous weekend.