Winter 2011 issue 18

Transcription

1 Upstreampaddle Winter 2011 issue 18

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3 Twenty four kilometres south of Boonah, on the Boonah-Rathdowney Road, Burnett Creek Road turns off west. Two and a half kilometres later, turn left into Newman Road, and the other side of the hill, (1.8km) turn right into Waterfall Creek Road. It s one kilometre to Mt May picnic ground. From Mt May (801m) there is a good lookout over Mt Barney National Park, and the Eagles Ridge approach line to Mt Barney. If you climb the Mt May northern peak by the north east ridge from the Mt May picnic ground, and cross to the southern peak, you can descend to the 4wd Waterfall Creek road, and follow the road down to your start point in a circle. The same circuit is more difficult to do in reverse, as the exit off the northern ridge (running east west) down the NE ridge to the picnic ground can be difficult to find. Mt May left: the rock pool and waterfall, Mt May picnic ground below: north east ridge approach behind, now a walk west along the barely visible track, to the northern summit Page 3 of 46

4 At the picnic ground the road crosses Waterfall Creek and becomes 4wd only, with zero traffic recommended after rain. One hundred metres upstream on the creek is a waterfall and rock pool. Looks nice but the water is befouled by cows in the upstream pastures. The north east summit track starts in the picnic ground, next to the rock slab immediately east of the creek. The track is heavily eroded, and often overgrown. May sure you pick up the track if it is lost in regrowth. Distances are not great, the map distance from the picnic ground to the ridge top is only one kilometre, but it is all uphill. Good bush navigation skills are needed, and long pants to save your legs as you push through regrowth. Ṫowards the top, after 400 metres elevation gain (1.5 to 2 hours) there is a rock step that is climbed just right of centre. Shortly after the track veers west and climbs to views of Mt Maroon to the east, about 6 kilometers distant. above: track imposed on satellite photo right: track start at the picnic ground Page 4 of 46

5 above: a view of Mt Maroon out to the east, once the north east ridge is climbed below: Maroon Dam is seen to the north from the northern summit of Mt May Page 5 of 46

6 above: from left to right - Isolated Peak (Eagles Ridge), North Barney, and West Barney as seen from the northern summit of Mt May. below: the cliffs on the southern side of the northern summit of Mt May must be negotiated to reach the saddle Page 6 of 46

7 From the top of the north east ridge, the track, often obscured, goes west towards the northern summit. Favour the northern side of the ridge. The track leads to the high point on the south west end of the ridge, Great views of Maroon Dam, and an unseen 100m cliff to your north west. You can make out the 4wd road you will be on in a hour, down below you. To get from the northern summit of Mt May to the southern, you will have to descend south to the saddle, and climb back up. Pick up the path from the highest point on the northern summit and move south west. Get the right track as there are extensive cliffs. The way down is a traverse across a rock step to broken ground, not a descent on the step. The saddle has a couple of pleasant flat areas. Cast slightly east to pick up the track to the southern summit, and climb a lower rock step, and then a lesser top step, to the southern summit There is a nice flat open area back east 20 metres along the ridge. The descent to the Waterfall Creek 4wd road is back out on the SW tip of the ridge. Take care on an immediate rock step, then follow the ridge down. The track will vanish on broken rock occasionally, but you maintain the same direction down. When the track makes level ground, then becomes 4wd, you are only minutes away Waterfall Creek Road, and the descent to the right. It is 3.25 kilometres back to the picnic ground, with some great views of the cliffs on Mt May above you. below: view of the cliifs on the west side of Mt May from waterfall Creek Road. The peak on the far right is the northern summit, the southern slightly higher summit is obscured.. Page 7 of 46

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9 2011 Adventurethon Magnetic Island Never have I seen so many so tired! People everywhere around the Picnic Bay Hotel dragging their feet, speaking softly as they moved about. And this was the picture when competitors had completed their event even the team persons were smashed. After a damn hard preparation by Joel and Tamara during the previous week we came over to help with the final setup. The bright sandy beach and sunny weather and gusting winds promised a good day. However, the winds were to cause havoc later. The basic course was a paddle to and from West Point, followed by a mountain bike ride through Nelly Bay fire-trail to Horsehoe Bay then back to Picnic Bay THEN a run to and back from Nelly Bay via it s walking trail. Most of the off-road trails were very daunting as the Cyclone Yasi had caused a great deal of damage to the local vegetation. There were group events held that day, most running concurrently eg a duathlon (run/ride). Rather than describe them in detail it is easier to find this on the website Unfortunately I could not compete due to sickness so I resorted to my next favourite pastime photography. As I moved among the competitors I was impressed by the effort each person put into their respective event. This was only matched by the cheerful service provided by the staff of the Picnic Bay Hotel without whom it would have been much tougher. I believe that all who came along both as participants and spectators had a great time as the only grumbles I heard were about the course (we will fix that next year). On both days the volunteers worked tirelessly despite being subjected to some intense situations provided by the sun. Great job everyone!!!!! image top: rsea kayaks and skis pre race image centre: launching the rubber duckie image lower: pre race warm up Page 9 of 46

10 I would like to thank everyone who stayed behind and helped on Sunday for the final pack-up - your help was most appreciated. This was the first event of this kind ever held on Magnetic Island and as expected there were a few glitches but fortunately nothing serious occurred and there were no major injuries recorded. The most common problem was people who could not finish an event due to weather and track conditions this made the whole thing a real ADVENTURE sport. In my opinion, this weekend was a success not only for Joel and Tamara but all who participated and thank you to all who assisted in making it so. Hans-j Preuss image top: race start image centre: cranking up for the bike leg image lower: pre race warm up Page 10 of 46

11 Coochiemudlo Coochiemudlo Island, in Moreton Bay, near Brisbane, less than one kilometre offshore from Victoria Point, is sandy on every side except the west, where mangroves grow on mudflats. Sea kayakers can go round the island in an hour or so, the distance to walk around the foreshore on the Coochie track is a little over 5 kilometres. The track cuts across the north western spit, past the golf greens to avoid the mud. A ferry service for passengers, and a barge for cars connects the island to mainland life. In summer during school holidays the island overflows with people, cars, and too much sun. At other times, especially during the week, life is slow. Page 11 of 46

12 Coochiemudlo Island has been called the closest sandy beach to Brisbane, and for that reason, the Life Savers hold Nipper training sessions on the summer beach near the ferry jetty. (photo right). If you are new to sea kayaking you can consider a paddle around Coochie as a training session too. Plan on launching from Victoria Point, near the beach just south of the vehicle ferry terminal, for the last two hours before the high tide. A wind usually comes up in Moreton Bay after 10:00 in the morning, so think about starting earlier. With a high tide and little wind, you can paddle around the island only a few metres out from the shore. At low tide there are extensive mudflats, particularly between the island and the mainland. (see photo below) The passenger ferry starts at 5:00 am, (pay on board) and the walk around the island is pleasant even in summer at that early hour. Keep a look out for the curlews who seem to like living in peoples front yards more than the foreshore forest. Page 12 of 46

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14 Map supplied by the Coochiemudlo Resort, courtesy of Mark Bowden. The only thing that isn t current is Matthew Flinders Café on the waterfront, as it closed some time ago. passenger ferry jetty, right, and the car ferry terminal, Victoria Point Page 14 of 46

15 upper four images: south western beach views age centre: launching the rubber duckie lower three images: eastern beach views Page 15 of 46

16 upper four images: island circuit walking trail views images: L. Steindlcentre: launching the rubber duckie lower three images: sunset beach views Page 16 of 46

17 images: J A Seo upper image: mangroves on the northern shore above: southern shoreline image right: path to mangroves, northern shore Page 17 of 46

18 South Currigee - South Stradbroke Island South Currigee on South Stradbroke Island is an ideal destination for novice seakayakers, and siton-top paddlers. At little more than 3.5 to 4.0 kilometres paddle from the Ray Street boat ramp in Runaway Bay (depending on whether the line of approach is close to Wavebreak Island) the kayaker can be there in under an hour, and the crossing of the Broadwater can be cut to less than 300 metres of open water by island or sandbank hopping. The destination is an overnight campground (bookings essential ph: ) on the sheltered western side of South Stradbroke Island. Crossing the island is a good sandy foot track, some 400 metres to the ocean side. On the eastern beach, it is a 2.8 km walk (one way) up to the North Currigee beach track. The Broadwater can be a very busy and crowded waterway, with large fast moving boats that throw up a high wake. Because the waterway is also very shallow, these large fast movers will always be confined to a narrow channel along navigation markers. The kayaker, free to paddle shallow water, can pause on the edge of the shipping lane, then cut across when traffic eases. Page 18 of 46

19 The photograph above is an aerial of the Ray Street boat ramp at Runaway Bay. The ramp can be busy on the weekends, but kayakers will be able to launch off the sandy beach 100 metres west of the ramp, visible at the lower left in the photograph. Those vehicles parking spaces behind the beach are reserved for cars with boat trailers, so once you have unloaded your kayak, move down the street further. That high rise building throwing a shadow across the waterway in the photograph above, is one of a group of 5 buildings, that makes an exellent navigation marker, for the return trip. The photograph below is taken from South Currigee, and shows the same buildings. The highest one, to the foreground, left, is the aimimg point. Page 19 of 46

20 above: look for the playground equipment right above the high water line, to find the campground left: walk acrosss the island 400m to the sea Page 20 of 46

21 above: track to the beach, ocean side There is no drinking water available at South Currigee, take your own. If you use the campground facilities on a day use basis, there is a two dollar charge. If you are crossing the Broadwater near Wavebreak island, on your way north, it is recommended that you cross on a rising tide if you are not a stong paddler, as there can be a powerful current going out through the Seaway on a falling tide. left: ocean beach side, looking south to Surfers Paradise high rise towers, faintly visible through the sea spray, on a cloudy day. Page 21 of 46

22 above: this view from Tyalgum Ridge Resort, fourteen kilometres distant from Mt Warning, shows the western profile of Mt Warning, and immediately to its right, in the late afternoon sun, the sheer face of the Wollumbin Shield. The high point on the far right is Brummies Lookout, and the small high point on the same ridge, at the far left, is the North East Knoll shown on the accompanying map, and described in this article. Mt Warning NSW from the West Page 22 of 46

23 Mt Warning is an easily accessible mountain in the far north of NSW, near Murwillumbah, and is within reach of Brisbane residents, lying less than a two hours drive away. The mountain has a National Parks track to the top, and a recommended return time of 5 hours. The track is of a good standard, and the final 250 metres which is a rocky scramble, is made easier by a chain. At no time is there any exposure, and the climber is never near any scary cliffs. On top of the mountain are 360 degree views, an enclosure (60 x 40 metres), viewing platforms that ensure safety, and protect the summit vegetation from the thousands of yearly visitors. How many people see only cloud and mist from the top of this rain forest clad mountain is anyone s guess, but a raincoat is a necessary item in your daypack, and a couple of litres of water. The mountain top is a cloud catcher, and often the peak has a white cloudy cap when the rest of the sky is clear. The peak is said to be the place where the rising sun in the east first touches mainland Australia, and some folk make the climb before dawn to see the sunrise. Cape Byron is visible 44 kilometres away on a clear day. The best views are in winter when the air is not full of heat haze and water vapour. To the north west is the rim wall of Lamington, O Reillys, and the Green Mountains. The walk to the top of Mt Warning is under a rainforest canopy, and you see very little of the mountain s cliffs. One of the most impressive faces of Mt warning is the north west face, a 500 metre cliff, known as the Wollumbin Shield. This approach is visited only by a few rockclimbers, and bushwalkers. The road to the town of Tyalgum from Murwillumbah keeps close company with the Oxley River, and has occasional views of the north western face, some five kilometres away, but a circle of foothills around Mt Warning hides most of the view. The guide hereafter is on how to access a vantage point on the top of that circle of foothills to get a new and interesting view of Mt Warning. Most of the walking is on forestry roads that are currently closed to vehicle traffic (formerly 4wd only). Here described is access to Brummies Lookout. below: Brummies Road left, Condowie Road right Page 23 of 46

24 Two hundred metres east of Tyalgum is the E. Bartrim bridge over the Oxley River (launch point for grade 2 whitewater) and another 100 metres east is Swifts Road. The road is sealed. One and a quarter kilometres uphill the road branches, and the approach road continues as Brummies Road. We are heading towards Brummies Lookout. The sealed section of the road ends at two kms from the start back at Tyalgum Road, and the road goes on for a total of 4.25 kms. At this point there is a house on the western side of the road, and the road becomes 4wd for the last 200m to a National Parks gate. As the NP gate has a NO VEHICLE ACCESS sign we go uphill on foot. After 600m, North Wollumbin Road goes east, but we take the right branching road and go 400m further to where Condowie Road branches right, and Brummies Road (our path) goes left. At about 2km from the gate you gain the ridge top, with obscured views of the massive Wollumbin Shield cliff face out to the south east. The road follows the ridge south west, and even descends a little. At about 2.8km from the NP gate the landform on the eastern side of the road becomes a high earthern bank, and a series of wooden retainer steps up the bank can be discerned. left: NP locked gate Brummies Road left: The North Wollumbin road turnoff Page 24 of 46

25 above: this view of Mt Warning from near the North East Knoll shows the Wollumbin Shield, too much obscured by the rainforest canopy. Hopefully the view from the knoll, when finally navigated to, will have less trees overhead Go up these and on the ridge crest thirty metres in, turn right and move south west, slowly climbing. The thick overhead rainforest vegetation clears after 150m along the ridge crest, and grasstrees, long grass, and a few rocky outcrops are passed. At 3.2 km from the gate, the highest point is reached, with views of Mt Warning, and an awareness that there is a very vertical drop eastwards. This is Brummies Lookout. The view of Wollumbin Shield from Brummies Lookout is almost obscured as the walker is due west, though occasional views are seen after the walker emerges from the overhead rainforest canopy. The walker seeking a good view will have to go east along Tyalgum Ridge to Caldera Road, and the outcrop at its eastern end, the second vantage point. As access to that north eastern knoll is at the end of roads that are heavily overgrown, and the views from the ridge approach to it are limited by a heavy rainforest canopy, a good photograph from that vantage point will have to be considered a work in progress. Page 25 of 46

26 above: this view of Mt Warning from Brummies Lookout shows the gorge west of the mountain, but little view of the Wollumbin Shield. The old forestry roads have proven to be much overgrown with lantana, and the walk along the ridge to the North East Knoll is proving to be an encounter with a lot of Wait-a-While (Hairy Mary) vine. below: difficult photography conditions under the rainforest canopy, and the occasional patch of thorny regrowth to bypass. Page 26 of 46

27 Upstreampaddle Winter 2011 issue 18 Page 27 of 46

28 Dare2Dream H-j Preuss See you next time and thanks for a great time! Were my last words just after 4pm Wednesday 20th April. Or at least I thought that I would be going home to Townsville. Going back in time I had been asked to assist with a canoeing/raft building program at Tinaroo Dam. The students were all Naval Cadets ranging from 15 to 18 years old. And because of the excellent trainers provided I not only learnt a great deal but it was an enjoyable time. But, as with all good things it was time to return home. So I thought until a phone call changed my plans dramatically. I was asked if I would act as a Guide for a group of indigenous students. The plan was 4 days on - 1 day off then, 4 on again. As I had no firm plans over Easter I met with James and when everything was fully explained I agreed to do this. Now, at 4.15pm, I headed off to find the new campsite and meet with all the people concerned. At my new lodgings I met with Martin (CEO), Mac the CSM, Elgan, Shane, Trang, Adrian, Sam, Tully, Miss Peggy and Uncle Paul. All were part of the team looking after the students. After tea I was introduced to the students. Once I had an overview of the next days I found a spot for my swag then relaxed for the evening. Early the next day the first group and I headed over to a Rec Centre to obtain the canoes and all the necessary equipment. Once collected I took everyone and their craft to the water s edge. We went through all the safety drills and I must say the capsize drills were done very well despite some initial mis-givings. As part of the capsize drill no warning was given prior to the actual tip-over. By the amount of laughter from the students there were no signs of distress or anger. Before bringing our boats back to original campsite I let the students practice paddle strokes and having them spin their craft around. Then off to our home. editor s note:i had an from Hans about his Tinaroo Dam boot camp program, to quote My task was to take them camping/paddling around the Dam. It is run by retired military personnel and as an example of discipline any swearing or misbehaviour is INSTANTLY punished by a penalty of 20 pushups etc - Sadly, I too, trangressed and collected nearly 500 pushups. Page 28 of 46

29 above: program start first morning below: waterproofing backpacks Page 29 of 46

30 The next morning Mac (CSM) demonstrated how to correctly pack a backpack so all necessary items were waterproofed. Once he was satisfied that all had packed the right way we loaded our craft and were on our way. At this point I should point out that I was in a single kayak so I could move around between craft. This with having the patrol leaders leading the way and watching the tail end I could quickly get to any craft or persons if necessary. This worked very well. The next 3 days (of fine weather) had us paddling (a little further each day) until by the final day all students were capable of easily paddling 12 kms to return home. During this time it should be noted that as there were 2 persons to a boat that teamwork quickly developed. A bond also developed between all members as they were all facing the same issues together trust came very quickly. This was of great benefit whenever we camped for the night as all pulled together to make sure no-one felt left out in any way. The return paddle home was amazing as the group voted to push 6+ kms before stopping for a meal break then after food they absolutely smashed the last 3 kms. This was a fantastic effort considering the size and weight of their fully loaded canoes. A well deserved rest awaited them when they finally landed. Their huge smiles made my day complete!!! Anzac Day, complete with a gunfire breakfast, in the bush conducted by this group was one of the most moving I have ever shared. The respect and dignity shown would have made every Serviceman and woman very proud. After breakfast Mac again demonstrated how to correctly pack a backpack so all necessary items were waterproofed. Once he was satisfied that all had packed the right way we loaded our craft and were on our way. As we moved put the weather kept smiling on us, but, I had seen the fast high clouds and knew that rain was coming. On our first stop we were saddened by the sight of a large dead barramundi dumped and hidden in the grass. This fish would have fed us all for 2 days had it not been left to rot. Some people!!!! Page 30 of 46

31 top left: campsite top right: evening middle left: waterproofed pack test middle right: group photo lower left: capsize drill lower right: barra for tea Page 31 of 46

32 During the next 4 days we moved from camp spot to camp spot with Adrian (our Chef) bringing the food each lunch time along with other supplies. One stop was a Tobacco Hill and the owner Matt and his brother very kindly had cut the long grass to improve our campsite thank you guys. Again, I kept to my plans of increasing paddling distances each day. There were mandatory water stops to ensure noone de-hydrated, even on the rainy days. Remember the rain, yep, it came and STAYED for 3 days. Nothing seemed to dampen the students enthusiasm including the strong headwind which with the rain made paddling hard work. Putting up tents in the rain also failed to affect them they kept laughing and joking all the time. This group bonded much quicker and more strongly. I wonder if the trying conditions were responsible?? No matter - the teamwork and friendship grew steadily. The return journey needs a little mention. Again, our first leg home was 6+ kms to Tobacco Hill with a 3 km finishing distance. Here, initiative was clearly demonstrated by 2 canoe teams. They had worked out their line to shore then positioned their craft to take full advantage of the wind. They did not have to paddle more than 50 metres as they neared the opposite shoreline. After a short break we all paddled into the lagoon from where we had departed 4 days ago. Then the obligatory group photos were taken, all craft unloaded and they had done it. Great bunch of people!!!! Both groups had never paddled a canoe of this type or for the distances involved. I felt that as people they grew and had learnt a lot about each other and themselves. I believe that I also, have learnt a lot from sharing this awesome experience with them. To all who were involved in this event I thank you ALL. Page 32 of 46

33 Exploring Pindari Dam Northern Tableland, NSW top: distant view of the dam spillway lower: dam view, and a one kilometre walk to the spillway Page 33 of 46

34 Exploring Pindari Dam The population in southern Queensland and northern NSW is centred on the coast (Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Tweed Heads) and for them, Pindari Dam is not only a long way away inland, it is also probably off the map. Not only is it over five hours drive from Brisbane to Pindari Dam, but it is off any major highway system. The most direct way there is to follow the New England Highway south from Warwick, down through Stanthorpe, Wallangara, and Tenterfield to Deepwater, then go west through Emmaville. This way involves over 50 kilometres of unsealed dirt road, from Emmaville to Wells Crossing Road, and across to the Ashford Bukulla Road before getting back on sealed bitumen. It is possible to stay on sealed roads all the way to Pindari Dam, either going west from Warwick towards Goondiwindi, then south through Texas and Bonshaw, or west from Tenterfield on the Bruxner Highway almost to Bonshaw, then south to Ashford. I had been on the northern edge of this country some summer months previously, when I drove on dirt roads to Nundubbermere Falls, in the northern edge of Sundown National Park, west of Stanthorpe. That journey had been only ten kilometres on dirt on Nundubbermere Road, and four more down Falls Road to the waterfall on the Queensland Severn River. This time, in dry late Autumn weather, I drove another thirty four kilometres past Falls Road, around the borders of Sundown National Park to Mingoola, near where the Queensland Severn makes its southern exit from Sundown National Park. The road from Stanthorpe to Texas would have taken me there for the same distance on sealed roads, but that road keeps to the valleys, and I wanted the high road, to see the quilt of golden hills that reach from far horizon to horizon. Eventually I crossed the Queensland Severn River, and the Mole River. As the road to Bonshaw kept pace with the Severn, I could see the massive floodwaters from the summer of had broken all the river bank trees. Five kilometres short of Ashford, I turned towards Emmaville, and twelve kilometres east turned south onto a dirt road again, down to Wells Crossing. It is only ten kilometres to the NSW Severn River (totally different to the Queensland river) and Wells Crossing. Pindari Dam is a short seventeen kilometres distant to the east on the sealed Ashford Bukulla Road that runs by the southern side of the Wells Crossing bridge. After the wide open landscape for hundreds of kilometres, the camping spaces at Pindari Dam seemed too small, crowded too close to neighbours. The camping area at Wells Crossing was only a short distance way, and seemed preferable. below left: upstream view Wells Crossing bridge note the informal camp ground on the right bank below right: downstream view Wells Crossing bridge Page 34 of 46

35 Local information about the dam was that the wind could make conditions decidedly testing. Waves to over one metre would make the lake unsuitable for canoes, and a head wind would make a journey trying. On the day I was there, the dam surface was mirror like. A couple of powered boats carved across the still water. The water felt icy in the noonday sun. The same rainfall that made floodwaters carve through river bank trees on the Queensland Severn River, had filled the dam, and a boater assured me that the bluff I paused under was a two hundred metres walk from the waters edge six months previously. Now I could touch the cliffs above, without getting from the boat. The Severn River Nature Reserve covers the southern side of the river for about ten kilometres up from where the river flows into the dam, and also covers the upstream dam foreshore on the southern side. Elsewhere, the northern foreshore of the dam is privately owned. On the dam, a walk west on top of the wall to view the spillway is over a kilometre long. Before the heavy rains last year, the distance for a paddle up the dam to meet the incoming Severn River was about 10 kilometres, (Apple Tree Waterhole) but it is now more like 12.5 km (Eight Mile Falls). While the canoe paddle from below the dam to Wells Crossing was locally recommended, (14.5km) access was closed below the dam. It may be possible to put in at a road crossing 7.5 km upstream from Wells Crossing. It definitely is possible to paddle downstream from the Wells Crossing bridge, either a short 5.5 km paddle on grade one water to the Beaumont Road crossing on the Severn (3.2km out of Ashford on the Ashford Bukulla Road), or a longer 14km paddle to the Inverell Bonshaw Road. The area you are traveling into is sheep country. There has been no large population growth here on the back of a mineral resources boom, or tourism sponsored growth. So the country has largely stayed the way it was some half a century ago, and more. The attraction of paddling a canoe on Pindari Dam is matched by the majestic beauty of the western landscape. Brown, gold, and beige coloured countryside, with a scattering of open forest, under wide blue skies. below left: picnic area, Pindari Dam campground below right: Pindari Dam campground view green verge is floating weed Page 35 of 46

36 left: dam wall left: below the dam wall left: ramp view Page 36 of 46

37 As the canoeist travels further up the dam, away from the dam wall, towards the meeting place of the Severn River and the dam waters, some rocky bluffs overlooking the water are encountered. Page 37 of 46

38 above: Pindari Dam foreshore below: rocky buttress Page 38 of 46

39 Pindari lake views Page 39 of 46

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41 ELOUERA STATION top: the shearing shed lower: west of the homestead. Pindari Dam waters are two kilometres south west Page 41 of 46

42 Elouera Station was a 2,500 hectare property between the Pindari Dam s north western shoreline, and the Emmaville Road. The station has an historic shearing shed, but the property, which once carried 1,000 head, has not run sheep since The shed has not sheared sheep since about 2005, and the shearing machinery had been mostly removed. What remains is a fine example of a leather belt driven shaft, that powered four shearing stands. The power take-off was a simple but efficient revolving metal disc on the shaft, that actuated the shears when a small leather wheel was rotated by contact with the disc. Of interest is the sorting table (image right) and classing stalls with native timber slats. The wool press is hand cranked. Page 42 of 46

43 the shearing shed Note the leather drive belt, far left, running down from the drive shaft to where the steam engine once was, and the more modern electric motor that replaced it. a chute to below, for the shorn sheep to exit the shed Page 43 of 46

44 drive shaft and power take off the shearing shed Note the leather drive belt, far left, running down from the drive shaft to where the steam engine once was, and the more modern electric motor that replaced it. power take off fitting Page 44 of 46

45 wool press the shearing shed Note the leather drive belt, far left, running down from the drive shaft to where the steam engine once was, and the more modern electric motor that replaced it. power take off fitting Page 45 of 46

46 wool press the shearing shed Note the leather drive belt, far left, running down from the drive shaft to where the steam engine once was, and the more modern electric motor that replaced it. power take off fitting Page 46 of 46