^^I'-'l Excursion to National Park. 147 



with the Black-tailed Wallaby, were constantly being seen. 

 The track, winding in and out along the hill-sides, was in places 

 so steep as to cause those leading our pack-horses some 

 concern ; but from the tops of these hills extensive and 

 beautiful views of the coast-line and adjacent islands were 

 obtained, and well repaid our exertions. The track crosses 

 here and there small gullies, in some of which are numerous 

 ferns, the King Fern, Todea, being common. 



After crossing Whisky Creek, a very steep pinch, and an 

 adjacent gully, we ascended a steep hill, from the summit of 

 which was obtained an excellent view of the surrounding 

 country. In front is Mount Oberon (1,968 feet) and the Bad 

 Saddle between it and the high peak overlooking Norman 

 Point. On our left is Bishop Rock, an exceedingly steep 

 granite point overlooking the undulating hummock}' country 

 between it and the sea, while on our right is a pretty view of 

 Leonard and Norman Bays, with Norman Island, the Glennies 

 and Anser Groups standing off the mainland. One track leads 

 off to the right on to the beach at Norman Bay, the other to 

 the left over the undulating; scrub-covered sand-hills to the 

 crossing over the Tidal River at the foothills. We followed 

 the latter, and, crossing the Tidal River, not without occasional 

 stoppages to readjust our packs, we traversed an extensive 

 marsh to the foot of the northern slope of Mount Oberon. 

 Turning eastward we followed the telegraph line into a well- 

 timbered and sheltered valley. Here the telegraph line ascends 

 steeply over another bad saddle on the eastern slope of Mount 

 Oberon and descends into the marshy country behind Oberon 

 Bay. Leaving the telegraph line, we entered the valley between 

 the Wilson and Ramsay Ranges, and reached our camp, 

 situated close by a beautifully clear, fern-bordered creek. 



The camp consisted of two large sleeping tents and a dining 

 tent large enough to accommodate the whole party. Our 

 surroundings were made as comfortable as many willing hands 

 could make them, and we settled down to enjoy our stay. 

 The clear running stream close by provided us with good 

 water, both for consumption and bathing, the latter being 

 specially enjoyed, notwithstanding the presence of numerous 

 leeches and occasional scrub-ticks. After fixing up the camp, 

 the remainder of the day was devoted to exploring our im- 

 mediate surroundings. 



Tuesday. — Early rising is the rule with our Club camps, and 

 5 o'clock a.m. was not considered too early to start our 

 day's operations. A morning dip, then breakfast and away, 

 was our programme. This morning an early start was made 

 for Sealers' Cove, on the eastern coast. The track commenced 



