JonDLundyn Parker 2 #5
January 4th 2007 18:21
Chapter 5
Deep in the heart of the Megalong Valley west of Sydney in the majestic Blue Mountains, John Somers lead his troop of Rover scouts along the track the would eventually bring them out at the Jenolan Caves. The heat of the day was intensified by the dry undergrowth and the heavy fragrance of the eycalyptus trees sank over his perspiring body. Parched in his throat he reached for the water canteen at his belt and held up his hand to let the troop see he was stopping briefly. The young men of the scout group all paused and followed John’s lead in tipping their water canteens to their lips. It had been a long hike today. So far they had covered about twelve kilometres and still had the same to their next campsite. Each man carried a light rucksack and a webbing belt with minor tools and a drink canteen. Well dressed for the rugged hike with boots, woollen socks and drill shorts and shirts which were well sweat stained by now.
John as the group leader was only the oldest by a few months but he had the most experience. He was a natural leader but had also been trained in leadership by a church fellowship group he belonged to as well as a Rotary young citizens leadership program. He felt well in control of himself and his group. So, when he smelt the smoke of a distant fire he was not overly alarmed. He walked to a rocky outcrop and looked out into the distance haze. He could see the smoke of three fires all in a straight line but heading, in bearing to cut the track that he and his companions were to go down. Then he was startled by two more sudden out breaks that were heading down the track behind him. At the distance the fires were from them they were at the moment safe enough but they would be trapped here in the valley. The bush either side of the walking track was far too thick to negotiate on foot. The wind was not overly strong but he knew that fires like this, burning out of control could easily create their own wind and turn in any direction. Without a second thought he pulled the small Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon off his utility belt, broke the seal and pulled up the aerial and turned the unit on. They had to get out of here and they would need help.
Deep in the heart of the Megalong Valley west of Sydney in the majestic Blue Mountains, John Somers lead his troop of Rover scouts along the track the would eventually bring them out at the Jenolan Caves. The heat of the day was intensified by the dry undergrowth and the heavy fragrance of the eycalyptus trees sank over his perspiring body. Parched in his throat he reached for the water canteen at his belt and held up his hand to let the troop see he was stopping briefly. The young men of the scout group all paused and followed John’s lead in tipping their water canteens to their lips. It had been a long hike today. So far they had covered about twelve kilometres and still had the same to their next campsite. Each man carried a light rucksack and a webbing belt with minor tools and a drink canteen. Well dressed for the rugged hike with boots, woollen socks and drill shorts and shirts which were well sweat stained by now.
John as the group leader was only the oldest by a few months but he had the most experience. He was a natural leader but had also been trained in leadership by a church fellowship group he belonged to as well as a Rotary young citizens leadership program. He felt well in control of himself and his group. So, when he smelt the smoke of a distant fire he was not overly alarmed. He walked to a rocky outcrop and looked out into the distance haze. He could see the smoke of three fires all in a straight line but heading, in bearing to cut the track that he and his companions were to go down. Then he was startled by two more sudden out breaks that were heading down the track behind him. At the distance the fires were from them they were at the moment safe enough but they would be trapped here in the valley. The bush either side of the walking track was far too thick to negotiate on foot. The wind was not overly strong but he knew that fires like this, burning out of control could easily create their own wind and turn in any direction. Without a second thought he pulled the small Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon off his utility belt, broke the seal and pulled up the aerial and turned the unit on. They had to get out of here and they would need help.
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