On the Track

George Daniel should be called ‘St George’ in NPA circles, the reason for which will become obvious later. George joined NPA in 1985 and did not delay in getting involved by becoming a leader in 1986. He has been a most active leader ever since and leads a trip every month. What really impresses about George’s trips is the variety – he has led all types of trips from base camps to heavy and extended pack walks. Not only is there variety in type of walk; he has huge variety in location of the walks. NPA walks leaders know many interesting places – George is exceptional even in that group. He seeks out new places then goes there, arranging each trip in great detail.

George’s favourite walks are: Katoomba to Mittagong; The Warrumbungles; Hinchinbrook Island; Fraser Island; Mt Bogong traverse; Cobberas Tingaringy; and the Overland Track in Tassie.

George Daniel

But why ‘St George’? That title should come from his production (with Stephen Lord) of the two Bushwalks in the Sydney Region books. The concept was simple – get NPA leaders to write about their favourite walks and publish them in a book. Realising this concept was much more difficult, because the many contributions had to be worked into shape and details checked. George went on many, many field trips to check details. And the descriptions had to be supported by maps. Here George's experience as a draftsman at IPS Radio and Space Services proved invaluable. George drew a large number of maps, which are an important feature in the success of the books.

George’s involvement was not only with the production; he distributed them for nine months on a voluntary basis, and then four years later on an expenses-only basis. He continued this for 5½ years, grossing NPA a total of $240,000. That is a lot of money and is a huge contribution by St George!!!

There are other sides to George. He is an artist of some merit, having exhibited in the Wynne Art Prize and other selective exhibitions. In fact, the covers of both Bushwalks in the Sydney Region volumes are reproductions of his oil paintings. He is also interested in astronomy and has been on the committee of the local branch of the British Astronomical Association.

George shares a love of bushwalking with his companion Helen. His children were keen bushwalkers; and his grandchildren have continued that interest.

NPA is very lucky to have St George in all of his many roles – walker, leader, editor, and book distributor.