No 26: Fyansford 19 December 2006
No 27: You Yangs Regional Park 14 February 2007
No 28: St Leonards - Edwards Point 15 March 2007
No 29: Point Addis - Iron bark Gorge 19 April 2007 (POSTPONED LEADER IN BRISBANE)
No 30: Carlisle State Park Circuit 16 May 2007
No 31: Torquay to Bells Beach and Return 20 June 2007
No 32: Walk Cancelled Leader recovering from knee surgery 19 July 2007
No 33: Anakie Gorge to Stony Ck Reservoir 15 August 2007
No 34: Enfield State Forest Surface Point Loop 19 September 2007 Photos
Walk No.1 (25 August) Distillery Creek to Moggs Creek (Aireys Inlet) Distance 7.5 km.
A great first walk with 17 walkers in all. Having assured everyone that it was not too difficult for our first attempt I only got an earbashing from one or two (none of the wives complained). An absolutely beautiful day following a few days of rain with our first break on the shores of the picturesque Painkalac Dam. After that it was uphill for a kilometre or so before a welcome downhill for the last kilometre and a half. A very pleasant picnic lunch was nearly spoiled by Frank insisting he didn’t have the keys to the bus. Back on the bus for the home trip Nigel was asleep within seconds. Photos
Walk No.2 (22 September) Sheoak to Upper Kalimna Falls (Lorne)Distance 8 km.
Once again a perfect day for bushwalking. Fifteen walkers this time for a not so hilly walk. Once again the spouses showed they were no slouches with everyone commenting on the fact that while most had lived in Geelong all their lives they were unaware of such great places right on their doorstep. Lots of Manna gums, towering tree ferns and babbling brooks. A rare glimpse of some Australian Minnow (native fish) and even a carnivorous Otway Snail. A pleasant lunch was held at the Sheoak Picnic Area before the scenic trip back along the GOR. As with the first walk the interest was in how long it took Nigel to fall asleep (not very long!!). All in all a satisfactory day in cheerful company.Photos
Walk No. 3 (20 October) Lake Elizabeth Circuit (Forrest)Distance 4.5 km.
You may have seen Lake Elizabeth on Coxy's Big Break or The Great Outdoors within recent weeks. A truly beautiful place which is becoming increasingly popular with tourists. This was a great day out, beautiful weather, great scenery, good company and a relaxing barbeque to follow. A quick detour via Birregurra on the way home for an ice-cream and cool drink ensured a pleasant end to the day.Photos
Walk No. 4 (17 November) Allenvale-Phantom Falls-The Canyon-Henderson and Won Wondah Falls-Sheoak (Lorne) Distance 6.5 km.
Started with a scenic stroll up the St George Rive from Allenvale before a very steep climb to Phantom Falls. After that the going got fairly easy until our path was blocked by a recalcitrant tiger snake just before Henderson Falls. Our leader had picked the right time to replace himself as forward scout and it was left to the eagle eye of our treasurer, who is always looking for money on the ground, to bring the group to a screaming halt. After some gentle persuasion the tiger eventually headed bush. Passing back that way some twenty minutes later, there was no sign of the snake and our hardy walkers relaxed somewhat before our erstwhile trek guide spotted another critter of similar ilk. Waiting until the creature removed itself from the scene, the group headed up a gentle rise to the finish area at Sheoak. The highlight of the walk was undoubtedly The Canyon which is an extremely unusual feature, quite like something out of Jurassic Park. We will definitely make a revisit to the area. Photos
Walk No. 5 (23 February) Eumerella Scout Camp - Clifftops - Pt Addis and Return (Anglesea)Distance 7 km.
Eleven hardy walkers set off from the scout camp at around 10.00am and were led on a meandering walk through typical Anglesea heath lands. While the temperature was expected to reach the mid-30s, the morning remained mild and somewhat misty. After concerns about the availability of loos from some members, the ladies found the bush toilets quite comforting. Onwards and upwards to the cliff top area, we paused to take in the great views back towards Anglesea before heading on down to Pt Addis beach where lunch was taken in the shade of a stand of casuarinas. By now the day had really started to warm up and the solid 1.5km uphill on the return journey tested our fitness levels. The last kilometre was down hill and we arrived back at our cars around 1.15pm. If the group keeps going at the pace they do, I will plan on extending the walk a bit or throwing in an extra hill or two. A big welcome to the Staggards and Bruce Ellis who joined us for the first time.Photos
Walk No. 6 (16 March) Eastern View (Memorial Arch) - Coal Mine Creek to Moggs Creek Road and return via beachDistance 9km.
Our longest walk yet and a credit to all who made the effort. A steady but not too steep climb for about 4 km saw us reach the Moggs Creek Track along the top of the ridge. A few breaks along the way meant that conversation was never impossible (meaning weeren't pushing ourselves too hard). Even Helen's arthritis didn't slow her down and everyone felt a great sense of achievement. Our last climb before the descent was a short but sharp rise to our lunch break. Tracking back down to the Ocean View lookout between Eastern View and Moggs Creek we stopped for a chat with some forestry workers who we had passed earlyin the day. They were amazed to see us still walking some three hours or so later but managed to tell us a bit about their task of taking moisture readings ahead of a planned burn-off. Arriving back to the GOR we had an interesting walk of about one kilometre along the beach complete with piles of driftwood and dead penguins. The weather had been fairly rough a few days before hand so I guess the penguins were casualties of that. All in all a testing but creditable performance by the 9 walkers who took part.
Walk No. 7(20 April) Cora Lyn Cascades (Lorne)Distance 6km.
Our shortest walk to date but included two kilometres off track below the Cora Lyn Cascades. One of the most beautiful valleys in the Otways with towering Mountain Ash and a magnificant tree ferns. Only four walkers but they did get a taste of what it is like to travel down the creeks, cross slippery rocks and generally get a bit of mud on their boots. Its a fact that the beauty of the scenery increases in direct proportion to the difficulty of the walk. While we aren't planning on making the walks too difficult we will try to add a bit of variety so that we can a true sense of what the bush has to offer. Next month will combine a bit of a tourist outing as well as a short walk so we are hoping for a good turnout.Photos
Walk No. 8 (18 May) Otway Fly Tree Tops Walk
What a great day! 21 members and partners, and a few first timers at that, enjoyed the best the Otways has to offer. A very interesting tree tops walk with good reviews by those who had seen similar walks in West Australia and Tasmania. While the weather inland was dry and sunny, we did experience a little drizzle, then again we were in the highest rainfall area for Victoria. After the latte set had their fill, it was off to Beech Forrest for a barbeque lunch in the dry of the tourist park. A short bus trip down the Aire Valley brought us to the Californian Redwoods at Aire Crossing. This cathedral-like stand of forest giants has to be seen to be believed. These beautiful trees and the tranquillity of the Aire River make it a place that has to be visited more than once. As there are some excellent walks in the area I will ensure it gets on the program in the future.Photos
Walk No. 9 (15 June) You Yangs (Big Rock/East-West Circuit)Distance 7.5km.
A cool, blustery day did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of our 12 trekkers. Stepping off at 0939 Hrs after waiting for the odd latecomer (or two), we soon warmed to the task and were back for lunch around 12.00. By mid-morning the path had become quite busy and it was interesting to see the range of folks out in the bush doing something they really enjoyed. I think the complaints from at least one of our group about how tough it was fell on deaf ears after we met the 83 year-old veteran going in the opposite direction. Anyway, well done to all, particularly those arthritis, osteo-arthritis, osteo-porosis sufferers among us who would rather be doing this than sitting at home! Next month we will give you a break from the hills and tackle the relative flat surrounds of Inverleigh Common. Unfortunately, the RSL have asked for the bus that day so we will make our own way there. Photos
Walk No. 10 (20 July) Inverleigh CommonDistance 8.5km.
A cold foggy start from Fyansford at 8.30am saw our little convoy travel the short distance to Inverleigh with most thoughts centered on the likelihood or not of the day turning out fine. Twenty minutes later we turned right into Common Rd, Inverleigh and into brilliant sunshine. After disturbing a few of the local furry inhabitants, we arrived at a picturesque clearing off the Old Shelford Track. Stepping off at a brisk pace up the creek (without a paddle) our 11 walkers soon warmed to the task. Magnificant River Red Gums and Manna Gums and a grassy understory gave us the impression of walking through a botanical garden. Our mid-morning break was taken by a scenic bush dam. Our return journey was more of the same with good conversation, the odd bit of wildlife, and a feeling of having blown away a few cobwebs. The deckchairs were broken out around 12.15 and a relaxing lunch in the sunshine followed. A short diversion on the way back to see Dave & Joan's big-big shed and the back to Geelong. Photos
Walk No. 11 (17 August) Steiglitz Historical Park Distance 6.5km.
It might have been Indonesian Independence Day but we all knew where we would rather be. A cool but beautifully sunny morning saw our group tackle a relatively easy walk, with few hills, from the Friday Picnic area along Durdiwarrah Road to Hut Track, Native Youth Track, Yankee Gully Road and return to Friday. Interesting diggings area from the 1860s through to the early 1900s including the remains of the United Albion mine which produced over 7 tons of gold from depths of up to 1050 feet. First timer, Rod Jenkins, said he would be back again (he will be in for a surprise, however). Lunch at Le Pines was most enjoyable, despite the nearby presence of a recently deceased Koala (looked like the result of an attack by wild dogs). Anyway, it was something to add to the list of things to talk about. Photos
Walk No. 12 (21 September) Sheoak Creek-Sheoak Falls Return Distance 6 km.
At this rate we will have to get a bigger bus. While the five who eventually could not make it missed a great day, the seventeen that did, including first timers Les & Maris, Alan & Trish and Sharon, all surprised themselves with what they achieved. Starting from Sheaks the group headed off down the creek trail to find the path barricaded and with a notice stating the trail was closed due to storm damage. Putting their faith in the trail boss, the barricade was soon bypassed and the walk continued. All was proceding well until the fifth creek crossing when the reason for the trail being closed became obvious. With the bridge almost washed away, the option would have been to simply get wet feet but a way around was soon found (check out the photos). A banana break at Swallow Cave and then it was uphill for a kilomtere or so climbing around 200 meteres. While some found the going easier than others, the point of the exercise was to take your time and keep the heart rate at an acceptable level. The last two kilometres were a breeze compared with the first four and we arrived back at Sheoaks about three hours after starting. After a pleasant lunch, the group called in at Anglesea for a coffee on the way home as well as a detour to view the open cut mine and power station. The weather on the day was outstanding. Photos
Walk No. 13 (20 October) Point Addis from Ironbark Basin Car Park via Eumrella Flora Reserve Distance 6.5 km.
Turned out tbe another glorious day! 17 walkers, three first timers (Geoff & Roslyn, Jim), some of the regulars had other engagements. Leaving the Ironbark Basin for another day the group headed west along the GOR untl Hirst Rd where we headed into the Eumerella Flora Reserve. The wildfowers put on a great show as did the wildlife in the form of a fat tiger snake at the edge of WP1. Obviously preferring younger blood the snake soon lost interest and retreated. Soon after, Les swore he saw an albino roo (not sure what Les had been drinking) but unfortunately no one else could confirm the sighting. The clifftops were soon reached and we headed east to Point Addis beach and an easy stroll along the sand to the bus at Point Addis. Gathering our lunch under our arms we headed down the 78 steps (according to Alan) to a rocky cove where a pleasant lunch break was held. After that it was in to Torquay for coffee and cake to celebrate Mick H's 60th Birthday. All in all a great day out. Special thanks again to our coach captain Frank. Photos
Walk No. 14 (16 November) Queenscliff to Point Lonsdale & Return (with side trip to Buckley's Cave for some walkers) Distance 10km for the coffee set, 11km for the speleologists.
What a great day. A cool breeze off the southern ocean to start but as the sun increased in intensity and the blood started pumping in the veins, jackets were soon discarded. Due to the absence of hills, the leader was happy to extend the distance. A coffee break for some on the sidewalks of Point Lonsdale was a good enough reward for the extra effort. Finally, Milton made it out walking and surprised a few by the amount of spring in his step (although he did baulk at climbing down a few rocks at Buckley's Cave. The return journey followed the bike path across The Narrows instead of the beach so the going was a little easier. Lunch in the park at Queenscliff overlooking the bay was a pleasant end to a great day out.Photos
Walk No. 15 (21 December) Fyansford-Buckley Falls-Queens Park). Distance 7.5 km.
A great day to finish the year if a little on the warm side.After a few short history lessons on the surrounding area (Monash's bridge, the Mill Cottages, Buckley Falls Mill and water race) some 23 walkers finished off with a picnic lunch overlooking Fyansford Common. The council have done a great job on landscaping the area and the addition of a new footbridge or two has created a great walk on either side of the river. Photos
Walk No. 16 (Febraury 06) St Leonards to Edwards Point and return) Distance 12km.
A longer but flatter walk to start the new year. Welcome to the Pearces and Sue Ryan and a big pat on the back to those who didn't know they could walk that sort of distance. Batesy surprised everyone including himself by completing the walk after being challenged to show his form to the rest of the group. An interesting sight was the numerous dead stingrays washed up on the beach as a result of netting by (un)professional fisherman the night before. Ted, as usual, felt the walk was too short and persuaded a few others to follow him up the garden path.Photos
Walk No. 17 (15 March 06) (Hepburn Springs Regional Park - The Blowhole). Distance 7.3 km (for most - but a further 3.0 km for the front runners who thought they knew where they were going - they walked exactly 1.53 km past the track turn-off - thankfully, mobile phone coverage was excellent in the area).
A pleasant 23 degrees C meant conditions were perfect. A record turnout of 26 walkers (even if Dave & Joan did their own walk after getting lost on their way to the start from Inverleigh). Dave's inputting of GPS coordinates into his Landrover's advanced navigation system obviously needs some improvement. A meeting with the lady from the local wildlife refuge almost got Frank's blood boiling but his shortness of breath from tackling a few hills probably saved her from a brow beating. After the missing five walkers were retrieved from their wayward path and punished with a steep climb that had them on their knees, the group finally arrived back at The Blowhole only to find the Parks people had closed the last 50 metres of the track and expected everyone to backtrack a further 1.6 km. The obstacle being quickly bypassed by a group decision to ignore the warning of unstable cliffs brought us back to the carpark and a timely end to a great walk. Just goes to prove that Vietnam veterans are capable of weighing up a situation and making their own assessment of the dangers (or lack thereof). A pleasant few hours were spent in Daylesford as the group chose a variety of eating establishments and the ladies were let loose to sample the shopping. A big welcome to Michael Byrne on his first walk and thanks to Ian who did the driving on the day. Photos
Walk No. 18 (19 April 06) (Great Otway National Park - Cape Volney. Distance 9.0 km.
The day started out very windy but with the prospect that the rain would stay away for the duration of the walk. Despite a pleasant trip down to Wattle Hill (14 km past Laver's Hill, enroute to Port Campbell), a few drops of moisture around Weeparoinah (the wettest place in Victoria) suggested it might not be plain sailing. With rain coats on for the start of the walk we headed off along the Moonlight Head road before turning south for the coast (past the very expensive Moonlight Retreat Cottages) along a section of the newly created Great Ocean Walk (Apolloa Bay to Port Campbell). The group soon warmed to the task despite a very stiff breeze and some intimidating driving by a couple of motorbike-riding farmers who felt they owned the road. I guess they are going to have to get used to seeing hundreds of walkers a year going past their front gate. We also passed a number of walkers heading for Port Campbell (they were into their fifth day of walking since leaving Apollo Bay). We soon reached the clifftops for some spectacular views of the rugged coastline. Heading downhill we began our eastward trek across numerous gullys and ridges for the next few km's. After at least six significant climbs we arrived above Cape Volney and headed north back to the Great Ocean Rd and the bus. With a mere two km's to go, the heavens opened up, the wind blew bitterly and some of our number were rueing the fact that they neglected to bring a change of clothing. Still, lessons were learnt and we were all the better for the experience. Despite the hills, the weather and the leeches (which caused a few shrieks of terror) the vote was unanimous that this was a great walk. The sense of achievement everyone felt was obvious. The leader was clearly pleased at the vote of confidence and thanks everyone for their support. A special thanks to Frank for driving on a day when the elements made driving conditions difficult. Photos
Walk No. 19 (17 May 2006) Currawong Falls Circuit Distance 12km.
An interesting walk with a steady three km's of uphill walking before a 9km downhill section. Ten walkers (the women outnumbered the men) stepped off at 10.00 am in perfect walking conditions (a bit of sunshine, a bit of a breeze and a pleasant 18 degrees C). By the top of the range and with great views over the nearby coast and the Airey's Inlet lighthouse some of the jumpers were discarded as we worked up a sweat. A big welcome to Dee & Veronica for their first walk with the group, it was probably a bit unfair to throw them straight into a 12 km walk but they finished the day in good shape. The "Walking The Otways" book had this walk down as a 4-hour walk but even with quite a few breathers we manged it in 3.5 hours. A pleasant lunch followed at the Distillery Creek picnic area. Nigel voted it one of the best walks he had done to date so I am grateful for the positive feedback. Photos
Walk No. 20 (17 June 2006) The Canyon Loop Distance 8.5km.
A welcome return to this interesting area for some and a first visit for a few others, including our latest walker (our 51st, in fact), Russell Adams from Colac. Welcome aboard Russell, hope to see you on more walks in the future. While our numbers were down a bit due to injury and travelling, we still managed a good turnout of 12 walkers. The last two kms uphill to Sheoaks from Allenvale tested a few, especially Mick H who was struggling with a bit of a head cold, but everyone made it to the pcinic area for a well deserved lunch break. Next month we will be heading back to Lake Elizabeth at Forrest, this time to do the full loop walk of 6.4 km. We had a great turnout the last time we went there over eighteen months ago and as this is a pretty special place we would hope for another big roll-up. Will get details out soon but for those on email please put it in your diary now. Photos
Walk No. 21 (19 July 2006) Lake Elizabeth Distance 6.5km.
After a 0845 departure from Geelong, a very competent driver, Mick H, got us to our starting point at Lake Elizabeth around 1000Hrs. After waiting for our Colac veteran, Russell, to arrive this hardy group of Vietnam Veterans and partners headed off up the East Barwon River at 1030. After recent heavy rain in The Otways, the river and lake had lost some of the usual clarity but it was good to see a better than average flow. The wet track had us watching our step but the air was fresh and the forest smelled great. Arriving at the area know as The Beach, we were thrilled to see a platypus swimming on the surface before submerging to hunt for food. At this point a few of our group who were carrying some minor muscles strains backtracked to the start point. This left 10 of the original 17 walkers to press on to the top of the lake, cross the river and climb 200 metres over the next 800 metres up a very muddy and slippery track to the top of the ridge above the lake. Walking along the ridge track, our group had split into two with our resident greyhound, Ted, leading the pack. Of course the first group was oblivious of the walking trail arrows indicating a left turn back to the lake. After watching them disappear around the next bend I finally relented and gave them a call to backtrack to where the second group was waiting. Probably added a couple of hundred metres to their walk. The downhill section was a fair bit of fun and most of us ended up on our backside at least once. As a regular visitor to Lake Elizabeth I must say I was impressed with the work that the Parks people have done down there with the parking and camping areas. While I sometimes criticise the changes that allow even more people to access these places I felt the changes were well thought out. This was our 21st walk since we started in August 2004 and there are still thousands of great places to visit. Next month we will visit the benign flatlands of Inverleigh Common. Photos
Walk No. 22 (16 August 2006) Inverleigh Common Distance 8.3 km.
Two years to the day and the Vets Walking Group is still going strong. I said Inverleigh would be flat and I didn't hear any complaints from Anne, Mary, Lyn & John, Bernie, Sandra & Barry, Ann Marie & Mick, Robyn & Ken, Russell, Maris & Les & K9, as well as yours truly. A very good turn up considering the absence of a few regulars travelling and one or two selling badges. Anyway, depsite the stiff breeze, the sunshine and blue skies made it worth while. Of course there are always one or two who want to walk a bit further than the rest but no one was all that concerned. Considering the common is only 1300 acres in size we kinda knew they couldn't get too lost. After a pleasant lunch we stopped by the Inverleigh general store for coffee and cake and a further pleasnt 30 minutes or so chatting and watching the world go by. Next month we will check out the sights of Eastern Park, the Botanical Gardes and the Geelong waterfront. Photos
Unfortunately your scribe was busy on the day helping out at the orienteering at the Victorian Teachers Games at the You Yangs. Nevertheless he managed to turn up and hand over the maps and clues for for the day's activity which was essentially a foot rally for teams of two around Geelong's Eastern Gardens, waterfront and CBD. Despite the cool, blustery wind, the team of Maris & Les Grace managed to snare the prize of two bottles of wine for the highest score. Many thanks to Michael Byrne for leading the push on the day and for his judicious tallying of the results. Next month the walk will be around the heathland at Anglesea for the prime viewing time for wildflowers. Unless there is a total fire ban.
For a while we thought that rain was on the way but a cool wind and a few grey clouds turned out to be ideal walking weather. 12 walkers in all which turned out to be a good number with a few absentees off caravanning in the outback. Starting a short distance from the Power House the walk wound its way uphill and along wide sandy tracks. It was soon clear that the peak wildflower season was well under way and that your friendly guide had not done the necessary reconnaissance beforehand as he (read, I) soon lead every one up the garden path and under the 220 KVA transmission lines which meant an extremely steep climb to rejoin the walk at the Dusty Miller Track. Along the way we were passed by a 4WD with latercomer, Ted, who had missed the bus. Promising to catch up with us at lunch, Ted went off to do some big boy bush bashing in his red terror while we took a while to catch our breath and continue with our walk.Once back at the bus, ably driven by our colleague, Mick Hoare, we took a quick diversion to the open-cut mine lookout before heading on down into Anglesea for lunch by the river and to share some birthday cake with Barry (18/10) and Mick (17/10). Next month it is back to the You Yangs (for an easier walk than last time - on the third Wednesday of the month as usual - or 16 Nov for the uninitiated). photos
This was our first cancellation in two years after an unusual burst of extreme Antartic weather and sleet on Flinders Peak
What a great turn-out for our Christmas walk. 27 walkers in all tackled a fairly easy stroll along the river to Queens park and return before adjourning to the Fyansford hotel for a Christmas lunch. Pleasant company, good food at a very reasonable cost and the chance to acknowledge the good work of everyone who supported the walks throughout the year made for a fitting end to the year. photos coming soon
A good start to our walking season with 12 walkers turning out for an interesting walk through the lower slopes of an extremely dry You Yangs. No complaints this time that the track was too rough although a bit of bush bashing towards the end was done to ensure everyone felt they had been off-track, if only for 800 metres or so. A pleasant picnic lunch followed close by Big Rock before we went our separate ways. Next month we will do the Currawong circuit at Aireys Inlet. Distance is around 12 km but on a walking path all the way. Lunch will be at the Distillery Creek picnic area while coffee can be had at Maid Marions at Anglesea on the way home. photos coming soon
A good turn out of around 10 walkers strolled the beach from St Leonards to Edwards Point and back. The weather was kind, the sea was a picture with lots of yachts about and we finished with lunch in the park at St Leonards.
Unfortunately our leader was in Brisbane but he has promised a make-up for this missed walk
This was our marathon walk (plus make-up for last month) for the year with eight hardy walkers tackling the sandy tracks of the Carlisle State park with about four or five significant climbs thrown in for good measure. After solid overnight rain it was sunshine and the fresh smell of eucalyptus leaves that greeted us on the drive down to Gellibrand River. After a dodgy start when the leader tried a shortcut that didn't work we decided to do the circuit in reverse heading up Cricket Pitch Rd then right onto the strangely named Peppermint Parade before stopping for lunch at the intersection with Boggy Creek Track. Great views of the main ridge of The Otways to the south and fertile farming land west to Carlisle River. The hill to beat all hills greeted us as we started back (110 m of climb in 700 m) which lead to another break at the top. After that it was almost down hill all the way to the finish. Coffee and cake in Gellibrand and a pleasant trip back to Geelong. Thanks to Aivar, Mick & Anne Marie, Mick & Deirdre, Sue Harrison, Ted Gray and Russell Adams (who joined us from Colac) for the good company.
A breezy, occasionally sunny day for a walk along the cliff tops between Torquay and Bells Beach. Thirteen walkers managed to part the storm clouds that continually threatened while the chance discovery of a set of car keys created a bit of interest. Eventually the decision was made to put them on the post next to where they were found thinking that whoever lost them couldn't help but notice them if they came looking. By the time we made Bell's Beach we were surprised to be asked by a YL if we had seen a set of car keys. After telling her where we had left them we were surprised to see them still there on our way back so we dropped them off at the Torquay Police Station (the driver had already reported the loss). Although a phone number was left we didn't manage to receive a thank-you.
Despite the cancellation a number of our regular walkers turned up the next day for a round of golf at Inverleigh in glorious winter sunshine. Not a lot of walking done as they only managed 9 holes and about three k's of flat terrain but the good intentions were there. photos
Once again, beautiful winter sunshine and a brisk breeze was the perfect setting for a walk up the gorge. A well made track made the going fairly easy for the sixteen walkers. The bush is slowly recovering in the Brisbane Ranges after the devastating fires but it will clearly be some years before the ground cover is restored. Jill Russell (latest 4-legged child of Frank & Dorothy) put in her first appearance although I kept looking out for the Parks people who would have fined the owners had they caught them. photos
On a very windy day a small but enthusiastic group of 10 walkers set off from the old Chinese diggings in the Enfield State Forest at Surface Point for a leisurely stroll up Misery Creek before crossing the ridge and returning via Long Gully. The weather was perfect for bushwalking with the breeze keeping the temperature down to an acceptable level. We were back at the start point by 1.00pm and then headed down to Les & Glenyce's bush block at Dereel for a barbeque lunch. A really relaxing and enjoyable day. Some of us returned via Mt Mercer and Meredith to check out the location of Bamgabie State Forest. photos