​Easy Walks  has developed into three interchangeable groups ... the Gentle Amblers; the
Medium Pacers and the Brisk Walkers, titles for this report!  This meets the varying
abilities and the interests of members plus the current COVID19 distance regulations.

On a sunny winter’s morning on Wednesday 29 July, 15 members,walked varying distances, with the Medium Pacers and Brisk Walkers walking on the track from the Dam Wall to and around The Hub at Winton Wetlands.  The Gentle Amblers walked along part of the track and the woodland area by The Hub. All walkers experienced the striking, stark landscape, history of the area and the Wetlands ecosystem.

​Thank you to the leaders, Wendy, Lyn and Glen and to members who contribute in many
ways. Suggestions invited for the name of our present U3A title, Easy Walks and the 3
walking groups?
​
Margaret Walshe

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson and Wendy Sturgess

‘A day out of the box’ greeted 13 walkers who travelled to the township of Dookie on July 15th to walk the 4 km rail trail walk from the township towards Katandra.  The beautiful sunny day highlighted the healthy crops, the pretty township and it’s historic church on the hill.

Two separate groups followed the trail with its explanatory sign boards.  

​The first group completed 3.5 kms of the trail, then returned via Saddleback Road which allowed closer viewing of St Mary’s Church on the hill behind the town.  

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson, Wendy Sturgess

​The second group (or 'Gentle Amblers') completed a shorter stage of the trail, then returned back the way they had come.

Photographs:  Meg Dillon, Fujii Kyohei, Andi Stevenson, Wendy Sturgess, Marg Walshe

​"It is wonderful to have so many people contributing to these walks by taking photos, offering to take small groups and assisting in so many ways ... a team effort."   Marg Walshe

Helen Malone, prepared a very interesting and diverse morning walk in early July for 17 happy members in three separate groups. Then, in the early afternoon, Helen arranged the opening of the Museum and a walk around the Southern Aurora Memorial Garden. In total, a walk of just under 8 km walk recorded by Andi Stevenson GPS.

​The Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track Loop meanders along both sides of the Creek, with signage and monuments describing historic and past events. The associated features - seating, footbridges, signs and landscaping are a Violet Town community initiative. Over 80 species of birds have been identified including the locally endangered Grey Crowned Babbler, The observant members discovered two Grey Crowned Babbler nests in a tree along the creek and a resident excitedly showed us a nest in her garden.

Shadforth Reserve gave us another taste of nature; once an 18 hole golf course, cricket field and a one mile horse training circuit, now also popular with walkers. The areas of remnant indigenous plants are complimented by the Community Forest with initial plantings in 2007 within the racetrack providing habitat for birdlife including the endangered Grey Crowned Babbler.

Following a BYO lunch, Helen walked us through the productive and colourful Mary’s Community Garden to the Museum, once a blacksmith, hardware supplies and an undertaker business. We appreciate Brian and John opening the building for our visit and for sharing their extensive knowledge from Major Thomas Mitchell camping by the creek in 1836 to the present day plus the displays.

The nearby Southern Aurora Memorial Garden was a poignant reminder of this train disaster on 7 February 1969. In true country spirit, local people flocked to the scene to help and support the nine who died and over one hundred passengers and crew injured.

Thank you to Wendy Sturgess for taking a group on a shorter walk.

U3A Easy Walkers appreciate the effort by Helen Malone in providing our fellow members with a very informative and varied outing to Violet Town on a pleasant winter’s day.

​Margaret Walshe 

Photographs:  Wendy Sturgess, Andi Stevenson, Margaret Walshe

Wednesday, 1 July 2020 - Violet Town

Helen Malone is preparing an interesting walk along the Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track and the Heritage Trail around the oldest surveyed inland town in Victoria followed by BYO lunch. Please confirm your attendance by Monday, 29 June ‘20 with Margaret Walshe 57623906/0427005202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com. Meet at the carpark behind the Seniors Complex, Fawkner Drive, Benalla at 9.45am for 10am departure.

​Wednesday 15 July 2020 - Dookie Rail Trail

On Wednesday 15th July (3rd Wednesday) we will explore the Dookie Rail Trail.   Attendees need to bring their own lunch to have at the conclusion of the walk as the pub is not open for lunch on that day.   Please notify Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 (leave a message if necessary) or email wendes47@bigpond.com no later than Friday 10 July if you would like to attend as there will be a limit on numbers. Meet at the Senior/U3A Car Park at 9.45 am for a 10 am departure.  

Wednesday 29 July ‘20 - Winton Wetlands #1

Winton Wetlands is the largest restoration project in the Southern Hemisphere! On Wednesday 29 July (5th Wednesday) two groups will be walking from the Dam Wall to the Mokoan Hub.  Lyn Hawken and Margaret Walshe will take two groups of 10, maximum 20 walkers from the Dam Wall to The Hub, distance 5½ to 6½ kms, car shuttle required.

​Wendy Sturgess has offered to take other walkers on a shorter walk around The Hub including The Woodland Walk.

There is interpretative signage explaining the history and features of the area along the tracks. As the tracks will be wet, wear appropriate footwear, walking poles maybe applicable. For further information go to: www.wintonwetlands.org.au

Lunch will be BYO or purchase a hot take-away from The Hub Cafe; further details when COVID19 Restrictions are known.  Meet at Seniors/U3A carpark 9.45am for departure at 10am.  Participants please contact Margaret Walshe by Monday, 27 July ‘20 ph: 0357623906/0427005202 or mwalshe20@gmail.com

Wednesday 5 July '20 - Winton Wetlands #2

​On Wednesday, 5 August ‘20 (1st Wednesday)  the plan is to walk another part of the Winton Wetlands Trail, this time from Benalla out to the Yarrawonga Road. Meet at Seniors/U3A carpark 9.45am for departure at 10.00 am. Please notify Wendy Sturgess on 0403226649 (leave a message if necessary) or email wendes47@bigpond.com no later than Friday 31 July if you would like to attend as there will be a limit on numbers. 

Wendy Sturgess and Margaret Walshe