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Photo Gallery - May - 'Jamieson in Autumn'

11/5/2022

 
"Today's U3A Easy Walk was a lovely, leisurely late Autumn stroll beside the Goulburn and Jamieson Rivers, followed by an interesting walking tour of the streets and historic cottages (most now Home Stays) of the little town of Jamieson. During lunch beside the River we were serenaded by the hard working Leaf Blowers of the Mansfield Council. We suspected the imminent cool change would undo all their diligent work. A coffee stop at Mansfield Coffee Merchant on the way home was a fitting end to an enjoyable outing in a picturesque region not far (100kms) from home."   Bev Thornell, Facebook post, 5 May 2022.
Thank you so much to Andi Stevenson and Bev Thornell for the beautiful photographs!  You can check out these photos and more about the day on our Facebook page.

April - Cremona Bridge; coming up - Jamieson, then Shepparton

25/4/2022

 
April - Cremona Bridge
 
With the threatened rain holding off, seventeen walkers set out from the former Cathkin Railway Station for the much anticipated Cremona Bridge. This is an early design of Sir John Monash, and there was much discussion of the history and construction-thank you, Andi, for providing us with newspaper articles and other documents from Trove!

Enjoying morning tea and a lovely view over the Goulburn at the bridge, we then returned to Yarck for lunch. The vanilla slices of the Giddy Goat cafe were especially popular.

All up, a pleasant walk of approx 6 kms, which some of us extended after lunch by a walk to the old Yarck goods siding. Thanks to Andi and to Bev for photos (see previous post), and to Andi for some excellent research!
 
Wednesday May 4th:  Jamieson
 
For this walk, Wende will be sharing her knowledge of the Jamieson and Goulburn river environs.  Walking approx 8km total,lunch will be byo picnic, although the general store may have some takeaway.

We will be ready to leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, by 9am. Please confirm with Glenys by Monday 2nd May on 0431 or gchess@hotmail.com.   Remember to bring lunch if needed,snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Wednesday 1st June: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens

We have previously explored the amazing Botanic Gardens, but on this walk, with the opening of the suspension bridge, we can walk from Victoria Lake to the gardens.  A total of approx 8kms, we will again leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9am.  Please confirm with Glen by May 30th.

Car sharing for all walks is usually available, with a small contribution.


Julie McNeill

Photo Gallery - April - Cremona Bridge and Yarck

7/4/2022

 
​"U3A Easy Walks today was ably led by Andi Stevenson, who introduced us to some of the historic sites in the beautiful Rural area of Yarck and the Great Victorian Rail Trail, which runs through the town. After checking out the restored Cathkin Rail Reserve, a short bush track led us on to to a small picnic are beside the historic Cremona Bridge, now in disrepair, which still spans the tranquil Goulburn River. Lunch at Yarck Rec. Reserve, saw most of us make a beeline over to the iconic Giddy Goat Cafe. Those still wanting to keep exploring, followed Andi back along the Rail Trail to the remains of the Station and siding shed. We returned via the Main Street of Yarck, popping into a little Bookshop, plus a longer visit to the iconic Bindi Naturals outlet, which carries a huge range of its Botanicals skincare products, as well as an excellent Cafe. We must return soon!"  Bev Thornell, Facebook, 6 April 2022
Photographs:  Bev Thornell and Andi Stevenson

Coming up - Cremona Bridge & Yarck; Jamieson

25/3/2022

 
Wednesday April 6th: Cremona Bridge and Yarck
 
We meet at 9am at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner  Dve ,for this walk, which has the Sir John Monash designed bridge as its destination, and an interesting local history. With a rest stop at Yarck, we go on to Cathkin station, walking from there to the bridge for morning tea,where Andi has arranged access to a picnic area on the Goulburn.

Lunch will be at Yarck Recreation Reserve, with both the Giddy Goat cafe and the bakery close by, or byo picnic. Total distance for the morning will be approx 6.5km with additional walks after lunch from the Reserve.

Please confirm with Glen by April 4th on 04311201077 or gchess@hotmail.com. Remember to bring lunch if needed, snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Wednesday May 4th Jamieson
 
Wende will be leading this walk exploring the Jamieson and Goulburn river environs at Jamieson. Walking approx 8kms, lunch will be byo picnic, although the general store may have some takeaway. We will again be ready to leave the Seniors’ carpark by 9am. Please confirm with Glen as above by May 2nd.
 
Car sharing is usually available for all walks, with a small contribution. 


​Julie McNeill

March - Seven Creeks Walking Track & Euroa Arboretum

6/3/2022

 
With Bev leading, fifteen enthusiastic walkers explored the Seven Creeks track and enjoyed a picnic lunch, before finishing with a stroll around the Arboretum and an encounter with a tortoise. 

​Altogether, we managed just under 8kms, deciding to omit Balmattum Hill due to the high temperature and humidity. It was a great start to our walking year--thank you, Bev!
Photographs - Bev Thornell and Andi Stevenson
​Julie McNeill

The 'lovely Seven Creeks Track' and 'historic Cremona Bridge'

26/2/2022

 
​Wednesday 2 March:  Seven Creeks Walk and Euroa Arboretum
 
Our first walk for the year will see us led by Bev along the lovely Seven Creeks track, as described in February’s newsletter. With a picnic lunch in the gardens after the 7.5km route, we will then go on to a gentle stroll through the Euroa Arboretum for those interested.
​
We meet for the day at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Drive, at 9am. Please confirm with Glenys Chessells on 0431 201 077 or gchess@hotmail.com.
 
Remember to bring a picnic lunch, snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Wednesday 6 April:  Cremona Bridge and Yarck
 
April sees us travelling a bit further from home with a walk to the historic Cremona Bridge, led by Andi. This much anticipated walk was lost to Covid lockdown last year, the bridge having an interesting local history. We will meet at 9am at the Seniors’ carpark for the drive of just over an hour. With a rest stop at Yarck, we go on to Cathkin Station, walking on from there to the bridge (pictured below) for morning tea.
Picture
​Lunch will be at Yarck Recreation Reserve, byo picnic and takeaway from the Giddy Goat available, with a further walk from the Reserve afterwards. Total distance will be approximately 6.5km.
 
Please confirm as above with Glen, by April 4th.
 
If new members are unsure of their abilities for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells or Julie McNeill 0407823031.
 
Car sharing is usually available with a small contribution to costs. Members are asked to confirm with Glen beforehand if they need transport or can provide it.
 
Julie McNeill

Coming up in March - Euroa Arboretum and Sevens Creek Walk

28/1/2022

 
A big welcome to all our new and returning walkers, as we look forward to a year hopefully more settled than 2021. Thanks to Bev for our first walk of the year, which will see us exploring all that Euroa has to offer.
.
Wednesday March 2nd: Seven Creeks Walk and Euroa Arboretum

Our morning walk of approx 7.5km will take us along the lovely Seven Creeks track, a mostly flat bush track encompassing the Seven Creeks floodplain and woodlands, with a short detour to the Balmattum Hill rotunda and views across the valley. The walk will start from the Seven Creeks park, where we will return for a picnic lunch.

This will be followed by a walk through the Euroa Arboretum, for those interested. This is a revegetated park of woodland and wetland environments, with a variety of walking tracks and picnic areas.

We will meet for the day at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Drive, at 9am. Please confirm with Glen Chessells on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com.

Remember to bring a hat, drink, and picnic lunch. Walking poles and suitable shoes are recommended.

If new members are unsure of their abilities for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells or Julie McNeill 0407823031.

Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs. Members are asked to confirm with Glen beforehand if they need transport, or can provide it.
​
Julie McNeill

End of Year Lunch at the Mokoan Hub Cafe!

5/12/2021

 
A pleasant lunch was enjoyed by all at the Mokoan Cafe, as we celebrated a mixed year-as always, some great walks and much convivial conversation, accompanied for 2021 by the constantly changing requirements of lockdown.
 
It felt great to have made it. At the end of lunch, we began planning our 2022 walks. Happily, members are stepping up to share and lead their favourite walks, so the calendar is looking promising!
 
We will recommence on the first Wednesday in March, with an as-yet mystery walk led by Bev, details to follow in February newsletter.
 
New members are always welcome--Easywalks are aimed at maintaining fitness by providing the opportunity for walks of approximately 7km, usually on defined tracks. We meet on the first Wednesday each month, and car-pooling is usually available. Convenors Glen Chessells 0431201077 and Julie McNeill 0407823031 can be contacted for further information.

​Julie McNeill

​​"The U3A Easy Walkers group met at The Hub on Wednesday 1 December for Christmas lunch.  We were happy to dine inside with the a/c cranked up. After a tasty lunch, we had an impromptu meeting to plan next year's program (touch wood). Thanks to Julie and Glen for organising this function and for being willing to continue to act as convenors of this group in 2022. (Surprisingly, there were no takers for an apres lunch walk..in 30+° heat!)"   Bev Thornell

Well, we made it!

26/11/2021

 
​​Well, we made it! In between lockdowns some varied and interesting walks, with many more planned for 2022. Our thanks to the walkers,and to the planners who shared their favourite walks with us all, and to the photographers who captured the highlights.
November Walk - Oxley to Milawa.
 
Once again, the rain radar didn’t look promising but 13 determined walkers set off for Oxley, where Wende organised the car shuttles that would bring us safely back again. We studied the details of local history while gathering at the park, and then set off on an excellent track to Milawa,4.8kms in total, walking alongside paddocks and an old mill before arriving in Milawa where we enjoyed lunch at the pretty little John Mcaleese Park behind the bakery. Fortified by lunch, another 1.8km took us to the Milawa Cheese Factory and a leisurely talk over coffee and cake. Luckily, the rain held off and we then shuttled back to Oxley and our cars, and then home.
Many thanks to Wende for suggesting the walk, and managing the mathematics of car shuttles, and Andi for the photos.
Picture
There will be no walk in December, with the group instead meeting to enjoy an end of year lunch and plan our 2022 calendar. Walks will recommence in March 2022.

New members are always welcome-Easywalks are aimed at maintaining fitness by providing the opportunity for walks of approx 7km. Tracks are usually easier and more defined than regular bushwalking but participants should be comfortable with a walk of this length-a test walk around the Lake is recommended!

Walks take place on the first Wednesday of each month,and car pooling is usually available. Convenors Glen Chessells 0431201077 or Julie McNeill 0407823031 can be contacted for further information.

Julie McNeill

Photograph - Andi Stevenson (more photos by Andi & Bev Thornell in the post below)

November - Oxley to Milawa Rail Trail

4/11/2021

 
"U3A's Easy Walks group enjoyed a lovely stroll from Oxley to Milawa, on the bike path on Wednesday 3 November. After lunch (some cheated & got theirs from the Milawa Bakery... the cauliflower pie is excellent) we headed for the Cheese Factory. Thanks to Wende for sorting out the car shuffle!"  Andi Stevenson

And thank you Andi for the photos (what great photos of the group) and report you put on FB which we've posted here!  Media team.

'Oxley to Milawa' - Bev Thornell

3/11/2021

 
"U3A Easy Walks group organised an easy 4km walk along the Rail Trail, from Oxley to Milawa. It was quite cloudy and humid, but luckily not wet. As we approached Milawa, we passed several gorgeous historic homes, nestled in rose gardens and surrounded by huge stately trees. After lunch at the Milawa Park, we continued walking to the nearby Cheese Factory/Wood Park Winery complex. Afternoon tea or a browse in the gift shops there ended an enjoyable day out. Many thanks to Wendy and Glen."  
Thanks Bev Thornell for adding this report and these lovely photos on your Facebook Page.  

As the Year Winds Down...

26/10/2021

 
And what a year it has been! Despite the blur of Covid lockdowns and restrictions, we have enjoyed some excellent walking, and can look forward to an interesting year ahead.  Christmas plans are still being finalised,and will hopefully be discussed on our November walk.  Please also remember the general U3A requirement to be double vaxed for all activities. Outdoor mask wearing looks like being optional by our November walk.
 
Wednesday 3rd November:  Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Oxley to Milawa

The group this month will take to the beautiful King Valley, starting at Oxley for a 7 km walk along a relatively flat path to Milawa for lunch.We will spread our picnic-either BYO or bakery-out in a little park behind the main street .Car shuttles will be arranged on the day, and for those looking for more exercise after a relaxing lunch, a further 2km brings us to the Milawa Cheese Company.

As always, hat, drink, sunscreen and walking poles are recommended.
We will meet at the Seniors’ Complex Carpark,Fawkner Drive at 9.15am.Please confirm attendance with Glen Chessells by Monday 1st November on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com
 
If new members are unsure of their ability for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells as above, or Julie McNeill 0407823031. Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs.
 
Julie McNeill

October - "the wetlands at Tahbilk near Nagambie"

23/10/2021

 
As the group set off for the wetlands at Tahbilk near Nagambie on Wednesday 6 October, everyone was hopeful that the glorious weather would last, as indeed it did. Upon arrival we signed in for Covid and for the walk.  Masked up and socially distanced, we walked past the National Trust-registered White Mulberry Tree and onto the track. We then crossed the Long  Bridge, hewn from timber on the property, as was the original one built in the late 1800’s.

During the 6km stroll along the paths and boardwalks, past the billabongs, backwaters and bird hides, the informative signage gave us information on the flora and fauna in different areas along with the Indigenous history and names and uses of the flora. Everyone enjoyed being out in the sunshine with good company and beautiful scenery.

One might wonder why penguins were mentioned quite a bit…let’s just say penguin and pelican both start with “p”?. Maybe we’ll never again know the ease and fluidity of the pre Covid world! Along with the pelican, black swans and white ibis were among birds spotted.

Those who finished the walk first had time to explore the winery, the underground cellars and the finished product.

The day concluded with a picnic lunch by the lake in Nagambie.
Glen Chessells.

"U3A walkers at Tahbilk wetland. And the winery, but honestly, we only went in there to sign in. And take on ballast. The weather was glorious, the wetlands were absolutely wet, the swans were kicking back, and we saw one Pelican. Or was it a penguin?

Thank you Glen Chessells for organising the drive, the 7-9km walk (some walked more at Nagambie) and for the splendid weather, however you pulled that off!"
Andi Stevenson
Fujiie Kyohei

TheTahbilk Wetlands Walk & the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, (Oxley to Milawa) in late '21, with three walks rescheduled to '22

25/9/2021

 
​The ever-changing patchwork of Covid lockdowns and easing restrictions meant that our planned September walk to Kwat Kwat lookout did not take place. On a positive note, it now means we have three interesting walks already rescheduled into 2022 and we will hopefully have a year free of interruption.
 
The remaining walks for the year are the wetlands walk at Tahbilk (October), and the rescheduled Oxley Milawa walk for November. Details of a December Christmas break up will be in the next newsletter.
 
In some good news for the month, the Warby-Ovens National Park is now an internationally recognised conservation area, one of only four Australian sites admitted to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Green List. This is a great effort by Parks Victoria and local volunteers, and reminds us what an amazing richness we have available for our walks.
 
Wednesday October 6th: Wetlands Walk, Tahbilk
 
This walk will be through the wetlands at Tahbilk in the grounds of the winery.  We will stroll along 6kms of trails and boardwalks, past billabongs and the river flats of the Goulburn.  The wetlands support a wide variety of flora and fauna.
 
Enclosed footwear must be worn, and the trails can be slippery, so consider walking poles. A gold coin donation is required at the entrance.  Please bring a picnic lunch, as the previously planned cafe is unavailable.  Please confirm with Glen Chessells by Monday October 4th on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com.
 
Meet at the Seniors’ Complex Carpark, Fawckner Drive, at 9.30am. Members are asked to confirm with Glen if they need transport or can provide it.
 
Wednesday 3rd November: Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Oxley to Milawa
 
The group this month will take to the beautiful King Valley for a Rail Trail walk.  Starting at Oxley, the walk of approx 7 kms along a relatively flat path will lead us to Milawa for lunch at one of the local cafes, Covid restrictions permitting. Car shuttles will be arranged on the day, and for those looking for more exercise after a relaxing lunch, a further 2km brings us to the Milawa Cheese Company. The walk provides an introduction to the 116km Rail Trail which winds through northeastern Victoria.
 
As always, hat, drink, sunscreen and walking poles are recommended, and we will meet at 9.15am. Please confirm attendance with Glen as above by Monday 1st November, also check to confirm lunch arrangements.
 
If new members are unsure of their ability for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells as above, or Julie McNeill 0407823031.  Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs.
 
Julie McNeill
Picture
Cremona Bridge 
(The Cremona Bridge Walk is one of three walks rescheduled to 2022)

"Covid continues to play havoc with our scheduled walks"

27/8/2021

 
​Covid continues to play havoc with our scheduled walks. Both the Cremona Bridge walk, planned for August, and the Friends Track/ Kwat Kwat Lookout walk, intended for September, will be rescheduled for 2022. The convenors would like to thank everyone involved in planning both walks, which generally includes mapping, discussion and a reconnaissance walk. For those not familiar with the Friends’ Track, here is a photo to look forward to for 2022!
Picture
August Report:  Reef Hills - Wednesday August 4th
 
This was a late substitution for the much anticipated Cremona Bridge walk, due to persistent rain and Covid restrictions. Luckily the rain held off for the morning and twelve intrepid, and masked, walkers made their way through the Reef Hills tracks.Much wattle, and some wildflowers and interesting fungi made it a very enjoyable walk, and historical commentary from Rupert and others added to our interest. We had a picnic lunch, and managed to complete a very pleasant morning before the rain started again.  (See Andi's photos on previous posts).
 
September - Cancelled: Warby Ovens National Park, Friends Track/Kwat Kwat Lookout: Wednesday September 1st - this walk has been cancelled due to lockdown.
 
October - Looking ahead:  Wetlands Walk, Tahbilk - Wednesday October 6th:
 
This walk will be through the wetlands at Tahbilk in the grounds of the winery. We will stroll along 6kms of trails and boardwalks, past billabongs and river Flats of the Goulburn River. The wetlands supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Enclosed footwear must be worn, and the trails can be slippery if there has been rain, so consider walking poles. A gold coin donation is required at the entrance.

Lunch will be at an eatery in Nagambie.

Please confirm attendance with Glen Chessells by Monday October 4th on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com
​

Meet at the Seniors’ Complex Carpark at 9.30am, Fawckner Drive.Members are asked to confirm with Glen if the need transport, or can provide 


​Julie McNeill

August - 'a nice ramble through Reef Hills' ...Andi's photos

9/8/2021

 
The U3A Easy Walk in August was a nice ramble through Reef Hills. Some sunshine, no rain, and a brisk walk kept us warm. The wattles are just coming into flower, very beautiful
Picture
"An old mine now with a wet bottom. The rocks are an ancient mudstone, if I remember Rupe correctly."
Picture
"Green-hood orchids, found by a knowing navigator who had found them in that off-track spot before."
Picture
"Spiders? Aliens? The bush is wearing a mask?"
Thanks, Andi.

A 'Covid adjustment' - a local walk at Reef Hills on 4 August

2/8/2021

 
With changes to Covid regulations we have decided to substitute a local walk in August – hence the decision to shift the August 4th walk to Reef Hills.  The Cremona Bridge walk will be rescheduled to later in the year.

Please confirm attendance with Glen Chessells by Monday 2nd August on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com.

Remember to bring a hat, drink, snack and picnic lunch. Walking poles and hiking shoes are recommended. 

Meet at the Seniors’ Complex Carpark, Fawckner Drive at 9.15am for a 9.30 start.  Members are asked to confirm with Glen if they need transport, or if they can provide it.

Julie McNeill

Planning ahead - Warby Ovens National Park, Friends Track

27/7/2021

 
Our spring walk on ​Wednesday September 1st at the Warby Ovens National Park, Friends Track starts at Wenham’s Camp and leads to Kwat Kwat Lookout with excellent views across the Ovens Valley to the Victorian Alps. We will then complete the circuit along the Friends’ Track -distance 5-6km.

The undulating, at times rocky track passes by spring wildflowers,Austral grass trees and forested granite hills. As conditions can be slippery and rough,sturdy footwear and walking poles are recommended.

Please confirm attendance with Glen Chessells as above.Lunch will be a BYO picnic at Wenham’s Camp.

If new members are uncertain of their ability for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells as above or Julie McNeill 0407823031
__________________________________

Walkers please note:  the Oxley Milawa Rail Trail walk cancelled in June due to Covid will now take place in November. Further details in September newsletter.

Julie McNeill

August - Cremona Bridge on Goulburn River

27/7/2021

 
Our August walk on Wednesday August 4th: 'Cremona Bridge on the Goulburn River' will take us to Yarck for a walk to the historic, John Monash designed, Cremona Bridge.  Built in 1913, the bridge was intended to link a soldier settlement area to transport but had a troubled history and has been unusable for many years.

We will have a rest stop at Yarck, and then drive a short way further to our starting point for the walk out to the bridge, which will be a distance of 5-6km return and include an easy ambler option. We will return to Yarck for a BYO picnic lunch, although there will also be cafe options (and a bookshop!) in  Yarck.

Please confirm attendance with Glen Chessells by Monday 2nd August on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com.

Remember to bring a hat, drink, snack and picnic lunch. Walking poles and hiking shoes are recommended as the ground is uneven in places. Meet at the Seniors’ Complex Carpark, Fawckner Drive at 9.15am. Detailed directions will be provided. 

Carsharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs. Members are asked to confirm with Glen beforehand if they need transport, or can provide it.

Julie McNeill

"Braving frosty weather we headed out on the Dookie Rail Trail"

25/7/2021

 
Picture
On July 7th, 14 walkers braved the frosty weather and headed out on the Dookie Rail Trail. Commencing at the CWA Gardens in the centre of town, we followed the well signposted trail in a loop around former settlements and rolling hills. It was hard to imagine that the quiet paddocks surrounding us had once been dotted with thriving villages, including Cashel, once thought to rival Benalla in potential.

A highlight of the walk was the visit to the beautiful, privately owned Chateau at the heart of the old wine growing district. All up, it was an enjoyable 9 kms and we were happy to sit down to our picnic lunch at Dookie!
​
Our thanks to Helen for her detailed organisation, and to Brian for an informative and interesting commentary on local history.

Glen and Julie
Check out previous post for more photos!

First photos from the Dookie mystery walk!

16/7/2021

 
"Wednesday's U3A Easy Walks tackled a 9km walk along the Dookie Rail Trail, detouring to explore the grounds of The stately Chateau and then returning via a gravel road passing the grand old Catholic Church. Lunch was enjoyed in the Dookie Park. Thanks Helen and Glenys for organising this outing."
From Bev Thornell's post on U3A's Facebook Page, July 11 2021.  Thanks, Bev.

Coming up on Wednesday 7th July - Mystery walk, Dookie

26/6/2021

 
Walkers please note: convenors are currently looking at dates to reschedule the Oxley-Milawa Rail Trail walk delayed in June by the COVID lockdown. Please check the August newsletter for an update.
 
Wednesday July 7th:Mystery walk, Dookie
 
This will be a walk of approx 7-8km with a shorter option for amblers, along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Helen has arranged a visit to an interesting mystery destination on the way! We will start and finish the walk in the gardens at Dookie,where there are picnic shelters and toilets, and then follow a loop along the trail. BYO picnic lunch.

Please confirm your attendance by Monday 5th July with Glenys Chessell 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com

Remember to bring a hat, drink, snack and picnic lunch, plus walking poles if preferred.Meet at the Seniors’ Complex  Carpark, Fawckner Drive at 9.15am. Detailed directions will be provided at carpark.

If new members are unsure of their ability for these walks,please check with convenors Glen Chessells as above, or Julie McNeill 0407823031, juliemcneill@gmail.com.

Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs. Members are asked to confirm with Glen beforehand if they need transport, or can provide it.

​Julie McNeill

Coming Up on Wednesday 7th July, Mystery Walk, Dookie

29/5/2021

 
In July the group will be exploring the many possibilities at Dookie, with a planned walk of approx 7km. The group completed an enjoyable rail trail walk there in July 2020, and will include options for both ramblers on a longer walk, and the more relaxed amblers. BYO picnic lunch.
 
Please confirm your attendance by Monday 5th July with Glenys Chessells 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com

Remember to bring a hat, a drink, snack and walking poles if preferred.Meet at the Seniors’ Complex Carpark, Fawckner Dave at 9.15am.

Detailed directions will be provided at the carpark.

If new members are unsure of their ability for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells as above, or Julie McNeill 0407823031,juliemcneill55@gmail.com.

Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs.

Julie McNeill 

To be rescheduled, Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, Oxley to Milawa

29/5/2021

 
On Wednesday 2 June the group was scheduled to take  take to the beautiful King Valley for a walk along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail. Starting at Oxley, the walk of approx 7kms along a relatively flat path was planned to lead us to Milawa for lunch at one of the local cafes. This walk will need to be rescheduled because of the Co-Vid Lockdown from 28 May to 3rd June inlclusive. 
 
​Julie McNeill

May - Pangerang Lookout/Pine Gully Nature Train Report

28/5/2021

 
On May 5, an ideal day to walk amongst nature, 13 walkers headed for the Pangerang Lookout.  Setting off on a rather sandy track,it was an easy walk on a gentle slope.  This then gave way to a rockier terrain with bristle cone wattles among the other vegetation.  As we approached the summit, we navigated more twists and turns around rocky outcrops and shrubland.  Wonderful views over farmland and flood plains awaited us.  We returned along the same route--a distance of 4.5km-before driving to Pine Gully to meet the rest of the group and have lunch.

Ian Maver adds for the smaller ambler group: A spirited group of 5 amblers met up at the Pine Gully picnic area and followed the western branch of a trail that leads down to a lookout above the (dry) Pine Gully Falls.   The group then decided to follow the track returning on the eastern side of the creek,reading the many information boards installed along the way.  The walking trail is quite well maintained,winding through large stands of mature and seedling pine trees, but the mosses and lichens abounding along the creek would have made slippery going after rain.

Joining the Pangerang group for lunch and a chat, we agreed it was another splendid day’s outing.

Thank you to Lyn Hawken for an admirable job in leading this walk.
​​Julie McNeill
Photographs:  Julie McNeill, Bev Thornell.  Also see Fujiie's wonderful photos in previous post.  
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    About Easy Walks

    Easy Walks are aimed at maintaining fitness by introducing people to bushwalking and giving previous bushwalkers the opportunity to continue bushwalking on shorter, easier and well defined tracks. Walks will
    be approximately 5 - 7 kms without a lot of climbing, usually within an hour’s drive of Benalla. Participants will require sturdy shoes & be able to carry a backpack containing snack, lunch, adequate water, water-proof jacket, and personal items. Members are asked to notify walk leaders of
    attendance at least 3 days prior to the walk to enable carpooling,travel costs, and other arrangements. 

    Convenors and contact details

    Picture
    Julie McNeill 0407 832 031 
    Picture
    Glen Chessells 0431 201 077  

    Meeting times

    1st Wednesday - 9:00/10:00 start - All Day - from March
    Easy Walks are held on the first Wednesday of the month 
    recommenc-ing in March 2022 and leave from the carpark behind the Seniors Complex (U3A), Fawckner Drive, Benalla.  Meeting times are usually around 9-10am depending on the season and weather conditions or as deter-mined by the walk leader.  Check the monthly U3A Newsletter and confirm any details with the walk leader.

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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