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

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

​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.

​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

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

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

​​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.

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

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

"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

​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

​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!

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

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

Thanks, Andi.

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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

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