​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

These photographs were taken by Fujiie during the Warby-Ovens National Park walk on 5th May 2021. Thank you Fujiie, for taking such atmospheric photographs. ​

​Coming up on Wednesday 5 May, the Pangarang Lookout Walk and Pine Gully Nature Trail  in the Warby-Ovens National Park will offer members an “ambler” or “rambler” option.  The Pangarang Lookout walk of 4.5km return, offers panoramic views to the west over farmland and floodplain.  The formed track has a gentle slope with some low obstacles, becoming moderately steep towards the end.

Amblers preferring a more easy-going option will take the 2km loop of the Pine Gully Nature Trail, with the Pine Gully Falls seen from the viewing platform.  Both groups will reunite at Pine Gully for a picnic lunch.

Walkers are strongly encouraged to bring a walking stick or pole for both walks, which are rocky in places.

Please confirm your attendance by Monday 3rd May with Glenys Chessells 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com.  Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen if needed, picnic lunch and a drink, and consider a walking stick or pole(s)

Meet at the Seniors’ Complex, Fawckner Drive carpark 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.  Please also add convenors’ numbers to your mobile.  Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs.
​
Glen Chessells and Julie McNeill

A rock formation depicting the date 1961 created some interest thanks to Rupe, who noticed it appeared the same when viewed from each side.  Andi later discovered it was the date a fire tower had been erected there.  The return walk to the Beechworth-Chiltern Road was a little slower as it was quite a hot day.

We then drove to Woolshed Falls for lunch and concluded our day by walking to the viewing platform high above the falls and then down onto the rocks below, where many people were paddling and walking across the falls.

We thanked Fujiie for leading this walk, for his planning and for alerting many of us to the existence of this lovely park. 

​Glen Chessells

Wednesday 3rd March saw an enthusiastic group of nineteen amblers and ramblers setting off
for Beechworth’s Lake Sambell. It was great to see some new members in the group,

Everyone enjoyed a relaxed walk of about six kilometres along the Lake, then turning onto the
Murray-Mountains Trail and ending on the Gorge Road at Newtown Falls.  Despite the recent
lack of rain, the Falls made a lovely splashing backdrop to our walk along the Gorge Rd,and
members marvelled at the work of the miners who had dug and blasted their way through the
landscape in the gold era.

We looped around and returned via the sculpture trail, with members pacing out the labyrinth,
and enjoyed a picnic lunch by the Lake.

April’s Mt Pilot walk will be slightly more challenging, but equally enjoyable.

Andi put together a great post on Facebook which included these photos. It surpassed our goal for number of likes for a Facebook post of 15, with 17 Likes at last viewing!

Andi noted that  that "Of that lovely Beechworth walk, the GPS says, "Having cut off the wandering at Sambell Lake for lunch, made the walk 5.9km. 1 hour 47 minutes.  Walking the labyrinth was about 114 metres. Not that my GPS is precise enough to show the pattern!   

​The Easy Walks 2021 program commences Wednesday 3rd March.

Wednesday 3rd March 2021, Beechworth: Lake Sambell along Murray-Mountains trail to Newtown Falls.

This walk will commence at the Lake Sambell picnic area.  The trail winds past the Chinese Gardens and the old railway station, with a break to observe historic Newtown Bridge and waterfall.  The return walk includes the sculpture garden and labyrinth, before a picnic lunch at Lake Sambell.

Please confirm your attendance by Monday 1st March with Julie McNeill 0407823031 or juliemcneill55@gmail.com.  Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, picnic lunch and a drink.  Meet at the Seniors’ Complex, Fawkner Drive carpark at 9.15am.

If new members are unsure of their ability for these walks, please check with the convenors.  Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs.

​Julie McNeill  0407 823 031
Glen Chessells  0431 201 077

"Here are my ramblings based on somewhat hazy recollections of yesterday’s end of year lunch at Baileys...  Ian"

Blue and green, bright and airy …. and warm.  A sunny summer’s afternoon on the tranquil garden lawns of Baileys winery.  This carefully kept, tastefully restored late-nineteenth century winery on the western slopes of the Warby Ranges is a real gem of this region. 

We were given a tour of some of the property – sincere thanks to our guide Ken Dosser – where the worker’s cottages sparked some family memories amongst the group.  Heading over to the forge we passed a curious roofless building, or perhaps an enclosure, with two low doors but nobody knows what it was for.  It is starting to intrigue me.  The forge itself is home to the largest hand-operated grinding wheel I have ever seen along with the usual, albeit aged, artifacts of a rural station workshop.  The Reception Room in the Clydesdale Stables was an innovative modernization with its chandeliers and (imagined) red carpet whilst the cool room was an 18° haven for learning about oval vats and round barrels but especially about their contents. 

Sitting in the lovely gardens following our tour we enjoyed totally organic food from the wood-fired pizza oven and many of us (we were 17 happy walkers and friends but without 6 others who were unable to attend) indulged in a glass or two of wine from what is perhaps the largest organic vineyard in the Southern Hemisphere.  Friendly staff, good company and engaging conversation are the perfect ingredients for such an entertaining and relaxing lunch.  We look forward to more escapes and escapades next year!

​Ian Maver 

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson 

U3A Walkers End of Year Gathering
Baileys Winery, Glenrowan
Friday 4 December 2020
Meet at the Seniors Community Centre Car Park at 11 am. ​

Margaret Walshe 

​'Amblers' ... ​Report by Ian Maver "on the experience of this slow walker:"

On this, the occasion of our last walk for the year, we Amblers were indistinguishable from the sprightly Ramblers as we all assembled at the site of the Australian Botanic Gardens in Shepparton.  Here on a fine sunny day we enjoyed a “new generation botanical experience”. Roused by encouraging words from our fearless leaders we set out for the very summit of Honeysuckle Rise. The views across the Goulburn Valley and on towards the distant ranges from this lookout were well worth the effort and we were treated to the themed Residence and Refugee Gardens as we passed along the way.  Workers could be seen developing the Terrace Garden site at the far end of Honeysuckle Rise. No oxygen was required during the ascent. From here the groups began to scatter going down the zig zag path towards the billabong, the Goulburn River, the wetlands and the surrounding native forest.  My path took me past the Weaving Garden along the Billabong Walk and out to the delightful Children’s Garden with its splendid abstract metal structures and a curious little hut.  It is inspiring to be able to meander within such a peaceful area, previously a landfill tip,  that now celebrates the glories of nature and the ambitions of a caring mankind.
​
Lunch at the Billabong Garden Complex and Kitchen Café was a splendid conclusion to the day’s outing.
 
Ian Maver
‘Amblers’

'Ramblers' report by Julie McNeill

​Wednesday November 18th saw the walking group set off early for a visit to the Australian Botanic Gardens at Shepparton, with a rest break at Victoria Lake to regroup and check our directions. The Gardens, regenerated from the old Kialla landfill, are an amazing insight into the use of previously waste land, owing their design and planting in part to auspicing by the Australian Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne, and also to an active Friends group.
 
There were a variety of walking trails both on the flat and towards the summit, and both the Amblers and Ramblers tackled the challenge of the lookout, being rewarded with 360’ views across the Goulburn Valley.  Intriguing formal themed gardens, well stocked with indigenous plants, cascade down to the billabong and the Weaving and Children’s gardens.  After spending over an hour exploring, our group of 14 retreated to lunch under the wisteria at the locally run Billabong cafe and nursery.
 
The Friends’ Facebook page, Friends of the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton,is a great introduction to the activities and sights at the Gardens.
 
Julie McNeill
"Ramblers"

Finally, on the dining side of things, some photos of lunch at the Billabong Garden Complex and Kitchen Cafe, and advance notice of the End of Year Gathering...

U3A Walkers End of Year Gathering
Baileys Winery, Glenrowan
Friday, 4 December 2020
Further details will be forwarded to members as they become available

​Margaret Walshe

Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton - “ A new generation botanical experience. The former landfill is being generated into a showcase of Australian native plants amongst distinct themed gardens and bush land that celebrates the history and diversity of the region”. As there is so much to explore about these gardens, google/safari Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton.

There are a variety of walking trails suitable for all abilities and interests. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, snack, hat and if the forecast is for a sunny morning, it is suggested bring your “parasol” as there is no cover or shade on Honeysuckle Rise with views across the countryside.

Participants please meet at the Seniors/U3A Benalla car park at 8 am for 8.15 am departure.

Lunch: Billabong Garden Complex and Kitchen Cafe, Shepparton Again this complex has much to offer and provides supported employment opportunities for local people with a disability.

Further information and cafe menu, google/safari Billabong Garden Complex and Kitchen Cafe Shepparton.

Members wishing to join us on this walk and lunch, please contact Margaret Walshe on mwalshe20@gmail.com or 0427005202/57623906 by Monday, 16 November ‘20.

Thanks go to Julie and Helen for their input into preparing this walk and lunch location.

We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, 18 November 2020. Margaret Walshe

Photographs:  Ian Maver

Report by Ian Maver on "the experience of this slow walker:

"Well, this was an adventure….

After meeting together in Rotary Park, we “Amblers” parted from the “Ramblers” and headed along Barwidgee Creek to our first stop under the Great Alpine Road bridge.  We were in search of ceramic tiles made by two ladies of the town and whimsically placed on trees and rocks (and the underside of this bridge!) all along the footpath.  Here there was a collection of ducks and frogs and all manner of under-bridge dwellers.  Walking on a well-made track along the banks of the Ovens River - which was gloriously full and flowing vigorously - we found wallabies and ants, echidnas and birds, snakes and abstract arts and even little doors at the base of some trees. All ceramics of course. Many of the trees had bird boxes on their trunks and there were occasional glimpses across the paddocks back to town and forward to the high country ahead.  What a delight for visitors, young and old alike.  The natural peace and quiet of our river walk was occasionally enlivened with bird song and dog walkers and lunchtime joggers, all very welcome, and of course, the sounds of cheerful chatter within our group.  About 2km along the track, at Apex Park, we met up briefly with the Ramblers before they charged off again and we turned around and headed back at an even more leisurely pace than before to our lunch stop beside the historic log tobacco kiln in Rotary Park.  A splendid day’s outing.”

​Ian Maver

More photographs from Margaret Walshe...

Photographs:  Margaret Walshe

​As the “Amblers” turned right to study the mosaics under the Barwidgee Creek bridge, the “ Ramblers” bounced across the swing bridge and set off on the 2km track along the Ovens, enjoying the sounds of the birds and the rushing water, and keeping an eye out for mosaics hidden on rocks and tree routes.  At Apex Park we stopped for a morning tea break and admired the painted walls of the amenities-birds, mountains and trees covered every wall.  But we needed to move on before the Amblers caught up, so set off to connect with the Rail Trail and do a circuit of the town.  Along the way, we found mosaic balloons floating up an old brick wall, and we also spent some time studying  both the Big Tree, an ancient red gum, and the Phoenix tree.

With about 5km under our belts we returned under the Barwidgee Bridge for more mosaics, and enjoyed lunch under the trees with the Amblers.  The rain kindly held off all day.
​
The Myrtleford Mosaic Trail has both an active Facebook page, and a website, myrtlefordmosaictrail.com.au. It is a great way of adding interest to a walk for young and old.
 
Julie McNeill