​​September report: Murray River Walk, Corowa
 
In a week of storms and high winds, our ten walkers managed to find the one calm sunny day and enjoyed a pleasant walk along the Murray from Bangerang Park at Corowa. Crossing into Wahgunyah, we explored the Willows Reserve trail and did some bird spotting before returning to a picnic lunch at the park. Completing about 6km, it was a welcome break from the previous bleak weather!

Wednesday October 2nd: Reef Hills Wildflowers
 
Closer to home this month, we will ramble through the many trails at Reef Hills looking for wildflowers and traces of local history. BYO picnic lunch.
 
Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve to leave at 9.30am with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected].
 
Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday November 6th: Milawa Rail Trail
 
For our last walk of the year, we will set out from John McAleese Park at Milawa and head towards the historic Oxley Flour Mill.  Turning back shortly before Oxley, we will return to a picnic at Milawa, either BYO or from one of the local cafes.
 
We will leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am as usual, confirmation to Julie as above.
 
And finally, our Christmas lunch will be on Wednesday 4th December at the Goorambat Hotel--further details in next newsletter.
 
Julie McNeill

​Our first walk for 2023 saw twenty one enthusiastic walkers meet at Bangerang Park in Corowa and set off onto the Willows Reserve trail along the Murray.  Crossing the bridge into Wahgunyah there were several signs outlining the rich history of the two towns, and despite signs of last year’s floods both the track and the river were in beautiful condition.  Our 6.3km walk (thank you, Andi!) gave us an appetite for lunch and a cool drink which we had at Rutherglen’s Lake Anders.  A capsizing picnic table and a walk around the Lake sculptures completed our day, which our group rounded off with some excellent and refreshing gelati. Thanks to Glen for meticulous planning and maps for this walk!

 Wednesday April 5th:  Myrtleford Mosaic Trail and Rail Trail

This date was originally scheduled for a walk at Merrijig, however after completing a quick recce for the intended Plain Creek loop walk today (Thursday 30 March), I have decided it is not safe enough for our large group after recent rain, and with more forecast for Wednesday. The track is beautiful, but single file, quite muddy and covered with slippery bark and leaves-better delayed for dry weather!

Instead, we will return to the Myrtleford Mosaic Trail, this time starting at Apex Park, walking along the Ovens and crossing Barwidgee Creek to the Rail Trail.  While Gapsted Winery might be a bit too far along the trail, we should see some lovely autumn colours, returning for a picnic lunch at Apex Park and completing about 7km in total.
 
We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9 am. Please confirm with Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected].
 
Remember a hat, drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday May 3rd: Lake Sambell, Beechworth
 
This is a lovely town walk of about 6km, taking in Beechworth’s autumn colours. Starting at the Lake Sambell picnic area, we will walk towards the Chinese Gardens and along the sculpture trail under avenues of autumn toned trees. Walking part of the Lake to Lake trail, we will then return around Lake Sambell for a picnic lunch. After lunch a short drive takes us to the historic Chinese Burning Towers and graves at the Beechworth cemetery, with a gentle walk through the town’s past.
 
Meet in the Seniors’ carpark at 9am, with confirmation to Julie as above. As always, our walks can be impacted by weather extremes, so keep an eye on the newsletter/webpage and emails in case of changes!
 
Julie McNeill