​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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com.
 
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

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.