Bev Thornell
U3A Easy Walks group celebrated a successful year with a Christmas break up at the historic Tatong Tavern, organised by our 2022 convenors, Julie and Glen. The iconic Hotel is under new management, owners Stuart and Melisse, together with Maggie, chef/barista, and French backpackers Martin and Cecile, providing first class hospitality. We all enjoyed a lovely meal, matched with local wines. During the after lunch speeches, to thank Julie and Glen for a successful year, Glen announced she was retiring, Julie taking sole control. A brief stroll around the Hotel Gardens and a peek at the nearby Sawdust Burner completed an enjoyable way to end the year.
Bev Thornell November report: Winton Wetlands Despite an encouraging recce some days prior, the ongoing flooding and road closures meant that this walk had to be cancelled. This is only done after much thought and study of the rain radar, but we will return it to the calendar for 2023, and hope that the weather is kinder. The views across the flooded wetlands, and the amount of wildlife, have been amazing, and hopefully people have been able to enjoy them as the roads open up. Wednesday 7th December: Christmas lunch
We will be leaving the Seniors’ carpark at 12 noon, for a 12.30 lunch at the Tatong Tavern, where we can reminisce about our year of walking, and plan for 2023. Car sharing is available, and any latecomers who have not notified Glenys are asked to ring the Tavern direct. Wednesday 1st March 2023: Corowa Despite stepping back as convenor, Glen has offered to start our new year of walking with a trip to Corowa. This historic town, known for its role in the Federation conferences, has some beautiful trails along the Murray River, shared with its sister town of Wahgunyah.Further details will be available in the February newsletter. And finally, both the ‘Victoria Walks’ Facebook page, and the Mallacoota based ‘Footmobiles’ are recommended for anyone looking for walking inspiration over the summer. Like us, the Footmobiles meet regularly to explore their region, with the added bonus of beautiful beaches! Julie McNeill October Walk: Reef Hills The best made plans…..as we all watched the weather reports to see if our much anticipated Friends Track Walk would go ahead, it became apparent that once again the rain and uncertain forecast had the better of us. Deciding that a walk through the Reef Hills would be a safer option, ten of us set out and enjoyed a morning of wildflower spotting before the rain set in again. Our photographers were busy, some beautiful flowers were identified, and we even managed a picnic lunch! Photographs - Bev and James Here’s hoping we will finally make it onto the Friends’ Track in 2023.
Wednesday 2nd November: Winton Wetlands This is planned to be an exploration of some of the Wetlands trails, with a BYO picnic lunch at Green’s Hill. Totalling about 8km, we can only hope that the weather gods are kind to us on the day, as the trails are currently...wet. Bev will guide us along the walk, including the sculpture trail, and there will no doubt be plenty to interest the photographers and the birdwatchers. The day will finish with afternoon tea at the cafe, and a discussion of walks for 2023. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.30am. Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com by Monday 31 October. BYO picnic lunch, drink, hat and comfortable shoes. Car sharing is usually available for all walks for a small contribution. Wednesday 7th December Time for us to celebrate the completion of another year of walking, with a lunch at the Tatong Tavern. While there is no walk planned, it will be good to reminisce about our triumphs over both covid and the weather, and the many enjoyable walks we have had. Leaving the Seniors’ carpark at 12 noon, it would be appreciated if people could advise numbers to Glen by 23rd November. Partners are welcome. Julie McNeill September report: Mt Pilot and Woolshed Falls Once again, we kept a keen watch on the weather forecast and were rewarded with a pleasant walk up the Old Coach Road to the Mt Pilot lookout.The gravel road was mostly dry and the eleven walkers enjoyed not only the amazing views and wildflowers, but an unusual sighting of some gang gang cockatoos. Our photographers - Bev, Andi and James - were kept busy! Bev .... Andi.... James ... A picnic lunch at Woolshed Falls was followed by exploration of the trails around the Falls area, backgrounded by the sound of rushing water. We managed 8-9 km for the day, before the rain set in again that night. Wednesday 5th October: Warby-Ovens National Park, Friends Track. One for the wildflower enthusiasts, we will leave the Seniors carpark, Fawckner Dve, Benalla at 9.30am for Wenhams Camp, taking the Friends’ Track with a diversion to Kwat Kwat Lookout, with views over the Ovens Valley to the Alps. Lunch will be a BYO picnic at Wenham’s Camp. Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or [email protected] by Monday 3rd October. Folding chairs, walking poles and cameras are all recommended for this much anticipated walk. Car sharing for all walks is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 2nd November For what is likely to be our last walk of the year (unless we get carried away at our Christmas lunch), we will explore some of the trails at Winton Wetlands, with a BYO picnic lunch at Green’s Hill. This will be a total of about 8km, finishing with the sculpture walk, afternoon tea at the cafe and discussion of our walks for 2023. Julie McNeill 'The U3A Easy Walk today, in the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park, once again struck it lucky with the weather. A trudge up the access road led to the Mt Pilot Summit Picnic Area and the short track up to Mt Pilot, with its amazing 360° views across the now green countryside to the Mountains. Huge Granite slabs and boulders held little pools of water and sheltered clumps of flowering Wattles and native grasses and colourful groundcovers: Natures Rock Garden. Returning to the Car Park, Andrea cleverly spotted a pair of Gang Gangs, busy pruning the tree above. A short drive to Woolshed Falls gave us a chance to enjoy a late lunch. The Falls themselves were a spectacular sight after constant Winter rains. A short exploration of the tracks around the Falls gave us more photo opportunities, especially for James. Afternoon Tea at Beechworth Pantry completed a really enjoyable day.
Many thanks to our convenors Julie and Glen.' Facebook report - Bev Thornell The weather gods smiled on us again, as nine walkers set off along the Goulburn River from Victoria Lake. With heavy rain the previous night, and hail the night after, we enjoyed the fine weather and the fast flowing rivers. The Gardens provided plenty of interest, with the views from Honeysuckle Rise, extensive wetlands, and some early spring flowers coming out. With our picnic lunch serenaded by a friendly magpie, it was a pleasant 8km of walking before the rain set in again. Wednesday 7th September, Mt Pilot For this walk, we will be returning to Mt Pilot, and then enjoying a picnic lunch at Woolshed Falls. The walk along Old Coach Rd to the Mt Pilot lookout is approx 6km return, with some gently sloping rises. The waterfalls at the Woolshed should be flowing well, so we can do some more exploring there after lunch. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.30am, driving to Beechworth and continuing on the Chiltern Rd. Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or [email protected] by Monday 5th September. Remember a picnic lunch, hat etc and some comfortable shoes. Walking poles are also recommended. Car sharing for all walks is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 5th October, Warby-Ovens National Park, Friends Track and Wildflowers It will be third time lucky for this walk, led by Margaret and Lyn but delayed over the past two years by heavy rain and by Covid. One for the wildflower enthusiasts,we will leave Benalla at 9.30am for Wenhams Camp, taking the Friends Track with a diversion to Kwat Kwat Lookout with views over the Ovens Valley to the alps. The track passes a stand of iconic grass trees, through forested granite hills and spring wildflowers, for a walk of approx 2 hours. Lunch will be a BYO picnic at Wenhams Camp. Folding chairs,walking poles and cameras/magnifying glasses are all recommended for this much anticipated walk. Julie McNeill Wednesday 3rd August
This walk,of about 8km, detailed previously, will take us along the Goulburn and Broken rivers from Victoria Lake, crossing the new suspension bridge to the Shepparton Botanic Gardens at Kialla, with a picnic lunch and walk to Honeysuckle Rise lookout. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.45am. Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or [email protected] by Monday 1st August. Remember a picnic lunch, and a hat is recommended as there are some very active magpies at the Gardens. Car sharing for all walks is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 7th September For this walk, we will be returning to Mt Pilot, walking along the Old Coach Rd, and enjoying a picnic lunch at the Woolshed Falls. A total distance of about 8km, we will meet at 9.30am, driving to Beechworth and continuing along the Wodonga Rd to the starting point. Please confirm with Glen as above by Monday 5th September. Julie McNeill Fourteen walkers set off in lovely-and unusual-sunshine for this walk along the riverside at Murchison. Winding along the Goulburn, we finished at the Meteorite Park before returning to explore the bridge and to view the outside of historic Thornbridge. A very satisfying lunch on the balcony of the bakery followed, and we then walked to the cemetery to study the beautiful stone ossuary dedicated to Italian prisoners of war. Over a distance of about 9km, we discovered there is a lot more to Murchison and its history than is apparent from the usual quick drive over the bridge. Thanks to Glen for organising, and to Andi for photos, as always! Julie McNeill 'On Wednesday the U3A walking group took on Murchison. Glen led us along the Goulburn River, and the River Road, down steps, over the bridge to Thornebridge, and to a splendid lunch at the Bakery. Then out to the cemetery to view the Ossario. Nice way to enjoy this weather.' Andi Stevenson (Source: Facebook Post)
June Report: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens: Sadly, the weather defeated us for this walk, with forecasts of hail and strong winds causing us to cancel. The walk has been rescheduled to August, details below. Wednesday 6th July: Murchison This walk will begin with a drive to Murchison and an exploration of Riverbank Gardens and Boardwalk. We will then follow the trail along the Goulburn River before taking another track leading to the water’s edge, and return the same way, resulting in a walk of 4Lunch will be at the Murchison Bakery.For those wishing to continue walking a further 2km, we will meander to the historic cemetery to visit the Italian Ossario, noted for its historic and aesthetic significance. We will meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.30, to leave at 9.45. Please confirm with Glen by Monday 4th July on 0431201077 or [email protected]. Remember to bring snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes. Car sharing for all walks is usually available, for a small contribution. Wednesday 3rd August: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens This rescheduled walk will take us along the Goulburn River at Shepparton, starting at Victoria Lake, crossing the new suspension bridge, and enjoying a picnic lunch in the Shepparton Botanic Gardens. Approx 8km return, the walk is alongside the Goulburn and Broken rivers with plenty of shorter walks to explore in the Gardens including the beautiful Honeysuckle Rise lookout. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30 am. Please confirm with Glen by Monday 1st August, and BYO picnic lunch. Julie McNeill Wednesday 1st June: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens.
We have previously explored the amazing Botanic Gardens, but on this walk, with the new suspension bridge, we walk from Victoria Lake to the Gardens and return,a total of approx 8km. BYO picnic lunch--we will stop at the Gardens after walking along the Goulburn and Broken rivers, with plenty of shorter walks to explore in the gardens including the beautiful Honeysuckle Rise lookout. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Dve, by 9am. Please confirm with Glen by Monday 30th May on 0431201077, or [email protected]. Remember to bring lunch, snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes. Car sharing for all walks is usually available, with a small contribution. Wednesday 6th July: Murchison This walk will begin with a drive to Murchison and an exploration of Riverbank Gardens and Boardwalk. We will then follow the trail along the Goulburn River before taking another track that will lead us to the water’s edge. We will return the same way, which will result in a walk of 4km. Lunch will be at the Murchison bakery. For those wishing to continue walking a further 2km we will meander to the historic cemetery to visit the Italian Ossario, noted for its historic and aesthetic significance. Meet in the carpark at 9.30 to leave at 9.45am. Please confirm with Glen as above. Julie McNeill After a lovely drive through rolling hills and blue skies, we arrived in the lovely little town of Jamieson. Our first walk was the Island Walk, where. at the foot of the island, the Jamieson and Goulburn rivers come together before flowing into Lake Eildon. Once owned by Jamieson’s first doctor, the island later became overgrown with blackberries, but the local community cleared it and planted many native trees.
After lunch in the picnic ground, we began the River Walk, following the Jamieson river through a caravan park and past swimming holes, picnic spots and lovely large autumn toned trees. Crossing Brewery Bridge, so called for the Goulburn Brewery - 1864 - which was located nearby, we walked through the town with its historic buildings and information boards. Thanks to Wende Sturgess for leading this beautiful walk and for her detailed planning. Glen Chessells "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
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 [email protected]. 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 "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
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 [email protected]. 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 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
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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 "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! 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. 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)
"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. "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.
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 [email protected] 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 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 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 [email protected]. 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 Cremona Bridge
(The Cremona Bridge Walk is one of three walks rescheduled to 2022) |
About EasywalksEasywalks is a group for those who have enjoyed bushwalking in the past and for anyone interested in exploring the amazing tracks, trails and lookouts within about an hour's drive of Benalla.
Meeting monthly, the day will include a walk of about 8km, a picnic or cafe lunch and very often include sites of historical or botanical interest. In recent times trips have included an Italian ossuary, one of Sir John Monash's earliest bridges, and some great wildflower photography on the rocky ledges of Mt Pilot. Participants should be able to walk at a reasonable pace on well defined tracks, without a lot of climbing. Sturdy shoes are essential! You will also need to carry a small daypack with lunch, drinks etc as needed. While Covid and adverse weather have tested us to our limits, we have managed many memorable walks - and lots of talking! Meeting times1st Wednesday of the month from March.
Meeting times are usually at 9.30am, with the convenor notified of attendance three days prior. We leave from the carpark behind the Seniors Complex (U3A), Fawckner Drive, Benalla. Car sharing is usually available with a small cost. Please note - Meeting times depend on the season and weather conditions or as determined by the walk leader. Check the U3A Newsletter and confirm any details with the walk leader. Convenor and contact detailsJulie McNeill
0407 823 031 Thank you,GlenThank you Glen Chessells for co-convening Easy Walks during 2021-2022!
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