On Wednesday 12 May, 19 Mid-Week Walkers, led by Helen Spinks, tackled Mt. Meg in warm late Autumn weather. 

​Mt. Meg Nature Reserve is situated on the outskirts of Thoona.  The ascent involves correctly following one of the plethoras of kangaroo tracks throughout the Reserve.  Not having those long legs and hopping ability, we struggled at times, scrambling around rocks, climbing over logs, and dodging low boughs.  Disconcertingly, Mt Meg kept moving further and further away as we headed towards it, but eventually, we reached the summit in time for lunch.  Views over Thoona's laser graded farm paddocks across distant hills were our reward. 

A scramble down the steep slope to the fence line shortened the return to our parked cars.  On this relatively flat section, one of us [name suppressed] didn't notice a rabbit hole in time to avoid a heavy fall…but thanks to our leader, Helen Spinks, we navigated Mt. Meg safely and with all walkers present.  

Walk length: approx. 7kms.

Bev. Thornell.

​Wednesday 12th May 2021        MT MEG              S-3-4

Mt Meg is a gravelly, rocky conservation reserve near Thoona. The circuit walk begins near the car park and climbs to the summit following animal tracks and then descends along a fence line back to the car park. There are good views at the summit and wonderful rock formations.
Meet at 9.15 am.  Leave Benalla at 9.30 am

Leader: Helen Spinks      Mobile:  0488 013059

John Boehm
​Convenor

This walk was led by Bev Thornell who welcomed eight eager club members - one of whom was an hour early - he was so keen!

We arrived at Bright armed with raincoats and our colourful range of umbrellas only to put them back into the boot because the sun decided to come out from behind the clouds giving us a perfect day for walking.   We all enjoyed the change of weather as we were now kitted out with hats and sunscreen.

The first part of the walk was the Canyon (3 km). It was, as usual, picturesque with the Autumn leaves just starting to ’turn’. The Ovens River was clear and flowing well.   We admired the rock formations which looked stunning in the sunlight.  On returning to the car park, we stopped for an early lunch and walk around the shops.   Coffee and ice creams were the popular choices of the day before setting off on the Cherry Walk of 5 km.  A short way into the walk Bev kindly led us on a small detour so that we could admire the bitumen road before we turned onto the ‘real’ track to continue our journey.  During our walk we crossed some swing bridges.  John, however, had trouble containing his boyish behaviour and just couldn’t resist jumping on the bridges to upset the other walkers - there’s always one in a group!

Along this section, we admired the abundant birdlife and the carpets of beautiful autumn leaves with strong colours of purples and yellows.

Back at the car park, we enjoyed sharing our usual afternoon tea goodies before setting off for the drive home.  We were surprised at the number of families enjoying the area. There were children, dogs, bike riders, campers (bush walkers), and day-trippers all out and about in the Autumn weather.   

Thank you, Bev, for leading this lovely walk.
​
Eileen Skelton