Carol and Graeme from Alexandra, and Gwenda from Bonnie Doon joined eight walkers from Benalla to start the walk from Buckland Gap. The walk was in the Stanley Forest and was designed by Doug Kneen.
We started on a short track to Bates Picnic area. The stream here has been dammed to provide water for sluicing for gold. Historic, and a very pleasant spot. We then climbed to the top of a hill to view the snow on the mountains, but there were too many clouds. Down to Six mile road to view magnificent tall trees and masses of Silver Wattles, then turned North East along the Ridge road. We turned right to walk along Rooneys track for lunch in the Clarke Corner picnic area, where we just finished eating before a heavy shower of rain. On with the wet weather gear, but it did not last long, and we walked the Lady Newton road to Murmungee Lookout. Great views to the South with some sun and lots of clouds. Further up the track we met a very good sculpture beside the road. It was carved into a dead, burnt tree, and had “Robert “ carved into one side. Am not sure whether this referred to the sculptor or the subject.
We drove into Beechworth for afternoon tea beside the lake.
The only down side was the lack of wildflowers due to the roadside spraying of Bracken. The walk distance was just under 10km.
October 11
We will do the Spit walk in the Winton Wetlands. There have been a few changes here such as a new road and some “Wall Art”. We will leave Benalla at 9.30 am. Please ring 5762 1980 to let me know who is walking.
Andrea Stevenson
We started on a short track to Bates Picnic area. The stream here has been dammed to provide water for sluicing for gold. Historic, and a very pleasant spot. We then climbed to the top of a hill to view the snow on the mountains, but there were too many clouds. Down to Six mile road to view magnificent tall trees and masses of Silver Wattles, then turned North East along the Ridge road. We turned right to walk along Rooneys track for lunch in the Clarke Corner picnic area, where we just finished eating before a heavy shower of rain. On with the wet weather gear, but it did not last long, and we walked the Lady Newton road to Murmungee Lookout. Great views to the South with some sun and lots of clouds. Further up the track we met a very good sculpture beside the road. It was carved into a dead, burnt tree, and had “Robert “ carved into one side. Am not sure whether this referred to the sculptor or the subject.
We drove into Beechworth for afternoon tea beside the lake.
The only down side was the lack of wildflowers due to the roadside spraying of Bracken. The walk distance was just under 10km.
October 11
We will do the Spit walk in the Winton Wetlands. There have been a few changes here such as a new road and some “Wall Art”. We will leave Benalla at 9.30 am. Please ring 5762 1980 to let me know who is walking.
Andrea Stevenson
