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May - Lake Sambell, Beechworth

26/5/2023

 
The great Billy Connolly has said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, and a group of intrepid walkers certainly put that to the test as we dodged intermittent showers in our search for some autumn colour. Our first attempt sent us rushing back to Beechworth Bakery to thaw out, but we had more success after that, with a long walk along the Rail Trail from Albert Rd, and after a chilly lunch at the Lake picnic area, a walk through the Chinese Gardens and the sculpture trail.The autumn leaves against the grey clouds were stunning, and a walk through the historic cemetery finished a pleasant day, with a total of 8.5km walked.
Picture
Photograph - Bev Thornell.  (For more photos, see previous post and FB).
Wednesday June 7th: Winton Wetlands
 
This will be a walk of approx 6km return out along the dam wall to see the Mokoan ponds at their best, followed by a BYO picnic lunch and a shorter 2km walk at Green’s Hill. We will then adjourn to the Hub cafe for some warming afternoon tea!

Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with prior confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected].
​
Remember drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 5th July: Eldorado Loop
 
This walk of approx 8kms will take us around the historic village of Eldorado, known for its gold mining past,including the huge Eldorado dredge. We will follow walking trails surrounding the town, which is well signposted with information about its interesting past. Lunch will be a picnic in the intriguingly named Gunhouse Park,either BYO or something hot from the general store opposite. Adjacent to the store is Victoria’s smallest pub, the McEvoy Tavern, which may also attract our interest.
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Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30 am, with confirmation to Julie as above. Our walks can be impacted by weather, so keep an eye on the newsletter/webpage and emails for any changes


Julie McNeill

May - "Walking in the Rain..." in Beechworth

5/5/2023

 
​"We arrived at Lake Sambell Park just before a storm hit..but, undeterred, Julie (our Boss) told us to toughen up and face the elements. We did...for 5 minutes, then scurried back to the shelter to wait out the worst of it.  However, a wise decision was then made for our now slightly bedraggled group to head to town for a warm cafe to dry our feet over coffee.

Julie then led our car convoy to the Rail Trail Station, to 
strike out on the Rail Trail for an hour, just as the rainclouds cleared. It was a scenic path, past bushland, paddocks of cattle and then the back view of Pennyweight Winery's Autumnal vines.

The weather closed in again just before lunch (back at the picnic tables), but cleared up in time for a walk past the Sambell Sculptures (group photo) and down to the Chinese Gardens.

As an added treat, we had enough time in the afternoon to explore the Chinese Cemetery on the outskirts of Beechworth. The large Chinese Burning Towers are an imposing feature, but the whole Gardens are well maintained. There are several huge Heritage Trees and burial plots to walk around: segregated into Chinese, Catholic, Jewish, Methodist and Anglican sections, with headstones that are very interesting to read.

Thank you Julie, for spurring us on when our resolve faltered. We all agreed it was worth braving the Wintry weather (8° top) for an enjoyable day's walking. 
#Thanks to Jan K for contributing the last lot of photos after my phone ran out of battery."

Bev Thornell,

Report shared by Bev Thornell on Facebook on 4 May 2023 

    About Easy Bushwalking

    This is a group for those who have enjoyed 'Serious Bushwalking' in the past but who now need to moderate their walks.

    It is a very social group for anyone interested in exploring the amazing tracks, trails and lookouts within an easy to medium drive from Benalla.

    ​Even though the occasional weather glitch has challenged us over the past few years, Easy Walks has enjoyed many memorable times exploring our local area.

    Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, the walks are generally limited to 8kms on well-defined tracks, occasionally with a short easy climb.

    Our days outing can include sites of historical or botanical interest and occasionally even a Winery!

    Even though the walks are labelled Easy Walks, it is important that participants be able to walk at a reasonable pace and be able to keep up with the group. Sturdy shoes are essential! You will also need to carry a small daypack with lunch, drinks, hat, wet weather gear, etc as needed. 

    Meeting times

    1st Wednesday of the month from March.

    ​*Meeting times in 2025 will be 8.45 am to depart at 9.00 am, depending on distances covered, with the convenor notified of attendees three days prior to the day.

    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 2025

    Picture
    Bev Thornell 
    ​0447 193 244

    Retiring Convenor 

    Picture
    Julie McNeill
    0407 823 031
    Thank you, Julie, for co-convening Easy Walks with Glen Chesselss in 2021-2; then convening the group in 2023-4.  


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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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