Meeting at Fish Creek at 8.30 proved a difficult task for some ?. My car always turns right at Meeniyan, heading toward my grandchildren. NOTE TO SELF on walking days when meeting at Fish Creek, it is a left turn!! My co- pilot was no assistance- just saying. ?
The merry group we met were not too perturbed with my tardiness - there was a hint of excitement, anticipating a great albeit challenging day. The weather was forecast for 31 however the temperature did not reach 30 and we were blessed with a westerly breeze that provided relief when we were climbing " that hill".
Our 17km circuit walk was to begin and end in Fish Creek. The start of the walk is through the gorgeous Great Southern Rail Trail - with the lovely vegie patch and tea pot.
Ten minutes along the trail our fearless leader Ken called a stop. Exercise Time ? Les Cruickshank had all participants stretching their legs. It is always a good idea to stretch your calves, quads and hamstrings when those parts of your anatomy will be tested throughout the day. The hills are high and long and the decents are steep and long.
The trail then crosses farmland to the Lavers Hill quarry. Continues to the South Gippsland catchment area and Battery Creek reservior a steep climb to the telecommunications tower and spectacular views of Wilsons Promontory.
After some walking , climbing and talking ( who would have thought ?) we had reached our lunch spot by 11.45. Someone mentioned " too early for lunch". ?
Ken found a table past the telecommunications tower and we were treated to views of Wilsons Promontory and a cooling westerly breeze. Spectacular. Worth the climbing, huffing and puffing.
More stretching and then we started down the Mountain Trail through the bush - more hills ?- eventually coming back to the Rail Trail and the long - FLAT ??♀️- walk back to Fish Creek. Prom Icecream and beers were enjoyed and deserved after a long, quite difficult but extremely enjoyable day on the trail.
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Captain Ken organised for extra water to be carried.
• there were actually willing water carriers! Bless them?
• I did not fall over. ?
• secrets were shared - (but were left on the trail) ?
Particpants: Ken Moulton - Leader, Michelle Prentice, Graham Talmage, Sue Mayer, Joy Downes, Ros Spratt, Len Kartaschew, Les Cruickshank, Heather Cruickshank, Barb Burton and, the author,.....Bev Piper