A group of 22 plus walkers met our leader Graham Clements at the Jeetho section of the rail trail ready to embark on the walk to Loch. It was warm but overcast to begin with however in no time the sun appeared.We soon settled into our own pace and there was the usual friendly chatter as we walked. This section of The Great Southern Rail Trail is quite scenic, passing through farmland and bush. Along the way there are waterfalls but surprisingly these had less water in them than usual, despite all the rain we have had.
When we reached Loch we made our way to The Loch Foodstore and Cafe for morning tea. This is a lovely old house converted to a cafe and our group had the big airy lounge room at the back. The food was good, as was the tea and coffee. Val Mc Donald and Lyn Birt (who used to be a club member) met the group here for morning tea. Val's foot is improving and hopefully she will soon be back walking with us.
We somewhat reluctantly left the cafe for the return walk to Jeetho, making a slight detour over the swing bridge for a group photo. We then made our way back with some of us wondering. as the sun grew warmer, why it always seems longer on the return journey of a rail trail walk. It was slightly uphill too.
We were back to the cars by 12.30 ready to go our separate ways after another enjoyable Tuesday walk.
Thank you to Graham for organising and leading!
Gayle McHarg
Participants: Mary-Ann Taylor, Nathalie Charles, Jean Jackson, Maree Thompson, Barbara Burton, Joanne Harland, Sue Marriott, Elisabeth Scott, Joy Downs, Ellen Porter, Elizabeth Pearce, Shirley O'Brien, Peta Reeve, Jenny Grice, Julie james, Pili Flores, Elizabeth Alger, Christine Oliver, Graham Clements, Marg Waldron, Gyle McHarg.