Lucas Photos

 

Walk Report Lucas

 Walk Report January 25.

 

In cool, misty conditions, 24 walkers managed the early 8.30am. start at the Lucas Central Park Playground. After welcoming new member, Alan Barnes, Helen Bosher and Anne Ottrey  proceeded to lead us on an easy, but very interesting, walk through the Lucas housing estate.

Whilst the house blocks are very small, this is compensated by the well designed and sensitivelandscaping of the wetlands area. This includes walking tracks, water and garden features utilising recycled timber and ample room for play, picnics and quiet places.

We emerged from the estate onto Remembrance Drive, which we followed to the junction with the Skipton Rail Trail. Here Shirley informed us of the community effort that led to the construction of the Arch of Victory and the establishment of the Avenue of Honour, the longest in Australia at 22km. A small remnant of the original rail line is also visible at this point.

We then followed the rail trail between the urban and rural environments before returning to the estate and parkland that included two very well designed, and fully accessible, playgrounds. The Central Park Playground also includes a BBQ and picnic tables.

We all appreciated, and thoroughly enjoyed, the walk in an area most have not explored before and thank Helen and Anne for the experience.

Helen Mc.

Thursday February 8 Mt Clear Recreation Reserve.

  Meet at the Mt Clear Recreation Reserve. Enter from Olympic Avenue left by the yellow school sign and blue Reserve sign. Park near the goalposts of the oval. Meet there at 8:20 for an 8:30 start.

Note- we are assembling at Mount Clear, not Llanberris.

The walk of about 8.5k is not hilly. We will head generally northerly at the beginning ,using some less known paths of the Wooorookarung. Most of the trail is shaded. Grade A/B.

Snack stop on the way, then, on return, retrieve your morning tea and make for Chris Charleson’s nearby backyard at 14 Platypus Dve. Toilets there- a few extra chairs may be handy.

Led by Chris Charleson and Anne Ottrey

 Thursday, January 25 - Lucas Wetlands & Rail Trail Walk 6kms - Meet at 8.20am for an 8.30am start. 

Meet at Lucas Central Park playground in Eleanor Drive, Lucas, near the intersection with Wade Place. 

(Not at Llanberris)

The walk follows Lucas Wetlands north to Remembrance Drive, continue left until meeting the Rail Trail. Walk south along the Rail Trail, then wander through the Lucas Wetlands back to the starting point for morning tea. The walk is dead flat, but a little exposed, so bring good sun/wind protection as needed. Grade A. Toilets available at start & finish. Bring morning tea.

Led by Anne Ottrey & Helen Bosher  

Please note: This walk replaces the planned Woowookarung Park walk which will now be held on February 8.

 

Lake Wendouree

 Walk Report January 11.

 

At  9.00am., 28 walkers assembled at the rotunda near Pipers by the Lake restaurant at Lake Wendouree, for the first walk of 2024. We were delighted to welcome new members, Luk Chalaprawat and David Yost. There were already many others enjoying the lake environs, including the regular Tai chi classes. 

A cool, sunny morning provided ideal conditions for a loop of the lake, allowing us to appreciate its moods and textures as the breeze and light played on the water and to observe the abundant birdlife basking in the sunshine.

After a very pleasant walk, renewing friendships and acquaintances, we returned to Pipers for a cuppa and a chat. A great start to the year. 

Thank you to Laraine for joining me as last minute leaders of the walk.

Helen Mc.

Lake Wendouree photos

 

 Lake Wendouree Walk - January 11 2024

Our first walk of the year is around Lake Wendouree, starting at the Rotunda near Piper's. Meet at 9am for a circuit of the lake which is approximately 6 kms.

Morning tea/coffee for those who want to stay after the walk.

 CAMP - MARCH 2024

The  March camp will be held as usual at the Star of the Sea Convent in Apollo Bay, from the 19th to the 21st. For those of you who haven't been before, it's very comfortable accommodation with semi-ensuite bathrooms (a bathroom shared between two bedrooms), a good kitchen and dining area, and some great walks not too far away. The cost is $72 per night (two nights) plus $15 per person for hire of bed linen and towels, or you can bring your own.own.

If you need more information, ring Janine Lucato on 0402 517 308, leave a message and she will get back to you. Final numbers and payment will be due at the first walk in February, 8/2/24.

 

                                        SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR U3A BUSHWALKING

 ALL WALKERS

It is everyone’s responsibility to ascertain whether each walk is within their capabilities and not to undertake a walk that may be beyond their capabilities. Please read the Blog for walk details and check the day prior to a walk in case of changes.

On arrival at the meeting place (usually Llanberris Netball Courts Car Park), each walker should go to the class rep to have his/her name ticked off. Walkers should have the following on each walk:

• U3A badge with current details completed

• strong footwear (not new)

• weather appropriate clothing

• hat and sunscreen

• water, food

• mobile phone, turned on, with class tutor’s or rep’s number stored

• crepe bandage or substitute, in case of snake bite

• a whistle is also handy to carry

THE LEADER

Prior to doing the walk, the leader should check to ensure its access and suitability with another person. Provide information about the walk to Chris Charleson (christrudy1952@gmail.com) so it can be posted to the blog a week before the walk is to take place.

Information should include:

• Location

• Distance of the drive to the start of the walk (if not at Llanberris)

• Distance of the walk

• Grade – A, B or C (A is easiest and C

• is hardest)

• Short description of the walk

• Meeting point for walk or car pool

• Cost of car pool

• Names of leaders

• Time to meet at Llanberris or the start of the walk and estimated time of finish

• Need for morning tea and/or lunch

Provide 3 copies of the map for the walk, one each for the leader, whip and tutor (for the archive).

Before leaving Llanberris, advise walkers of directions to the start of the walk, possibly with written instructions.

Complete a head count before commencing the walk.

Ensure someone is carrying the first aid kit (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk, and a mobile phone.

The leader should wear an orange fluoro vest (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

Carry a walkie-talkie (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

Ensure that there are adequate drink stops.

THE WHIP

The whip is the person who assists the leader by preparing for the walk and then walking at the back of the group to ensure everyone keeps up. The whip should remain the last walker at all times.

The whip should wear a fluoro vest and carry a walkie-talkie and return these to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

CAR POOLING

Drivers are entitled to an amount of money for the use of their car. Each walker should check the Blog for car pool details and have the correct change for the driver.

$10 for 25kms+

$5 for up to 25kms

DRIVERS

Drivers should ensure they have received a set of instructions for directions to the start of the walk.

Ensure you have the mobile phone numbers of the leader of the walk and of Helen B or her deputy.

ON THE WALK

It is everyone’s responsibility to remain behind the leader and in front of the whip, both of whom will be wearing fluoro vests. Ensure the person following is able to see you.

People who know they walk slowly should walk at the front or in the middle of the group.

If you feel unwell, please let the nearest person know.

Walkers in need of a toilet stop should tell the nearest walker before leaving the track.