Thursday 15 October 2020

Track down to Durras Lake

Leader, Sharon, beside the lake

Sharon raising the bar for Morning Tea.

Here’s to Val!

Ten flower spikes with Sharon, Pat, Bev and Ron

Bev with a Kangaroo Apple plant

Karen M and an upturned tree

Karen G negotiating a fallen tree

Benandarah Creek – the final destination

Photos courtesy of Brian, Karen and Bob

The predicted forecast of thirty degrees did little to deter the thirteen determined walkers who gathered for this lovely stroll among the forests and waterways on the western edge of Durras Lake.

Leader Sharon had proposed that we take advantage of the morning coolness and attempt to complete the nine kilometre course before lunch. With this in mind, we set a brisk pace, yet slow enough to enjoy a forest environment blackened, yet regenerating at a surprising rate. The tall gums provided all the shade we needed, while the understorey teemed with thriving Burrawangs and flowering Grass Tree Xanthorrhoeas.

Our arrival at the lake edge provided a new type of beauty and the perfect backdrop for a special moment – a tribute to our recently departed friend Val.

Sharon had come prepared with wine glasses (plastic) and sparkling wine (non-alcoholic) and so we were able to raise a glass and reflect on the contribution of one of the club’s most loved members. Pat shared some memories and more Val stories were told over morning tea by the lake.

The walk continued along to Benandarah Creek where we turned and headed into the forest again and eventually back to the waiting cars.

Many thanks to Sharon for leading and sharing with us this peaceful part of the world.

Brian