Hi all
This weeks outing is Ophir to Olrig – another big (18km) walk for the W1s. Everyone wlll end up at Olrig Station for afternoon tea with the W2s and W3s starting at Olrig Station later in the day.
W1s – 9am departure from Alexandra (River/Thomson/Walton Street intersection) for the Ophir to Olrig walk. Carpool to Ophir. Bring warm clothing, jackets, lunch, water and snacks – and a sherpa to carry your gear again this week if you can find one and didnt leave them behind at Bendigo! Any questions contact Michael Kotkamp 027-2750369
E-bikers – 10:30am departure from Alexandra Railway Station picnic tables (Tarbert Street end) cycling out to Olrig and over the hill to Ophir and returning to Olrig via the rail trail. Bring warm clothing, jackets, lunch, water and snacks. Barb Hall is organising the e-bikers.
W2s, W3s (and W1s wanting a shorter walk) – 12 noon departure from Alexandra (River/Thomson/Walton Street intersection). Carpool to Olrig Station.
Depending on the numbers of W1s on the long walk, one or two short walkers will need to ferry the drivers out to Ophir at the conclusion of the walk.
Duty pack – A-L
Last Saturday, with members already slightly confused on where to go to start, the mining company added to this confusion with unmapped roads, missing road signs, fences and gates. The 25 Big day out walkers managed to meet at the designated meeting place to hear Amy Perl speak on the Fools Gold track before everyone drove to the saddle to start the big walk. It was a typical harrier outing – not all downhill as suggested, but with some ups and downs and lots of sidling along the well marked route. Despite some skepticism, the weather gods did deliver on the day! Lunch was in sunshine under a 300-400 year old kowhai tree! Reports are that it was a long but really good day out.
Carrying a couple of two-way radios proved useful, when one of the walkers slipped and sprained an ankle. Mike was able to radio the front group who brought a vehicle up Thomsons Gorge Road to take them back to base. Thanks to Tim for bringing the radios, and to Mike, Roy, Allen and Greg for assisting with this.
The remaining walkers spent most of their time trying to find the red circle on the map sent out last week, given that the roads on the map no longer existed either! Apparently they still had a good but shorter walk somewhere in the area and made it to the trailer in time for afternoon tea.
Just remember, when things don’t go to plan, it makes the outing more memorable!
Thats about it for this week!
See you on Saturday hopefully!
Gary