Text by Mick Liddell, photos Meg L and Meri L
This year’s AGM was planned outdoors with compliance to Covid-19 rules in mind. The pavilion shelter we planned was claimed for a 4yo birthday. Our Plan B work very well with a tent, tables, and chairs around adjacent picnic benches. All were comfortable with hot drinks and baking supplied by the President elect.
The guided walk following the AGM formal proceedings was a flat and easy 12km loop walk on good paths. We walked through the Corhanwarrabul Wetlands and around Jells Park Lagoon. Members had walk notes with the route map and the walking paths and all were instructed to come as far as they wished and take their leave of the group leader at any point they chose. We started with 35 members of all abilities so divided into a lead and trail group lead by Mick and Meri Liddell. A 4km self-guided walk alternative with notes was provided for the short walkers who would choose to explore Jells Park.
The longer loop walk featured the open parklands along the Dandenong Creek Trail with lots of bird life, photo opportunities, and flat walking for all skill levels. We took our halfway lunch break out along one of the dividing levees in the heart of the waterways. It was so quiet and pretty with active birdlife that one could hardly believe we were in built-up suburbia. Slower walkers turned back and after lunch some took the shortcuts pointed out. Some really considerate members gave a guiding hand and words of encouragement to tired walkers, who perhaps should have turned back earlier. As walk leader, it was my fault that slower walkers were not better directed to limit their walk length to within their comfortable ability. A welcome coffee and cakes conclusion was taken by all who wished at Madeline’s Café within Jells Park.
