Welcome to the
Alexandra Harrier and Walkers Club Weekly Run Reports
2007 Season
Naseby Forest Tracks - Coal Pit Dam
Saturday 6 October 2007
By Bended Knee
So many tracks to choose from in Naseby Forest, and no-one got lost, though Reggie was temporarily misplaced.
Far less runners than usual at today's outing, as a group of 8 runners were competing in a relay event in Timaru.
The remaining runners covered a huge area in their various packs, consisting of one or two people. Their reports included visits to the cemetery, the swimming dam, the camping ground, chats with the townsfolk, finding Dansey's Pass road, and climbing to the top of an ENORMOUS pile off forestry offcuts. Reggie, whilst missing in action, had a great time chasing rabbits.
Max's walking team had two local guides, Bill and Sam, so no excuse to get lost. Bill highlighted a few points of local interest, including information about the trees and goldmining. He also carried BP's backpack, she may require a porter for every walk now!
Walkers 1 meandered around following water races, foot tracks and four wheel drive roads, to complete a circle which brought them back to Coal Pit Dam bang on time for afternoon tea.
Wanaka - Albert Town River Runs
Saturday 29 September, 2007
By Bended Knee
We based ourselves at the DOC Camp at Albert Town, with the luxurious option of real toilets. Allen turned the bus side on to the wind to create a sheltered spot, and we were set for a good outing. Rain threatened from the northwest, and the wind was relentless but fortunately the temperature was warm.
All the packs except Walkers 3 walked or ran on the true left bank of the Clutha. A track out the end of the camping area leads off towards Dublin Bay, initially crossing open land, before heading into scrub and pine trees. There is no shortage of tracks and trails to choose from, and little chance of getting lost with a river to help one keep one's bearings. The runners went all the way to Dublin Bay, Peter Dymock even checked out the lake temperature by jumping in.
Walkers 3 walked on the true right bank on the Outlet Track, then into the housing development to check out how the other half live.
Afternoon tea in the shelter of the bus was great, another good day at Harriers!
Thompsons Gorge - Bendigo
Saturday 15 September 2007
By Whats On Now?
A total of 45 people ran, walked, biked or bussed to Bendigo.
The long walkers left Alexandra at 8.30am for a leisurely stroll through the Track, while the runners all left Alexandra at 11.30. They caught the walkers by almost the end. Probably had a bit more of a sweat up.
The heroes of the week, however were the bikers who left Alexandra at 9.00am, to bike all the way. Unfortunately Janice was leading them, and if all she did was to lead them up the garden path that would have been a good thing. However they took a shortcut which seamed to go nowhere, sidled around several paddocks (inside the fence), avoided lambing ewes, and them knocked on a farmhouse door to apologise. The plan of attack was to claim they were Aucklanders looking for the rail-trail, however at the last minute they chickened out and were delightfully honest. They made it, having picked
Sally up just before the bottom of the first major hill (having driven out with the A pack runners). Sally got away from them as they rested and lunched before the hill, but they soon caught her and rode the balance of the way with her.
All reported strong head winds, which made this walk/run/bike a lot more difficult than it could have been. Thanks to Chris and Pam for helping Leo out.
The wise ones caught a bus and walked/ran from Bendigo to meet the rest of the group, or some runners ran up to Bendigo Diggings.
Coal Creek, Roxburgh
Saturday 8 September 2007
By Bended Knee
Two running packs and two walking groups today found a variety of routes from the
luxurious starting point of a picnic area with loos included.
C and D pack runners found a way up Coal Creek, then did the return journey down
the Bullock Track. It was probably miraculous they had enough breath to run,
considering all the talking that was going on about Pam's holiday and grandchild!
Turning 50 whilst in Rio warranted a special commemoration which was very tastefully tattooed on Pam's b
um, it's true, we saw it!
A pack runners boulder hopped up the left fork of Coal Creek, then up a steep hill to the t
op of the ridge and back down the Bullock Track, especially enjoying the boulder hopping and creek crossings.
Walkers 2 and 3 crossed the dam, taking a different route from the masses, along a track, t
hen onto the road for half an hour, back across the dam and up a steep goat track back to the bus.
Walkers 1 went up the Bullock Track, and back the same way, except for a splinter
group of three, who did a wee extra loop on the way back down, heading off cross
country then down the creek back to the bridge where they rejoined the road.
Runners put on a fabulous afternoon tea, and typical of Harriers, every morsel was eaten and appreciated.
Flat Top Hill
Saturday 1 September 2007
By Whats On Now?
The First of September, spring is in the air along with a bit of wind and rain.
We had a full bus, and it was nice to have to have some past and life members out for a walk and run with us,
and not just the dinner at night.
Walkers 1, 2 and Gary jumped off the bus at Fruitlands and walked up to the hill,
where upon Gary rapidly disappeared from sight. Both groups stayed together, walking back along the tops to Butchers Dam.
Walkers 3 went with the rest of the runners went back to Butchers Dam to set
up the billy and run/walk from there.
The A, B and C packs set off up the new DOC reserve track. The A/Bs met up with Gary along the top;
he wasn't going to let the walkers have him in sight. They then passed the W1/2 group, who tell us
that it was "windy as hell", they saw an old relic - an old colonial house, possibly for a film setting.
One heart stopping moment, when they rounded the corner and saw Barbara Hall poised on the top of a rock
looking to see how far she could base jump down the Clutha.
After encountering the walkers the A/Bs continued along the top and then d
ropped down through briar and bushes, a few scratched legs, a bit of blood - a good run.
They then returned via Lye Bow, a quick afternoon tea and back to the Fat Badger for a drink and chips and then home for a shower and to put on the glad rags for our 30th dinner.
Bendigo Bonanza!
Saturday
25 August 2007
By Bended Knee
Bendigo is such a great walking venue, with interesting walks and runs for all
abilities, and as
icing on the outdoor cake, the weather was fabulous.
Walkers
1 left Alex early so they would
have plenty of time to complete the Kanuka Walk, carpooling,as it was a
no bus
day. The Kanuka
Walk has continuous ups
and downs, the ups affording wonderful views of the Pisa Range, the
Remarkables, the
Hawkduns, the Clutha
River and plenty else besides. The
A, B
and C runners also took the Kanuka Track, hopefully taking a moment to
appreciate the wonders of nature around them, too.
They had a couple of Aussie visitors in the
pack, who thought it was fantastic.
Walkers
2 and the D Pack did the Aurora Creek,
Matilda Battery circuit, but each group did it from opposite directions. This is a historic walk,
with plenty of
relics to impress.
We
were back to the high numbers of
attendees today, (48) with better weather, and most of the overseas
travellers
back from their sojourns.
Saturday 18 August 2007 - MoreFM Clyde to Alexandra
Road Races
320 runners and walkers converged in Clyde and Alexandra today for the
39th Clyde to Alexandra Road Races. Pleasant weather conditions made it
a great day for a run and a walk!
Luke Hurring (Ariki) ran a convincing race to finish 1st in 30:15,
followed 21 seconds later by Auckland's Robbie Johnston and Queenstowns
Chris Dagg 2 seconds later. Eddie Smith, also of Ariki
finished closely behind in 30:45. Kellie Palmer (Hill
City)
took out the Senior Women's section, followed by Sarah
Chisnall and Kirsty Morris. Leith's David Sharp
walked a
fast 10k coming in under the hour!
Thanks to everyone for their support today -- and to all the Alexandra
Harriers and their supporters for their help with running the event!
Lowburn Lungbuster
Saturday 11 August, 2007By
Bended Knee AND Whats On Now
August 11th
dawned a nice day, and was still
sunny as we set off in the bus but by the time we arrived in Cromwell
it was
drizzling. It was
good to see Phil’s
smiling face and the usual offer of hospitality to use either the
garage or
house to get changed.
It
rained!
Walkers
1 slopped off through the farmyard
and headed towards the steepest track available, heads down into the
wind and
rain. After a good
puffy climb we found a
track heading around the hillside, with a plan to find a track down one
of the
ridges to take us on a circuit back to the bus.
As with most plans it needed a little modification to come
to fruition. A wee
splinter group of walkers with coughs
and colds fell behind, and they had roughly the same plan, but came
down an
earlier ridge.
Walkers
2 went in the opposite direction,
along the road, then uphill above the vineyard.
From the hilltop there were views of Lake
Dunstan,
and after a vicious attack by an electric fence they completed their
circuit
back to the bus.
The
people who brought a change of clothes
were really glad they did, the rest just steamed off in the bus!
The running pack
set off with new runner (Mark) under our wing.
Through the long grass and up the Pisa Hill through mud,
water, rain and
wind. It was the
first time in four
years that we have had a full run in rain.
Up at the water race we saw a large number of wild pigs. We slipped and slid our
way down to Phil’s
for a cup of coffee or tea and something to eat, back on the bus to
Alex for a
debriefing at the Fat Badger.
Rough Ridge Ramble
Saturday 4 August, 2007
By
Whats On Now
Walkers 2 Group ready to head up
the hill!
We left Alexandra’s fog and
found sunshine by the time we
got to the top of Bruce’s Hill.
We
arrived at Armstrongs to fund sun with a cool breeze, and Neville
waiting with
his 4WD to take the “W2” group up the hill.
As he dropped them off he commented that they should take
the first
track down as it was so cold. Out
of all the walkers
only three actually
went to the top of Rough Ridge. Most
of
the balance cutting across lower down where they were out of the wind.
All the
runners went to the top and took the normal route,
apart from three A pack runners who, for some unknown reason did an
extra loop
downhill to the right and up an even steeper track.
They all did some puddle jumping and snow
kicking along the top.
In all 22
walkers and 9 runners had a great day out,
although it was fortunate that they all came well prepared with their
woolly
hats, jackets and gloves!!
This walk/run
is one of the most challenging in our program,
and it is also one of the most popular, not only for the views (which
are
across the Maniototo, Poolburn Valley,
and across to the
Hawkduns), but because it is such a great feeling to “Knock
the B...#$%..d Off!”
Northburn Station
Saturday 28 July, 2007
By Bended Knee
Everybody had a great workout in the hills
of Northburn Station today! Milder
temperatures by far, after the fog and hoar frost last week. All groups set off into
the hills, completing
various steep circuits,
before heading
down towards the main highway, and home through the vineyard.
Walkers
2 did a HUGE walk, perhaps some of
it was slightly unplanned, but every last woman of them arrived at the
waiting
bus with cheerful faces and no complaints.
Their plan was to veer off after following the runners and
W1 for a
while, which they did, heading for
the
pylons and following the fenceline to the main road, arriving back at
4.20pm.
Walkers
1 realised at 2.45pm they had
30mins to complete an hour’s walk, to return to the bus from
the distant
hills. It became a
serious route march
back, and only 30mins late. Some
good
puffy hills were conquered.
The
runners pounded through the hills and
vales, taking in the scenery, and having yet another great run. Complaints from D pack
that they didn’t get a
ride up the hill with a vehicle load of
shooters………….hey, this is a
RUN!
Y’all
come back next week.
Fraser D Loop
Saturday 21 July 2007 - Fraser Dam Rd to Fraser Domain
By Bended Knee
The
two faster walking groups and the
runners were dropped off at the beginning of Fraser Dam Rd,
then John took the bus and
Walkers 3 across to Fraser Domain.
Walkers
3 did a return walk along the road
from the domain, catching some sun and some conversation on the way.
John
ran off into the hills, where he
chanced upon Gary, who was heading uphill at the time to find some sun.
So,
the remaining runners, and Walkers 1 and
2 were meandering far and wide through the hills and tracks, admiring
the
extensive hoar frost, and also seeking a little sun through the fog, to
replenish Vitamin D and shake off S.A.D.
After
a couple of foggy hoar frosty weeks,
sun seeking has become a priority, but a few glimpses will have to do
for
now. But judging by
the amount of
photographs taken of the hoar frost, an appreciation of beauty still
exists.
Auripo Road, Ida Valley
Saturday
14 July 2007
By
Bended Knee
Ida Valley looked magnificent coated in snow and hoar
frost, with the sun
melting the frost and making it sparkle as it fell from the trees. A wonderful winter
wonderland.
A
and B pack runners set off over the hill
tops, crossing a freezing creek on an irrigation pipe, where Marie had
an
attack of vertigo, most entertaining to her fellow runners, but less
amusing
for her. They
continued on to Thurlow Road,
then
on to the Rail Trail, and worked their way cross country back to the
bus.
C
pack ran to the Poolburn Viaduct,
downhill through the tunnels, then back onto the farmland, trail
blazing their
way about the hills until it was time to return.
D
pack also did the viaduct/tunnels
circuit, back onto the farm and up the ridge, following the fenceline,
south
along the ridge, then back on time for afternoon tea.
Walkers
1, 2 and 3 all headed for the
Poolburn Viaduct and tunnels. Walkers
3
continued on for half an hour before returning the way they had come,
while 1
and 2 continued down the Rail Trail to the gate, then followed the farm
tracks
over the hills returning punctually for the cuppa.
It
was a pleasure to be walking and running
in such beautiful countryside in the sun.
Who
needs sex, drugs and rock’n’roll!
Waikerikeri Valley
Saturday
7 July, 2007
By Bended Knee
A
cold day with lots of snow on the
hills. The bus
dropped the runners at
Attfield’s Woolshed, then continued on till the end of the
road with all the
walkers.
Walkers
3 elected to walk back along the
road, and I quote their dramatic report writer- Walked from bus to Springvale Road
and
back to the woolshed. Our
legs were
buggered. We could
hardly stand up. Chris
could hardly breathe.
Walkers
1 and 2 took the DOC track up the
hill, and were immediately walking in snow.
It was beautiful powder snow, and even after 30 people had
walked
through it, it didn’t become icy on the return walk. The snow was 4-6inches
thick, but far too dry
to make snowballs. The
sky was clear and
bright, and the views from the track were great.
The
runners waxed lyrical about their day
out………………….
A
running we did go
Up the Waikerikeri
Valley
in the snow
Lost the rest and found them again
Didn’t follow Peter into the matagouri,
what a pain
On our bellies and on our bums
Past a little stone house out of the sun
The track at last we found
But Chris took us up another mound
On the top, the shed we could not see
We weren’t lost, but where is our cup of
tea
Stayed left and carried on
Found the shed, yay, not too long
Arrived home with the rest
What a day, we ran our best
Cromwell Pylon Track
Saturday
30 June, 2007
By Bended Knee
Icy
and clear conditions in Alexandra in
the morning gave way to muddy and misty conditions at the Cromwell
Lookout in
the afternoon. Plenty
of hill tracks
there to satisfy the requirements of the various groups.
All
the walkers set off south down SH8
before splitting into lakeside and hill walking groups.
Walkers 3 took the lower option, having a
pleasant below the mist return walk along the lakeside.
Walkers
1 and 2 crossed the road and climbed
into the hills, before splitting into two groups and wandering at will
for the
appointed time frame, with occasional glimpses through the mist.
All
the runners, except for the lone D pack
runner, went north up SH8, then up the Pylon Track for a ‘Zen
Run’ – ‘no
outside stimuli to confuse us or lead us astray!’ The D pack loner used his
time fruitfully,
exploring track options, and returned satisfied with the outing.
Another
good day of tongue and lung
exercise!
Alexandra
Hills…….Change of plans from Omeo Gully
Saturday
23 June, 2007
By Bended Knee
A
good dump of snow, and chaos on the roads
for a day or so were the precipitating factors for a change of venue
for
today’s walk and run. Undaunted,
24
athletes fronted up for an airing.
The
runners set out across Shakey Bridge,
up through the Rockgarden Track, and onto Little Valley Road. At this point, the D pack,
consisting of Gary,
went left, back
down Little Valley Road, and did a circuit around Tucker Hill
Road and the Rail Trail. Meanwhile the rest of the
runners went right
into Little Valley Road, along the water race to Old Coach Road,
crossed Little Valley
Road again, and returned via Shakey
Bridge to
reunite with Gary
at the Fat Badger, the afternoon tea
venue for the day.
Walkers
2 went to Graveyard Gully, then off
downstream partway to Goat Gully, before returning the same way, and
checking
out the new Shakey Bridge Subdivision.
Walkers
1 also crossed Shakey
Bridge, then up the Rockgarden
track, before heading
steeply back into the hills, and looping back to Little Valley Road and
back
behind the Clock to Shakey Bridge,
and the pub.
I
quote Glenda, who sums up the day
beautifully – “Reggie and CJ had a fantastic frolic
in the snow. Everyone
coped well with the snow, ice and
rocky climb. The
weather was kind,
conversation flowed thick and fast as usual and no-one got cold. It was a great outing
– got the blood
tingling through our veins!”
Bannockburn Buster
Saturday 16 June 2007 - Bannockburn to Stewart town and BackBy Whats on Now
After so many dull days during the week it was wonderful to get out in
the sunshine and enjoy a walk and run with our Harrier and Walker
friends. A bonus of this event was the beautiful afternoon tea venue.
The reflections in the lake were gorgeous.
The W1 group had 25 walkers, with a bit of road and a bit of mountain
goat work. There were a few photographers in the group who arrived back
late.
The W2 group had 10, and like the W1 group did a bit of road and a bit
of mountain goat work. They appreciated the lovely spot for afternoon
tea with toilets. The W3 group had two people, and they enjoyed the
Bannockburn inlet and surrounding area.
The runners split into three groups with the runs varying from a
similar format to the walkers, to the A/B pack doing the mountain goat
thing and climbing a ridge at the back of Stuart Town, returning via
the Carrick Town turnoff. In total there were 11 runners.
The common theme of the walks and runs was that all except W3 passed
Stewart Town at some stage.
The 'B's Weekend
Sat 9-Sun 10 June 2007 - Berwick WeekendBy Whats on Now
We had an 8.30am start to bus to Berwick, which is at the
back of
Lake
Waihola.
We found warm and comfortable accommodation .
Thanks to Bob and Lois for
lighting the fire
and turning heaters on in the bedrooms.
After a quick lunch we split into walking and running
groups.
It was damp
underfoot, and we all found the
mud a challenge, however everyone enjoyed the bush and change of
scenery.
We
arrived back between 3.00pm and 4.00pm to
have showers, and a sauna for those who wished.
Due
to the caterers being snowed in, “Plan B” had to be
put
into place, and we had to arrange our own dinner, again thanks to Bob
and the
shopping crew. Meanwhile
we had a game
of basketball. Ladies
versus gentlemen,
however it turned into an all-out brawl and there wasn’t a
lady or gentleman in
sight!! Unfortunately
there were a few
injuries, but nothing that wasn’t preventable by the person
injured. Ladies
won, however their rules were a bit
skewed!! The men
actually scored more
goals.
As
usual people slipped away before dinner to change into
their fancy dress. This
time it was a
“B” theme, with everything from bugs to butchers. The winners were Pam
(bunny), and Russell
(beauty queen). After
dinner we danced
until bedtime.
On
Sunday we got up to find Gary and Russell had cleaned the
party area up and put breakfast out (thank you guys).
After breakfast and cleaning up, we headed
off to Henley for
a walk/run down the
Millennium Track to Bull Creek. Anyone
who thought that this was just a flat stroll down the river was
pleasantly
surprised; the track rises and falls quite a bit, and is through native
bush. Well worth
doing.
We
had lunch at Waihola, and a pleasant and safe trip home,
arriving at 4.30pm.
Berwick Weekend 9-10 June 2007
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Cairnmuir Showers
Saturday 2
June 2007 – Weatherall Creek - Lake Dunstan Walk
By
Whats on Now
With the day being so wet and cold, you would have thought that any
sensible person would have stayed at home! However, we had 18 walkers
and 9 runners in all, and once you got out there doing it, it
wasn’t all that bad. Everyone ran or walked up the side of
the
lake from Weatherall Creek for just over 30 minutes before
doing a
u-turn and heading for home...
The thought of returning to a nice hot coffee or tea was enough to keep
people going.
We had two Invercargill runners (one being a member) -- I
suppose they are used to the rain.
Quite a few people commented that they couldn't remember many, if
any, harrier afternoons when it actually stayed raining for
the
whole outing!
The Fat Badger was well attended, and with the lower numbers there were
plenty of chips for everyone.
O2O
Saturday 26
May 2007 – Ophir to
Olrig
By
Whats on Now
Total of
53 members
consisting of: A & B runners 9; C runners 3; D runners 2; A
walkers 16; B
walkers 6; C walkers 5; bikers 9; bus people 3
This was an opportunity for members to express themselves by
using their preferred method of getting from Ophir to Olrig Station.
The lycra
brigade caught the bus to Ophir and off they went.
Paul even managed a trip over his
handlebars. One
thing is obvious – it is
quicker up hill if you are an A or B pack runner than if you wear lycra
and ride
a bike.
With staggered starts it made it a bit of a fiddle organizing
transport, but it gave the walkers who wanted a longer outing a chance
to pack
a lunch, and have a longer event in our beautiful hills.
The
C pack runners also managed a longer run than
they would normally have. The
same could
be said for the B pack walkers, although I don’t think that
was on
purpose. Next year
they may take a
slightly shorter route and get back before everyone else has scoffed
afternoon
tea!! We had to
have something to do
while we waited. Once
again the weather
was on our side.
Fruitlands Fantasia
Saturday 19
May 2007 - Conroys to Mitchells Cottage, Fruitlands
By Whats on
Now
Staggered starts on a lovely day with
high cloud cover.
2-2.5 hours
walk or run for everyone, a nice long
outing. Three
newish runners seemed to
enjoy the terrain. There
was a shortage
of A/B runners to assist in the route, but everyone made it in the end. We had some walkers who
walked with the hill
groups for the first time. I’m
sure that
they will do this again. Its
not so hard
once you know how.
With 56 people
attending, our club obviously has the formula
right.
Thanks walkers
for a fabulous afternoon tea.
Mt Rosa Romp
Saturday
12 May 2007 - Coalpit Road, Gibbston Valley
By
Bended Knee
Soon
Harriers will have to get a bendy bus
(with a well maintained gear box) if we keep getting such a fantastic
turn out.
Fifty
one athletes came along to appreciate
another gorgeous autumn day, in the vineyards of the Gibbston
Valley,
and in the surrounding hills. Just
as a
reminder of winter creeping closer, though, there was a biting wind and
a
little snow on the higher peaks.
A and
B pack runners had a one hour hilly
grunt to the Coal Pit Saddle, and a fast downhill return.
C
pack were a little late returning, and
seemed slightly ungrateful for the beautiful, and rather steep, hills. More challenges next week!
Some
kerb crawling by Christine Williamson,
followed by unceremoniously dumping her car on the roadside, and
donning her
shoes, before setting off in hot pursuit of Old Yella Hat was cause for
some
excitement. So much
excitement, in fact,
that Glenda temporarily defected from the W1 group to become a runner. Such inspiration!
The
three W3 walkers did a turn around the
‘block’. They
walked up Coal
Pit Road,
along and down Gibbston Back Road,
then returned via
the main highway. Sue
was showing her fitness level with a
little running.
W1
and W2 took the same route, from the
corner of the main highway and Gibbston Back Road,
to the junction of Coal Pit Road,
then up, up, up. Statistics
from GPS John – altitude 819m,
distance walked 5.6km. Some
team members
may have NOT QUITE reached that altitude or covered that distance! Then downhill back to
base, no, back to bus,
with enough breath left so sing Happy Birthday to Annette.
Little Valley Lollop
5 May
– Sanders, Matangi Station, Little Valley
By Whats On Now?
Total of 49 members
consisting of: A runners 5; B runners 5; C runners 7; D runners 1; A
walkers 20;
B walkers 7; C walkers 4
Most of the
routes into Little Valley were explored, with no
two groups going the same way, although they all ended at the trig
station at
some stage, except for the A runners who took a short cut, after a long
beginning. The bus
driver made his way
up to the trig station, and returned with the B walkers. It was nice that he could
get a good walk
in. Welcome to new
runners and walkers,
we hope you enjoyed your day out.
The
C walking group had an interesting walk to the head of
the valley, and a visit with old Mrs Sanders.
Its
great to finally have good size running packs!! Keep it
up.
John's Mystery Jaunt
Saturday
28th April
By Bended Knee
Arrowtown
was the secret destination
for
John’s Mystery Jaunt.
All
the walking and running packs began
their route following the Arrow River
downstream from the
bridge near the start of Tobin’s Track.
Many local walkers and their dogs were slightly amazed at
the large
group of runners and walkers straggling through their turf, with one
tiny tot
completely agog as we passed.
Everybody
crossed the downstream bridge
then turned back up the true left bank of the river.
Once back at the Tobin’s Track Bridge
the W3 group continued straight on towards Arrowtown to the old Chinese
ruins,
then the markets and lolly shop to sample the Turkish Delight. No coffee, though!
Everyone
else took to the hills, climbing
the 250 vertical metres up Tobin’s Track.
The W2 walkers returned before reaching the lookout point,
while the
W1’s, C’s and D’s enjoyed the views from
the lookout before returning the same
way.
A
pack runners took a short downhill track
from the lookout to a picturesque homestead, then returned down
Tobin’s Track,
before adding in a quick run to the Chinese Village
and back.
Afternoon
tea was a feast, the array of
home baking restoring any calorific loss within seconds.
Gorgeous Gorges
Saturday 21 April –
Gorge
Creek
By Whats On Now?
Total of 42 members
consisting of:A/B runners 11; C runners 3; D runners 4; A walkers 10; B
walkers
10; C walkers 4
Another lovely autumn day with a little high cloud at Gorge
Creek.
It was great
to see plenty of
runners this week, with three new runners attending, and one new walker
–
welcome.
We all went down the road from the
homestead to start, and
then runners and A
walkers dispersed up
the hill; B walkers went down towards Lake Roxburgh,
and then aren’t quite sure what they got up to.
Unfortunately C walkers ended up in a Lucerne
paddock, - they should travel up
towards the cottage next time.
Some comments:
A/B runners – “do
we keep going up Allen?” – “yes, keep
going into the cloud”.
D runners “great views, and
great company – awesome”.
C runners –
“lovely first run – great chance to see beaut
country”.
B walkers – ask Bernard how
cold the water was – he must
have a thermometer on his bottom because he sat in the water to test
the
temperature.
A walkers – glorious Autumn
colours.
Fraser Weir
Saturday 14
April
By Whats On Now?
Total of 34 members, consisting of
A/B runners 4; C/D
runners 3; A walkers 12; B walkers 11; C walkers 4.
Cool wind but nice enough.
It was great to be able to use Ashtons Sunbury Park smoko
room. Nice and
clean and warm to finish in.
A/B
runners ran to almost the weir, up to sheep yards, and
down pylon track. C/D runners ran to weir and return.
A and B walkers walked to the weir
and returned somewhat later than
the runners. The A walkers
climbed above the weir
to look down on it. Great
views. The B walkers returned back along the weir track to
Sunbury Park.
C walkers did a circuit, including
part of the river track.
It
was nice to see a couple of new faces.
Where have all the runners gone??? (There’s a
song about that isn’t there?)
As
usual, most of us returned to the club rooms for a chat
afterwards.
Opening Day,
Conroy’s Dam
Saturday 31
March
By Bended Knee
John
organised another cracker of a day for
Harriers opening day for the 2007 season at Conroy’s Dam. Forty one people came,
including several new
faces.
The seven A pack runners began the
season
with a flying start – uphill to Castle Rock and returning via
the musterers
hut.
C and D runners went up to the
musterers,
then returned passing the goldmining sites.
Walkers 1 did a figure eight walk
– anti
clockwise around the dam to its head then into the Aldinga Reserve onto
the DOC
track, before looping back clockwise to a sumptuous afternoon tea.
Unfortunately Russell
found it hard to keep
up the pace, but he warns us to watch this space.Walkers 2 followed the Doc walk, and Max supplied them with a history
lesson for their enlightenment. All thirteen of them returned dry,
despite a few wibbly wobbly steps crossing the creek.
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