With the forecast for occasional showers for the joint celebration between The Friends and Angair on Saturday December 8, we had put the Guide Camp shelters on stand-by.
However when 21 people turned up at the Picnic Ground for the walk at 10.00am we felt the weather was going to be kind to us, and indeed that was the case.
Early arrivals enjoyed a cuppa as they waited for others to join the group
Gentle misty rain was falling as we set off for the walk but it wasn’t long before the umbrellas were able to be put aside.
Rain jackets and umbrellas came in handy
Hugh and Ollie were glad they had their coats
As we walked the circuit track that had been well cleared for us by Parks Vic staff the rain ceased and we were enthralled at just how lush the vegetation was despite the dry conditions over the last few weeks. A highlight was the many specimens of the Victorian Christmas Bush Prostanthera lasianthos that were in full bloom.
Christmas Bush flowering in the gully
Some were growing close to the edge of the track and able to be admired close-up
People shared their experiences as they walked along.
Janet obviously had a good story to relate!
Pete found an interesting caterpillar that seemed to be decorated with red dots. However Pete’s sharp eyes detected that something was not quite right and discovered that tiny red mites were attacking the caterpillar.
The hand lens detected the presence of the tiny red mites
It is always pleasant to stop on the small wooden bridges and survey the ferns and vegetation that grow along the Creek
Back at the picnic ground and our numbers had now doubled and Craig and Matt had the BBQ well underway.
Craig from Parks Vic and Pete share the cooking duties
People had brought a variety of salads and plates were soon filled
It is always so pleasant relaxing in this great environment and sharing experiences with others
Patrick said some thank-you’s on behalf of The Friends, Peter did likewise for Angair and Katrina responded on behalf of Parks Victoria. Many things had been accomplished over the year. We had lost a great Friend in Lachie Richardson in June. Lachie was a highly valued member of both the Friends and Angair, and had been an integral part of our end of the year celebrations for many years usually helping out with the BBQ.
Patrick, Peter and Katrina say thank-you
We were also pleased that some other Park Rangers were able to come along.
Carlie, Matt and Katrina shared the occasion along with Craig who had organised the BBQ
Another year of conservation activities had come to an end and people were looking forward to a break to recharge and start again in 2019.
Margaret MacDonald