Well, it wasn’t to be the planned celebration at Moggs Creek Picnic Ground for the annual combined BBQ with Angair members when we awoke on Saturday morning to find that the weather forecast was proving accurate. There was already light drizzle falling and looking at the radar with rain looming, it was decided that we would switch venues to the nearby Girl Guide Camp ‘Tallawalla’. How fortunate we are to have this marvellous facility in our area. It is not quite as good as enjoying the environment at the picnic ground, but nestled within the same environment this facility enabled us to enjoy the bushland while under cover from the rain.
Just five brave members fronted up for the planned walk at about 10.30am, and donning wet weather gear Sally, Alison, Chris, Ellen and Marg set off to walk some of the Moggs Creek Circuit Trail.
Sally, Alison, Chris and Ellen with Marg as photographer brave the elements
We were hopeful that we might find the Tall Potato Orchid, Gastrodia procera, that had been flowering there beautifully just a few weeks previously, but the hostile weather conditions on Friday had seen the last flowers shrivel away.
Tall Potato Orchid (photo taken November 28)
However, the buds of the smaller species Cinnamon Bells, Gastrodia sesamoides, that we had been observing had opened and Ellen was able to capture the beauty of this orchid making sure to keep her camera sheltered from the rain.
Cinnamon Bells
Ellen with camera
As time was against us we decided not to walk the length of the trail and reluctantly we made our way back to the Guide Camp shelter.
The fire that had been kindled within the shelter was a welcome retreat and we soon had managed to dry off enough to chat with friends as they arrived at about 12 noon.
Cat, Alison and Ellen enjoying the comfort of the fire
Alison, Philippa, Chris, Kaye and Marg also gravitated towards the warmth
The covered shelter with tables and seating supplied enabled people to keep dry but still to look out on the beautiful environment.
Environment outside shelter
Pete, Wendy and Matt soon had the BBQ provided by Parks Vic up and running and the smell of food soon permeated the atmosphere.
The chefs
There was time to catch up on people’s news as many had not seen each other for some time.
People were soon able to fill their plates from the spread of salads and sweets.
Time for lunch
As people were finishing their meal Peter thanked everyone for coming along and thanked the Friends members for their support during the year.
Pete says ‘thank-you’
Matt responded on behalf of Parks Victoria, stressing the important combined role of Friends of Eastern Otways and Angair in caring for the environment.
Matt responds
A final ceremony was the presentation of Angair Life Membership by President, Sally White, to Rod Brooks, for the tremendous support he has given to the society over the years especially in the area of establishing and maintaining the website.
Congratulations to Rod- well deserved!
Margaret MacDonald