Time for a Postcard

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Today a small band ventured south to the Waitpinga Cliffs. Chn 9 Postcards program filmed a segment for the Friend’s 25th anniversary, and we expect to be seen walking the trail, maintaining the trail, talking on the trail plus lunching on a break. To be shown on 29th May. (Keith Conlon was unavailable so will be filmed and inserted in later – a cut and paste job!). Perfect weather, mild and very calm. We were hosted by the warmth and gererosity of the local bird lady. See the huge variety of birds at Clifftop Creations

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Heysen End to End 3 – Trekkers Travelling North

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Priority bookings now open for regular E2E3 walkers to register for the June long long weekend. If you haven’t received an email from Simon, with the priority booking link, today – please email or phone the office and the link will be emailed soon. Bookings for this trip will be open to others in a month (if bus seats are not filled). The buses will be travelling up from Adelaide – so consider travelling up and back to Adelaide on the bus. Office: 8212 6299 or heysentrail@heysentrail.asn.au

The Lavender Federation Trail commences the new season

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The new walking season has bounced into action, with the first Lavender Federation Trail walk on Sunday. 54 walkers on the trail from Murray Bridge to Monarto Oval. A cool day with showers allowed all to air the wet weather gear. The trail was well defined and being relatively flat, was a great “leg stretcher” early in the season. A sandy trail finished the 18.2km walk, being more like preseason training in the sand dunes, as the local motorcycle fraternity had also enjoyed the same road reserve. The walk was followed by afternoon tea, sheltered behind the buildings next to the oval. A special thanks to everyone who contributed biscuits and slices, capping off a great first day to the season. The second walk is in early May, Please book early for a great day’s activity and fellowship.
This is going to be a special season for walking, due to the large amount of summer rain, so the environment will be very different and perhaps even unique to normal years.
Thanks to John Potter and his team, for a great day.
Steve Clift

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Walking Season is now open

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A lovely sunny day and a well grassed oval welcomed walkers and visitors to the TTG oval. Come ‘n Try It walks well attended, with around 80 registered on the morning walks. Around the oval there was much catching-up with good friends and walk buddies. In recognition of our 25th anniversary, the Friend’s hosted over 50 special guests, being foundation and early members, plus our Honorary Members, for a luncheon in the hall.
From 1pm the official speeches were by:
• Ron Jackson ( President Walking SA )
• Warren Bonython AO (on the events leading up to the Heysen Trail)
• Jamie Shephard (on the formation and early days of the FoHT)
• Hon. Tom Kenyon (the importance of outdoor recreation)
• Mayor Miriam Smith (open the walk season )
In a wonderful gesture, Miriam asked Warren Bonython to join her in opening the Walk Season. Once again we were fortunate to have many helpers to set-up and clear-up. Special thanks to – Julian Monfries and Colin Edwards (an effort above and beyond the call of duty over the past few days), for organising, – Mary Cartland, catering – Jack Marcelis and his team, the friends marquee – Liz O’Shea and Ron Jackson, Walking SA, and Alan Bundy as a great MC, plus Arrianne Wynen and her walk leaders.
The season’s now open – so lets get out and walk!

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