On Sunday 2 May saw the first of our 2010 End 2 End (E2E) Walks â the E2E4 group walked from Myponga to Mt Compass. Wonderful fine day, and with a coolish breeze we kept our cool. The 3 groups wound their way up and down. And up and down couple more times thru Yulte Park scrub, then traversed open hills and ridges, before caressing Mt Cone on the long and winding road home. The 22km sorted out those who forgot their walking over summer (stiffening legs on the ride home, hey). Thanks to our lovely support ladies, again there with the Haighs Frog treat to assist us on the final leg to the cars.

The E2E3 are up north next weekend, then the new E2E5 commences. (fully booked I believe). With the other Sunday walks, our busy walk season is well under way.

Anzac Weekend saw the Friends at the Grampians once again. Lead by Simon and Arrienne two full walking days and three boisterous nights were "suffered" in the Baptist Camp at Halls Gap. Simon lead one walk for the hardy, summitting Boronia Peak on Saturday, with Arrienne leading the not so hardy on an epic walk around the Wonderland. Why the Wonderland, well it’s a wonder we let Alice loose with a map.

Sunday saw the even hardier tackle a through walk across the Mitchell Plateau, from Mt William to Jimmy Creek. A cold start lead to a wonderful sunny day, albeit cold winds, with great views from the plateau.

Arrienne and Peter lead the left-overs with some doing a shorter walk leading to Greek cooking lessons back at camp, with Arrienne. The others undertaking a seven hour "stroll" with Peter.

Typical of Simon the nights entertainment were Zorba the Greek dancing leasons and suitably, on Anzac Day, how to rip off your friends with a game of two-up (Simon’s Rules)

Monday departure lead to Arapiles for a short walk to the top, then home.
Well done the organisers.

A lovely day in Paradise â with the temp. keeping well below that of the earlier forecasts. John led 20 walkers up the Torrens, and back to Thornton Park for the BBQ and catch-up. With around 50 Friendsâ and their friends chatting under the pines till late in the afternoon, we were but one of many groups enjoying Aust Day at Thornton. A popular place with plenty of room. Another enjoyable social occasion.

Following successful trials in accepting online payment for the next End-to-End 3 event we are now accepting online registrations for all events. When you register, you will be prompted to pay for your walk, and any bus and meal fees via PayPal. Payment by credit card is accepted. For walks where there is a walk fee only, and no bus or meal, you can nominate to use your Multi-Walk Card or Golden Boots Card, in which case no payment will be required upfront, simply proceed with the registration and present your card to the walk leader on the day.

On Sun 14 June Michelle completed the Heysen Trail – for the second time! (is this the first for a lady?) and husband Jerry completed his first End 2 End (the first of many?). The celebration (accompanied with the bagpipe) was at the end of 2 days of walking – Web Gap Road to Burra Gorge. Congratulations and well done Michelle and Jerry (well known for their leadership with the End 2 End 2 walkers). Despite predictions, the walks were free from rain – although we needed protection from the very strong, cold head-wind on Sat. One group pushed onto Huppatz Hut for a late lunch, and welcome shelter! Some road walking was enhanced with the wonderful vistas from the top of the ranges, and with stretches of mallee scrub. Some precision walking was required as the crops in some paddocks gave very little room along the fence line.

And watch out for the fallen fence posts! Bunny ears, butterflies, a bowling outfit, and beanies to bowler hats fitted the B for Burra theme, and Bogart and Bacall joined in with the noisy crowd which filled the Golf Clubrooms Sat. night (as well as that well-known Blond Bimbo Ben!). Another good weekend on the trail.

A successful start to the End to End Four walks. 145 walkers safely hiked the 15km wet and slippery trail, and finished to a Haighâs chocolate frog treat – from our lovely lady assistants. The day was blowy, sunny with just a few isolated rain squalls to keep us cool. With dolphins, rainbows, a spaceship, wonderful cloud formations, plus a rugged coast, rolling hills, kangaroos aplenty and coastal scrub â such a variety of experiences we were treated to. Many thanks to all the volunteers for all the organising, and to the walkers who came to enjoy.
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