Report By SL
Sunday 19th July 2020
It was a rather tranquil Sunday morning, I woke up discovering the whole Mudgee area was covered in fog which hang on for an unusually extended period. That added an extra rural atmosphere in the region, in these winter months.
Walkers began to arrive at the start of the walk at Munghorn Gap, in thick apparels. Joby, our President had come earlier to set up tables in preparation for morning tea to celebrate the club’s 30th Anniversary. There were buzzing of friendly greetings and chats among the crowd, they are friendly lot, indeed. It was also great to see the bike riders and many faces whom I haven’t seen for a while.
Joby acknowledged founding members of the club who were present on the day, welcomed the visitors and new members. Joby went on to a great length in making special tributes to members whom we lost recently including two of the club’s foundation members, Bill Wirth and Geoff Dear, by decorating the cake with white and red flowers. Members pinned the flower to their jacket for the walk.
On behalf of all members, Thank You very much, Joby.
After morning tea, the group started walking to the junction with several stops. As a blind leading the blinds, I had no idea where the Boulder was from the junction. Thankfully Ivy was there to assist me. Having explored/climbed the boulders and taken several photo opportunities, we walked to Castle Rocks complex to join the rest of the group for lunch.
Castle Rocks are clusters of large boulders, carved by wind and water. We climbed up 20 meters or so, to the tops, exposing wider views of the area. There are pagodas and distant view of Mudgee town. It was a pleasure to know that the Lord Mayor of Totnes Valley (Joe) had joined the walk, and he pointed out that his residence is just below, in the valley, not far from where we stood.
Some of us, trekked through the western side of the rocks, momentarily lost Eric, sparking a mini search. But we all finally made it back to the walking track and returned home safely. Eric’s explanation was “The defibrillator and locator device he was carrying, are too heavy, so he walked fast”.
Please do share your experience on this walk, photos (observe social distancing) and narratives on our facebook group.
Our next adventure will be at Turon National Park. Please check the website and facebook for updates on this walk.
Hope to see you again. Stay Safe and Be Happy.