Shared Activity

On 2 Jan 2012 we start a shared activity - call it bush walking or brisk walking; we have embarked on a journey that we hope will last a little bit.

So far we have been at it for some 4 weeks and SM & I have never done this together for such an extensive period of time.

I know the benefits because I feel better and I keep my body weight in check when I used to climb the Bintulu hill in 2010/2011 for almost 6 months, 2-3 times a week. We now enjoy exploring different trails apart from some days we walk around our neighborhood; usually for between 45 min to 1.5 hours. 

First trails we go to are the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary in Blackburn and Ruffey Lake Park in Doncaster because we have been to these trails before and so they are familiar to us.

 Blackburn Lake - the lakes

I normally enter to the Blackburn Lake Sanctuary via Jefferey St which is a  National Trust Classified street that is worth a brief visit to see some of the nice homes on the street. As for Ruffey Lake I normally enter via The Boulevard which is the main entrance. Nearby the Parking area there are public BBQ pits as well.

 Ruffey Lake hill top view

 Ruffey Lake typical paved walk paths

Ruffey lakes

These trails are usually bush lands but I do not know how to appreciate the floral and fauna and I just recognize common things like ferns, gum trees, native grass, and some wild herbs.

One other trail we explore and enjoy going is the Yarran Dheran in Mitcham.

 Yarran Dheran bush trails

 Yarran Dheran paved walks 

 Mullum Mullum Creek

On this walk we are rewarded with a bonus visit in this historic trail to the Schwerkolt Historic Museum and Cottage. The Schwerkolt family was the first residents in this area. 

Schwerkolt Historic Cottage

Schwerkolt Smokehouse. In the old days there was no refrigeration and so people either smoke, dry or salt their meats

Other trails we have done so far are the Blackburn Creeklands, Koomba Park in Vermont, Koonung Trails along the Eastern Freeway near my sister's home and the one we most frequent that is the Bellbird Dell Reserve near our home in Vermont South.

I now have in my sight The 100 Acres in Warrandyte, Kakoda Track Memorial Walk (also known as The 1000 Steps) in the Dandenongs. Eventually when we are fit enough and in the not too distant future I would want to do the 3-day Great Ocean walk. 

Beginning at Apollo Bay, this newly opened walk traverses through the rainforests of the Great Otway National Park to the majestic Twelve Apostles. On the way you'll see kangaroos, koalas and other wildlife, wild deserted beaches, waterfalls plunging gracefully to the Southern Ocean, a historical lighthouse and remains of several shipwrecks.