Wednesday 15 February
As 2023 dawned, our group were all aware that this marked 10 years of hiking together. I have kept records of each walk and distance since day one, so checked for the date of our very first walk.
Sunday 17 February 2013. A city/river circuit walk, recorded as 6 km.
I sent the group an early reminder to definitely keep 15 February free. 2 weeks prior to the date, I gave them their invitation to re-enact and celebrate our 10th birthday. The photos used were from the first walk.
The route we followed.
We gathered at 5.30 am and climbed the steps onto the bridge. Being a work day, and not a Sunday, the traffic was busy and noisy, even at this hour.
Botanical Gardens
Kangaroo Point Cliff walkway.
The menu - mango smoothie, muesli bowls, savoury scrolls, croissants with ham and cheese, and birthday cake.
Jenny, myself and Margot, the founding hikers of 2013.
Relaxing, celebrating and, as always, enjoying one another's company to the max. I was surprised and overwhelmed by the gift of flowers from the group, as a thank you for organising and guiding them during these past ten years. I am the only one in the group with a good sense of direction!
I had taken the 'Walking Bible' with me, and we each had to select our favourite walk of the past ten years, to include in future walks. The coastal walk from Lennox Heads to Ballina was everyone's first choice. Others were Mt Gnun Gnun, Boonah Rail Trail and Twin Falls Circuit. We all agreed that it is really impossible to select the best, as we have never had a bad hike. Sorry, I need to correct that. The Lake Manchester Hike 18km hike of 15 April 2015, got the thumbs down from everyone but me.
The best!
http://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2013/06/lennox-heads-to-ballina-coastal-walk.html
The worst, says most. Ha, ha - 6 /7!
http://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2015/04/not-quite-what-we-expected.html
There was much discussion re how we would celebrate the next ten years. Quite possibly walking with our zimmer frames. We hope not, but as our age range is from 65 to 72, one never knows. We will do our utmost to stay active.
Let the good times continue!
I would love to read your comment.
You're all SILLY! And wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill. We work hard at being silly and wonderful!
DeleteCongratulations on your 10th anniversary! It sounds such a fun group to be part of. Not the kind of scenery I'm used to walking through, but great to see your pictures.
ReplyDeleteA tad warmer than what you are experiencing too. It's great to be able to follow your footprints in the UK, John.
DeleteSuch a joy-filled story! Congratulations to all of you on your 10th Anniversary of adventuring together. You organized a wonderful way to celebrate. I went back and reread your best & worst experiences. The "best" sounded familiar to me then I realized I covered that area virtually last year while doing my "Aussie Coastal Bushwalk Virtual Challenge". Wishing you many more wonderful journeys together!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexandra. We will be returning to the the 'best' soon.
DeleteCongratulations on this milestone. What a wonderful way to stay young and active as you navigate these senior years. Well done! Love the photos, as always.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marie. We intend to continue to stay 'young' as long as possible. Our friendships will always be there.
DeleteThat's so cool that you've been hiking together for 10 years! Here's to another 10!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. It will be interesting to see how they unfold.
DeleteCongratulations on the 10th anniversary, Helen! You had organised a lovely celebration and re-enactment... and fully deserved the beautiful flowers. The cake looks gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experiences. I've learned a lot during these years. Here's to many happy future hikes!
Thank you, Sara. The flowers have unusually lasted 2 weeks. A special omen, I believe.
DeleteYes - let the good times continue! I've enjoyed going on the hikes virtually through your posts. I just wish I could partake of the celebratory feasts too!
ReplyDeleteIt would be wonderful to have you present, Barb. Keep up your recovery efforts!
DeleteWow what a great celebration and you all look as fit and healthy as you did 10 years ago.
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind Joan. It was a wonderful morning.
DeleteCongratulations on your 10th anniversary! Here is to another 10 years!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy watching your pictures and reading about your hikes.
Thank you, Margi. Our countries are so very different.
DeleteThat's so neat that you kept such detailed records. What a devoted group of friends.
ReplyDeleteOne friendship goes back 48 years. The others 41 years.
DeleteYou ladies are amazing! Congrats on 10 years of walking and friendship! I loved the photo with your reflections in the puddle. And I'm still amazed at how you carted beautiful tableware to celebrate the day outdoors! The cake is super cute!
ReplyDeleteThaks, Kim. A group effort to be organised so well and often repeated.
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