Summer Postcards
The season of Summer Postcards comes to an end for this year. Our correspondence has come from four continents and two islands. The cards have been marvellously varied -- flora and fauna, infrastructure old & new, scenes from an exhibition, views of the sea, morning light, the sun rising and setting.
But, like the psalmist of old, HVB members 'lift their eyes to the hills'; mountains hold the most fascination.
Many thanks to all our correspondents, and to Mary who suggested we keep the cards for a season -- not for a week.
And, as always, 'See you on the track'.
A final mountain view, from Sue S's Canadian trip:
'Mt Fernie, elevation 2210m, is clearly seen from Fernie city but particularly stunning when viewed through my frosted eye lashes on a Friday trudge at -- 20 °C along a snow covered track, ascending 400m on the Montane Trail.'
From the Australian Open in Melbourne: 'Taking a break from the tennis, Kas and I went to the NGV Triennial featuring the work of over 100 artists and designers from 32 countries. An absolutely amazing exhibition and a must see if visiting Melbourne.
In collaboration with the NGV, Yayoi Kusama a celebrated and prolific living artist in the world today has created a large-scale installation inviting everyone to participate in her work. 'Flower obsession 2017', recreates a furnished domestic space featuring a dining table and floral tablecloth created by the artist especially for the installation. Visitors are invited to apply these same flowers depicted on the cloth to the walls, floor and objects. Over the course of the exhibition the proliferation of flowers will gradually extend beyond the table and cover all the surfaces, ‘obliterating’ them.’
One photo is of the dining table and floral tablecloth and I thought the toilet was a bit of fun.'
Of course, seeing an email from Deidre, the editor was expecting a photo of Kas and Ash Barty.
Some more cards from the northern hemisphere - Andalusia this time: 'Having recently returned from Spain where we indulged in a few days walking,
I thought I would pass on a few photos to try to give a flavour of what it is like walking in winter in southern Spain.' - Wendy C.
Helen A posits this idea about a contribution to some of the recent Sydney trains shambles:'For some months now, major work has been carried out on the train stabling yards just to the north of the Hornsby station platforms. Up until the last few weeks lines have been kept open for suburban trains to come and go. However, over the last week or so, that entry/exit has been buried in gravel. (See the bottom left corner of image 2.) So now, only a trickle of trains leave from/arrive at Hornsby station, during peak hours, mainly serving the Central Coast'
'A postcard with warm wishes for a Happy New Walking Year of 2018, from a warm hearted albeit snow laden and very beautiful Canada.- Sue S'
Sue has sent a postcard with a wonderful view to Mt Fernie, but we are taking a temporary break from mountains ... so two other postcards
'On Christmas Eve, birch trees on the Montane Trail, on the way up Mt Fernie, in -20º C.
On our return - a lone elk grazing in Fernie, British Columbia. Elks give their name to the 220km long Elk River and Valley, in which latter Fernie is situated.'
This postcard from President Kurt was sent on 22 December:
'From Mt Ulap 1846m, near our place in Tuding, (Baguio) northern Philippines) wishing all at HVB a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year. '
In an email on 04 January Kurt admits: 'I am still trying to conquer the High Cordilleras which after Christmas cheers has become more difficult.' You aren't on your Pat Malone there, Kurt.
We hope that our postcards bring a glimpse of a world outside clothes and food. Anne R has sent this view of Whale Beach ...
... and a farewell to the festive season.
HVB members in this group have been exchanging Season’s Greetings for 263 years.
Following in our Social Walkers’ large foot-prints, the 'Size 3' Walk Report editors extend to our readers and contributors the compliments of the season.
Thank you for your terrific support in 2017. We are looking forward to our time together in 2018.
For the record: From '03 November 2017: Social Walk - Woy Woy'. Photo by Kurt.
Noel 28 (years with HVB), Pat U 26, Kath 33, Norma 28, Dot 26, Margaret D 7, Ray 26, Jean McD 28, Mary 17, Lyn 17, Elaine G 13, Elizabeth 14.
09 December 2017. A post card from Tasmania, 'Peaceful Strahan evening'
'Strahan is a pretty spot in Macquarie Harbour on the west coast of Tassie. Peaceful and picturesque at dusk, and busy during the day - aquaculture, fishing, kick-off point for Harbour and Gordon River cruises, and terminus for the West Coast Wilderness Steam Railway from Queenston.' Photographer & native son Don Wo.
Spotted Hyacinth Orchid Dipodium pardalinum within 300metres of home.- Sue S'
And, speaking of close to home:
A whistleblower has sounded the alarm: 'Just letting you know that a splinter group of HVB has recently formed. They are calling themselves the [Mt] Wilga Wanderers.'
Our Club Secretary is quite dismissive, 'Haha. .. they won't last long. .. they don't have a leg to stand on ?' and even happy to forward details.
Our Webmaster thinks HVB is a broad church for all , 'Forget legs - wasn’t it said of the early HVB walkers that they were "so decrepit that they needed poles to hang on to".?'
Deidre, is there any chance of you organizing a weekend away for all of us at HVB?
24 November 2017: Sue and Bruce have been
'on the four day walk along the 'Three Capes Track' of the Tasman Peninsular, Tasmania.
Morning light on Cape Huay from Munro Bight
At the briefing for the 3rd day of the walk, the Ranger at Munro suggested we get up before 5am (ugh !!..) to watch the sunrise over the Tasman Sea. She had predicted the first fog free morning for the past fortnight. It was worth the early rise! - Sue S'
20 November 2017:
Anne G was in Colombia for a family occasion.
'The name of the mountain is
La Piedra del Penol, Guatape.
- Anne'
Anne, Did you climb the
Mountain and enjoy the view?
11 November 2017. A group of over forty in The Grampions - 'We have brilliant weather, not a cloud in the sky.Lots of wild-flowers. Walking every day with information on rocks and development of country-side. Good company and nice food.- Vreni'
08 September 2017. From The Warrumbungles, and a man of few words 'The Grand High Tops from Belougery Split Rock and The Breadknife. - JohnG'