Eighteen walkers set off from the end of Whitecross Road along Shaws Ridge fire trail. The weather was ideal with blue skies and a gentle breeze. The well maintained fire trail made walking easy for the entire length of the walk.
After stopping along the way for morning tea, we descended to the valley floor where the moist alluvial soils support a magnificent blue gum forest towering above a carpet of ferns.
Walking in tall timber Waiting for a stragling photographer
There were several water course crossings as we continued along the trail until we found a suitable lunch spot in a clearing.
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As we walked along the gentle incline of the trail the blue gum terrain slowly changed to wooded forest before a steep ascent took us back to the car park.
We then adjourned for a convivial coffee at Winmalee shopping centre. 
Walkers: Helen A, Tim, Elaine, John and Ros, Mary, Christine G, Martin, Rosie, Keith H, Lyndy, Kas, Bert, Elizabeth, Kurt, Christine S, Lyn and Don Wo.
Walk Leaders: Tim and Christine G. / First Aider: Lyndy / Tail End Charlie: Martin and Christine G.
Photography: Helen A (4, 6, 8, 12), Elaine (7), Kas (5), Lyndy (10), Ros (1), Don Wo (2, 3, 9, 11).