Scotch College

Four seasons in a weekend

Four seasons in a weekend at the Grampians

Despite experiencing four seasons in just one weekend, the Bushwalking Club's Grampians weekend of walks in October was a big success, credit for which must go to Alex and Libby Marshall and Tim and Wendy Summons, who organised walks and accommodation.

After a wholesome home-cooked dinner on Friday night at the Grand Canyon Motel in downtown Halls Gap, the 31 club members present settled down for a reasonably early night in preparation for the 11km Mt Rosen circuit walk next day.

The day dawned rather grey, and that was to prove a precursor for the walk - during which low cloud and rain were never far away. We scrambled over rocks to the Mt Rosen summit, all set for one of the best views in the Grampians, and what did we see - clouds and more clouds! It was a pity, but blame for the weather could not be levelled at the walk organisers.

Later, after enjoying another home-cooked meal and a glass of wine - which certainly hit the spot after our rather cold and damp walk - some of us tuned in to the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony replay, while others enjoyed a noggin or two and plenty of laughs.

We were up bright and (not so) early on the Sunday, eager to tackle another nourishing, country-style breakfast, created by the Grand Canyon chefs. (The Grand Canyon cuisine was basic, but very tasty, and just right for a hungry group of walkers!)

Outside the sun was shining and a cool breeze blowing, and, joined by the Tolstrups from Melbourne, we set off from the Halls Gap oval on the 6km Chatauqua Peak Loop.

Along the way we could see the motel and our cars parked around the oval, far below. This would not have been the time to see someone breaking into your car!

About half the walking party of 33 "bagged" the Chatauqua summit - a tricky scramble over big boulders - while the others contented themselves with the excellent view from a bit further down.

Then it was back to Halls Gap for sightseeing or lunch - and another successful bushwalking 'weekend of walks', well organised by the Marshalls and Summonses.