to-four-day trips anywhere in snow-gum country. One of Rod's most memorable excursions was an extended trip to the Nullarbor caves in 1966, led by Rex Filson. He remembers Nick Cole wearing a dinner suit into every different cave and ceremoniously burning the suit at the last cave they visited. Also, Rod was one of the first Club members to try cross-country skiing when John Brownlie imported skis into Australia from overseas in 1967.

When Rod joined MBW bushwalking was very unusual. In the 1960s people looked at you strangely if you walked by with a pack on your back. According to Rod most people in Victoria had little knowledge of the alpine areas. Today, bushwalking and backpacking are much more socially accepted, with bushwalking shops all over Melbourne, regular bushwalking columns in newspapers and a greater awareness of the importance of conservation.

Melbourne Bushwalkers is honoured to have members like these who have given service far above that normally expected. It is only fitting that our Club has held these people in high esteem and has awarded them life membership in appreciation of their contribution.

Bushwalking offers so much - great friendships, the chance to visit out-of-this-world places, peace, solitude, challenge and an affinity with nature. In my opinion, the Australian bush has inspired our life members to contribute so much to our Club. I am sure it will continue to inspire many others in the future because once bushwalking gets in your blood nothing can be done.