Contributor: Deb Shand
Source: "The News", June 2014
Photogallery: Grampians Track Clearing
The weather forecast for the weekend was for cold, wet weather, but that did not deter three hardy Melbourne Bushies who set off for Halls Gap on Friday evening. After a damp and windy night in the campground, we woke to cool sunshine on Saturday, and set off to meet our fellow workers and leader David at the Parks Office. Ranger Kyle gave us a safety briefing before we drove to our work site.
It was interesting to return to the track where we had laboured the year before. Then we had been hacking through thick vegetation to clear a track to the Asses Ears. This year the fierce bushfires had burnt the scrub to leave bare ground under blackened trees. Our job was to clear fallen timber, dig drains and remark the track. It was heartening to see fresh regrowth sprouting. As we were practising our cairn building skills in the afternoon to mark a route over the rocks to the top, the rain rolled in and put a stop to work for the day.
On Sunday morning we enjoyed a visit to the historic Heatherlie Quarry and hiked up Boronia Peak to enjoy views of the area. After lunch in the sun at Halls Gap we set off for rainy Melbourne, feeling that maybe we’d enjoyed better weather where we were. Thanks to Mark for coordinating the weekend, and Steve for his hard work and company.