Bushwalking Group at Crossroads

On Sunday, the Bushwalking Group met for the annual planning meeting. The aim was to agree on the walks for 2026. In the days prior to the meeting, there had been a number of emails which created some misunderstandings and a few people took offence when none was intended. It is clear that we are all getting on in years and can no longer do the long and strenuous walks that we used to enjoy. I personally used to think nothing of walking 15 km and on the Camino I could do this day after day: no problem, but not any more! 

Three long time members of the group decided to resign and join a more active walking group (Perth has no shortage of these). It was assumed that these three would not attend the planning meeting, so Margaret M and Sue drew up the agenda between them. We met under a shady spot on Hackett Drive near the river. There were only seven of us and we were all given a chance to say our piece about the future of the group. Most said they valued the social side as well as the walking, but we really needed to shorten them. Everyone was asked what contribution they could make in 2026. I was reluctant to put my hand up, as I’m still suffering from the after effects of shingles which sapped all my energy, not to mention the awful coffee poisoning episode. I don’t feel confident to lead a walk and the group really needs leaders.

We had a break for morning tea, with everyone providing a contribution.

 My banana bread.

Last Protest

Yesterday was our last protest against the “Perth Park” development before the bulldozers move in. There was a big police presence, quite a surprise for such a group of law abiding citizens. We were all assembled in the shade of a big tree, before we were moved on a little way along the track into the sun. Was this a ploy to make it difficult? The temperature was 35 degrees.

The media were there from all the TV networks, but it was only covered by the local ABC News at 7.00 pm:

People had brought placards, but the most ingenious (and useful) was this painted umbrella. It read “Our hearts ♥️ are broken”:

1 really felt there could have been fewer police and one or two St John’s paramedics because of the heat and danger of dehydration.

~~~~~~~~~~~

A much cooler day was promised for Sunday, so I set off early to drive to Kalamunda Farmers Market.  I found a really good parking spot just opposite Vibe garage, minutes from the back entrance to the market. I grabbed a quick breakfast (coffee and a danish) before hitting the stalls, which were already busy at 8.30 am.

One of the best and biggest stalls sells plants:

This Chain of Hearts plant was one I bought last year, and has gone up a lot in price (as has everything). I must take some cuttings.

What else did I buy? A curry puff for lunch from Govindas. They are the same Govindas as the restaurant in Northbridge; apparently the chefs live here in Kalamunda. I also stocked up on fresh stone fruits: plums and white peaches. Prices were no cheaper than the supermarkets, but at least everything was really fresh. Look at this tray of mushrooms:

Escaping Ed Sheeran

On Saturday and Sunday night, we were being treated to extremely noisy events at the stadium. Two Ed Sheeran concerts (gigs as they are now called) would go on way past my bedtime of 9.30 pm. I asked my friend Val if I could spend the weekend at her place, well away from all this. She took pity on me!

Val lives in a retirement village, where every house has a tiny beautiful garden. Here are two of Val’s flowers:

Val has a black rescue greyhound, Maggie, who sleeps most of the time:

We enjoyed a tasty dinner: mini quiches and salad:

It was a very hot day and forecast to remain so. We went for a sunset walk, Maggie leading the way:

There is a newly constructed boardwalk:

It was beautiful late in the day:

There are information plaques alerting people to all the various birds to be seen:

Returning home, we saw the full moon low in the sky: 

What a lovely weekend I had!

The only downside was the drive home on Monday morning. The freeway was really busy and required 100% concentration. There is a new system of traffic lights at the on ramps, which allow one car through at a time. I can’t imagine doing this commute every day.