b'June 2022 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 119/06/20226:41 pmPage 94WDrivers and walkers stopped forlunch and taking in the views ontop of Mount Wellington on the wayback to MacFarlanes Saddle. Millers Hut.The Wonnangatta Valley Walk.The walk to the Wonnangatta Valleybegan from Bryces Gorge Carpark onthe Howitt Road and followed the DryRiver Track down into theWonnangatta Valley.The 4WDers earlier in the day pickedup the walkers overnight packs fromthe Licola Lions Village and transported farewell to each other, and the twothem along the Howitt Road to the groups headed to their respectiveZeka Spur Track, and following the homes. Some of the walkers weretrack into the Wonnangatta Valley. facing another 4 hour plus drive toThere the 4WDers set a camp for their homes throughout the state.themselves and the walkers, set a fireand camp kitchen, and waited for the The Licola Lions Village catered forwalkers to arrive. Once the walkers 250 walkers over the weekend whicharrived, they retrieved their packs included an evening with guestfrom the vehicles and setup their own speaker, Beau Miles, an extremearea of the camp. The whole group adventurer. Beau spoke about thethen enjoyed the wine and cheese as Macmillan Walking Track which runspre-dinner nibbles. This gave the between Woods Point and Omeo, and4WDers time to prepare the hot meal which he ran in four days. Beau alsofor the whole group. Many spoke of the historic significance of closer together in the future. It wasdiscussions were had about all things the track and the area. The 4WDers hard work for the club participants,bushwalking, 4WDing, camping, etc. were invited to share dinner with the however, the fun and friendships thatMany walkers were in bed by about Federation Walkers and to hear Beau were forged, made all the work very9.30pm with the last of the camp speak. worthwhile.retiring as late as 10.30pm. Up at There was a wine and cheese I highly recommend that ifsunrise after a quiet night, the 4WDers tasting evening, featuring local approached by a similar event, thathad a continental breakfast ready for produce for all the others walkers who other clubs get involved. It doesall to enjoy before the walkers packed were back at the Licola Village on the wonders forbuilding relationshipsup their gear and placed it ready to Sunday night, that the 2 groups were with other Associations and great forbe loaded onto a 4WD packhorse for in the bush, so we were given a bag the 4WDriving image as a whole.the ride out. Walkers also prepared a of wine and cheese for each site. Thislight lunch for themselves with feature of the weekend came under Russell Dentproduce laid in the kitchen and the title of The Tastes of Gippsland.stowed it in their day packs. The Many of the walkers really appreciatedwalkers then took a walk along the what was done for them, both fromvalley to the old homestead area to the catering aspect and the fact thatinvestgate the history of the valley. they would have had difficulty seeingThis allowed the 4WDers time to stow all the views and country, if it were notthe camp and load the vehicles for for the 4WDers presence in the event.the trip home. The group met up It showed that both groups had aagain at the hut where Philip gave a passion for looking after the bush fortalk on the history and significance of future generations to enjoy. Manythe area. Passengers were then misconceptions were corrected by thedistributed to the vehicles and the trip interaction of the two sometimesup Zeka Spur began. A short break opposing, groups. Some of thewas taken atthe Half Way Camp to walkers were now stating that theystretch the legs, then back into the would like to join a 4WD club to gainvehicles to continue onto Bryces more 4WDing experience. As theGorge Carpark, where the 4WDers 4WDers and walkers are passionateand walkers had lunch and then said bush users, I trust we will be workingTRACKWATCH JUNE 20227'