Leaders: John & Glenys Cayley, for several sessions.

Good company and knowledgeable people. Keen walkers both young and aged had very enjoyable walks along the Wannon River with a chorus of bird calls in the background. It was great to see the water flowing with the Water Ribbon weed delicately lying on top – a very serene setting.
We came across several hundred kangaroos which hopped over the fence designed to keep them out. This mob of kangaroos had been resting in the shade on the other side of the Wannon until disturbed. We also saw fox and a rabbit both out in the early morning looking for breakfast. Many different birds were sighted and then on the way back up through the Stringybark forest many different native orchids and other wildflowers were sighted including tall and small greenhoods, pink lady finger orchids and spider orchids. Lots of Echidna diggings but no Echidnas were seen.

Highlights included

• A great discussion about the Wannon River and its source in the Grampians and changed water regimes.
• The unified pause to listen to the sound of the Grey Shrike-thrush.
• Seeing an Echidna in heaven! Snuggled into ant-ridden bark in the hollowed base of a tree.
• Great clumps of fungi on rotting logs.
• A great mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos hopping over the fence and up the hill.
• A visitor from America was delighted to see all the Kangaroos standing looking at her.
• Beautiful water ribbons swirling on the surface of the Wannon River.
• Fantastic River Red Gums growing along the river’s edge.
• Stunning song from Grey Shrike-thrush.
• Beautiful walk along the river flats to a wonderful view of Mt. Sturgeon and Mt. Abrupt.
• Lovely walk up hill through Helen Anderson’s property with Helen showing us some orchids.