On perhaps the best day of the week, Saturday’s walk had 14 participants off to Morgans Lookout at Mount Glenrowan.

The first stop was for a group photo near the communication towers, and to see views to the distant alps. Shortly after this the choice needed to be made to take the shorter or longer route to reach Mount Glenrowan.

Led by Michael, six took the longer route via Casuarina and Moonlight Tracks and eight took the shorter route, taking in Chick Hill.

Those completing the shorter route followed the Ridge Track to the turn off to Chick Hill, and then continued on to Chick Hill for morning tea, and more views over the King and Ovens Valleys.

Returning to the Ridge Track they continued on towards Morgans Lookout for lunch, where the alps were now cloud free, and the snow was brilliant in the sunshine.

Following a leisurely lunch, the group returned along the Ridge Track, and took the bush track along the route that brings them out near the water tank, then continued on to Taminick Gap Road, having completed an 11k walk.

The six walkers who chose the Casuarina and Moonlight Tracks to reach Mount Glenrowan enjoyed a particularly scenic route to their destination.

The descent down the Casuarina Track calls for sure and steady footwork, as the steep incline has loose material underfoot.

At the bottom of the track we were welcomed by lush green surroundings, granite rock formations and the remains of a small creek still managing to flow with a little water. It was in this area we spotted a deceased full-grown deer.

We continued along what was now the Moonlight Track, which borders the vineyards of Baileys Winery for some distance. In this section we spotted a young deer amongst the vines. It was difficult to tell whether it was alive or not, until it’s ears twitched and we noticed its eyes were open.

As we continued, we had another view of the deer, which then became startled and raced towards the Warby Ovens boundary fences, only to crash into the fence numerous times in its effort to escape. I would honestly like to say that no animals were harmed in the undertaking of today’s walk, but that cannot be guaranteed.

Morning tea was taken at another small creek, which had a little water still flowing. The brilliant sunshine was welcomed as we rested and ate. This side of Mount Glenrowan provides expansive views across vineyards, the Strathbogie Ranges in the distance, and the Winton Wetlands.

The end of the track culminates in a steady steep climb which leads back towards the Ridge Track. Birthday girl, and El Presidente, Sandi, was feeling every bit of her years today, as she brought up the rear of the group.

Once at the ridge, the short distance towards the lookout was soon completed. Here we joined the other group members, who had just finished lunch, and were about to make their return. After our lunch we returned along the ridge, taking the little detour through some nice bush which brings walkers out behind the large water tank.

From here it wasn’t much further, and we descended the sealed road, and joined the rest of the group for afternoon tea and cupcakes, provided by Jeanette for the birthday girl.