Friday 12 July was a bit of a wet and wild day in St Kilda. I guess bad weather needs to be factored in when it's the middle of winter. Anyway, we didn't let that stop us as we set off through the St Kilda Botanical Gardens and made our way to Albert Park and then strolled around the lake. Heavy rain at one point, but at least it was only blowing in 1 direction so only half the body got wet. Wandered down Fitzroy and Acland Streets and ended up at Iddy Biddy Bar for a much needed coffee and a delish lunch. Oh and met Ron Barassi along the way - much to the delight (if the squeals were anything to go by) of some of our fellow walkers.
The weather gods took pity on us on Sunday 21st July and the sun was shining. This time we were in the city and after meeting up in Fed Square, we were off to check out the street art in a couple of laneways (I do love a good laneway stroll). On to and around Carlton Gardens and then back past Parliament for a walk through Treasury and Fitzroy Gardens before our coffee/lunch stop at Great Space café. Lots to see along the way and we had many keen photographers merrily snapping away on route.
The most recent walk was on Sunday 18 August and it was a repeat of the St Kilda one - this time with no rain and much warmer, although it was windy around the lake - and not just because there were 25 women chatting away. We kept a look out for the great Ron B, but he wasn't hanging around on any street corners on this day.
Each month there are two walks. One held during the week and one on the weekend. The following month, the one that was held during the week is repeated on a Sunday for those that aren't lucky enough to be retired/unemployed/taking a break.
Each walk is around 10 - 12km and everyone is welcome. Well, as long as you are a women. Apparently some men have tried to join the group and have been politely turned away. Can't blame them for trying - I'm sure an equivalent men's walking group would be nowhere near as exciting when it comes to gossip.
The group is run by the lovely Annie, who diligently takes a practice walk when planning the next ones and ensures that coffee/lunch spots are up to scratch. So far I've met a lovely bunch of ladies, all ages and from various walks of life. Some mothers and daughters share the day and there is usually at least one fur-baby (male's welcome) accompanying us. It's a fabulous way to get a bit of exercise, discover new spots around our city and make new friends.
All walks to date have been classed as "Easy." Although in October, a slightly more taxing hike down in the Mornington Peninsula is planned and that will be 14.5km. Now the question has been raised - What is the difference between a "hike" and a "walk?" The answer appears a bit grey, but seems to depend on the surface being walked upon and where you are. Walking tends to refer to the stuff we do everyday on hard, relatively flat surfaces in urban areas, whereas hiking is done in nature and on more natural, uneven ground. Got it? So really, telling someone to take a hike is not necessarily a bad thing.
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