A trip to Melbourne (to watch a very disappointing football match, but also do some sightseeing), a convivial stroll through the Australian National Botanic Gardens on a brilliant sunny Canberra winter day, and lastly some frequent visitors at our bird feeder on the deck.

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On the first weekend in July we met for a serious training session in the Blue Mountains. Not so serious that we stayed in tents, mind you – it was way too cold for that! But the hikes were serious and gave everyone a chance to test some new piece of gear, be it a new pack (Osprey being the brand of choice, it seems!), new boots, thermals or neckwarmers. It was very cold and windy and we wisely headed to the sheltered side of the mountains, doing the Neates Glen / Grand Canyon walk twice (both mornings) and a hike down from Govett’s Leap towards Junction Rock and back on Saturday afternoon (seriously steep!). The weekend was made even more memorable by the wonderful food, sparkling conversation and supportive companionship.

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On various weekends we have walked up Mt Taylor (several times), Mt Rob Roy in the Tuggeranong Valley, along Molonglo gorge, up Mt Majura and up Mt Tennent again. There’ll have to be a bit of repetition over the next few months- there just aren’t enough steep hills about! The kids have accompanied us on some occasions – makes it more fun and less like training!

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