The clouds looked uncertain on the morning of 17th September as we began the 2016 Community Spirit Walk to raise funds for the purchase of a Sorrento Chair for the Augusta Hospital.
The early starters mustered at our beautiful boat harbour for the short briefing then off we trekked for the first part of the walk. Warming up, footsteps, chatter and laughter filled the air as we strolled along the footpath that led us along the Southern Ocean and onto the Blackwood River. Curious pelicans watched on as boats glided past and happy kayakers were savoring the crisp stillness and welcome absence of wind. Gradually the clouds cleared and so did the winter fog.
Kids ran, held hands, skipped and sang, adults drifted to their own pace as Hillview Road approached. Bananas and Tim Tams were handed around as a treat, as were band-aids for sore feet.
Heading back down the enchanted Karri forest, the sun was shining and relief was close as we reached half way to the finish line.
As IGA approached, some walkers signed off as the rest walked back along the Blackwood to arrive at the harbour some 4½ hours later. Determined to finish, the kids were dragging their feet but encouraging each other forward and I was feeling total love for them all. After all 25.62km is not a brief walk in the park!
As the walkers crossed the finish line, all was well and it was generally agreed, it was time for a well deserved cold ale or three.
Thank you to all, you were fantastic. Special thanks to Augusta CRC, Allira Ross my secretary, the Augusta Newsagency, Bendigo Bank and Augusta Primary School for supporting this walk. A huge thank you also to our Lions Club of Leeuwin for insuring this event and allowing the use of their bank account and to John Galvin for being our support vehicle and for the countless technical miracles.
If you couldn’t participate, but would still like to help with a kind donation, please pop into Bendigo Bank stating Community Spirit Walk – BSB 6633 000 Account No: 158107607.
Thank you to all and I look forward to seeing you at the next trek.
Katherine Davis