Marion Hill Monastery

Walking update… 14 February 2010

NORTH PARK NATURE RESERVE…

How many times have I ridden past the sign on the M7 which reads, “North Park Nature Reserve” and never taken cognizance of it?  Many, many times!  On Sunday, after a bit of a detour we all arrived at the bottom of Anderson Road and parked our cars – then set off down a very wide path and over a rickety bridge where we were met by the Parks Board Chap who promptly told us that we were on the wrong pathway!  He directed us back to the start where he gladly took R15 from each adult and R5 per child and pointed us in the right direction.  The walk was wonderful.  A gentle walk led us through indigenous forest with plenty of shade.  Lichen grew in abundance and some good photo opportunities presented themselves along the pathway. 

The highlight of the walk was when we had to cross the free flowing Umhlatuzana river over a weir – where with shoes clutched in our hands, we gingerly forged ahead.  It was exciting and cooling and we were delighted to all get across safely. 

The North family gravesite was well tended and gave an interesting ending to a very pleasant 3 km walk.

Welcome to visitors

Brian Baxter and his two daughters attended their first walk and seemed to have had a good time.  Welcome to you all.

New Members

A big welcome to Alan Baxter senior, who has decided to join Toti Ramblers.  For ease of differentiating between the two Alan Baxter’s – I will be calling him “Pops” as suggested by Kayla, his grand daughter.

Membership fees received:

Membership fees were received from Stan and Anna-Marie Mc Naught.  Thanks.  Rosemary, I forgot to collect yours.  Will do so on the next walk, sorry.

NEXT WALK – 14 FEBRUARY 2010

Marian Hill Monastery …

For something totally different, our next walk will be held at the Marian Hill Monastery.  There will be a R10.00 entrance fee which will go towards the up-keep of the monastery grounds. I believe that there is a 2 hour walk around the buildings, down to a river and along a number of houses on the property.  At the end of the walk we will either be able to stop off at the Monastery Tea Room – where you will be able to purchase a cup of tea plus a scone for R20 – or we can have our normal picnic under the trees somewhere on the property.

Directions
Travel on the Toll Road to exit no 23, Richmond Road.  Turn left away from the highway.  At the first set of robots turn right and continue on this road until you come to a fork in the road (or T junction).  Take the right road – this ends at the Monastery gates where we will all congregate.

We will be walking – rain or shine – so look forward to seeing you all there.