'Grow the Great Walk'
Coastal region of Gondwana Link - Yalingup to Wilyabrup, then on to the karri forest in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park
Further to ear-bashing a few committee members with a concern about mentoring new people through to stronger Great Walk community roles, we have decided to put up our hands and organize a walk with this theme in mind.
Chloe and Joanna were talking about potential walks and both mentioned how much they'd like to do a coastal walk. Kelvin likes the idea too, as does Michael, so we'd all like to co-coordinate. In addition, Peter has offered equipment support, although he's not sure he'll be able to go to this particular Walk. Sarah just wants to attend the next Walk, but has offered to support a new food coordinator initially and Tony has offered to act as a consultant/mentor.
The Walk will encompass the coastal areas from Yalingup to regions south of the Wilyabrup cliff face and into the Boranup karri forest. The area runs along the Cape to Cape trek, and goes past natural caves, fresh water lakes and tourist locations along the ocean such as Canal Rocks and the Wilyabrup cliffs where dolphins and whales are regularly spotted. Because of its numerous access points, these walk trails offer many alternative walk options ranging from strolls of an hour or two to long day hikes. In addition, Peter has kindly contributed information about more walks in this area and Jozina, who helped coordinate the Cape to Cape Great Walk, has offered assistance too. Because the Great Walk has done the Cape to Cape track before, we'd like to explore the area and do something different. For example, it is possible to connect different walks to explore cave systems, fresh water lakes, forest, beaches and streams.
At the moment, we think most of this Walk will take place within the confines of the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park, which is managed by CALM and we will liaise directly with CALM. Although the Cape to Cape huts would not make suitable camp sites (or be likely to be approved as campsites for the Great Walk by CALM), the huts along the trek could make good lunch spots. Camping areas, on the other hand, are abundant and can be quite spectacular such as those in the Boranup forest.
The reconnoiter will be an enjoyable activity and should take place by the end of January. At this point, Michael, Joanna and Kelvin are willing to undertake the reconnoiter. Chloe may come as well.
This Walk proposal includes consciously mentoring new people, and finding ways to 'Grow' to the Great Walk by introducing people to new roles, new decision making processes, new food: In other words, we wish to 'Grow the Great Walk' by introducing new ideas (and people) to the much-loved tradition of the Great Walk. As such, we are looking for ideas and input from consensus decision-makers, with emphasis placed on anyone wishing to acquire new skills that are of on-going value to the Great Walk community.
Chloe, Joanna, Kelvin and Michael