By CASEY NEILL
WALKING brings inner peace and freedom, says Dandenong Valley Bushwalking Club member Joan Horton.
The Endeavour Hills-based group, which was established in June 1980, has members from across the South East and is looking for more walkers.
“I’ve been in nearly 20 years,” Ms Horton, now in her 70s, said.
“I was planning what I was going to do in my older years, after the children had left home, and one of the things I decided was I wanted to see more of the world.
“I’ve done that through walking, and cycling.
“We frequently run beginners walks to encourage people to experience what it’s like in the bush – the relaxation and the peace that it brings to you.”
The group runs day and overnight walks, base camping in tents or shared cabins, bike riding, kayaking, snow skiing and more. It also organises regular social activities, like trips to the theatre, movies or dinner.
“The bushwalking has given me the ability to organise trips myself,” Ms Horton said.
“To be independent, self-reliant … they’re all skills that I’ve learnt as bushwalking, and also to be part of a team.”
She said participating had also helped her maintain her fitness as she aged.
“If you keep your fitness, you keep your mental health,” she said.
“I’ve been very fortunate to keep good health.”
Members range in age from 40 to 80 with different fitness levels and interests.
“Fellowship’s very important for people as they age,” she said.
“Groups often form together to do overseas trips. It’s not organised by the club but because members know each other, they organise trips.”
The group keeps membership fees low, puts together programs six monthly and sends out a newsletter every three months.
Meetings are held at Essex Park Community Centre, 16 Essex Park Drive, Endeavour Hills, on the second Thursday of each month, except January, at 8pm.
Visit http://home.vicnet.net.au/~dvbc, email dandenongvalleybwc@gmail.com or call 9707 1313 or 0438 905 318 to get involved.
