The Northern Section: an outstanding sucess

Last week the first group of event walkers used the new northern section of the Pilgrim Trail: I can only say that it was a fantastic success. The group were wonderful and enjoyed the stunning scenery with creeks running full, wildflowers just coming into their best, and the fields either a glorious green or buttercup yellow with vast swathes of Canola in bloom.

We received great support from the CAC at Bindoon, Mr & Mrs Kelly, and Callum the farm manager at Mr & Mrs Sadler's property, as well as the local Shire and businesses at Bindoon itself. The walkers were received with great warmth at New Norcia, which was the spiritual focus for many of those who made it all the way, and many a teary eye was noted as the Abbott graciously received them at the Tomb of Dom Salvado.

That there is still much to be done is made lighter by the fact that each group, with participants form all around Australia, who have experienced the walk take home with them, and to their families and friends, such great memories.

The first event walk for 2011

Next Sunday the first Camino Salvado for 2011 will be starting out along the Pilgrim Trail: this will be followed by a second one two weeks later. Walkers have come from around Australia to take part, and there are many who weren't able to participate because places were limited. Once again, we have had tremendous support and enthusiasm from all those involved and especially from a small Committee who have given countless hours of work and travel to ensure that the experience is a good one.

The trail alignment is exciting and the countryside is looking SPECTACULAR. To add to the excitement, the creeks are full to bursting from the recent rains and there's talk of having to cut a tree down so that we can ford a flooded stream in full spate!!

Our friends at the Catholic Agricultural College in Bindoon have been amazing in their generosity and we thanks them for all their help and encouragment. Mrs and Mrs Kelly have opened their gates and their hearts to us and we thanks them for their kindness and support.

"Blazing" a trail is hard, slow work, but the fruits of the effort last a lifetime. This story isn't finished yet, but it's a wonderful tale that I think will reverberate in the hearts of so many for generations to come!

Waiting Game

We have had official confirmation that we were successful in our grant application to Lotterywest. This means that Colin Ingram, our trails consultant can finish the work on the alignment and all that entails. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in our application to DEC: but hopefully the money will have gone to projects worthy of their funding. Finally, we are still holding our breath and hoping that Royalties for Regions will help expand our communications in the rural sector, which is so vital for the success of the Trail.

On the weekend, a group of us walked through Julimar Forest, and it was wonderful. The wildflowers are just beginning to come into bloom and the adjacent farmland is a glorious green: all the creeks were running and the trail itself is excellent walking: but there are a couple of steep hills that make you stop, get your breath and enjoy the views.

This is an awesome trail!