Bushwalkers Honour Life Member On Beloved Peak

Photo credit: Paul Thompson

‍

On Saturday the club paid tribute to a Life Member who passed away several months earlier by climbing her favourite mountain, Mt Dalrymple. Maureen Thompson was a long standing and very active member of the club, and twelve bushwalkers and four of Maureen’s family assembled at the start of the Western Trail, some to climb to the top and a few to negotiate a shorter part of the track.  

‍

Maureen’s ashes were scattered in her beloved spot, witnessed by the eleven hikers who successfully scaled the highest mountain in the Mackay district. Even in her advanced years, Maureen was able to practically sprint up the mountain, and many club members had their first experience of arriving at the top under her guidance.?

‍

‍

The previous weekend, Kevin Smith led an outing in the vicinity of Homevale National Park, climbing the features known to the club as the Spikelets. Three of the seven participants had camped overnight at the old Mt Britton township site, ready for an early start. Thick grass and plentiful ant nests, as well as open ridges and stunning scenery were features of the day, and an inviting cave was discovered on Spikelet One.

‍

Castle Rock (Cathu), McBrides Lookout (Ball Bay) and Sydney Heads (Homevale) are coming up in the next few weeks. Phone 0429 363 929 or visit https://mackaybwcq.org.au to learn about joining.

‍

Contributed by Carole Weekes

‍

‍