OA walk - FS TWD

Time with the family, lots of lovely food, and absolutely NO exercise today. Just sat on the verandah in the shade chatting, exchanging presents, admiring the view and overindulging a little. Chatted to Iain and Amanda (on messenger) back in the UK while they were preparing their roast turkey.

Yet another trip to Happy Valley reservoir, this time a shortish circular walk from the Manning Road entrance  Although there were plenty of trees, including endangered species like grey box, the sandy firetrack is kept clear so there's very little shade. The deep ditch around the reservoir made it impossible to get closer to the waters edge (unless you're a kangaroo) but plenty of birds around in this less frequented spot. I think I'll stick to walks starting at the 2 main Chandlers Hill entrances for now ..... a bit kinder to walk on. The whole outer circuit is 11.5km!

Finally made a trip to Karkoo Nursery at Oakbank for a browse and #coffeeoclock. 20% discount on pots today and so many to choose from. A delightful place to while away an hour or two and maybe find some unusual  last minute gifts. Drove home via Lenswood (apple country) and Carey Gully

Decided to try walking to the kayak launch area on the other side of the dam wall. Took me just over 50 minutes (5000 steps) with photo stops and a rest. Perhaps not such a good idea on a hot day. Reminder to self... "take a larger water bottle"  I might try parking in Manning Road next time and do the woodland route to the waters edge. I certainly slept well after that! Nearly 10 hours and went back to sleep till 9.00 after being woken by thunder around 6.00am (makes a change from dogs barking)

Happy Valley reservoir opened the the public on Saturday and has been packed every day with cyclists, walkers and kayaks. Had a quick look round and plan to come back when it's a bit quieter and cooler. Headed off to McLaren Vale for #coffeeoclock via the Santarilla route.... residents from Clarendon, Kangarilla and surrounding areas decorate their homes with fun Santa's....this makes a great 'treasure hunt' for bored passengers and is a regular family event in these parts. The Visitors Centre is always a good place to stop for a coffee and snack overlooking a lovely peaceful garden and the Vines beyond. You can also taste wines, browse in the gift shop or visit the art gallery. Finally, after a quick shop in Aldi, had a walk on the beach at Moana ....40 minutes walking in total.

Somehow, medical procedures, other minor aches and pains accompanied by fatigue and visits to various 'oligists' have slowed me down. It's easy to make excuses when there's so much to do, especially when energy levels are low. Managed a few Christmas meals out and an afternoon with James Bond, but very few #coffeeoclocks and regular walks.... I'm missing these! Too busy, too tired, too hot, raining again ....  I've used them all. Time to rediscover my mojo and get moving again. If 30-40 minutes seems a bit daunting, I'll start slowly with easy 20 minute ones and build up. I've done it before after flare-ups and can do it again Did enjoy lunch at Patritti's, Cruise on the Murray and Festival Statesmen concert and Indian meal with the girls from OHC though (also S4L lunch, CWA lunch and PROBUS at the Vines)