Deb, Andrew and Gus observing social distance at Tower Hill in the Grampians.
So, life is changing daily at the moment, with new restrictions on movement being announced daily to cope with COVID-19. My planned 1000km walk adventure on the via Francigena in Italy, leaving on 6th April, has been shelves, while my heart cries for Italy, and for the rest of the world. It seems to me though that getting out into the bush solo or in small groups (keeping at least a walking pole apart!), might very well be good for our mental health and wellbeing, and stop us from being overwhelmed. So that’s my plan, and I can hear the bush calling. The bonus is Deb and I have another book to research and walk: the Grampians Peaks Trail, so you know where I will be as soon as the wrigglers have disappeared back under the rocks at the end of autumn. In the meantime, closer tracts of fresh air and bush await. The You Yangs are a favourite go to for great views from the East West Track, and I love the RJ Hamer Aboretum in the Dandenongs. But there are lots of less-frequented places everywhere: Lerdederg State Park is a favourite, and on the weekend I stopped by Nigretta Falls in SW Victoria, which was absolutely deserted and picture perfect.
So many beautiful places close to home to renew our sense of wellbeing and normalcy. Where are you heading to clear the head? Please take care of yourselves and those around you I these messy times, but do take time to breathe and know that ‘this too shall pass’. xxx
Melbourne Walks 
So sorry to hear you have had to cancel your VF. A stunning walk! Hard, but stunning. I walked from the Swiss Alps to Rome in August 2018. Perhaps you can reschedule for later in the year? We should be in Nepal now and getting ready to head to Everest Base Camp and I am hoping to still get to Spain in May. Just trying to stay optimistic! Happy walking, Mel
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Thankyou Mel!! Definitely just postponing it. That’s the same section I am planning to do, so I will have to be allowed to bombard you with questions a bit closer to the date, if that’s ok. Sorry about Nepal for you too Mel. Please keep safe xxx
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Happy to talk VF until the cows come home!! Happy walking, Melx
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Thanks Mel – looks like it will be next year before travel etc allows me to get there, but I am thinking the breathing space might let em start the walk a little earlier on, in Lausanne, as that stretch to the Italian border sounds incredible. Hope you are keeping well.
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Julie, Sad to hear you cannot do the long walk this year, maybe next year. I think a lot of people will be in similar situations and it’s a great encouragement from you to keep walking. And I believe people will be surprised and amazed at what they find locally. Love all your walking stories and books and thoughts. NigelH.
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Thankyou Nigel. Next year it is,, and time to get a bit more in shape before I head off, so there is always an upside. And I do agree that it’s a wonderful chance for people to explore our own backyards. It’s been great to see the numbers of people embracing a good walk as part of the upside of COVID. Jx
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