Gilly Flower

We very nearly didn't go on this. Rain - yes, some much needed rain - was forecast, but the morning actually seemed quite mild first thing, with the promise of sunshine early on when I walked our dog. That soon changed, and I could see J was not really anticipating the day with any enthusiasm, but being my birthday he felt obliged to humour me.

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And as we set off amid driving rain I have to say I wondered myself if staying indoors tucked up with a good book might not have been a more sensible choice. But no, ever optimistic, I held on to the hope that by 10am the rain would have passed, and although the weather might not be brilliant sunshine, at least it wouldn't be peeing down.

And it wasn't! After crossing the Batman Bridge, and driving along to the meeting point at Gravelly Beach it was soon clear a willy-willy had gone through. Branches down everywhere, or half down, all along the road, which made getting through a bit dodgy in one place particularly. But by the time we reached the checkpoint the rain had all but stopped, and although blustery and cool there was definite room for optimism.

A slight communication breakdown among the Wildos meant we were waiting at one place, (with several others) while others were elsewhere, so it took a while for everyone to congregate in one place - which is where J and I were. At least it allowed us to get to know a couple from Sydney who'd come over for the weekend specifically to support the pulp mill opposition, and discover more about what was due to be lost should it be built.

And while we waited we were fortified by Lucy's fabulous organically-grown walnuts (no nut crackers necessary).

By the time we began the walk blue skies were visible and the day was definitely brightening up. I'm not good at estimating headcounts but there would have to have been around 60 of us all up.

There followed a terrific walk by the river along a trail that I had no idea even existed. It was certainly a wild and windy walk, but the rain held off, which was really lucky because localised showers were severe and frequent everywhere else, or so we learned later.

The itinerary was revised at our Swan Point pit stop, where the local community Water Safe group were sizzling sausages, and brewing tea and coffee to sustain us. Or if hotdogs didn't appeal, where apples from Millers Orchards, and a donated selection of goodies from Fresh cafe were on offer, for a small donation. So instead of continuing the walk, (we'd probably done about 5 kms by ths time, and the original plan was to walk on for about 5 more) it was a bus ride to L's walnut farm, or - in our case - a return to pick up our car, courtesy of a lift from R, and driving to Lucy's.

The rain arrived at L's at the same time as we did, so instead of a gentle stroll around her truly stunning property, we all packed into her very large room for an update in the pulp mill campaign from TWS officials Vica and Geoff, including first hand accounts of the legal challenge being mounted by Lucy and two other businesses in relation to the iniquitous Section 11 of the Pulp Mill Assessment Act.

Last port of call after Lucy's was Marion's Vineyard; another property with an awesome location and spectacular views over the river. J and I weren't able to stay here for long as we were already booked to meet friends for a meal that evening, but I'm told those who stayed had a cracker of a night. Lots of music, dancing, pizzas and wine - even if it was to the accompaniment of wind and rain.

We also had a cracker of a night at Franco's with M and J, with lots of laughs over pasta and wine.

Sunday was good too, but more of that later.