LINGER AT LARATINGA

We drive out on the South Eastern Freeway, turning off at Mount Barker. Following along Adelaide Road and then Alexandrina Road to Bald Hills Road, we easily find the Laratinga Wetlands. There is an unsealed parking area to the left of the road, just before the road veers left and climbs a rise.

There are a number of lakes in the wetlands area, and three walks of various lengths. We give our group the choice of walks, and 90 minutes to be back at the bus. It is useful to distribute maps of the wetlands area, as surprisingly it is possible to get disoriented and lost!

The Laratinga Wetlands are a very pleasant and scenic haven for water birds. The paths are largely unsealed, but level and easy to walk on. There are some interesting boardwalks, but these can be avoided if desired. Look out for the colourful information boards. The weather is unkind the day of our outing, although the rain does hold off.

Leaving Laratinga, we retrace our steps, turning left at the traffic lights to the restaurant where there is ample parking. The restaurant is a delight with very reasonable lunch specials, an extensive sald bar, friendly service, and tasty cake!

It is a very pleasant outing, in spite of the rather inclement morning.