Traditionally, Worn Boot Bashes start at a certain location in Kambah and have a distance rating of XL (extra lunatical!).  Previous WBBs have taken a beeline to Pierces Trig (crossing the Murrumbidgee in chest high water), to Castle Hill and along the Murrumbidgee corridor with Bullen Range return.  Worn Boot Bash #4 was no exception.  7 slightly unbalanced walkers set off at 7am on Saturday 13 August, no gentle working up to speed, but straight into it.  Some were WBB veterans; others were chancing their boots for the first time.

Our leaders had set a 32km circuit of the mountains, hills, ridges and open spaces of south Canberra.  Mt Taylor, Farrer Ridge, Mt Wanniassa, Isaacs Ridge, Red Hill and along Yarralumla Creek to the Woolshed for lunch.  Then along the bike path beside the Molonglo River to Narrabundah Hill, Cooleman Ridge, Mt Arawang and so to a welcome cuppa at 5pm.

Urban spaces may not sound extra exciting, but this circuit had several charming features.  On the blue-sky day, the views to the Tidbinbillas and Brindabellas were excellent.  Interestingly, for most of the time we could see the majority of the entire route, our path around the 'Woden rim' high above the humdrum of Saturday shopping and suburbia.

Brick bats and bouquets to our leaders.  It was the most dangerous WBB to date, cars refusing to give way to walkers as we crossed their black top; no-one was willing to shout lunch at the Red Hill restaurant; and all the trig point markers had a boring sameness.  However, they redeemed themselves by providing a picture-perfect day; a route which threaded the green spaces surrounding suburbia; an excellent afternoon air show (practice for VP anniversary celebrations); and great company.

Gloria M, Rene D, Keith T, Glen A and myself eagerly await our Worn Boot Bash #4 completion certificates from Rob and Jenny H.  Thanks everyone, a great day.  Where can I get a new pair of boots for WBB #5?  John Evans

Distance: 32km  Climb: 1200m.

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