The joy of art and structure
With life comes wear and tear on backs, knees and hips. Some are fortunate to not go badly with these, but not for me. In my younger days, I thought playing two games of basketball a week would keep me fit and strong. Alas, at age 55, my back and knees gave out in sympathy of too much exercise. Now I have had to find gentler forms of exercise. But I have discovered two such events that I can manage and I am loving them. Both in Pakenham, Victoria. First is the wonderful flat walk around the beautiful blue lake of Pakenham. Flat being the all-important aspect of having bad hips and knees. The lake has wonderful features, and it is beautifully laid out for walking, biking, and pushing or running the pram around.
All photographs by Tricia Ziemer -Push the pram and you both get fresh air
This lake has everything you could want at a lake. A beautiful geyser gushes in the middle.
Geyser of Blue Waters
There are lovely places and seats to stop and feed the ducks and enjoy the huge variety of bird life that flocks around the lake.
Birds Galore
A new very flash outdoor toilet block that is quite close to the kids' playground is beyond convenient.
Kids Playground and New Toilet Block
There is a basketball hoop, just in case I want to a least still pot some shots, and stunning art and sculptures dotted around the lake's edge. Free parking abounds all around the park.
Keep hitting those rings
Bike tie up areas for safety are on hand so you can have your lunch by the lake stress free.
Recently they featured a TEDDY Bear Picnic at the Lake. So fun for the whole family. So keep an eye out on the Cardinia website for new events happening at the Pakenham Lake
There are some simple rules posted, so all can enjoy the peace of the place and keep it healthy. But you are allowed to fish.
Simple rules to keep all healthy
Please be safe with the little kids around the lake. Keep an eye on them all the time. As an ex Life Savior/Guard, lakes and unattended children do not mix.
My husband and I were married on two islands at the Alfred Nicholas Gardens surrounded by lovely lakes and I am so sensitive about this I asked for no children at the wedding. As well as the fact that the walk down and up is too steep for prams anyway unless you are super fit. High heels were not allowed either by the garden so the lawns were not destroyed.
I know it seems silly, but I have had to save several toddlers from drowning over the years, so I do not take this lightly. Nor should anyone. I really did not want to have to worry about little ones wanting to run around the lake and chase the ducks and falling in during my wedding. And I would have panicked the whole time.
Lakeside Sailing Group Come one Come All
There is also a Lakeside Sailing Group for people in wheelchairs or with movement difficulties supported by the local community groups and Council. And like me, most love sailing, in supported harnesses. You may want to volunteer to help
The water laps right up to the local art gallery and there are lovely cafes close by, so all aspects of a wonderful afternoon with a walk and lunch are catered for.
Lovely Art around the Lake
It only takes between 20 to 40 minutes to get around based on how quick a hoofer you are. I am on the turtle side, but my heart rate is up and happy.
The joy of ducks
New to the area, I next discovered the Outlook Community Centre. They have a FREE walking group as well, that tours the lake. I have always loved to dance and when I was younger, I did ballet, jazz, modern, a touch of tap and swing, swing and more Swing. They have a walking group as well, that tours the lake.
I use to really cut the rug. I still love to dance but have slowed down now and I have found the perfect outlet. Line dancing!
There is a major misconception that line dancing is just country music. Au contraire.
This dancing is more like choreographed group dancing. It includes gentle movement, learning a simple routine to two or three minutes of music. The music is varied in itself. Frank Sinatra croons you on, Lee Kernigan keeps you swaying and an Irish Jig gives you the lilt you need for the day.
You have a stop for morning tea and special events and dress up days over the term. I think there is an end of year show as well, but I haven't gotten to the end of the year. I wonder if I will have the nerve to strut my stuff in front of a crowd. Probably not. And your teacher is a sweetheart. Check a local community centre near you, line dancing is all over the place and growing in popularity.
Comfy seats to enjoy tranquility
Secrets to success with both these activities are to wear the comfiest shoes and pants you can own.
