2009 Award Winners

Once again another bushwalking year was rounded off with a well attended Christmas dinner and presentation night, this time at the Imperial hotel.

Congratulations to Vanna Walsh, winner of the 2009 Golden Boot for the most days spent bushwalking with YHA. Although Vanna has been walking with the club for many years, this was her first Golden Boot with a tally of 35 days. Not far behind were Bruce Meincke, John Belfio and Greg Shepherd.

Also honoured with an Anaconda gift voucher and a few other prizes was Les Gamel (right, next to Hooi-Soon).

Les was voted the most popular leader in 2009 and also led the highest number of day walks..

The prize for spending the most time overall leading trips went to Bruce Meincke.

Starting with a post-Christmas trip on the Bogong High Plains, Bruce's total of 21 days also included winter trips to the Overland Track and New Zealand. Bruce was also a runner-up for most popular leader.

The evening's only disappointment was not being allowed to dance afterwards. At the same venue three years ago a group discoed away to Andrew's mix-CD. Since then the Victorian government, in another inept attempt to curb violence everywhere except where it actually occurs, started enforcing a rule that requires a security guard to be present whenever there is music at a licenced venue, even a private function. Let's hope the nanny state keep its legislative fingers out of bushwalking and other outdoor activities.