A long-standing walking group provides good support for its members.
"People concern themselves about any attendees who are missing and in a time of stress or ill health, everybody's there,'' Halfway Bush Walking Group member Pauline McLeod said.
Next Tuesday the group will mark 30 years since it started with Pat Garth and friend Gaynor Earl.
Members of the group will celebrate with a high tea at Olveston Historic Home.
Mrs Garth remembered the two friends completed the group's first walk through Ross Creek.
Nowadays, there were about 20 members.
Not every member attended each week but, Mrs McLeod said, there were usually about 12 walkers.
Members have walked nearly every Tuesday over the past 30 years, with few exceptions, Mrs Garth said.
"I think I could say two or three [exceptions].''
Those exceptions were usually due to bad weather, she said.
The group's previous major milestone, its 20th anniversary in 1997, was marked by a trip away to Oamaru and the group had taken other excursions further afield, such as a trip to Stewart Island, in the years since.
Regular Tuesday walks have included excursions to places such as Silverstream and the salt lake at Sutton, though during the winter months, walkers stuck closer to town, Mrs Garth said.
Member Judy Sapsford said that during her 25 years as a member, the walkers had explored "many beautiful places'' around Dunedin, including Tomahawk Lagoon and Highcliff.
Members came from all over Dunedin but most had lived in Halfway Bush at one stage, Mrs Sapsford said.
Another feature for members is a caffeine fix.
Mrs Garth said members knew where all the good coffee shops were in Dunedin.
Members also took the opportunity to socialise, she said.
"We're very good at walking and talking.''
JOSHUA.RIDDIFORD @thestar.co.nz
