U3A Ballarat Hikers

 U3A Hike No 418 Hike Report by Kim R. Six hikers met at Kirk’s car park, and we carpooled in two cars to Shepherds Flat car park. It was slightly drizzling, but within ten minutes of walking, it stopped. The hiking trails were wet, and some parts were boggy. We crossed Long Gully Creek to Tenpenny Gully and saw a huge mullock heap; it must have been good diggings site. We came across four chimneys from what were once cottages. At Smiths Gully, we came across several very deep, unfenced shafts. This is where Gordon’s blood pressure skyrocketed, as someone was standing very close to the soft edges peering into a deep mine shaft. As we left, Gordon had a relieved smile. We had morning tea by the spiky-leafed aloe bushes. We had a great walk, crossing a few creeks and bypassing boggy stretches. Gordon commented on how green it was, as he had never seen it like this. Fungi were in abundance; we even saw one growing from a tree about three metres up, which looked to me like Dopey’...

 U3A Hike No 417 Hike Report by Colin F. Nineteen hikers met at Kirk’s carpark and travelled to Jubilee Lake Daylesford for an 13 km hike in the Wombat Forest. The route was continuously hilly, following walking paths and bush tracks. The weather was kind, with the sun making a welcome appearance later in the morning. The much-anticipated crossing of the Wombat Creek was abandoned due to the high water level. Morning tea was at the Wombat Creek Dam where one old duffer fell backwards while trying to sit on a damaged post and rail fence. ( Name withheld due to privacy concerns .) Our plan to walk to the end of the spillway was thwarted due to the extended cyclone fencing. Lunch was on the lawns at Jubilee Lake, where a large flock of Peacocks and Peahens joined us in the hope of getting fed. It was Teena’s birthday and she bought a lemon drizzle cake to share. Thank you, Teena.  We welcome two new members, Fiona and Maureen.  Thanks to Kim for leading the walk, and Gordon ...