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418. Scorpion Gully Loop. Wombat State Forest 9.4km

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 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’...
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417. Jubilee Lake - Wombat Dam Circuit 13km - Wombat State Forest

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 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 ...
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416. Werribee River - Werribee Mansion 10.4km

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 U3A Hike No 416 Hike Report and Photos By Alan E. Ten enthusiastic hikers arrived at Chirnside Park in Werribee approximately at 9.30am. Leaving our cars behind, we set off following the Werribee river downstream.   After about 2k we arrived at the Federation Trail. This is a shared path for cyclists and walkers that is almost 28k long. It follows Melbourne's historic outfall sewer. The sewer goes over the Werribee river on a red brick, five arched bridge.  We crossed over the river and went under the Princes Freeway, from here we left the river behind, following the fence line of Werribee zoo.   We stopped in the Werribee river park for morning tea with great views across the river towards the golf club. During our break we had the privilege to view a pelican flying over and a hawk disappearing into a tree. There was a lot of noise coming from the tree as the hawk entered it; we assumed it was feeding its young.  We continued on, and followed the Wer...
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