U3A Ballarat Hikers

  Hike report by Terry O'Brien Twelve walkers headed off on our third walk of the Wallaby Track on Thursday November 17th from White Swan to well past St Georges Lake. We discovered on this third walk that our fearless leader is not only a great organiser and prepared and across all the details but also a learner. We had stops for morning tea and lunch and so good to see that Gordon’s comments in the last report acted on. The day was ideal for walking with clear skies and temps in the high twenties although hot after lunch and the combination of pace and heat tested some towards the end. Andrew manages very comfortably the car shuffles that this walk requires and also had organised for water and sausages to be delivered at lunchtime. Unfortunately the BBQs were not functioning but the effort to make the walk work well is appreciated. Like all good walks we appreciate the natural surroundings and the exercise but also learn. Lots of history and environmental changes observed and tal

  Hike Report by Gordon As opposed to the first leg, we walked this section in ideal weather conditions. We re-joined the Trail at the Redan wetlands, and followed the Yarrowee River to Central Ballarat and then past Black Hill and Brown Hill. Apart from a short walk along Peel Street, we were walking along the fringes of the city, and enjoying the view into occasional backyards. After a brief stop at Brown Hill, for what we thought was morning tea, we continued under the Freeway tunnel (echo-chamber?) and left the Yarrrowee for the long climb to the White Swan Reservoir. As the climb continued, it became obvious that the previous stop was the lunch break (!), and no more time wasting would be allowed. As the climb continued to continue, we realised that all we wanted to do was to outrun the mosquitoes: perhaps that explains the cracking pace of our leader. For the third leg on 17th November, bring the strongest insect repellent you have, and fill your pockets with food to eat on the