Lerderderg Track Stage One

Lerderderg Track Stage One



U3A Hike No 60 14km


 By Anne Ottrey

Stage One Bacchus Marsh to Mount Blackwood

Our 27 walkers made quite a crowd when we met at Swans Road, the starting point for the first leg of the Lerderderg Track. We welcomed two new walkers – Nita and Monica, then set off up a steep slope to commence our walk. The walk was accurately described by Andrew as a steady uphill climb all the way. We largely walked through eucalypt forests which varied in height depending on the landforms and underlying rocks.


We took quite a few rests due to the steady uphill nature of this walk. At lunchtime, Geoff discovered an interesting bug that we called the Melbourne Bug, due to its beautiful blue and red striped body. 

From time to time we caught glimpses of our destination, Mt Blackwood, with its distinctive communications towers. The countryside opened up to cleared land as we circled around Mt Blackwood. The views over the surrounding bushland were magnificent and we could see Mt Macedon in the distance. 


The last pinch up to the summit of Mt Blackwood was particularly tough. We passed by beautiful tall eucalypts, and the view kept getting better and better, but most of us didn’t care – we just wanted to reach the top! Coffee afterwards at the Mill Cottage in Ballan was much appreciated. 

Thanks to Andrew for efficiently organising the car shuttles and leading the walk.


  Photo's by Mark Bevelander















Mountain Katydid (click here)














Click Here to 'Relive' the Hike

Comments

  1. Mark Bevelander22 February 2019 at 19:14

    The bug found by Geoff was actually a Mountain Katydid, found in the Lerderderg Range today, usually lives at high altitudes and exhibits bright colours when threatened and secretes toxins to avoid predation. It was unusual to see this insect at such a low altitude.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Marianne Kennedy25 February 2019 at 08:46

    Great write up Anne. Wonderful photos Mark and thanks for identifying the Mountain Katyiad. That was so fortunate for Geoff to find that in such a densely wooded area. Fascinating! Thanks to the drivers who made the return trip to retrieve the cars. Sorry I missed you at coffee. A great hike! Thanks Andrew.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Marianne Kennedy25 February 2019 at 08:51

    Whoops! Sorry, I didn't identify myself on my post above. I clicked on 'publish' too soon.

    ReplyDelete

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