Lerderderg Track Stage Six

U3A Hike No 65

 By Geoff Howard

'Weeny, Weedy, Weakly' to paraphrase those great words of victory, for this week our group completed the final stage of our hikes from Bacchus Marsh to Daylesford. 

This was a very satisfying, collective experience.  (apologies to those who don’t appreciate the use of socialist terminology) We particularly commend Ken and our Illustrious leader, Andrew, who completed all six legs of the walk. 

Contrasting the previous five stages we set out after a stormy night during which over 30 mm. of rain had fallen in the area and the threat of further rain ensued. This saw our group of 15 starting in their rain apparel. 

Ken, as our back marker, ensured he would remain visible, nearly blinding others with his particularly vibrant jacket. 

We started opposite Toe Rag Track, appreciating the refreshed green forest surroundings, featuring some impressively tall messmates and manna gums through much of the hike. While the track was mostly broad and the threat of rain abated we found some sections of the track wet and boggy. 

As usual discussions among walkers covered a broad range of issues including reports on recent travels. Marianne was encouraged to share experiences of her recent cycling trip across Morocco and feedback was provided on some absent walkers. 

We were concerned to hear that Chris couldn’t join us while he recovers after a fall from his bike and we wish him a speedy recovery. 

Some discussions regarding the upcoming Federal election were also heard to have taken place with Geoff refraining from spruiking for Labor too excessively. 

In regard to the track we made easy progress over the majority of this stage which was relatively flat. Very little fauna was seen, bird sightings were rare and even the caryatids stayed hidden. One kangaroo stood attentively however, to greet our arrival to civilisation near Jubilee Lake. 

The latter part of the walk also saw the vegetation change and provided more points of historic interest. We crossed the Lost Children’s walk as we neared Daylesford and Andrew relayed the story of the three children, aged 4, 5 and 6 who went walking from their home in 1867, never to return, and despite a massive search taking place over the following months, their bodies were only discovered in and around a hollow tree trunk two and a half months later, 18 kilometres from where they had set out and only 200 metres from the nearest house and road. 

While we encountered some steeper terrain as we neared Daylesford we also found the old Daylesford to Creswick rail trail to be easy to walk on as it formed part of the last section of the trail as we approached Jubilee Lake. 

We were pleased to reach our destination at 1.30 when republican sentiment was easily put aside as we enjoyed a meal and beverage at the Royal Hotel. 

Photo's by Phill Grant

Photo's by Geoff Howard

Photo's by Andrew Parker