Dry Diggings Track Stage Three - Golden Mountain Walk

U3A Hike No 69





By Janet McKay
 


17 hikers assembled at Kirks Reservoir on a rather chilly, damp morning to drive to Vaughan Springs for the start of the hike. We welcomed 2 new members, Robert and Ian, to the group. We also welcomed back Chris after his recovery from a serious cycling accident.
Andrew demonstrated how to use the newly purchased locator beacon.

At Vaughan Springs we crossed over the bridge and started our hike following the Loddon River, in full flow after the recent rains. We crossed the river and followed the old bridle path up the side of the valley wall. We soon warmed up as the weather held for us, winding our way towards the Helge track past numerous mine shafts, remains of fireplaces, evidence of the extensive mining that took place in this area.  A refreshment break saw us climb up above the track to a scattering of boulders which made good seats as we enjoyed the sunshine.

Along the way Alan shared with us about his recent U.S.A trip and I shared about my beautiful but difficult coastal walk in South West England.

We reached the Tubal Cain Mine, a mining complex with another fine example of a Cornish Flue, this one built skilfully from rock, snaking its way up the hill to a very well-preserved chimney.

We then made our way towards the Helge track passing more relics of this once thriving mining area including ruins of two mining huts, more open shaft mines and water races.
Stopping for lunch we then meandered uphill and crossed the Wewak track.

As we made our way towards our finish point at the Porcupine Ridge Track a small shower of rain dampened our clothes but not our spirits.

Suddenly the walkie-talkie held by Andrew at front of the group crackled to life, and a report came in from Ken (the ‘Whip’) at the back of the group indicating that there had been a fall, and first-aid was required. Gordon grabbed his first-aid kit and he and Andrew went back and found that Ingrid had tripped on a rock and landed face-first on the muddy track. A quick patch-up and we were again on our way. The new walkie-talkies had been utilised for the first time.

 Reaching the finish point, we were now just a short drive away, from the Chocolate Mill, (passing a huge group of kangaroos), where their superb hot Chocolate and coffee was much enjoyed!

We farewelled Andrew and Ingrid who are on their way to The Netherlands and wished Andrew all the best for his next big walk in Holland. Some of the group are looking forward to meeting up with Andrew and Ingrid in September for the Saxon- Switzerland National Park hike in Germany. (13 in total)

Photo's by Phill Grant






























Photos by Andrew Parker








 

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