Woowookarung 12km Circuit Hike

U3A Hike No 91

Hike Report by Ewan Barker

The culmination of this year’s programme of interesting and varied hikes was the gentlest and easiest hike of the whole year, and one of the shortest. It even started at the civilized hour of quarter to nine. But there was method in the madness because we had to be back at Ingrid and Andrew’s house in time for the traditional Christmas barbecue. 

We left Valley Drive and started out walking back towards the centre of Ballarat along the Canadian Creek Trail, passing the remains of a large cyanide tank in the ground, a remnant of our gold mining past.

At the netball courts we turned right and continued up through Pennyweight Gully, where we saw the path of the old Buninyong railway line and the remains of a small bridge on it. Our route then took us past Sparrow Ground Reserve and Pax Hill Scout Camp and Activity Centre, where we decided not to try the climbing wall, not least because it was locked away. 

From there we meandered through the Canadian Forest, only once turning back on ourselves. This brought forth the remark that going round in circles offers infinite possibilities in navigation. Some of the trees showed the scars of fire from a few years ago, and there were quite a few grasstrees, many with very straight and upright flower spikes, but some with spikes with interesting bends and sideways twists. A bit further on, Andrew told us about the planned 'Dementia Friendly Sensory Walk' which will appear there as part of the recently formed Woowookarung Regional Park. (see a link after the photo's for more information)

Eventually we were back to Civilization, or at least Suburbia, and back to Ingrid and Andrew’s beautiful house and garden, where we all relaxed on the back deck in the cool shade. The barbecue was all we could have hoped for, with splendid salads and delicious desserts as well. Many thanks to Ingrid and Andrew and all their helpers. 

Grateful thanks were expressed to Andrew and Gordon for all the work of planning and leading the walks. The group is now so popular that it has a waiting list. 

Finally Andrew gave tours through the thoughtfully designed and beautifully built house, which was purpose built and run for eight years as a B&B. 

I think we all left with fond holiday greetings and keen anticipation of next year’s hikes.

Photo's by Mark Bevelander






















Dementia Friendly Sensory Walk

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

287. Frith Gully - Mt Misery Loop. Enfield State Park

Image
 U3A Hike No 287 Hike Report by Colin Fraser Eight hikers assembled outside the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol for an 11.5 km hike on the Frith Gully-Mt Misery Loop in the Enfield State Park. We travelled in two vehicles to the start of the walk at Bald Hill on Incolls Road, Enfield. The walk was graded as moderate, and described as continuously hilly. We walking paths and rough bush roads through isolated parts of the park. There were deep gullies with lush vegetation, high ridges with open scrub, and areas that still bear the scars of extensive surface mining in the 19th century. We followed Misery Creek Road south then the Misery Creek and Forest Park walking tracks to Surface Point Picnic Ground, where we had smoko. Before arriving at Surface Point we were accompanied overhead by the raucous alarm calls of a group of cockatoos warning of our intrusion into their forest. Coincidently this occurred just near Mt Cockatoo!! We shared the picnic table with a man who was camping there
Read more

Hiking Group Rules

Image
All members resident in Ballarat are expected to attend the meeting point for a travel briefing. Expectations as to pre-hike meeting times. 1. Arrive at the nominated meeting point prior to 7:50am. 2. 7:50 to 7:55 - Vehicle allocation & transfer gear to allocated vehicles. 3. 7:55 Briefing regarding travel to hike venue. 4. 8a.m. (or when all previous steps complete), depart the meeting point. All members of the U3A Ballarat Hiking Group need to sign a form which sets out the risks associated with hiking   A copy of the form can be found here:   Acknowledgement of risk form  All members will: ...play a part in maintaining my safety and that of the other members of the Group.   ...disclose to the leader details of any health problems that may arise during a walk.   ...be responsible for carrying their own medications on walks.   ...comply with the Hiking Group rules regarding clothing, equipment, and safety* ...follow the instructions of the designated leader(s).   ...consider
Read more

305. Fisherman's Bend - Port Melbourne Walk 11.3km

Image
 U3A Hike No 305 Aerial Photo Showing Former Airfield Hike Report By Sharon Moss. On a blustery but fortunately dry morning , 19 intrepid travelers made their way to Southern Cross Station to begin their suburban hike through Fisherman’s Bend - Port Melbourne. We set off at a brisk pace with Andrew capably leading us & Gordon as whip. We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Yarra River, passing impressive boats moored at the marina with one bearing the name Costa Lot ! Andrew pointed out pylons that are decorative rather than functional, as they sit adjacent to the Bolte bridge but are not part of the structure . Passing under the bridge, we then joined busy Lorimer St , where conversation slowed somewhat as noise overtook. We were all alert watching out for bikes , scooters, joggers & traffic ! We passed several landmarks of interest . The  art deco building previously GMH , with one part of the building now occupied by a Ballarat company J King  Homes . Andrew shared inte
Read more