U3A Ballarat Hikers

 U3A Hike No. 170 Hike Report by Lyn Another day dawned bright and sunny and 15 of us met at the same place and same time to head off on our next adventure. Amongst the 15 were Terry and Joy who joined us for this hike and were warmly welcomed.  Today's walk took us west of Mount Rosea to an area that I had not previously been. We travelled to a small parking area on the Mt Rosea Track near the beginning of the Bundaleer walking track. From here we walked 1.5 kms passing around one closed gate before fording Mt Rosea Creek. Fortunately the water crossing presented us with little difficulty. We soon came to our turn off. The track to Tower Hill presented few problems as, by now, most of us were all hardened bushwalkers. Soon we reached a rocky outcrop from which there were some superb 360° views. Both Gordon and Andrew named many of the outstanding features including the Eastern Wall, Moora Moora waters, Victoria Valley and it was here that we had a very relaxing morning tea before

 U3A Hike No. 169 Hike Report by Joan Day Three saw us travel to the Northern end of the Grampians to discover the surprises that awaited us in our hikes to Mt Stapylton and Mt Zero.  This area marks the start of the Grampians Peak Trail.  We had a good start to the day with blue skies above, the warmth of the sun on our backs  and a bit of a    breeze to cool our faces.  After alerting us the to any of the safety issues to be aware of on the hike such as snakes, slippery rocks and dangerous cliff edges, Gordon let out a “Tally Ho” and off we went to discover what treasures there were to be found.  The first part of our hike was along an area known as Flat Rock though we felt Steep Flat Rock would have been more appropriate.  Again, as in our previous two days, it was perfect timing to see the array of wildflowers growing here to the joy of many of the hikers. We were relieved to shift to a more level sandy track that seemed to serve as a bit of an oasis before we soldiered on to ano

 U3A Hike No. 167 Hike Report by Mark H Monday morning saw about a dozen intrepid U3A Hikers meet at Grampians Wonderland Carpark in cool but promising conditions. With the scary sight of yours truly in front holding the GPS we rock-hopped our way up the slope of the Pinnacle Track. Sadly, nearby Grand Canyon was closed to through traffic but we were able to gaze in awe down it from the top. Wildflowers galore along the path to Bridal Veil Falls which was just trickling down. Next was Silent Street – a long narrow steep gap between massive boulders which is definitely not for the claustrophobics out there but offered great photo opportunities. Eventually all that uphill work was rewarded by reaching The Pinnacle and its spectacular views across Halls Gap (and beyond) and Lake Bellfield to the south.  Morning tea in the sunshine was very welcome by then! A minor descent by rock path gave way to sand and clay paths that offered glimpses of tomorrow’s walk up Giant’s Staircase at Mt