U3A Ballarat Hikers

 U3A Hike No. 177 Hike Report by Martin The leadership team:  Mark H took the lead on this hike, with Ken as whip. We numbered around 21 as we gathered across the road from No 10 Valley Drive.  A short pre-hike briefing from Andrew and we were on our way towards Canadian Lakes, passing a bevy of swans that had taken up residence in the front garden of the properties facing the lake.   We continued on up Canadian Lakes Blvd, on through a laneway between houses and onto the track that ran along the boundary of Woowookarung, which we followed until reaching Katy Ryan Road. The it was then on to the “Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail”, ( Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail | Goldfields Guide )  opened in recent months to provide sensory experiences for those affected by dementia.   This is a fabulous new addition to Woowookarung.   Please encourage family and friends to visit, you don’t need dementia to enjoy the benefits. Continuing along the Sensory Trail, we enjoye

 U3A Hike No. 176 Hike Report by Mark H Rain on the roof and at least 10 ml in Ballarat gauges overnight was not the ideal start to the day. Fortunately, the day only got finer the closer the six of us approached the Wombat State Forest near Shepherds Flat. The track headed east-ish loosely following nearby Stringers Gully along a mostly dry track. With the arrival at Stringers Creek, we were greeted by the unusual sight of an ivy tree. Closer inspection revealed an old chimney inside the plant structure (see photos). By now it was apparent the threat of rain was probably going to remain just that, so a quick break was taken to remove rain gear and a layer of warm clothing. Gordon now took us off track across the creek. We admired a dry waterfall and after an overland hill climb reached Welcome Gully Track. One kilometre down the road we turned towards roads that wound and crested round various gullies with names like Green Gully, Corkscrew Gull and Bald Hill Creek. The next bush

 U3A Hike No. 175 Hike Report by Fiona We commenced our 7.7 km circuit hike from the entrance to Mt Beckworth Scenic Reserve at Coutts Road. Although the hike was relatively short, we were challenged by the steep rocky terrain and warm hiking conditions. However our efforts were rewarded with spectacular views along the way. Initially we climbed a steep slope northward up the 4WD track to a saddle then down a long steep downhill descent on a slippery dry gravel surface. As we descended we were afforded great views of the countryside looking toward Clunes and Castlemaine. The track then intersected with another 4WD track which we walked along for one kilometre leading us to the Manna Gums Picnic area. We continued to walk along the Manna Gums North track gradually climbing along the eastern side of Mt Beckworth.  Along this track we passed a patch of boulders and a forested area before reaching the grassy Oval. Points of interest along the way included remnants of a silver wattle pl