U3A Ballarat Hikers

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

  U3A Hike No. 228 Hike Report by Martin The leadership team:  Andrew took the lead for this hike, with Mark (H) as whip. We numbered 25 as we gathered out the front of Andrew’s place.  A short pre-hike briefing from Andrew and we were on our way towards Canadian Lakes, linking up with Canadian Lakes Blvd, traveling east until we encountered a short laneway that led to a track, connecting to Katy Ryan Road. The it was then on to the “Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail” ,  (See link after photos for more info)  Op ened in late 2021, it provides sensory experiences for those affected by dementia.  A fabulous contributor to the diversity of activities available within Woowookarung.  Please encourage family and friends to visit, you don’t need dementia to enjoy the benefits. Continuing along the Sensory Trail, we enjoyed walking through the natural bush of the park that has been slowly reclaiming its rightful place – with the help of the Friends of Canadian Corridor (FOCC), Parks

 U3A Hike No. 227 Hike Report by Geoff Summer still avoiding us, we were rugged up when we met at Kirks reservoir.  21 today, unfortunately not our age and not the way we felt and although it was still cool when we arrived at Cosgrave Reservoir conditions were dry.  Adaptability was required at the start of the walk as Andrew found that our planned crossing of the stream below Cosgrave was to be thwarted with the flow still running too strongly.  Our alternative route saw us walk down stream for nearly a kilometre before we could cross via a road bridge to regain our path. This diversion saw our walking distance increase from the proposed eight kilometres to ten.  The track varied in style, sometimes seeing us walking along broad gravel tracks and sometimes on narrow, bush lined paths. It also saw us walking along short sections of the Goldfields Track.    Occasional wallabies watched us as they munched on the abundant grass supply while keeping a safe distance. Some of the group may h

 U3A Hike No. 226 Hike Report by Mark H The name Beeripmo comes from the Beeripmo Balug clan of the Dwab Wurrung tribe, who occupied the area around the Mount Cole Ranges. It means ' wild mount ', which is believed to refer to Mount Cole (Google) Not sure about the ‘Wild Mount’ part but Mount Cole’s weather was somewhat wild with a cold southerly wind whipping unrestricted across the plains at the twelve of us when we dismounted at Ditchfields Camp. After greeting a school group who were doing the entire Beeripmo Track we headed south to the track. ‘Mount’ Cole implies hills and this is what we got! Upwards along a mainly dirt and rock path through forest showing occasional signs of past logging. Morning tea was taken at a lookout with spectacular views west towards Mt Langi Ghiran. Apparently Mt  Langi Ghiran's outline resembles a reclining pregnant (with an alien perhaps?) woman if you use some imagination. We didn’t need imagination to see the showers approaching and