Mt Buninyong - Union Jack Circuit - 10.6 Kms 

 U3A Hike No. 250


Hike Report by Ken

What a milestone!  Our 250th hike!

On the first day of winter, thirteen intrepid hikers met at the picnic area at the corner of Mt Buninyong Rd and Blackberry Lane at the challenging time of seven thirty five.  The circuit started at a gradual climb towards the crater and then onto the platform near the ascending road to the summit of Mount Buninyong.  Under foot it was wet and slippery.

This particular walk is one of our favourite hikes of the calendar year even though there are some challenging climbs which demonstrate our fitness.  Not being the whip any more, it is  enjoyable to be at the front of the pack as you get to the top of the hill first and then take off again when the others catch up.

We had one of our famous group photos at the Locomotive Hill Mine. This is an area famous for mining in years gone by. Further on, we saw the remnants of a burnt out house from about five years ago. The residents were thankfully able to be saved as they climbed onto their roof and were rescued.  The burnt out remains of the house look like the residents have just left as even the rubbish bins are still standing.

We had a short break for some welcome chat and a nibble. There were some sections of the hike where we had to walk on main roads including towards the last twenty-five minutes and by walking on the shoulder of the bitumen, it was quite safe as there was not much traffic.

At the end of our circuit at the picnic area at Blackberry Lane, we had our lunch and another chat with friends.  By this time, the weather was pleasant with the sun creeping through the trees even though there was some cloud cover.  It was a very pleasant first day of winter and a very enjoyable hike for our 250th hike.

Photos by Mark B






















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