Long Forest Reserve (NE of Bacchus Marsh) - 12.5 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 260


Hike Report by Viv

Despite rain overnight and even at breakfast time, the day turned out to be quite dry and relatively warm. 10 walkers (Mark, Jan, Theresa, Tina, Jenette, Alan, Don, Colin, Viv, Robert) assembled outside Kirks Reservoir. Three cars conveyed us to Merrimu Reservoir, just north of Bacchus Marsh, for a toilet stop before heading to the trail head in Long Forest Nature Conservation Reserve. 

The three cars took off for the short car shuffle while the rest of us chatted. Shortly one car returned and we could start. A steep downhill was followed by a winding pad along the Coimadai Creek. The Creek's other name, "Pyrites Creek", implies the early goldminers found "fools gold" here and abandoned mining. We certainly didn't see many old diggings or mullock heaps. The creek valley featured steep rocky sides, the rock being slatey/shaley. Parts of the track were quite loose with shale, so we were careful not to lose our footing on the steep slopes. 

Morning tea break found us perched on a steep slope with a good view down to the creek. After following the creek for some time we met a young (by U3A standards) couple inexplicably dressed in dressing gown and thongs. They warned us of the steep uphill before us. It would have seemed steep for them coming down in thongs! 

We left the creek and followed various roads to find some old stone house ruins, then backtracked to cross the tar road (Long Forrest Rd) and go down to the Djerriwarrh creek. We inspected an extensive tree planting effort using cardboard sleeves and wire mesh protection. Many of the trees were thriving, but small plants seemed not so successful. We retraced our steps to Long Forrest Road and followed it to the Happy Valley carpark where two cars and lunch awaited us. 

After lunch, Mark's careful planning of the car shuffle was revealed. Each of the two cars carried one extra passenger back to the trailhead and Mark's car. Simple! The comment was made that it never rains on Mark's walks. Thanks Mark for another enjoyable dry walk.

Photos by Alan, Mark H, Teena and Viv

















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