Old Tom Track and Goldfields Track, Wombat State Forest Circuit - 10.1 Kms

 U3A Hike No 265


Hike Report by Myra

We arrived at Sailors Falls for a short stop.  This would have been the start point for the hike but the track down to the Falls was closed due to severe erosion following recent high winds and heavy rainfall, so we viewed them from above. The air was very still and they could clearly be heard. We began our walk therefore, a few hundred yards further along Telegraph Rd.  

It was another wonderful walk impeccably researched and led by Gordon, with Andrew as Whip.

The weather was perfect: sunny and crisp and with not a breath of wind.  We began the walk on the Goldfields Track with a moderate uphill climb which eased us into a undulating path for most of the rest of the day. The forest here was very beautiful, with very tall trees which some estimated to be at least 150 years old.  Some were Manna gums.  There were large fallen trees and branches everywhere, apparently caused by the 2020 high winds. However, it was noticeable that they were beginning to settle into the earth in places, which made a picturesque and pleasing landscape.

Further on, Gorse was in full bloom (hmm) along with some emerging mint bushes of the deep mauve variety.  We made our first crossing of Sailers Creek by means of a wobbly tree trunk and Gordon's steadying hand .Thanks also to Colin for his help up the bank. Later on the second crossing was with the help of some well placed rocks, which we all traversed successfully and after a short steep climb we turned left onto Old Tom Track, 

An hour and 50 minutes into the walk Gordon called a welcome morning tea break in a very pleasant clearing.  

At one point an enormous tree had fallen across the track, still with its leaves and roots looking very fresh - an indication of a waterlogged soil? Further on we came to a right hand turn back into Telegraph Road, which we travelled for a short distance before turning back into deeper bush along the lovely Ryan's Track.

It was here that a high bank to the east was irresistible to Andrew and Gordon who investigated and found it was an old water channel.  Gordon had warned us that there were very muddy depressions to negotiate, but none that provided any real difficulty and this section of the walk was as calm and beautiful as ever.

We enjoyed lunch back at Sailor's Falls. Thanks to Tina for the lovely lemon cake and Annette for the interesting talk on her Mount Kilimanjaro trek.

Thanks to Gordon for what was, for me at any rate, an exceptionally lovely walk, and to Andrew as always.

PS: Gordon told an amusing story - apropos of a sign we saw, about the Furphy's water- carrier company.

They had a sign on the end of one of their tanks, in Pitman’s shorthand which said

Water is the gift of God
The devil made strong drink
Come and have a drink of water!

The Furphy Company Motto:

Good Better Best
Never Let it Rest
Till Your Good is Better
And Your Better Best!

See Link after the photos

Photos by Andrew




















LINKS



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