301. Mt Franklin Views - Dry Diggings Hike 12.7km

 U3A Hike No 301



Hike Report By Marianne Kennedy

It was a glorious autumn morning for our Mount Franklin Views - Dry Diggings Hike. The sun shone brightly and there was no wind: perfect conditions.

After a convoy of vehicles from Kirks Reservoir to Daylesford and beyond, then a car shuttle to place a car at the end of the walk, 17 hikers set out along Porcupine Ridge Road under the leadership of Andrew.

The peace and serenity of the natural bush provided a lovely atmosphere as we hiked on quiet gravel roads surrounded by wonderful natural bushland. We passed a new Monastery and a housing sanctuary featuring many interesting and very colourful sculptures all positioned in a beautiful bush setting.

At the top of the rise the views of Mt Franklin were spectacular and the cows in the nearby paddock mooed quite loudly as Andrew gathered our group together for a photo.

Morning tea was enjoyed on an embankment on an incline along Leslies Road.

After a steady climb we turned left onto Sawpit Gully Road (which doubles as the Goldfields Track) that continued through beautiful bushland with many beautiful gum trees and natural vegetation; all the while we were fortunate to still have wonderful views of Mt Franklin and the surrounding district.

Crossing the highway, we passed the Chocolate Mill and continued onto the Dry Diggings Track where the remains of extensive exploratory diggings are still very visible.

After the drivers retrieved the vehicles from the start of the hike, we drove to the Chocolate Mill where we had the option to eat our own lunch or partake of the treats on offer in the Chocolate Mill.

Thank you, Andrew, this was a lovely hike made extra enjoyable due to the beautiful sunshine and lovely company.

Also, thank you to the drivers. We always appreciate being chauffeured to, and from, these hikes.


Photos By Andrew Parker





















Footnote: Congratulations to Moya for completing the 10km and Annette for completing the Marathon on Sunday

Annette and friends



The 'Blast From The Past'  in the LINKS below, covers part of the Goldfields Track that we did today


LINKS







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