313. Post Office Track-Wombat State Forest 9.6km

 U3A Hike No 313





Hike Report and Photos By Geoff Howard

Twelve Hikers gathered at Kirks Reservoir, ready for our hike this week and, defying our usual experience of fine weather, as A A Milne would say: ‘It rained… and it rained… and it rained..!!’.  


This meant that, as hikers scurried to their allotted cars, our convoy departure from Kirks didn’t go according to plan and the three cars left separately finding their own way to Gambles Lane Leonards Hill. One of the cars even overshot the departure point from the Ballan-Daylesford Road because the wind towers being identified as a key marker were lost in the mist.  


It was still raining consistently when we set off along Post Office Track.  On a positive note, the overnight gale force winds had died away, allowing conditions to feel relatively mild and peaceful.  Well rugged up under our waterproofs we were in good spirits and able to enjoy the experience of walking through a forest of tall eucalyptus.  


Conditions underfoot were decidedly wet along the earlier part of the walk as some sections of the track had become ponds which had to be negotiated. An inflatable canoe would have been useful. Four-wheel drive vehicles had also helped to create many puddle strips which also required careful negotiation.  


After hiking about 3 km along Post Office Track we turned onto Lerderderg Track and continued in similar conditions for another kilometre before Gordon led us onto a less well-defined forest track which meant that there was less four-wheel-drive damage to tend with.


Instead, we experienced several fallen trees that had to be negotiated either by going over or under or around. The rain eased as we continued, but due to the wet conditions it was not easy to find a comfortable place where we could sit to enjoy our morning tea break, so some of the group remained upright when we decided it was time for a cuppa and nibbles. 

 

Turning south, our track took us around Steep Gully and for a short time we walked on the Leonards Hill-Bullarto Road, before continuing on a forest track towards Beavers Hill. No strenuous climbing was however required as we skirted around the hill on Healy track, looping our way back towards our starting point on Gambles Lane.


It was 11.20 when we returned to the cars and although it was no longer raining, conditions were not conducive for a cozy outdoor lunch. After gaiters and rain jackets were removed, we were soon in the warmer conditions provided by car travel as we continued back to town. 


Despite the wet, wintry conditions we enjoyed walking among the tall eucalypts and as usual, enjoyed the company of other group members. 

It wouldn’t have be the same for us if we had stayed at home! 


Thank you to Gordon for planning the hike and being our intrepid leader again today.    


























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