320. Yarrowee Canadian Loop 11.7km

 U3A Hike No 320







Hike Report by Jan Herperger

Well, it was a great day for a walk – a bit brisk as temperatures go, but sunny. We welcomed back Annette from her skiing holiday and adventures in Western Australia and met Sue, the newest member to our group.

Twelve of us gathered at Andrew’s house and then set off to the Yarrowee River Trail via small tracks
through the neighbourhood; a rubbish dumper’s paradise in the pine forest managed  by the Ballarat Gold Mine; past the entrance to the Ballarat South Wastewater Treatment Plant and nearby burnt out car; and the Redan Wetlands.

We enjoyed morning tea at the White Flat footy oval and then walked through town to get onto the
Canadian Creek Trail. (Not far from White Flat is where The Yarrowee River and the Canadian Creek
merge and this is where my family always go to have a look at the water if there has been a LOT of rain.
We have seen the rushing water almost up to the top of the bluestone drain. But I digress...)

We followed the Canadian Creek southwards and paused briefly at the remains of the old cyanide tank
and then went on to Andrew’s house where we had an early lunch. He and Ingrid serenaded us with a song as we ate our sandwiches. It was a very unique dining experience - a ukulele instead of violins! 
Andrew had recreated a song he wrote during lockdown which was uploaded as a YouTube video involving several members of the hiking group. 

Thank you Andrew for organising another fine walk, for Gordon keeping the stragglers moving along and everyone else for some very interesting and entertaining conversations.


Song Lyrics

Beneath the eucalyptus giants, we tread lightly,  

 And the rocks tell tales of ancient days.  

 The bushland paints a canvas of greens and blues,  

 Where kookaburras laugh and spiders weave their ways.  

  

 Up rocky trails, we climb toward the sky  

 Wattle blooms like golden sun along the way.  

 The scent of eucalyptus fills our lungs with life,  

 As rosellas dance in the sun's warm rays.  

 

Misty mornings and, fern-lined streams our guide,  

 Their cool waters a balm for weary feet.  

 In this ancient range, where all of time stands still,  

 We find solace in nature's heartbeat   

  Chorus: 

 Follow me under the gum trees  

 Under the eucalyptus trees  

 Follow me under the gum trees

The wonder of the bush to see 


Photos by Andrew Parker


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