457. Jubilee Lake - Wombat Dam Circuit 11.7km

 U3A Hike No 457





Hike Report By Leona Ryan

A large contingent of corellas squawked loudly as we set off from our Jubilee Lake meeting point on an overcast Autumn morn'. At least they weren't waking us up at 5am.

We numbered 22 this week, and having taken the forecast of rain at least semi seriously we were sensibly equipped with rain jackets and backpack covers which did look a little crushed from lack of use.
However raindrops were patterning the water's surface as we set off on a lap of the lake to warm up our walking muscles. 

Shortly we crossed the old trestle bridge, formerly part of the Daylesford Creswick rail line, then  through an area of old manna gums, over a characterful old foot bridge and into a stand of elm trees. Next was a short stop at the Mineral Springs water tap. A large sign proclaiming Special Waters, "delightful to the palate" promised much but the water did not emerge despite energetic pumping of the handle. 

While striding along a narrow path lined with slender gums we spied a curious artwork, a horizontal log topped with carefully ordered rocks. Curious. 

Onward then, to reach the Three Lost Children Track, before diverging onto a bush trail and a nice challenge - a thick long fallen tree trunk which was negotiated by going under, over or up, around and back down. When we came to the next log we were experts at the job and very quickly continued on our way.

There had been no mobs of kangaroos, colonies of koalas or wisdoms of wombats. We had, however, seen fresh evidence of wombat activity and Andrew had related some interesting wombat anecdotes from a previous hike.  
Now here's a vital piece of information. - Patrick, the heaviest wombat, at 38 kilos and 31 years of age lived at the Ballarat wildlife Park. 

Anyway, we were now at the picturesque Wombat Reservoir where we enjoyed a well earned morning tea. By this time coats were on, packs were covered, umbrellas made an appearance. 

Cuppa over we meandered up Cockatoo Track to Specimen Hill Rd and had to seek shelter from the now steady rain under an information stand.

Undaunted though, we continued through the Wombat State Forest, taking a slight shortcut to arrive back at Jubilee Lake for lunch without rain or interference from those enthusiastic peacocks. 

One last thing, You know that distinctive scent you can smell when rain falls on dry soil? Thanks to Colin I now know it is called Petrichor. Slip that one into the next casual conversation!

Fun, fitness and friendship, a great combination. 

Thankyou to Kim, Andrew and Gordon for planning and leading a beautiful hike. 

Photos By Andrew Parker






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