U3A Ballarat Hikers

 U3A Hike No 388 Hike Report By Kim Radenic   🌥 ️ Morning Meet-Up   On a grey, overcast, mildly chilly morning, 14 hikers gathered at Kirk’s for our allotted carpooling. We arrived at  Werona  Road and met Corinne—our hike leader—on her maiden lead.   🚶‍ Setting Off   We  began with  a short walk along  Werona  Road before turning left onto a recently graded, well-formed fire access track. This type of track continued for most of the hike, making for smooth walking.   🦘 Wildlife Encounters   Nature was lively and generous:   • Kangaroos, wallabies, and other marsupials were spotted throughout the hike.   • Birds chirped cheerfully, with a few kookaburras laughing in the distance.   • Gordon pointed out flowering Australian orchids—delicate and much smaller than nursery varieties.   • A vibrant display of yellow, red, and blue native flowers  lined  the trail. Everything was lush and green—M...

 U3A Hike No 377 Hike Report by Alan Evans 🚶‍♂️ Departure from Kirks Reservoir On a warm sunny morning, 16 hikers set off from Kirks Reservoir and travelled to Cosgrave Reservoir. After a brief safety talk, the group began walking in an anticlockwise direction. 🌅 Scenic North Shore and Water Levels As we followed the north shore of the reservoir, we were treated to stunning views. The water level was noticeably low—unsurprising given the recent lack of rain. 🌞 Rising Heat and Wardrobe Breaks With temperatures climbing, we paused a few times for wardrobe changes. The shade from the trees offered welcome relief from the heat. ☕ “Smoko” and Morning Tea Around the halfway point, Kim called for “SMOKO,” and we all found logs to sit on and enjoy a relaxed morning tea together. 🚴 Joining the Goldfields Track We joined the Goldfields Track, spotting mountain bike tracks to our left. The trail offered a mix of terrain and history. 🏛️ Discovering Spence House Soon we came across a sign ...