407. Mt Clear-Mt Helen, Bradleys Lane 11.7km

 U3A Hike No 407



Hike Report by Joan Brick

On our last Autumn hiking day 15 members of our group ventured off from Canadian towards Mt Clear along the Canadian Creek trail. We were part of the morning rush with students off to
classrooms for their lessons and we were lucky to be heading out into the bush for our learning adventure. 

As we made our way along the road behind Damascus College(formerly known as St. Martins in the Pines) we found ourselves gradually being surrounded by tall pine trees and lovely homes nicely tucked away in the bush with dams and sheds as well as one with a metal
Guard Dog called Rusty!

We made our way into the pine plantation and saw the trees with crystal water droplets hanging off their needle looking leaves and also saw beautiful looking spider webs covering some the of low-lying bushes. It was amazing to stand in one place and see throws and rows of pine trees and feel you were so far from any town and yet in the distance you could see the cranes at the Base Hospital. The clay roads were at times wet and slippery with some
having deep ruts that tested our ability to remain upright. 

As we continued around the plantation we shook our heads in disgust at the piles of rubbish that had been dumped in various parts of the plantation. This led to some interesting discussions about ways that we could curb this type of behaviour such eliminating tip fees
or having locked gates at the entrances to the plantation. 

We eventually found a nice spot along one of the roads to enjoy our morning tea as well as the nice weather to go with it. 

We continued on and came across an area where some of the pine trees were burnt as well as a burnt out car and again piles of rubbish. 

After more meandering around the plantation we finally arrived at Whitehorse Road. We were now back “in town” and eventually made our way back to Andrew’s home where we
enjoyed some lunch and a chat.

Thanks to Gordon and Andrew for the day and exploring the bush within the city.

Photos by Andrew Parker






















                                        Vale Robert Sims


LINKS

INTERACTIVE MAP

DOWNLOAD A GPX FILE

A SIMILAR HIKE IN 2018 (Including Christmas Break-Up)

VIDEO OF SIMILAR HIKE 2022 Includes Robert Sims





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