414. Rathole/Toerag Track - Wombat State Forest, 11.5km,

 U3A Hike No 414



Hike Report by Monica

Eleven hikers set out under grey, overcast skies on this approximately 11.5km forest walk, which began on an isolated piece of unsealed road in the Wombat Forest.

Taking care, after a pot-holed drive, to park cars between water-filled ditches we began the ‘penguin circuit’ – the coloured route outlined on Gordon’s paper map – on the Rat Hole Track. No rats were observed, but plenty of holes filled with yellow-brown water and muddy edges punctuated the gutted path. In fact, due to heavy recent rains, the entire circuit comprised a series of mini-lakes between sections of gluey track.

Those who’d brought them found support from their poles; others took detours on higher ground through dense scrub and fallen trees and branches from recent storms. While the walk itself was surprisingly benign, without the usual steep inclines of ‘moderately difficult’ gradings, this one was a challenge in other ways. Nearly everyone had a near-or-semi-soggy encounter along the watery obstacle course. One member had the misfortune of falling into, and slipping alongside, muddy water holes on at least four occasions, bouncing back each time to regain balance with astonishing agility. He attributed his survival to elasticity from regular gym workouts, and his pride.

Our first stop of interest was at the Rat Hole mine, sectioned off by barbed wire and bedraggled ribbons.

After Crossing Farm Road, we stumbled over another bush highlight: a spot of local yokels’ target practice. Brightly coloured bullet cartridges littered the bushland floor, with trees and branches acting as targets. The shattered environment could have been a scene from a horror movie.

Turning into Toe Rag Track we passed an incongruously placed blue canvas canopy, possibly a left-over summer shelter, and patches of bright yellow fungi pushing through leaf matter. A twisted Ford Falcon Ute stuck nose-first in a tree and wrapped by police tape signaled a return to civilisation on the last leg of our walk back to the cars. Thankfully, this was conducted on more solid ground and accompanied by a burst of sunshine.

Thanks to Gordon for organising a pleasant, if slippery, walk and Kim who, despite his bung knee, brought up the rear as whip.

Photos by Maryanne








Photos by Geoff







LINKS

INTERACTIVE MAP

GPX DOWNLOAD

THIS HIKE IN 2024





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