U3A Ballarat Hikers

U3A Hike No. 156 Hike Report by Jan Eight hikers braved the frosty morning and -4 degrees temperature and drove to the Garfield Wheel via Castlemaine and Chewton. This was the starting and end point of our walk. We followed the Goldfields track for about one kilometre until we stopped at Manchester reef to inspect the adit which included the surprise of a very deep shaft close to the entrance. This was also a good opportunity for a group photo. From then on it was a case of following Gordon and his trusty map as we traipsed “off road” along slippery water races and vague tracks. We discovered a ruined chimney and the remains of a hut and terracing at Sailors Gully. We stopped at every deep mineshaft (there were plenty) and someone always had to throw a rock down it to find out how deep it was. One even had a washing machine at the bottom of it. By now the sun was shining and it was a beautiful brisk winter’s day. A flock of choughs could be seen and heard enjoying themselves in the t...

  U3A Hike No. 155   Hike Report by Nita On a foggy and cool morning, 23 enthusiasts met at the Crater Walk picnic area to head off on an enjoyable circuit walk of Mt Buninyong and Union Jack Reserve.   Andrew extended a warm welcome to our new member, Jeanette. After an historic talk on a bushfire in the Crater, Andrew led us on a steep ascent to Mt. Buninyong Road and then over to the meandering and picturesque South Walk. Destruction of many trees due to the latest storm was evident. Following the Goldfields Track we ventured back to Granny White Lane and down to Mt Buninyong Road again to start our descent into Union Jack Reserve. This very interesting area highlights the old gold diggings, with Ann giving a talk on the historic mining townships of the area and even the existence of a Casino. Morning tea in the sun was a welcomed rest stop before continuing through the Reserve. Back out to Gittings Lane, we trekked down further along the edge of the reserve, che...