Walk Report August 22.

 

On a beautiful, sunny morning, Maria led 14 members into the Buninyong Gardens to a large Algerian Oak tree that had been vandalized by ring-barking some years ago. This is usually fatal to the tree, but by grafting bark patches from the tree, and moss, into the gash, the gardener was able to save it – a rare feat indeed.

We proceeded through the gardens, passing The Gong Reservoir. The Gong was reserved for the Buninyong Gardens in 1861. It is fed by ground water springs and was an important water source for miners, the town and later used to fill the public baths, now a fenced off, walled area in the Gardens. It was also used by the adjacent Buninyong Brewery, built in 1855, now a private residence.

As a result of leakage, the Ballarat City Council plans to reconstruct, stabilise and appropriately landscape the reservoir wall, not without some resistance from vocal, interested parties, however.

We crossed Lal Lal St. and headed up Mt Innes, a very steep pinch, rewarded by spectacular views and a rest at the top. Most took the path down to Innes La. while few opted for the direct route down the hill. There is a fine example of a well maintained, dry stone wall along the lane, one of several in the area.

Another steepish climb up the track to Ogilvie La. saw us pass the beautifully constructed little door at the base of a tree. This always brings smiles to our faces with memories of reading  “The Magic Faraway Tree”, and sharing it with our children and grand children, exactly as was intended.

After crossing the Midland Highway we headed up Granny White La., enjoying the views and each other’s company. We finally headed down hill to cross the Mt. Buninyong Rd. to follow Giddings La. beside the Union Jack Reserve. A short cut through the bush to the end of Barkly St. and a detour past the football ground soon saw us back at the Gardens.  

Many thanks to Maria for a most pleasant walk, that saw us back in time to attend the U3A AGM, as promised.

 

Helen Mc.

 

 Walk for August 29

Surface Point - Long Gully Walk - Enfield

Meet at Coles Sebastopol, side car park (off Victoria St) at 9.20 for a 9.30am departure.

Walk will start from Surface Point Picnic Area, a 7km walk, rating C. It is a narrow trail through bush land, undulating with some steep sections, so a little more challenging than usual. Poles recommended and bring morning tea for a track-side break. Lunch back at the cars on completion; limited seating so bring a chair if you have one.

Leaders: Jean Brant & Graeme Scharley

 REVISED SCHEDULE - WALKS FOR REMAINDER OF 2024

22 August       Granny White Lane, Buninyong      Maria Grigg & Helen McDowell

29 August       Surface Point - Smythesdale            Jean Brant & Graeme Scharley

12 Sept.          Kyneton                                            Helen McDowell & Wendy O’Rafferty

26 Sept.          Mt Clear/Mt Helen                           Marlene Bell

10 Oct.           CAMP - Bendigo

24 Oct.           Fed Uni/Mt Helen                            Helen McDowell & Joan Bright

31 Oct.           Linton                                               Heather Bice & Dale Gordon

14 Nov.          TBC.                                                 Shirley Faull & Mark Moravec

28 Nov.          Eatons Dam                                      Brian Hay

12 Dec.          Short walk from BNCC                    Shirley Faull

11am              Meeting in Blue Room at BNCC & shared lunch after.

WALK FOR AUGUST 22 - GRANNY WHITE LANE, BUNINYONG

Leaders: Maria Grigg and Helen McDowell

This walk can easily be completed before people head off to the U3A AGM.

We will meet at the rotunda at the Buninyong Botanical Gardens at 9.20 for a 9.30am start.

The walk takes us through the Gardens, up Mt Innes and along Ogilvie Lane, crossing the busy Geelong Road to Granny White Lane, where we should get some lovely views across to Buninyong, Ballarat and beyond. If it’s not too wet underfoot we’ll continue skirting Mt Buninyong until we reach Mt Buninyong Rd where we cross to Giddings Lane to walk beside Union Jack Reserve, and then south to Inglis St and back to the Gardens for morning tea. 

If it rains, this walk could be muddy or slippery in parts and includes a couple of climbs and one rougher downhill section.

Around 8kms, Grade C.

 

WALK REPORT AUGUST 8

12 members braved the icy wind at Buninyong for the drive to the You Yangs. The further we went, the warmer it became, so it was in still, sunny conditions and a balmy 15 degrees, that we began our walk down the track towards the “Bundjil” eagle sculpture, on the valley floor.

There are spectacular views towards Melbourne and Geelong, with the granite rocks of the mountains providingan interesting physical and visual experience. The bush here is extremely dry and Maria explained it is the driest area in southern Victoria below the ranges.

The invasive Bone seed plant is everywhere. This green shrub, with its bright yellow flowers, is a native of southern Africa and was introduced to mitigate erosion in the Park. Like many, well intended, scientific “solutions”, this has proved regrettable. Efforts to eradicate the scourge continue and are evident in some areas.There were also several native wattles, adding their burst of yellow to the scene.

We had our ”banana break”, sitting on the rocks of the “Bundjil” sculpture. Whilst the extent of the project can be observed at ground level – a wingspan of 100m and 1500 tonnes of granite, the best perspective is from Flinders Peak. Unveiled in 2006, it was created as a tribute to the Creator Spirit Bundjil and the Wadawurrung Aboriginal people, by artist, Andrew Rogers, as part of his “Rhythm of Life” series.

To understand the scope of this project, login to Rhythms of Life Land Art Project 2017 on YouTube.

After viewing the information board, we set off on our return journey up to the car park where we had lunch.When the wind came up, the decision was made to head back to Buninyong, which was just as cold and blustery as when we left, though a hot cuppa was most welcome.

Many thanks to Maria and Marlene for another most enjoyable and informative walk in the You Yangs.

 

Helen Mc.