Old Man Emu
April 1999
Newsletter of the
ESSENDON
BUSHWALKING CLUB INC.
P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039




From the Editor
Welcome to the Autumn - Winter edition of Old Man Emu. I wish to express my thanks to all the contributors for their articles. Unfortunately not all of the articles submitted could be fitted in, and some may be carried over to the next edition, depending upon priorities. Due to the high cost of printing, the newsletter has to be limited to two double sided A3 sheets, and this limits the volume which can be squeezed in.

For future editions it would be nice to have more short reports on walks, and more importantly, short previews of coming events. For leaders, this is your opportunity to SELL your event. So plan ahead, write a spiel in advance of the leaders meeting, and hand it over at or before the meeting.

Go for it!

Chris Jarvis, Editor

Submitting Articles
Articles can be sent to Chris Jarvis,
E-mail: cjjarvis@pa.ausom.net.au

Short articles (<500 words) can be sent in hard copy form.

Long articles (>500 words) should be on floppy disk, accompanied by a hard copy, or sent by e-mail.

Photographs are most welcome, and can be sent to Stephen Bocquet for scanning to enable easy insertion into the newsletter. Photographs of people on club events are most desirable for the front cover.

PRESIDENT'S COLUMN

I write this having recently returned from a two week trip to New Zealand. Seven of us undertook a six day walk over Cascade Saddle, near Mount Aspiring in the South Island. We had fine weather for most of the trip, and a full moon. The first night was spent at Aspiring Hut. This hut is the departure point for climbers headed for Mt. Aspiring, and is maintained by the NZ Alpine Club. 'Hut' probably doesn't convey the right impression - think 'holiday house for walkers' and you'll be closer to the mark. The night there was a surreal experience: most of us were on bunks placed underneath the large windows which face towards the mountain. You could look out and see moonlight glinting off the peak, and hear the cattle grazing just outside the window. (The hut is located just outside the National Park - cattle are not allowed in National Parks in NZ.) The next night up on the saddle was just as good, if not better. The route approaches the saddle from one side: it is not really possible to travel over the saddle, as one side is a 1000 metre sheer drop to the valley below. On the way down we made a side trip for a close inspection of the Dart glacier. The next day we made a rather hard day trip up to the Whitbourne glacier. The upper part of the Whitbourne valley is an awesome place - just rock and ice, with car-sized boulders jumbled where they've fallen from the cliffs above. We finished the trip with a jet-boat ride out down the Dart river. I'd better not write any more about the trip because you're probably all green with envy by now!

By the time you read this, the Annual General Meeting will not be far off, so it will be time to think about nominations for the 1999/2000 Committee. Usually we have no difficulty filling the regular committee positions, but the office-bearer positions, in particular Secretary/Treasurer and President, can be a different matter. Our constitution limits the term of the President to two years, so we regularly need to find new candidates. There is no limitation on the term of the Secretary/Treasurer, but this is the most demanding job in the club, so we need to turn it over reasonably often to maintain the sanity of those who take it on! Des has written previously about this, so I won't say any more except to endorse his appeal for someone to take it on. I'd like to encourage members to think about going on the committee - even if you haven't been in the club very long, don't rule it out. If you are interested, ask someone to nominate you at the AGM, don't just hope that somebody will think of you! On the other side of the coin, if you intend to nominate someone, please ask them before the meeting if they will accept the nomination, as a matter of courtesy. Although no-one is under any obligation to accept a nomination at the meeting, it can be embarrassing for some people if they are nominated out of the blue and have to accept or decline on the spot.

When you are thinking about the regular committee positions, think about whether you, or the person you are nominating or voting for, might be a future candidate for President or Secretary/Treasurer. There is no requirement for candidates for these positions to have been on the committee previously, but most people who've filled these roles have started out as regular committee members, so we need to allow people the chance to get that experience.

Hope you're enjoying some good Autumn walks.

Stephen Bocquet
        


Your Committee
for 1998/99 is:

Stephen Bocquet (President)
Paulene Sunderland (Vice President)
Des Sunderland (Secretary/Treasurer)
Ron Bell (Club Contact)
Russell Christensen
Michael Howes (Walks Coordinator)
Nicole Lowe
Ian McLean
Sylvia McLean



Members Discount
Don't forget that members can obtain a discount at Bogong Equipment, 374 Little Bourke Street. They offer a 10% discount on all non sale items.

CONTACTING THE CLUB

GENERAL ENQUIRIES
(Snail) Mail: The Secretary, Essendon Bushwalking Club Inc., P.O. Box 32, Moonee Ponds, 3039

E-mail: trekker@netspace.net.au

Internet: www.netspace.net.au/~trekker

WALKS PROGRAMS
Are released three times each year, at the April, August and December club meetings.

One copy of the program is included within the club newsletter Old Man Emu.

Additional copies are available from the Secretary / Treasurer for 20¢ each.


CLUB MEETINGS
Are held on the second Wednesday of each month, at Hall 3, St.Thomas Church (behind the church), Mt.Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds Junction (corner of Mt.Alexander and Pascoe Vale Roads. Meetings start at 7.30 pm.


Hire Equipment

Hire Rates	W/End	Week
Tent	$10	$20
BackPack	$6	$10
Sleeping Bag	$5	$5
Japara	$5	$5
Stove	$5	$5
Sleeping Mat	$1	$2

Maximum hire rate $25 each week. Each additional week a further $25 fee will apply.

Club Fees

Annual Membership        $ 30
Visitors Fee (per event) $ 5

Annual Membership fees apply from June 1 to May 31. Membership fees not paid two months after June 1 renders the member un-financial.

An un-financial member is required to pay the visitors fee for every event they attend until they have paid their full membership fee.

Un-financial members and visitors attending more than three events in a club year are required to pay the full membership fee.
        
GRADE DEFINITIONS

The following definitions are a guide only, and are referenced against the abilities of fit experienced walkers. A grade can be a combination of any of the individual factors listed. Weather conditions on the day can also affect the grading of a walk.

EASY: Suitable for beginners. Mostly on formed tracks. Gently undulating terrain. Up to 20 km per day.

MEDIUM: Suitable for fit and more experienced walkers. Some sustained climbs. Some scrub bashing. Some rock scrambling. Up to 30 km per day.

HARD: For fit, experienced walkers. Long steep climbs. Heavy scrub bashing. Hard rock scrambling. Long distances.
        
WALK PREVIEWS

SCIENCEWORKS, WESTGATE PARK TO ST.KILDA, FERRY TO WILLIAMSTOWN
Sun May 16, 8.00 am start, 13.5 km, Easy
Ian & Sylvia McLean

Commencing on the Bike Track opposite Scienceworks we cross the Yarra River on the Bike Punt and continue through Eastbridge Park and stop at West Gate Park for morning tea, giving us a chance to observe the Wetlands bird life. From here we continue along the bike path past Princes and Station Piers to St. Kilda Pier. We may divert to one of the Piers if a ship is in port for a closer look.

Lunch will be in the vicinity of St. Kilda Pier with extra time if anyone wishes to peruse the Esplanade Art and Craft Market. We then cross to Williamstown on the ferry. Williamstown is dotted with Cafes for afternoon tea or an icecream for those who wish. Then we head back to the cars via The Strand and Riverside Park, catching magnificent views of the yachts on Hobson's Bay, Westgate Bridge and Melbourne's skyline along with the amazing array of architecture on The Strand.


MT. COOPER
Sun May 30, 13km Easy, 9.00 am start. Ian & Sylvai McLean

This is a new walk for us which is within Suburbia but at times it could have you wondering. Mt. Cooper is within Bundoora Park and is the highest point in the Metropolitan Area around Melbourne. We plan to start from the Historical Museum in Bundoora Park walking around the 3.5 km Scenic Drive which is currently closed to traffic, up to Mt. Cooper to access the 360 degree views. The Scenic Drive encompasses a fauna park, historical museum and children's adventure park which may be worth a stroll after the walk. (Fee is applicable to the latter two). Once this circuit is complete we will enter the grounds of LaTrobe University via Plenty Hospital, passing an agricultural, zoology and wildlife reserve. We will transit the Uni via its' system of waterways and its' abundant waterbirds. Our exit is passed another nature reserve and continues on a bike track through the plenty valley with its' continuous reserves to complete another circuit where we commenced our walk from.

Runners would be quite adequate for this walk. B.Y.O. afternoon tea and take advantage of such a beautiful picnic area.

THE PILGRIMAGE IS BACK!
Queen's B'Day Long Weekend
June 12 - 14, MH, 45km
Chris Jarvis

In the beginning ...... an annual event on the club calendar was a visit to Mt.Bogong on the Queen's B'day long weekend. Due to it's close proximity to Winter, the ascent of this great hill by various routes resulted in many tales, some true, becoming part of club un-written folklore. Over time, most of the members who participated in these early forays have moved on, and so have their memories. This visit will show to some newer members why this mountain had so much appeal to the club founders at this time of year. And for some of us oldies, there's nothing like a trip down memory lane!

The walk will start and finish from Windy Corner in Falls Creek. We will amble over Heathy Spur to the Grey Hills and camp at Bogong Creek Saddle. Then it's up and over Bogong and down to the second camp on Big River at the base of T Spur. We finish up Duane Spur, past Ropers Hut and back to the cars.

A medium to hard walk, previous overnight walking experience is essential, and full alpine kit1. Snow is a high probability. Snow chains must be carried.

1. Full Alpine Kit: Long top & bottom thermal underwear; Beanie and/or balaclava; Gloves & mittens; Rain jacket & overtrousers; Warm jacket & trousers; Sunglasses & sunscreen; Four season sleeping bag.

MT. WILSON
Sun July 25, 22.5km Medium,
A good winter walk!
Ian & Sylvia McLean

This walk starts at the Garden of St. Earth in Blackwood and steadily rises to a picnic area called McLaughlin's Lookout at 825m height for morning tea and good views over the Wombat Forest. After morning tea the scenery changes dramatically from dry stunted eucalypts on the tops to tall damp forest interspersed with blackwoods and ferns nearer the Lerderderg Valley.
The Lerderderg River is met and followed for a good distance until Nolans Creek Picnic area is reached for lunch.
Following lunch the tip of Mt. Wilson is circumnavigated with a quick side trip (scrub bash) to the summit at 863 meters. During the decent there is a very interesting rock formation to note, known as the Chimney Rock. The river then needs to be forded (not a problem in the past) to regain our return track. At this point we follow the river well beyond where we picked it up initially, past lovely deep pools. We eventually leave the river to pick up a water race which continues to complete our circuit back to the cars.

Boots strongly recommended. Afternoon tea in Blackwood.


WHIPSTICK GULLY - WARRANDYTE STATE PARK
Sunday Aug 15, 17km, Easy Grade.
Ian & Sylvia McLean

For a change of mood Ian has decided to do this walk in the heart of winter instead of the peak of summer. We last held this one in 1996 and have decided to add some more variety/highlights. It has been increased from 12km to 17km. Another good winter walk. Starting at the car park at Stiggant St. We proceed upstream along the Yarra and pick up morning tea at the bakery. Crossing over the main road we enter the Whipstick Gully with all it's gold mining relics (poppet head, memorial cairn, mine sites/shafts etc.), information shelter and picnic area for morning tea. Next via streets and reserves we arrive at Black Flat following the gold and nature trail. Again we pick up the Yarra and follow it upstream to Jumping Creek Reserve to Stane Brae Reserve. Here the gentle slopes down to the Yarra make a good lunch spot. Stane Brae is home to hundreds of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Swamp Wallabies. Following lunch we will try to locate a lovely open air Chapel built by the Scouts several years ago on route to Blue Tongue Bend. Following the river we return to Jumping Creek Picnic Ground, retracing our steps to Black Flat. Return through town will allow for afternoon tea at one of the many tea rooms prior to returning to the cars.


BRIGHT NORDIC SKIING
Base Camp, August 14-22
Bryan Folie

The annual skiing base camp at Bright is on again this year. Skiing will be at Buffalo, Dinner Plain, Hotham and Falls Creek all which are mot more than 60 Km from Bright. The trip is open to all people interested in Nordic Skiing of a novice to intermediate standard. Alpine (down hill) skiers are also welcome to come. There are a limited number of vacancies.

The accommodation is at Barberry Lodge which is a luxury four bedroom house, nestled on a hill about 1Km out of Bright. The house has two toilets and bathrooms, dish and clothes washing machine, drying room, wood heater ( pot belly stove) and magnificent views of the Ovens Valley.

The cost will be approximately $100 . A deposit will be required in late March or early April to reserve your place.

Contact: BRYAN FOLIE:




THE WALLS OF JERUSALEM, MT. OSSA AND CRADLE MT.

A Y2K TASMANIAN SPECIAL

Dec 27, '99 - Jan 6, '00
Denny van Maanenberg

In 1872, Clarence King was mountaineering in the Sierra Nevada and wrote: -

'Cliff above cliff, precipice upon precipice…culminating in a noble pile of gothic finished granitite and enamel like snow. How grand and inviting, its untrodden, unknown crest, so high and pure in the clear strong blue! I looked at it as one contemplating the purpose of life; and for just one moment I would have rather liked to dodge that purpose, or to have waited, or have found some excellent reason why I might not go; but all this quickly vanished, leaving a cheerful resolve to go ahead.'

In the temperate zones of Earth, there are few extensive areas of true wilderness left. King found his in Nevada. In late December this year, twelve members of the Essendon Bushwalking Club will also resolve to go ahead and embark on an adventure to see another wilderness.

On the 27th December, they step onto the decks of the Spirit of Tasmania to set sail for a destination that renowned conservationist Olegas Truchanas described as a; 'shining beacon in a dull, uniform and largely artificial world'.

Much has been written about the Tasmanian wilderness and each sentence, each paragraph tells of ice bound heights of mountains, enchanted fern filled gullies, the heart-stopping beauty of rainforest, rivers, and lakes. The only activity better than reading about this rich wonderland is to go see it for yourself. For the twelve walkers of the EBWC, they are about to undertake a 14-day journey to witness a dazzling panorama of Tasmania's natural endowment.

This journey begins with a gathering at Denny van Maanenberg's place, who will be leading the adventure, where packs and equipment will be loaded into three vehicles. These will be driven to Port Melbourne together will all walkers and loaded and boarded onto the Spirit of Tasmania for the overnight crossing of Bass Strait.

On arrival at Devonport, the team heads off immediately and drives to Fish Creek, high in the Tasmanian wilderness to the drop off point to the Walls of Jerusalem. This is a compact area of five main peaks intertwined with open valleys and biblical names such as Herods Gate, Lake Salome, the Pool of Siloam, Solomon's Jewels and the Pool of Bethesda conjure images of an exciting and interesting landscape.

The team will spend two days exploring the area before heading west towards Australia's most popular long distance walk in the Cradle Mountain – Lake St Clair National Park. However it will still take a few days to cross wilderness areas through scenery that can be described as nothing short of spectacular.

The team journeys off toward Lake Weston and follows the banks of Lake Adelaide. This 'lakes' walk continues for two days until two options are open to join the overland track connecting Cradle Mountain with Lake St Clair. The team either travels down the 'Never Never' from Junction Lake to Hartnett Falls. It's called the never-never because once you've done it. You never-never want to do it again. It's a deep gorge, no tracks, heavy rain forest and absolutely beautiful.

There are some sections in the never-never that are so peaceful, so serene and so enchanting that you half expect to see pixies, goblins, elves, leprechauns or fairies pop out from behind a tree to say hello.

If the team doesn't take this option, it will travel up onto the Travellers Range a bleak, desolate and wind blown plateau, but which affords magnificent view's before dropping down onto Du Cane Gap where it joins the Overland Track. Once on the track it's onto Kia Ora Hut and up to the Pelion Gap plateau. We camp near Mt Ossa and after an early breakfast climb Mt Pelion East. After lunch we climb Mt Ossa, which at just over 1,600 metres, is Tasmania's highest mountain. After the descent the team packs up and heads to Old Pelion Hut. Here it's a rest day to meet up with the support crew for a food pick up day and re-supply from the vehicles at the Wolfram Mine at the end of Patons Rd. This is some six kilometres from Old Pelion Hut and is the only re-supply point along the Overland Track.

The following day, the team leaves the Pelion area and heads off toward Lake Windermere. From Lake Windermere it's on toward Waterfall Valley hut with a side trip to see Lake Will and Innis Falls and the remnants of old coal mines used at the turn of the last century.

Finally, the team will climb Barn Bluff or Cradle Mountain or both, before the final walk out to Waldheim Chalet. Then it's a final night in one of the cosy huts with the support crew, with real hot water, stove's, kitchen equipment, bedding and proper food. After so long in on the track – this will be five star luxury! The team will spend the final day with the support crew exploring the immediate area around Cradle Mountain before heading off to Devonport for the overnight crossing on the Spirit to arrive back in Melbourne on Sunday the 9th January 00 (Subject to Y2K contingencies).

Preparations are proceeding well. Already there has been significant interest by many walkers. We have increased the limit from 12 – 15 but that's it. No further extensions can be made. Three vehicles are needed of which we already have two. We need a third vehicle, which must be a station wagon preferably 4-wheel drive. Applications are now being accepted and will be addressed on strictly first come first served basis. This trek is strictly limited to financial members of the Essendon Bushwalking Club. Costs are around $600.00 and any application must be accompanied by a deposit of $150.00 with the balance payable in October.

Whilst the full trek team has just about filled, there may be still be some room for support crew members to drive into Fish Creek, drop off the re-supply food and then meet up with trek team at Cradle Mountain. We plan to position two of the vehicles at Cradle Mountain whilst the third will be used by the support team to go and explore northern areas of the island.

Tasmania is regarded as one of the world's last true wilderness areas. No words can be written that can truly describe the sensations, the emotions or the sentiment one feels when standing on an outcrop gazing at misty moors, craggy cliff faces or wind sweep plateaus to feel nature in all her abundant glory. Tassie weather is such that our teams are expecting to be wet 60% of the time but this is an adventure, a journey, or even a pilgrimage that will stir your soul, challenge your will, and gladden your heart. It's one where body and soul meets nature and wilderness and the lasting memories that it will generate will be with you forever.

All enquires to Denny van Maanenberg e-mail retailrisk@onaustralia.com.au


WALK REPORTS

THREE GORGES AND A GHOST - A SHORT DIDDLYBOP DOWN SEVEN CREEKS
Sunday February 21
Denny van Maanenberg

The small party of eight pulled up at Polly McQuins, a small weir built at the turn of the century high up in the Strathbogie ranges about one and a half hours drive north from Melbourne. This weir was a focal point for settlers in earlier days and some decades ago, the wall was raised to its current height. One of the workers at the time was our very own Bill Casey who lamented that he spent a very lonely 21st birthday working on that wall!

Legend has it that the weir was named after a local lass, who on one dark and stormy fateful night was travelling in a coach which tried to cross the swollen creek over a narrow and rocky ford. The storm lashed hard and the horses spooked at the swollen creek. Recklessly, the driver pushed them on, but the rushing water was too powerful and swept horses, driver, coach, and its luckless passengers over the edge and into the dark and deep pools beyond. The story goes that the ghost of Polly McQuinn now haunts the crossing point and sometimes on a dark and stormy night when the wind blows its hardest, if you listen carefully, you can her cry out in the blackness.

Polly McQuins weir is the start point of our walk and from it flows Seven Creeks, which flows south and down off the Strathbogie's through several gorges before it turns west and flows towards the township of Euroa.

We headed off along gentle meadows and cool waterholes. Gum trees lined the banks in several sections and the creeks flowed gently through these grassy meadows as we looked out for wedge tail eagles, koalas and wild bird life living along the edge of the creek. We found many wombat holes and much evidence of healthy rabbit populations. Scrub wallabies were seen scampering away and we saw one with a very unusual white spot at the end of its tail.

We continued along until we hit the first gorge, which was narrow with craggy ledges and dense undergrowth. We picked our way slowly though it and climbed down, under, over and beside huge boulders the size of cars, very mindful of wet and slippery rocks that could snap an ankle quickly. On we went through these gorges and slowly worked our way down. It was hot work and time was moving on. Finally we reached a point when the sounds of rushing waterfalls beckoned us and we clambered down to have lunch beside a ten-metre waterfall about two metres wide.



The setting was peaceful, cool, and refreshing and we enjoyed this little gentle spot of isolated countryside. Three quarters of an hour later, we were on the move again, skirting deeper areas of the gorge by keeping to high ground. We discovered an old dam, which was silted over long ago and appeared to be the remnants of a town water supply. We could make out what was left of a watercourse of dual pipes now very much in disuse. A bush track led us away from the old dam and it followed he creek down before it disappeared through a gate and over private property. We stayed with the creek.

As we continued down, we found a magnificent waterhole with waterfalls, spa pools and sprays. The weather was hot, we were flushed, so off went the clothes and all bar one of the eight went in for a dip. We lazed about in this enchanting place until time caught up with us once again. We dressed into our walk clothes and headed off once again down the stream. We found an old road running alongside the creek indicating that the end was near. Another hour or so later we finally reached our destination at Gooram Falls beside the Euroa – Mansfield Road. Another day, another day walk, another wonderful adventure at an end.
        

MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND

This fund was esatblished in memory of club member Glen Hansen, and its' purpose is to assist with educating children in Nepal, a country to which Glen was very dedicated. In the summer of '98 - '99 some money from this fund was sent to the Sobru English School in Kathmandu. The following is the text of a letter sent to club member Val Readwin from the school's principle.

Dear Val,
Thank you very much for your kind support to our school in Nepal. We acknowlege the receipt of US$634.70 which is already in our school's account. This money will support 7 students from poor and socially backward families to attend one year's schooling in our school. There are 40 students getting assistance through this scholarship from different individuals and group. There are 120 students studying in this school at this moment. The school caters up to the age of 13, i.e. Lower Secondary level. We plan to upgrade this school to Secondary level in near future. There are 9 teachers working full time including myself.

The school plans to establish a resource centre with good numbers of book, education materials and computer (we have now power supply from the district headquarter and telephone). This will help teachers and students to attain good quality education even in this remote areas of Nepal. It will cost us about US$5000 of which 1000 will be contributed by the local community in kind and labour. I am just wondering whether your club will be interested to join in this project?

I have enclosed some of pictures of our school activities which will be helpful to you to share with your friends. Once again, on behalf of the Sobru English School, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation and greetings to all members of Essendon Bushwalking Club. I want to assure you that there will not be delay in responding to your queries in future.

Thank you.

Yours sincrely

Durga Dhan Sunwar
Principle
Sobru English School

        
CAMPING IN THE HIGH PLAINS.

We start our tale at Dad's place
Mount Beauty's where he's at.
(To most, thats Dad and Bettys place..
...and Scruffys..that's the cat.)

Well we came to do some camping
Up among the plains.
But what we didn't count on
was all the heavy rains.

We drove right out to Falls Creek
Passing all the huts
Seeing lots of campers
But nothing suited us

So we drove across to Mitta mitta
and out along the way
a little place called Sunnyside
was where we thought to stay.

But..alas..as thunder clapped
rain pounding at our back,
with the hail in hot pursuit,
we dashed off down the track.

We were half way back to Omeo
Before the Blue Duck Inn
A fire out from Jokers track
was moving with the wind.

We had our tea in Omeo
The creeks were all a flood
All the roads and creeks were clogged
With debris and with mud!

Then up across to Dinner plain
It was there we phoned up Dad
We left a message on the tape,
"we're coming back, the weathers bad"

So, at Dad's we sat in comfort
The tent still packed away
But we'll be back, just wait and see
To camp another day.

By Ian, Sylvia and Philip McLean. January 1st 1999
        
DRY DIGGINGS TRAIL

Submitted Sylvia McLean

After Bill Casey's 42 km marathon last November along the Dry Digging's Trail, we thought the following article would be of interest to our fellow Essendon Walkers. It is copied directly from the January/February '99 issue of Midland Tourist News; author is unmentioned but published by Richard Denis Cox of Castlemaine.

DRY DIGGINGS TRACK.
The Dry Diggings Track is a 55km section of the Great Dividing Trail, running from Castlemaine to Daylesford. It provides an easy three day walk in either direction, or can be broken up into smaller sections.

The walk takes you through a diverse series of historic mining landscapes which have been worked from the first discovery of gold in the 1850's up until recent times, and include the main spa areas of Vaughan/Glenluce, Hepburn and Daylesford.

Camping facilities and water are available at Castlemaine, Vaughan, Mt. Franklin, Hepburn Springs and Daylesford. You will need to carry water with you to see you through each leg of the trip, particularly in summer.

Try to keep to formed paths to prevent damage to this fragile environment, and take all your rubbish home with you.

Make sure you are aware of the fire restrictions in the area.

The stretch from Mt. Franklin to Daylesford will take you through country which changes rapidly, giving way from the dry granite soil of the Castlemaine area to cooler more heavily wooded undulating countryside.

Leaving Mt. Franklin and travelling south, you will come to Beehive Gully. At this point the track enters Hepburn Regional Park. A fan shaped mullock heap, battery and sand tailings and the wooden base for the crushing battery are amongst the remnants of the Beehive Mine, which is on the north side of the gully. The track winds and twists to nearby Hunt's Dam, which formed part of the system that took water to Brown's and Sebastopol Gullies further north.

Widow's Gully is a very steep pinch leading to the gentler Woman's Gully. Both produced gold in the earlier days, and ruins and relics can be seen in Woman's Gully.

The name Hepburn Springs is synonymous with mineral springs. Since a bathhouse was first established on the site in 1895, people have come here to take the waters. It is a wonderful place to take a break for a while, and to soak up the atmosphere of this little spa town.

A return to the track will lead onto Golden Spring and Liberty Spring. From Golden Spring, the path becomes the Tipperary Track. For the next 13km it follows the contours of a water race. A very sharp hazardous bend is Breakneck Gorge, so called because of a horse that fell to it's death when the road was rougher. The Blowhole on Sailor's Creek is a tunnel cut by miners. It's purpose was to divert the creek in order to allow mining along the old creek bed. Nowadays, particularly after a storm, the rush of water is spectacular. Nearby Bryce's Flat was another productive alluvial goldfield.

The Tipperary Track continues straight past Mistletoe Mine, Fairy Dell spring, and the Tipperary Spring. This last spring is a popular local picnic area and swimming hole, with a trickle spring supplying mineral water.

And so into Daylesford, the focal point of all three arms of the Great Dividing Trail. Walks from Ballarat (Bullarook Section), Bacchus Marsh (Wombat Section) and Castlemaine (Dry Diggings Section) converge on this beautiful town. The area was the home of the Djadawurrong Aboriginal tribe, and between 1841 and 1849 formed part of the Loddon Protectorate. John Hepburn and others settled north of the area with sheep in 1838. Mineral water was found here in 1847, and the miners found many more springs in their search for gold, after the first discovery in 1851. Many of the miners were Swiss-Italian, and there are still links with this early community at Yandoit and Hepburn.

Daylesford has, in recent years, undergone a phoenix-like revival, and is now a fashionable place to visit and stay. It centres around Lake Daylesford, a man-made lake formed by flooding old mining works in 1930. Below the lake walls is a dance pavilion, which in Daylesford's previous heyday was the venue for Tea Dances. You will also notice a swimming pool of sorts, and tiered seating on either side. Legend has it that in the 1930's swimming teams from the various guest houses would meet here for swimming sports during the holiday season. The centre of Daylesford may be reached by walking around the lake in either direction. Campsites are available at Jubilee Lake and Victoria Park. Bed and Breakfasts, motels and hotels abound for those who feel like a little more indulgence and comfort. Some of these offer package deals including spas and massage, which seems like a great way to celebrate the completion of this fantastic walk.
        
THE LAST WORD ..........

The following ditty is anonymous, and is commonly found in New Zealand. Val Readwin brought this back and suggested it be included. The West Coast of the South Island is frequently refered to as the "Wet" Coast, and the ditty is pertinent to this area.

RAIN
It rained and rained and rained and rained
The average fall was well maintained
And when the tracks were simple bogs
It started raining cats and dogs

After a drought of half an hour
We had a most refreshing shower
And then most curious thing of all
A gentle rain began to fall

Next day but one was fairly dry
Save for one deluge from the sky
Which wetted the party to the skin
And then at last the rain set in.

Anonymous