my connected community (mc2) is funded by the Victorian Government and coordinated by Vicnet
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Mt Hedrick — Round Hill — Corner Creek
(Alf Vella) Date: Saturday 30 September Leader: Andrew McPherson It wasn’t an easy choice to make. Either kicking back in front of the tellie with a few coldies watching the mighty Swans rip into the hapless Eagles (although the final result of the Grand Final wasn’t what I’d hoped for) or follow Andrew around a route he described using the terms “bush bashing … strenuous … steep pitches … sections of almost but not quite impenetrable bush”. So there I was pulling up outside the Newry Post Office at 8.30 am saying to myself – “Hey, it’s an Andrew McPherson walk. Nothing’s better than a day that’s bound to be filled with adventure and a little physical effort.” And it was a superb day. Ken offered to transport us up to our start point in his big VW van and we split up into our social demographics – the old mates in the front, the bearded blokes in the middle and the gals in the back. On arrival at the picnic spot at the base of Mt Hedrick, Andrew wanted to get going immediately but the sight of many thermos flasks dispensing hot drinks reminded him of the strictly observed BCWC protocol. Soon enough we were making our way up the track to Mt Hedrick and were treated to a one of the best displays of wild flowers and orchids that I have ever seen. Over the entire walk Kath says she counted and photographed nine of the nineteen varieties of orchard found in the area. The botanists had a real feast and during their many “orchid breaks” the rest of us were able to catch our breath. The summit of Mt Hedrick afforded a great view of Mt Ben Cruachan and its surrounds and proved to be a tremendous first “scheduled” rest point. Soon after that we left the walking track and made our way through the scrub to Round Hill. Andrew had previously (six years earlier) placed red tape around strategic trees to give him reference points over the route but was pleasantly surprised to find the trail had been blazed within a week two earlier. The fresh marks on the trees could be seen far into the distance and we made up some of the time lost – the orchids were pretty though. Round Hill was our next stop and was a good chance to recover from the steep climb to reach it. We then headed for Corner Creek and followed the blazed trail through the scrub until Andrew reckoned that it should have gone left instead of right. Unfortunately six years of undergrowth made this way a bit tricky and we were forced to backtrack, eventually finding our way down to the creek. A short distance along a track formed by many nobby tyres, we had lunch under the shade of a large boulder over the creek bed. A very pretty little spot and we were greeted with many displays of orchids along the way. The next leg of our journey was the climb up to Pearson Point. This saw us leave the Creek track and launch ourselves into the scrub again. Most of the way was up and the many “orchid stops” were most appreciated. We emerged onto the 4WD track just below Pearson Point and were greeted by Jack and Elaine Winterbottom and some friends who were walking down from the Point. It’s amazing how fresh people look when they’re coming down a hill as compared to those who are walking up. The view from Pearson Point is one of the best around and covers the area from Ben Cruachan right around to Maffra, and we spent a little time appreciating its beauty. A short stroll down the road and it was back to Ken’s van and a well-deserved cuppa and I was still able to catch the last quarter of the Grand Final on the drive home. A memorable day. Thanks Andrew for your competent display of navigational skills and leadership and also to my walking companions for an enjoyable time. Ben Cruachan Walking Club - Walk Reports |
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