Mt MacDonald Walk
March 2001
The March long weekend started with 8 participants heading off to Sheepyard flat. We had all arrived by 9pm on Friday night to find the place was packed with Feral four wheel drives. After a reasonably noisy night we all set off at 8.3Oam for the start of the Lickhole creek track.
This was to be a relatively easy walk along the creek. And it was, it was until we came face to face with the 1500 foot climb up Mt Darling that surprised us and left the members who had come for the easy walk and rest day reading books on Saturday, a little slow up the hill. Unfortunately a lot of the area has succumbed to blackberry infestation and even stinging nettles and thistles galore. The scenery took second place on a long day as we tried to find the Jamieson river amongst the blackberries. We did have many pleasant stops along the creeks that crossed the track even though Pam had to prod the black snake off her path so we could cross. We were happy to have the snake wrangler out in front lleading the way! Anyway after the fitter mob arrived at the campsite the stragglers got in about 7pm and proceeded to camp and cook just before some light rain sent us into tents for the night.
The next day even the speedsters didn't feel like running up Mt McDonald or blackberry bashing to Jamieson's hut so we all decided to head back and enjoy it at a more leisurely pace. Several kind people took some of my gear as my back was playing up and we headed off up the climb of Mt Darling which maybe was what Tom had referred to as the Low Saddle but we all then called the pimple and we all squeezed the pimple at different rates again. I had to be careful as several times I stopped to rest and off loaded my pack only to find Tom taking off with it!!
We had a pleasant lunch on top and looked out to Eagles nest and also the Bluff with the Governors on the other side. We headed down past some delightful creeks with tree ferns towering over them and onto a clearing where we found enough room for our tents. An early finish to the walking at 3pm had us all in great spirits and the bookworms got to do some reading!! Soon cookers were off and going and then Max and Elvyne brought out the pre dinner smoked salmon and garlic almonds which we all enjoyed. We had a great talk of past walks and what were still to do.
The next day we all headed off early enjoying a little mist around the hills, compared to the heat of the first day. We walked up to another saddle but the blackberries seemed much less of a problem than the first day. Here those with energy left discussed the options for further walking, but we all ended up in Mansfield enjoying coffee and wedges for lunch after looking at the crowds at Frys Flat. We headed home and warmed our tired muscles with a walk at Gooram falls and then through Nagambie to Bendigo.
A great walk Tom and thanks to all those who helped up the hills!! Mt McDonald waits for another exploration party. This trip was a good chance to add some climbing feet to Bev's total for the club for the year with 8 of us doing about 1700 metres we will be nearly at Base camp!!