Waddle, Saddle, Pedal

 Sunday 28 August

I read about this event a good five years ago. This year I was finally able to visit Killarney and join in the fun.

The event is hosted by the Killarney Show and Rodeo Society, with the trek commencing from the village of Mt Colliery and following the valley of Farm Creek. Participants chose to walk, ride a horse or cycle their way to a billy tea morning tea at the 7.5 km turnaround point. Thirteen creek crossings had to be negotiated each way. On arriving back at Mt Colliery, a sausage sizzle lunch was provided by the local CWA. [County Women's Association]

Google maps view of Mt Colliery and Farm Creek.

Camp view of rain clouds hovering. 

After setting up camp we did a reconnaissance drive to Mt Colliery as it was a 7 am meet-up the following day. I wasn't tempted to drive across crossing No 2.

This huge carpet snake wasn't on the road as we drove out. He wasn't too pleased to see us but was reluctant to move on. I managed to edge the car around him, narrowly avoiding his tail.

6.50 am view looking towards Mt Colliery and the valley we were to hike. Thankfully sunny all day.

The pre-event orientation.

The first creek crossing and the last we saw of the hikers until we passed them on their way back. They all chose to walk through the water in their shoes.

Shoes off for us.

Lovely countyrside.

It didn't take long for the 4 bike riders to pass us, even with their staggered start.

About two kilometres in, the first of the horses walked passed.

Crossing No 2 was negotiated by rock hopping.

Crossing No 3.

The participation of the horses added to my enjoyment of the day. The sound of their hooves on the gravel, their snorting and the horsey smell of their skin as the day warmed up. One or two weren't keen to enter the water.

How a horse crosses the creek.

And how my darling friend Lyn [74] crosses without having to remove her shoes one more time.

And on the return journey, a new style.

The crossings may have slowed us down, but the chilly water was refreshing on our feet and gave us time to listen to the peace and serenity of our surroundings. Birds calling, frogs croaking, creek gurgling and a gentle breeze wafting through the trees. Sounds perfect but alas, a bulldozer was busy clearing rubbish scrub nearby, so not quite as idyllic as it could have been. 

The trail continued to be lovely. Killarney is on the Great Dividing Range so its elevation meant we were able to witness signs of spring's arrival.

An unexpected discovery on this isolated walk was 'The Avenue of Honour,' a treed memorial for all world war veterans.

On our return journey, we were accompanied along the way by a lovely local horse rider, who pointed out the plaque to 'Bill the Bastard'. 

Bill was a horse sent to Europe in WW1 as a member of the Australian Light Horse Brigade. He was Australia's greatest war horse and the unlikeliest hero. He served in Gallipolli and Egypt.

Schools have always taught the story of Simpson and his Donkey at Gallipoli, but Bill should have become as well known too. 

Since my return, I have downloaded from our local library, the book of Bill's story by Roland Perry and published in 2012, titled 'Bill the Bastard'. 

Major Michael Shanahan is also remembered on the avenue and he was one of the few riders able to stay on Bill and to me, was also quite a hero. You may be interested to read more about Bill and Major Shanahan, through the link below.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-25/bill-the-bastard-war-horse-anzac-hero/100088698

For the last couple of kilometres, the track was on private property. Imagine having to drive through these creek crossings all year. We arrived at an open field and the billy was on the boil beside the creek. Such a lovely setting. 

Sadly, as we were the only hikers keen to keep our feet dry and free of blisters, we had arrived long after everyone else and they were packing up. We had met both hikers and riders heading back over the last kilometre. Very disappointing to miss the camaraderie and friendship that would have been enjoyed over a cuppa. 

'Prick' the dog getting a lift across the creek!

He wasn't the only one. 

Lyn and I had crossed three crossings on the return leg, when the ute and trailer carrying the morning tea gear pulled up beside us and offered us a lift. We said no thank you as we were enjoying the hiking. Jan then offered to transport us across each crossing. Time-wise it was a good compromise. We didn't want to miss the sausage sizzle lunch.  As it turned out, Jan stopped to talk to a local at one point and we managed several crossings by ourselves before she caught up. It was quite exciting, however, to cross sitting on the toolbox of the trailer.

An interesting fence post was spotted.

And almost back, this beautiful Barn Owl was seen resting in a quite open space.

The valley we walked up taken after our hike.

On the drive back to Killarney we drove through the tiny village of Tannymorel. The community has raised funds over two years for a mural project, depicting the town's involvement in the railway and settlement of the community. The mural has been painted on the side of the 1890's grain storage shed.

It really is a stunning piece of art. So much more difficult on corrugated iron.

                                       

Back at the van, we made ourselves another hot cuppa and reflected on what a wonderful morning we had had. Lyn was thrilled that she had coped so well and was happy to do further exploring. More of that is to come in another post.

I would love to read your comment.