EXCEED OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 oct_dec_2017_emag | Page 25

We met in Ballarat on a cool August morning before a departure to the south soon after 0900 . The first stop was near Mt Mercer to observe the wind farm there from close up as we stood on wind-swept open ground looking over a major scarp to the south . Certainly a carefully thought out choice for this major energy investment .

From Mt Mercer it was westward into the Enfield forest on well-formed tracks and water from prior rain . No major obstacles here . The morning tracks past old gold mining areas dating back to the second half of the 19th century with small water races and collapsed pits surrounded by waste rock . The forest was a mix of eucalypts and a wide variety of wattles in flower .

Lunch time was a highlight as Ian Smith assembled his entomologists ’ tools of the trade and showed us all how to collect all sorts of insects from the nearest tree . Using an inverted umbrella and other catching devices , he shook one tree vigorously before showing us the catch of numerous micro forms of life . Later we up-ended logs to reveal a whole kingdom of living species that Ian proceeded to identify for us .

One area of the forest was much wetter than we had expected and soon our lead vehicle was stuck on a bend in mud . Problem easily solved as a rear vehicle found a way through the forest to position ahead of the stuck vehicle , provide a quick snatch , and remedy the problem .

We stopped mid-afternoon with one group airing-up and heading back towards their destinations , and the remainder turning west back into the forest for a little more 4-wheel driving .

Overall , this was a pleasant and informative trip to an area less-visited by the Club . Having an expert along to talk about the ecology of the forest was a real bonus , and our thanks to

22 © Vol 35 No . 6 - Oct / Nov 2017