Seaford to Mordialloc via the Wetlands

Ride on 11/9/2019

We had 20 riders on yesterday's ride. We headed off from Seaford station and followed the lovely path along the western border of the ESWEA (Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands Environment Area) , then through parklands and after crossing Kananook Creek arrived at the Duck-In Cafe on McLeod Rd just before Patterson River. With a ripper tailwind and sunshine, a resolution to continue onto Mordialloc (see PS below) for coffee was carried on the voices.

After Patterson River the trail followed further sections of the ESWEA. We saw some raptors (? swamp harriers) thermalling in the breeze just before Christine and Judy H. were attacked by magpies. After a bit of 1st aid we ended up at the always enjoyable Tour De Cafe near Mordialloc pier. Sitting back in the spring sunshine, chatting and imbibing was very enjoyable.

Some of us then took the train while others rode on to Sandringham and some all the way back to Melbourne.

Thanks to everyone for making it such a good ride.

Rosscoe

PS MORDIALLOC is derived from the term 'moordy yallock' which originated from the Aboriginal language Boonwurrung, which is listed in some sources as meaning muddy creek, and in others as "little sea." We all acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands through which we ride, and pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. I reckon we have the privilege to often ride through the last few recognizable remnants of these lands in Melbourne.

Box Hill to Eltham via the Mullum Mullum Trail

Ride on 4/10/2019

The conflux of the Yarra R. and Mullum Mullum Ck.

Eighteen OYBers set off on the Belgrave train with the intention of experiencing one of the most beautiful rides in Melbourne. But soon things went awry.

• First, one (nameless) member missed the train.

• And then there were seventeen. Our train stopped at Box Hill due to a broken down train just in front of us. After waiting for a while it became clear that the train was not going anywhere. Two riders, who had time constraints, went back to Melbourne by train.

• And then there were fifteen. We set off towards Heatherdale on the new rail trail that follows the train line. At Laburnum, six riders took the choice to ride back home on the Gardiners Creek Trail. I understand that rain set in when they arrived at East Malvern and only one rode the whole way home.

• And then there were nine. We continued on the 8.5km ride from Box Hill to Heatherdale where we met Lynda who had been on an earlier train. She had taken this opportunity to discover an excellent Greek shop where she enjoyed coffee, souvlaki and Turkish delight.

• And then there were ten.

So only 1.5 hours late we headed off on the planned ride. Was it worth riding that extra 8.5km? Yes. First the rail trail itself is quite a nice route. And the ride from Heatherdale to Eltham is truly lovely. One rides through natural bushland following the Mullum Mullum Creek to where it meets the Main Yarra Trail in Park Orchards. Here we were not that far from Warrandyte without a house in sight. A short ride along the Yarra and then along the Diamond Creek Trail took us to Eltham Station.

En route we stopped at a picnic shelter for morning tea (by then it was lunch time) and enjoyed delicious muffins baked by Lynda. Just as we pulled up it started to rain, but we were dry and it cleared up by the time we took off again.

Special thanks to Carlos for being at the tail end, to Lyn M. for the picture and to everybody for being cheerful and supportive during this trip.

Penny.