Daves Creek, Revisited

 Tuesday 21 February

It had been quite some time since I had walked the Dave's Creek Circuit. Unfortunately, the only Gaiter Girls available were Janice and me. Storms had bypassed us the previous couple of evenings, but not so in the hinterland. It was cool with low clouds, as we arrived at Lamington National Park. Pleasant for walking but the leeches were abundant and looking for free rides! At our lunch stop, I discovered one on my naval and another just below my hip. I had brushed many others off.

Mist amongst the thick rainforest canopy, created ethereal scenes as we commenced our walk.

For the first hour or so we were constantly in awe of the rainforest giants, vines, ferns and mosses.

Interwoven roots made for an interesting path in one section.

Leaving the rainforest we entered woodland of mallee and heath. The path hugged the edge of a rocky cliff face with occasional views of the Numinbah Valley below.

There were numerous damp sections, as a result of the storm activity.

Lunch, enjoying the valley view and dancing mist on the far ridges.

Setting off again, we left the cliff walk and entered grassy woodland, before rejoining the trail back through the rainforest.

We spotted several varieties of skinks. This impressive fellow is Cunninghams Skink.

Off into the bush, lazily.

Janice spotted this Brown Skink. It took me awhile to see him through my zoom lens.

Another skink, moss and some vibrant fungi.

This fungus looked like two yellow plates jammed between the tree branches.

The wildflowers weren't plentiful but the white ground orchid and the fresh leaf growth was stunning.

I would love to know how old this giant Beech tree is? My rough estimate is that it is at least 8 metres in circumference at its base.

And finally, the local rangers have a sense of humour.

I would love to read your comment.