Our initial plan was to take the ferry to Stradbroke Island, hike to the Blue Lake and then whale watch from Point Lookout, depending on the weather conditions.
We had had a week of dismal, cloudy, damp weather so it was lovely to see the sun out at 6am. The forecast however was for strong coastal winds, so after much humming and harring we decided to postpone until next week and instead do the through walk from Daisy Hill to Venmans. Frank assisted in helping me leave the 2nd car at Venmans. 9.30 saw us enjoying our pre-walk coffee and watching the ducks on Denis Lake. It was lovely to have Liz join us on this occasion.
At 10 o'clock we set off after giving Liz a few hints on how to use her poles.
On entering Daisy hill we quickly spotted a small wallaby, who hopped away when he heard our noise. Thankfully I was able to get a clear photo with my zoom. We were unable to spot any koalas in this lower section of the forest, so detoured into the Koala centre for a few minutes. Here injured koalas are rehabilitated and returned to the wild when possible.
From here we had to locate signage for the Buhot Creek circuit. Quite a challenge but finally we were enroute.
This is the linking trail to the Buhot circuit. Quite dry bush. On reaching the circuit we discovered it bordered the edge of a billabong style creek and the vegetation was quite lush with lovely stately melaelucca paperbark trees thriving in their favourite conditions.
After about 1/2 hour the trail climbed away from the creek with steep drops appearing on our right. One of the reasons for having difficulty finding our route was the fact the park has many uses. Mountain biking, horse trails and forestry roads,
Soon after this quarry there were 3 unmarked trails to choose from. After much debate and map deciphering, I made the decision on which one to take. Usually if we make a wrong turn it doesn't worry us but today there was a deadline. Liz had to collect her 2 young children from school at 3 o'clock. Each time the trail headed west instead of east I was in a state of panic. When this sign was finally located I knew I had got it right. Such relief! Another 3/4 hour and we had arrived at Venmans with time for our picnic lunch before the school run.
This approx 15 km, lovely walk is spoilt by its lack of signage. I have already sent an e-mail to our local council.
Following are a few of the more relaxed moments.
The large joey is still feeding from the pouch.
Ladybird voted this an A-plus day, because she got to have a ride on a horse! Even with the poor signage it was still great to be out and about down under with friends.
Happiness is ...................
seeing a tiny green caterpillar hiking.
Thank you for visiting.
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I had to chuckle to myself that you saw a wallaby while on your hike. It looked so cute. Are they dangerous? We have to worry about running into a grizzly bear or mountain lion on our hikes!
ReplyDeleteAlexandra I had to chuckle that you asked are the wallabies dangerous! The answer is no, unless you stupidly approach them, [like a hen with her chicks or a cow with her calf]. Sadly some people do get hurt but only because they've brought it on themselves. What you should have been asking about was the baby brown snake that slithered between us. Deadly!!! I had been thinking what a beautiful day. I'm glad it isn't summer. We don't have to worry about snakes, when Jenny and Liz behind me called out 'Did you see the snake?' Our winter has been so warm our animals don't know what season it is. The snake is cold blooded and should be hibernating. Thankfully it was a baby and without enough heat, slow moving. On the other hand, hopefully because of our noise, it would have slithered away quickly on hearing our approach.
ReplyDeleteI would be far more concerned about your bears, mountain lions etc than our snakes !