Tuesday, 6 August.
I have travelled the winding, mountain road to O'Reilly's many times over the years, either to hike or picnic in its beautiful rainforest. About 3 km from the resort is a sign to a dirt road to Duck Creek, 4-wheel drives only.
I often wondered where the road would descend to. Gail is a new member to our Gaiter Girl group and lives in Beaudesert, a 40 min drive to the starting point for this hike up to O'Reillys. The road has been closed since March 2017, when Cyclone Debbie dropped 16 inches of rain in 24 hours, causing devastating flooding and erosion. There are plans to re-open it as a hiking trail, but as always council funds are limited. Gail being a local, was able to gain permission for us to drive through private properties to our starting point.
The drive in was very sobering. Drought is on our doorstep, with no end in sight.
Rachel and Mary managed to open and shut a very heavy, tricky, farm gate.
Over-enthusiasm, before we start the steep climb.
In the past, maintenence of the road was supported by local family donations, which were recognised by a variety of signage.
Eventually the continuous climbing gave us distant views to The Great Dividing Range and its main peak, Mt Barney.
I was a Cullen before my marriage.
Five kilometres done, we took a rest at the Shepherd's Lookout and the stone monument recording the opening of the "Do It -Yourself - Road" in 1988.
Rachel capturing my favourite view of Mt Lindsey.
It was a beautiful winter's day. 10C when we set off but reaching 22C by midday. This view is so typically Australian.
Re-energised, we were eager to complete the next 5 kms.
We were relieved when we realised the worst of the climb was over. The road flattened out considerably and soon entered a rainforest of towering trees.
As we stood and admired this new vista, we fell into conversation with an English couple on holiday from the UK. They were resting in the field, listening to our birds and were thrilled by the panorama in front of them. They were from the Wye Valley where I had been hiking a few weeks previously. It is a small world.
We totally agreed with their viewpoint and the decision was made to make this our turnaround point.
Lunch eaten, it was difficult to tear ourselves away to hike back down to our vehicle.
Walking back through the rainforest we took time to photograph our 'Little People.' Our amazing friend Janice is unable to hike with us at present as she is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. This was our attempt to include Janice's little person.
Our knees were rather tired after making the descent. A quick cuppa and a few nibbles revived us for the drive home, after agreeing that 20 kms could be written in the log book for today's effort. It was a strenuous but very enjoyable hike and just lovely to find a lengthier trail.
I would love to read your comment.
What an adventure! You and your friends always look like you're having a good time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fine day it must have been--- and I love the shots of the little bird.
ReplyDeleteI love finding names on roads or towns that "fit." There's a Kim, Colorado, and I've had my photo taken by it. The drought is evident in your photographs; I hope you'll get some rain soon. I, too, loved the photos of the little bird.
ReplyDeleteOh those farm gates. I swear some cowboy is chuckling as he puts them in. You have such lovely winter temperatures.
ReplyDeleteLovely views and beautiful little wren.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike location! I love the views. Looks like you all had a wonderful time, and you covered an impressive distance.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh - the start is very dry! How terrible. The later views though are lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou Gaiter Gals have too much fun! That was a long, strenuous hike. I love the canopy of huge trees and the faraway views. Sending along good thoughts for Janice.
ReplyDeleteThe images of that drought-ravaged landscape are a real reminder that Mother Nature is in control and we are interfering with her far too much, at our own peril I fear.
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