During March, four of our group celebrate birthdays. Jayne was off on a cruise to NZ for hers. As a result she has another 5 days left in total home isolation. Anyone returning to Australia now, have to stay in isolation, in a designated hotel for 14 days. Too many people were not doing the right thing.
My bubbles and birthday cake were enjoyed on our Berrimba Wetlands walk, 2 weeks ago. On our outing to the Glasshouse Mountains last week, it was Margot's turn to blow out the candles. Alas, the 'candle' just didn't want to light but the bubbles were sparkling and refreshing.
The new term 'social distancing', had just come into use and we did our best to observe the distance. Here we are seen setting off on our circuit of Mt Tibrogargan. The mountain is very popular with climbers for the view, but many have to be rescued regularly.
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We again marvelled at the 'green' throughout the walk.
The back of Mt Tibrogargan. Observe the path going up.
Sorry, not quite 'social distancing' when posing.
Nor this!
Getting better.
View to Mt Crooked Neck.
Mt Beerwah and Crooked Neck.
Mt Ngun Ngun, which we were to climb for sunset views.
It was a lovely trail to follow.
Every so often we could look up and see another aspect of Tibrogargan. This is an image from the Sunshine Coast Visitors Guide. The red dot is where we commenced our clockwise circumnavigation. This eastern face is a very familiar and popular tourist view. The highway heading north from Brisbane passes quite nearby.
Our view of the east face.
It was just a 15 min drive to Ngun Ngun. Our climb commenced at 4.30pm.
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Previously the trail zig zagged gently up through this section. Alas, the new trail of steps was quite steep.
We were all feeling stressed by the climb at this point. A unaminous decision was made, that rather than put ourselves at risk to be at the top for sunset, we would descend and drive to the Mountain Lookout.
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RHS - Ngun Ngun.
We were not disappointed with this view.
Closer view of Ngun Ngun.
The back of Tibrogargan.
The sunset colours were not spectacular, but the evening was balmy. Tranquility reigned as we enjoyed one another's company for the last time, quite posssibly for many months.
I would love to read your comment.
Sigh! So beautiful! Sigh!
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting terrain! And plants and trees. Keep distancing, and please take care of yourself. The bulk of Americans don't seem to realize how much all of this will be effecting us for a long time.
ReplyDeleteI remember catching glimpses of the Glasshouse Mountains on our drive north from Brisbane to Hervey Bay. They are truly spectacular and that looks like a great hike. Sadly the lockdown has closed our mountains over here so its local cycling for me for the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow is normally our hiking day. Just a few days ago I learnt about 'Zoom'. After we all downloaded the app we had a practice session this morning. Tomorrow at 6.30am, we are going to start walking, each in our local area and walk 10 000 steps, whilst chatting to one another. Should be interesting.
DeleteGlad to see you can see enjoy that magical landscape!
ReplyDeleteWe are in lock down now, except for a daily local walk.
ReplyDeleteMy excessive number of images from past walks, keeps my spirits up, and again makes me realise how fortunate I am to have my hiking groups and the Aussie bush.
Hello dear Helen, belated happy birthday wishes to you all!
ReplyDeleteLovely photos, as always. The Glasshouse Mountains is a fun name. Those lush and green "ferns" are an incredibly refreshing view and I love the look of the Mt Crooked Neck. :)
We all hope the world will soon overcome this crisis. Stay safe and well!!
PS I googled the jigsaw puzzle you mentioned. It looks really challenging!
Thanks Sara. The jigsaw is going to take awhile, even with all this time on my hands.This is the story behind the naming of the Glasshouse Mountains.
ReplyDelete"The craggy peaks of the Glass House Mountains tower above the surrounding Sunshine Coast landscape. The Glass House Mountains were named by Lieutenant James Cook in 1770. The following extract from Cook's journal on Thursday, 17 May 1770 noted:
'These hills lay but a little way inland and not far from each other, they are very remarkable on account of their singular form of elevation, which very much resemble the glass houses at home"
Beautiful mountains! I love how they stick straight up from the surrounding forest. Sigh....we are on lockdown here too. The authorities have closed all of the National forests, trailheads, and state parks. My "hiking" now consists of walks around my neighborhood. I can't wait for this to be over! Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteYes Linda, they are very special and can be spotted for miles. Australia is an ancient land. These, intrusive plugs, are remnants of volcanic activity approx 25 million years ago.
DeleteI am grateful that I can take a daily, local walk, and know
I can't complain, when so many are really feeling the full impact in health and jobs. Stay safe.
Looks to me, Helen, that you are not even close to maintaining social distancing. Sitting at a table almost shoulder to shoulder seems hardly like "did our best to observe the social distance."
ReplyDeleteI totally agree David.
DeleteAt this point in time, the guidelines were very new and stated people could meet in groups of up to 100. Weddings were still permitted.
Our discussions however, led us to the decision not to meet again.
My sister and husband had to quarantine 14 days after returning home from Mexico. I am definitely finding comfort in nature's beauty during these uncertain days. Thanks for sharing a glimpse from your neck of the woods.
ReplyDeleteNature seems to be incredibly beautiful and uplifting at present or perhaps I have more time to observe her amazing details.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your family returned safely from Mexico.
Happy Easter! 🤗💐💚
ReplyDeleteCatching up with your hiking adventures, Helen. I love seeing all the green now that you've gotten moisture. That sunset was dreamy Cheers to the March birthday girls.
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