Finally the Hungry Hikers have been able to regroup and enjoy a hike, albeit with social distancing. A new hike had been found, but the weather forecast was not great for a fine day. We wanted rain. We wanted to walk! We went for it and a magical day ensued.
The intermittent showers were mostly light and refreshed the landscape colours. Raindrop jewels sparkled from leaf tips, grasses glistened and the colour of the bark of our amazing gums, was intensified. The air was crisp and invigorating as we meandered along the trails, in total awe of this magical landscape we found ourselves in. Many a wrong turn was made, but it didn't matter. We soon realised that the name of the park was very apt.
Coping with winter rain, Queensland style!
A She-oak glistening with a multitude of raindrops, as heavier rain falls.
She-oak leaves.
Fresh foliage on a Banksia.
She-oak blossom.
Golden Banksias
Platypus Creek.
The following morning I was out on my usual early morning circuit with my friend Mary. The foggy sunrise was a joy as we slogged up the steep ascent of Mt Warren Hill.
And on Tuesday morning, as I was departing to join the Gaiter Girl's hike at 6.30am, I was thrilled to see the setting moon and Jupiter in the crystal clear sky. Jupiter being the dust speck, bottom right. My Sony point and shoot camera does an amazing job on so many occasions.
I sincerely hope that you too are finding the joy of nature, in these difficult times.
Getting into the outdoors keeps us going. These walks looked wonderful. My husband and I always photograph trunks too. Such fascinating shoes etc. Great post.
ReplyDeleteWith the rain refreshing the forest and the mild winter temperature, this walk was just magical. We would not return in the hot summer months as it would be dusty and brown.
DeleteAnother wonderful post--- I've never seen these trees before. When I first read scribbly gum, I was expecting something with chewing gum wrappers, or something written with wads of gum. I forgot you guys call 'em gum trees! :)
ReplyDeleteHa, ha, Bill. There are 700 species of Eucalyptus. So much easier to call them gums so called because of the thick sap that oozes out of the trunk when they sustain any sort of damage.
ReplyDeleteTheir 'scribbles' are from playing host to the larvae of scribbly gum moths, which leave distinctive scribbly burrowing patterns on the bark.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting place! For a letter to a state group I just wrote, I wished the same to members - finding beauty in each day. That's easier in nature. Thanks for sharing yours!
ReplyDeleteYes Kim, nature is so uplifting, especially on an Aussie winter's day and with a very welcome shower of ran.
DeleteI'm happy to see you are back hiking with your friends. Love all the gum trees! Definitely something we don't have in Oregon.
ReplyDeleteit is wonderful to be back in the bush with my friends. Our gum trees are majstic and inspiring but they are the cause of the rampant bushfires of last year. Their eucalpytus oil acts as an accelerant to any small fire in dry conditions.
DeleteThe bush does look so lovely in the rain, really brings out the colours of the bark. Yes I am enjoying nature.
ReplyDeleteIt was a joy to be walking in these light showers.
DeleteOne thing recent times has taught me is to take every advantage of your outdoor days regardless of weather. You never know when something may come along and restrict you so make the most of things while you can.
ReplyDeleteI do hope that life with corona in the UK, improves dramatically for you, with weekends of sunshine.
DeleteLovely hike - and lush with all that rain.
ReplyDeleteThe good news is that we are still getting rain.
DeleteA wonderful walk, Helen. I am sure that a little rain did little to dampen your enthusiasm. It's worth getting wet in order to all be together again. Now start working on opening up your borders so that I can reschedule my visit for next year!
ReplyDeleteSadly David, the news isn't great in that regard. Our state borders are not opening until mid July and OS flights will be 2021 at the earliest.
DeleteThank you for the lovely post, Helen!
ReplyDeleteWhat cheerful green colours and wonderful trees and raindrops!
We celebrate the Midsummer soon, so happy Midwinter to you! :)
Stay safe and well!
Happy Midsummer Sara! It is difficult to believe that it is Midsummer, when snow has so recently fallen there.
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