Wednesday, 27 January
Three years ago, the Hungry Hikers made a plan to visit the sunflower fields of the Darling Downs. [a two hour drive from here] A phone call was made to the local tourist information centre for advice on the best locations to visit. The result being that the excursion was cancelled, as the existing drought conditions had prevented any plantings. Finally, late last year rain fell, and on making the call this year, we were given directions to find the golden fields.
The number of fields was still limited, so we looked for somewhere to hike nearby. Some googling took place, with Goomburra and Main Range National Park becoming our destination.
A 6am start was made on what was to be a perfect summer's day. Clear blue skies, green fields and a car filled with the laughter of good friends, made for a great day.
Goomburra and Main Range National Park was our first destination. The countryside was awash with colour. The ploughed fields and crops of maize, sorghum and legumes made a patchwork of browns and greens. Livestock were looking stunning with their glistening hides. Foals and calves were innumerable.
Nearing the National Park we came across Gumtree Gully, a property strewn with creative sculptures utilizing recycling materials. Their captions had us laughing.
Further along, the road ran parrallel to Dalrymple Creek. Here we discovered camping, glamping, cabins and caravan stays, spread out along the creek for quite some distance. It looked so peaceful with the cattle wandering through, a wallaby or two and the galahs calling loudly.
Low level creek crossings were numerous.
We then entered the Heritage listed Main Range National Park and completed the short Dalrymple Creek trail through lush rainforest.
Soaring eucalpyts against blue skies were spectacular!
Time for morning tea!
We all wore pink to support our absent friend and fellow hiker, Jenny. For Jenny, it was day one of 16 days of radium treatment for breast cancer. Thankfully Jenny's cancer was caught very early and her prognosis, is excellent.
A sculpture of Fleay's Barred Frog. Sadly, this little fellow's existance is now endangered.
Our plan to take two further hikes was brought to an abrupt halt. Joc's car was too low to safely make the creek crossing. Hiking wasn't the aim of the day, so we reversed and went on our very successful sunflower hunt.
A beer and lunch at Rudds Pub, before happily making our journey home.
I would love to read your comment.
As a Kansas girl, I love the sunflowers! Do farmers grow them as a cash crop? The green fields with horses were other favorite scenes in this particular post. It looks like another fun excursion.
ReplyDeleteI believe the sunflowers are a good rotational, cash crop. It's always wonderful to be driving through the countryside and such a joy, on this occasion, to see it so green.
DeleteLove those huge fields of sunflowers! In South Dakota, where I grew up, there were lots of sunflowers grown. One of my favorite photos is one I took of a giant sunflower field not far from my hometown. Also love all those sculptures made from recycled items. Looks like a very successful day for you and your friends!
ReplyDeleteOne can't help but be happy looking at the golden yellow faces of the sunflowers. The fields of sorghum were impressive but .......
DeleteIt was a wonderful day by the look of it. The Gumtree Gully is a great idea for recycling. I’ve never seen eucalyptus trees like those.
ReplyDeleteHope you friend has a complete recovery!
I googled Gumtree Gully and the sculptor commenced their creation in 2011.
DeleteJenny is doing very well, thank you.
I've never seen so many sunflowers in one place! Wow.... I thought the frog ...sculpture was a duck! Doesn't matter, really. I loved 'em all. Oh yes, the horses!
ReplyDeletePoor Joc managed to be zapped by the electric fence [not noticeable at all] when she tried to give the horses apples. She'd always wanted to know what it would be like.
ReplyDeleteNow she does! Much laughter and little sympathy from her friends.
It is snowy and very cold here today, Helen, so this is a welcome burst of colour.
ReplyDeleteI well understand David. My son on PEI has -13C and a depth of 50cm of snow to shovel. Young Ben is loving it!
DeleteI love sunflowers! You all find such nice places to venture.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous area for hiking! Love the sunflowers and horses.
ReplyDeleteWe have sunflower fields similar to these just on the eastern border of CO. I haven't traveled to photograph them in about 30 years! Thanks for sharing yours.
ReplyDelete