Wednesday 1 June 2022

A Delightful Discovery

Tuesday 31 May

Our son Stuart had the day off work. He planned to take us hiking somewhere out of the chilly wind and somewhere flattish for Frank's bad ankle. 

I did some googling and the Dunk River Trail of 7 km return popped up. Oh my, what a find!

Not sure of the exact starting point of the trail, we parked in the parking lot of the International Children's Memorial Parklands. A place of beauty and tranquillity, for families who have lost a child. 

The parkland backs onto Scales Pond, built in 1928 to harvest electricity.

Fish ladders had been put in for salmon and trout migration. Below the wall, several anglers were seen fly fishing. As we concluded our walk another 10 were setting off along the Dunk River, to find the perfect spot.

Our first view of the Dunk River.
The trail commenced a good 500 metres below the dam, on the opposite side of the road to where we had parked. I was delighted to spot the first lupins of the season.

I was rapt from the first steps along the Dunk's riverbank! 
The vivid green canopy of the trees, the crystal clear, fast-flowing, but often gurgling Dunk, through to the flitting, tiny birds chirping and the endless woodpeckers knocking, spelt tranquillity plus! We were also sheltered from the chilly blustery winds that kept the mosquitos absent.














Nearing the trail end, this wooden construction helped us to cross a small tributary of the Dunk River.

Trail end view back up the river.

And downstream!


We retraced our steps very happily back along the riverbank to the car. It appeared that this lovely canopied road would allow one to start the trail from here.

Google map view of our starting point.

I would love to read your comment.

12 comments:

  1. Wow, that's beautiful. I love the idea of the memorial parkland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've not come across anything like this before, but it was very peaceful.

      Delete
  2. Love that trail. Our family fishes at Scales Pond regularly. This is such a gorgeous time of year.

    The wind is cold again today. It is the same for tomorrow. The area we are going is protected in places. We look forward to meeting you both!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely a special time of year. It must be particularly so for those who have been indoors all winter. We have a date! Thank you.

      Delete
  3. You're right: It was a beautiful find. Isn't Google amazing? But nature is even more so!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A fun find! And as always you documented your day so well!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The whole walk looks delightful. I love lupins.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sheer bliss for this Aussie!
      I love the Aussie flora, but just so wonderful to experience nature in the northern hemisphere.

      Delete
  6. I love the name "Dunk" River. So much greenery after a long winter. That wooden crossing bridge would take some concentration!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Helen, thanks for the link. This is so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Kim K. Glad, you enjoyed the visit.

      Delete