Saturday 13 July
October 1, 2022, saw myself, Joc and Jan completing the O'Reilly's to Binna Burra hike of 21.4 km. It had been a hard slog in unexpected, appalling conditions, from about a quarter of the way through. We were totally saturated and so cold that we couldn't undo buttons, zips or shoe laces. We agreed a few days later, that we should take this trail one more time, but in sunshine!
This is the link to the post titled, "Getting the Weather Right".
https://outandabout3.blogspot.com/2022/10/getting-weather-right.html
I am happy to write that on Saturday we did get the weather right! I had been concerned all week though, as showers kept passing through.
A dramatic start to the day.![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1YX89vS5YmUlzNnIQTKJ_1zMAm1ff4AFOc47GgIMh9ubQdazMmKEidghzS1Z3AhIFfKCLqbF-iOg0WiF_FuKIdOoFZtbVoUp2XO33sKaHj8gkpfLIzBqPY1E4r0myW3X0XXP373Rt6ZcvBYRSZRCtiTEdO0XwhVFW-9kR1nGlk_FQtk58o-Y_t139laM=w640-h480)
We arrived at O'Reillys to a sunny blue sky, 10C and a chilly breeze. Coffee done, we were on our way at 8.50am.
We very quickly entered an amazing, lush world of green. Soaring trees made a thick canopy which the sun found difficult to penetrate. Tree ferns, palms, vines, mosses, lichens, crow's nest, staghorns and elkhorns, filled the understudy. The track was narrow and for the majority of the hike, dropped steeply away.
Because of the earlier rain, there was many a boggy patch to contend with on the narrow path. Rocks and roots also slowed our progress. We were were also surprised at how much tree fall, impeded our progress.
Then/now images.
On our way! One kilometre done.
Dappled light.
Dappled light on Joc's trousers.
The path in its many moods.
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Looking up.
Ferns, vines, moss and rocks.
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Treefall
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdlF4MQtF6rj-bN2dw6KRRbwDwZrCcesDs-VJlGgBEzWFMczWtk2Fo6ClQT3bjKiIbGOquK5y-5SOs0-2mAOqDSIFLmGHP3xkpbKKWwArR3qfoCqff6gUHMpwoATO898pOk4zwt-FjDVOHuFBKQOAGPSHKXLkyc3A1T4Lu9tQu1uf261y7QVJ-_HppsCs=w640-h480)
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In the last 5k we safely negotiated several, small tricky streams.
I was in total awe of the unexpectedly numerous, Antarctic Beech trees. Once the forest tree of Antarctica, we are fortunate to have them still growing on our doorstep. At over 2000 years old and needing a specific environment, there are only a few places where they will grow in Australia, and for that matter, in the rest of the world. They grow by coppicing. The tree sends out new shoots radially from the base of the original trunk, and these shoots eventually grow into clones of the parent tree forming a ring of trunks, all belonging to the one tree. Their eroded roots look like forest sculptures.
This trail was constantly below the forest canopy. There were however, five viewpoints.
A sensational coastal viewpoint, for us to rest and eat a sandwich.
In the tranquility of the rainforest, it was difficult to imagine the hustle and bustle taking place in the distance.
Job done!
We arrived at Binna Burra at 4.15pm very tired, but elated that we had successfully covered the distance without any mishaps. Jan's wonderful husband, and chauffeur for the day, greeted us with the news that a huge python was asleep just several metres from the car. We changed. Checked it out, and returned to Mt Warren park, where a very welcome hot meal awaited us. Frank had been left with instructions as to when to turn the oven on.
Just the best day, in the best rainforest with the best friends!
I would love to read your comment.
There was a time I could walk that distance but that was twenty years ago! Well done, young woman! Amazing feat!
ReplyDeleteThe Antarctic trees are an amazing sight and quite rare obviously. Thank you for sharing. Oh and the python…speechless!
Thanks, Marie. Alas, the body has been telling me since that I am not that 'young woman' you mention. It was though, a totlly fabulous hike.
DeleteStunning woodland and what a brilliant view up top. You certainly needed those walking poles. B x
ReplyDeleteThe walking poles are well used, Barbara. We couldn't do the hike without them.
DeleteI think the snake is applauding! Thanks for the information on the Antarctic Beech Trees. Fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid Bill, that the python didn't even flinch, as everyone admired him. Soundly asleep in the winter sun.
DeleteRewriting a story! New memories made! Still two very wonderful adventures, unique in their own ways, to look back on!
ReplyDeleteQuite agree, Alexandra. It was actually the third time I've hiked it. Margot, Jenny and I did it back in 2014. It was a breeze then, as I recall. For a start, the trail was totally dry and I was 63 and not 73! What a difference those 10 years make.
DeleteI'm so glad you had better weather for your revisit. What a lovely, green trail!
ReplyDeleteLinda, we are now having a week of excessive, cold wind. I imagine the treefall would be far greater had we planned to go this weekend.
DeleteOh my! That sky was definitely a good omen of a wonderful adventure. Beautiful photos, as always!
ReplyDeleteKim, that sunrise colour was very brief, but stunning. A great omen to a fantastic day!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and a great hike. That python looks huge!! I don't have much experience hiking muddy trails. It looks challenging.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Peter. That python was certainly a biggy! A massive body impressively coiled. Thankfully the hike on this day, was nowhere near as challenging as 2 years prior.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteA wonderful walk but those muddy paths would be beyond me.
Joan, my body wasn't too happy the next day.
DeleteWhat a hike, Helen! Congratulations! The views are beautiful and the plants fascinating, as always.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would have gone so near to the python... :)
Thank you for your comment today! I have changed the text now hoping that the translation would be more accurate. The olive-looking tree is a sea-buckthorn. Olives survive in Finland only as potted plants wintering indoors.
Have a happy new week ahead! xx
Sara, the python was soundly asleep. They hibernate in winter as they are cold blooded. Evenso, the python is one snake that is reasonably safe to be near. The are not venonmous. They swallow their prey whole. We have bipassed several on the trail over the years, quite calmly.
ReplyDelete