Return to the Mountain

29 July - O'Reillys National Park - a Gaiter Girl walk with just Janice and myself. 

According to my calendar, it was Janice's birthday. Janice loves to forest breathe, so I chose two trails at O'Reillys, Lamington National Park that were perfect for this. Near by was Kamuran Lookout, the perfect spot for a birthday picnic.

It was a chilly, mid winter morning on the mountain, but these King Parrots made a cheerful sight.

And the view across the valley to my favourite peak, Mt Lindsey, was pretty special too.

A winding mossy path led us to the trail head.

First destination - Moran Falls

Above the falls

View from the falls.

And along the way - stunning vines, climbing and hanging from the trees.

The noose

The pretzel

Magnificent staghorns

Agate tree stump

Hanging tree fern clump

Mossy sculptures

Janice celebrating the forest and giant trees.

Our second destintion, further east along this ridge, was Python Rock. I was expecting a dominating outcrop. Thankfully another hiker arrived and pointed out the Python. Hmm.

Looking back to Moran Falls was much more impressive.

And to my favourite peak.

Along the way, more giants to take our breathe away.

This root has a tenacious grip on the soil.

Towards the viewing point we went through a grove of Grasstrees.

The trail dropped steeply down into the valley.

Our time in the rainforest was not completely perfect. This year has seen incredible rainfall totals and high winds. Subsequently we were confronted with the devastation of many of the giants. Park officers have had a mammoth task reopening the trails. 

These photos are of what must have been a particularly dramatic crash. One uprooted giant taking out two others. All these trees are hardwoods so the task of sawing them would have been very time consuming and very heavy to move.

First view ..........

The trail continued below below the fall.

Whilst the devastion is so very sad to see, nature has a plan and with time the floor of the forest benefits.

Eleven kilometres completed, and needing to thaw out, we drove down to Kamuran lookout for our picnic lunch. We were joined by a curious Currwong and two determined ants, wanting to share the birthday cake.

Ant with a piece of cake as big as himself.

Spot ant two.

A special day with a special friend. It turns out my celebration for Janice was a month late. The date on the calendar has been changed!

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Prince Edward Island - Part 5

 Lobster boats at New London Bay

But first, views of the bay's mouth and the mystery ruins on the opposite shore. No amount of googling by me has come up with even a whiff of the history of these pylons/logs deeply anchored in the sand bar. 

From a distance I thought this bird might be a Bald Eagle.

No, a seagull.

Now follows the movement of the boats entering and leaving between 12.32 pm and 12.37 pm. So much action.

The narrow entrance and speed of the boats set up amazing wave action that rippled along the shoreline endlessly. Amazing to watch.

A few minutes later, I spotted what I thought must be a cruise liner on the far horizon. I zoomed in and no, just another lobster boat who's fishing ground was so much further out than I expected.

Four minutes later.

And four minutes later.

Mobile phones are never far away in the workplace, today.

Comtemplation at morning's end.

Interesting angle.

Off for a second load of pots.

With the magical sky above, this was an incredibly beautiful hour spent on the shoreline.

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