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!
I would love to read your comment.
Hi Helen, wow, what an amazing walk! So much beauty! Your photos are so captivating, thank you so much for sharing. I also love the smiling faces. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda, difficult to not smile on such a perfect winter's day.
DeleteA fine post--- full of quiet winter joy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bill. It was wonderful to be back in the rainforest.
DeleteYou gave your friend the best kind of birthday gift!
ReplyDeleteEven if a month late! We both had the best day.
DeleteQuite the damage to the trees. It takes so long for the forest to recover. The waterfall is lovely and I love those grass heads. They make that part of the hike so unusual. Such a lovely day together.
ReplyDeleteA very special day, Marie. I must amend the name of the Grass Head tree to just Grasstree. They are an ancient plant of Australia and these could be 200 to 300 years old.
DeleteWhat a beautiful hike! Sad to see large trees blown down, but that's nature for you.
ReplyDeleteThankfully a blow down isn't as devastating as a wildfire.
DeleteWhat an amazing hike. The photos are fabulous and so too is the forest.
ReplyDeleteDiane we are so fortunate to have these rainforests on our doorstep. Alas, many of the trails are now becoming too difficult for me.
DeleteThe walk was amazing! I wish I was there. Many of the trees and plants are types I have never seen. Even the unusual bark on the tree was interesting. The python rock, well, that takes some imagination but I would prefer anything to a live one.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful birthday present and a great tradition to continue.
Jeannie@GetMeToTheCountry
Jeannie, on past hikes we have had to walk around sleeping pythons. They are not venonmous. It is the venomous ones that we have to be on alert for. The majority of these trees are Australian natives, so not found in other countries in such large numbers. I like the idea of keeping this walk as a tradition.
ReplyDelete