Daves Creek, Revisited

 Tuesday 21 February

It had been quite some time since I had walked the Dave's Creek Circuit. Unfortunately, the only Gaiter Girls available were Janice and me. Storms had bypassed us the previous couple of evenings, but not so in the hinterland. It was cool with low clouds, as we arrived at Lamington National Park. Pleasant for walking but the leeches were abundant and looking for free rides! At our lunch stop, I discovered one on my naval and another just below my hip. I had brushed many others off.

Mist amongst the thick rainforest canopy, created ethereal scenes as we commenced our walk.

For the first hour or so we were constantly in awe of the rainforest giants, vines, ferns and mosses.

Interwoven roots made for an interesting path in one section.

Leaving the rainforest we entered woodland of mallee and heath. The path hugged the edge of a rocky cliff face with occasional views of the Numinbah Valley below.

There were numerous damp sections, as a result of the storm activity.

Lunch, enjoying the valley view and dancing mist on the far ridges.

Setting off again, we left the cliff walk and entered grassy woodland, before rejoining the trail back through the rainforest.

We spotted several varieties of skinks. This impressive fellow is Cunninghams Skink.

Off into the bush, lazily.

Janice spotted this Brown Skink. It took me awhile to see him through my zoom lens.

Another skink, moss and some vibrant fungi.

This fungus looked like two yellow plates jammed between the tree branches.

The wildflowers weren't plentiful but the white ground orchid and the fresh leaf growth was stunning.

I would love to know how old this giant Beech tree is? My rough estimate is that it is at least 8 metres in circumference at its base.

And finally, the local rangers have a sense of humour.

I would love to read your comment.

A Forested Suburban Walk

Wednesday 22 February

As we travelled through a torrential downpour to our hike this week, we doubted we would be able to get out of the car. The Weather Gods were again on our side, and except for one light shower, we delighted in the sparkling green and freshness of the bush after rain. As you can see from the google image below we were in suburbia, but we felt we were miles away from it. A real treat!

Margot requires a hip replacement so isn't hiking with us but pops up at the end of walks to join us for the obligatory cake and cuppa.

An unusually beautifully designed toilet block, plus a free lending library.

Street libraries are now popping up everywhere but this one is quite exceptional.

We relaxed in the shade of a spreading fig tree, beside a lovely waterhole, chatting for a couple of hours.

And this week, we followed Kedron Brook.

The Mt Warren Gang [Laurel, Jayne and me] set off at 5.30 for the 6.30 am meetup with the Bris Gang [Joc, Jenny and Leanne], never imagining that the journey would be one long traffic jam at that hour!  We had to take the toll tunnel, under the Brisbane River, and we were still late. Our road systems are just not coping with the massive housing developments growing in every direction from the older suburbs. It makes travelling to many of our favourite hikes quite painful.

Once we were walking, the stress left us and 10 km later, we relaxed with Jenny's delicious blueberry custard cake. 

The Kedron Brook trail wasn't as 'natural' as last week's Hilliard Creek, but if it hadn't been as hot as it was, we could have continued on another 15 km. Ha, ha! Perhaps 10 years ago.

5am sunrise

Joc photo

Joc photo

A kind cyclist stopped and offered to take this one.

I would love to read your comment.