Bob Thurbon led seven walkers on a new and exploratory walk up the western arm of Mullendaree Creek recently.
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The group stopped for a break after four kilometres when the number of fallen trees over the creek bed made hiking an ordeal. The creek had no running water and only a few pools of black water remained.
The creek made a number of turns due to interesting geology and, the accumulation of gravel at the bends indicated that it must be a spectacular sight after heavy rain.
Despite the warm, dry weather the local bird life was active and the finding of a beautiful red, yellow and black tail feather from a glossy black cockatoo delighted one of our feather-collecting members.
There were many sore and tired legs the next day, even though it was agreed that it had been an enjoyable walk.
On another recent walk, there was great anticipation from 16 members who set off on the 13-kilometre return, lower half of the Corn Trail in the Monga National Park.
This historic walking track was originally used by Indigenous people on their seasonal travels between the coast and the tablelands, then later by European settlers on pack horses carrying supplies. The first part of the walk passed through cycads, cabbage palms, tree ferns, towering eucalypts and many blueberry ashes. Birdsong filled the air.
The sound of cicadas rose as we headed on into the rainforest. It was like entering into another world - trees cloaked with moss, ferns and climbers, and thick vines twisting their way up to the sunlight.
The plate sized leaves of a stinging tree were carefully avoided as we gazed at a community of birds nest ferns happily living at various altitudes on accommodating trees. A solitary orange blossom orchid was spotted nestled amongst delicate ferns on a tree branch.
The Buckenbowra River is a classic river bed with round pebbles worn smooth over thousands of years by crystal clear water. An eel darted under rocks and little insects skated around on the mirror-like surface.
Rock orchids clung to the sides of the gorge but, there were few flowers due to the dry winter. A dark grey rock with fossilised shells visible caused us all to marvel at how long it had been there.
The return walk was quieter with perhaps the warmth and humidity of the day taking its toll or maybe it was spent in contemplation of the beautiful, peaceful place we had just left behind. A truly memorable walk.
More information at www.baybushwalkers.org.au.
