#bushwalking

It's been a while since I posted any bush walk photos. Well, I'll be honest, I haven't done nearly enough bush walks lately! Anyway, these pictures are actually from that weird week between Christmas and New Year's when I had the time to do some much needed forest bathing.

The Kookaburra was a fair distance away across the creek, but sitting still. The King Parrot was a little further away, and not inclined to pose for me!

These two were encountered along the walking track. I startled the skink, but it didn't go far, posed for my pictures, and then, despite my assurances that I did not want to disturb "him" further, as soon as I tried to walk past it skittered off into the leaf-litter. The butterfly was at eye level on a twig protruding across the path. It remained very still while I took photos, even though I was quite close. I felt bad having to walk past, because I could not avoid brushing the branch it was resting on with my arm, and causing the butterfly to flit away.

This gorgeous creature was eyeing me very watchfully as I approached, near as I dared to snap pictures. I was actually surprised "he" didn't run off before I reached this point. Then I spotted the little one . . .

After I had snapped pictures, thanked them both for posing so nicely, and turned to walk away they both scurried away in the opposite direction.

(Yes, I always talk to the wildlife.)

I finally managed a half decent photo of one of these guys! I see them fairly often, but they do not keep still, or let me get too close! I believe this is a Red-browed Finch.

And the only other "wildlife" I encountered on my walk after that was a couple of boys on bikes more interested in haring downhill on a steep section of the track and jumping over obstacles - and scaring away the wrens and finches.

But the quarry wetland is looking pretty healthy.

After, we tromped along part of the coast track until the tendons in my feet started sliding out of their slots and complain, then we headed home. With a pause enroute for fish and chips.

Don’t fall in.

It’s narrow. A vertical crevice that cuts down clean through the rock. You look into the narrow depths and see the sheer rock walls. The sea moves down there, coming in hard from the south. Surging with the swells. You hear it. A deep rumbling roar from the depths of the earth.

A sea cave, its roof fallen in long ago, long before there was anyone to note the event. The edge, unstable.

There is no official depth measurement. Doesn’t matter. It’s deep. It inspires with the awe of ferocious nature those who stop along the track and look down.

They call it Maingon Blowhole.