Bit of time out
23rd September 2022
Mareeeba Wetlands
In the week since my last post I have been to Mareeba again for work. As per usual I timed my meetings to ensure that I could be at the wetlands for a sunset. Sadly that is all the roaming I have been able to do of the Tablelands for a while.
The Octopus Tree this week, September 2022.
Back in Cairns during breaks from work I have been visiting some of the seasonal waterfalls to see what they look like in our dry September. The flow of water has been replaced by a river of leaves at the Octopus Tree.
Deadfall on the way up to the Octopus Tree.
On the way up the hillside to that tree I am exploring some of the huge deadfall as well as trying to take notice of smaller details.
A never ending variety of Fungi.
Because my camera bag is not already heavy enough, of late I have added my macro lens to its contents for some more intimate photos. It comes in handy on a blue sky day with harsh light to be able to look for smaller objects in shade or softer light.
It only gets steeper.
During the waterfall season I was heading up the steep hillside 2 or 3 times a week. As I return to the top every now and then of late I realise how fit those regular trips made me…..and how unfit I am now :)
Growing in the base of that fig tree in the previous photo.
Searching for little details is a good way to catch my breath on the climb up. This little plant is growing inside a small hole in the above ground roots.
As I approach the Octopus tree the leaves are everywhere but I can still hear some water flowing. Walking past the tree up the hillside reveals that the water is flowing under the leaves before disappearing underground for a period into the rocks.
Back down by the river well before sunset.
During this dry spell I am usually finished exploring the hillside rainforest well and truly before sunset. Once down at the bottom I head over to the river to just sit and relax.
The water continues to get clearer.
The river is beautiful at the moment. For Barron that is very clear water. Of late I do not stay for sunset and the last kayakers to come down the river in light good enough to take photos is my call to go back to work or home.
Ryan coming down the river just before sunset.