Wednesday 23 February 2022

Risdon Brook Park

 Risdon Brook Park

We met in the car park, some taking the bush alternative to the dam circuit, others on the gravel path.






kunanyi Mount Wellington



Model yachts




Hello Wallaby



On the gravel path





Or through the bush








A nearly endangered Blue Billed Duck. An unusual duck to see. 

I missed the shots of big fish jumping out of the water.


Decorated water tanks at the far end of the water



We come to a point where we leave the gravel path to go along an upper track.









Devil scat, well dried out!





We noticed this plant growing in abundance and wondered what it was. Marcus found out,  its
common name is "Button-leaf everlasting bush"  and the botanical name israther long, Ozothamnus scutellifolius.It's a Tasmanian endemic species, widespread on dry hillsides. 





 An uphill section, some chose to return to the gravel waterside track (by a longer route than necessary...)






The gate back to the main track




The dam wall has been flanked by ugly temporary railings for a long time, the new railings look much neater.





Madman's Hill on the left and Gunners Quoin




There were 11 Ramblers. Lunch was at Risdon Brook Hotel.

Maps



Double click etc to make this animation work

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Wednesday 16 February 2022

Mountain River Trail

 Mountain River Trail

The trail goes from the end of Mountain River Road. It was a new one for us to explore.

We were met with an uphill start, followed by a fallen tree that provided much of the entertainment for the day.



Yay!





Most chose to scramble around the tree



A well prepared individual tried to go through the tree.





Going over the tree


Helping out





















Here the vegetation changes from Stringybark to Forest Ash









Eventually the track became rough and steep(er) so we had a "rest" before returning downhill


A remnant from the timber getting days, a stump with board hole still visible






This shows the ruts either side of the central ridge from when this was a road, probably for timber getting bullock teams.













What have we here?


An enormous bracket fungus


An animal burrow?



and there was a discarded wattle grub skin
But we are back at the start





Mountain River itself




There were 17 Ramblers. Lunch was at Willie Smiths

Maps



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