Wednesday, 13 December 2023

Grove of Giants

Grove of Giants 

Huonville

for more information and background...

Huon Valley Grove of Giants, Huon Valley Tasmania — Big Tree State


Quite an adventure today, we arrived at the start of our walk to find a drone and climbers, sound engineers and even a dog.

After wedging our cars into parking spots we cleaned our feet and set off on a beautiful but challenging walk.

Take the second turn to Mc Dougalls Spur and continue for 3.5km.


The parking area and activity that greeted us. 








Setting off into the forest



Boot cleaning.




One of the first big trees of our walk.







Intrepid climbers at the top of this tree.


This might be a video (thanks Lynne)







Celery Top pine saplings


Good luck little seedling





Massive trees with intricate bases and roots.


The canopy



Myrtle leaves and bark




Lunch!



Onward


Sassafrass








The track was quite rugged in places. 


A helping hand.


Checking the map.


The forest changes from Eucalyptus obliqua (Stringybark or Tas Oak) at the start, to Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum).

This is some other plant.


A reassuring pink tape.



Buttress roots


Giant ferns






We reach out goal Lathamus Keep. The biggest Blue Gum in Tasmania? The World?
(this 80m tall 325 cubic meters in volume absolute monster of a tree is a sight to behold. LK was discovered in November 2021 by big tree hunters Jan Corigliano and Carl Hansen)






The return





They are still climbing.




Spot the drone







There were 11 Ramblers.

Maps

(with no phone signal the mapping tools were a bit scatty)


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