Crystal Creek

Back blip

Today we went bush!

Sunny and hot (as always) we headed up the highway north, did a lefty onto a narrow road with steep & dramatic loose-your-lunch twists that weaves its way up into the rainforest of the Paluma Range National Park & to Paluma Village at the top. Sadly, many areas have experienced bush fires right to the road edge, the tall trees have been knocked back but are still living ....in places the vegetation is regenerating. We have since been told that these are supposedly controlled burn offs to eradicate the scrubby stuff on the forest floors. Certainly didn't look too controlled to us .

On the way up we stopped at Little Crystal Creek, (never say Big Crystal Creek) a delightful spot and very popular ... Lots of swimmers and picnickers. (First day of school hols) . This is were my blip was taken. Gorgeous arched bridge built (along with the road) back in the depression years from 1931-1935 using thousands of unemployed men.....my goodness what a task and my admiration for those men is huge. This mountain (whilst small in comparison to NZ's mountains) is all rock!

Drove on up to the top where we took to the track for some walking. Even though a lot of the time we were in dappled shade it was still blimming hot......walked up and down for 5 kilometres, got back absolutely pooped.

Drove on to our destination Hidden Valley Eco Cabins.....hidden valley is was, took an age to get there along a dusty, corrugated, narrow road, but find we did. A wee rest was needed, before off on a wild life safari ..... We didn't locate the big five!!!
We were driven down into a valley where the most wonderful deep slow moving river with trees overhanging the bank giving some spectacular reflections.....a fabulous sight. We were here to find and see platypus. Which we did, not magnificent viewing but see we did. Also turtles, a juvenile darter (huge) & it's much slimmer mum, a barking owl and much to the excitement of our guide two very rare Large-Tailed Nightjar.....so yes, the big five!!

Dark by now, back to camp for a beautiful cooked dinner, some wine drinking whilst sitting outside on the veranda with an outdoor open fire and lovely piped music playing softly in the background.....only two other couples staying. We sat together with the owners joining us for dinner. Great conversation ....What a lovely evening it has been. The rock wallabies came to visit and tree bats were about. Would have been a good night for star gazing too, but bed beckoned.

Rainie