This was a wonderful piece of wilderness bush - slightly tamed in this area for people to go and explore and some steps had been put in where it was steepest. It was quite challenging for us oldies as steep with rocks and roots, but we survived. I have to say my new medication makes a big difference to my breathing :)
We were NOT on the Blowhard Track!
The trunks and branches of the trees were covered in a sooty mould but if I remember rightly it sustains Aphids which are milked of their honey few by bees. There were dozens and dozens of hives in fields just before the picnic site.
My friends Rosie and Ed.
A tree fern in its natural setting.
A little water-tumble rather than a waterfall into a stream we had to get wet feet crossing, as the big boulders designed to be negotiated looked a step too far for us old 'uns.
Wild forest. It was an amazing place to explore AND I got to hear the Bell Bird.
That looks very challenging, but very beautiful. I would need to be guided through it because I would get lost.
ReplyDeleteThere were orange triangles on our route. We got a bit puzzled over fording the stream as the rocks weren't much good as stepping stones at our age - wet feet the best option! Fortunately the turning for the very challenging top of mountain walk well marked and avoidable.
DeleteOh, a Bell Bird. Don't they make such a beautiful sound!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. One was so close by in a tree, calling to a possible mate further away. Well hidden though.
DeleteThat looks like a beautiful place to explore and the blue skies make me quite envious!
ReplyDeleteIt was quite hot yesterday and going to be 36 Deg today. More than hot enough me.
DeleteWell you have not been hanging around there, every thing must look a lot different than around where you live. Popped down to our caravan yesterday to clear it for the winter. Wye is high along with the Usk but no real flooding. I managed to bother two more Kilvert churches at Chippenham on the way to the caravan and met a member of the Kilvert society. His parents grave is not looked after.
ReplyDeleteSo different and so beautiful. The roads are so wide as well - being used to the narrow Welsh lanes which evolved from one horse tracks, these planned roads are an improvement. Like Roman roads everywhere! Well done with the Kilvert churches. I guess there are no family members locally to tend the graves. I think the Kilvert items that had been in Llandod museum are in Chippenham museum now.
DeleteThat might answer why the Vicar I talked to said they had seen an exhibition on him locally
DeleteThis is all so lovely to see, thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I can see why people would want to emigrate here. The scenery is outstanding, but then I live in a beautiful part of the world too
DeleteSo interesting. It all looks wonderful. I had to look up Bell Bird. It seems to be doing well but the only other one of its species went extinct in the early 1900s. I'm sure NZ now cherishes its unique flora and fauna.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures, such lovely scenery. I have a First Cousin once removed and his family that live in there and I envy them their lovely country. You definitely do live in a beautiful part of the world as well.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Of course I had to go to Google to hear the sound of a bellbird. Did you know there is a South American bellbird? What an awful noise. I much prefer the NZ version. I am so pleased that you are having such a good time.
ReplyDeleteYou are having a wonderful experience, and not just the "tourist traps" like jet boat rides, which are pretty plastic-y! If you get to Wellington, it is well worth paying to go into Zealandia, the huge eco-sanctuary project right in the city. There's a free bus service. If it's a warm day, the Tuataras will be out sunning themselves by 10a.m and the birdsong is deafening. We live on the other side of the Sanctuary fence, and get visited my Kaka almost daily.
ReplyDeleteYou are right it is such a beautiful country wherever you go, I can't wait to till you travel to Queenstown hope you have the inhaler handy because it's going to take your breath away. From Shirley
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