February 13th
Ascent of Ben Nevis
Mike Douglas led us up the steep track to the summit at 1368 metres. From dense regrowth forest of Eucalyptus delegatensis, through a belt of Eucalyptus archeri, then above 1200 metres alpine vegetation, including the beautiful Tasmanian snow gentian. The grand vista from the summit took in Mt Maurice, Mt Albert, Mt Victoria and Mt Saddleback.
March 13th
Whale Rock, Mt Cameron
Whale rock, on Mount Cameron’s south West peak, is a spectacular boulder resembling a breaching whale emerging from the granite slab. We walked through open woodland of bracken, dotted with large stringybark and black peppermints, their trunks blackened by bush fires. Also common were caterpillar acacia, bulloak, banksia, kunzea and tea tree. Then we passed between massive sculptural boulders with drifts of the rock orchid Dockrillia clinging to them. From the huge steep granite slab beside Whale Rock, where we stopped for lunch, there are breathtaking views to the west across the Mt Cameron Regional Reserve, and north to the coast and the mouth of the Ringarooma river at Boobyalla.
April 10th
Paradise High Plain
Views of Ben Nevis, and Mts Victoria and Albert; an old pine arboretum, vestigial rain forest, 2 huge 200 (at least) year old myrtles, sub-alpine vegetation, and even a bit of wind-driven snow.
May 8th
Two properties at East Diddleum
We visited two properties, the first with sub-alpine grassland, and both with native rainforest. The highlight of the day was the wide range of fungi to be seen and photographed.
June 12th
Notley Fern Gorge
A richly satisfying fungi foray in the remnant rain forest.
September 11th
Mount Cameron with Mike Douglas
We walked a network of 19th century water races from tin mining days, some dug by hand by both Chinese and European miners. We took a scrambled diversion across Deep Creek (aka Galloway Creek)
October 9th
Upper Scamander and Granite Knob
November 13th
Mt. Barrow Discovery Trail with Len Gillett
We explored the Trail in vehicles, interspersed with short and interesting walks. Remains of the timber industry going back to the mid 1800s were seen, as well as the mightier destruction caused by forestry happening right now. We picnicked at the rather neglected discovery centre, and found many orchids in bloom. Our last stop was at the Weaver’s Creek Waterfall.
December 11th
Cape Portland – Petal Point and Wind farm
Looking for threatened species.
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