Rain Forest Walk at Wilson's Prom

After a great picnic lunch and  playing at the beach we took one more hike on our way home, The Lilly-Pilly Walk.  It is about a 6 mile loop in an area that was devastated by fire about a decade ago.

The boardwalk in valley floor.  It is in the shadow of the rainforest
trees with ferns all around.  The soil is damp and marshy so the raised
walkway protects the plants and animals.

We saw the blood red sap coming from most of these pines.  It
was not sticky as we expected but hard.

One of the burnt out trees on the upper portion of the trail.  A tremendous
view back down to the by we were just visiting.  Gives a sense of the
elevation gain and we were not at the top!

This sign board in the foreground is explaining how fire is needed to
rejuvenate some plants.  The pictures of what the same view was after
the fire were fantastically different from what we saw.

Looking up into the canopy.

Some signposts along the way.

Tree ferns are huge.  David is nearly six feet tall as a comparison

Smaller woodland ferns covered the valley floor providing great cover
for a variety of small animals and birds.

Huge trees grow in along the hike.  This one had fallen over,
probably due to fire.



 

Wilson's Promotory

Visiting Wilson's Prom is a highlight of any trip to this area. It was a gorgeous (sorry, that doesn't do justice but I don't have a more appropriate superlative) drive down to the area. The Prom is a National Park with so many hikes in varying climates.  We went to an overlook to one of the many bays and beaches then after lunch, we took another walk that covered dry forests to lush rain forests.  We saw quite a bit in a short geographical area.  Plus, we had the added bonus of seeing unique animals!  One day isn't enough time to do justice to the park but well worth any time spent there.

These  pods are huge and contain many individual seeds.

Family hiking up the path to the overlook. Mary has Franklyn
in her baby carrier strapped to her front.

Walking in the river as it reaches the bay.

Dad and Genevieve

Swimming is water just deep enough for fun.

She is sitting up in the swift water having a blast.

View of the bay from the overlook.

The bridge leading from the parking/camping area to the trailhead.

Genevieve checking over the maps.

This is one of many, many crows in the area.  A large and vocal bird.

Wallabies are common in this area but this is the only one we saw
on this particular hike.

The river flowing into the beach we'll visit for our picnic lunch.

More Cuteness and Unique Things

Different places have different ways of doing things.  Advertising creativity on cars is always fun to look at.  Chains of stores or restaurants offer things to suit the local tastes so they're not universally boring.  And of course, who can resist a girl who loves chocolate!

Google Jucy, not sure what their advertising but the graphics are cute.

We'll have to check out the Krush bar and see what it is someday.

Bath time!

Daddy made yummy brownies.

Can I get any more in my mouth?

Penguins and Seals

At the end of Phillip Island is a park set aside for the tiny little penguins that make a home there.  We are so close to Antarctica that penguins have made their home here for centuries.  This particular species is so tiny.  They area nocturnal animal so we only saw them in resting states.  There are some amazing vistas over to the mainland where Melbourne is located and the many islands and waterways in between.  Just off the nature preserve is Seal Rock, another animal sanctuary with limited access.  The waves coming around the end of the island are very popular with surfers and they were out in large numbers while we were there.

These large geese roam freely around the park.

Little penguin houses dot the hillside.

At one of the many overlooks.

Ladybug girl being blown by the wind.

Penguin educational center and museum

One of several groups of surfers waiting for the next big wave.

Seal rock.

Penguin tucked away in his house.

Two penguins hiding under a foot bridge.

Disc Golf with Granddaughter

We spent Saturday going to Phillip Island, a 45 minute drive from here.  There as many things to do and see, one of which is Disc Golf.  We spend a fair bit of time playing in the U.S. both at home and in our travels.  Eric has played with us and has his own discs as well.  Now we have Genevieve initiated into the game.

Good Throw!!

Course map.  A nice way to find your way from hole to hole.

Dad coaching in the finer points.

At lunchtime, Genevieve had her own little niche to sit in,
a perfect fit for a little girl.

These birds are so pretty.  Their breasts are either a deep reddish pink or a bit lighter.
When they fly away in a group, the view is spectacular.

More Grandkids

While seeing beautiful bits of natural beauty is grand, nothing beats grandkids!!!

Genevieve loves to pretend reading in a big bed.  This time it was
Grandma's turn to play along.  Her current favorites are the sailing
magazines we brought with us.  We'll make her a sailor yet!!

She also likes to play in her own bed with all her various blankies.

Franklyn is just such a happy baby.  He's still not sure what the camera is for.

Going

Going

Gone.  Genevieve makes quick work of popsicles on a hot day.

She loves her books!
 

Something Else

I have been walking the neighborhood in the evenings to both get some exercise and see what's about.  I have a strong interest in plants so often love to see what grows in different places and climates.  I also like to watch buildings and houses go up.  We extensively remodeled our own house and I have an understanding of the effort required.

There are several houses going up but this one is the only one that
seems to be actively worked.  Maybe a shortage of skilled craftsmen.

This picture does not due justice to the deep purple of the roses.

This is the yard with the purple roses.  It has a number of varieties and colors.