Hilltop Lookout south of Walpole town. Beautiful view across the inlet to the ocean.
Steve eating trail mix at the viewing platform on Hilltop Lookout. Just walked up a steep hill of Karri and Tingle trees, as part of the climb to Douglas Hill.
Left Walpole at 6am after waking at 4.30am. I knew I had a climb in front of me, and wanted to get to the top of the hill before it got too hot. The sun already had a bite to it, as I ate some more trail mix - seeds, nuts and raisins.
10km out of Walpole and this giant Tingle tree is growing at the top of the hill.
Giant Tingle tree tourist site with boardwalks around - I am the only tourist here, as it is early morning. Incredible feeling generated by these massive ancient trees. Definately a "time-out" moment.
How do you fit an ancient Tingle tree of this size into a photograph? I had been here before, but not for many years. I could make it an annual pilgrimage and still appreciate it each time.
Tingle tree towering over me in the forest near Walpole.
A dozen people could fit inside this Tingle tree.
Inside a Tingle tree looking out at a smaller one.
I walked through this forest and trusted that my time was not up. Around me were many balanced trees and branches that had fallen to a propped-up state. "Work Safe" would have a fit, with the fragility of objects above the Track!
It is not only the big trunks, but the solid bows that snake from them too.
Such a big trunk, yet a nodule so low produces a stick like branch.
My fourth skinny dip, this time in the ice cold waters of the Franklin river while at the Franklin rive campsite. Lots of slippery rocks to slowly walk over to the deeper water. One mistake here and I could easily finish my journey!
Not a soul in sight and it's a warm to hot skinny dipping day. Got my toes in to feel how cold the water is, before total immersion. Was not sure what might be living in the water, but had spent half an hour just sitting and watching beforehand. Note the red worn sore on my hip from my backpack. This can be seen in previous photos too.
Looking downstream, I was certainly swimming in the deepest and safest water.
A bridge crossing the Frankland River. Foam is caused by the tannins from the tree leaves - no not tea leaves!
I sure felt the heat of the sun blazing between the giant tree trunks, on either side of the Track. I also felt ant-size in my surroundings.
A discussion point amongst trekkers on the Track, was what animal died and how? It looked like it was burnt, but green instead of black was a puzzle.
This giant log had lush grass growing on top of it. Amazing!
With a tripod and time delay, plus all the running around and set-up, I did not always get myself fully into the picture. Here you can see the drier weather has encouraged me to hang my camera case where I can quickly reach the camera, for more photos than earlier in the journey.
Well the bush behing me is in focus, as it is more still than I am!
I felt the broken branch of this tree pointed out the Track direction more clearly than the hidden yellow Waugal triangle. I had to keep constant vigilance for signs like this, as there were so much to distract me in the bush.
The flies were not small either! This one has sensed that there is a smelly pair of socks under the well worn leather boot. I waterproofed them three times before I left, giving protection for three quarters of the journey. In the end they were just raw leather, but the soles were still good for even a return journey.
