Friday, 1 December 2023

Wielangta Forest - 28 November 2023

 Today's walk will be along the old Wielangta tramway which runs along the Sandspit River.  Although it is very overcast there wasn't any rain forecast.

We set off from the picnic area at the side of Wielangta Road.




It's not long before we pass the remains of one of the giants from the past complete with niches for the boards to fit into


Decending down into the valley the bush is very thick



The next two photos really show up how lush and green the forest was today - we were surrounded by ferns of every description



Continuing along the track



Every few hundred metres we noticed ribbons tied to the trees. Closer inspection revealed that maintenance work was being done on the track and instructions for the required work were written on the orange ribbons.


A bit further along we come across the remains of a car



We reach our morning tea spot. Unfortunately the thick forest also lead to a proliferation of leaches - in order to minimize the chances of leaches all walkers stood up for morning tea - a first in my recollection

 

Now here's a challenge - crossing the Sandspit River. Fortunately the water level wasn't too high allowing us to cross without any incidents




At the approach to our lunch spot there is this distinctive  grave

Then it's time for a pleasant lunch by the river





The return journey is almost flat until the last kilometer when the track climbs out of the river valley back up to the picnic area





A reminder of the big trees that grew here in the past


Large tree worthy of a look



During today's walk we passed lots of interesting plants and fungi




I've been told this plant is called old man's beard


Foxglove



At the end of the walk a quick poll indicated that over 250 leaches were removed from our clothing today.  The undisputed leader was Tim who had over 40  removed during the walk.

Tim - a contender for the Guinness  Book of Records


Not to be outdone Mendelt once home and boots removed finds some on his feet 


Today 20 walkers had an enjoyable walk of about 10.5 kms along the Sandspit River valley.  It was a pleasant walk through lush wet forest.




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