Love Creek

14 January 2006

Having gathered at Maiala (Mt Glorious) by 7am nine eager, waterproofed walkers set off from Alex Road after leaving two cars at Tennison Woods.
We descended into the Love Creek tributary then made our way down the creek negotiating various rapids and waterfalls. Conditions, following the recent heavy rain, were just perfect with plenty of fresh flow and the vegetation was lush and sparkling.

The Christmas orchids (calanthe triplicata) were at their peak also tiny unidentified delicate pink orchids with rough slender leaves (any ideas on identification? Where are the experts when we need them?). The streams were full of bright colourful syzygium fruit and we lost count of the different fungi. Many, especially the tiny ones, were quite spectacular.

Once we reached Love Creek we headed downstream to the top of the falls to enjoy the views over morning tea. We then retraced our steps back to the junction and continued up Love Creek.

The next few hours were spent rockhopping, scrambling and swimming upstream. Only one waterfall presented a real challenge however we all reached the top one way or another, some skirting high above the falls on the east bank.
The swim throughs were delightful perfect temperature and mostly crystal clear water. This is a rugged and beautiful section of Brisbane Forest Park.

Several of us had a few stumbles along the way. Richard managing to catapult himself into the stream at one stage resulting in a nasty looking swollen ankle. This however seemed not to deter his enthusiasm.

We made good progress throughout the day and were back at the cars well before 2 pm allowing ample time to indulge at the Samford bakery.

Thank you all for an excellent day. I certainly thoroughly enjoyed myself. Anne