10 May 2008

The creek systems about the Running Creek area received such a flushing out in December/January that it cleared the creek lines exposing the beautiful contrast of rocky water courses and various concentrations of vegetation along the banks.

This exploratory outing paves the way for a future overnight visit to properly investigate a waterfall site and other water courses along the south tributary area that has been inaccessible to us.

Frank and I had previously explored part of the area. This sparked our added interest. We were not disappointed with what we found on our return. The combination of flushed creek lines, substantial rock collapse into the creek and the otherwise pristine environment are a bushwalkers' delight.

We had lunch at the creek junction at the limit of our exploration. A short distance along the south branch we were presented with a picture postcard scene of what could have been a perfectly landscaped rock pool fed by a twin fountain at the end.

The majestically carved rock pools, small and large were deceptively inviting. A brief dip left most of us a little frigid (me a lot frigid).

On the way home we stopped briefly to observe a large eel in Running Creek after the point where the north and south tributaries meet.

We made accelerated progress on our return trip and via the farm got back to the vehicles before dark.

A return visit to this particular area would be a must for those who enjoy exploring new environments. Trevor D.