Mt Field National Park
I’m not sure where the morning went. I was up early. It was just a few minutes drive to the park. It was still nearly 10:30 when I started walking.
Just a short 10 minute stroll to the first falls. I was hoping this was the waterfall I was in search of. I saw a falls – in the rain – during my first visit that I’ve always wanted to return to.
The trail meandered along a clear stream. Huge ferns hung over the trail. Enough moisture was in the air that the moss on the trunks was full and luxurious. Arriving at the viewing area I immediately knew this was the water fall I was looking for – Russell Falls.
I took the requisite photograph and tried to stay out of the way of the carpenters building a new observation platform. I continued on up the trail getting an occasional glimpse of the falls through openings in the forest canopy. It was idealic – a waterfall framed by rainforest trees and overgrown ferns. I soon found myself at the top of Russell Falls and only a couple minutes walk from Horsehoe Falls. I had to keep exploring – the what’s over the next hill personality.
Horseshoe Falls is a much smaller falls but still a pleasant stop.
Another decision – a sign, “Tall Trees, 20 min.” I kept walking.
The rain forest slowly gave way to a more xeric environment.
Tall trees – swamp gum – with the outer bark peeling off.
Crossing the road to Mt Fields alpine areas the trees were larger and the forest even more open. Flame and pink robins flitted through the forest. I marveled at how effectively the brilliantly coloured birds vanished into the forest. If the pink robin would not have moved I would never have seen it.
The trail dropped down into a wet valley. Lady Baron Falls was the final waterfall on the walk. It took nearly two hours to walk the loop – so far my favorite longer short walk – really linking four short walks into one longer loop. I would gladly walk the loop again but I’m still looking for Cradle Mountain.
Time to move on.
