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Published: November 11th 2011
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Here she is off with the pixels.
I was quite concerned with Grace scrambling over and around the rocks with some of them being a bit unstable, but she managed well. The possibility of the camera going for a swim or bouncing on the rocks kept me very alert the whole time Blackall Range Waterfalls.
From Nambour, it doesn’t matter which direction you travel, The Blackall Range tourist drive gives spectacular views from both sides of the vehicle. We went out to the Bruce highway to pick up the plumbing parts I needed and entered the tourist drive from the Landsborough turnoff to the south of Nambour. We basically travelled in a clockwise direction around the shorter drive. Landsborough was settled when gold was discovered in the area during the late 1800s. It was also a starting point for timber cutters in the 1880,s chasing Red Cedar, Blackbutt, and Turpentine logs. It is still considered one of Queensland’s historic townships. Through town the road begins to climb the Blackall Range. The Range sits to the north of the Glasshouse Mountains, first named by James Cook in 1770 as he navigated north along the Australian coast. The mountains apparently reminded Cook of the buildings which housed glassmaking kilns back in his home area in Yorkshire, England. Views to the north and south open up as you climb the range and the climb is a long one with few level stretches making the climb quit continuous. Once up on the ridges at the top
Top of falls
This is at the top of the small falls. Off with the pixels again the road runs along those ridges opening rural vistas to both sides. Maleny is another historic town, and has many old buildings located within the township. There are a lot of new spreading houses built and still under construction taking advantage of the sweeping views. The soil is a rich deep red, a legacy of the areas volcanic heritage. Greenery is everywhere attesting to the ability of this rich soil to hold its moisture levels.
Driving toward Maleny we turned off to check out Gardner Falls a short drive from the main road. From the carpark it was a short level walk along the side of Obi Obi Creek beside a wide stream flowing in and around the rocky bed of the creek. Slow moving pools reflected a lot of light and the sound was a gentle gurgle caressing the senses. The 300metre walk to the small falls was very enjoyable and a few young people were swimming and jumping into the large pool below the falls. Grace wanted some flowing water shots so I carried her tripod for her to the end of the path. There were also a couple of artists with easels set and half completed paintings
Falls
The local young people take good advantage of this pool and several small groups were jumping in and swimming. There are a couple of ropes hanging from trees to increase their fun in spite of the water colour not allowing a sight of the bottom. being given life under the brush. Looked talented and impressive, and I would love a share of that talent. Grace had a ball setting up her gear and losing herself in the photographic process.
I could have been speaking for many minutes and she would not have heard me. Focus was elsewhere so to speak.
Gardner Falls at Maleny are only about two metres high at this rate of flow, however along the path to the falls are flood markers which show the water height can increase by up to five metres through this little gorge. That would be a spectacular sight but because of the small size of the catchment it would not last very long.
These couple of pictures are a long way from the quality Grace achieves with her work, but I try.
She would spend as much time as I needed explaining how I could achieve a better result but I don’t have the patience or drive to go to the lengths she enjoys going to. Must be these old eyes of mine.
Time to find a lunch spot.
Mary Cairncross Park is a Lovely park with probably one of the best views of
A woman called 'Intrepid'
Grace, the intrepid photographer carting her gear through rugged country in search of that elusive ‘perfect shot’. the Glasshouse Mountains. The park is a very popular picnic spot for locals and tourists alike with lots of bus parking areas and a reasonable number of car spaces. There is a rainforest centre and some good rainforest walks at the back of the spreading picnic area. The park also has a covered cafe for those wanting a peaceful cuppa and maybe a few souvenirs. A short walk across the road gives an uninterrupted view of the Glasshouse Mountains.
Our picnic lunch was very pleasant on covered tables in the shady glades of Mary Cairncross Park. Mary was an early conservationist and much respected for her work in the local area. Like elsewhere here in S.E. Qld. brush turkeys are in abundance and are very active birds. One old male was very keen to chase other birds away from around the picnic tables. He was probably getting rid of competition in case any tourists dropped any food.
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Joanne
non-member comment
Congratulations
What an excellent union of talent. Magnificent photography complimenting wonderful descritive writing. A great team!