A great turnout of hiking club members at Piggly Wiggly ensured that the hike taking place at a location near Lemonwood Cottages would be a success, ably lead by the greatly experienced Carolee. It was a cool, sunny morning that required jackets and jerseys to be worn.

 

Behind the cottages the members gathered for a rundown on the hike, soon to be followed by ‘lets go’.

For the uninitiated, the forest behind us was intriguing. From bright sunlight and within a few minutes, we were enveloped in a thick, dark forest, ancient and undisturbed. There was an initial silence amongst the hikers followed by an excited chatter of anticipation of expectations. Within a short distance up the path, the intriguing statue of a Zulu lady appeared, well worn from years of exposure to the elements, yet regal in her gaze over the forest.

 

The path steepened and the chatter of the hikers became less. An alarm call from monkey was the only other noise, there being an absence of bird calls. Slippery rocks to negotiate, the climb steepened and breathing became laboured for the few of us. Along the path, lemonwood and ironbark trees were discovered as was a unique fungus in the shape of a funnel. Theories that these fungi were for a “fairies party” were bandied around. Old growth trees had become mere shells as strangler fig trees enveloped their partner in a deadly embrace.

 

The delight in reaching the top of the hill and popping out into broad daylight for a well deserved rest for lunch was rewarded with lovely views beyond the forest below.

 

The hike down also entailed having a “golden silence” for 15 minutes, allowing us all to share in the intimate silence of the forest. The three hours seemed to have quickly passed and the gathering at Piggly Wiggly for a well deserved tea or coffee allowed for reflection on a wonderful hike.