Bringing the Mountains Alive

We've been having some gorgeous, clear, rather too summer like weather over the last few days but last weekend was a different matter. Last weekend it rained, and rained and rained. It was record breaking rain that in just a couple of days left us with the wettest May since 1920. It was a bit of treat considering what a flop the wet season was this year. Rain like this is what brings the mountains and waterways alive.

Walsh's Pyramid turned on the water works with multiple waterfalls clearly seen running down the mountain. A couple of days later these were no longer there.

Sis G had come up for the weekend so she got to see first hand mountains shrouded by cloud and water running everywhere. Her reaction was like what my first one was. Come to think of it, I still get excited. We didn't exactly grow up in an area that turned on misty mountains and waterfalls.

On Sunday, she had to head back south and I decided to come part of the way with her so we could look around a little together.

It didn't take long for something to catch my eye, the Pyramid for one and the swollen Mulgrave River for another.

We aimed for Babinda Boulders and were planning on a late lunch at the Bakery. Well that was closed that Sunday and so was pretty much everything else except for the Kool Spot Cafe. Oh, their fish and chips was delicious. Just thinking about it makes me want to head back again.

After our extremely enjoyable lunch we headed to the Boulders. Now, this is when I realise I haven't actually shared my last visit with you so there is nothing to compare it with. Well let me tell you, this time it looked the polar opposite of my last visit. Rushing and raging, Babinda Creek was putting on a show.

We walked along the Devil's Pool track to the lookouts over the creek. 

The best view of all was through a break in the trees looking back up stream at a waterfall. I believe last time I could hardly see any water going over the rocks.

The final lookout over the gorge left us with a view of foaming water raging off into the distant trees.

 We, meaning I, dawdled along watching the mist on the mountains and the flowing water. Well I wasn't the only one, Sis G was aiming for the perfect selfie and was enjoying the natural beauty just as much as me.

There is a legend or dreamtime story about the Babinda Boulders that you can find here. It is an interesting read telling of how the boulders came to be and also possibly giving a bit of a water safety message. 

Last time I was at the Boulders I went swimming here. Knowing how fast the creek was flowing there is no way I would have gotten in this time. Not only that but that water is cold there, and the rain was cooling us off enough.

Unfortunately, then it was time for us to part ways. Sis G needed to seriously head south so she wasn't home too late.  It was so nice to spend the time with her even though, as per usual, it was too short.

On the way home I stopped to take photos of the heavy clouds and smoking mountains. A bit of a joke from the weekend, sometimes that wispy, misty cloud looks like smoke coming off the mountains. I might have started it by blurting out something about 'look, the mountains are smoking!' I am all class.

On the way back I passed Walsh's Pyramid again, this time stopping to check out more of the falls on different sides.

I love seeing how different paces look in different weather and how the beauty of them changes to a different beauty.

Here is a bit more of an idea for you on the differences between my last visit, in March, and this more recent one.

Let your Troubles Fall Away

Do you remember this place?

If your memory is a little foggy or maybe you haven't been on this trip with me before, it is the Barron Waterfall or Din Din Falls.

So last post it was decreed (by myself) that I needed to get out and about, so I did.

The falls, at Kuranda, are only a short drive from my place really and with some recent rain, I figured they were worth checking out again. It had been a while since I'd visited and I thought it was time I dropped by and said 'hi' again.

There were a couple of cars in the carpark but other than that my wanderings were pretty quiet.

For the first time I got to view the waterfall without another soul around. Well, until someone else came along, but that was okay, I can share.

The falls could be heard rushing before I got to them.

As always, watching the falling water had me captivated. Watching it tumble, fall and flow down to the gorge floor.

I think my problems followed the water down and I started to relax.

Tumble, tumble, tumble.

With clear blue skies, it was a beautiful morning for it too.

I was so glad I made the effort to drive up the Kuranda Range.

 

It is super handy that  the Barron Waterfall is really easy to get to.

 

Actually, we noticed last time we were in Kuranda, that the town doesn't really wake up until around 10am. It must coincide with the arrival of the train and Skyrail. Which would explain the quietness at the falls. By the way, it turns out Mr Sparky really likes the markets in Kuranda. There are a few interesting places that sell things we haven't seen elsewhere.

Now I just have to get him to the waterfall. How can he have grown up in the area and have never been to so many places?

Actually that is a silly question. When you are a local you often don't go to the tourist destinations. Are you guilty of that?

Really, all of us slackos who think to ourselves 'we'll do it another time' and then never make it to a place should stop doing that. Those tourist spots are that for a reason, usually they are amazing places to visit.

So because of that, I challenge you to get out and see one of those places ...

... or to be a tourist in your own town or local area.

You'll love it! 

And to be a real tourist you'll have to get out your phone or camera and get clicking so you have the memories.

That would be why I fit in fairly well in the touristy crowds I guess, who would know I lived here.

I know I really enjoy being the tourist and checking out all the spectacular places around here. Plus it is good to get out and about rather than being stuck at home. Mind you, I like home but I have this thing for needing to get outside in the sun and fresh air. That sounds like my house is smelly, it isn't I swear, well unless the neighbours cats are getting stinky but that is a whole other thing. 

Anyway ... now I just want to get out and about again. Where to next?

How do you relax or destress?

I did this, heading to the Barron Falls and then headed to another place (I'll share later) where I went for a walk. In the early afternoon I went home, watched a movie while eating lunch then turned some music on and danced around the house while dinner was cooking. It all worked a treat. Back to the job hunt today and work tonight.

Rainforest Relaxing

I am taking a deep breath ready to dive into another turbulent week.

Another repeat of the mammoth week, although with one less day of work but instead with stocktake and an associating 'til midnight shift. 

Deep breath ...

Do you have a huge week coming up?

Well, here is a nice rainforest walk to help you relax, with waterfalls included.

If you have music that matches feel free to play that waterfall and bird call sound track while you look around Stoney Creek with me. If you don't have the music, use your imagination.

By the way, other than some uphill over rocks for a short bit and some wandering around beside the creek, there is no strenuous activity involved so you don't have to imagine a huffing puffing walk but rather time sitting on a rock jutting into a trickling creek, with maybe a fairy or two hiding in the ferns and some water nymphs hanging out behind the gently falling water and floating on the still, reflective water.

Need some more rainforest relaxing to get you through the week?

Try checking out my last visit to Stoney Creek.