Off the radar in Cania Gorge - 29th, 30th June & 1st July

We have found another one of the "places that I didn't know I wanted to see" and it is beautiful. After a tip we got from some motorcyclists we met some time back we have finally after a few false starts ended up in Cania Gorge National Park.

I must say getting here has been an endurance trip but now all that is behind us and finally I too can laugh about that muddy slippery road I led us up. In 45 years of riding that was the scariest time I have ever had. Our camp ground is literally right on the edge of the National park and we walk through the side gate turnstile right into the National Park walks. After setting up camp we went on a dusk reconnoitre of what walks we could do the following morning. The great camp kitchen was abuzz with a host of very friendly people, so tea was an enjoyable experience. There is no mobile or internet connection here but apparently if you do the 2 km steep walk up to the Giants Chair lookout you can get mobile coverage or otherwise drive 10km up the road to the Lake Cania to get reception.

Our plan was to be up early and off walking in the morning. It was a misty cold morning in the little gorge where the caravan park is located but we were up and off after a good breakfast. Once out of the park our first sight was a fairyland of tiny spider webs all over the plants and they were sparkling with dew drops like tiny diamond necklaces. Once we overcome that distraction we headed off on what ended up as a 10km walk. First stop was Ferny Pool. The sunlight was spotlighted down onto the water at such an angle that it reflected back up under an overhanging rock ledge. As the water dripped musically from the ledge above it made beautiful circular patterns in the water which were reflected as a magnificent light show up under the rock ledge. We sat mesmerised watching and listening for ages until we finally broke the spell and headed on. Once we reached The Giants Chair lookout we turned on the mobiles and sent out a couple of txts to let people know that we are "off the radar" here. Once down from the lookout and still feeling inspired we headed on to do another walk called "The two story cave" The thing that really took our attention was the masses of beautiful Elk Horn Ferns growing and clinging to all sections for the sandstone cliff face. People work to grow these in their shade houses and here there are hundreds growing naturally.

After scrambling into Two Story Cave I decided to see if I could find the bats that were reputed to be in there. There was a slightly difficult climb up 2m onto a ledge then further into the dark and the rather pungent odour of bat poo. Trish who had lovingly followed me down the muddy gravel road also decided to follow me into the bat cave. A little bit of light from my mobile phone revealed a host of bats a meter or so above our heads, looking like tarantula spiders ready to pounce. After the original wow factor a closer look showed they were quite cute. It was probably the stink of the bat poo that broke the spell and we headed out. Remember how I had said Trish lovingly followed me down that slippery road well now she was stuck up on the ledge and couldn't get down. I could have left her there and just taken her some food each day but decided to help her down. After a lot of coaching, letting her place her hand on my head for support and holding under her foot while I lowered it to the floor she finally made it down. Still she follows me into these little adventures.

It was such a wonderful day topped off with a chat around the campfire with the other Grey Nomads and tea in the camp kitchen. We usually make a wine cask last 3 - 4 nights but this night we consumed most of it in the one night. Trish couldn't wait until morning so she gave me my birthday present before we went to bed. I just love dark chocolate so I did pig out a bit before sleep.

1st July - Carbon tax and my birthday.

Out of bed early, breakfast and off as the mist was clearing. Once again the spider web jewellery grabbed out attention before moving on for today's walks. "Dripping Rock", "The Overhang", "Dragon Cave", Gorge View Point" and Bloodwood Cave" all on the agenda for today. With a chill in the air and condensation puffing from or mouths we wandered along rain forest tracks where small rays of sunlight shone down in beams. I did say "I feel like I should be leaving a trail of bread crumbs" and Trish replied "Yes Hansel" It was a bit like being in the enchanted forest listening to all the beautiful bird calls. Dripping Rock was interesting but we spent some time taking in the view at The Overhang. On the way back Trish had a bad slip and fell heavily onto as she called it " her softer parts". Luckily she took the brunt of the fall on her bottom or as I said "her ample child bearing cheeks". All seemed to be well so we went onto the other parts of the walk, oooing and arring at the scenery as we went. Once back at camp we had a light lunch and hopped on the bikes for a ride to Lake Cania. Once we turned on our mobile phones at the lake there was lots of beeping and ringing as a heap of txt messages came in. Cute news from home from 4 of our Grand Daughters. Alanah coming third in the Interschool Cross Country, a photo of a beautiful letter Rebecca had written to us and a photo of Jessica and Jasmin holding up hand drawn signs saying Happy Birthday. Sigh !

Trish started to feel a bit off, cold and shivery, aching bones and a bit dizzy so it was lucky that it was only a short ride back to camp. A couple of panadols, a warm sleep under the blankets followed by a hot shower seem to have helped. I think the growing bruise on her bum and the shock of the fall might have caught up with her. She was fit enough to enjoy another chat at the camp fire and more socializing in the very busy camp kitchen before retiring to the tent for the evening.

Dave - the Leader to silly places.