Day 106 - Snakes and spiders and stairs, oh my!

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Monto to Cania Gorge 34km ride & 6km hike

With rain again overnight we were congratulating ourselves on choosing to splash out on a cabin overnight.  We pedalled out of Monto with all our gear and ourselves dry, the sun even peaked out, briefly.


National Parks are always highlights for us, despite the hassle factor of rarely being able to ride through, and having to backtrack, and carrying enough food/water to stay in the park.  The Americans have perfected National Parks most have excellent ranger guided hikes, as well as hiker/biker specific campsites, camp hosts and often a Cafe and store.  Very civilised, apart from all the bears, mountain lions and wolves anyway.

I much prefer Australia's dangerous animals, yes, yes, we all know that we have all the most venomous snakes and spiders here, but they aren't actually hunting us are they?  Just a bit of attention and caution, and you're all good.  

Cania Gorge NP is a remenant of the Brigalow belt bioregion, and includes dry rainforest, grasslands and brigalow forest.  As well as some spectacular sandstone cliffs.  As we discovered today it is also home to some spectacularly large spiders, and their equally large and beautiful webs.  I think she's a Orb spider, but much bigger than the ones we see at home!  And despite the cool and damp, we still spotted a snake, retreating into the undergrowth.  Research suggests a Eastern Small Eyed snake was probably trying to warm up a bit.


We hiked some of the many trails, proving that, for conversation, hiking is far superior to biking.  On reflection, walking and talking are a combination designed for success.  There is something about walking and talking that’s dissimilar to sitting.  Maybe it’s the full inclusion of our bodies, the lack of eye contact or maybe it’s just being outside. Whatever the reason, the quality of communication feels different, better.  The scenery certainly only added to the experience!


And while the mind and body are willing, we aren't as young as we used to be!  And all the stairs climbed, prove hard on a knee each.  Kerstin lights a campfire, and we soak in the heat, loosening tight ligaments.  And toast another day to be grateful for with toasted marshmallows and whiskey.




Comments

  1. FrancieMay 25, 2022 at 5:16 PM

    I have 'cut' that cave picture and saved it as it is absolutely lovely. The steps photo also amazing.
    I agree, we can put charge booths at the entrances but some (not all) are sadly lacking other facilities. Hope the night temperatures aren't too cold. Melbourne has been having classic freezing nights and lovely days but a few days of rain is about to happen.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BrendaJune 1, 2022 at 5:31 AM

    Love the photos, nice that you have some good weather to enjoy as well/ Walking/ trecking is my favourite too. I will show Jake and Connor the Orb spider and web, they will appreciate that.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 18, 2022 at 5:24 PM

    Holy shit! That’s a big looking spider! And yep, I reckon walking and talking is the best combo for all the reasons you said - side by side, or single file, instead of face to face, plus the goodness of being in the outdoors, plus distractions and wonder if flowers, plants, animals, water, clouds, etc enjoyed/ endured together with companions, plus helping each other at times over rocks, fallen trees, scrub …it’s all an adventure, shared together. Nothing better

    ReplyDelete

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