Making the most of it

Back to work tomorrow and today is the last day of the Easter break so I am making the most of it. Just me and David here, having farewelled Mae and Nick last night. So a bit of local area reconnaissance seems called for. Specifically, a trip to Ellenborough Falls. With a 200m drop, they are reputed to be the second longest in the Southern Hemisphere. Located about 50 mins north east of here, in a very scenic area near the Tapin Tops National Park.

First a morning swim, then coffee and danish at the bakery at Blackhead, then pack a picnic lunch and off we go.

Picturesque country, the drive is delightful, through Bobin and hippie haunt Eland.

Had our egg and lettuce sandwiches facing this vista of grey gums, tallow wood and ferns, while a couple of local musos were busking nearby, him on sax and her with a guitar, singing. Mellow, man. 

 Spotted a Big Bird in a nearby tree - yes, turns out it IS a brush turkey.  Don't often see them up off the ground.

Walked to the head of the falls, which don't look at all grand or scary. Sad little plaque there commemorating a local boy of 11 who "played too close to the edge" and fell, in 2000.

From a more distant vantage point the terrifying drop is revealed, and the thundering noise totally fills the steep gorge

We walked to the opposite point, where the noise and power is even more evident

The area is worth a visit just for the forest of huge tallow woods (eucalyptus microcorys) and the also-huge brush box (tristania conferta) that grow in this rich red volcanic soil.

Returning in the afternoon, we strayed towards Comboyne, a dairying area that looks like English countryside and produces fabulous cheeses that are stocked by our local shop.  The quickest way back was down scarily named Killabach road - steep, moist, twisty and potholey but so very pretty with its red dirt, its vivid ferns and staggering views.  Once is enough though.