Day 2 in the bush

The elusive Lyre bird

Gang, Gang Cockatoo females

A rocky outcrop at the falls

Fitzroy Falls

Ruth and Bob at Fitzroy Falls

We had a refreshing sleep at our Motel and then drove in the car back to the campsite to join Ruth and Bob for a camper's breakfast. Food always seem to taste better in the open air and fortunately the Kookaburras seemed to be late risers, so we were undisturbed while relishing bacon and eggs. It was then time to tidy up camp and make for Fitzroy Falls. This was a large area of bush on a plateau on which there were some spectacular walks to different waterfalls. These were not as spectacular as they might have been as there had not been any substantial rain for sometime. Nevertheless, the scenery was striking. Rather like looking over Symond's Yat but on a much larger scale. I managed the first couple of walks but felt too hot and tired to manage the longest so the other three went on and I wandered slowly back. However, I did not miss out beacuse as I walked in silence I was able to spot some of the shyer birds of the forest. there was a family of Gang Gang cockatoos. These are largely, a dull grey but the male has a splendid red crest. unfortunately he flew off before I could get a photo. There was also the bright flash of crimson Rosellas flying through the forest but they too were too fast for my poor photographic skills. I had been hoping to see a lyre bird but had not held out much hope as they are notoriously shy. However, I did pray about it before I went on my lone walk and to my joy, I was beckoned over by a couple who had seen one scrabbling through the undergrowth. After they left, I stayed for ages watching it digging for insects in the leaf mould. Eventually, it walked out into the sunshine in front of me and onto a fence but then dropped rapidly into the shelter of the wood before I could catch it on film. All I have are some rather inadequate shadowy images of it but so glad to have seen one. In the high and far off times of my childhood when I collected picture cards from PG Tips packets, I was entranced by the image of a lyre bird, never believing I would eventually get to see one in real life.

The day was a realy hot one so we had a siesta in the afternoon and then Stepehn had a dip in the motel pool to cool off. Ruth and Bob did the same in the river at their campsite. The day ended with another camp supper and the sight of more Kangaroos and Wombats.

Having done the whole walk with Ruth and Bob, I (Stephen) was certainly appreciative of the rest afterwards. I thoroughly recommend a pattern of Sleep, Swim, Shower, then a drink in the pub over the road. Perhaps I'll try it on a daily basis when I get home. Just need to change the British weather a bit and rearrange the demands of work.