With the forecast for a cold Saturday, the eleven people who came along to the Jamieson Creek Camp Ground were certainly wearing winter gear, rugged up against the forecasted conditions. However it wasn’t long before the autumn sunshine embraced us and we were able to enjoy a beautiful autumn day. Many items of clothing were dispensed with along the way.
As we walked the forest track through undergrowth of Snowy Daisy Bush, Dusty Miller and Prickly Moses we were able to identify many bird calls, but the birds were difficult to sight amongst the dense vegetation. Our bird list included Little Raven, Red-browed Finch, White-browed Scrubwren, Grey Fantail, New Holland Honeyeater, some tiny thornbills and an elusive Yellow Robin that allowed us to occasionally sight it close to the track.
While evidence of the fire that swept north from Wye River in Christmas 2015 was clear, the on-going revegetation is returning the forest to a healthy state. The track was well maintained running parallel to and above the Great Ocean Road and series of stone steps enabled walkers to negotiate the climbs and the creek crossings.
We had morning tea in delightful sun next to dry Bogalley Creek
As expected walking in the Otways in May we observed a wide variety of fungi – different shapes, different colours.
A spectacular splash of orange attracted us and we observed this strong species amongst the forest vegetation. Many were keen to get photographs. A Facebook reader has identified it as Favolaschia calocera Orange Pore or Orange Pin-Pong Bat now considered an invasive species that is posing a threat to our native fungi species.
Good signage along the track enables you to see how far you have managed to walk and how much further until you reach your destination.
As we rounded the headland to view the small settlement of Separation Creek we paused for a group photo with wonderful views towards the Wye River and beyond.
We then walked across the Great Ocean Road to the beach at Separation Creek where we found a comfortable spot to enjoy our well-deserved lunch.
With two crook knees that are to be replaced in the near future Dermot accepted the challenge of the walk and almost led the way!
We all agreed it was indeed a great walk.
Thanks to Rob for his leadership.
Report & photos Rob Shepherd/Marg MacDonald