"Aussie Coastal Bushwalk" Conquer 2022 Virtual Challenge Progress February 28, 2022

 

After today's little road trip then hike around Wyndham Carseland Provincial Park, plus it being the last day of February, also passing the 300 kms marker, it's a fitting time to draw up a progress report on my Conquer 2022 Virtual Challenge!  I always look forward to opening my saved google map, adding the latest distance covered then seeing the locations I passed and where I would be virtually stopping for the day.  This time when I opened the map I voiced an "OOOHHH NOOO", the flood warmings for Northern New South Wales were front and centre.  Wishing them safe times through this storm!

While doing this progress report, that also means it's time for my geography lesson!  

Broken Head Nature Reserve:  Any place nature related and especially protected reserves, captures my attention. This description from the Reserves website best puts into words what this place is all about. Whether you’re a botanist or just a nature-lover, it’s not hard to appreciate the incredible biodiversity at Broken Head. This small reserve protects three endangered plant communities: littoral and lowland rainforest, headland grasses and woodlands. There are 240 different plant species here, 12 of which are threatened in NSW and six in Australia, such as the white lace flower rainforest tree, which you might see standing tall along the entrance road in summer dotted with fluffy white ball flowers.

(The website lists a closure from Feb 28 to March 7 due to widespread severe flooding.)

Lennox Head:  This seaside village is located in the northern rivers region of New South Wales which is a two hour drive south of Brisbane, Queensland.  It was initially established for the timber and land then came dairy and cane farming.  There are many things and places that make this a popular village, two of those are Lake Ainsworth and Pat Morton Lookout. The lake is tannin stained from the tea trees which grow on the waters edge.  They say this lake contains healing powers.  The Lookout is a popular place for hang-gliders who love the views in front of them as they lift off then soar. These photos are from google maps. (Wind and flooding alerts are in place for The Nature Reserve at this time.)

Broadwater National Park:  When I read this National Park is known for birdwatching, I was immediately intrigued.  The Park also has a well known lookout called Broadwater Inland Lookout. The following highlighted information is from the Parks visitor site . It’s a short steep walk through wooded forest dominated by coastal banksia and grass trees up onto Broadwater Headland for magnificent scenic views over the Pacific Ocean and south to Evans Head and Goanna Headland.  From the Lookout you can spot whales and birds of prey.  I like that their hiking "trails" are called "tracks'.  I found these photos while searching google maps.  (As I write this post, the area is closed due to severe flooding.)

I am approximately 100 kilometres behind on this challenge!  My focus to get the kilometres covered has not been at the forefront, rather "taking the time to breathe" when I am "out & about" has been.  At some point down the road, I may alter the distance I chose at the beginning in favour of something that feels more manageable.  For now though, one step at a time, one hike at a time, one day at a time!