Meeting up at the Helensvale McDonalds were:
* Mark
* Ben, Jane & Kids
* Dave & Kids
* Gilbert & Coby
* Hanneke & Paul
* Steve & Yvonne
* Shaun
* Shaun's mate (apologies for not getting the name
)* Steve & Kim
* and as usual coming in late Victoria & myself (it's hard not to be late in a 60)
With Mark leading the way and the large convoy in tow we made our way through Nerang, along the Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd and finally on to the Numinbah Valley.
Convoy along the Nerang-Murwillumbah Rd
Turning off the main highway
After consulting the map and then unlocking the first gate we were off up a steep climb that wound up and then finally down along a couple of switchbacks. Unfortunately we didn't get too many pics of this as it was all too much to hold a pregnant belly and take photos at the same time. Here I thought that woman were meant to be able to multitask.
Parking up to check out the map
Hi-ho silver "Parado" up the first hill
The golden one following
As we reached the bottom of the track we were greeted by lush, green surroundings and some evidence of the rain of the previous week. Forgoing a couple of side tracks we followed the track until it wound back on itself and crossed the creek that had originally been on our right hand side.
The creek crossing
Having crossed the creek we began another ascent back to the brown grasses of higher altitudes, only to make our way down a steep decline that, with no weight and leaf springs at the back, had the back of the 60 wanting to overtake the front. It was at this point I thought of Mark's words in the morning - "we probably won't even need to engage low range for these tracks", but without any real dramas we were back amongst the green and close to where we had been before.
Halfway down the steep decline
No trick photography here, down lower it really was this green
As my sense of direction is completely useless and I didn't have the GPS tracking on at this point I really wasn't sure where the heck we had ended up but all I could tell was that we were going back up again. After a series of hills we made our way to a fork in the road where we parked for a short rest and bio break. Taking the right fork in the road we soon found ourselves back on the main highway.
One of the many hills, note the burnt out tree to the left
Although this may be a regular sight, I was actually only filling up the windscreen wiper water
A cicada modelling the new season's fashion
Another cicada, this time in full glory
Gathered again to enter the tracks
Catching up after locking the gate
After momentarily disengaging 4wd and a short trip down the road and we were back on the tracks, this time crossing a series of small creek crossings. This track approached from the other end and ultimately back up the series of hills to the fork in the road once more. Taking the left fork this time it was approaching midday and was about time for lunch. Locking the gate for the last time we made our way back along the highway for lunch at a picnic spot about 4km from natural bridge. With cliffs as a back drop we all enjoyed lunch.
Got tired of the gold car, so here's a white one
The creeks really looked peaceful
Cliffs visible from the picnic spot
I'm not sure what Steve has said, but Kim doesn't seem impressed (shall we play caption this photo?)
Beautiful scenery all around
After lunch about half of the group headed on to natural bridge and the other half made their way home (being in the group that headed off home I don't have any pictures of the natural bridge so, for those who went, please post yours).
A big thank you to Mark "No low range" for organising this trip. It was a little more involved than usual having to gain permission from the rangers and with plenty of interesting tracks and scenery we really appreciated every moment.
