ANOTHER WORLD

 On our last day at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat we went for a walk in the rainforest. It is like visiting another world. We were sneaking along the boardwalk quietly to try and see some of the exotic birds that live in this forest. We could hear all the different calls especially the whistle and crack of the Whip Bird which does just sound like a whip cracking. Unfortunately, none of my bird shots are worth publishing. It was so dark in the forest and I used a zoom lens without a tripod so the result was a blurry mess. So instead of birds you'll get trees. They tend to stand still.

TOH and George lead the way

Some of the trees have huge buttress roots like the one on the left. Other trees have been strangled to death by the Strangler Fig like the one on the right. When the host tree dies and decays the Strangler vine is strong enough to support itself. You can get inside this tree see below.

 Chris is standing in front of a gap where you can look inside.

A small person  like me can get in there and look up inside the tree

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Further in the jungle there is a tree top walk. The first one ever built in Australia. Hopefully it is still safe. It swings, bounces and squeaks as you walk amongst the treetops metres from the ground.

George even climbed further up a giant tree on a ladder inside a cage to a platform built even higher up. Looking down can make you feel dizzy.

 Even though we were high some tree tops were even higher with a huge green canopy. Many trees have elkhorn and staghorn ferns  growing on them.

 It was reassuring to be back on the forest floor and treading on the spongy leaf litter on our way back to the Retreat where we boarded a 4 wheel drive bus for another excursion.

 This time we visited Luke O'Reilly's Farm. He was the original owner and it has been occupied by the O'Reilly's ever since. Unfortunately none of the children today want to continue on living and working here. I believe they want to sell. The farm house is rented out for holidays. What a view to wake up to.

We continued through the eucalyptus forest to yet another beautiful lookout and morning tea of pumpkin damper, honey and billy tea in the quiet serene forest. Soon it was time to check out and wind our way back down the mountain to the rush of traffic and city life.

BIRTHDAY BEAR COMES TO DINNER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Our Birthday Bear group spent a few days at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat. It is in the Green Mountains, which are part of the McPherson Ranges on the border of NSW and QLD. The resort and O'Reilly's land are surrounded by Lamington National Park.

In 1912 eight men of the O'Reilly family cut a track into these mountains cleared some land and started farming. In 1915 the Lamington National Park was established around their land. In 1926 they built a guest house as farming wasn't that successful. Guests used to be transported by horse and wagon along the precipitous mountain tracks. Today there is a narrow winding road, many rooms, suites and self contained villas. There is a variety of activities but the main attractions are 160k of walking tracks, many waterfalls and an abundance of wild life..

In 1937the family became famous because Bernard O'Reilly, against all odds cut through the jungle for two days in search of a Stinson airliner, which crashed on its way from Brisbane to Sydney. He found two survivors after they had been there for 5 days. Bernard returned through the jungle to organise a rescue party and then he lead them back again. It was an amazing feat of strength, bushcraft and heroism. 

After our early morning bird watching session we waited for the 4wheel drive bus to pick us up for an excursion through the forest to some lookouts.(Unfortunately some of us are not able to walk long distances so this is a welcome activity, which we all could enjoy)

 We went through rain forest and then into Eucalyptus forest.

Shepherd Lookout

Kerry lookout

Boiling the billy

 The boys

 The girls

We returned to the retreat for lunch and a bird of prey display before going to dinner with Birthday Bear. All this time Birthday Bear had been relaxing in Mary's room because she dressed Bear for Ann's birthday.

 Bear was waiting for us in the dining Room. She was dressed as a holiday maker for Ann because Ann is always organising holidays for us.

 She had a calendar to block in holiday times. She also had a camera and a travel bag full of maps and activity books. There is a money box to save for future trips. With her travel wallet, sun hat and new sneakers she is ready to roll.

We had a lovely round table for 9 of us and a picture window (left) where birds and night animals came to feed.