REBIRTH

Those present: Brett, Denise(a different Denise)  & Graeme, Joanne & Gary, Elaine, Mick, Andrew (J & G's son).

We had a bit of an upset on this weekend.  We had planned another trip, but due to time constraints, settled for a shorter trek.  We met at the Mining Museum for a coffee rather late by our standards (10.00am) and waited for Brett to arrive.   Tristan, who had headed off to our previously agreed destination,(and wasn't told re the change)  returned to have a chat before leaving for home.  The rest of us headed for the hills in a mottly convoy, travelling via a delightful "lost valley" until we reached the forest. We parked beyond the bridge and followed the creek downwards. The going was easier than some of our previous treks, but the sights were more spectacular. The rock that made up the creek bed was RED !    Blood red!  Being not a geologist, I can not say what this rock was, but I can sure tell you the colour .... RED!   I was amazed and astounded as were, I think, the rest of the group.  Brett explained that this place was known as the "river of blood" and one could understand why.  With the sun in a certain position, the reflection off the bedrock in the  creek gave the impression that the water itself was blood.

Here and there in the creek bed were depressions filled with gravel, which, owing to the diverse types of stone in this area, looked like a kalidascope in motion, or as was voiced, a beautiful aquarium, with the coloured stones on the bottom.

We criss-crossed the creek for a while until we came upon the most amazing place. There was a small gorge with high rock protrusions on each side , and through that gorge the waters had gouged out some rock pools. These were deep, clear and cold.  Below, there was a broadening, and then back into a narrower gorge again, which curved to the left out of our sight.

This was truly a magical place, and although there was some local kids availing themselves of the cool waters when we arrived, the atmosphere was absolutely electric!   We split up immediately and went in all directions, each desperately seeking their "own spot".  It was as if there was no time to lose, and we looked, felt, and sensed, with a sense of urgency.  

Slowly the urgengy abated and we again formed into little groups for a chat, or wandered off alone to soak up the energies in this place, or merely sat and contemplated. It was amazing to see the range of emotions being experienced by those of us here.

Andrew braved the cold waters and headed off downstream to see a further waterfall as described by Brett. The water was deeper than Brett remembered, possibly due to the heavy rain in the area "flushing " gravel bed to lower areas.  Joanne and Mick followed, passing a sleepy snake (don't know what type, we didn't get too close!) along the way.  Farther down there was some more small pools and some small falls.   Joanne decided to slide down one of the falls, but only succeeded in blocking the flow for a few moments, then nearly getting "shot out of a cannon" by the build up of water behind her. (for self preservation, I will make no further comment about women's bums being better for damming purposes....)   

Back at the pools, Brett told us some of  the Aboriginal legends associated with this place.  We lounged about and had lunch, all the while voicing our love of this site.

Due to time constraints, we left early and made our way upstream, back to the cars, and after the usual hugs, departed.

Part 2

Owing to the inevitable changes in situation, Ron & Mandy couldn't make the Sunday trip. It was a week and a bit later that Ron and  Mandy, guided by Mick, came to this site.   Again there was an initial meandering around, and then a settling down for a good "yarn".   We could have solved the problems of the world, if only all the kings, queens and presidents and most of the population of the planet had been lining those valley walls and listening.

Again a deep feeling day, with no malice, only good.

Mick's Musings

This is a place of never ending wonder.

Love the red rock !

Would like to see it with the right sun or moon position.....

Fabulous colours all around..... In the rock, in the pools, in the vegetation.

Strange grotto of palms near "Brett's spot"

That water was COLD! (for a while)

Even little shrimp can bite.

I've never seen Elaine so quiet.....

Was the snake the symbol of the mother (earth)?  It was rather placid.

I felt an intensifying of energies when we sat around in group.

There is magic in those rocks.

This is the kind of site which needs to ve revisited - often!