Native FlowerLuscious Rainforest from the top of Yokahu TowerYokahu TowerLuscious Rainforest from the top of Yokahu TowerLa Mina Trail
Hiking to the La Mina Falls. 2.5kms return.
La MIna FallsVery busy at La Mina FallsGrande Bano
El Yunque National Rainforest is at Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. It covers 28,000 acres and receiving more than 200 inches of rain per year. If you love the nature and enjoy hiking, it’s worth a visit. We did the La Mina Trail which I think is an easy grade. It is narrow and paved and may require stepping off the paved track to let an oncoming traffic pass. Don’t wait to go for swim at La Mina Falls because it can get really packed when you get there unless you get there early. Go and swin at the water holes you will pass by. I think it would be more enjoyable than sharing the waterfall with a hundred and one tourists.
Federal FallsJunction FallsThe hidden sign that we missedAdelina FallsWild FlowerWild Flowers
The South Lawson Waterfall Circuit track has three waterfalls. It is equally an invigorating walk and amazing nature photography of the waterfalls, wild flowers, mossy trees and the wetland. It’s such a beautiful track. The track is not too far away from Sydney as it’s in the lower Blue Mountains. It will take about 1.5 hours from Sydney. It’s certainly off the beaten track. The small entrance to the circuit was located near Honour Avenue and Livingstone Street in South Lawson. The track was three kilometres long and would have probably taken about an hour and half to complete if we didn’t get lost. There’s a small carpark at the track entrance that would only fit about five cars but there are many street parking around the quaint neighbourhood.
It’s incredibly easy to get lost in the bushland. Most tracks look almost identical. We had an almost SOS moment and was lost for about an hour. We had to hitch-hike to find my car as we ended up in a different exit. Thanks to my smartphone GPS and the kind guy who gave us a lift to find my car…
TIP: When bushwalking, it’s best not to go on your own. Wear comfortable sturdy shoes and take a small GPS (or compass) and lots of water with you.
Chairlifts in ThredboChairlifts in ThredboMt KosciuzkoSnowy River from the melting snowRock HoppingLakeA kilometre more of this uphillTrekking across the snowOn top of AustraliaOn top of AustraliaHeading downTop of Thredbo
Mt Kosciuszko is the tallest mountain in Australia. It stands 2.2 kilometres above sea level.
Fourteen years ago, I climbed up to the Summit. The 18 kilometre return climb started from Charlotte Pass which took most part of the day. Unknowingly, I was pregnant with my first child.
Fourteen years later, we went back. With aging body and a little less fit, we started the climb from Eagle’s Nest in Thredbo. We took the chairlift to get to the top of Thredbo. From Eagle’s Nest, the steep climb to the peak of the mountain was 13 kilometres return. When we arrived at the peak, the weather suddenly changed. The vivid blue sky turned to a dark navy blue colour. It was windy and the rain was threatening to bucket down.
It’s spectacular to be on top Australia. It was incredibly nice to be closer to the clouds…
Parramatta LakeParramatta LakeParramatta LakeParramatta LakeParramatta Lake
Lake Parramatta Reserve is a 75ha bushland reserve which is located within two kilometres of the Parramatta CBD which is about 30 kilometres from Sydney. The entrance to Parramatta Reserve is from Lackey Street, off Bourke Street in North Parramatta. This reserve is popular picnic, swimming and fishing spot with local residents in the area. If you are a nature lover, you would like this spot with all its beautiful wildlife, flora and fauna and a stunning lake. What I like in this Reserve in particular is the walking tracks. It offers three well-signed walks, of varying length and difficulty, though none of the walks are very challenging. The three walks to choose from ranging from easy to hard are the following: 1) She Oak Track (1550m) 2) Banksia Trail (2450m) and 3) Lake Circuit (4200m). The Lake Circuit is a must do for those looking for a longer enjoyable bushwalking.
I went bushwalking in Lake Parramatta with a girlfriend. We did the 4 kilometre Lake Circuit Track around the lake which took us a good 1.5 hours (this includes the stops for some pretty photo opportunities). The track was beautiful. We came across a few wildlife such as; three quarters of a metre-sized goanna, lizzards of many different colours and sizes, native Australian birds and a variety of ducks. I stepped over a coiled brown snake hiding under a rock. (Surprisingly, I didn’t die of freaking out.)
I generally go all the way up to the Blue Mountains to go bushwalking which is about an hour drive from where I live. I didn’t realize that we have a local gem just 15 minutes away. Thanks to a ‘Sydney running track’ google search result. Having said that, I highly doubt that I will go back. The thought of that brown snake that I stepped over, still sends shivers down my spine. However, if snakes don’t bother you, I recommend to do the track or perhaps, go around Winter where the cold-blooded creatures are all hybernating. 😀
Freelance Wanderer 