by elizabeth e.
Member since:
January 6, 2006

Lesmurdie Falls

September 19, 2009 10:10 AM EDT
views: 186 | comments: 76

The other afternoon Magi and I went over to hike up to Lesmurdie Falls.  For the most part the "moderate" trail follows the river as it meanders through tall bamboo, wild flowers, and native bushes.  http://media-files.gather.com/images/d954/d958/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Australia's native vegetation provides a constant and stimulating reminder that you're not really in Massachusetts anymore.

 

"The photographers" at work.

 

 

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"Grass trees" are among the oddest of Australian plants I have encountered.  Formerly in times before we felt the need to be politically correct, they were known as Blackboys, from their resemblance to an Aborigine brandishing a spear.  Resin exudes from the blackened, stubby trunk above which flares a skirt of grass-like leaves and a spectacular flower spike.  Grass trees depend on fire for their growth, reaching a maximum height of about 16 feet.

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Reaching the bottom of the falls we rested before heading home to the Villa.  It was a good day for hiking and we got some really awesome shots.

Photos by Magi and Bob.
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Comments: 76

Granny Janny H. Sep 19, 2009, 10:14am EDT
Featured in Celebration of Collaboration and Inspiration.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 10:26am EDT
Thanks for the feature. I will tell Mag in the morn when he wakes up. These hiking days take a lot out of him...he went to bed around 9. I think it's about time for me to find my bed now. Exhausted from a full day. And Mag's server doesn't help matters...it took me several hours to get this up.
Granny Janny H. Sep 19, 2009, 10:16am EDT
Now that's a lovely shot of Magi! And they are all wonderful. I remember learning about the grass tree.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 10:23am EDT
Finally, you get to see Magi. Funny thing....when we get back from a photo/hike we look at each other's pictures and have the other delete those pictures that don't show us in the most favorable light.
Granny Janny H. Sep 19, 2009, 10:28am EDT
That is naturally your prerogative.
If I had my way, Jan, I'd delete all of the ones of me.

You do lie so magnificently, Jan, in your praise of a fugitive from the Ape House. But thank you very much, anyway.
Bernadette H. Sep 19, 2009, 7:38pm EDT
I you surprised she slipped that one past you. But fairs fair - there's a lot you have taken of Bob. Love the photo and the waterfalls.
Granny Janny H. Sep 19, 2009, 7:39pm EDT
I do my best to tell the truth, sir.
You are most kind, my dear friend.
As I sit on my back porch, listening to the hummingbirds whiz around the feeder and the other birds fussing over perches, I am transported to Oz. What a beautiful place you two have journeyed to. It certainly seems to be worth the hike. I can almost hear the waters rushing over the land....simply fantastic. It's also very nice to see you both, enjoying the outdoors and making memories of places visited.
Now tell me, how much vegemite has been devoured and how many banana smoothies did it take to make this incredible hike? :)
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:13pm EDT
The blender Magi bought several months ago is constantly running with banana smoothies and lemon/honey drinks to fuel our hikes. Lesmurdie Falls is only a hop and a skip from Magi's front door (maybe 3 miles at most). Mag has the best of two worlds living at the base of the foothills...about 12 miles from the city of Perth if you desire city life and a mile from the natural world in the hills. Forrestfield has lots of open space.
It sounds delightful, Bob. I am so glad you are able to go visit Magi and the two of you can share this with us. I smile each time I think about it! Are you becoming a "pro" with the lingo? I bet you fit right in. Hugs to both you and Magi!
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:18am EDT
I have more confidence now after several weeks understanding the lingo that surrounds me! Lol Though people right away know I'm not from Oz once I open my mouth...they can tell I'm a Yankee. All the people I have met in Oz are most friendly and start conversations at a drop of a hat.
Justin Reid Sep 19, 2009, 10:19am EDT
That looks amazing, im extremely jealous of you getting to go there and not me!
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:16pm EDT
Justin...hold on...you are young...you have many adventures ahead of you. Just keep dreaming and you too will walk among Blackboys.
Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Sep 19, 2009, 10:20am EDT
It looks wild and untame! Love those waterfall pictures~
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:17pm EDT
Much of the Australian bush is completely untamed. Mag keeps telling me to not wander too far off the trail or I could get lost for days.
Vicky Duggins Sep 19, 2009, 10:45am EDT
Is this still sort of making you pinch yourself...

"The other afternoon Magi and I went over to hike..."

Beautiful photos. I guess you'll just have to stay a good long while!
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:26pm EDT
I do have to pinch myself constantly....yes, I am in Australia...yes, I am hiking with a friend I have known for 21/2 years but only met in the ether. I would urge all Gatherites to make every effort to meet those of their connections they feel most connected with. In print, Carolyn Madden is funny...in real life, she is a hoot! I'm so glad I was able to share her life "in reality" for a week. Same goes for Magi.....good company.
Vicky Duggins Sep 19, 2009, 8:28pm EDT
How many guest rooms would you say they have ;)
Sharon P. Sep 19, 2009, 12:39pm EDT
What an absolutely stunning area. Wonderful photo essay. Thank you.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:19am EDT
Thanks Sharon for stopping by. Western Australia is absolutely beautiful. Spring is the perfect time to visit.
Linda T. Sep 19, 2009, 1:06pm EDT
Oh hell! I am still in Massachusetts! Of all the places you have posted this is my favorite by far. I love the falls. It would have been hard to get me to leave such a beautiful area.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:20am EDT
I do believe we need to go back to the Falls and see what wildflowers can be found up there now.
flit . Sep 19, 2009, 1:07pm EDT
I definitely looks like a totally different world! I SO want to visit Austrailia someday.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:25am EDT
Once you get away from the city of Perth (you just have to go about 12 miles) and you are up in the hills surrounding Perth. Magi has it made...today we went into the city....around nine-thirty on a two way highway....and experienced no traffic.

I live about 40 miles south of Boston and it takes hours during peak times to get into the city. Back to back traffic.
Kathryn E. Sep 19, 2009, 1:17pm EDT
Stunning beauty...

is it hot there?

Featured in the Triple Name Club.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:28pm EDT
If you noticed I started out with a fleece jacket but had to shed it before even going half way up the river. I think it was about 60 degrees that afternoon.
Faith H. Sep 19, 2009, 2:35pm EDT
It is a good thing you both take such beautiful photos, so I can experience this delightful journey. I'm usually the one who brings a camera and then is so busy absorbing the views that I forget to take pictures.
Just a gorgeous waterfall.
You are most kind, Faith. Thank you very much.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:32pm EDT
One of the neat things about "our photo shoots" is to see how different we perceive our environment. I've noticed this with Fran too. What one sees as a good image, the other passes by. Then when we are sorting photos later on at the Villa, we get to see the other's perspective on the place.
awesome pictures!
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:38pm EDT
Thanks Nancy* for stopping by. I bow to you.
Nancy S. Sep 19, 2009, 3:07pm EDT
The pictures are just awesome Bob. How I would love to join you. So glad you had this opportunity.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:44pm EDT
It's an opportunity of a lifetime, Nancy. When I finally made the decision to retire last March, I knew I needed something to replace going back to school in September. Most of my friends are teachers and come the last week in August would be busy getting their rooms ready for a "new beginning". After 41 years of "opening school" in September, should I have stayed in Mass., I think I would be sadly depressed.

Funny thing, really haven't thought of school at all except for seeing two groups of kindergarteners, all in uniform, exploring the port city of Fremandle on Friday.
Roy ā˜Æ Hilbinger Sep 19, 2009, 3:46pm EDT
Great hike! Looks like one of mine. Heh, heh!

So how does it feel to experience Spring twice in the same year?
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 8:46pm EDT
You would love it here, Roy. You should see all the birds. Amazing...it's like an aviary back home.....but these colorful birds are free and just flying around.
Peregrine * Sep 19, 2009, 5:40pm EDT
I really like the multicolored rock shot. Looks like you are having a great adventure!
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:20pm EDT
A most excellent adventure. The rock shot is Magi's....he saw the beauty of it.
Marge H. Sep 19, 2009, 6:35pm EDT
Glorious. I really envy you and I hope to visit Australia some day. Thank you both for sharing your beautiful photos. I'm sorry that some of my comments were so generic but I was so far behind and I really wanted to see everything before Russ gets home and I'm occupied for the rest of the weekend.
It is our pleasure, Marge, to show folks a little of what Perth, Western Australia is like. Thank you, my friend.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:23pm EDT
Don't worry about the nature of your comments...Mag and I are so far behind in commenting on our friends, it's dreadful. His Server is acting up and it takes God awful long just to do one photo/essay. For some reason, it seems to be doing alright for the moment...but usually it acts like a patient in the ICU on a respirator.
These really came out well, Bob, except for the one of an escapee from the Ape House at the Perth Zoo. LOL
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:25pm EDT
I smiling, Mag. You take zillions of me that I have posted. You are like a protesting virgin as far as letting your image appear. You are photogenic, despite your protests.
Bob, you said that about all the escapees from the Ape House at the Zoo - you know, the ones on the Wanted posters.
suzie muscrat Sep 19, 2009, 7:36pm EDT
I'm in Massachusetts and it's definitely not Massachusetts - but it is beautiful!!
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:26pm EDT
Lol!
Bernadette H. Sep 19, 2009, 7:39pm EDT
Beutiful phots. I have thing for watefalls but there are few left here are the drought.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:26pm EDT
Mag says this one dries up in the summer so we were very lucky to go there in early spring.
lynn a. Sep 19, 2009, 8:27pm EDT
I for one am tickled to see the "escapee" from the Perth Zoo. I'm jealous though. I want my gray and brown hair to turn all the way white like that ape's. But it just won't do it. You two have taken some awesome photos. Have you thought about putting a book together of photos of Australia? I would buy it.

Did ya'll really eat crocodile that one day? Do you eat crocodile?
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:30pm EDT
I told Mag that people wanted to see images of "himself" instead of me all the time....I'm glad I convinced him. He does have the most beautiful white hair.

No...we never ate crocodile nor kangaroo. Lol
I'm booking in for a head transplant.
Bernadette H. Sep 19, 2009, 10:34pm EDT
Elizabeth - you have to have Coat of Arms Roast Emu, Kangaroo ( and camel not on the coat of arms but fills the plate) A bit rich for me but Crocodile is to die for. Yummy, yummy. Eat it before it eats you.
elizabeth e. Sep 20, 2009, 3:09am EDT
I will try it, Bernadette.
lynn a. Sep 19, 2009, 8:29pm EDT
The orange flowers look much like our flowering quince. We don't have anything to even come close to the Grass Tree. Too cool.
elizabeth e. Sep 19, 2009, 9:32pm EDT
The Grass trees are awesome...everywhere I go it seems I'm taking images of them. They really are cool.
Patricia F. Sep 19, 2009, 9:50pm EDT
Magical....clearly not in Massachusetts! Thank you for taking us along!
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:28am EDT
Oz is a magical place...definitely not the Northeastern United States.
Duckie 1 Sep 19, 2009, 11:06pm EDT

I love this photo essay, Bob and Magi!

The pictures are fabulous... you make me wish I was there, too. You know I'd go nuts for the flora... I'd end up wanting to take specimens home for my gardens here in Illinois (where they'd shiver and die from the cold come winter time... sigh)
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:30am EDT
You know, Duckie, I'm having a real hard time not buying a bucket and a shovel to carry around with me in the car to pick up these wonderful plants and bring them home to Mass. Mag says I will get arrested if I so much as think about digging up wildflowers.
Alison H. Sep 20, 2009, 1:20am EDT
Ooh and ahh, and oh wow, and that's so cool, and can you believe those frilly and spiky pink plants?? Spectacular shots. Great to see you both, too.
Nana to Seven Cutiepies Sep 20, 2009, 12:31pm EDT
Where to begin, it's all so beautiful, I love the flower in the sixth photo down, the color and uniqueness of the way it grows. Then of course are the wonderful waterfalls, wonderful. What is amazing to me is how there is a little of everything in all the places you have written about so far. Beautiful unusual trees, always pretty flowers, here a waterfall, and gorgeous scenery.

Thanks so much for sharing with my group.
Karen E. Sep 21, 2009, 12:26am EDT
It was a beautiful hike, thanks for sharing with us.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:32am EDT
Thanks Karen for going on the hike with us.
d d. Sep 21, 2009, 10:09am EDT
breathtaking! love it.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:40am EDT
Thanks dd for stopping by.
June O. Sep 21, 2009, 11:12am EDT
I see kindness in Magi's face. Something much needed!! I am glad to see it, and it as nice as the wildflowers, rocks etc.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:47am EDT
Magi is indeed kind as well as very thoughtful. I can't believe the things he has done to make my stay enjoyable as well as comfortable. Being a bachelor for the past 20 or so years he could have had difficulty sharing his "space" .....but we both have worked out an arrangement where we have our own personal time. Mag is very orderly and his home is spotless....unlike mine....and yet he doesn't seem to mind my little bit of clutter in "my space".
K D. Sep 22, 2009, 10:33am EDT
I loved that water shot! You take good photos, Elizabeth!
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:48am EDT
Thanks KD for stopping by. I try with my photography....I try.
Rose H. Sep 23, 2009, 7:48pm EDT
Those are stunning images of the rocks and the falls.
It's interesting to see all the wildflowers which look so different, grasstrees and spiky flower branches - awesome photos.
Thanks for taking us along on your hikes, Bob.
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:50am EDT
It's truly amazing to me to see all these absolutely exquisite flowers just growing naturally in the bush, Rose.
Barbary Chaapel Sep 28, 2009, 9:09pm EDT

Great photos, both of you!
elizabeth e. Oct 13, 2009, 7:35am EDT
Thanks Barbary for stopping by. We are having so much fun just wandering around, cameras in hand, snapping here and there. Mag knows so many special places that are just fun to explore.
Sharon P. Oct 13, 2009, 11:58am EDT
What a lovely place.
Wilma M. Nov 20, 2009, 4:47pm EST
Love all the unusual flowers. The grass trees are pretty intriguing.

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