Come Hiking With Us [Archive] - Fine art photography forum

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:38 AM

Today we tagged along with a mate who took us on a 10 km hike into the heart of the Australian bush.

The photos are only from my Point and Shoot as we had actually swim across about 6 or 8 rock pools and slide on our bums down steep gradients. Everything had to be able to take water or be waterproofed. Lots of snap lock bags came along for the walk.

I took quite a few shots so I won't put them all here but here's a selection in the next few posts below ...

A recent burnoff has left burnt rock and trees
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00331.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00333.jpg

My wife's bum came along as you'll see later :D
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00338.jpg

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:42 AM

Climbing to the Bluff
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00340.jpg

Looking out from the Bluff towards our destination ... the Gorge
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00351.jpg

Looking through a burnt stump at LeAngel sliding on her butt. Metres later she tore open her pants on a rock. From then on, our guide (Eric) stayed in front and LeAngel kept her butt pointed in my direction :rolleyes:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00353.jpg

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:44 AM

Entering the Gorge
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00365.jpg

Some Fungi
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00369.jpg

Eric hits the water for the first time and mentions something about his jewels disappearing
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00372.jpg

LeAngel hits the water and mentions something about her jewels disappearing??? What???
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00374.jpg

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:47 AM

I wasn't kidding about the swimming bit
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00375.jpg

Slipping into another Gorge rock pool
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00383.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00385.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00387.jpg

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:49 AM

Always pays to look back
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00395.jpg

The rocks were works of art in themselves
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00399.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00400.jpg

Me swimming through a dark narrow bit
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00404.jpg

JAS_Photo

03-08-2009, 03:53 AM

Looks gorgeous!

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:54 AM

LeAngel hits the water again
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00409.jpg

Looking back again
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00415.jpg

Almost out of there
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00419.jpg

And last ... but not least ... What I was look most of the trek ... LeAngel's bum
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/DSC00425.jpg

DISCLAIMER: Yes ... I got her permission to post that

To see ALL the shots I took this morning visit the album here http://s166.photobucket.com/albums/u104/Mad-Aussie/09%20Gorge%20Trek/?start=all
Feel free to post any of the shots you wanted to comment on in this thread if you wish.

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 04:01 AM

It was Raiven ... and only 30 kms from the city.

We didn't even see a single snake outt here yet a week ago Eric and some others saw 6 when he was there.

We saw a large underwater spider though ... that was cool.

JAS_Photo

03-08-2009, 04:50 AM

Underwater spiders? I never knew they were underwater. I am not particularily afraid of spiders. A friend had a pet tarantula. It was cool. But snakes. No. Especially if they are in the water. But it is a beautiful area!

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 04:56 AM

Only saw one underwater spider ... about the size of a 5 yr old child's hand I guess ... spindly looking. Basically they have tiny hairs on the body and legs that catch air so when they run out of their supply they can get more off the legs. They actually catch small fish I believe but mostly little water insects.

Greg_Nuspel

03-08-2009, 07:00 AM

OK I'll come hike with you. That looks like a wonderful spot to go. Come out here and I'll show you a few stream crossings that will re-define cold for you. Nothing like some glacier water to wake you up and make you wonder if you just changed gender:rolleyes:

kat

03-08-2009, 09:31 AM

Really neat looking!

kiley9806

03-08-2009, 01:27 PM

that was a great trip - thanks for taking us along!! beautiful scenery & what a fantastic way to spend a day... that 2nd photo should have a parental discretion advisory before it though! lol :) the mushrooms shot & weird close up to the rocks pic looked very good to me as well... wish i were plunging into that water with ya... we got 3 more inches of snow yesterday. (and good thing you go LAs permission on posting that last shot - thats the 1st thought that popped into my mind! hee hee)

EJC

03-08-2009, 01:52 PM

Greg is right on both counts:

1. You did a fabulous job catching that wonderful scenery
2. If jump in a river in the Alberta Rockies you will need a defibrillator not a camera and life time hormone therapy!

cheers
EJC

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 02:16 PM

Thanks for those comments folks. Yes, I'm under no illusion of cold ... NZ has glaciers and glacier fed rivers etc and we get over there every few years for holidays.
The water wasn't too cold at all ... but after hiking/sliding/pants tearing our way down a 500m 45 degree bank we were quite hot so that didn't help. Once in the water you didn't want to get out.

So hard being there with only a P&S camera though! I wanted a tripod, a wide angle and my DSLR.

With the Hurricane about to hit land in our region I doubt I'll get back there for awhile now. Are you guys getting news about this storm over there? It's packing a punch like Hurricane Katrina apparently, or was last I heard.
We should be ok where we are though, might get flooded in but should stay dry.

kiley9806

03-08-2009, 02:59 PM

yikes - nope, havent heard anything about the storm over there. sure hope you and yours are safe & sound!

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 03:06 PM

I think we'll be ok. It should have settled before it gets here if it does.

EJC

03-08-2009, 04:56 PM

Hey MA

You Aussies are already having a tough year with fires and the economy. I hope this hurricane takes it easy on you. Best wishes!

EJC

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 05:02 PM

Hey MA

You Aussies are already having a tough year with fires and the economy. I hope this hurricane takes it easy on you. Best wishes!

EJC
Thanks EJC. The Hurricane is still Cat 4 but has now turned slightly and is traveling parallel to the coast ... which means it could come closer to us here in Brisbane before crossing the coast. I didn't REALLY want 200+ kph winds for the March assignment http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/groan.gif

Gem

03-08-2009, 07:44 PM

Ewwwww, that second one is SUPER gross! But other than that, nice shots! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-happy106.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org) Sucks you couldn't take your dSLR though :o

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 07:50 PM

Well we do plan to return with DSLR's and tripods but that won't be in a big hurry I don't think. You never know.

One thing about Aussie is the creeks can be flowing along nicely one week and dry and stagnant the next. You have to pick your times. It's also very remote in there so I wouldn't want to get caught in a storm either.

People seem to see different things in that 2nd shot. You should hear what my daughter saw :eek: Not for a nice forum like this! I thought it was cool because it's the roots of a tree that are exposed on the edge of a bank and the fire has licked and burnt the edges but the root remains ok.

Gem

03-08-2009, 07:56 PM

People seem to see different things in that 2nd shot. You should hear what my daughter saw :eek: Not for a nice forum like this! I thought it was cool because it's the roots of a tree that are exposed on the edge of a bank and the fire has licked and burnt the edges but the root remains ok.

Hahah, I think I see the same thing as your daughter. :p;)

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 07:57 PM

I gathered that yes :rolleyes:

casil403

03-08-2009, 08:48 PM

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 08:54 PM

Jeeeeez, I wish where I live looked like that right now! Your post makes me long to go back out to BC as it reminds me of a few places out there on the westcoast.
Looked like a really fun adventure MA! :)
It was ... but you should see us now! :eek: I'm not at work today because I can hardly move! Both LeAngel and I just 'raced' out to get the washing off the line as the rain started ... a sprint race at 1.5 k's per hr is hilarious. Our legs are killing us ... my hips are even sore! Man, 6 months off the bikes and exercise has put 90 yrs on me! I gotta do this more often and strengthen back up!

tomorrowstreasures

03-08-2009, 10:22 PM

Hey MA - i have peeked in a few times today, but did not take time to post anything as I am stressing over proofing 1800+ with baaaaaaaaaaddddddddd digital noise + wb issues... anyway, just want you and LA to know that the hike looks totally awesome and you did a great job with the p/s.
LA - I can do alterations if need be as I am a sewer as well as photog. :D

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 10:59 PM

Hey Thanks TT.
LeAngel used to design, make and sell custom made swimwear and other clothes including even mastectomy bras ... not even those skills will help with the 'rift' that came between us yesterday http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/hihi.gif

tomorrowstreasures

03-08-2009, 11:01 PM

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 11:06 PM

I am a sewer as well as photog. :D
How long have you been transporting sewerage around? :eek:

1800+ photos?? What from?

LeAngel

03-08-2009, 11:32 PM

What!! I said you could show tt not post my butt up for the world... :eek:

Thanks for the offer tt but they hit the rubbish tin after that. They were only $10 Aussie. Think next time i'll make sure I wear two pair, or take a spare pair. It is the one thing I was worried about happening the night before and it came true. Oh well, it was a lot of fun and we could only laugh about it.

We'll get some dry sacks for the cameras and go back in once the storm has long gone and we can walk again....lol

Mad Aussie

03-08-2009, 11:38 PM

What!! I said you could show tt not post my butt up for the world... :eek:
Heeeey ... not my fault all these other perverts came in here and gawked http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/searchme.gif

LeAngel

03-08-2009, 11:51 PM

Heeeey ... not my fault all these other perverts came in here and gawked http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/searchme.gif

If I could move I would run over there and and.... oh never mind.

Gem

03-09-2009, 12:11 AM

MA and LeAngel, you two are funny to listen to! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing002.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

Mad Aussie

03-09-2009, 12:14 AM

MA and LeAngel, you two are funny to listen to! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-laughing002.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)
She's just cranky because at 2 kph I can crawl/cry twice as fast as she can! :rolleyes:

LeAngel

03-09-2009, 12:53 AM

She's just cranky because at 2 kph I can crawl/cry twice as fast as she can! :rolleyes:

Well you may crawl faster than me, but I cry faster, not sure which is better... :eek:

See you in an hour, just going to start dinner 3 hours early to make sure it is on time... :D ( leangel goes to the kitchen from office 30 sec walk normally )

Gem

03-09-2009, 12:58 AM

Well you may crawl faster than me, but I cry faster, not sure which is better... :eek:

See you in an hour, just going to start dinner 3 hours early to make sure it is on time... :D ( leangel goes to the kitchen from office 30 sec walk normally )

That's hilarious, talking to each other through the forums :D

You know you communicate well in your marriage when...... ;)

BlueX

03-09-2009, 01:22 AM

Mad Aussie

03-09-2009, 01:25 AM

Wow MA, I am very jealous! You have some great mt biking and hiking in your backyard. I used to do some hiking too but not since moving to the part of North Carolina I am in right now. It's nothing but beaches and boring flat farmland here. Your pics are enough to make me want to visit there.
It's one small section in a huge area of nothing but Eucalypt forest and small patches of semi tropical rainforest. I'd much rather be hiking/riding around Canada, New Zealand, Colorado, Japan, Bavaria etc.

Gem

03-09-2009, 01:30 AM

Mad Aussie

03-09-2009, 01:32 AM

Wanna switch places then? I wouldn't having a change of weather right now!
If I could I would! Snow would be anice change ...and you can enjoy the Hurricane ... it's raining here now ;)

BlueX

03-09-2009, 02:05 AM

It's one small section in a huge area of nothing but Eucalypt forest and small patches of semi tropical rainforest. I'd much rather be hiking/riding around Canada, New Zealand, Colorado, Japan, Bavaria etc.

Haha... The grass is always greener on the other side, I guess! :D

For some reason, I love hurricanes. I just love bad weather (except tornadoes and earth quakes). There's something dangerous and exciting about them. I don't go and be foolish or anything and I try to prepare for it the best I can. But to me, I like the spice mother nature throws at us. I think I'd change my tune if I was in a really bad situation, though! Good luck!

Mad Aussie

03-09-2009, 02:08 AM

Haha... The grass is always greener on the other side, I guess! :D

For some reason, I love hurricanes. I just love bad weather (except tornadoes and earth quakes). There's something dangerous and exciting about them. I don't go and be foolish or anything and I try to prepare for it the best I can. But to me, I like the spice mother nature throws at us. I think I'd change my tune if I was in a really bad situation, though! Good luck!
Yep ... I'm very much the same as you in this respect.