March 13 - Day 2

Day 2 was a day that did not disappoint. It is going to be tough to top each day and have the next turn out to be better than the day before. That is what today was.  A day that was better than the day before.

We set out of Warburton on our way to Alexandra.  It was a tough day of 84 kilometers and about 1,200 meters of climbing.  We started climbing straight away and continued for almost 10K.  It was an absolutely beautiful ride.  We had to cross over the Great Dividing Range.  This took us from the eastern ocean side of the range to western side.  The eastern side seems to be more temperate and wet.  Whereas the western side is much drier and hot.  

The start of the day with its steep climb took us through a tropical rain forest.  When we started out, a fog concealed the mountain tops.  We ascended up into the fog/clouds.  The forest was even more primordial than what we rode through yesterday.  The scene we rode through looked like they could have filmed the movie Jurassic Park in it.

The fog held tight into the trees giving it a beautiful texture.

Various trees gave the ride a tropical almost Paleolithic feel.  This tree fern was one of the unique trees that I have not seen before.

The temperature was cool as we started and got even cooler as we ascended up into the fog.

Once we conquered the major part of the climb for the first part of the day, we came upon the Donna Buang Rainforest Gallery.  What a treat this was.  It had a sky platform that you walked out onto.  It was 40 meters up from the forest floor.  That placed you up in the canopy.  What a view that was and great perspective to take in the rainforest.  Then you descend down to the forest floor.  They have built an elevated walking trail made of steel to minimize visitors impact on the ecosystem.

The trail makes a large loop through the jungle and gives you an amazing experience.  It was so peaceful and serene.  You could feel the power of the forest and an almost zen like feeling came over you. 

The flora and fauna were so lush.

The growth of the jungle was so thick with vines extending from the trees in search of anchorage on the forest floor.

Moss and lichen were attached and growing without soil on the tree branches.

Many of the trees were old growth trees that were hundreds of years old.

The experience was so impressive and moving that I stayed there for quite some time.  There was a stream that had a waterfall at its origin.  The stream was a babbling brook winding its way through and giving life to its world.  

At first, as I stood there I was taken by the silence of the forest.  But then the more that the mind relaxed and became in the moment the more the woods opened up and let itself be heard.  The sound of the water resonated throughout.  The bird songs and movements through the trees could be heard.  The tree frogs sound became clear.  The crickets chirping came on loud and a snake slithering across the floor could be seen.  It was magical to see, hear, smell and feel this rain forest.

There was a sign along the walkway that read:   

"Lost in the bush...  

Isolated and lonely.  

Separated from civilization .  

In an unfamiliar place."  

" Or... Lost in the bush.  

Quietly observing and appreciating.  Obsorbed by it.  

Lost in its beauty."

As you read it you understand that it is all about the perspective you approach anything from...  

It was a beautiful experience and encounter that I will remember.

Once back on the road we continued on a gravel road through the rain forest.  As we came over the summit we began the descent down the backside of the Dividing Range.  The terrain changed and the temperature started to rise.  The lush scenery gave way to a drier, starker landscape.

More of rolling hills with little vegetation and sparse trees.

We had a great lunch stop situated right alongside a creek.  Picturesque!

The afternoon brought about that great feeling of being in the groove.  I left lunch and felt it in my legs.  They had it and wanted to get out and run a bit.  So I let them go to see how they would take me. And off they went!  We made great time and I pulled for another 30K or so.  The legs didn't feel stressed and just ran like a well tuned engine.  It was a good feeling and took us into camp even though the temps had climbed to a difficult level.

It was a fantastic day that I will remember for a long time.  I can only hope tomorrow will be as good.  But I think that will be tough to pull off...  Yet, here is to hoping so.