Thirteen people braved the cold, foggy and wet conditions on the July FOBIF walk to the Rock of Ages. This magical site is situated on top of Mount Moorul which is a couple kilometres north of Maldon. It is part of the Nuggetty Ranges.
Some of the walkers on 17 July. Photo by Bronwyn Silver
At first fog prevented us from seeing the normally magnificent views from the summit. However the weather cleared and while walking along Nuggetty Track you could see north for miles. The Hedge Wattle Acacia paradoxa pictured on the right in the photo below was growing throughout the area.
View from Nuggetty Track, Photo by Bronwyn Silver, 21 July 2011.
Miles Geldard led the walk and provided an entertaining and informative commentary about the geology of the area and its fauna and flora. Two of the few plants in flower were Purple Coral-pea Hardenbergia violacea growing on granite bolders on the Rock of Ages and Small-leaf Clematis Clematis microphylla.
Purple Coral-pea. Photo by Genis Wylde.
Small-leaf Clematis. Photo by Genis Wylde.
Rock Ferns Cheilanthes sp. had clearly benefitted from months of regular rain.
Rock Fern. Photo by Bronwyn Silver.
Click on image for info/order page
Click on image for info/order page
Click on image for info/order page
The photos tell a good story: Walkers in the fog makes it look like it will be a damp, dull day. But the view and the purple pea show that there is no need to let the weather hold you back. The fog add dramatic atmosphere and makes the clematis shot into a winner. I think I missed a good walk.