It was a marvelously misty, dark and drizzling day and Bear and I decided it was the perfect day for a trek in the hills. So, armed with hats, water bottles, and rolls of peppermints, we hopped in the ute (Australian for pick-up) and drove out through Killarney, Queensland. We drove past lush green fields dotted with cows and under towering trees that dripped down onto the car roof.
We were in search of waterfalls.
Up, up along narrow winding roads we drove until a small sign bearing a drawing of a camera and the words “Daggs Falls” brought us to a skidding halt.
Donning our hats we walked down the hill to a small trail leading to a wooden boardwalk that jutted out over the edge of the cliff.
And this is what we saw.
I was stunned. Never in my wildest imaginings had I pictured waterfalls like this only an hour from my front door! I gazed in awe as the mist settled in a veil of droplets over my hair, patting my jittery stomach as I leaned out over the edge to see the water plummeting down to the valley floor far below.
Straightening up I glanced back over my shoulder through the canopy of gum trees, just able to catch a glimpse of emerald hills, soft and fuzzy in the rain.
Sighing with delight, I got back in the ute and we continued on our drive, stopping again at the trail head leading to Queen Mary Falls. It was drizzling again but the rain was warm so we headed for the woods, following the trail as it wended through the sodden bush.
How I love hiking in the woods! The deep stillness that seems so quiet at first but then dissolves into myriad little sounds: water dripping onto fallen leaves, lizard scurrying through the undergrowth, birds twittering unseen.
As we came around a bend in the trail, the sun broke through the mist for a moment, turning the deliciously eerie woods into a golden park.
At last we’d found the stream that gurgled peacefully between grassy banks, flowing steadily towards the cliff that would turn it from a placid creek into a glorious waterfall.
We stood on the bridge for a long time, soaking up the scent of loamy earth and rain-washed leaves, feeling all our little stresses wash away.
We took one last glance at the stream before plunging into the woods again, getting ever closer to the Queen Mary Falls I’d heard so much about.
And I’ll show you that tomorrow. 🙂
Where is your favorite place to go for a walk?
So lush and green and wonderful! I’m guessing you’ll be visiting there again sooner rather than later. A great collection of photos too.
Thanks for dropping by my blog, lovely to hear from you again.
I definitely will be going back as soon as possible! 🙂 I’d love to see it in the sunshine AND in the fall armed with hot chocolate and cookies. 🙂
looks like a fairytale! Things are just different enough looking there compared to North America, that it really captures my attention.
I think it does too, dear Margo!! 🙂 It looked so familiar yet so strange at the same time. 🙂 I’m so glad you feel the same way. 🙂
You look so beautiful in that shot!
Oh, thank you, Erin! 🙂 Being out in the woods ALWAYS makes me happy. 🙂
So beautiful! Isn’t it great when you find adventures so close to home? 🙂
It IS great, Amy! 🙂 Definitely satisfies my travel longings. 🙂
Hey Krista! You look pretty happy there. I would too 🙂 if I can just hop on the plane and go to this beautiful country.
I am very happy here, Elra. 🙂 Such a beautiful country with dear, dear people. 🙂
That looks amazing!! what a place and what pictures. So very green and tropical – that’s one thing you miss in the South of Spain. Another place to add to my wish-list
Thank you, John! I hope you get to visit here very soon. I’ve only been here a few months but I absolutely love it. 🙂
I think we have some kind of brain wave thing going on because I had your page open fo like two hours today, since when I was about to leave a comment, I was called out to help a friend pick out shoes lol I came home, and there’s a comment from you! n any event – WOW, those photos of the Falls, streams and nature in Queensland are extraordinary! I can’t stop scrolling through them in between typing. You look amazing – happy, healthy and gorgeous!! xo
Hey, hey! That’s so cool, Lisa. 🙂 Love it when things like that happen! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so happy here and I’m glad it shows. 🙂
Beautiful photos, Krista! You live in a wonderful place!
Thank you, Zita. 🙂 I’m so glad you think it’s wonderful too! I love it so much. 🙂
It sounds like the perfect place for a walk Krista. I can’t wait for Spring!!!!
It sure is, dear Val! 🙂 I bet you can’t wait until Spring!! It must be so cold there still. 🙂 Wishing you a short Winter and early Spring. 🙂
These photos absolutely pull you in. I felt like I was in the midst of the photo. That is powerful. From you, I expect such greatness.
That makes me so happy, Chaya. 🙂 XO I love picturing you there, speechless with delight. 🙂
Gorgeous. Great photos and blog design too. I love to hike in the foothills above Boulder or Golden in Colorado, near where I live. I may go snowshoeing this Friday, and if so, I’ll definitely post a blog about it.
I will love to see your photos of that, Bess! I’ve only driven through Colorado but wow, it was stunning. I’d love to see more. 🙂
I feel like I need to make it my life’s ambition to move to Australia and possibly stalk you so I get to see all these beautiful things. If you ever see a red head with a camera tripping behind you or freaking out at the nature, chances are very good its me.
Oh you crack me up, Deanna! 🙂 If I DO see such a phenomenon, I shall wave you over and we will go adventuring. 🙂
i’m always in awe of your images….stunning photography 🙂 visiting your blog always makes me smile…
Thank you so much, dear Shruti. Hearing that makes ME smile! 🙂 xo
My god these pictures are sensational!!! And you of course look gorgeous!
Thank you, dear Andi! 🙂 So much.
Wow,Its awesome pic.I love this place. One of the best blogs I’ve read. Will definitely recommend to others. Good work. Looking forward to the next one.
It really a gorgeous pics.You have done a good job by sharing these pics with us.I would never have normally come here to read the blogs but I’m really glad I did. Will definitely be coming back. Keep in touch with us in future too.