Christmas Bells

Christmas Bells
Christmas Bells - Blandfordia nobilis

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Carrington Falls - after a wet week

Here is a shot of Carrington Falls taken today.
We have had 173mm of rain over the last 4 days. With a very small catchment (a mere 3 Km to Knights Hill) - it probably would have been more spectacular if I had braved the driving rain on Tuesday when we got 62 mm in 24 hours. But some times I lack the determination necessary to get the ultimate shot. It was a cold wet week, so I stayed inside as much as possible.


But Kirsten told me on the phone this morning that after a week of not getting out and about, she wanted to go for a walk somewhere, and I  know she is fond of Carrington Falls. Why not check it out after a decent rainfall?


Carrington Falls after four days of rain.


Today, the most noticeable feature was the roar coming from the water rushing over the falls, and down into the narrow canyon below. You could hear the Falls - loudly - from the car park at "Thomas's Place" - the main carpark near the Falls.


There were many trees down, because of the wind we have experienced recently.


There are some forest dwellers which thrive in the rain. 

This Jelly Fungus is obviously one such entity.

Orange Jelly Fungus (Probably Tremella mesenterica)
This fungus was growing on a fallen branch of a Hakea, in the wet forest just near the main lookout - the one opposite the Falls. The area was clouded in spray mist and low cloud. You can see the drop of moisture collected, as if it was on someone's runny nose.


The next species I noticed which also grows happily on the floor of the wet forest there is the "Tall Greenhood" (Bunochilus longifolius).


Note the long leaves on Bunochilus longifolius

That is not a great shot, but it was across a fence, and in amongst a patch of wet ferns, so I chose not to get "down and dirty" for a closer shot. This link above takes you to a much better close-up of mine.





6 comments:

Flabmeister said...

Denis

It is interesting where the boundary of the rainfall comes.

Carwoola etc has been cool but dry this week. A visiting "Essential Energy" person told me it had bucketted down in Braidwood the whole time but stopped at Doughboy's Corner. On my expedition yesterday Hoskinstown was dry but the road started to get damp at Forbes Creek.

This pretty much matches where, IMHO, the vegetation starts to inter grade from tablelands towards coastal.

Martin

Denis Wilson said...

Hi Martin
Well, the trees of the Braidwood road are telling you something. It becomes very clear, especially east from Braidwood - to the top of the Clyde.
The tall wet forest only grows where there is sufficient rain (long term) to support their fantastic growth.
The Doughboy corner has Snow Gums from memory - they're medium rainfall plants.
Of course, it is not JUST about rainfall - as the soil changes also affect growth. The heath county near the Shoalhaven crossing proves that. Crappy soil, even though the rain is adequate, will only support heath plants and low, scrubby gums. Pines will survive there.
I love "reading the country" just as you are doing.
One day we shall have to repeat my "circuit of the Shoalhaven" trip. It is fascinating.

Anonymous said...

what!? No comment about my charming hitch-hiker I acquired while there. Found another baby one when I got home just below where the other had been.
Kirsten

Denis Wilson said...

I think you must have imported it from below the Escarpment.
.
For those not in on the joke, Kirsten managed to pick up two leeches while at Carrington Falls. I escaped unscathed (fortunatley).
.
I do not manage well with Leech bites
as has been reported previously.

Anonymous said...

Hi Denis,
Finally again a fungus. In fact, he looks like the kind mentioned. However, I would always exercise caution, with the fungi were not under the microscope. While there are a number of cosmopolitans of mushrooms, but often seen later that this is not the case.

How are you healthy?

Peter

Denis Wilson said...

Hi Peter
Sorry for the lack of Fungi, this season. We missed out on the good late summer rains, so it was not a great season for Fungi.
I usually try to "hedge my bets" on specific names for Fungi - for as you indicate - the differences need to be verified under microscope.
I am afraid that is beyond my expertise.
That particular fungus is relatively commonly reported here.
Cheers
Denis