A hike beyond the crowds

Climbing Mount Inari may have been about fighting the crowds and following the numerous tori that lined the trail, but it was also about the lush forest often ignored with the clamour.

The lure of a spirit

The Bay Trail from St Kilda to Port Melbourne was about a five kilometre trip one way. I stepped on to the trail somewhere at the midpoint and usually turned south, but that day I headed in the opposite direction. Far in the distance sat the Spirit of Tasmania and I had this urge for ages to walk right to the pier.

A hike to Point Ormond Hill

I headed south past the lighthouse along the path that meandered close to Port Phillip Bay. On this perfect autumn day, there were plenty of bikers and hikers taking advantage of the sunny conditions. Off shore, sail boats bobbed over the choppy sea while wavelets splashed against the rocks below.

Over a bridge and out to sea

Along the southern end of St Kilda beach, a trickle of water headed into Port Phillip Bay from Elwood Canal. This was once Elwood Creek during the days when much of the area was swamp and birds swarmed over the muddy creek bed in search of worms.

Further along magpie lark creek

I decided to head back to a trail I once religiously exercised along near Bulimba Creek. I often trekked the route before six in the morning. After that time, Brisbane’s summers were just too hot.

Whippoorwill Point Loop

I’d already ascended from Sandy Cove, so what the heck, I thought, I might as well continue along the trail. There was no one to disturb my temporary ownership except the occasional call of a bird.

Sandy Cove Beach

Tucked away from Harrison Hot Springs was Sandy Cove Beach. It may have only been about a kilometre up and down a winding path, but it seemed like a world away. I met no one along the trail but when I arrived at the beach, a flock of birds took off, their wings clapping the air.