Tarn Shelf

The Tarn Shelf

Malcom, an accomplished shutterbug and seasoned bush walker, took three members of the GSE team on a little stroll through the woods. The trek involved gale force winds, numb fingers and faces, rock scrambling, boulder hopping, and clinging on for dear life. Our journey started at the base of the mountain where  immense swamp gums and massive tree ferns dominate. Gums gave way to rain forests which ultimately yielded to the low growing alpine vegetation at higher elevations. The rugged terrain and frosty faces were worth the effort. The views of the glacial valley were spectacular, or specky in Aussie vernacular, and the Fagus added a splash of autumn color to the otherwise hazy day.

windblown but still smiling

Hands in pockets-check
Wistful look into the distance-check
Awesome view-check

Fagus in full color

What is Fagus? Accoring to the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife website, "Deciduous beech (Nothofagus gunnii), or fagus as it is best-known, a humble tree, usually growing to 2 metres or less. You find it in places most would describe as inhospitable. And one of its other names - tanglefoot - is ruefully confirmed by bushwalkers caught up in its twisted, ground-hugging branches. Yet this small Tasmanian tree can claim something few other Australian plants can. It is Australia's only winter-deciduous tree, and you will find it nowhere else in the world except Tasmania. And its autumn display is superb." 

Good thing I brought the Beanie!