According to the map it was to be a short days walk, although there were two short side walks to a series of waterfalls. We set off fairly early, walking through eucalyptus scrub which quickly became deep rainforest. After about an hour we came to the first falls track. D’Alton Falls (above) were lovely, although you couldn’t get very close. Along the same side track was the turnoff to Fergusson Falls. We walked down to the base of the falls and sat down for a while, with the wind carrying a fine spray of water from the falls. As we watched, a gust of wind shook the leatherwood trees and a shower of white petals swirled down to us.
The final side walk for the day led to Hartnett falls. The last bit of the path ran right along the edge of a cliff, that had been undercut by the river. At the bottom the cliff towered up and overhead, and on the other side a wall of deep forest rose almost as steeply. I peeled off my socks and boots and paddled through the fairly shallow river to find a good spot for a photo. I don’t think my feet have ever been so cold!
Finally we got back on to the main track, and set off for the next hut at Windy Ridge. Clouds were starting to gather, and we had a few drops of rain. By the time we got to the hut it was beginning to rain heavily, and we decided to skip the next nights stay if the weather got worse!