It was a small group that set out on a calm, sunny day. The first part of the walk included two steep hills which raised the heartbeat and warmed us up.
Then it was a lovely stroll along Ridgeview Track with swathes of pale-yellow Sweet Wattle, where we were pleased to find leaves and a few flowers of Fringed Hare Orchids hiding amongst Tassel Rope-rush making them very difficult to see.
Exploring along Ridge View Track
Other orchids included Tiny and Brown-tipped Greenhoods and leaves of Red Beaks, Sun Orchids and Flying Duck Orchids. Common Heath was just beginning to flower and at the corner of Shiny-eye and Harrison South tracks we could see the heath will be looking amazing in a month or so. As well as Scented Sundews we noticed the Tiny Sundew with their central area that breaks away to form new plants.
Several large, attractive, White-stemmed Acacia Moths, were found along the track. Both male and female were seen with the males having more obvious feathery antennae.
Female Acacia Moth
Peter and Ollie were lucky to observe a small Tiger Snake quietly moving away from the track. Further along a pair of Wedge-tailed Eagles was sighted soaring along the valley. A right-hand bend led us to the new crossing with large stepping-stones surrounded by flowering Yellow Rice-flower and Coral Fern and up the steps to the new table, a perfect place for an early lunch.
At the new crossing
Yellow Rice-flower
Not far from the lunch site we looked for Southern Emu-wrens in low vegetation, but they were not to be seen this time.
Towards the end of the walk is a well-placed seat with lovely views of the Anglesea valley and a place to contemplate the peaceful scene.
Overlooking the valley
With tired legs it was satisfying to reach Gum Flats Rd, the end of our almost 10 km walk. Harrison Track may be a new addition to our updated Friends Walks Book.
Alison Watson