Searching for Long Clubmoss on the way to the Fortress

Friday was Threatened Species Survey day but it wasn't off to a good start when I woke with another foul headache at about 4am. We set off from the office at about 9:15am but it took longer than anticipated to drive around to Buandik to meet up with the others. We ended up not starting up the track until about 10:30/11:00 am. After the first 300 metres or so on the flat the track started to climb. It was pretty much an upward haul except from one short flat stretch. There were frequent stops to catch our breath, admire the views and look at orchids and heath.

It tried to rain on us a couple of times, but nothing serious enough to warrant digging out the raincoat. It was enough however to make some of the rocks very slippy, and yes I was the one who landed flat on my ample behind (despite the walking boots). I wouldn't have minded so much but it turns out I landed on my sunglasses that Frank and Phill bought me the Christmas before last. On the upside the optician says he can put good quality new plastic lens in for $50, albeit without the brand name.

We continued onwards and upwards until just after 2pm when it became apparent we weren't going to reach our target and get back to the car in the light and so we turned around. The picture below shows where we were aiming for (the block of rock hiding behind the trees in the right of the picture).


This shows the spot where we turned around.


On the way back down I managed to scratch my eye again but the vegetation obviously wasn't as savage as last time as it feels almost fine again now.

Despite not locating any Long Clubmoss it was a great day out with some fantastic scenery, marred only slightly by the slob who left a plastic garbage bag full off rubbish just off the side of the track (must try to remember to take more garbage bags if we get over that way again soon).