20 February, 2013

Visiting :: Moonee Beach Nature Reserve

A couple of weekends ago I took myself on a solo road-trip and headed south following the Richmond and Clarence rivers, both still swollen from ex-cyclone Oswald. The effects were still clearly visible from the highway: inland lakes where there should be cane fields; flood-wrecked furniture piled high, waiting to be collected and the distinct stench of swamped vegetation drying out after the rain... It is sobering to see the results of cyclones and floods and reminds me how fragile and yet resilient the natural world is (including us humans).

My destination was the mid-North Coast to visit a dear friend who has relocated from Sydney. During my stay we visited the stunning Moonee Beach Nature Reserve, just north of Coffs Harbour. Here, Eastern grey kangaroos live, undisturbed and uninhibited by those who trek along the headland. They are a formidable sight up close and I took heed of the warning signs and only took photos from a safe, and (I hoped) non-threatening distance (yay zoom lens). The signs along the path warn that if attacked by one of these creatures it's best to curl up in a feotal position on the ground and protect yourself by taking a dismissive position! Thankfully I didn't need to test that out.

Today, instead of a blog full of photos, I've decided to stretch myself a bit creatively and share a slideshow/video I  put together from images I captured on the Moonee walk.



For those interested, I used the Windows Live Movie Maker program to create this (free, really basic and a great place for a novice such as myself to start). The music in this video was found via a search for "ambient" creative commons licensed work. I tried to find a "sound" that  matched the atmosphere of the headlands: the stark, wild and windswept landscape. I hope you like it and can forgive my beginner's attempts at video-making!

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We only spent a short time at this place, but it would make a fantastic day-trip, I feel. There's maps and details on the National Parks and Wildlife page here if you are interested.

x
Megan



4 comments:

  1. So amazing that you can take yourself on a solo trip! It must be fun to be in your own head for a while. Great idea with the video by the way x

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  2. It is a rare treat for me, Ruby, and yes was amazing to hear my own thoughts for a while!!

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  3. You have shared a place very close to my heart Megan. I spent four years studying a plant that grows only on those headlands - you probably walked on it ;-) It has small beautiful star shaped flowers.

    I spent many days enjoying those views. I was also lucky enough to be involved in a survey of the Solitary Islands - one of which was seen in your pics. We helicopter hopped between the islands. Fun!

    Love your video x t.

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    1. Wow, Trish! What a place to work. This was my first visit and I was blown away by how beautiful it is. I can see a lot of good work has gone into conserving it - you have obviously been a big part of that :)
      I'd love to go island hopping there! I'd especially love to visit the lighthouse... One day I shall do that.
      xx

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