Adventures in Real Life

Tag: North Queensland

  • The philosophy of growing caterpillars

    The philosophy of growing caterpillars

    Isn’t it funny how quickly things can change. Only a week or so ago, I was getting excited that our native Dutchman’s Pipe vine was still kicking on in the canopy of our tree, then a couple of large butterflies of both sexes were spotted multiple times. Today, the final part of the puzzle: caterpillars.…

  • Return of the Birdwings

    Return of the Birdwings

    Just when I was thinking about planting a new native Dutchman’s Pipe vine, I started seeing butterflies in the yard again. Males and females have floated through, including this huge male, the biggest I’ve probably seen at around 15cm across. That lead me to gaze upwards into our tree and realise that the original vine…

  • On the Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island

    On the Thorsborne Trail, Hinchinbrook Island

    If you live in North Queensland, a visit to Hinchinbrook Island is a must. If you are physically able, walking the Thorsborne Trail along the length of this iconic island takes it to the next level. It’s been a long time since I was there, and my efforts to walk the trail again were thwarted…

  • Something in the air

    Something in the air

    A cool breeze is blowing this morning, ridding us of the baked heat that normally sets in by 6am. It’s been coming on for about a week but this morning it’s definitive: Summer is over. In the North, seasons don’t pass through the cycle of Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring the same way as other places.…

  • Wet season meditations

    Wet season meditations

    It has been raining today.

  • Mt Bartle Frere – Western Ascent

    Mt Bartle Frere – Western Ascent

    This is the trip that first gave me aching knees, so it seems appropriate that it be the first track I discuss here. I’ve been up the mountain three times in all, and each time left me with a lingering physical reminder that I am an all too breakable human.