By KRIS CARNELL
THE Stanthorpe Field Naturalist Club took its first walk of the year, an exploratory walk to Slip Rock, one of the high areas in the Girraween National Park.
Nine members left their cars at the northern end of Pyramid road and followed the fire trail by a series of sharp ascents, along the northern boundary fence of the park for several kilometres.
They then headed in a southeasterly direction along the ridge line over rock outcrops bordered by huge granite boulders interspersed by thick areas of scrub.
Good views of Mt Norman, Bald Rock and the road below leading to Dr Robert’s Waterhole could be enjoyed from the top of the ridge.
After lunch it was only a short walk to the destination of the expansive area of flat rock known as Slip Rock and the rock intrusion area known as the Roman Road. At an altitude of 1168 metres this area gives views in all directions.
Spring is the best time to enjoy the diversity of flora in this area but some species were in bloom, along with an interesting array of seed pods on plants that had finished flowering.
Quite a few species of birds were heard calling and sighted as well as a swamp wallaby.
Please note that the start time for the outing to the Tooloom National Park on 23 February is now 8am at Weeroona Park, or meet at the Legume Post Office at 8.55am (Queensland Time)
The next meeting of the Stanthorpe Field Nats will be on 26 February at the CWA rooms Victoria Street Stanthorpe at 7.30 pm. The program Grampians 2012 will be given by Kris and Margaret Carnell.
