Girrakool Circuit

Today was the first Mallo Family Adventure since my recent back operation. We set out for a simple and short look walk not too far from home in Brisbane Water National Park - Girrakool circuit. It's amazing how interested the kids have become in our trips simply by adding the word 'exploring'. Carrie made a song up on the way in the car to the start of the walk, which changed each time it was sung, but the general emphasis was the same - "Go the Mallo explorers".

We were in desperate need to get outdoors and do some exploring. Girrakool has aboriginal engravings, lots of plant life a small water fall to explore and a little surprise. After a visit to church the day before I've been left wondering why many Christians believe they should be separate to everything but church and family. Surely nature is God's temple and any spirituality brings all His work together? It was time for us to be outside in the bush. This was also my first bush walk with my minimalist five finger shoes (more on these in another post soon).

We headed down the east track first finding our first Banksia (Bull Banksia). We all wondered are Bansia and bottle brushes related?(the plant for out North American friends) Yes they are the same thing.

We passed the aboriginal engravings without seeing them. We think there were a lot of leaves on the rock slab that probably covered them during out visit. After a bit more research we'll be back to see them soon.

Stopping for a break at a small waterfall was a good fun break and gave Sam the chance to get out of the Macpac Vamoose child carrier to do his own exploring. We were delighted to find something in the water pool stirring up the mud. On close inspection it turned out to be a vary large yabbie (fresh water crayfish). He was about 18cm long including claws. We spend 10 minutes watching him look for food. Dan and I wanted to have him for dinner, but we left him there obeying NP law, for the next people to enjoy.

Gear overview
1. Macpac Vamoose child carrier - the best child carrier we can find with a reasonable harness and good space for the extras and snacks.

2. iPhone Motion X GPS - This was the first time I've used this to track and take images while on a walk. I didn't really want to bring my normal Garmin Oregon. This performed reasonably well with the usual iPhone GPS problems (not a good at receiving as most dedicated units). The shame was it only takes images in the app at 640x480 pixels.

3. Vibram Five Fingers SPRINT - I've grown to love the barefoot is best way. These performed great on this short walk, having the grip on sandstone greater than Volleys!

Location