On Sunday, 15 December we went for a walk on Mt Victoria to visit Ralph Falls. and the much less well known, Victoria Falls. It was a wet, cloudy day with the weather becoming even more inclement as we drove to Scottsdale, then Ringarooma. We stopped at the history centre at Scottsdale and Rae, the days leader, gave us the options. We all agreed to forego the steep, slippery walk up Mt Victoria and do two smaller walks instead. It was not a great day for views.

After the short drive to Ralph Falls car park, we dived into the bush to walk to Victoria falls. This track commences immediately opposite the more formal, sign posted track to Ralph Falls. In spite of the rain it was a very pleasant hike. There is barely a track and the route is marked by pink plastic ties every few meters. It is very old,minimally disturbed forest with fine old trees, abundant moss decking rocks and fallen trunks, occasional splashes of light illuminated grottos while just overhead swirled the mists and clouds all hugging the mountain.

It is a small but beautiful small waterfall, surrounded by gnarled old beech trees and small boulders through which water continued its tumbling flow.

We posed for a group photo before threading our way back, descending through the forest.

We arrived back at the road, misted by rain and cloud, then walked to the lookout to see Ralph Falls. They were loud but the cloud was impenetrable and there was not a trickle to be seen. We carried on the track, through drier forest, stopping to study many orchids and fungi.

Back at the car park, we had lunch, sheltered in a wooden shed. It was only a short day but lots of fun and boasting many wonderful opportunities for photography.