Crystal cathedrals of red algae, fern fronds and fig boughs …

I heave along the Forest Path, rising through the shale and grit to the sandstone benches above the coastal plain. There, where the rocks cup the water, and the canopy above catch the clouds, you will find twisted boughs and hanging roots of Sandpaper Figs and Butterwoods.

At dusk,  the sun dips below their leaves and licks the surface of each little puddle and pool. Cakes of algae and autumn leaves flash argent, turquoise and olive greens. Boatmen whisk up ripples that radiate out the colours like little kaleidescopes.

Todea ferns hug each pond, gossiping in the breeze, and greet this evening traveler …