Return to the Ancients. By Geoff Murray

It almost seems cruel writing these short trip descriptions while so many in Australia have limited freedom. But at the same time, I hope it lets some dream of happier times both in the past and future

The last time I walked on the slopes of Mt Wedge was 1996, 25 years ago, so this latest trip was slightly slower. I intended climbing 400 vertical metres or so to the location of some beautiful myrtle forest, and it was just as good as I remembered from previous visits.

These remarkable trees are known to have been in existence 780,000 years ago, and a mature tree can reach an age of 500 years. This certainly puts the existence of humanity into context. :)

The last image shows a mature Myrtle Beech in Tasmania’s North East that certainly would be approaching the 500 year mark.

Just to top it off, a light rain settled in while I was in amongst those ancient trees, the moisture bringing out the colour of everything in the forest, the trees, the moss and the fern leaves. Beautiful.

Geoff Murray
Photographer and Mont Ambassador