Fairy Bower FALLS

The birthday girl organised the perfect day for all of us. We arrived late - with thermoses, but without cups - to find a devonshire tea to welcome us, and a warming round of forgiveness.

The walk she had chosen was a revelation, even if the terrain and leeches intimidated the ursine members of the party. After early bouldering distractions, we eventually found Fairy Bower Falls. They were absolutely magical - mossy and mystical, with spirit trees that looked as if they could house a fairy metropolis, and a fine spray coming off the falls and filling the air with enchantment.

So intoxicating that the birthday girl took "falls" rather too literally, and ended up face down in the water. Fortunately, no bones were broken and she continued on with cheery equilibrium, nurturing both leech injuries and the appetites of hungry children, grandchildren and daughters-in-law.

From the the Fairy Bower underworld, the only way was up (and down, and up and down again), through the ferny overgrowth to the Amphitheatre, and a very late barbecue lunch and family cricket match.

We'd cancelled the excursion last weekend because of poor weather, so an extra bonus was that Dave was able to attend too. Wonderful that he and Cassandra are back in Australia and we can see so much more of them.

72 years magnificently spent - hopefully many more to come....

More photos here