In the late afternoon, Bhavna wanted to go for a hike and burn off some of the weekend "beer" calories, and I wanted to maximise my time with the rented XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. We hiked the big loop around Woosamonsa Ridge. According to the trial info I read "groundwater seeps feed the streams and serve as critical habitat for salamanders and may contain habitat for rare dragonfly species.
We opted to walk the longer Ridge Trail. We followed the base trail at the parking lot, which gradually ascended up the ridge and then dipped down to meet with Dinah's Brook Trail.
We continued along the Ridge Trail across some shallow spots in the trail of what seemed like a marsh before crossing Dinah's Brook. I stopped here to take some photographs of what appeared to be wild grapes. But still no dragonflies.
The trail then made a fairly steep (huff-puff) ascent to reach near the highest point of a second ridge. My ankles were still sore from yesterday's run around in Skillman Park and up and down the embankment at Sylvan Lake. I asked Bhavna to slow down.
During our hike, we stopped at Dinah's Brook. Bhavna noticed two small rocks with some small plants, which says reminded her of islands. I think this image also qualified for the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #155 – On the Water.
Fortunately, the next section of trail descended to join the Creekside Trail near Jacobs Creek. A short distance further, the Ridge Trail crossed Jacobs Creek. It ascended (again huff-puff) part way up another ridge which forms the north side of the Jacobs Creek valley. In the end, the Ridge Trail rejoined the Valley Trail, which we took back to the parking area.
This Ridge Trail and the Valley Trail make up the longest hiking loop. We hiked 3.8km for just over 90 minutes with an elevation gain of 79m. I didn't see any dragonflies, but I think I photographed some damselflies.
During the hike, Bhavna and I discussed me buying my own used XF100-400mmF4.5-5.6 R LM OIS WR. It's still expensive.
We came home, took showers and then passed out on the sofa. I think tomorrow must be a day of rest.
