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The Creeks
FALLING WATER ON FLAT CREEK
The creeks are where the magic happens. This photo is from an early scramble in 2012. Still learning how to shoot, I dragged my tripod 4km over those rocks and shot with the polariser lens on! Post processing nightmare.
FALLING WATER ON FLAT CREEK - DETAIL
Strickland is a difficult subject. There are so many variations of light and dark, but if you get it right, there are some magnificent colours. This is from 2012 and about 4km upstream.
STONEY CREEK TREE LYING
They fall, these trees. But if you look carefully, it still grows.
NARARA CREEK, BELLBIRD TRAIL
The Bellbird Trail crosses Narara Creek. It is a beautiful place to stop on the rock midstream and admire the forest... and scrape some leeches off your shoes.
STONEY CREEK MAGIC
I walked here with my then fiancé and now husband, Nick, in early 2012. It was a bit of a tough time at that moment and I wondered if we would be OK. Then this happened. I shot this hand held with a shutter speed of 15 seconds. And you know what? Everything turned out better than OK.
NARARA CREEK, BELLBIRD TRAIL REFLECTIONS
Looking the other way on the rock midstream are these gorgeous trees which lean into the sun creating a magic reflection on the still water.
SCRAMBLE
In real life, this place is awe inspiring. I've been there twice as it is a difficult scramble. Both times I have had to stand here for quite some time drinking in the green.
MOSSY ROCKS AND FLOWING WATER
Each step on these rocks must be done carefully. They are slippery. This part of the forest is exceptionally green while other creeks are more black or olive in hue. Each creek has it's own colour palette.
STONEY CREEK NOT CALLED THAT FOR NOTHING
I used a bit of effects on this one to punch out the textures. But, yeah. It isn't called Stoney Creek for nothing!
UPPER STONEY CREEK
Something different and other worldly. See how the trees lean into the sun creating a majestic canopy.
MOSSY ROCKS
I believe these are geologically known as Terrigal Formation Sandstone. It is dark and wet along this creek with an incredible array of mosses, ferns, lichens and gnarly trees.
THE CATHERDRAL
Cathedral like, the trees lean towards the sun and the split rock in the distance looks like an altar. One of my favourite views. You just look at it and go... phwoar! This is a seven minute drive from my home.
MOSSY CREEK AND FLOWING WATER
I never tire of looking at mossy rocks and running water. It sounds magnificent too. I often record a bit on my phone and listen to it later.
THE STORM IN STONEY CREEK
A powerful storm in March 2021 transforms the peaceful trickle into a raging torrent. As my husband, Nick, and I stood there, the water levels grew and we had to get out quick smart. The water rushing over the boulders looked like spun copper.
STRICKLAND FALLS ROAR
Strickland Falls is usually a dribble. After a good rainfall, it is a splash. But in the March 2021 storm, she completely outdid herself. The sound! What a roar!
SCRAMBLE TO STRICKLAND FALLS
The boulders in this photo are huge. I decided to walk to Strickland Falls via the creek and avoid people's dogs (!). It was not easy and scaling these boulders was a challenge. There are more behind them. Imagine the force that put them there in the first place. Do you notice the different colours of the rocks compared to my mossy stones?
STONEY CREEK MAGICAL COLOURS
This is the black and white photo in colour. I added in some mysterious effects. The colours on this creek are not as in-your-face green as the other scramble with more shadow and black. The creek features flat rock for some of the way. It is slippery and I fell three times on this trek. Yes. I have good shoes.
TINY WATERFALL ON THE FLAT ROCK
The leaf litter sprinkled on the flat rock reflects the water as it trickles into tiny waterfalls. Leaf litter is awesome. So much life and goodness for the forest.
MEGA PANORAMA
The rains had fallen and I went to the forest simply to get some running water shots. It's fabulous when it rains. No one else turns up. If it is summer and it rains, wear leech proof socks... it is a rainforest!
STONEY CREEK MINI WATERFALL
Not so tiny as the previous waterfall, but just as pretty.
CLEAR CREEK ONE
The deep overcast weather brought out the blacks, browns and greens. This creek eventually flows into the creek you drive over in West Gosford on your way to Dan Murphys. Here, we are looking upstream. Look how my technique has improved from the earlier 2012 photos. A much better handle on colour. This is why your photography teacher says to shoot the same thing over a long time.
CLEAR CREEK TWO
Looking the other way downstream from the previous picture. The fallen trees create drama in the distance.
REFLECTION POOL
Looks like a lovely spot for a summer swim, except it takes quite a trek and climb to arrive. I love the rock at the top of the pool. A monument where the creek must split in two to continue downstream.
FOREST ON THE CREEK BED
In storms, these trees must hang on! They are a mixture of Water Gums (tristaniopsis laurina) and Coachwood (ceratopetalum apetalum).
BONUS PANORAMA LOOKING UP THE TRIBUTARY
Not in the formal exhibition but don't you just love those greens! I think I have around 5,742 images of mossy rocks and flowing water.