This was a very enjoyable half day walk to the Karloo Pool in Royal National Park. The walk was organised by Brian Everingham for the National Parks Association of NSW, As well as Brian, there was Theo, Ken, Peter, John and myself on the walk.
The Karloo Pool
We met outside Heathcote Station and started walking to the track.
On the way, we passed an Angophora hispida in flower. It was covered in beetles and bees and other insects. On a previous walk that took place during the same time of the year, two years earlier, we had noticed this very same tree covered in beetles.
A little further down the track we passed a few orchids –
And some more nature –
At the Karloo Pool, there were two other parties. The pool was excellent for swimming – perfect temperature. Around the pool were some birds. I was lucky to get some photos –
Variegated Fairy Wren
Rock Warbler
There was also a large and healthy looking Goanna (Lace Monitor) wandering around on the far side of the pool. It enjoys eating some of the other walker’s lunches.
After several swims and morning tea, we started walking back up the track. The most interesting thing we saw on the way out was a couple of wasps. One had made a hole in the dirt and now seemed to be filling it in with small rocks. It is likely that the wasp had dug the hole, dragged some small insect inside, laid eggs in the insect and was now protecting its young from predators.
A little further along the track was another wasp. This one seemed in the process of excavating a hole.
More photos are online here on my website.