Glow-worms

Today was all about getting back into alignment.

We started the day with our usual organic smoothie. Followed by some Wim Hof breathwork, and a Deepak Chopra meditation. Feeling aligned with The Universe, we set off for Mount Field National Park for some grounding. There is no better place for it.

Daph put on three pairs of socks to protect her bunions and corns and dressed up in several layers for the chilly weather. She didn’t account for building up a sweat on the four hundred steps up to the waterfalls. At least her feet didn’t hurt. Ern was more appropriately dressed in his skins[1] and shorts, though Daph thought he looked more like he was going to play indoor soccer than going for a walk.

Ern: “Do I look like a knob?”

Daph: “A little bit.”

Daph has no right to critique Ern’s athleisurewear based on her previous choice of outfits.

The Three Falls Walk took us on a two-hour circuit through corridors of Giant Ash and fern-lined tracks, interspersed with creeks and waterfalls. We witnessed new life beginning where the Giant Ash had fallen, creating a moss-covered enchanted fairy kingdom. Truly magical. Miracles and magic happen all around us. If you just take the time to see it.

How cool is moss?! Like a perfect velvet green carpet. So intricately delicate. Daph was in her element. Daph loves moss. The “two-hour” circuit took four hours because Daph kept stopping to stroke the moss and take more photos of moss than anyone needs.

On our return to the campsite, the weather had warmed up enough to get the legs out. Daph promptly removed her layers and caught up on some well-needed sun-worshipping. Her feet were swollen like balloons from the tight squeeze into her shoes with three pairs of socks on. But it was worth it. Today’s walk was both uplifting and grounding. Feeling aligned.

Now we wait for nightfall before going in search of the glow-worms. More magic.

***

Daph and Ern stayed up past their bedtime to go on a night-time hunt for glow-worms. Feeling like naughty kids out after dark, we trekked by torchlight through fields and along the riverbank back to Mount Field National Park. We spotted all manner of nocturnal creatures on the way. We thought we’d spotted three rare Eastern Quolls (or it could’ve just been the same one three times) scurrying around. But following a Google search, it was just a bandicoot. Still, cute! Pademelon, possums, and bandicoots scattered our walk down there, climbing over fences and crossing train tracks by torchlight. Doing kids' stuff makes you feel alive.

We reached the national park and found there were a few other glow-worm spotters out. The signs stated no torches were allowed. So, we had to hold on to the handrail and slide our way deeper into the forest in complete darkness.

Daph: “It’s awfully discombobulating,” bumping into other glow-worm spotters in search of the elusive critters.

We found them, though. A small crowd of us stood quietly, adjusting our eyes to the dark and “oohing” and “aahing” as we spotted the flashes of glow-worms in the ferns.

Until Mrs. Maxi Torch came rambling around the corner, with a spotlight bright enough to light the moon. The entire group of glow-worm spotters turned in unison to death-stare[2] into the spotlight. Like a stranger walking into a saloon, it was a tumbleweed moment for her as she realised her mistake and promptly turned the flashlight off.

Ern: “Introducing the Maglight Knobwrench, when one hundred metres of illumination isn’t enough, and you need five kilometres.”

[1] Athleisurewear, mainly worn to give the impression that you keep fit or, in Ern’s case, to stop chafing. [2] A contemptuous look directed at an offending person.