The Pyramid Rock

As we set out on our hiking adventure, I jokingly pointed out the mountain top to Daniel and asked, "Are we going up there?"  He casually replied, "Yes."  I did not think he was serious.  The weather was lovely; not as cold as everyone warned us it would be.  And because it was late afternoon, the sun was slowly setting around us lighting all the rocks and water with a peaceful glow.

Happy to be in nature 

All of this rock is granite 

The water was cloudy, yet clear enough that we could see to the bottom 

Just a pretty stream 

If I was a kangaroo, I'd live here, too 

One massive rock

This was a perfect lounging spot for Daniel 

There were about a million steps to climb 

I loved how round this rock was 

Burst of yellow coloured flowers

Perfect meditation spot

At this point, I thought we were at the top.  The view was spectacular and no one else was around.  It was so quiet and beautiful.  We both just sat here for a long time enjoying life.  Then Daniel pointed up the steep rocks and said, "Okay, let's get going."  I was very confused, "Are we seriously going all the way up there?  Is it even possible?  It looks hard.  And dangerous."  Daniel said, "Yeah, we're going all the way up there!  I knew it was going to be hard.  I didn't tell you."  I asked him, "Why?  Was I already complaining at the bottom?"  He answered, "No, I just read that it was the most difficult climb here and I just didn't tell you."  (He's hilarious.)  We kept going. 

Daniel taking it all in 

Where are the railings?

Notice the small white mark on the rock? Those are painted on to lead you up, and so that you don't get lost. 

 We both enjoyed these flowers

 This is my scared face.

Twice I stopped and told Daniel that I didn't want to go on.  It was really steep and I was honestly nervous.  He would smile at me, point up and say, "I think it's just right over the top here, Babe."  Of course I went higher over another ridge only to discover that it was not in fact, the top.

 So steep you have to bear crawl in some spots.

Now, this is just getting silly.

 The views did tend to be worth it

 It was great to be in the sunshine

 At the top of the bottom of the world!

 We made it!

And then of course it was time to go back down 

 I took a little break in a hole, as I do from time to time

 Daniel liked the angle of this photo

At least there was rock here to hold onto

 Are your palms sweating yet, Ma?

Interestingly, it was easier for me going down; I was less fearful.

 A mountain and the roos

This is the Granite Arch

Nature formed this space with the help of lichen, wind and water 

Nature's artwork by Daniel

Sometimes I like to run on paths.

This is me waiting for Daniel to catch up as he does not run with me. 

Daniel pulled a piece of bark from a tree and found another piece on the ground.  He was carrying them when he caught up to me.  As we walked over a bridge he told me to hold one side of the bark and charge it up with positive energy.  Then he said, "We're going to drop it into the water.  This is for Isaac."  Here it is, little nephew!

The setting sun means we made perfect timing getting back to the bottom of the mountain 

Hello little roo! 

"We were just standing up there?!" 

Our plan was to stop at an establishment called, "Heavenly Chocolate" that boasts 18 flavours of hot chocolate.  Unfortunately it was closed until the weekend.  We did walk around the grounds where they were quite a few of these random creepy heads. 

 Loving the colour contrast

 Sunset photo from the car

Daniel drove us back into town where we stopped at a pub for dinner.  Stanthorpe is a small place and we didn't have too many choices.  Plus, we enjoy pubs and chances are you'll encounter friendly folks.  Our bartender was nice and full of energy.  She poured us two glasses of Guinness which I was happy to see on tap!  We found a seat near the back fireplace and waited until six and could order dinner.  We ate pumpkin, sweet potato and leek soup, garlic bread and a side of chips!  It was filling and pretty good.

Don't worry, that's his foam so he can put his fingers in it all he wants 

Guinness - Stash! 

O'Mara's Pub where these ladies soon discovered my Irish roots and joked that I was their connection to getting real Guinness from Ireland imported for them.

Daniel and I had a very happy first vacation day!  We felt sore, full and content.  Back at the motel we took hot showers and Daniel did some work on his laptop while I watched animal rescue shows and cried.  I love a happy ending!