Originally written in 2020
I thought I was a little crazy for choosing this track from the steepest approach, on one of the warmest days, until I saw my neighbour riding his bike downhill. He recognised me, stopped for a chat, and told me that this is what they do for fun.
So, I’m not crazy after all. 
Smith Track is the longest trail in the area—13.7 kilometres with 731 metres of elevation gain. The guide says it takes 8–10 hours, but I’ve learned that those estimates are not always very accurate, especially depending on where you begin. Since I chose a steeper approach, I expected it to take even longer, but it only took me seven hours.
That walk confirmed something for me: I think I’ve found my piece of paradise, and I want to keep exploring more of it.
Along the way I saw a cassowary. Even though I was only about a metre away, the photo I managed to take was not very clear. I also spotted several goannas, but they were so well camouflaged and never stayed still long enough for a proper photo.
It was a hot day—34 degrees—so after the walk I rewarded myself with a soak at Stoney’s Creek.
Not a bad way to spend a day in paradise.
Stories Along the Way 