Glass House Mountains

The coastal hinterland of Queensland offers lots of hiking possibilities. The Glass House Mountains has been one area that we have wanted to explore. We finally made it to Ngungun mountain (one of the five Glass House Mountains) on a hot and humid Sunday with another exchange family. As we started on the trail, we were greeted by hikers who had already made it to the top and back. They all warned us that a very steep part was coming up and to not be lulled by the slow gentle incline that was the beginning of the trail.

Well as it turned out these hikers were right! About 20 minutes into the hike we turned a corner and were faced with a steep hike up over gnarly roots and rock. But this is part of the challenge of getting to the top of a mountain isn't it?

About half way up the trail we came across a very cool cave! The kids immediately dropped their water bottles and scrambled up into the dark cave looking for bats.

As with many things in life, those experiences that require a lot of effort often give the greatest rewards. Once we reached the summit, we knew our huffing and puffing up the hill was well worth it. We looked out over a landscape of plantations of exotic fruits and flat plains which were interrupted by the dramatic rise of extinct volcanoes that were formed over 26 million years ago.

As always, whenever we get back down from a hike we are reminded how much we love being on top of the world. What a great day to share with friends.

Until next time,
love H, D, G & R