January 21 – Giant Tree and Conspicuous Cliffs

Today we are off on a scenic tour loop to see the granddaddy of the tingles…The Giant Tree.  There is a nice nature trail through this tingle forest. 

The giant tingle is estimated to be almost 400 years old, is 75 meters (250 feet) tall and has a girth of 24 meters( 80 feet)…a really big tree.  And its base is badly hollowed out from fires.

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More Great Trees Photos

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We continued the drive to Circular Pool.  The name comes from the water moving in a circular motion, not from the shape.  However, the pool didn’t contain much water due to the recent droughts.

Then we took another scenic loop to Conspicuous Cliffs and Conspicuous Beach.  

We hiked up an overlook where we just about got blown away by the strong winds.  But the view of the beach was beautiful.

While enjoying the view we observed a bird floating suspended on the winds.  He suddenly took a steep dive just as we took this picture.  Not as clear as it could be but it was amazing to see the bird drop like a rock.

Near the trail exit we saw a very small, vivid blue bird.  It was a Splendid (yes, that is part of the name) fairywren.  Pretty.

We also stopped briefly at Peaceful Beach...

before heading back to the hotel for the rest of the afternoon.  Was a great last couple of days.