dark and dampness , punctuated by the occasional shaft of sunlight , is an experience . Feathery white flowers flutter to the ground as if a snowfall is imminent . This is the Leatherwood tree , and whilst flowering , native honeybees are abundant , collecting pollen to create a product highly sought after in Tasmania . Commercial beehives can be found everywhere while exploring this part of the world .
Myrtle Beech , Cheesewood and Native Plum grow symbiotically with various ferns , intertwined , growing together , it ’ s an example of how differing species can live and work for a common good . Sassafras is plentiful , the same species found in Victoria and high-altitude parts of New South Wales on the mainland . This trees ’ leaves were once brewed , as a beer , the result not intoxication ,
rather something similar to methamphetamine , the drinkers able to work for hours without rest of sustenance , an employer ’ s paradise , a unionists or human rights nightmare .
The Europeans had no idea what was happening , and I can ’ t help but think if the indigenous people of this area knew of some of the properties of these plants . Possibly so .
The forests of Tasmania hold many secrets , an overheard comment suggested that the Thylacine stills wanders these rarely explored forests , the Tasmania Tiger not extinct ? My mind began to drift flipping ideas that this most famous of ‘ lost ’ Australian animals was still around . The flipping soon heads towards cannibalism , an off cuff comment by a ‘ local ’ that the practice still exists in amongst the forest . It ’ s a farfetched story that has its roots in the days of convicts . A story for another time .
I look back to my partner , busy photographing every conceivable aspect of the green kingdom . I wonder if he ’ s thinking of strange people living amongst the trees , craving meat from the mainland ? An opportunity presents itself .
“ Aarrghhh ,” a high-pitched female like squeal . “ Oh , you fucking dickhead .”
I step from behind a large tree , greeted by the face of a man who is perhaps ashamed to admit he ' s just soiled his underwear . The opportunity had been taken . We both laughed and make our way back to camp .
Settling to dinner around a small fire , we discuss the days discoveries with our neighbours and newly made friends , ‘ Rhino ’, Emily and
TRAVERSE 86