Casuarina Track - caution required

Most of the tracks around Mallacoota are still closed with officious signs borrowed from road works to say so.  The Casuarina Track - opposite the Health Centre - only has yellow caution tape, and the guys had clearly been wielding large chainsaws, so I decided to exercise caution and see what it was like for walking.

A bonus was that while riding there I finally saw the Emu that lurks around Nauta Place.

As I said, the guys have been wielding large chainsaws.

It is interesting what burns and what doesn't.  It seems that the wooden frame for this sign has not burnt at all but the informative sign has melted and burnt.

 I presume the question mark is asking do we take this one down?

 From looking at it I would say that it is very likely to assume a horizontal position once the top branches get weakened and a wind arrives.  So the answer to that question is "Yes".  However it looks as though it would fall away from the track so perhaps allow for a bit of "No."

Taking a different angle on the trunk and noting how much is left would tend to add strength to the positive answer.  However, noting the amount of twist as it went over perhaps the question should be changed to "How the heck do we drop that without killing ourselves?"

 There is a lot of regrowth evident on most of the trees.

The footbridge over Davis Creek has been modified somewhat.  While most of the platforn and the rails look fine, the supports have been burnt so it has dropped about 30 cm.  Not a problem  - unless one was riding a bike and not paying attention (and/or feeling nervous about a drop).

 At the top of the rise after the second gully (about 800m in) I had got to the end of the cleaned up area - but there seemed far less across the track.  I took that as a message from God and turned back.

Riding home there was a small - but enjoyable - interruption as a portly person toddled across the intersection of Genoa and Mirrabooka Roads.  Everyone stopped to let him past with myself and another cyclists as escorts.  He then shinned up a tree grunting loudly (possibly saying "Thank you"!)