Nature

Nature is a great leveller. There was a time when I sought its might and majesty to derive comfort from the relative insignificance of humanity. Nature had that delightful capacity to reduce the most boastful, opinionated and intimidating among us to fragility, vulnerability and helplessness.

Nature is still a great leveller, but I don’t see that side of it any more. The truth is I love trekking in a forest, my senses engaged, my best emotions aroused. Sounds and noises of forest creatures remind me that I am a guest in their habitat. There is nothing more exhilarating than walking along the side of a hill or reaching a summit and soaking up amazing vistas of valleys, lakes and distant hills. I love being dwarfed by mighty trees. I love leaves of all shapes and sizes and every possible shade of green. Capturing all this on camera is part of the experience.

I normally walk with my partner. I know he enjoys it as much as I do. Struggling up a hill, sloshing through mud, pausing to catch our breath, brushing against ferns and shrubs along a narrow trail, taking a swig of water, being awestruck by a sudden panoramic sight through an opening in a forest, reaching a summit or a crest or a ridge and munching a sandwich or piece of fruit as we take in the views.

There is nothing else in this world I’d rather be doing in those moments. Surrounded by nature I am always in the present.

We are fortunate to live on the foothills of the Dandenongs, a range of hills on Melbourne’s eastern and south eastern fringes. Most of these photos were taken in The Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens and the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden.