Mount Sorrow, Cape Tribulation - Far North QLd

The Mount Sorrow Ridge walk climbs from Cape Tribulation up he rainforest-clad ridge to a lookout 680m above sea level, offering views of the beautiful Daintree coastline, Snapper Island and beyond.
My companion for the day with Liam - the sort of person that sets off with a bottle of wine, and a 6 pack of beer!

and required regular stops to roll a cigarette

and transfer more beer to the bottle

Recommended only for fit, experienced and well-prepared bushwalkers the 7km route can take 6-7hrs.

The Mount Sorrow ridge trail traverses several kinds of rainforest.

Tall, large-leafed lowland rainforest grows on the foothills and patches of cyclone-damaged scrub covered the lower slopes. High winds, particularly those associated with cyclones, break up the rainforest canopy.
This enables more light to penetrate, encouraging prolific vine growth.

The first challenge was spotting this well hidden sign to the start of the narrow track

0-1km
This steep section of the trail passes through lowland rainforest with a pandanus understory featuring fan palms, Cyclone damage is obvious - woody vines and lawyer cane thrive in this disturbed environment.

1-2km
This part of the trail undulates and requires 'log hopping' and stepping around roots.

Several kinds of trees here exhibit cauliflory - producing flower buds and fruit from their trunks.

2-3km
The trail ascend extremely steeply through this section, with the help of a rope.

It also becomes narrow in places and more uneven with rocks and tree roots covering the trail surface. In this upland rainforest, cycads are prominent along the bumpy satinash and the stout, feather-leafed palm.

A species of the primitive, clubmoss can also be seen in patches on the ground. at the base of the steep ridge, notice that the canopy above has become due to wind-shearing.
After a quick stop for some cold left over pizz from the night before

and Liam now equipped with my compass

b]3km to lookout[/b]
The final section of the trail passes through the forest dominated by acacias from the lookout views to the south-east encompasses the Daintree coastline and Cape Tribulation settlement. Snapper Island and the fringing reefs along the coastline of spectacular sights, on a clear day. (image below from google!)

Unfortunately, despite the blue skies at sea level, it was not a clear day at the top - which was covered in cloud!

With a bit of patience, the cloud cleared enough to see the sea, briefly

A little anti-climax to such a climb!

But still time for a sit down to enjoy some left over breakfast - French Toast, coloured by blueberries, honest!

Heading back down this fella crossed our path - possible a Northern tree Snake

and found this enormous leaf ... yes I'm in that picture!

from the bottom, it was easy to see how the view had disappeared!

A grand day out, with great company.