16
From Kempsey, the tracks to Gloucester were in a reasonable state of repair, though in places quite steep. For several days the weather was windless, warm and humid and took its toll on man and beast. This made it necessary for the men to take prolonged rest and for them to dismount and walk, particularly uphill, so as not to punish their aging horses.
‘Hey Patrick, have a look at the massive canopies on some of these trees. I wonder how the undergrowth has grown so thick; surely not enough sunlight reaches the ground to support such dense growth?’
‘Yeah, those trees are huge alright and they sort of provide a road tunnel. Just listen to all those different bird calls, Harry. I wonder what species they are?’
‘Dunno. Those flashy coloured ones are parrots I think, but whatever, I’m s
