Life in Paluma – Page 8 – Paluma – our village in the mist

Wilfred Takes a Leap of Faith

Paluma resident Wilfred Karnoll joined other adventure-seekers last Sunday (12 August) at the Outer Limits High Ropes course at Paluma. Wilfred proved to be a natural at great altitude, taking all obstacles in his stride, whether it be scaling poles, climbing nets or tackling wooden bridges high above ‘terra firma’.

Wilfred even took the ‘Leap of Faith’ which involves launching one’s self from the top of a wooden pole at great height to touch a large red buoy. This proved to be no challenge to Wilfred who accomplished the feat with ease.

Wilfred is 66 years old and he has just recently recovered from a broken foot, proving that there is no excuse for not having a go at the High Ropes course. Wilfred’s mid-air skills were so impressive, his friends and neighbours at Paluma now call him Wilfred (‘Sugar Glider’) Karnoll!

Searching for Rainforest Birds

Paluma is regularly visited by bird watcher’s from all over Australia and from around the world. This weekend (11 August) Ken Russell spent the day in the village, walking many of the local tracks. Ken lives in Victoria and he is a Member of Birdlife East Gippsland.

This was Ken’s second trip to Paluma and he spent the day searching for and photographing a variety of rainforest birds. He was especially keen on capturing images of the catbird, chowchilla, riflebird, noisy pitta, regent bowerbird and wompoo pigeon.

By all accounts, Ken had a very successful day, capturing some great images of a brazen catbird, riflebirds, satin bowerbirds and numerous other species. The chowchilla remained elusive and is still on Ken’s list of rainforest birds to photograph.

Magical Mystery Tour to Paluma

Last Saturday (4th August) Paluma was part of a ‘Mystery Tour’ run by the Sunshine Coast company, Sinclair Tour and Travel. A group of 31 happy travellers stopped in at the Rainforest Inn for morning tea which included scones, caramel tarts and other treats made by Jennie and Neil. The group is enjoying a 5-day tour of North Queensland having visited Mackay, Airlie Beach, Townsville and now Paluma.

Happy travellers at the Rainforest Inn. Can you spot the Paluma local in the photo?

Peter Sinclair, the organiser and owner of the tour company, admitted that this was his first visit to Paluma after having driven past the turn-off on the Bruce Highway many times since the 1970’s. The group enjoyed their visit and noted that the highlights were the beautiful drive up the Range Road, the cool mountain air and the delicious caramel tarts! Peter says that now he has discovered Paluma he will certainly come back.

Volunteering for Paluma Push

Les and Lynn Hyland are veteran volunteers for the Paluma Push having been involved in the annual event since 2002. They were team captains at Checkpoint 1 at Paluma Dam on Sunday 22 July. Both have been tireless and dedicated volunteers at Paluma community and social events over the past three decades.

Volunteering for Paluma Push

Roy Mackay and Colwyn Campbell have been dedicated volunteers for the Paluma Push for many years. Colwyn celebrated her 10th year as a volunteer at Check Point 1 at Paluma Dam on Sunday, 22 July. Roy has been volunteering for the event since the race commenced in 2002.