Of rocks and water

Most of the rocks in Gibraltar National Park are sleepily rounded, but this unusual one high on a flattish rocky hill was as if fancifully sculpted, and for once not by water.

The creek has many small rills and cascades, interspersed with long tranquil pools.  Mr Mulligan’s long ago plans for a hydro-electric scheme here came to naught, but I can see why it appealed.

Rocks tumble over themselves everywhere here, on dry land or in the stream.

Some of the rocks seem stranded in mid-stream amidst the clear flows. So clear it is inviting; I test the temperature of the water. Cold, but not icy… and not tempting.

I am lulled by the constant busy burbling of the creek and charmed by its flow patterns as it makes its way between the rocks.

And then I notice a dash of bright red on one rock.

I zoom my camera in, and astonishingly it is a small group of sundews (Drosera), pretty carnivorous plants that I know from sandy heaths… not rocks. Yet they mostly appear in poor soils, using the insects they catch as nutrients for that soil… or soil-less rock.

Once again, I marvel at the adaptability of Nature.