‘Lost’ in the Rainforest with Jasmine Carey
Southern Cassowary © Jasmine Carey
Throughout our 25th Anniversary series of messages we have strived to capture the true value of protecting and restoring rainforests. While their ecological and cultural significance is undeniable, there is a subtler benefit that is very personal to us as individuals.
To highlight this, Rainforest Rescue Ambassador Jasmine Carey has shared a rich narrative which illustrates the difference that time in nature can make to our selves. Jasmine, an International Award-Winning Photographer and Tour Leader, is an evocative storyteller, recalling her experiences in the Daintree Rainforest with visual detail akin to her breathtaking photographs.
At a time when our attention spans are eroding, Jasmine’s words are an opportunity to go slow, a reminder of a natural pace to life that we may connect with if we choose to. The rewards from this connection go much deeper than an idle scroll through a social media feed or reacting to the latest media polemic.
Take a little time and let Jasmine be your guide today.
‘Lost’ in the Rainforest.
I found myself already deep within an ancient, living cathedral, each step sinking into the cool, damp earth carpeted with fallen leaves, their rich array of colours and textures pulsating with life. Among the ancient giants that once shaded the dinosaurs and the new saplings that will continue to balance the ecosystem, I marvelled at the scattered seeds of the oldest plants on Earth—how mind-blowing is that?
Above me, a dense canopy interwoven like a grand mosaic of greens and golds, filtering the sunlight into a soft, khaki glow. The air was thick with the earthy scent of rain-soaked soil, a fragrance so rich and primal that it seemed to seep into my very soul.
Each step on the forest floor was accompanied by the symphony of the rainforest. The calls of unseen birds echoed through the trees, their songs a mix of chirps, whistles, and trills, announcing their busyness of the day, creating a melody that seemed both timeless and ever-changing. I paused for a moment, closing my eyes to fully absorb the soundscape. The rustle of leaves, the distant croak of frogs, and the occasional buzz of insects all blended into a harmonious cacophony that spoke of life in its most exuberant form.
As I ventured deeper, the forest began to reveal its secrets. The path beneath my feet, soft with fallen leaves and rich humus, was occasionally punctuated by the heavy, deliberate footfalls of a cassowary. The leaves and soil hid and protected the miniature ecosystem that has populated the ground, telltale signs of upright leaves marked the giant earthworms’ lairs, fallen bark or rocks hid trapdoor spiders. As my eyes diligently traversed the buttress roots of the surrounding trees, I occasionally came across a pademelon, a noisy pitta bird, or even a focused and determined fantail building its nest next to a fallen branch, higher on the trunks I was lucky to find a real dragon…
The soft cushioning crunch of leaves echoed like someone else was taking a stroll through the forest. I looked around, and a flash of movement caught my eye. Time froze as we stared through the low palm fronds, eye to eye. A slight turn of its head revealed its beak and helmeted head, and bright blue skin. There it was—a cassowary, half-hidden in the undergrowth. Its piercing gaze met mine through the tangle of vines and leaves, and for a heartbeat, we were locked in a silent exchange. The bird’s eyes, dark and intelligent, seemed to hold the mysteries of the forest within them. Then, with a graceful turn, it vanished into the foliage, though its footsteps still sounded very near.
As I continued, the sound of cascading water led me to a crystal-clear stream, its waters murmuring softly as they danced over smooth stones. I knelt by the edge, the coolness of the stream inviting me to dip my fingers into its icy embrace. The sensation was refreshing, a sharp contrast to the warm, humid air of the rainforest. Without hesitation, I slipped off my shoes and waded in, the water wrapping around my ankles like a silken ribbon.
As I immersed myself further, the chill of the stream enveloped me, sending a shiver of delight up my spine. I lay back, letting the water cradle me, its purity a balm to my being. Above me, the canopy seemed to weave a lace-like tapestry, each leaf and branch interlocking in an intricate pattern that danced with life. Sunlight filtered through in delicate beams, casting dappling shadows on the surface of the water.
Gradually, I could hear the rain, a soft patter beginning long before I felt the wet raindrops on my skin as they found their way through the maze of canopy leaves to the ground. Each drop released a scent that intensified, one that can only be described as clarity and freshness, the aroma enveloping me in a natural embrace. It was revitalising and awakening. The forest around me was alive with colour and sound, yet there was a profound sense of peace. It was as if time itself had slowed, allowing me to fully appreciate the wonders of this ancient rainforest. This forest holds not only the secrets to medicinal potions yet to be rediscovered, but simply being in its presence is healing in itself. The Daintree had revealed its soul to me, and in doing so, had touched mine.
I found myself mesmerised by the intricate beauty of the foliage. Each leaf was a masterpiece, with veins so fine and complex that they seemed to form a natural lacework. Some leaves were home to tiny creatures, their presence only revealed by the slightest movement or a sudden flicker of colour. I watched as a butterfly, its wings a dazzling mosaic of blues and greens, flitted from leaf to leaf, adding its own grace to the forest’s dance.
Every turn of the path, every rustle in the underbrush, held the promise of something new and wondrous. I marvelled at the ancient trees, their gnarled trunks and sprawling roots testament to centuries of growth. Moss and lichen clung to their bark, adding splashes of green and silver to the forest’s palette.
In that moment, I felt a deep connection to this place, a bond forged through the sights, sounds, and sensations of the incredible Daintree. The smell of rain, the sound of birds, the glimpse of a cassowary, the coolness of the stream—all these experiences wove together to create a mosaic of memories that would stay with me forever.
Jasmine Carey, Rainforest Rescue Ambassador.
Your personal Daintree Rainforest keepsake.
In addition to a memorable rainforest encounter, Jasmine has also paired one of her beautiful images with a specially written poem about the wonders of the Daintree. As a supporter of Rainforest Rescue, you can download this stunning desktop wallpaper for your computer screen.
To do so, simply click or tap on the image or link below – then you can save the file to your computer and set it as your new wallpaper. Now you have a beautiful reminder of the rainforest at your fingertips!
(Desktop 2560 x 1600 pixels)
Want more good Rainforest news in your life?
Subscribe to our eNews | Follow us on Instagram | Like us on Facebook | Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Help Protect Rainforests Forever
Donate to Protect Rainforests Forever | Become a Rainforest Guardian for as little as $2 a month | Partnership Options
Skip to content