Day 4 : Retakunna Hut to Fortescue Bay via Cape Hauy - 14 kms - 7 hours
Day 3 has the reputation of being the most challenging of the 4 days and there were some interesting surprises - the number of steps throughout the day, particularly to Cape Hauy, and the dramatic changes in environments, especially the lush rainforest sections.
We thought that Mt Fortescue, about 400m, would be the biggest hurdle today but the main challenge was at the very end...Cape Hauy.
Another beautiful sunrise
Everyone up early as we had been warned about the distance we had to cover and the need to meet the bus from 3pm.
Off about 7.45am with Mt Fortescue ahead..400m.
It wasn’t long until we were in our first rainforest section - the fungi kept everyone captivated.
Fungi that release spore when you touch them
Stunning rainforest
Fungi that releases a stinky odor to attract wildlife to spread its spore.
Groups would stop at the different information points and read aloud the section in the guidebook.
Fun sharing as we passed along.
These are the tallest flowering trees in the world, also found in the Valley of the Styx.
Some steep sections which Mark took carefully.
Views back south to Cape Pillar. Munro Hut is set in the bush land about halfway along the ridge line.
Lunch at a rest point, where it was suggested we leave our packs before conquering Cape Hauy.
Currawongs wait in the trees and will unzip packs if there is any sweet food inside. Many put pack covers on to deter them.
As well as being a part of the Tasmanian Park’s Three Capes Walk, Cape Hauy is also a popular Tasmanian Great Short Walk, accessed from Fortescue Bay.
No one had really warned us about the walk to Cape Hauy. As soon as we began Mark realised this might be undoing as we looked across to the Cape.We have since discovered that there are thousands of steps for the return trip. The track goes over the rise to another valley of steps. Certainly a good workout!
The track
The lookout nearing the edge of Cape Hauy
The view down
The magnificent dolerite cliffs
And back again...
Then an hour to Fortescue Bay
One of the girls saw a large black snake walking along this section.
The end of the track
Fortescue Bay
A successful completion..
We waited at Fortescue Bay for the bus. Biding our time, eating leftover snacks or having a dip in the chilly 14oC Tasman Sea.
The bus arrives..
We drive off into the sunset...
M&M
