Saturday. A chilly, windy morning, with an expected temperature of 13o. We set off from the lighthouse, continuing faithfully along the whole trail. We passed the small cemetery at the beginning of the path with reminders of the families and their hardships, who lived here from 1848.
The wind and rain continued. We also encountered a tricky river crossing at the mouth of the Johanna River, which was exciting and left most of us with wet socks and boots. The surf was big today with crashing waves, a reminder of the treacherous currents that caused so many shipwrecks in the area, the Johanna being one of them. The large seas have caused a lot of penguin casualties. Dries, our guide, found one on the beach, still breathing, so rescued it and took it to a refuge in Apollo Bay. Walkers sheltered from the winds in a hut and some in the toilets nearby, waiting to gauge if the storm would blow through. It was interesting passing through Aire River and Castle Cove.
Here are some highlights - a little out of sequence!
We loved the Black Boy grass tree grove, the fabulous coastline views and the energy of the rough seas.
Gillian, our accompanying guide, effervescent in any conditions.
As the rain set in, we were given a choice of returning to the lighthouse accommodation or continuing through a similar terrain. Four of us decided to return, particularly to recover and rest our feet and knees after such a long hike yesterday.
Flags were at half mast to honor the Duke of Edinburgh, who died this week at 99.
While the others braved the elements, we had coffee at the lighthouse teahouse, visited the museums and started preparations for dinner by a warm, freshly lit fire. The afternoon included a hailstorm so we were pleased to be safe and cosy in this historical setting.
We are encountering a range of wildlife. The penguin below is the one Dries rescued this morning. The tiger snake also found by Dries near the walkway to the lighthouse. The little blue wrens dart through the bushes, particularly around our lunch spots. There have been Eastern Grey kangaroos - small and elusive, feeding in the high grasses and the odd turnip patch. Water birds in the estuaries. Wedgetail eagles hovering in the strong wind currents, some like this one , with huge wingspans. No sightings of the flesh eating snails, as yet.
Our roast lamb, beetroot salad and accompaniments were very much appreciated by the others, after their extra efforts on the slippery, muddy track.
I braved the dark and the rain to get a night shot of the very impressive lighthouse, whose light beams 48kms to warn ships of the dangerous coast and reefs.
Our final night here. Such a fascinating experience, adding so much meaning to the walk.
M
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