Reminiscent of myself after a tin of baked beans and a curry, the winds are strong with frequent gusts. Time to brave the wild SA coastline; the southern waves and winds are mighty today. Ferry terminal found, ginger tablets devoured, snacks purchased; we are ready for the 45 min trip from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. The car is stored below, with no ropes or chains to hold its position. I guess they think that it will be an easy sail, they were somewhat wrong. I did return to the car twice during the voyage to check the handbrake was securely reefed on (handbrake … a concept rather than a reality on an 80 series Landcruiser). Furthermore I also ensured that she was in first gear and that there was still separation with the brand new Mercedes that was literally inches in front of me. It was an eerie view, all the cars rocking backwards and forwards with each lift and fall, thrust and dive. A fluid, choreographed dance, partaken by modern neolithic iron beasts, each scaling tonnes in mass.
Due to having the caravan, we had to reverse the van and car onto the boat. Thankfully this allows for a swift escape from the anxious and somewhat turbulent, rollercoaster-esque hulk. As a rule, I don’t get seasick, although my body did not enjoy the short, sharp wave action roll, from the catamaran style hull. Docking at the pacifying, rock solid landform of KI was a welcome experience by many.
Stretching our legs up the 567 (I didn’t count) stairs allowed us to summit the apex of Prospect Hill. The surveyor charged with the layout of the staircase was obviously drunk and the builders simply followed his staggering ascending path up the side of the mountain. With that said, it is very well built, virtually new and solidly manufactured. Intelligent material selection will ensure its durability. The view is stunning, looking back towards the Dudley East region. There is a defibrillator halfway up (seriously)!
SEALS!!!!!!!!!
I must apologise for the number of seal photographs. Trust me I had many, many more. These are the endangered “eared” sea lions from Seal Bay, Kangaroo Island. Lucky they know where to go, or the bay’s name would have been meaningless. Unfortunately the seals numbers are reducing, even though they are somewhat protected in this bay. https://ecopiaretreat.com.au/uncategorised/the-endangered-australian-sea-lions-can-be-seen-at-seal-bay-kangaroo-island/
The young ones here are only a few months old, very playful and extremely cute. They entertain, protect and look after each other whilst mum is fishing. The adults are moulting, this is easily seen in the motley tan colours of the males. The bigger the better in this world. Randy teenage males, call to the girls who promptly ignore their efforts. No drinks were bought, no dancing, not a pizza or a walk in sight. You just need to be massive, bite hard and stand your ground.
Baby seals. What more to say. Baby seals. Fur is multi-layered, cuteness overloaded and social interaction is vitally important. Young call to mum when they are lost. Seriously want to take one home with us. I’m sure the authorities wouldn’t mind… Sea dogs.
Wreckers Beach, D’estrees Bay. A peaceful place that we owned for a few hours. Discovery is only possible when you open your eyes. Discovery is only possible when you open your mind.
The colours and textures within nature constantly demand my attention and respect. Seaweed and soft corals delivered in brilliant pinks and fluorescent greens. Organically textured sponge, reminiscent of severely eroded volcanic granite. Shells reflect a history, a story long past, a birth and life of their own. Sand, radially brushed by a single strand of seagrass, delicately sculpting the surface in an infinitely evolving composition. All ultimately vulnerable to man, beast or the environment itself.
Plus….duck footprints. Yes, I know they aren’t ducks mum 🙂
Erosion everywhere; rock faces appear as soft as the undercut sand cliffs. Time. Time and the environment will always win. You cannot beat mother nature. Above the headland rock face, in the second image, is a wonderful sign of life. A massive bird nest, currently occupied by seagulls. I think it is an Osprey Eagle nest. Please, bird people, correct me if I’m wrong.
Finally, a rare site indeed. Some say they are linked with “Stone Henge” or “Standing Stones”, “Menhirs appear in groups, often in a circular, oval, henge or horseshoe formation, they are sometimes called megalithic monuments. ” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menhir
Who would have thought that religious creations ageing back to prehistoric times would exist within this small island. Why isn’t this a national treasure? I ask myself. Did the aliens actually have something to do with this historical masterpiece? I can’t decide for you, this is a challenge, a test of personal insight, intuitive enlightenment that you must attend to individually.
I can but only encourage your discovery of personal growth. Behold “Cuttlefish Henge”
They obviously worshipped the shark.
P.S. I have attended Stone Henge, the standing stones in France and Ireland and find them deeply moving.
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P.S. check out the fashion. Dressed like a true Queenslander in the cold!
Intrepid does not begin to describe you two!
Thanks Reg. We were lucky to see so many seals. Was a wonderful time.
Luv the Cuttlefish henge.
Is that a birds nest on that rock?
OMG love love the seals.
It was a bit chilly in cairns today.
Winter is here.
Yes Jacky. That is an osprey eagles nest, I think. It is massive. The seals were beautiful, it was very hard to leave them. Rug up, it is cool down here but not cold. Mind you the heater is on tonight.
Amazing photos once again. We’re living vicariously through your adventures.. I don’t think even in my youth I could have had the stamina to keep up with you two.
Thanks Sue.
I have taken some video of the seals. I’ll have a go at putting this together. I don’t know how it will go.
We will see.
Loving doing it though… 🙂
I concur wholeheartedly with Sue. What a coastline? Seal pups so adorable.
We wanted to take some home, however we aren’t allowed. They are beautiful.
Stunning Lez, words and photo’s, a joy to view thank you…
My pleasure Linda.
Seriously a pleasure to be here. I will put together some video as well of the seals. Just have to learn how.
ha ha
Yes, definitely Osprey nest. Lots there and on the West Coast but vulnerable and shy. The like nesting on stacks.
Andrew the size of the nest was phenomenal. I don’t think there was an eagle in there at the moment but there was heaps of little seagulls taking advantage.