Lauderdale & Mays Beach 2014

Today we drove to Lauderdale on the eastern shore and walked a circuit via Roches and Mays Beach.

The weather was warm, but very overcast with some odd drops of rain. We were being led by Tas.

On arrival at Lauderdale I drove past Bayview Rd. so I could make a u-turn and show my passengers a lovely rainbow, which was greatly appreciated. We then returned to Bayview Rd and parked at a playground next to the beach to began our walk.

From park to Roches Beach

Looking towards Single Hill. You can see how low the cloud is.

On to the beach

Initially we walked up Roches Beach and continued on around the coastline underneath Richardsons Hill. The walking changed from sand to loose rock with some boat ramps thrown in for interest.

Roches Beach south.

Panorama

REAL walkers ignore tides and tide tables!

Over or under, that is the question.

Waiting for everyone to catchup before we ascend our first hill.

But it's not very big.

Finally we reached a point where we could go uphill, which we did to pick up a path running parallel with the beach but on the bluff above.

This was pleasant walking through she oaks and various other shrubby plants.

At one point, we lost the track, but after going up further in a disorganized fashion, we found it again and followed it around Mays Point. The old track was replaced by a nice, new gravel track that led us down to Mays Beach.

Now we walk parallel to the beach below.

Some question about where the track is.

But Tas found it.

Looking down at start of Mays Beach

We find a made track down to the beach.

A short walk along this beach found a large, flat area that was good for Morning Tea - and the weather was improving. Blue sky appeared.

Looking for Morning Tea.

Mays Beach

Looking back.

Bob settles down for Morning Tea with Ron & Addie. Is that a prayer mat?

The track from Mays Beach climbed slightly up hill and came to an open, grassy area that was fenced from both sides and was part of the coastal reserve.

Wide, grassy right of way leading down to the coastal reserve.

On top of the point was a very nice, large house with fairly ordinary views that stretched across Frederick Henry Bay towards 7 Mile Beach and Park Beach. Ho Hum.

Looking out across Frederick Henry Bay.

While peering over the fence, we noticed what appeared to be raised pathways. Not so. It was a garden railway complete with signal. I suppose it's a good thing to have if you get bored with the views.

House on the hill.

With its own railway...

and signal...

and engine.

While there, another group of walkers appeared from the other direction, I never did find out if they were another organization or just friends.

Mingling with another small group of walkers.

Idyllic photo, complete with white horses.

After passing the time of day, we continued a short distance along the open area to pick up a down hill track that eventually led to Forest Hill Rd. We were going to do a spell of road walking, now. It was very pleasant walking along looking at various properties, but the road surface turned into bitumen with fairly wide grassy shoulders, which was good as it made easier walking.

Starting down to Forest Hill Rd.

Taking a backwards photo with my 'camera on a stick' which elicited shouts of derision!

Junction with Woodlands Rd. They're not sign proud here.

No messing around when passing this place! You have been warned.

We passed Clear Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary and could hear the traffic along South Arm Rd. Luckily, we could turn off onto the Tangara Trail which runs across the salt marsh where the ABC radio transmitting antennas are.

Joining the Tangara Trail at the salt marsh.

The trail is fenced on both sides, but some people never get with the program.

I forgot to put my clean boots in the car this morning, but I remembered just as I was getting in to leave. I told myself "No matter, you've not needed them for months and you're going to walk on the dry eastern shore."

You just know the walk across the marsh was quite muddy in many places.

Never mind, we walked back to the cars from there, where we had lunch in the little park.

Lunch at the park.

A very nice walk, not long but you can get up a good speed along the flat, back roads.

I now have to say a word about the heroine of the walk, Elizabeth. At the beginning of the trek it was spotting rain, until Elizabeth stopped to put on her parka. Just as soon as she did, the skies started to clear so Lena told Elizabeth she had to keep her parka on for the rest of the walk. The rest is history, the sun soon appeared, the temperature crept up and we finished in beautiful conditions.

So, everyone should thank Elizabeth.

Elizabeth.

We had 13 walkers and covered 8.72km in 2:40 hours.

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