Due to the long drive from Kingston it was already 11:15 before we began today's walk from Stormlea on the Tasman Peninsular. This is also the starting point of a popular walk to Cape Raoul and as such the track is very well maintained.
In the car park getting ready to go
We're off
A short way along the track we come to an information centre and boot washing facility
Lately I'm getting more and more amused by the increasing complexity of some signs we pass on our walks - are they just trying to cram as many symbols as possible onto the signs? Is anyone else confused or is it just me?
I was advised that this is a "Half Daisey" orchid. With googles help it was confirmed to be an "Alamy" or "White Orchid"
We reached this distinctive seat - a good spot for morning tea
About 50 meters along from our morning tea spot we come to the track junction and take the right fork which will take us past Shipsterns Bluff and then onto Tunnel Bay - today's destination
Another orchid - this one is a Thelymitra or Sun Orchid
Continuing on towards Tunnel Bay
A seed has lodged in this tree and is growing well despite its unusual location
Our first glimpse of Shipsterns Bluff
A short time later we reach the lookout and see Shipsterns Bluff with Tunnel Bay in the distance.
A friendly visitor took this photo showing all of today's walkers - what a crew!
Didn't realize that the track was this dangerous!
This brightly coloured moth catches our attention
It's quite a steep decent to Tunnel Bay and the trail has lots of switch backs
As we reach a junction in the track and discuss the merits of visiting Shipsterns Bluff it is obvious what a well organised group we are - no signs of confusion here
Another boot cleaning station - an unusual location
The final decent begins with its seemingly endless stairs
The dark patch just above Jenny's left shoulder is the tunnel through the rock - this will be our lunch spot
Chris finds what we think is a whale bone
Last few rocks to cross before lunch
Lunch - by this time the weather has warmed up nicely .. a very pleasant place for lunch
Lunch over we commence our return journey along a trail / fire trail / road which wasn't open to the public last time we were here. I'm looking forward to walking the new route
A little further along this toad crossed the track
The serious climbing begins
We reach the point where the landowner has made the track available to walkers
Continuing along there are some obstacles to contend with - just as well we are all fit and agile
As we get closer to civilisation the track improves
This visitor board provides interesting historical information about the area
Almost finished
Today 13 walkers covered 10.5 kms in almost perfect walking weather. Everyone was pleased not to see any leaches today.
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