Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Sat, 19th September, 2015 Janet &Geoff’s, Smiths Gully to Janet & Geoff’s, Sorrento (beach hike)


Beautiful clear sky though a lot cooler this morning (13 degrees at 7am) so heater on early. On Sunrise Eddie is co-hosting today and the weather guy is on the Spirit of Tasmania after its big refurbishment. They were chatting about travelling around Tassie and she said she met a couple that had been travelling for 5 months who she met early on the lap down there – that was us at Gordon Dam!! Mum had kept all the Sunrise show from the day I helped with the weather so I had videoed it so I have it on the computer now too – vain I know!!

It is a glorious day so all the school holiday makers will be rushing down to the Peninsula so we aren’t in too big of a rush to hit the road. Decided another photo of our camp was due and the sky was so blue.

The ducks were out for a wander but all the kangaroos have disappeared. Whilst it was overcast they were happy to just lounge around in the paddocks.

Janet had to get a couple of things from the butchers so Geoff decided to get in a bit of weed spraying before we left – easier than pulling them out like he was doing yesterday.

I had a wander around the yard and found these cute flowers.

Heading down to Sorrento for the weekend and lunch tomorrow with my relatives, Aunty Jocelyn, Uncle John, cousins Roz and Simon and his wife Sue and Roz’s partner, Jimmy. Packed an overnight bag and off we went with Janet and Geoff. Nice drive down.

Unloaded then had lunch. Headed off for a walk up from their house to Koonya Back Beach. Fabulous view.

Down the steps then along the beach on the Bass Strait side of the peninsula to Dogs Head.

Hard going in the soft sand as the tide was nearly in.

Not sure why it is called Dogs Head as it looks more like a crocodile.

Climbed up onto Dogs Head for great views but it was a bit too hazy to see Cape Shank around to the right.


So wonderful to be able to spend time with Janet and Geoff.

Looking in the other direction towards Bay of Islands.

The waves were crashing on the edge and spraying upwards to us.

Steve said to watch the waves as it pulled back of the rock ledge making a long waterfall but it didn’t do it was well as before.


Scaled up the cliff to look down where we were standing and another waterfall created as the water floods into the holes in the rocks.

All the roots are fossilised.

Climbing up the sand dune – looking back to the sea.

Through the bush to join the main trail (Coppins Track) to Sorrento Back Beach.

Of course there are a few stairs to climb – forgotten how much we like them!!!

Stopped at St Pauls Lookout, on Mt St Paul, to read info board about its role during the first settlement of Victoria at Sullivan Bay.

Great view back up towards Arthurs Seat in the distance.

We will meander down to the boardwalk area below us in the Bay of Islands area.


Lovely.

Some people can’t read the signs though – Revegetation Keep out!! But they were after a great photo.

The other side is Diamond Bay – some crazy people in for a swim. We don’t feel like a dip so will skip the stairs down!!


Followed the cliff edge around the coast.

Passed Jubilee Point but didn’t go out to it.

Slowly slowly things are falling into the sea.

Sorrento Back Beach where Steve and I had been before.

We walked up to the hut last time.

Certainly lots of people out enjoying the weather.

We followed the path then into Sorrento. Stopped at Watts’ Cottage , “Ilfracombe”, but it wasn’t open so just peered in the window at the table settings etc.




It was relocated here beside a lovely formal garden that needs a bit of work.

The Historical Society is in the old Mechanics’ Institute, built in 1876.

Interesting info about the big ball out the front. It is called the Electric Ball. It was part of a device designed by Mr Robilliard in 1909, with a view to harnessing the sea to provide electricity for Sorrento township. The sphere was tethered in the sea and its movement transferred to a dynamo housed near Sphnix Rock. However, severe wave action damaged the system and eventually the project was abandoned, although at one stage an electric light globe was lit for a time.

Wandered into Sorrento and stopped for a cuppa at Buckley’s Chance café.

Spring is here with lots of lovely pink flowers.

Some historical information as we walked down to the bay side.



The ferry was in.

A few people still enjoying the beach though it is after 4pm and getting a bit cooler now.

The water is so clear – we could be in Noumea!!

Wandered along the beach and found more information plaque on Collins Settlement I missed last time.

Around to Sullivan Bay and some more info I missed.




A lovely old house is up for sale, only got a bit of the house and the shed.

Love the photo they put up to sell it – poetic licence though as that is the view from the lookout around at Eastern Sister!!

The ones next door were sold and have been replaced with these ugly things – what a shame. Mind you the fences are so tall you can’t see them from the footpath anycase.

Looking back across Sullivans Bay from Eastern Sister to Western Sister.

Back down onto the beach and one more info board as we walk out onto the jetty at Cameron’s Blight.


Looking back to Eastern Sister.

Back onto the main road then turned off and headed back to the house – some people have some amazing hedges around their properties.

Back to the house to rest our weary feet – especially ours in our new walking boots.

I was on cooking duty tonight so after a cuppa I got to work – chicken pieces in Peri Peri sauce and stir fry vegies – nice and simple.

Lovely evening chilling out.



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