Trail improvements

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This rope has been here since at least 2011 and still does the trick. It helps you descend (and ascend) the final bit of the walk to Squally Cove. The devious among us like to pull it up before the last person grabs it. Girls just want to have fun.

This log is another improvement on the same trail: steps carved into a log on-site. I think this trail was quickly created when there was a shipwreck in the cove and access was needed.

This view from the lighthouse shows the rolling hills of Deal Island and in the foreground the remains of the upper compound where two to three families lived. The superintendent (boss) lived two miles away but had a good view of the lighthouse from his front step.

From big to small, and imaginary, it’s all beautiful

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The lighthouse awaits some much needed repairs to seal cracks that allows water to seep in. In the meantime, it is still lovely. We take the two mile walk there every couple of days, We’ve had some boats visiting and most people take the walk. It gets steep, then steeper and then very steep. But well worth it.

My favorite walk is Barn Hill, just off the compound where we live. It has stunning cliffs, alligator and dragon rock formations and a beautiful view over Murray pass to the adjacent islands, Dover and Erith. The cliff edges give a thrill especially when the wind blows.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, skinks abound. I have seen their burrows in the back of the caretakers residence and find them all over the island.

We have had a few boats tucked into East Cove awaiting the next leg of their journey, We joined them for a barbecue on the jetty. The brush tail possums were very brash. One almost climbed into one of the guest’s lap and tried to rummage around in their food stores. I guess they enjoy the barbecues as much as everyone.

We are not in Kansas anymore

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Although we speak the same language as Australians, our cultures are quite different. This is evident in some of the signs we have run across.

Today’s perusal of the bird book showed they have laughing and peaceful doves, while we have mourning doves.

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There are too many spiders to bother identifying. Just know when to run.

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This sign at the lighthouse warns people with heart conditions not to ascend the stairs. (Although at this time the lighthouse is closed while it awaits repair). The people that read this sign have already walked more than 2 miles and ascended 1000 feet to get here from their boats.

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And then here we are, the happy lighthouse caretakers. We took a similar photo four years ago on the Old Squally Trail. Still a bit of a bush bash, but it has some of the best views on the island.

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Aloft

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We followed plan b to the island and took a short plane ride due to sea and tide conditions. It was wonderful to see the island from above. It was a little disconcerting when we had to strap our lift vests on before we even took off but I had been forewarned. The pilot didn’t even crack a smile when I asked if there would be refreshments served on board.

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Our transport

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be prepared

 

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airstrip flock of Cape Barren Geese

One of our jobs will be to keep the landing strip mowed and free of wallabies and geese if a plane is due. I counted 15 wallabies and nine geese there during my walk yesterday.

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there’s our landing strip?

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circling Deal Island

 

 

Shocking AED

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The caretaker’s house now has an AED, which is what saves lives in CPR. We were spending the day reacquainting ourselves with the systems and I wanted to check it out. Tim was off in the woods (bush) trying to get some internet. I opened the cabinet door and took out the manual and the AED when out fell Harry the Huntsman! I was shocked and screamed. Maybe that’s all we have to do. I’m sure it was Harry because we couldn’t have more than one huge spider in the house. Well it checked out and we’re good to go.

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After that excitement we checked out the firehose situation. We have to open and close various valves and run a pump to get the pressure up. It worked. Then we repaired a section of fence where the wallabies come and go into the compound. One wallaby was so cheeky, he tried to bash the fence as we were repairing it. We’ll see how long it lasts or if he brings the family to reopen it. We’ve had the island to ourselves and the various critters for a day. One kayaker and a sailboat left on Saturday. A sailboat tucked into the cove last night but was gone by the morning. So we are walking the walks, all of which are in great shape.

We’ve been up to the lighthouse, out to Winter Cove and up Barn Hill. Next up is Squally cove. So much to see and do.

Fool me once

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I’ve learned to double check any adventure plans Tim makes for us. It happened again at beautiful Freycinet Park in Tasmania. We went there to stretch our legs before driving to Launceston for our flight to Flinders Island.

We’ve been there before, it’s a beautiful spot, and he suggested we hike up Mt Amos for the views. I was dubious. He wanted to bypass the ranger’s station and head straight to the trailhead. I said, “no thanks, I want to talk to the ranger”.

I mentioned Tim’s plans and he pulled out this photo, which they show as a quick overview of the hike.

It only represents about 40% of the walk. I hate having to use my hands when I walk. And I would have really hated the return trip. So we walked an 11 km loop instead. It was beautiful.

This bench was designed as part of a student design project. I think I rested here in 2011. It is holding up well.

Every hotel should stock the mini fridge with Tim Tams with the full cream milk.

Freycinet offered a lot of the same views, rocks, lichen, and cliffs as Deal Island. Soon.

Let it roll

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My preliminary work is officially done. The last tasks were to buy Tasmanian seeds for the garden and patch some form of internet together. The seeds were easy but the internet almost led to tears. But it’s done.

My old mobile wifi device turned on but didn’t connect until I took the battery out? We tried to get a new battery but that ain’t happening. So we bought an external power pack, which was much cheaper than a new device, and it works. The Telstra site was a nightmare; the only page of the website that consistently loads is the one that accepts money.

I’m driving a ginormous rental SUV on the wrong side of the narrow roads. Closing my eyes to oncoming traffic helps. When I picked it up at the Hobart airport, I promptly climbed into the passenger side and couldn’t figure out how to reach the steering wheel from there. I’ve finally stopped turning on the windshield wipers when I want the turn signal.

After a lovely time spent with old friends, and a visit to the Bothwell fiber show, we are poised for the the fifth, but not final, leg of our journey to Flinders Island. For now, we’re headed to the beach.