a stubborn snake

Deep Creek Conservation Park was our destination today. We opted for a walk rated as medium rather than the one rated difficult, we are on holidays after all. Also the one rated as difficult said for experienced and fit hikers only, I don't think I fit either of those categories.

started out windy and cold

Deep Creek Cove is down there somewhere

made it to the bottom

the possibility of a swim just over the horizon

Nup, rocky and rough. But a good spot for morning tea

On the way back Colin came to an abrupt stop, a snake was on the path just ahead (that is why he usually goes first!). It was sprawled across the path so there was no going round or past. We did the usual, make some noise, stamp your feet, no response. Not even an acknowledgment that we were there. Colin proceeded to throw a rock 2 metres or so from the snake, nothing. A couple more rocks and landing a bit closer. Still nothing. This snake was not moving. Eventually Colin resorted to throwing a pebble very close to the snake, actually it was a bit too good of a shot and landed on it. It gave a little start and lazily moved off the path. The problem now was that it was in the bushes by the side of the path, but how far into the bushes? I had visions of it lying in wait til we walked past and springing out to bite the people that had thrown a pebble at it. Colin threw a couple more stones in the general area where it had gone off the path, hopefully to ensure it had a gone a fair way into the bushes. I grabbed Colin's hand and we walked VERY briskly past the spot. I did look behind once or twice just to make sure it wasn't coming after us.

the offender

We checked out Tapanappa Lookout, which was a car park surrounded by trees with no view. However a a couple of hundred meters before the lookout there was a place from which you could view the coastline.

We also decided to check out Blowhole Beach, why not? You needed a four wheel drive to get down. It was a good spot for some lunch.

there's the spot, down there

almost there

a sheltered spot for lunch (some surfers enjoying catching a little wave all to themselves)

fleurieu peninsula

We have based ourselves in Normanville for the week, a small coastal town on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The caravan park has direct access to the beach and the surf club is a stones throw away. Unfortunately for Colin, there is no surf. He has been able to swim every morning and late afternoon but he is growing bored with the flat ocean. He has decided to add snorkel gear and swimming goggles to the packing list for the future.

Normanville is on the west side of the peninsula and we made our way north towards Adelaide stopping at many of the beaches and bays along the way. Alas for Colin, still no surf but lots of beautiful coastline. It made me think of just how much coastline we have in Australia, no wonder we gravitate towards it. (actually Australia is ranked 7th in the world for longest coastline - Canada has the most by far)

A stones throw from Normanville is Carickalinga,
a fantastic little beach with so few people.
We returned here at the end of the day for a swim.

Sellicks Beach

Port Willunga/Aldinga Beach

Port Willunga Beach

Port Noarlunga

Port Noarlunga has a fantastic jetty

And clear water

And some rock pools

And a reef at the end of the jetty where lots of people were snorkelling

It was strange to find ourselves in traffic and amongst houses and 'normal life'. It was not a nice feeling. We were glad to turn around once we reached Christies Beach and head back to small towns and open spaces and beaches with not many people.

Another day we headed to the east side of the peninsula and checked out a few south facing beaches. Lots of swell and wind this way. The churning water was sand laden, even Colin was not tempted in here today.

Middleton Beach

We poked our heads in at Victor Harbour and Goolwa and figured we may as well go onto Hindmarsh Island and see the mouth of the Murray.

There is always dredging happening here

Enough of beaches for a bit (but not the coast), another day we decided to walk a small section of the Heysen Trail. We took in the views at Rosetta Bluff and then walked along the beautiful coast to Kings Beach, actually a bit further because we were enjoying it so much and you always want to know what is around the next corner!

Rosetta Bluff

The walking trail follows the coast down there

such a dramatic granite coastline

The start of the walk

wonder what is over the hill

wind blown and dry grass and bushes

wild flowers

what's around the corner

the perfect spot for a rest

KI 3

Our last couple of days on Kangaroo island have been pretty much a repeat of other days, with a minor variation or two.

Day 5

After a cruisey morning around town and a visit to a couple of galleries we decided it was about time to put on our walking shoes. We chose something not too far away and not too difficult. The path meandered along the coast for a bit and was supposed to end up at an historical site.

The blue wooden markers appeared to be replaced by blue ribbons tied to trees and led into the bush and up a hill. We followed (as did a young couple close behind us, equally baffled as to where the path was leading). Turns out to someones property and the blue ribbons were their markers to get down to the water and a tinny moored by the bank! Oh well, never mind, a bit of extra exercise. We opted to return via the beach and what should we stumble upon but a sign for the historic site, minus any actual evidence of a site.

The walk back along the beach was pleasant despite rock hopping at times and walking into the wind.

We ended the day back at Island beach (a discovery a few days ago) and Colin had a swim of course.

This is probably the best beach on the island if you like a long beach with soft white sand and calm water. Those in the know think so too, with quite a few 'nice' beach houses, a line of boats moored in the bay, plenty of water sport equipment and people walking along the beach with glasses of wine at 5pm. And there was a boat that was heading into shore and didn't stop, it kept coming onto the sand and wheels appeared below and it drove right up and parked on the beach.

Day 6

We planned to visit Emu Bay again, Colin keen for a swim. On the way we decided to follow a dirt road and check out Boxing Bay and the North Cape. The four wheel drive came in very handy.

looks promising

rocky and wind swept

the other side

Colin loves this car

Colin had visions of a swim at Emu Bay but alas the clouds closed in and the wind picked up so we turned to plan B. A drive along the beach instead.

There is a great little coffee cart at Emu Bay, actually it is the only place for a coffee. We parked ourselves in a sheltered corner and whiled away the time people watching and eavesdropping. we learnt quite a bit about the place and the people. (from Colin's iPhone)

The Bay of Shoals Winery was next on the list. The couple who got lost with us (while walking) the day before had recommended it. Not a bad spot for a glass of wine and a bit of lunch.

all set up

post lunch snooze

taking it in

KI 2

Day 3 saw us head to Flinders Chase National Park in the south west corner of the island and for once join the rest of the tourists at a couple of iconic spots.

Cape Du Couedic lighthouse

the dark blob/arch is what everyone has come to see (not from this far away though).
And it is blowing a gale.

the Admirals Arch, including tourists

and without

actually have to share the walkways

next stop is the Remarkable Rocks, a geological wonder perched right on a point

scrambling over the rocks is allowed

so why not join the rest

pretty spectacular

no one around this side

a critter soaking up the sun

Ahh, that's better, Hansen's Bay. We found a cosy corner out of the wind for lunch.

Day 4 and high temperatures forecast so a bit more beach/bay exploration.

Decided to check out D'Estrees Bay, but not for us, a tonne of seaweed

Returned to Pennington Bay for waves and a swim. This is about the busiest we have seen any beach.

We returned to American River to find a shady spot for lunch and then checked the map to figure out how to get to a long strip of white sand we had seen across from Kingscote.

where are all the people

shallow water, warm and clear

And just to prove to my children, I actually went in the water here.
It was so shallow and warm it was like a bath!
Once we arrived at such a beautiful and secluded spot your father promptly went skinny dipping
(definitely no photos of that!)
Although I was tempted when he decided to wear his bathing shorts
on his head instead, to protect it from the sun!