Freycinet NP

 

After the incredible Bay of Fires we began working our way down the east coast of Tasmania. Our next intended spot of Douglas-Apsley Nation park, but as it turns out the campgrounds there were a 20 minute walk in. While I probably could have done that will my tent set up, Quentin sleeps in his station wagon that has the back converted into a bed so that did not work. We continued through this very cute town of Bicheno where we spent the afternoon hiking and getting some local wine before heading south to Freycinet National Park. Another absolutely stunning park. We arrived just after the park closed, but were lucky that the two remaining campsites were next to eachother and we were able to get them for a couple nights. We were right on the water with these beautiful red marble mountains on the peninsula to our south, the bay to the west, and the route to the mainland to the north. It was so gorgeous and once again the sunsets were stunning. We watched some large gulls grab washed up oyster and scallop shells and carry them into the water to get the shells to open and the birds would break them apart at the opening. It was fascinating to watch. 

The next morning we got up and went for the first big walk. It was about 12 kms and 200 m in elevation gain climbing the low saddle between the marble mountains and stopping at pristine beaches for a swim between. The ocean was bitterly cold, and we couldn't stay in for more than 10 minutes, but it was beautiful and lovely and the warm sun dried us in the afternoons. The walk was really cool ranging a variety of different locations from rocky mountaintops, white sand beaches, marsh lands, gum flatwoods, and dense coastal shrubs. It was cool to compare this to the ecosystems I'm used to seeing and it pairs well with some of the work I am doing writing descriptions of the structure of Florida environments. It was a really beautiful day and we finished it up with cooking up some lamb steaks at our campsite.

The next morning we packed up and went for another hike up Mt. Amos, 440m in elevation within 2km. Portions of the 'hike' and by hike I mean climb, had a 55% grade and a large portion of it was 45% grade up the rocks. It was a steep and difficult journey, but the view was incredible at the top and completely worth the challenge. The come down was a bit more challenging though. The rocks were fairly smooth and it was not easy to go down the mountain without sliding, I went down most of the deep parts by sitting and sliding, but not all the other hikers were so prudent. Some german travellers were a bit too bold and one slipped above me and came within inches of taking me out. We were both find in the end, but I was none too pleased, and heavily encouraged them to go ahead so that I didn't have to worry about them falling on me again.  After that I made sure I had a lot of distance between myself and other hikers. After our hike we left the park and I went to work for a bit while Quentin went to check some oyster farms to see if they needed workers. He was unfortunately not lucky in finding a job yet, but we met back up in another camp along the coast.