After a fortifying breakfast we returned to Moses Rock to continue our trek. Today we are very aware of the different flora as we walk across the limestone headlands and cliffs. Some of those cliffs are quite unstable so the track veers a little more inland but still with sea views. The vegetation is mostly low and wind pruned. Our group is forming a solid bond as we encourage each other and nick names are becoming part of the fun. Sally a fast, effortless walker across sand is the Gazelle. I am not far behind but not as lithe, the Antelope. Jacqui is Jacqui 5 breaths because on all hills she needs a stop for 5 breaths, Toni is Corner shop because whatever you need she has it. Sharon is Sharon no tomato and Lauryn is Where’s Lauryn because she is stoically quiet.
Our guide today was Sue a specialist in flora. She also works in a nursery. We were made aware of so many different plants. The red flowers are so pretty amongst the greenery.
Our goal today is Gracetown which seems a very long way away! Sally is keen for another swim so when we retun to the beach below the Wilyabrup Cliffs she takes a quick swim a la natural. Getting in and out of a swimsuit on a deserted beach seems pointless and too time consuming. She is a devoted ocean swimmer. I am inspired to overcome my horror of cold water and join her-but not today!
We know now that walking on the beach usually means an ascent over a dune of some sort to return to the cliffs and upper tracks we are traversing. They are steep and deceptively tough to climb. I have got a system of sticking my poles in and walking up to them. It works. My arms are getting very toned!
Passing beaches with names like Gallows and Guillotines, evokes the drama of surfing in these rocky waters. Gracetown slowly comes into view. We are looking forward to the treat at the end of the day which will be a wine and nougat tasting at a local boutique winery. It spurs us on.
Off shore there are many marine reserves along this coastline. It is frequented by whales and dolphins and seals who use the warm Leeuwin currents mingled with the cool waters to coast back to the southern oceans after birthing their young further north. The mingling of the waters creates huge finfish diversity and supports large seagrass meadows off shore.
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