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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Wednesday 16 November 2016

Final day on the Island

Wednesday 16th
Weather is no better. In fact, it's bl**dy cold! Thank goodness Sally gave us a blanket when we left Sydney. I was adamant we wouldn't be needing it and she was just as adamant that we would. Being an Aussie Sally should know, and I should have listened!

Late start for us as we wanted to see the Pelicans being hand fed. Within walking distance of our caravan site, we set off from the van around 11am expecting the feeding to start at 11.30am. It didn't start until twelve and the extra wait saw us well and truly soaked by a sudden sharp shower. A convenient BBQ area a stone's throw away was a good place to seek shelter. Worth the wait though as I was within an arm's length of the feeding frenzy and got battered by the wings for my trouble as the Pelicans jostled for position.







Another Stingray lurking in the background waiting for a handout.
We headed back to Summerland for another look at the Penguins. During the day they are tucked away in the burrows but glimpses could be seen of them occasionally. This time we were allowed to use the camera.









I thought a lot had arrived but didn't realise how many. Not sure how the Rangers can be so accurate with the counting. There were hundreds all heading up the beach at once.

We headed off to a place called The Nobbies. Here a blow hole had been carved out of the rocks and everyone had said how spectacular it was. Not for us unfortunately as the tide was receding and the 'blow' was pretty tame.

Pretty tame don't you think.

The views were.... well....wow...

Island in the distance is called the Nobbies.

Lovely plant colours over the rocks


The seal colony on the far Island

Another stop on the way back at Swan Lake. A bird hide looking over a natural freshwater lake.

Swamphen with chick

Cape Barren Goose Goslings




Purple Swamphen with Black-fronted Plover


Chestnut Teal


White-browed Scrubwren

Little Cormorant
Tomorrow we head for Geelong across the ferry to avoid the Melbourne Toll Roads. More on that saga later.

2 comments:

Marilyn, nb Waka Huia said...

Hi Irene,

In NZ that purple swamphen is known as a pukeko - you'll see a fair few when you are here.

When do you arrive in NZ and when will we see you in Waikanae?

Cheers, Marilyn

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi Marilyn, not until January so will let you know nearer the time. Xx

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