Day one: Arrival and Introduction to Waratah Bay; Cape Liptrap Coastal Park

Monday February 24th, 2014

Introduction to Waratah Bay & Cape Liptrap National Park

Leader: Connie and Michael

Our 16 participants duly arrived, set up their 2 Ultimate Campers,1 caravan, ensuite cabin, and 3 joined Mike and Connie  in their holiday house. Early arrivals walked along our wonderful sweeping beach where the tide was low and the surf was rolling in. In the afternoon we introduced everyone to the Cape Liptrap Coastal Park which sits directly behind the Waratah Settlement. A shortish climb  and a loop behind the water supply dam gave great views across the Bay towards the Walkerville village.

Next we swung around to the east and followed fire trials through the heathtlands with expansive views out towards Sandy Point and Wilson’s Promontory. On our way back to the settled areas we passed a block with an unbelievable view for sale at 1.1 million dollars. We later gathered for Happy Hour on Carter’s high balcony looking through the surrounding trees to views of Waratah Bay. On our balcony fence and on the ground below we were joined by rosellas, king Parrots, scrub and blue wrens, fantails, and tree creepers.

Connie

Our DVBC banner in Mike and Connie's driveway, host & camp leaders for 16 members

Denys, Pat, Jeannie, Connie, Jenny, Karen, Janie, Bill, Mike, Maree, Marianne

Absent: Faye, Andrew, Ron, Pam       Photographer: Dianne

Mike pointing towards Waratah Bay & Walkerville

Connie pointing towards the Prom

Pat was very quick to suggest we could gather the 1.1 million dollars amongst our members to buy this block of land as a common property for all to enjoy.......

This echidna was peeping in & out to view the 14 members surrounding it on the track!

You have never seen 4 members walk a km+ so fast to find the dead  turtle reported by the 2 rangers at the end of our guided walk. Others who missed out quickly went to view it after our lengthy happy hour.......

photo Andrew who identified this turtle as a leatherback-sea-turtle

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com.au/animals/reptiles/leatherback-sea-turtle/  

Happy Hour on the balcony, a happy tradition of DVBC base camps!

Michael's convoluting and democratic planning of 3 days of boat tours of 3 groups of 5 & different exploratory walks was a great source of amusement.......

a very cheeky crimson rosella, nicknamed 'Scruffy', very fond of grapes and chips 

Michael's serious planning, fuelled by red grape juice......