Day 8
First things first, Wilson’s Promontory was one of the first Australian National Parks I’d ever gone to in Australia, so it did hold a special place in my heart. Back then in September, I saw herds of kangaroos basking in the sunlight of a huge empty field, and did my first serious bushwalk — an hour and a half from the main camping ground of Tidal River down to the infamous Squeaky Beach.
But this time would be different. First of all, when we stopped in the field I saw the kangaroos, there were no kangaroos, only bones. Crystal ran shrieking away, I frowned, and Jeff moved closer to check it out. Ew. Oh well, we’d check again on the way out. We were there mid-day, and the animals don't usually come out until dawn or dusk.
Anyway, this time we wouldn’t be doing the hike from Tidal River to Squeaky Beach. We strolled into the Parks office and registered for our first — my first ever — overnight hike. We’d be leaving the van in the car park and walking 10.2 ks to Sealer’s Cove on the other side of the Prom.
First, however, we’d each lunch. We drove down to Squeaky Beach and spent the afternoon on the gorgeous white sand, that yes, squeaks, when you walk on it. Last time it was too cold to take a dip, this time Crystal and Jeff jumped right in. Happily, I stayed on the beach with my book and lounged around with the celery and peanut butter. [Quick aside: How come no one else has ever heard of celery and peanut butter? Whenever I eat it in front of a Brit or an Aussie they look at me like I have two heads. Didn’t they ever do ants on a log? A stick of celery with peanut butter in the middle and raisins on top? Anyone? Bueller?]
After lunch we prepped our packs, hopped on the shuttle and headed off. Two and a half hours later, we emerged onto the most tranquil beach I’ve ever seen in my life. The mountains were perfectly lit in the waning sunlight, and the last .7 ks on the beach were straight out of The Blue Lagoon. Or Survivor, as Crystal noted. Take your pick!
The sun was just about down as we ate out one-pot meal of rice and beans in tortillas, and we were out by 10 p.m.
Oh yeah, wondering where we all slept? In a tent — in a two person tent. Yeahhh.
Needless to say, we woke up Day 9 sore as hell, and ready to go SHOWER.
Two and a half grueling hours later, I was scrubbing down in Tidal River, aimlessly trying to count the billions of mosquito bites that had popped up overnight.
Overall, it was an absolutely beautiful two days in Wilson’s Prom. I never thought I’d do anything like the overnight, and I’m glad I did it. Not saying you’re going to get me on a 5 day hike or anything like that, but it was totally worth it!
Next stop: 90 mile beach…and soon enough New South Wales!
