Andy and Edwin were the drivers for this trip. Thank God for them!! Seriously, it is not easy to drive the van and bearing the responsibility of having so many people on board.
There were students from Malayisa, Japan, China, Thailand and Singapore for the trip. It took us 2 hrs to reach Swansea and by that time, we realized that we'll not be able to catch the ferry on time for Maria Island. There was a change in plan and the majority felt that we should do Maria island on Tuesday instead. We de-toured our way to Coles Bay and while the group made their way to the "Wine-glass" Bay outlook.
Vicky, Yoke Chye and I decided that we should prepare the BBQ lunch at Honeymoon Bay so that others will be able to enjoy lunch after the walk. We had bbq Kebab, chicken wings and sausages with bread for lunch. Honey-moon bay is pretty different more shores, concerning the fact that it is made out of rocks instead of sand. The ecosystem of it is simply amazing and fascinating. I can't help but to take a few pictures of it.
Notice that there isn't any shore line made out of sand. It is termed as "Rocky Shore"
Little unidentified, shell-like stuff. They look pretty and shimmering under the sun:
The most fascinating thing about Honey Moon Bay is this little ecosystem. My camera is unable to capture the details of the organisms present in this system. There were shrimps, algae, kelps, small pelgagic fishes and bethos like the gobies. I wanted to bring the whole system home. LOL! I told Sarah that I would love to setup something like this back home. On a serious note, I know that I will never able to setup something as well as our Creator did.
After lunch, we made our way to the exact site of Wine-glass bay. It took us 2 hours by foot to reach wine glass bay. The hike was a tricky one and I never thought I will be able to accomplish it. The depth of the mountain was quite similar to what I climbed during our Cebu mission trip, but the journey was twice as long. There were no proper steps for you to climb but were barely made out of rocks. I was abit worried from the look of the height and my legs started to wobble when I made my way down. "Jelly-legs" from height phobia... I think the girls were much braver than me. Hahaha.
The journey though hard and tiring, was a fulfilling one. We were greeted by an adult Wallabee upon reaching the bay.
This is where we emerged from after the climb. I guess part of the reason why Wine Glass Bay retains its prestine state got to do with the level of difficulty in reaching it.
The whole group of us (excluding 5 of the students who were not able to make it over)
Sadly, we had to leave the beach very soon after reaching. It was important for us to make our way back to the other side before the sky darkens. A little pademelon bid us farewell before we made our way out.
We spent our night over at Bechino's Backpacker Inn and went Penguin spotting during the evening. I wanted to take pictures of the penguin but was told that it will blind them. We saw 2 isolated penguins. It was a rare sight since penguins are usually spotted in groups. Poor fellow, perhaps it had a similar fate to the "Happy-feet" guy. The sky was brighten by million of stars and Kiwamu, our Japanese friend said that part of it could be "Milky Way". I'm not sure about that but it does inspired me to praise God once again. We also got to see "Pot-hole" in action. I'm not sure why it is termed as a pot-hole when it is pretty much of a geyser. Perhaps, what we learnt during seconday school is wrong all this while or is it the same?
The next morning, we had to wake up much earlier to ensure that we made it to the ferry terminal on time. "Maria 1", our ferry to Maria Island took us 30 minutes to reach the island.
Many of the old-time structures found on Maria island.
Mrs Han's house (built in the 1900s) It served as a light house for ships and was an important structure during the war. It functioned as an out-post as well as a residential area for the commander.
The white sandy beach that led us to the "Painted Cliffs".
The inshore estuary area which connects to the sea. I know I'm bound to see fascinating ecosystem again.
Flowering succulents
Prints made on the sand by the gulls.
Beautiful valves.
Small, red little Anemone
I'm not sure what's this. Looks like red plums that are attached to the rocks.
Presenting to you the "Painted Cliffs" Pictures not done justice! Painted cliffs were cut by the convicts present on the island during the 1900s.
I was tempted to make it to the other side of the cliff. It required certain level of balance and agility. I made it half-way while Vicky and Sarah (Wonder women) ventured to the far end.
While waiting for them to return, I took picture of an ant. An ant on "Painted Cliff"!!! Ants are travellers and they reach many areas which many humans fail to reach.
Green algae and Acorns.
A dead crab
Some Contempory Art guys must have built this on the shore
We were bored too and decided to built a grave for the dead penguin.
Me enjoying a session of free foot salt-therapy
The only existing kangaroos in Tasmania; the foresterKangaroos. We saw a family of them.
I thank God for all the amazing creatures and landscapes. We made our way back through the easy coast where mountains and rivers are pretty much of the backdrops. Listening to my Ipod, I was able to relate to the composer's gratitude towards God for songs like "I could sing of Your love forever" and "Hear our praises". It is when the song connects to the heart and knowing what we are truly singing about, that brings a sweet offering to the Lord.
I thank God for the journey mercies and for the enjoyable time!
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