After our morning chores, and a few relaxing coffees, we planned out our second outing to see a bit more of this island. The third largest around Australia. First stop, American River, which was the first settlement on this island. As the name suggests, they were a bunch of Americans, they were sealers, and arrived in 1803. It is an interesting, small settlement, and is also where the river (of the same name) meets the sea. We stopped and had a walk along the river, a coffee and enjoyed the views.
Good morning Maggie, here's some cheese.
Cheers guys, I love my cheese. Who knew?
Along the American River shore. Nice safe place for these yachts.
Although it is still today, there seems to be plenty of wind here to push along a yacht.
Just around the shore, to the north west, is The Red Banks. We journeyed along the dirt roads to check this out too. It is an awesome contrast to the white beaches of Nepean Bay. We stood on the cliffs, and could see all the way across to Kingscote. There were also oyster beds further down the beach.
The main road to Red Banks. Just pass the trees is farm land.
Ok, we get it! Red Banks!
Amazing what damage water and wind can do. This island has a rugged coast.
Looking to the west, you can just see the oyster beds and white sands.
Can you see me? Will could.......just.
We continued along the dirt roads, which are not back roads, but main roads. There are really only three big main roads, that are sealed, on the entire island. So we wound our way south, to Murray Lagoon, and did a short walk to the lagoon. There are over 120 species of birds who use this lagoon, and it was full of busy birds, eating and greeting, and making the most of this waterway.
A short walk took us to the top of Bald Hill overlooking the lagoon.
Murray Lagoon covers an area of over100 hectares.
We spent time watching the birds diving down for dinner.
Driving around, was a bit of an eye opener for us, noticing that so much of the island is farmed. There are strips of natural bush, left along the sides of the roads, but through them, we see cleared farm land on both sides. I guess I was expecting more of the natural bush preserved. A great consolation for us, was spotting an Echidna on the side of the road, having a dig about for some yummy ants. It was so cute, and when we stopped to take some pictures, it tried to pretend we weren't there, by just standing still, with it's head in the sand.
You are not an Ostrich, we are still here.....
Ok, ok, you really are still here. Hello!
Making up our loop, we ended up at D'Estrees Bay, on the South East coast. There are lots of camping spots along this bay, and a few holiday shacks for rent. The beach was covered in piles of dry sea weed, and was a nice long bay. The wind was coming in from the south east, and it was very rough in the bay. We were a bit tired, due to the driving (weird feeling, but cycling has given us such a different perspective on driving) so forgot to even take a picture. Looks like a good fishing spot.
Back at the Wallaby Run, we spotted the chickens, on their wandering, and as it was late in the afternoon, we decided they could be tucked in for the night. So Will grabbed some silverbeet, and lead them home, like he is now a "chicken whisperer". They trotted along behind him, clucking away, and put themselves away. We gave them some more yummy greens, and said good night. Cute little buggers. We completed our day with a couple of beers and cooked some dinner, watching the many birds in the bird bath.
Hello ladies, what have you been up to today?
Drink after your cheese? Does glug up your mouth a bit doesn't it?
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