Gloucester Island Assault
Thu 10 Apr 2008
Having set anchor at Cape Gloucester Eco Resort for a couple of days, Jo persisted with the concept of climbing Gloucester Island. With the peak above 500m on no beaten track, it was going to be a full day outing.
Camera stapped on and the sunshine overhead, we "hit the beach" at 10am and headed up the water course. Warned about snakes and the rugged terrain, we found a local on the beach who encouraged us on with some further directions.
The going proved easy for the first while, the wash out boulders just the right size. It was only 1/2 hour before our first snake, calmly hanging out in a rock pool.
An hour later we found ourselves scaling some more sheer faces... and I watched on as Jo pulled himself over one nasty spot using tree roots and dodgy looking rocks. I scrambled after.
The work was it. at 400 metres, we found a plateau and viewpoint over the passage, resorts and Edgecumbe Bay. Photos, film, phone calls to those watching out for us.
We pulled up through the scrub further, but we had a good "take" photography wise had lunch and took rest.
Heading back down a different course, we found the topology even easier, smaller boulders, easier gradient and 1/2 down (see Google Earth grab, point 18) and wonderful water carved gorge.
Hitting the beach we found ourselves at Bona Bay and made our way back across the headland to meet with our pick up on the beach.... only to run out of fuel 1/2 way back to Dot.Com. Passing boaties gave us a tow home after we attempted to sail (with a towel) and paddle, with some success home. You can see that part on the GE grab as well.
Home save, the body happy to have the excercise for the year.
