The sun made an appearance this morning, lifting the spirits of our fellow walkers. Views from the lodge north to Cape Huay were the backdrop for breakfast. Pancakes were on the menu and we all had our fill before getting ready for the 6-hour return walk to and from Cape Pillar. Day packs were provided to carry lunch, snacks, water and wet weather gear.
Light rain was falling as we gathered for the start of the walk, so jackets were popped on before pushing off. A step descent from the lodge had us back on the main track and heading south through thick tea tree scrub.
Wildflowers were in abundance beside the walking track. The gravel track gave way to lengthy sections of timber boardwalk that made crossing boggy sections of bush much easier. When squally rain started sweeping over the hills and through the tree tops, extra layers of clothing and wet weather gear were pulled out of the day packs and worn, to keep the elements out.
The boardwalk eventually delivered us to the dolerite cliff tops overlooking Storm Bay. Gusty squalls of rain and cloud were rushing over the cliff tops through breaks in the teatree and buffeting us as we passed by.
Views across to Tasman Island appeared through a break in the clouds. Adventure tour tender boats powered through the swell below us, passing through the gap between Cape Pillar and Tasman Island before turning north towards Cape Huay. Given the conditions it would have been a wet and wild ride.
Tasman Island hosts one of the earliest lighthouses constructed in Australia; it was managed by a lighthouse keeper resident on the island through to the 1990s when the operations were automated. The island would have been an inhospitable place to live.
Conditions deteriorated as the winds continued to drive swirling clouds and squalls of rain over our progress. The sight of Tasman Island faded as the clouds rolled in. Extra layers of clothes were keeping the weather out and some gloves from one of the guides kept Wendy’s hands dry and warm.
We lunched in drizzling rain before the final assault on The Blade, which quickly fell away to the angry ocean 263 metres below. Only 4 at a time were able to make the final climb to the top as The Blade finishes in a narrow point.
Howling gusts of wind directly off the southern ocean greeted us as we climbed the stairs to the very top of The Blade. A swirling mass of cloud concealed the dramatic drop to the ocean below as we surveyed the end of the track.
We turned for “home” with no change in the weather. The group were allowed to return at their own pace and quickly spread out along the track. We walked (at a pace to suit ourselves) towards the back of the group, stopping to take in the sights – particularly the abundant wildflowers.
We survived the conditions and now have all our gear hanging in the drying room. The heater is on and pre-dinner drinks and nibbles have been served. Slow-cooked Thai beef cheek curry is on the menu for dinner tonight.
Everyone should sleep well tonight after a great 17km walk in wild weather today.