Metaman, express elevator!
Edna Mode.
Dynaguy, snagged on takeoff!
Splashdown, sucked into a vortex!
No capes!
The Three Capes Track is a misnomer. The track visits two (Pillar and Hauy) over a 4-day walk, but Cape Raoul sits about 10km to the west.
I was undertaking the walk with three of my siblings. A chance to spend time together doing something we hadn’t done before. Plus get some exercise.
The day began boarding a tourist coach in Hobart. It took the scenic route and was running late, meaning we needed to run to catch our connecting boat ride.
It was a windy day and very fresh on the water. The water was choppy and our cruise around Port Arthur bay was curtailed. 30 minutes later we reached Denmans Cove.
A tricky manoeuvre is required to exit the boat. A ramp is lowered at the front of the boat. Timing is critical to avoid being swamped by the next wave, and the boat is unsteady.
The walk is limited to 36 walkers per day, half on our morning boat and the rest on the afternoon boat. We all managed to disembark without incident and then paddled ashore.
For some reason we took longer than the others to get our shoes on and commence walking. I ascribe this to familial faffing. Eventually we were up and walking.
The track climbs gently to begin with. Shortly afterwards we spotted an echidna next to the track.
Then a descent to Surveyors Cove, where we stopped for a bite and a refresh.
The first day of walking is 4km long and an ascent of 150m. The track is well graded. We moved at a casual pace, a fast dawdle with plenty of stopping.
We reached Surveyors Hut by mid-afternoon and settled in to our 4-bed dormitory.
Surveyors Hut is modern and well appointed, with excellent kitchen and cooking facilities, common rooms, and a large deck with views to Cape Raoul (about as close as we were going to get to it).
There was also plenty of wildlife, including wallabies meandering around the perimeter of the hut.
The ranger gives an introductory talk to all the walkers, and then we got cooking. Dinner was fried fresh salmon and asparagus, with pre-dinner nibbles plus dessert.
