Slightly later start today (extra half hour sleep in). After breakfast we were driven back to where we finished yesterday. We set off at around 0900 and walked the 3 Km to the Cape Otway lighthouse. This walk went along the top of the cliffs through ti-tree arches and coastal vegetation. It was an easy enough walk to start the day. The views of the coastline were amazing and the sea was still a bit rough but quieter than yesterday. The rain started about 30 minutes into the walk but didn't last long (thankfully that was the last rain for the day).
We arrived at the lighthouse just before 1000 and jumped the queue as a tour group when it opened. As part of the walk we were treated to a tour of the area by a local guide, Mark, who had been born at the light station. He was a real character and told us about growing up in this isolated area (he was one of 12 kids). Mark also gave us an insight to the history of Bass Straight and operations of the lighthouse. We managed to get to the top of the lighthouse and this time Lib was ok with being outside on the decking at the top but I was not the happiest camper up there.
The tour lasted nearly 90 minutes and we met back at the bus, parked on the car park, for morning tea before heading off to Aire River camping ground. This was a long 10Km over the cliff tops through varied vegetation and over numerous undulations (one snake sighting ahead of its). The ground underfoot ranges from compressed dirt, to loose stones and then there was deep sand on the final downhill leg to the river. The views along this section were stunning with the sea crashing into the coast. The weather was warming up and there wasn't a lot of shade on this section so it was a bit heavy going but ok.
After managing to find the bus at Aire River campsites we had lunch, filled water bottles and adjusted boots (I probably shouldn't have played with my boots as feet swell when walking). The group got fairly spread out over the previous section and Lib and I were the 3rd and 4th people in to the camp-site (a lot of the others had stopped on the way to have lunch but we decided to push on to get to the bus before having our lunch).
The final leg of today's walk started with a hill climb then a walk along the cliff tops. This was the best coastal walking for the day. Lush vegetation, great views and towards the end an amazing escarpment high above us. The bus was waiting for us at Castle Cove car park. We got back to Bimbi Park at 1800. Lib and I are a bit sunburnt and I have a sore ankle. A couple of panadols and bio freeze should sort that for tomorrow.
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