Over 200m up and down today over 20km. I also wonder if it will be that interesting. The track quickly leaves the coast at Gracetown to meander through sand dunes and past Ellensbrook homestead and Meekadarbee Falls. Peigi and I chose to miss this first part to join the group here, at the old homestead. The house is only open Thurs to Sun, but looking through the small windows of the stone house, the place is empty anyway. Many signs describe the original Bussell owners and the Aboriginal history. A stream runs along this sheltered spot, big trees shade it – a good picnic place. An attempt was made with a large waterwheel for hydro power, but there is insufficient water for it. A modern one could work though. The waterfall is dry, but still pretty; a part of Ellen’s diary is preserved here describing the hard life. After a tea break (the others arrived at 10) we set off past the fall through a good forest along the stream, then faced a stiff climb back toward the sea. We wound through taller bush now, about 5 ft high, up and down ridges for some time, which Peigi found very hard, finally taking an option to be taken out by 4×4, after lunch at Joeys Nose beach road.
The track led steeply down to beaches of the isolated coves of Gnoocardup and the turquoise bay of Kilcarnup. The beach was fairly easy going, firm flat sand broken by occasional rocky scrambles, till Kilcarnup. The large flock of Sandlings were cute; they fly to Siberia, stopping briefly only once – amazing little birds. Here we walked up onto the ridge of Cape Mentelle, from where we could see the centuries-old osprey nest overlooking Horseshoe Bay, passing a large sunbaking, unconcerned goanna, And finally crossing the Margaret River in hip-high water onto some of the world’s finest surfing coastline at Prevelly/Gnarabup to our accommodation.
Dead tired! The scenery today was not as impressive as previous days, but still pleasant, especially the beach. Peigi located a Physio very near the accommodation who has strapped her foot and knee so she will do the half day tomorrow, with me. Much of the track is sand beach – but I cant skip it as it covers some of the best scenery.
Dinner was an amazing 7 course degustation at Miki’s Japanese Open Kitchen. Very small portions but so tasty.
Breakfast 
Ellensbrook 
Waterwheel 
Meekadarbee Falls 
Kilcarnup & Joey’s Nose 
Sandlings 
Horseshoe Bay & Cape Mentelle 
Prevelly 
Miki’s 
