The longest track today, including much up and down (329m up, 264m down). Peigi and I skipped about 7km to join the group at Redgate Beach. They climbed the limestone ridge at Prevelly, then headed down into the sheltered creekline of Boodjidup Brook, continuing on the difficult white sands of Boodjidup before reaching historic Redgate Beach. It’s a pretty bay, good waves and rocks creating a fan of water as the waves hit. We were taken here by the lady running the accommodation, and I wondered why she didn’t leave. About 20 mins later the group arrived, as did another car with coffee and scones!
We walked the beach for a while then headed up toward the ridge over the scenic coastal cliffs at Bob’s Hollow and Contos, One steep part required a chain. The cliffs are limestone, so caves are common, Bob’s being one overlooking Contos beach. As we neared the very shady Contos camp for lunch, we saw yet another goanna – I managed to shoot his long red tongue this time.
Next was a short climb through some Jarrah, Marri and Sheoak, then a descent into a valley and up again along a straight line, then down into the majestic Karri forest, home to the world’s third tallest hardwood. The solid track and afternoon shade of the karri forest were welcome and the trees were truly magnificent in the afternoon sun, like cathedral pillars. I could not stop shooting them! Probably my 2nd best section. This gentle wooded country on the sheltered, eastern side of the Leeuwin-Naturalist Ridge hosts the pale smooth-barked Jarrah, the dark rough Marri and the smaller sheoak, We saw several species of orchids beneath the forest canopy, jug orchids, slipper orchids, and snail orchids.
On the way home we had a brief stop at Bride’s Cave, one of the region’s dolines (collapsed limestone) used for abseiling, then went on to another large tasty meal from Cape to Cape Moveable Feast.
Coffee Morning 
Redgate Beach 
Contos 
Bob’s Hollow 
Jarrah 
Karri 
Brides Cave
