Great Ocean Walk 2018 - Day Four
Great Ocean Walk 2018
Day Four - Aire River to Johanna Beach
Day Four - Aire River to Johanna Beach
U3A Ballarat Hike Number 52
By Janet McKay
As we set off on the final
leg of our Great Ocean Road Hike, the weather was overcast and a bit muggy as
we ascended for the first part of the walk up to the track following the coast
line, immediately enjoying spectacular views along the rugged coastline,
beaches and coves. We stopped for morning tea, watching the waves rolling in
and appreciating the glorious panorama.
We then headed towards Castle Cove along an undulating track enjoying
the views, with the back drop of towering cliffs wind scoured and very
beautiful. The tea tree was in
magnificent full blossom along with many colourful wild flowers including wax
lip orchids, trigger plants, milkmaids, bright yellow guinea flowers and
others. The sky was darkening and we could hear ominous rumbles of thunder so
we stopped for an early lunch and were treated to a magnificent light show of
lightning, forking down into the ocean. We were expecting a drenching but the
storm passed out to sea and we continued our walk towards Johanna Beach. The
vegetation was ever changing, dipping down at times into shady groves of
rainforest ferns through a grass tree
forest to coastal heathland as we neared Johanna. We descended down to Johanna
beach for the last part of our walk. Soft sand tested our stamina but was more
than compensated by the stunning beach, the surf pounding in and the backdrop
of cliffs.
Across the river and a short
climb up the hill saw us at our journey’s finishing point.
The end of four days of
hiking the most wonderful, scenic and breathtakingly beautiful walk. It was
with some sadness we said our farewells but I think that we were all all were
looking forward to getting home with the prospect of a long hot shower/bath and
resting of weary legs.
A very big thank you to
Andrew for all of his work in organising this hiking trip, the lovely
accommodation, his great leadership and guidance throughout the walk and his
amazing ability to work out complex car shuttle arrangements!
Thank you to all members of
the group for convivial company, humour and caring for all.
We look forward to tackling
the second part of the Great Ocean Road Walk from Johanna Beach to the Twelve
Apostles next year.
Photo's by Mark Bevelander
Photo's by Mark Bevelander
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