(A replica is found in the shelter at Hog Bay).
Recharged, we made our way to Cape Willoughby, and an inspection of the Light-station. - the first lighthouse to be erected in South Australia, lighting the Backstairs Passage between Kangaroo Island and the mainland.
Unfortunately much of the aesthetic appeal of this light was lost in 1974 when the lantern room was replaced. It is interesting this lighthouse established in 1852 was originally known as the Sturt Light after Captain Charles Sturt who at the time was Treasurer of South Australia and was instrumental in establishing the light.Another point of interest is the bulge in the side of the tower. It seems that this is not due to deterioration, but came about in the original construction.
Any one who has been on our Kangaroo Island trip would remember we have a Lunch stop at Brown Beach, on the Dudley Peninsula. It was a surprise to find the facilities are being upgraded with a new toilet block, picnic tables and large shelter now with a wall on one side to the prevailing winds! One of our group was the first person to use the new toilets!
To American River and unfortunately we were a couple of weeks too early to taste the oysters.
Nevermind,. a walk along the beach of Nepean Bay was timed perfectly - just before a light shower of rain.
The Wisteria Motel has new ownership and has been re-badged as the Kangaroo Island Seaside Inn.
The father/son management team of Chris and Alex welcomed us and made sure we were comfortable in our accommodation.
Taking the Playford Highway next day, we visited Cape Borda Light station and National Parks Ranger Mick answered all our questions - including why the lighthouse is rectangular rather than the usual round design.!
After enjoying Mick's hospitality, we took the Shackle Road to Flinders Chase National Park, and a great lunch which included burgers/wraps with the locally produced Ildoura Wild Fruits Tomato Sauce!
Remarkable Rocks proved to be it's usual windy but awesome experience, and we delighted in the New Zealand Fur Seals at Cape Decoudic.
I appreciated the advice of National Parks Ranger Don at Seal Bay next day. It was a little cool and the Sea Lions were taking shelter - many of them in the sand dunes between the visitor centre and beach.
We chose the self guided board walk, and saw many groups of sea lions - including a family right next to the boardwalk!!
We had an enjoyable lunch at Kaiwarra Food Barn - the gateway to Seal Bay. This is the closest accommodation and restaurant to the Seal Bay Conservation Park, and the staff do a great job to make you feel welcome.We visited Emu Eucalyptus Distillery and Clifford's Honey Farm (Honey icecream yum!!) before travelling the Old Bullock Track to Reeves Point and the site of South Australia's first settlement.
The North Coast Road passes George's 400 lights "Castle" and the old Wisanger School 1885-1945.We stopped off to have a close look at the school- particularly the way in which it has been preserved.
The Rules for Teachers 1872 was a little discerning!!
After an impromptu school lesson we were on our way again to Stokes Bay, (The Pirates in the "secret tunnel" were away that day) Snelling Beach and lunch (well packed by Rogers Deli Kingscote) at the very scenic Western River Cove
I must mention our dinner that evening at Cape Jervis Tavern. The service is excellent, the food superb and having an meal here means the traffic from the Sea Link ferry has dispersed by the time you are ready to drive the 100kms back to Adelaide!
Now- 4 days home then off to Mungo National Park!
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