W and I headed into town around 6:15am for a brief run, 3 for me and 5 for him. We ran through town and along the seaside, past the carnival and the firefighters' vehicles. Then we packed up our daybags and made our breakfasts and lunches for the day. Thank you for the Nutella!!!
One final shot on the porch of backpackers with the Elon flag and a tour of the area with C on Facetime, and we were off! The bus took us through the Otways again, passing one wallaby and a TON of sheep farms. Andy informed us that there is no kangaroo farming, but that they are shot by hunters and the meat sold for commercial use.
Today was a driving day with lots of brief stops:
Maits Rest Rainforest Walk - like walking into another period, a dry rainforest with huge trees and several hundred year old ferns.
Lavers Hill - gourmet pie shop, teahouse, convenience store, nature walk and more owned by a kind man named Paul. Quick restroom break and lots of beverage stocking. Paul even gave us a bunch of postcards.
Great Ocean Road
Gibson Steps
The start of the Twelve Apostles, Gibson Steps are a long line of very thin steps and switchbacks carved out of the side of the cliff. They lead down several stories to a deserted beach, where we walked until we reached two of the twelve apostles. These are large sandstone monoliths, a distant cousin to the 'Goonie Rocks' you would see off the coast of Portland. We took pictures and got our feet wet, admiring the majesty of these huge structures. We learned about ripcurls from Andy and watched two surfers use one to jettison out into the water.
Great Ocean Walk to Twelve Apostles We proceeded on a rough path under blazing sun about a mile to the Twelve Apostles welcome center. Every nationality was represented in the groups passing along the catwalks and walking paths to view the remaining 8 of 12 Apostles that rise up from the ocean floor. The smell was a bit unpleasant due to the varieties of dwarf bushes that emit a rather strong odor. And the flies were like nothing I have ever experienced. But the sight of the structures made up for it all. Huge, layered sandstone structures rising out of aqua water. It's a picture I do not think will ever leave my memory.
Loch Ard Gorge - The last big stop for the day was another small climb to reach, a climb down many stairs into a large open gorge with a beach and a large cave. Named after a famous shipwreck, the gorge is a beautiful postcard to Australia and the Great Ocean Road. Most attractions are not as populated as something similar in the States, and this was no exception. There were people there, and a few families taking advantage of the beach, but nothing overwhelming. The students explored rocks to get into the cave. I went up to the mouth via stepping between the rocks. The water was freezing and nearly clear.
We headed back to Melbourne on a nearly three hour bus ride, complete with me playing DJ and the kids singing along. Play Landslide or Wonder Wall and they all sing along. They even did some Journey for C. Funny that they know Natasha Bedingfield and Vanessa Carlton, but have only a hazy read on REM, the Smiths or Violent Femmes. I feel old.
Our final stop for the day was the port in Melbourne, where we grabbed a quick snack and ate on the lawn while waiting. Pita and hummus for W and I. Pizza or fish & chips for the students. We all enjoyed the free wi-fi when we made it into the Spirit of Tasmania boarding building. A brief security talk and bag check and we were on the boat, a large overnight ferry that houses cargo containers and cars on the bottom five levels and cabins and common areas on the top five. We made our way through indoor deck chairs and lounge areas, a small eating area and bar to room 7217. It was a very small cruise ship cabin with four bunks, two of which folded up into the wall, a lit desk area, and a bathroom with shower. Not luxurious, but clean and cozy.
The guys spoke with the kids in the common area near the indoor playground, giving a brief lecture about interpersonal awareness and leaving a positive impression of themselves and Elon. Then they checked in with the Health & Wellness Committee to see how the group was doing. They observed the odd boy / girl separation and recommended more sunscreen.
Then the students departed and we sat with our hosts for the departure to Tasmania. Ciders and cricket followed, then we all toddled off to bed in our ship caves.
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