Having packed up my tent and enjoyed another scrummy camp brekkie I told a last walk along exfoliation beach to get some photos of the lagoon in better light conditions. As I was walking along I saw a seabird flying along the shoreline. I also noticed a fishing line running out from the beach and I said out loud to the bird, 'stay low, stay low'. Well, the bird didn't hear me. He got caught in the fishing line and was quickly being tumbled in the crashing waves. I screamed for the fisherman, who was my camp neighbour but one, who ran down the beach as soon as he realised what had happened. We were in the water trying to get the bird to shore without being caught up ourselves. He grabbed the bird and I pulled in the line whilst his girlfriend who had now appeared on the scene reeled in the line. The chap held the birds beak and feet whilst the two of us set to a 10 minute mission to unravel the fishing line. The bird was finally free and unharmed, except maybe for its ego, and back with its squawking friends. I continued and got my piccies!

On the drive south I went passed the turn off to Humbug Point and thought of Mr Hardy! I continued southward and had to stop at Falmouth, the first coastal settlement on Tas. Bigger and more dramatic seas than Falmouth UK but just as pretty!

I saw a Bambi type deer on the corrugated gravel approach road to Douglas Apsley NP where I had decided to go for a walk. Three hours later I returned and met a snake on the road. They had a walkers log book which I duly signed out and in of, as well as sending Gaz a text with my route, I bet he was well chuffed with that in the middle of the night! The path led to the waterhole, a very pretty spot. From here it was uphill, uphill, uphill, along a bit and down a very steep stone stairway to Apsley Gorge. I was relieved to get across the initial river crossing as it can only be done when the water levels are low enough. However, this meant that the water in the gorge was also low and the waterfalls (if you can call them that) a bit feeble!! Despite this it was a very peaceful and beautiful place to spend 30 minutes of my life. The return walk seemed easier as I traversed the open forest consisting mainly of pines, eucalyptus, manuka and a hard leaved grass, it smelt. I was very glad to be wearing trousers, a decision made due to high snake activity (it's breeding season) but useful against grass. I sent hundreds of lizards/skinks running for cover as I walked, except for a couple who stared at me! It was a pleasant 21-23 degrees and overcast, good walking weather.

I had intended to stop at Bicheno and Cape Lodi on the way south, but chose to head to the campsite to get a good spot instead. I made the right choice. I eventually got the right road to the Freycinet Peninsula and to Friendly Beaches where I am lying in my tent. I chose a nice sheltered spot and went to look at the beach. Idyllic, talcum powder soft white sands that go on for miles, no one else on the beach, rolling blue waves.... That was put to an unpleasant stop as I was seen off the beach by a gang of 6-7 March flies (like horse flies only more persistent I think!). I got back to my camp to find a mum and baby wallaby, who were in no terms shy. They both came up to see what I would give them. Nothing. As I cooked my supper it was like having small children around, only these ones didn't understand 'no' and 'hot'. I nearly had a singed wallaby baby, who tried to eat my citronella candle! They eventually headed off and I was joined by a big male, who just stared at me. Eventually he got bored and hopped off. I walked down to the other beaches to see if they were friendlier and they were. I watched the waves crash in as the sun set.

I chatted to my new neighbours and discovered what the funny blue thing is that I put on my blog yesterday. It's a blue bottle jelly fish, very poisonous, known to kill people.

BTW I've been bitten on the left ankle by a mossie type thing. I read on a notice board that mossies around here carry Ross River Fever... Just incase I come up with a rash!

Crazy wildlife!