Day 32: 19 December 2019 (SCT Day 6)
Granite Beach to South Cape Rivulet
Our guidebook informed us that the trek over South Cape is another challenging day’s walk. Be well prepared, take lots of water, and don’t underestimate the mud and twisted tree roots on the track. tasmania.com website states: “Many walkers have to be rescued off the South Coast Track, and the South Cape Bay Walk is the very last section of this difficult hike. Make sure to bring plenty of food and water to share with anybody who may be distressed.”
There are 3 major climbs, up to a maximum of 436 m, half the height of the Ironbounds. However, we found the day much easier than we had anticipated. Mud – done it before. The twisted roots were not as bad as the Ironbound descent. Trees to climb over or under – no worries. Our packs were getting lighter and our agility improving.
At the end of the day is South Cape Rivulet and another crossing. The signage suggests that people watch the tidal flows for 15 minutes before wading across. Justin was journaling on the beach when we came down to the river and brought his 80 litre drybag over with him. We removed our boots, and Justin put my pack into the dry bag. I followed him over, above chest height, Tim’s only disappointment that we didn’t wait to be filmed.
We had the choice of staying or moving on to the next campground at Lion Rock. But this idyllic spot made the decision for us. In perfect conditions we camped, played Yaniv, Tim and Justin found quicksand, we ate as much of our remaining food as possible and chatted with our Trek co-walkers. As a huge tiger snake slithered across the path as I returned from the toilet on a hill above our tents I wondered where he was when I had walked up. Another camper observed the same snake in the grass next to our tent – we chose to use the opening on the opposite side.
