We’d spotted Croajingalong (sounds like “cruisin’ a long”) on the map, but with Pete’s promise of secluded wilderness, there was no question of a visit. Picking a walk literally in the wilderness area (and this is Australia, so it must be real wilderness), we took to the gravel roads, having found that if you go faster, the ride is smoother. Anyway, rounding about the fifth corner, a big yellow sign informed us that the road was closed! As a consolation walk, we went along the old coastal path, expecting beautiful sea views, but alas it was mostly through dense forest with tantalising sounds of waves crashing against rocks.
We were making good progress, then Caroline suddenly stopped and jumped back, having nearly stood on these two snakes, having some form of wrestling competition in the middle of the path. Now the warning signs say to just back away from snakes if you see them, which we did, but the snakes didn’t read their part of the sign where they also slither off into the undergrowth. With us making lots of noise, and even chucking things near, (and accidentally on, which got them understandably irate and us fleeing) they didn’t budge. After we took a muffin break, they finally moved on, leaving us to finish our walk with a wary eye at each tree root that crossed the path. I’m sure the snakes we saw weren’t poisonous, but Australia has something like 8 out of the world’s 10 most poisonous snakes, which in my mind translates to 8 out of 10 snakes are poisonous, who said fear was logical?
So, we managed to finish the walk, getting to where we would have started our intended walk, so I’m sure it was stupendously beautiful just over the hill…