Day 62: Rame Head to Peaceful Bay
We acknowledge the Nyoongar People as the traditional custodians of the land and waters along the Bibbulmun Track
A wild and windy, squally day with spectacular seascapes against dark skies.
Overview map
Use Bibbulmun Track Foundation Map 7: Walpole
Gale force winds and exposed sections along the coast made this a tougher day than the numbers suggest!
Today’s hike is relatively short at just 12km but, with gusts knocking us off the track on the most exposed sections, we found it surprisingly challenging. Already when we head out from the hut, a rainbow indicates the weather to come.
Almost immediately I’m thrilled to find a new orchid. The Slipper Orchid (Cryptostylis ovata) is unique in southern Australia in that its leaves are evergreen. I’ve been seeing them almost since Perth. This species doesn’t officially flower till much later but there are always outliers who don’t listen to the rules, and you find them a month early or later than texts suggest.
And another one! This time, the pale-lipped China orchid (Cyanicula gertrudiae) is a late specimen.
Banksias (B.grandis). Botanists and wildflower enthusiasts will relish this section: I hardly noticed the rain!
Goodenia trinervis
Nearing the beach, with Pat and Helen just ahead.
Onto the beach! We rarely take selfies because it’s about us in the landscape, not us in the landscape, but here we swap cameras with Pat and Helen for snaps. Usually, my photography is to remember the hike, which is why there are so many of Geoff’s back on the track! It’s also fascinating to see how others record the same hike that you do: others notice completely different things, such as birds or insects, or different views strike them as photogenic. I follow a Swedish vlogger who is a hiker and sound technician - his videos have no music or incessant blather, just the sounds of nature with marvellously atmospheric soundscapes.
A small inlet to cross.
Fabulous skies and wild seas. The Visp rain gear is perfect for showery hikes. The jacket and pants are so breathable that you don’t overheat, and they dry within ten minutes.
Wow. The advantage of this weather is the views you get!
Boulder hopping a rocky shoreline
Rounding Point Irwin. It is insanely windy, literally gale force winds today.
Looking west from Point Irwin. We are being buffeted by the gusts.
Around the Point and now heading north towards Peaceful Bay.
Fantastic skyscapes.
Freshwater pools right next to the sea.
Back onto the beach
And we arrive at Peaceful Bay Campground.
The hikers shelter is pretty uninviting and it’s filled with debris while the amenity blocks are being renovated. We much prefer our tent.
Or I guess you could quietly drop your gear in the corner of the camp kitchen late in the evening. Despite - or perhaps because of! - the weather, today has been grand. We have had HOT SHOWERS and we are all smiling!
