Monday, December 21, 2009

Leeuwin - Naturaliste Ridge

Today we climbed over 300 steps! First, we drove to the southern tip of the continent to tour the still functioning Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. This lighthouse serves as a beacon for ocean vessels as they venture near the choppy waters and rough shore where the Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean meet. For the benefit of us Americans in the group, the guide pointed out the small mass of rock in the ocean that is directly across from Washington D.C. if you were to travel straight through the earth. We tried taking the gravel “scenic” drive to our next destination but decided to turn around when we realized it would be a bumpy ride in our rental car. Now we have a better understanding of why Subaru chose to name one of their AWD vehicles the Outback.

Our next destination, Jewel Cave, a spectacular display of glowing underground calcite! Miffed that a jolly little red head girl in the group talked the tour guide into letting her be the “leader” down the steps because she’s been there before, Roo positioned himself on the defense. Of course he already knew everything about caves as he reminded us “I saw it on Little Einsteins”. Under the influence of the splendor around us, he calmed and eventually enjoyed the tour which took us down approximately 138 feet and across 0.4 miles of stairs and walkway. Towards the end, the little red head (who remained jolly throughout) announced she wanted “to give someone else a turn”, making way for Roo who happily led the group up stairs and around turns back to the top.

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