To the very top

Cape York is our destination. A very Ponant experience, not sure how they do it given it involves finding these places, working out how to get here and then making sure we can walk on the path to the end. We are now a very long way north and the furthest point of mainland Australia. We have sailed for more than 24 hours to get here. Unless you have a four wheel drive car the only other way is by sea. Again, we have been blessed by the weather , it is sunny, clear and the sea is calm. We have been warned that the path is rocky and uneven but there is a path. I make sure that I wear my leg protection and I take a walking pole. Both give me confidence that I can do this without any risk of injury.

It's a wet landing, deeper water than usual I don't mind even though I'm wearing my trainers. I wear my new cargo pants I bought a few days ago that I have had to take up, it's a very rough job but it will have to do. We disembark from the zodiac into water that is up to my knees. There are no waves, it's very easy. We walk a short way across the beach to the path. I can see other passengers high up on the ridge, this is a surprise I didn't expect it to be quite as high as it is. Walking isn't a problem, everybody helps out along with the crew from the ship. Short legs always make these walks a little difficult because I can't step up very high and challenging coming down. It's a very pleasant walk with a breeze. From the top we can see a long way out to a number of islands in the Torres strait. We are so lucky to have such a clear day and to be able to see this landscape and this view. I don't manage to make it all the way to the very end. The path looks a little challenging even with a walking pole so I sit at the highest point and just take in the view. I'm pleased I've been able to do it and very glad I brought the walking pole it gave me a little more stability. Bob goes to the end. I'll be able to see his photos when we get home.

At the bottom before the beach there is a very small carpark and three portaloos, which seemed a rather odd thing to put there. This is our only excursion for the day and we are back on board by 11:00. a.m.Lue lisää