2018 Grand World Voyage, Day 43, Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island, Australia (Part 1 of 2)

After 2 days of tossing the ocean in hurricane force winds, we made it to Kangaroo Island albeit for a shortened stay. Kangaroo Island is off the mainland of South Australia and is a treasure trove of wildlife, earning this place the nickname "The Galapagos of Australia." We rented a car, and six of us made our way to Flinders Chase National Park. Over a third of the island is protected in nature reserves, home to native wildlife like kangaroos, sea lions, long nosed fur seals, koalas, Rosenberg Goannas (lizards), Tammar Wallabies and diverse bird species. Flinders Chase National Park is known for striking coastal rock formations, like the sculpted Remarkable Rocks and the stalactite-covered Admirals Arch. After stopping by the Visitors Center for a quick overview, we first started down the road toward Admirals Arch...the beautiful Cape de Couedic lighthouse, 75 feet tall and first lit in 1909, looms over the waters at the Admirals Arches...we hiked down the boardwalk leading from the parking lot, to the get to the viewing platforms. The sound of the crashing waves and the clear turquoise waters beaten to a frothy white by the churning surf was the first thing that catches your view...while making our way down the walkway to the magnificent archway sculpted by the wind and sea...this area is home to a colony of sea lions and fur seals and we were delighted to see them resting on the rocks and frolicking in the water holding our attention for quite some time. Making our way back through the park we stopped at the Remarkable Rocks, it is amazing how these huge granite boulders have been placed on the edge of a cliff. Our time was short at the park but we packed in what we could...on the return drive to Penneshaw, we spotted an echidna with its distinctive blond spines similar to a porcupine and a mob of kangaroos. I want to thank the captain and crew for a job well done in getting us to Kangaroo Island despite the terrible weather conditions. It was a great day in a spectacular setting......