Rocks and water

‘Penned’ 1 October

A day on the eastern side of Flinders Island proved to be a good one and we had a new addition to our party. Sam from Blue Horizon joined us, which turned out to be a bonus as he is a born hunter with a large ‘tinny’ and, of course, a big motor. This was great for braving the swell and waves approaching the weather-beaten side of the island.

The spectacular rock formations here beg to be clambered over and explored, and we discovered numerous freshwater ‘wells’: holes small and large that had possibly been carved into the rocks over eons as smaller rocks propelled by water ground the holes out. Every few hundred metres seemed to provide a water-course, and we imagined the water pummeling down in the wet season after rain. The dry season must have been a thirsty one though for the indigenous population if they lived on these islands permanently, so presumably their visits were seasonal. Another theory we were told about the genesis of these wells is that they were deliberately created using fire and water, rather than being ground out by swirling stones over millennia. 

With Sam happy to provide us with fish and Annie’s catering we’ve been living and eating well despite the dearth of fresh fruit and vegetables. So far the deficit of fresh produce has been less traumatic than expected, though with time Matey may change her mind about this ...