Jervis Bay to Moruya

Large Flying Duck orchid

As I sit in the dappled sunlight drinking my first coffee I noticed footprints on my little gas stove. Obviously somebody was investigated my table last night. I suspect the culprit was that juvenile possum.

Green Patch Beach

There's plenty of bird activity in the trees. Beautiful background sound, and I am visited by a curious Magpie and an even more curious crimson Rosella. Neither of them stay still in a nice pose long enough for a photograph.
Sunset from Jane and Drew's House

I allow myself a very slow start given that I don't have to leave my campsite till 11:30 and I didn't sleep well last night because it was so hot.

Grevillea in Jane's garden
Grevillea in Jane's garden

I returned a missed phone call from Andrew ex-brother-in-law and it was unfortunately a THAT call. I'm devastated, Sanne died this morning! 
Sanne enjoying a gourmet picnic lunch at Lake Dobson, 2020

My emotions are a mess as I finish my morning chores and pack up my campsite and go for a long walk on the beach before even attempting to drive. 

Lovely views from the coastal walk with Jane
Lovely views from the coastal walk with Jane

The beach walk settles my emotions somewhat, and the walk I had planned to do can be done another time.

One of the teatrees
Happy Wanderer

So I head of to pick up my loaf of bread ordered earlier today.

Flag Iris
Not sure, but gorgeous

While Sanne death should not have come as a surprise. I had not expected it so soon, I spoke to her only 4 days ago.

One of the Fabiacae
One of the many wattle

Coming through Mogo there is petrol at 161c/l so I feel the need to top up despite the fact that getting across the Princess Highway and then back on to the Princess Highway in the right direction is a little bit of a challenge.
Pterostylis pedunculata - maroonhood
Pterostylis pedunculata - maroonhood

The drive is rather a lovely one through a lot of bush and in fine weather I could appreciate it.

One of the heath - tiny flowers
Kangaroo apple

It is nice to get to Jane and Drew's place in Moruya, I am especially glad to have the company of friends for tonight.

A rather bright fungus
Prolific wattle  in flower

A refreshing cup of tea and a walk around the garden are lovely before we settle down for a bbq dinner and a glass or two of wine.
Diurys sp
Pterostylis nutans - nodding greenhood

Thursday brings overcast and cooler weather and the plan is to do a section of the coastal walk and investigate a couple of patches where Jane knows orchids may be found.

Incredible rock formations
Incredible rock formations

En route to the start of the walk, a message from Jonathon informs me that Sanne's funeral is 25th and a phone call with Andrew confirms 1pm.

Incredible rock formations
Incredible rock formations

I check ferry bookings and I can change - but can only get the car on for 24th, nothing on 23rd, and I need to change my ferry accommodation.  I do it.  I now have a 4 berth cabin to myself!

Incredible rock formations
Incredible rock formations

I cancel accommodation booking for 25th and 26th and inquire about moving another booking a day earlier - I get a positive reply for that.
Caladenia sp - first patch 
Caladenia sp - first patch 



I advise friends in Melbourne that I shall not be visiting them, unfortunately.  I am touched that Susan offers Catholic prayers and candles;  Thinley has already lit a butter lamp for her and asked his monk brother to pray for her. 

 
Caladenia sp - first patch 
Caladenia sp - first patch 





So all I need to re-organise now are plans for the next 2 days - condensing 3 days into 2, and I have pretty much decided what I want to do with that.

Caladenia sp - first patch 

Caladenia sp - first patch 

All of this re-organisation makes me a bit of an antisocial guest for a while but it's a relief to know what I am doing
Caladenia sp - first patch 
Caladenia sp - first patch 

The coastal walk delivers fabulous wildflowers and some amazing geology on one of the beaches.  We are not fast 😋  

We are rather fascinated by one of the Hibertia flowers, did you sing that the seed pods are formed by the sepals curling over to enclose the fertilised over. It seemed to be a remarkably efficient use of the plant's resources. And potentially a fabulous subject for time-lapse photography.
Hibertia sp
Seed pod formation from the sepals

We find a single maroonhood orchid and then quite a few Caladenia - whether variations on the same species or different species, I would not like to judge.

A single Caledenia
Flying ducks

And the orchid patches do not disappoint.  The first patch had flocks and flocks of flying ducks, and a single Caladenia.
Caladenia from the second patch
Caladenia from the second patch

Caladenia from the second patch

Caladenia from the second patch




The second patch had loads of Caladenia - definitely more than one species, along with nodding greenhoods and Diurys.  We were rather delighted.

Caladenia from the second patch
Caladenia from the second patch

Caladenia from the second patch
Caladenia from the second patch

Caladenia from the second patch
Caladenia from the second patch

Caladenia from the second patch
Caladenia from the second patch

Caladenia from the second patch

The sun has set when we return and it's time for a cuppa, to prepare dinner and to enjoy our evening.








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