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Friday, November 8, 2019

Bustard Head 2019

Pancake Creek is an enjoyable destination and a bit of a 1/2 way stop between Burnett Heads and Great Keppel Island. We’ve visited a number of times and sometimes out of necessity, to shelter. (BTW since it’s just across the next headland or around the corner from Gladstone, phone, internet and TV reception is excellent). 

On this occasion I was successful in persuading the bloke to accompany me on the walk up to the Bustard Head Lighthouse. Walks with a destination, especially a lighthouse,  are so rewarding.  



Like all lighthouses these days, the actual light visible out at sea, is an uber powerful LED, but the structure and original light remains. In this instance, the lighthouse and adjacent buildings have been preserved and continue to be maintained by a roster of volunteer caretakers. The history associated with the original lighthouse keepers, staff and families is on display and their memory is kept vivid. Not for nothing is there a navigational aide such as this at Bustard Head. The waters in the vicinity are to be respected. Since our first trip up this way in 2016, we can sadly count the loss of at least 6 mariners! 





The walk is best undertaken during low tide as the tidal flat is revealed. The short cut across the the tidal flat is marked by a bucket!  


The Bloke see’s that the end is in sight. Boot camp hasn’t been too severe today!


But wait, there is another vista to enjoy a little beyond the lighthouse! The entrance to Jenny Lind Creek confirms that the lighthouse stands on an island. 


An expanse of water at high tide drains at low to reveal the waterway’s shallow parts. 


A fellow traveller. 


A distinctive mangrove tree that is frequently photographed.  


Mangrove leaves pooling to adorn this puddle.


Vessels anchored in Pancake Creek.


This is the track of the ‘boot camp’ walk. I’m guessing that The Bloke reckons he’s earned his anchor dram today. 


Clearly, it’s time for ‘Sundowners’. Cheers!

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