Cliff Head

We learn the following directions: "Drive across XYZ road, and after 1.2km you'll come across a windmill. Turn and follow the road past the small quarry until you come to Ian's hut. Go in and say hello, and you should be able to camp for as long as you want."

Wise words, from a fellow camper who loves finding out-of-the-way places to set up camp and live for a little while in a secluded, unknown area.

We follow his advice, but find no seclusion - there are campers everywhere! The coast is rugged, the sand is covered in a thick layer of tough seaweed, and the water is muddy. But the scenery is lovely; low-lying cliffs and enormous pine trees; and the Indian Ocean at your door step. You cannot hear traffic, just the low din of an industrial operation in the vicinity, maybe the oil rigger we can see a few hundred metres offshore.

So we are happy with the location, but not the dozen-or-so campers, who, of course, have all packed their (annoying) generators. We continue along the coast, over a deep sandy track, and find a lovely alcove: a small cliff with ancient pine trees on one side; scrub and the ocean on the other; and plenty of foliage to shield us from the nasty westerly winds. Perfect!

Cliff Head provided us with a lovely spot to 'do nothing' for a few days. You can't dive in the water (icey cold and dirty) and the fishing is limited. But you can light a campfire, strum a guitar, and paint your surrounds, if you so desire. Bliss... We were so relaxed I forgot to pick up the camera!!!!!

Tin shacks line the coast - all part of a mining lease.

A Splendid Wren and his harem visit us each monring.



The Jetty might advise everyone to "keep off" but I don't think the eagles nesting at the top of the pole can read.