This image is from the very south of Tasmania, the Southern tip of Australia. It is a large tranquil area set just inside the protection of Recherche Bay, looking out from Cockle Creek.
There are no houses to be seen for miles. We camped for a few days amongst dense low lying bushes, giving us welcome shelter from the keening West wind that travels uninterrupted from Antartica and Tierra del Fuego in South America. Here the albatross rest on their long journeys around the world at 45 degrees south. Whales likewise congregate from time to time in the vast deep natural harbour, of which Bruni d’Entrecasteaux wrote in 1793
It will be difficult to describe my feelings at the sight of this solitary harbour situated at the extremeties of the globe, so perfectly enclosed that one feels separated from the rest of the universe. Everything is influenced by the wilderness of the rugged landscape. With each step, one encounters the beauties of unspoilt nature, with signs of decrepitude, trees reaching a very great height, and of corresponding diameter, are devoid of branches along the trunk, but crowned with an everlasting green foliage. Some of these trees seem as ancient as the world, and are so tightly interlaced that they are impenetrable.
— Bruni d’Entrecasteaux, Recherche Bay, January 1793
Its refreshing to read such a poetic and moving account of an area that is so thankfully still far off the beaten track. In sunny January we saw maybe one other group of visitors during three days. We walked for miles along the well maintained duckboard track through the marsh area down to the continents southernmost tip.
We dallied so much on the way back that the locals kindly sent out a watch party for us at 7.05 pm, a few minutes after our stated return time that we had written in the book at the start of the track. We were embarrassed and yet very surprised and glad to see them. Embarrassed because we had not realised that failure to return on time was a cause for action and alarm. Such a thoughtful and practical initiative. For Maribel, walking maybe 12 Km through the bush holding my arm and using her white cane was a little more than we were used to, so its true, we were slow and therefore late.
All was forgiven when we returned and met the outgoing search party, who we thanked profusely.
We are excited to share a collection of our original music one track at a time. This lovely music comes through us as gift to you in these uncertain times. Music and Lyrics composed and recorded by Harry Williamson and Maribel Steel.
written by Harry Williamson 2022
