The KI Garden Club and Flora and Fauna Club members on this outing were shown many plants of interest, and Devonshire tea enthusiasts received a special treat.

Our leader, Cathy Ford, shared highlights of her property named “Bolonne Cobbadamana” (meaning “Pelican Head”), and purchased nearly 12 years ago.

Cathy guided us via the extensive rainwater catchment and storage system. A variety of tanks, including three large, cement squatters tanks erected by Ron Mundy, store whatever rain falls.

This area records one of the lowest rainfalls measured on KI, hence the necessity to have ample storage.

Cathy is a keen gardener and has worked hard to create at least four large covered animal and bird proof areas for her project.

She mulches heavily using local straw, resulting in healthy organic vegetables and fruit trees including some exotic varieties of the latter.

Cathy runs a few sheep at times to keep down flammable grass.

Sheep manure is put to good use in her garden. A few free ranging fowls add interest and scratch in any garden area in between plantings.

Of interest to the men were the two rustic gates with a variety of old tools welded, or otherwise attached to them creating a feature.

Wwoofer’s stay on Cathy’s property helping with many of the projects.

These include revegetation and building limestone structures used for various purposes such as grain storage, outdoor cooking, and a ramp to enable easy servicing of the ride on mower.

Childhood memories flashed back for Midge as we walked through ground cover native plants producing small orange fruit. Midge used to make jam for her dolls from this fruit.

The fruit was tasted by a couple of people, with various comments on the flavour.

We were introduced to Cathy’s neighbours for eight years, namely Jenny and Bob Teasdale. Jenny and Bob joined us and guided us over their property where extensive revegetation has been undertaken.

Boxthorns have been removed, with Swamp Melaleucas planted and protected from animals. Besides the normal plastic tree guards and netting, use has been made of the prickly boxthorn branches.

On both properties, the new plants appeared quite healthy.

Cathy showed us a spot featuring native Correas, this being the only place she has found them on her property. Apparently they grow in another spot near Pennington Bay.

We stood on Goat Island enjoying the views, and walked through the high tide flood area. This area floods on odd occasions such as a King tide and strong winds.

Goats have been eradicated on these properties, but kangaroos abound, much to the pleasure of the Chinese Wwoofer who accompanied Dennis.

Our group split when we were given a choice of a short walk through a wet swamp area with Cathy, or a slightly longer dry walk with Bob, meeting later at the same spot.

We split again when Jenny and Bob invited anyone interested back to their lovely home to rest and revive. Whilst enjoying the magnificent views, tea, coffee, and delicious homemade wholemeal scones served with Quince jelly or marmalade jam were a special treat.

Only wight had the willpower to decline this offer and follow leader Cathy to inspect Rabbit Island and more magnificent views as we followed the Lagoon edge, enjoying the winter sunshine.

Alison spotted a small triangle yellow sign on Rabbit Island. With the help of binoculars and zoom cameras Lyn and Paul confirmed that it was a National Park sign with the writing “Reserve” still visible.

Cathy explained that, on a low tide, kangaroos can be observed swimming from Rabbit Island to where we were standing.

On return the Rabbit Island walkers joined the Devonshire tea participants on the track where Midge, on behalf of the club, thanked our leader and helpers for a magnificent afternoon.

We were reminded of the next walk in the Eleanor River area under the leadership of Rodger Cass. Lily White Legs