Maria Island: Haunted Bay

Our entire group walked to Haunted Bay. It was a pretty easy hike, though there was about 10 minutes of steep descent. You'd think that'd be easier, but it's not: I don't mind an ascent, but steep descents make me feel like I'm going to lose control.


It was so worth it, though. The pictures speak for themselves and there is something about the beauty of a destination being even more beautiful when you work for it yourself:

Woods that look like something from a children's book. Would you call this exotic? Maybe magical?

 

Approaching Haunted Bay -- I believe it's named for the sound the wind makes during certain times, not for any ghosty stories. 

I have done no color correction on these pictures. It is JUST THAT BLUE AND CLEAN AND PURE.

How could you not have a big ole grin when you see this?

Penguin burrow:

Made it:

Yay! Also, I look oddly short here.

Panoramics:

I could not stop taking pictures of the coastline. It's magical.

We hung out on these rocks and then hiked back to camp, all getting to know about each other. There is a kind of conversation prompted by walking or running (basically, propelling yourself forward) that is not accessible in a sedentary position. Back at camp, we drank lovely wine and had a lovely dinner and snuggled into sleeping bags.