Before heading back to the cabin, tonight we stopped by Stokes Bay. Because it was right next to where we were staying.
We actually stopped last night, and gazed upon the beach wondering why anyone would want to be there, let alone put it as a major destination on a map.
That is when a group returned to a tour van and informed us the beach was through the rock face.
We thanked him for his knowledge, then sat in the car until the group eventually drove off, deciding we would come back the next evening at sunset rather than appear the foreigners we were by getting out of the car and looking around.
So tonight was the night to visit Stokes Bay, but first, food.
We had to stop at the legendary Vivonne Bay General store to have the “World Famous Whiting Burger.”
Not bad. I believe the bragging rites for worlds best fish sandwich is very similar to the worlds best tenderloin claims in Iowa. There are standards on which claims are based, but in the end, it is individual tastes which are never universal.
So, Stokes Bay Beach is right in front of you if you know where to look.
In their defense, there is a path right up to the rock face, but the path has warning signs like this. Not to mention, there is a beach… of sorts off to the left of the sign. It was a lot of rocks and kelp to be honest, but otherwise not very beach like.
There are also warning signs about RIP tides, shifting beaches and… scary stuff. But it was also named one of the best beaches in Australia last year. The whole thing is a contradiction if you ask me, but we followed the path, which lead to a sign on a rock that said “beach.”
Another contradiction since it was a rock. So we moved through the narrow crevasse and found a path.
And boom. there was a beach
A perfectly wonderful, almost completely abandoned beach, with crystal clear water, gentle tides and solitude.
We wandered around a bit before we realized at the top of the hill behind the beach is the property we are staying on with the kangaroos and sheep, and we could have wandered down here anytime without going through the rocks.
Of course, we would have had to deal with an electric fence, a rather steep descent and probable awful things in the bush, but we have been this close the whole time and did not realize it.
I suppose that is another reminder that sometimes we should look over the edge to see what is there. Maybe not plunge stupidly into danger, but at least look and consider what other routes might be available. Do a little research before taking the plunge, because frankly all the warning signs are off putting.
But there is beauty in danger. There is relief in realization. And there can be calm in confusion.
Just like this beach. And the sunset from the top of the hill.
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