Boulder Bank. Organiser: Grahame Harris
Eighteen people lined up by the cesspool at the end of Boulder Bank Road and did not delay too long setting off from the aromatic fragrance of the effluent. Before long we were clear of the smell, but also on that part of the Boulder Bank which has been most broken up by vehicles - there is no notice or barrier to warn them off any more. The stones were loose and made for hard walking. The instructions were that everyone should proceed at their own pace, have lunch at noon, and turn back. As it turned out all but four reached the Cut at the end, and were entertained by a young seal lying on the concrete slabs, then taking to the water and lolling in the channel among passing boats at considerable risk. On the way we had passed the shag colony perched on the dead branches of the remaining tree, the other trees having succumbed and collapsed under the assault of shag-colony droppings. Then the baches, several of which have been spruced up a bit in recent years. On to the lighthouse, which everyone reached, and which was locked; there had been ill-founded reports that it was left open lately. Along this stretch many seabirds were seen - oystercatchers, black-backed gulls, but mainly red-billed gulls - but there was no sign of nesting activity yet. On the way back a flock of royal spoonbills were congregated on the edge of the mudflats. Everyone was back in good time in spite of the wearying nature of the stony route, and all seemed pleased they had done the trip.
Party: Grahame Harris, Brenda Sinclair and infant daughter Shelley (who walked for 3 hours!), Ross Price, Alison Nicoll, Rosemary Weir, Robyn Walsh, David Blunt, John Olykan, Christine & Dale Hoy, Gretchen Williams, Tony Haddon, and visitors Cathy Worthy, Karen Wardell, John Lammin, Sharon Foga, Don Cameron, and Arnia Byrne.