"leave us alone on this solitary place, let us be content; and rejoice that we are all together in safety.”
- Father, The Swiss Family Robinson
Nearly every Flinders Island local we spoke to – and we spoke to most – said that Frank, the pilot flying us to Deal Island is an excellent pilot. As a nervous flyer, I was not that keen on a ride in a 6-seater but the constant flow of praise for Frank helped me relax a little.
I decided I may as well embrace the moment and sit up front with Frank where I could watch him at the controls and take in the views. Frank thought it was pretty funny when I tried to climb into the pilot seat but once I was in the correct seat I buckled in and we took to the sky.
After a 30 minute trip across Bass Straight, we touched down on the boomerang shaped runway on Deal Island. The previous caretakers, Dale and David, were at either end of the runway fiercely clanging saucepans to scare off the cape barron geese allowing for a safe landing.
We un-loaded the plane and spent a frantic hour and a half with Dale and Dave to learn the ropes and find out as much as possible about running and maintaining the island and all that comes with it including machinery, solar systems, battery’s, generators, water supply, buildings and vegetable gardens.
Then the plane left with Dale and Dave on board and we were on the island, all alone. A very strange but pretty cool feeling.
About two hours later, 6 yachts sailed into the passage and anchored in the cove below the caretakers residence – not so alone after all…
We spent the afternoon familiarising ourselves with our surroundings and taking in the breathtaking views that seem to be everywhere.
All packed for 3 months
Loading the gear onto the 6-seater
Leaving Flinders Island
Flying into Deal Island
A quick change over with the previous caretakers
Yachts in the cove
East Cove Jetty
East Cove
Looking back at the compound
Little Squally Cove
First Dinner on Deal - sitting on the front lawn.
Holly buck jumping sand crabs - 90 minutes to tell you how to survive! Amazing views and photos. I can't wait to hear of your adventures. How's the tide movement from the looks of the East Cove Jetty - that's huge. Plenty of beaches for 'Nude January' swims - pity its March hey....