Turtle time on Lord Howe
Mike Dolan of The Australian Women’s Weekly greets a friendly turtle whilst snorkelling on Lord Howe Island. Mike says, ‘As I took the plunge with mask and snorkel, the turtle looked me in the eye as if to say, “Come on, mate, I haven’t got all day to show you around the bay”.’
Turtle cruises Lord Howe's waters
It was a beautiful day to be on Lord Howe Island today. We were recorded as the hottest place in New South Wales, reaching a very balmy 19.8 degrees Celsius. Being July, you would expect to be bundled up in your winter woolies, snuggling up by the open fire! Our average low is approximately14 degrees over winter, so we won’t be looking out for a snow-capped Mount Gower any time soon.
Lord Howe is fortunate to have its very own Bureau of Meteorology, which has been around for over 100 years. The Met (as it is known to islanders) not only provides much needed climatological data for aircraft using the island’s airstrip, and for sea-faring islanders, it also provides data that can be used all over the globe.
Our meteorologist collects data daily from weather balloons outfitted with a thermometer, hygrometer, and barometer. A radar can track the balloon for two hours, and the Met can then collect all the information relevant to the daily forecast.
Tourists and islanders alike enjoy watching the balloon being released, and the local meteorologist is always happy to have a chat about the process. Bus tours that operate around the island will stop in at the Met, and you can learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the weather!
Originally developed from a market garden in 1979, the Lord Howe Island golf course has been developed and expanded into one of the most picturesque courses in Australia.
It’s a short walk ‘along the way’ for our guests at Capella.
From beneath the shadows of Mount Gower and Mount Lidgbird, the course meanders through the lushly vegetated kentia palm forest out onto gently undulating fairways along the ocean foreshore, and provides golfers with many a challenge. The 8th hole is particularly challenging with a big water trap (the ocean) situated on the western side. Another danger to golfers is the little cocker spaniel who lives next to the 9th tee – he steals golf balls and the greens keepers’ tools!
An average of 3 hours (18 holes) allows ample time to complete the course. All Island guests are welcome to play golf at any time.
A good old fashioned honesty system, rarely seen elsewhere today is used to pay for green fees and club hire. Balls are available from the lolly-pop machine for $1.00 per ball. Both left and right handed clubs are available for hire. There is no booking or waiting for a tee off time here.
Club day for members is every Sunday played over 18 holes with Island guests most welcome to participate. The Chicken Run is held on Friday afternoon, it is played over 9 or 12 holes for stable-ford points with the outright winner taking home a ‘chook.’ Several of our staff members are club members and enjoy the occasional ‘bash.’
7 April 2010
The Mount Gower Trek justly deserves its ranking as one of Australia’s top day walks. Taking approximately 5 hours to reach the summit at 875metres and another 4 hours to return, this trek should not be taken lightly.
Marvel at the breathtaking views of Ball’s Pyramid, Mt Lidgbird, the lagoon and the northern settlement. Explore the cloud forest on the summit where lichens, ferns, orchids and mosses flourish.
This climb isn’t for everyone, it is extremely challenging. Licensed guides Jack Shick and Dean Hiscox conduct this Class 5 climb three days a week (weather depending).
So, if you are planning on visiting Lord Howe and Capella Lodge remember to start training! Not only are the views from the summit spectacular, you will also get up close and personal with the island wood hens who will be trying to pinch your lunch.
From March to September you will probably also find yourself being dive-bombed by the Providence Petrels which soar around the summit. As soon as they hear any loud noise they come crashing through the dense canopy.
A sojourn in the cedar hot tub is a must after this strenuous day – of course, only if you’re staying at Capella!
We are enjoying the most splendid week of weather on Lord Howe. Wonderful clear days and whisper breezes have guests setting off on adventures all over the island. One such couple paddled off in one of our kayaks to Blackburn Island ( or Rabbit Island as it is affectionately known), located in the centre of the lagoon.
Blackburn Island was named after David Blackburn, sailing master of the Supply. Its named changed to Goat Island, then Rabbit Island and back to Blackburn Island officially in 1973. The ‘ Rabbit Island’ nickname probably has its origins from the unattended burrows of the Wedge-tailed shearwaters that are very similar to that of a rabbit.
This oval shaped island is only really accessible by kayak or small boat. It is well worth the paddle out there as it is the home for the shearwaters. Their chicks, all well fed and fluffy can be seen outside their burrows. It is also home to Lord Howe’s two lizard species, the skink and gecko.
On the eastern side of Blackburn Island you can see the remains of an old concrete shark ‘processing tank’ from the 1930s. A very short lived industry.
Whilst on the way back from dropping guests to the jetty I passed a group of school children (all barefoot, as is the tradition at the Island school) with their teacher, heading off to guess what?! A kayak out to Blackburn Island for Friday afternoon sport. What a life!
17 March 2010
What’s new on Lord Howe Island? Environmental Tours are now offering a North Head Natural History Tour to add to their existing Glass Bottom Boat and Snorkeling Tours. Dean Hiscox, who was a Ranger on LHI for many years, is now conducting a guided walk to North Head. The trip is scheduled twice weekly and leaves from the Environmental Tour’s boatshed. You travel by boat to North Bay via Settlement Beach. If you are lucky you may see a green turtle or two feeding on the sea grass beds there. Dean will take you on an informative walk along the beach to see the nesting seabirds and then continue up North Head. This is not a strenuous climb and no higher than Mt Eliza or Kim’s Lookout. You will have scenic views along the cliffs when you reach the top. When you return to North Bay, both beach and boat snorkeling opportunities are available. Trip duration is 3 hours. Dean also runs weekly guided tours up Mt Gower for those visitors to the island who want an extreme challenge.
The view to North Bay taking Mount Eliza looks just like a whale’s head!
