It was drizzling but the trip was not cancelled as the dark clouds were clearing when it was time to leave the wharf. On record, for every three tours booked, only one materialised, which means that two out of three were cancelled due to poor weather conditions. Count ourselves fortunate to be able to land on Montague Island!
After a rough ride across the choppy seas, we were sure glad to disembark smoothly. The water was clear and welcoming but too cold to entice the majority to go snorkelling.
The lighthouse on Montague Island was first advocated in 1873 encountered many trials and tribulations due to inexperience and tardiness of contractors and masons and harsh conditions of transporting building materials from the mainland. The only material available on the island was granite which had to be transported uphill for construction.
A downpour came without much warning as we were climbing the steep slope towards the peak where the lighthouse sits.
The lighthouse keepers' quarters as it was (shown above). The head lighthouse keeper's house has modern decor and full facilities to accommodate visitors who want to stay overnight at the lighthouse.
After a few cups of hot tea, the able-bodied took a climb up the lighthouse for a bird's eye view of the surrounding.
Then we were on our way again, still half drenched. Walking around the island, we saw yet another beautiful aspect of the lighthouse.
For information and pictures of the wildlife on Montague island, please check out my Nature blog :
http://australianature.blogspot.com/2009/04/fur-seals-on-montague-island-off.html
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