From Newcastle to Port Macquarie

This morning we are traveling in two teams. 5 people are participating in a beach jeep ride and sandboarding. Since I am not interested in this for various reasons, I did not sign up for it, just like two other people. Our alternative program for three is a hike through the Hunters Wetland National Park. There we encounter

• 5 spiders (actually more, but I’ll just pretend it’s nice)
• 5 trillion mosquitoes (actually fewer, but that’s the perceived amount)
• two rangers who tell us about the bird species and show us their own photos (both estimated to be well over 70)
• My first kookaburra (self-spotted - also known as the Laughing Jack)
• Many other birds (near and far)

Afterward, we continue on and I am a bit disappointed that we hardly make a stop at Wallis Lake because we have no time. However, we will still take in some viewpoints later. In the late afternoon, we arrive in Port Macquarie, where after checking in to our rooms, we only have time for dinner and a short walk by the water.