After an interesting night’s sleep that saw Rosie end up on the lounge with the duet of Dave and Trev’s snoring making sleeping difficult, everyone had a light brekkie and got ready for our first full day on the island. The plan was to see the northwest area which included lunch at the Enchanted Fig Tree which we had pre-booked.

Rosie was so excited that the place we were staying had a hair drier she lost no time in getting ready – having said that, Kerry and Beryl took advantage of the facility as well!

We drove out in a westerly direction and soon were on dirt roads passing through sheep farms, forestry and rolling hills. The island did look a bit dry with some empty lakes, and the evidence of the 2020 bushfires which devastated the island was still obvious.

The Princess aka the Pearl/ the Girl was revelling in the fact that she was in the lead – which meant no dust – all dust being directed behind her – the position she was traditionally used to travelling in.

Our first destination was Stokes Bay – a potential surfing area so Gordie and Trev were hopeful. We had all dressed in our finest for the 1215pm Gastronomo lunch at the Enchanted Fig Tree but Trev and Gordie had worn boardshorts in the hope of a quick pre-lunch surf.

We arrived at what was marked on the map as Stokes Beach to be confronted by a rocky beach with no waves – nothing like the pics on the internet.

Fortunately, there was a sign that indicated there was a beach area to our right – Trev went and inspected and sure enough there was a small track through some large rocks that lead to a beautiful beach…

The surf was a bit small however, but we enjoyed a walk along the beach, a paddle, and some photo ops.

The beach again had fine white sand and some interesting rock formations at either end.

Trev sustained another crab attack captured on film – looked a bit sus….

As the girls walked back through the crack in the rocks it was very reminiscent of “Picnic at Hanging Rock” – disappearing amongst the rocks never to be seen again.

Our next destination was Snelling Beach, which was the next possible surfing location, so we continued on. It also happened to be the location of the Enchanted Fig Tree.

The Enchanted Fig Tree is a 120-year-old fig tree planted as a food source for the first settlers of KI. The tree’s huge canopy and gnarled limbs have grown in such a way as to create natural “rooms” which have been turned into a unique dining experience location near Snelling Beach. Our booking was for 1230 but we were asked to be there by 1215 sharp, so we were keen to keep an eye on the time so as not to miss any of this unique experience.

Snelling beach was stunning – turquoise blue water, white sand but again the swell was small.

There was a group of vintage Combies lined up on the beach itself – Gordie of course was drawn straight to them and had a great chat – they were a group doing a fundraiser for KI bushfire recovery and the family that had lost 2 members during the fires.

After dragging Gordie away, we left the beach and went across to the Enchanted Fig Tree – slightly early so we had a look around the grounds at the old shearers shed…and Gordie and Trev did the quick-change routine to fit in with the dress code…

We walked down to the large fig tree and were greeted by a waitress who welcomed us with a refreshing cocktail of KI gin, fig syrup, peppercorn leaves and other delights as well as a fig canape.

The obligatory group photo at the entrance to the fig tree and we were then ushered in by our waitress to our table inside the fig tree canopy.

Thankfully it was a beautiful day. The sunlight filtered in through the large translucent green leaves, small birds flittered amongst the branches – one even leaving a little message on Klaus’s forearm. The tree was heavy with fruit and there were figs on the ground.

The tables were set in amongst different areas of the tree – it was semiprivate, relaxing and we were able to hear each other talk – unlike most restaurants that are so noisy. Background music floated through the air and fairy lights shone subtly among the branches – truly an enchanting experience.

The dining experience lasted over 3 hrs – and prior to the courses starting, Gordie was tempted to eat a fig he was so hungry!! He picked up a fig off the “floor” near our table, broke it open and ate it…. Who knows what will happen after ingesting a fig that was more than likely licked by a possum (or worse) …time will tell…

The set menu was amazing – 2 starters, an entrée, main and dessert all beautify prepared, presented, and tasty beyond belief! Fresh local produce was used, and it was difficult to select which part was the best – but possibly the dessert was the piece-de-resistance – Berry Bombe Alaska with a berry ice-cream centre, chocolate coating then covered with a soft meringue topped off with a berry compote and fig coulis – magnificent! Trev and Gordie couldn’t help themselves – it was great down to the last lick!!

Kerry had noticed that there were a lot of ripe figs near the toilets and so surreptitiously she and Gordon went to the loo (several times) and gleaned a fig or two….

Klaus wisely spoke to the waitress, leading the conversation around to the fact that there were a lot of ripe figs, to which the waitress replied, “take as many as you want”!!! Honesty works well and so then everyone helped themselves to a few figs to take home.

We left the restaurant after having such an enjoyable experience and returned to the beach to check for waves – the swell was now smaller, so we decided to head for home and a swim at Emu Bay instead.

On the way home we saw a magnificant wedge tailed eagleand managed to snap a pic…

After such an indulgent lunch we opted for cheese, fruit, and bikkies for dinner….

Trev and I opted for the sofa bed that night in the hope of a better night’s sleep for all!!