dennis s. hurddennis s. hurd

Saturday, January 05, 2013

Day 67 - The Last Compass Point

It didn't rain today although I didn't need to apply a smidgen of sunblock.  We walked down the road about 25 meters for breakfast then continued down towards the Matara Bus Station.  Nearly across the street is the beach and an island Buddhist temple as well.  We walked across its bridge and visited the inspiring rocky hill and buildings.

Matara Island Temple

We then boarded a local bus to Dondra, at least that's the English name.  It's weird how often the British names didn't match what the locals call a place.  Even in Google Earth it's easy to spot the outcrop of land just a bit east of Matara.

Prior to this trip to Sri Lanka, I had already visited large tracts of this country. Considering I've literally lost count of the number of my visits, I guess it's not surprising.  We have not done as much travelling this time as we thought we might which is a little ironic as this is one of my longest visits ever.  Today though, we did hit the last compass point of land and all on this trip alone.

When we travelled to the city of Jaffna, we stood at the most northerly point in the country on Day 30 Then, a mere three days later, on Day 33, we were at the most easterly point of land of mainland Sri Lanka.   It wasn't until Day 48, on our way up Highway 4, we got close to the eastern Sangamankanda Point.  There's not actually a town close to the most easterly point, so I was not able to stop the bus and take a picture there.  What is it they say, "Close enough for government work," though?  Today, we did get to the lighthouse which rests on the most southerly point of land.

Dondra Lighthouse

When looking south at Dondra Head, there was no land between me and the south pole.  Well actually, considering the Antarctic is for the most part barren and ice covered, then I guess there may not have been much in a straight line between me and perhaps south America.  (That's a little tough to check with Google Earth though.)

Survey Market

Jay's got a cold and the weather forecast is not promising so we just may head back to Minuwangoda tomorrow.


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