Day 23

Day 23 – Coral Bay

Sunrise on the bay

Sunrise at the backpackers

Today was a really nice day. The weather was perfect, very light wind and not a cloud in the sky. No idea of the temperature but I expect low 30’s. We had a leisurely start, well I did, Maureen went for an early walk to the lookout and then down to the backpackers, not sure what she was looking at there! Meanwhile, I hung around Girt until about 12. Then we swung into a fever of activity. We packed a picnic lunch

Fish cleaning station

Flower

and decided to take Trude on a run south. We went to the launching ramp area, what a brilliant job. Nothing flashy but very serviceable. Maureen took some pictures so you can see for yourself. They have spent a lot of money doing it, but it will last for ages. Rob, Maureen took extra pictures for you.

Following that, we went off-road and got onto the track heading south. It is a good track but a bit boggy in places. We only went so far before caution got the better of us and we decided we had gone far enough by

Maureen at lookout

Boat ramp

Boat Ramp View

Boat ramp

ourselves. It would be a good drive if you had a second vehicle or were just able to dig yourself out but that is beyond me. I am very sure the TA would be able to do it just fine but I will leave that for another day when Maureen wants to see something particular.

Boat ramp

Me in the water

Back at base, we had lunch, a quick snooze and then went to the beach. Drove the beast to the waters’ edge so Maureen would not need to help me so far. Perfect! Maureen actually got wet and came in too. The water was chilly but it was fine when in, Maureen even said it was worth the cold water. The reef is obviously regenerating and it will look spectacular in a few years, they also still do the fish feeding. When we were here with the kids 15 plus years ago, you could go down to the beach at about 4:00 and they

Fish Feeding

Beast on the beach

would feed the spangled emperor. These were huge fish and would eat the pellets at your feet, it was enough to bring tears to a fisherman’s eye as they are all protected. Well they still do it, just not as much food and they don’t get everyone doing the feeding – Occ Health and Safety issues I suppose. Rob, Maureen did not take any pictures as she did not want to hear about you drooling on the keyboard.

Whilst on the beach we met another couple who come from Melbourne, Meg and Barry and after a short chat we decided to have drinks at the hotel as they were in one of the units. They are a great

Meg, Barry & Me

Flower

Flower

couple – she and ex banker and he an ex filmmaker and teacher. We spent a lovely evening with them watching the sun go down and we are planning on catching up with them in Melbourne – Mornington Peninsular to be exact.

Still not sure of our next few days but the idea at the moment is to leave tomorrow and head to Bullara Station, just down the road here, then drive to Dampier, just where not too sure yet.