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Published: April 17th 2009
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Shark Bay
A little treat after our early morning Dolphin feeding When I signed up for this year, I never imagined what a huge part fishing would play on a daily basis. Sam wanted to shout the family a fishing tour in Kalbarri, until he found out that it would cost over one thousand dollars for half a day. So we did the next best thing….we hired a little boat that was probably one horse power and armed with our fishing rods, bait, tackle box and hand lines ( got the lingo down pat) we set off to catch some fish. A lone pelican followed us down the river, obviously aware of something we did not yet know…that everything we would catch that afternoon would be no bigger than Joe’s hand and would make a perfect feed for a hungry pelican. At least the boys got to captain the vessel which made up for the empty bucket at the end of the day.
On our return, The Devines and another family (Lyn, Simon and kids) were playing on the beach. An impromptu 40th birthday celebration for Jan ensued with champagne, cask wine and fish and chips devoured, as we watched the sun set. The kids played in the water until
Shark Bay
Shell Beach it was dark and we had to drag them home to get some sleep before the next adventure.
We woke early the next morning to set out on our canoe trip. After a bit of four wheel driving, we were dropped off, with some other families, to canoe 10 km down the river. Kathy and Max were in one canoe and Ads, Sam and Jo Jo were in the other. Apparently many marriages don’t survive a canoe trip, so I am glad that Max put up with me and I managed to row out of earshot, as instructions were given to me from out yonder. An elaborate breakfast was waiting for us and then more canoeing. That night, I must confess, I could not move. I had to take Nurofen to stop my arms and shoulders throbbing, but it was definitely worth it. Of course that was after our little Seder on the beach. We managed to smuggle some Matzah out of Perth and sang songs as the sun set. While rotisserie chicken isn’t usually on the menu in Melbourne, the taste of charoset, horse radish and matzah did transport us back home to family and friends for a
Kalbarri
Note the magnificent view and the natural rock window... moment.
We had an early start again the following day, as we ventured into The Kalbarri National Park. While it was only a 30 min drive from town, temperatures are usually ten degrees warmer and we hoped to be back at the beach by 11, before the temperature hit 44 degrees. The gorges were special, not only because of their beauty, but also because they were the first of hopefully many on this trip. The hikes were fun but Joe’s highlight was certainly the Korean girls who found him irresistible and shared their Pringles with him during a break from walking.
The next four days at Shark Bay, were some of the most exciting and stimulating of the trip so far. Ok we did a lot of fishing, (and Ads caught flathead for dinner) but aside from that, we visited an Ocean Marine Park, where we were treated to a fascinating insight into the complex world under water. Sam and Max loved trying to identify different species of fish, but were most impressed by the shark pond, where some myths were exposed…yes tiger sharks are apparently misunderstood and are the teddy bears of the sea. Can’t promise I
Shark Bay
Mummy and Calf in tow will be giving them a hug any time soon! We also learnt some first aid for stingers and stone fish bites which would come in handy at Monkey Mia…more of that later.
We met up with the Devines again and spent an afternoon fishing and catching crabs and other interesting sea creatures. Adam, Max and Jojo needed a break from the pressure of the rod and took a beautiful drift snorkel down the river with the incoming tide.
Another early morning followed as we set off for Monkey Mia. Many had warned us about how touristy it was there, but we absolutely loved it. The dolphins were playful, the milkshakes delicious and Adam and Sam were selected from the crowd to feed a fish to “Shock” and “Surprise” two of the dolphin regulars. We hung out on the beach for the afternoon, snorkeling and swimming. We saw a large shovel ray and sea turtle and Max had a close encounter with a blue bottle jellyfish. Adam made a run for the fish and chip shop and doused Max in vinegar and then put him under a very warm shower. I was so amazed by how brave Max was,
Kalbarri
The Sea Horse Sanctuary he was clearly uncomfortable and in pain, but responded well to Adam’s first aid.
The last two days have been spent shopping for supplies in Carnarvon before we head north. We are so well stocked, I feel like I am surrounded by bananas and bread rolls, which will be consumed all too quickly, leaving us with baked beans and dehydrated peas until the next big town ( not for ages).
Hope you all had a Happy Pesach/Easter!
Love Kornies 5
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Debbie
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sending our love to you all.
Hi there Kornies, I love hearing what a great time you are having but have to say we missed you at the Seder table. Glad to know you had a little seder together - it sounded delightful. All is well with the Sheezel/ Edwards clan and we all enjoy your blogs. We send you our love and keep enjoying....Debbie. XXX