Six Weeks at Yardie

I'm starting this on June 30th, but it will probably be a few days before it is finished.  The photos take a very long time to upload.  And as it is June 30th, Happy Birthday to Richard Peers, Simon Muller and Tom Markovic.

We have now been at Yardie a little over 6 weeks and away from home for a bit longer than that.  Life goes on at Yardie with the same relaxed pace.  The Strattons left nearly a week ago and very excitingly their grandson arrived safely last Friday night.  Welcome to the world, Charlie Thomas Martin.  They didn't make it home for the arrival as he was 2 weeks early, but they will get there soon.  Some of our other neighbours who have been here for a few weeks have also left - not sure if we should start to worry about what we are doing wrong!  We have had a few noise complaints, but as they were part of the noise making it can't be that.  We have very much enjoyed the company of Ron and Glenys, Peter and Barbara and Kaz and Lyn and hope to see them back here next year.

Yardie isn't a caravan park with fancy facilities, grassed sites and jumping pillows, but we love the friendly relaxed feel here.  Nobody asks you to take down an improvised clothes line or complains about where you are parked (as we have experienced in the more upmarket parks).  The long termers here are very friendly and there is plenty of socialising.  It always seems to be someone's birthday or some reason for a get together.  The Sunday roasts are very popular.  One night recently, a couple of the regulars organized a sunset sausage sizzle at one of the beaches, Wobiri.

Before Laurelle and Raymond left, we had a joy flight (is that an oxymoron as in fun run?) over the area. 

It was really interesting to see the relationship between the reef and the range and the fabulous colours of the water along the coast.

We flew over the wreck of the SS Mildura at the tip of the Cape.

We also flew around the radio communication towers built in the 1960's by the American Navy. These towers are higher than the Eiffel Tower.  They aren't used now, but are maintained just in case they are needed in the future, according to our pilot, Lincoln.  The way they are looked after and secured, it would seem that they are still quite important.

 The township of Exmouth from the air.

Also before the Strattons left, we had a lovely lunch in Exmouth at the Novotel. This is probably the premier resort in the town, located right on the beachfront. We have been there before and there never seem to be many people staying there.  The food is very good though.  Alan was disappointed that the prawn cocktail is no longer on the menu.

Apart from all the eating and drinking, there has been some serious work happening - fishing!  All those of you who are tired of seeing fish photos, look away now.  And for those who question the number of large fish that are being brought in, none of it is wasted.  There are lots of people here who can't get outside the reef to catch the big fish, and they are more than happy to share in the spoils.  Even the frames get used, and someone actually took the liver to cook!  Glad we aren't living near them and asked to sample it.  These ones are ruby snapper, caught a very long way out in very deep water.  Beautiful to eat!

 This one is a Coronation/Coral Trout - it seems to have 2 different names.

Not the best angle for this fish, but it is a Spanish Mackerel.

Some more rubies (believe it or not, some people actually like seeing all these photos of fish!)

As well as fishing a long way out for the really big ones, it is very pleasant spending a few hours on the beach hoping something will jump on the line.  Not me of course, I need the time to relax.

There were about 20 squid caught this time.

This is a photo of a fish jumping over a stick in the water.  It wasn't just an accident, it jumped over and back a few times.  Clever fish!

The only other signs of life on the beach on this day.  It's hard to believe all these miles of pristine beach and no-one there.  Not complaining, just saying.

Tugga is getting used to the water now and enjoys a bit of a paddle.  He is starting to swim and retrieve sticks, but only if they aren't too far out.

The rock pools are good places to find interesting things.

Sometimes there are other dogs to play with ...

... and unfortunately then Alan has to stop and talk to the dog's owner about what kind of dog he is, how old he is and all the other boring stuff that other dog owners want to know about.

There are other interesting things on the beach as well!

shells

sponges

more shells and sea urchins

coral

sponges and sea urchins

and another sea urchin

Over the last few days there have been very large swells along the coast, coming from a huge storm in the south.  Good for surfing and beachcombing, but not for fishing unfortunately.

And of course I couldn't finish without some sunset photos.  They are particularly beautiful in this part of Australia.

So that's your lot for this time, and actually all finished in one day. I'm going to try and do a post each week from now on so that it doesn't take so long in one sitting.

Merrilyn x