Trish Travels: Another week at Ningaloo

Day 57 - Another week at Ningaloo

Thursday, 23 May 2013

Friday 17th to Thursday 23rd May

Loving it so much, despite weather, we have decided to stay another week. So Friday we set off to Exmouth for a few supplies. Managed to get a couple of small shopping lists for fellow campers as well. Nice to be able to do something in return for everyone's hospitality.

Took the coast road up to Yardie Creek, which has been dry (well the crossing) for quite a while. A very corrugated track but not the worst we have done. Coming up to the crossing there was a bit of a traffic jam, and as we pulled up we saw our previous camper neighbours from 14 mile beach. Of course we had to catch up on all our news, as well as the sad news of the couple that had since drowned at Warra. You do see some silly things happen, but the Troopy towing an old Patrol, loaded with 4 back packers and more camping gear than you could shake a stick at, and with tyres still fully inflated, tried to cross the extremely soft creek bed, we decided that took the cake. Saw another Travelander in the car park. This one a single cab camper (about 60cm longer than ours) but on a dual cab with an extended tray! Would love to know what that weighed, but as I pointed out to my chauffeur they might not travel the off road way like someone I know!

A quick restock in Exmouth which seemed to take all day, couple of quick calls to our lads and we were heading back to camp, the bitumen way this time. Well at least until the turn off to the Station. There we were heading west on rough track with the setting sun on the horizon. Hmmm, must remember this is not fun. Arrived at the beach in the dark. Fun and games with grumpy getting the camper backed up to the gazebo. "Left hand down". "LEft HAnd DOwn", ... "LEFT HAND DOWNNNN" Michael came out to assist. For the first time EVER, grumpy admitted he was wrong - must have been the dark and got his left and rights muddled. Heh, heh. All soothed with a beer or two and some well planned out left overs for a quick heat up.

In the meantime have met more wonderful people. Have yet to be able to go for a walk without being delayed somewhat. The most memorable one when meeting Michelle and Tim. I think M noticed Tim trying to sort some solar panels, turned out we might have something to help and rushed back to our camp to get it. Before I know it we both have been plied with alcohol and stagger back to our camp after dark. Next day Tim collects M to have a fish in their boat and a short while later Michelle turns up with a bottle of bubbly discretely wrapped up in a tea towel. I did my utmost to resist for about 10 seconds, unbelievably I succumbed :). Was feeling no pain when the fisherman returned, and he had some catching up to do.

The days go on like this, such a hard life. On a More serious note, drama in the "Hansfree" camp one night. Annika had severe chest pains and they ended up making a nightmarish trip to Exmouth, nearly midnight by the time they got there, where she was taken to Perth via the RFDS. Five days later, with a diagnosis of heart cramps, medication and instructions not to overdo it she is 'home' and teaching me free form crochet. Hans in the meantime was well cared for by the Ningaloo neighbours.

I will really miss this when we leave this Friday especially Michael and Denise next door. Sunset drinks in their Cottesloe Pavilion will be hard to beat.

	Michael and Denise's waterfront property [Map]		Boat Harbour, DEC camp nr Yardie Creek [Map]
	A Travelander Cousin [Map]		Neighbours Kayak, Cottesloe Pavillion [Map]
	Don't get lost! [Map]