Caleb gave us a sleep in this morning. I had a brainwave a few days ago and had shuffled some of the food in the van cupboards around so that he could easily get his own breakfast without waking us. I called it fostering independence and giving us peace and quiet at the same time! Good thinking, if I may say so myself.
As it was a Saturday, we headed into town for the weekly market. We scored a whole watermelon for $3, 8 passion fruit for $2, a kilo of bananas for $2 and a whole butter nut pumpkin for $1. Lots of fresh produce to go with all of our eggs!
We ventured to the local sports store to buy bait and walked out with bait, a snorkel set for Caleb and new runners for Aaron. Aaron is on a health kick and has been running a couple of kms a day even though his old runners gave him new blisters everyday. He’s really pleased with them and we assured him he will definitely run faster now!
We headed out to the blow holes which were 48km out of town. We were amazed that we were able to walk right to the edge of the cliff and watch the blow holes in action. We commented that in Victoria there would be a fence, path and indemnity to sign, just in order to get within a few metres of the spectacular sight. We really feel a sense of disappointment admitting it, but our home state is so over-regulated compared to the other States and Territories we have visited that we just feel that there is no weight given to relying on people’s common sense and the fact that most people really will do the right thing. The powers that be, seem to think that the minority is the behaviour that is displayed by all and so they make their rules and regulations to reflect this. As a result the sightseeing is seriously affected and with it the experience. (Ok, rant over). There was a plaque dedicated to someone who had lost their life there and a big warning sign that you couldn’t miss. (Be responsible for yourself!)
We explored the coastline and found a little shanty town of corrugated huts that could be rented, right on the beach. It certainly isn’t Brighton, Victoria with its beach boxes but much cheaper at only $5.50 per night.
We headed out to Quobba Station and had our picnic lunch at the shearers quarters. It was deserted but apparently it is a pumping place to be in the tourist season. We took a look through the rooms and the communal dining areas. The writing on the walls showed many good times had over the years and the camaraderie and competitiveness of the shearers.
We spent a pleasant evening with friends who we met along the way, recounting our day and sharing our experiences in Carnarvon. Caleb kept himself busy with pegs!
I’ve actually skipped a few hours and a recount of Ray and Aaron’s fishing expedition this afternoon. The man in the fishing shop said, and I quote, ” if you can’t catch a decent fish in Carnarvon then hang up your fishing rod for good”. I need to report that 10 fish were caught, all of which could be described as “tiddlers”, so all were thrown back. Aaron did lose all of his gear and nearly his rod too, by the “one that got away”. They both came back convinced it was a shark. They think their fishing rods are safe, I still haven’t eaten fish since we left Melbourne!