Second Ck

One of the many classic car stickers in the area (luv it!!)

After loading up with supplies from Port Augusta we made our way down the east coast stopping at the big snapper grounds of Whyalla, Cowell and Arno Bay. The winds prevented us from getting out in a boat of any kind but that did not stop us from checking out the local sites and doing a bit of jetty fishing, which is always fun with the kids. Dylans patience meant he was the squid fishing champion of the week. Because of the tides and shallow waters most of the towns have a jetty, which were originally built to cater for supplies and wheat carrying ships. Pacific oysters are also grown in these waters and are now famous around the world. We could not help ourselves, and over the course of a couple of weeks we managed to devour a few tonnes. At Tummy (umby) Bay we found a great free camping site on second creek where we settled ourselves in for some good weather. No one was around and we spent the time hanging out, beach fossicking and fishing with our over friendly pelican friends and a resident seal. Like clock work the fishing would heat up in the last couple of hours of the high tide each day, and at dusk the squid fishing was excellent. All up we lived off whiting, squid, salmon and blue swimmer crabs – a tough life indeed.

It was now time to visit the ‘capital’ of the Eyre Peninsular – Port Lincoln. We had to pick up ‘Auntie Shell’ from the airport as she was joining us on our travels for 10 days. We stayed in the local caravan park for a couple of days to do some washing and visit the fishy attractions and National Parks that Port Lincoln is famous for. The van also went to the mechanics to get the height raised and once done it was now travelling perfectly on the back of the vehicle. Chris and Aimee spent the final morning in Port Lincoln swimming with some oversized tuna in an aquaculture pen located inside the harbour. Tuna and seafood is big business here, with the most millionaires per capita than any city in the world.

Lincoln NP

The great “Makybe Diva”

The next four nights we spent camped in Coffin Bay National Park in Yangie Bay inlet. This quiet hamlet is a special place with the tastiest oysters around (outside the ‘Sydney Rocks’ that is). The local oyster farmers were very generous with their knowledge and very passionate about promoting their product. As well as a couple of hikes and some 4wd expeditions we hired a tinny for a couple of days to do our own exploring. Bouts of fishing were intermittently dispersed with beach landings and swimming. I know we are blessed with our own waterways back home, but this body of water was something to behold. Of course Chris decided to take the kids (in the boat) the long way back to the boat ramp one day and experienced Coffin Bay in a big south-east wind (it’s a wonder they are still keen to step on a boat). Nevertheless fresh caught fish, squid and oysters were the staple diet of the week.

Oysters!!!

Chris managed to finally have a shave for his 9th wedding anniversary

Coffin Bay NP

Moving up the western side of the peninsular we were aiming to stay at Venus Bay, but for the first time this trip the local caravan park was booked out – a sign that the grey nomads were commencing their annual migration northwards. We ended up staying at Port Kenny instead where we celebrated Auntie Shells 40^th in grand style. Wendy, Shell and Dylan swam with the dolphins and seals at Baird Bay while Chris and Aimee continued their father-daughter bonding sessions by smashing some local whiting in the nearby waters. All up a great day, which continued into the evening at the local pub in which the locals made us very welcolme. Auntie Shell put the tab on the bar and introduced the hotel to her favourite tipple – ouzo and lemon squash (yeh work that one out!). Hopefully this will be one birthday she does not forget.

Aunt and nephew

Happy Birthday ‘Shell’

Heres trouble!!!

The last few days spent on the Eyre peninsula were at a place we kept hearing about all trip – Streaky Bay. This was really the hidden gem of the coast with its great scenery, wild surf beaches and a great little town. Best of all we stationed ourselves at Perlubie Beach and experienced the very best of free camping in this state. Apart from having the caravan right on the beach with our own private shade, we managed to meet up with a good gang of like minded families and couples, with no one over 50 years old (amazing). Days were spent swimming and fishing, while at night we would get together for drinks as the sun went down. On one of the nights we all cooked our meals and put them together for one great big banquet. The kids had an absolute ball and made new friends, which no doubt we will see again in the near future.  Put this place down on the must see list ladies and gentlemen. Blocks of land going cheap there at the moment – could be a savvy superannuation investment!!!

Streaky!!

Perlubie Beach

Replica of a great white caught at Streaky Bay on 24kg line 37 years ago

Locks Well

Sundowners