Pictures for yesterdays whale shark swim are now in yesterday’s post.
Make sure you go back and have a look.

Wednesday 9th May 2018
Well I am still buzzing around with excitement and adrenalin. I feel so lucky to have been able to swim with the whale sharks yesterday. Who would have thought I would ever do that 5 years ago. Thanks again to all my buddies for helping me feel comfortable in the ocean.

Okay so on to today’s adventure. We headed into the Cape Range National Park which is on the west coast of the Exmouth peninsula. The range is right on the beautiful turquoise blue coastline. We had a short stop at Turquoise Bay where amazingly we were the first car in the car park. We had the beautiful beach to ourselves. It was beautiful, water clear, sky blue, air clear. What a privilege to enjoy days like today. (And yesterday!!!)

As it was to be quite warm again today (about 35°) we tackled the longer walk of the two we were doing first. This was Mandu Mandu Gorge, the walk started out on a dry rocky creek/river bed which was a little difficult as the rocks were small and moved underfoot as you walked. We kept walking through the gorge on the river bed with high, sheer cliffs on either side of us. Beautiful colours of the cliff face. We then headed up and walked the return on the cliff face. It is always great to see the area from both high and low viewpoins. It was a 3km hike expected to take about 2 hours. Water recommendation 3 litres per person. The people we met in the carpark had just taken 2 hours and said it will only take us about 1.5 hours. Fifty two minutes later after a comfortable walk we returned to the car park. Quite surprised that we had more than halved the time. A lovely walk.

Then down to the furthest south part of the park to Yaardie Creek Gorge. We would have loved to kayak this gorge but unfortunately we only have our paddles. We are thinking about a blow up kayak for next trip as I think the roof top tent is here to stay. We love the ease of setup, backup and comfortable sleep it provides. Yardie Gorge trail was another lovely walk, this time just on the top of the cliff but with a view of the amazing sheer cliffs, as well as the beautiful full creek below. The creek is tidal and goes out to the sea daily. The walk starts out on a very easy nature trail which is a Grade 1 for the first 600m then turns into a Grade 4 (moderately difficult) for the next 1km which is up and down steep rock sections and goes further along to almost the end of the gorge. The scenery is fantastic yet again. We have the most amazing countryside. Unfortunately no Rock Wallabies to report, only same bats. Another walk done before midday, we are on a roll today.

Next stop Osprey which is a lovely beach campground – fully booked – a short stroll along the beach towards Sandy Cape. We had lunch at Osprey and then drove to Oyster Stacks, another camping spot with amazingly beautiful coastline. A spot to come back to when it is safer to snorkel.

The day ended with a few chores, shopping, pick up my photos from yesterday and a job for the master mechanic.

New battery installed we then drove to Bullara Station stay for another night. Unfortunately our new battery took the time we needed to make it there for damper at 5pm, but was lovely to go back there all the same. Edwina was very welcoming again and we were happy to support them again. They have a great operation going here, they have a couple to meet and greet at the camping spot who are here from Old Bar and love their seasonal job.

We arrived on dusk so DB went off for a walk in search oh animals. Unfortunately he was a little early or late. He came back in the dark, thank goodness for his hiking skills and technical tools that assisted him. He had recorded his track in the light so he could follow it back in the dark. Clever cookie he is.

Well time for a good sleep as we have a big driving day tomorrow. Heading towards Karijini National Park.