We left Monkey Mia and Denham and headed toward Coral Bay/Ningaloo reef. We considered staying in Carnarvon which is almost the half-way point. Its around 600 klms from Monkey Mia to Coral Bay with very little in between except Carnarvon.
Once we drove into Carnarvon, where we refueled and topped up the groceries, we decided to move on and free-camp. Without detail its not a very nice town? There were two spots north with the closest having no mobile service. We aimed for the second spot but it became late and we won't drive after 4pm if we can help it as all the animals come out to play......on the road!
SOoo we stopped at the first rest stop. Really really pretty, but really really remote. See red dirt photo in gallery. There was no mobile coverage here at all but there was one other van so we figured we'd give it a shot. NEVER again. I was really worried as Jaynes asthma was playing up and not having coverage is a risk in an emergency. Once we moved on the next day we realized the next rest area that was only 40 klms up the road had really good coverage. Next time we will take the risk with the animals.
Apart from that free-camping is great and we will be doing more of it.
We made it to Coral Bay, where Ningaloo Reef is situated.
It is spectacular and we have snorkeled here already. First we practiced on the reef off the beach and yesterday we took a tour onto the reef for a snorkel with Manta Ray, Turtle, Dolphin, shark etc.
The weather was not kind on the morning of the cruise and it was rough because of the strong easterly, which I here is quite rare, naturally! However the tour was a full day tour and by the arvo it was as calm as anything and a delight to snorkel in. Jayne went in the rough water in the morning to chase the Manta Ray. I saw it from the boat as I was feeling a little crook, and was happy to see it from the safety of the vessel. I took a couple of photos of the Manta Ray. see gallery
Ningaloo Reef is a very special place and its great that it is protected. Jayne and I were lucky enough to snorkel with Manta Ray, Turtle, Sharks and the most glorious array of fish you ever did see. Jayne is taking the tour to swim with the Whale Sharks tomorrow which is out in the deep ocean. I am doing my nails and snorkeling off the beach.
Its all great though as I will be ticking off my bucket list as we move on. Jayne is still miffed that the sharks were not around when she went on the cage diving tour at Port Lincoln. God I hope the Whale Shark turns up tomorrow or there will be another mutiny!!!
Re mutiny's.
Before we set off we decided there had to be one Captain on this vessel. That Captain would be me, because 1. I have had more experience with Whimsy. 2. I am the cautious one. 3. I am the mechanically minded one and 4. This trip was my idea!!!!
OK, so Jayne calls me Captain Bligh and I call Jayne Fletch (Fletcher Christian) because every bloody day there is a mutiny on this vessel. Jayne finds it a challenge not to be the captain and I find it difficult to lead mutineers!! (I know there is only one crew member but sometimes it seems like a whole crew) BUT seriously we do joke about it, and it is quite funny... except that in reality Fletch sent Bligh off in a boat without any provisions expecting him to die at sea....mmm that could be a worry.
In all honesty we share the duties and have found a great rhythm. Its working really well and we are having a wonderful time.
Love to all.