Time for an update. Things have very quickly settled into a routine for us both. The weather has been lovely with most days reaching the low 30s. We haven’t fished a lot as the tides and the winds have not always been conducive, however we have managed to get out a few times. There have been plenty of fish about and we have managed to catch enough for a meal when we want one and let the others go to grow bigger for next time.
The kayaks are great and Steve has been using the Pro Angler 12 and loves the room he has to handle a fish. Paula on the other hand just enjoys being on the water, watching the turtles and listening to one of her audio books. Catching fish is a distraction for her! Whatever it is that she is doing though it must be right as she has out fished Steve on the last two outings!
The camp is not very busy but there are a core group of “regulars” that have been most welcoming. They are good company and there is a real sense of community. As friendly as they are we were looking forward to our friends, Glenn and Tricia, arriving. Life seems to have got in the way however and Tricia has had a bit of a health scare. We are sure it will be OK in the end, but it looks like it is enough to keep them home this year.
We have had a break from the Cape though. Last Wednesday, we flew back to Perth as Steve was honoured with life membership of the WA Primary Principals’ Association. It was a surprise for him when he received the phone call, and we promised that we would be there for the presentation, so off we went. We attended the AGM where Steve was presented with the award, and on Thursday evening we also attended the Association’s Annual Dinner. For old bushies we think we scrubbed up OK, but as we didn’t take our cameras we have no photos.
We flew back to Hedland on Friday morning and used the opportunity to top up on supplies. Going to Perth was also handy as we were able to replace a couple of lures that Steve lost and also pick up a flat pack fire pit that we ordered before we left. The fire pit is brilliant and was duly christened on our return to camp.
Since arriving here, our son David, has gained a job for Roy Hill and is working in Hedland. Yesterday was his rostered day off, so we made the journey back into Hedland to see David and spend some time with him. We did a little shopping so that he could catch up on some essentials and shared a lovely lunch together. We took the opportunity on the way back to camp to collect some more firewood to top up our supplies. Steve still thinks that the chainsaw was the best addition to his long list of camping gadgets.
Today we rose early and hit the water in what would have been perfect conditions if it weren’t for the sandflies. They were everywhere as there was no breeze to speak of and the water was glassy. It didn’t take long before we were amongst some rather large fish (some video footage is below). The fish were everywhere (mostly trevally and queenfish) and the water was so clear that you could see them without having to refer to our fish finders! We only kept two small fish for our tea and happily released the rest. It was just one of those perfect days! Paula caught a very large queenie that we estimate to be close to the 1 metre mark. The video does it more justice than the photos.
Tomorrow we plan to fish, eat, relax and enjoy retirement all over again! Life is good!!!