Streaky Bay SA 29th January 2009 - Norseman WA 5th February 2009

Ceduna Port SA

We finally got away from Streaky Bay on the 31st January - heading for Ceduna and still without our air conditioning working in the caravan. As it has been in Adelaide the weather has been very very very hot and with no ac it has made it tough for all of us, especially at night as the temperature really didnt drop that much. We also started homeschooling which added to the stress and heat. We survived the heat however by visiting the local public library and spending hours floating in the ocean, im yet to work out how im going to survive this whole home schooling thing.

First Day of school - 45 degrees outside

We got away early on the Friday, after packing up most things in the "cool" of the previous night hoping to be set up in Ceduna (109kms) before it got tooooo hot. We arrived via Smoky Bay and had camp made by 11.30am We stayed at the Foreshore Caravan Park - surrounded by high fences and barbed wire! Dont know if it was necessary but there you go.

A friend of mine from high school - Rodney Hillas - lives in Ceduna so i had been in contact with him hoping to catch up with him and his family. I hadnt seen him since we were 18 years old so it would be fun. Rodney called around the park just after lunch and suggested that we go fishing the following day, early. Saturday afternoon we went out on the jetty and went crabbing thanks to the crab pots and bait supplied by the caravan park managers. We had some luck and came back happy with 8 Blue Swimmer crabs ready to cook. The only real problem is that none of us love them, so we cooked them then the kids walked around the park giving them out to other campers. It kept the kids entertained and the tourist were gratetful. Especially the backpackers from Europe and Asia.

Sunday morning we were up early ready and excited to get out fishing. We were hoping that because we were with a 'local' we would have a good chance of getting something. Anything! So Rodney arrived at 7.30am with his 20 foot boat and off we went to launch it at the local ramp. Riley was NOT impressed with the travelling part but the rest of us enjoyed the trip out. Rodney and a mate have the contract to check the water and oyster quality in the area so we combined his testing with our fishing trip. Luckily we were kept busy all day catching Whiting,Tommy Ruffs and crabs, and collecting oysters and razorfish. We were in for a feast. We went to the park for a quick cool down and wash then back to Rodney and Jo's house for dinner. While Kym and Rodney filleted and cleaned, the kids swam and Jo and i chatted. They are doing up the house they are living in at the moment then plan to subdivide and build a house overlooking the ocean. Very nice. We had a fantastic day with them and it was great to catch after 20 years and really was a memorable day. Just a note. When we arrived at Rodneys house his kids saw ours and said to Jo. We know them we played with them at the Adelaide Caravan Park! DArcy then said to me. Mum we saw them at the Marion Big 4 Park. As it turns out, Rodney and Jo and the kids were in Adelaide for a wedding and were staying about five sites down from us. Australia is such a small place! Rodney had organised for the AC guy to come around and check out the ac so we packed up and they come around at about 9am. They got the job done thank god! We then headed out and did a couple of things before going to see the Weather Balloon being released. The kids asked some interesting questions, the technician was helpful and then we were on the road.

Rodney out collecting water and oyster samples

Riley and Marnie - having a swim on a sandbank while out fishing off the coast of Ceduna SA

Watching the weather balloon go up.

Salt lake heading into Cactus Beach

We bushed camped at Cactus Beach - surfing paradise apparently. The toilets and showers were interesting but they did the job. The kids had a ball trying to skimboard down the sand dunes, then gave body surfing a go. We all had a beautiful night sleep on top of the breezy hill. Such a relief after some very hot nights. We took our time packing up then headed around to Pt Sinclair. We stopped for a swim and a fish and the quick stopped turned into 2 1/2 hours of fun but no fish.

Bodysurfing Cactus Beach SA

Outside shower at Cactus Beach SA

We had our lunch then headed off to make camp in Fowlers Bay. All i can say is dont bother especially with the caravan park. No water. Limited power. No laundry. No camp kitchen. Two showers and two toilets shared between about 25 people. Not alot for the $37.00 investment really! Oh well you win some and you lose some.

Wednesday 4th we were on the road early ready for the start of the Nullarbor Plain. The milk was sour (it was long life and unopened in the fridge so who knows what happened) so toast was the order of the day. We also set up the dvd player in the car for the kids hoping that it would make the trip across less difficult.

We crossed the SA/WA boarder earlier than we expected giving up our last onion and sweet potato to the quarantine guy. We made camp at a shadey lovely spot, with about five other vans and motorhomes. We had made the time change so we were ready for bed early and awake by 5.30am and on the road by 7am today.

We have travelled the rest of the Nullarbor today and we really have enjoyed it. The scenery is interesting and we even had rain! Who would have thought. The kids have made the trip easily and the dvd has meant that they really havent noticed the trip. We have made really good time so this afternoon we are bush camping 14kms north of Norseman, heading of to Kalgoolie tommorrow for the weekend before heading south again to the coast of WA. Life is good as we continue to find our place and positions in the caravan and with eachother. Life is fun and interesting, challanging and different.

Head of the Great Australian Bight

The Nullarbor Plain

The SA/WA Boarder 4th Feburary 2009

Bushcamping - 15kms North of Norseman WA

Love to All. Be in touch. Love The Mitchells on the Move.