22 May 2002: Mt Augustus – Coral Bay
Broke camp to drive west to the coast. A 500km day and virtually dirt roads all the way. The roads aren’t too bad, just a couple of soft spots, a hang over from the recent rains.
We drove via Cobra Station, Minnie Creek Station, Lyndon Stations and Williambury Station. The last 130kms to the coast road was a good “track”. We saw only one car on our travels. Coral Bay on the other hand was busy, busy, busy!!! Tourist mecca! We stay the one night, snorkel on the beautiful Ningaloo Reef before the rain settles in for the afternoon!
24 May 2002: Coral Bay – Yardie Creek (Cape Range National Park)
We leave busy Coral Bay and take the coast track north to Yardie Creek. We were a little apprehensive because we had to cross the creek to get north and with the rain we were unsure of the prospect. Turns out to be an easy crossing – only sand (and compact at that).
We set up camp with only one other camper in the distance and watch the sunset over Nigaloo Creek with the odd sea turtle poking its head above the water. This is the life!
The 25th of May marks the first day of our second six months on the road and Julie’s birthday. We inflate our boat and row up the gorge for around 2kms. Not gone 10 metres when a stingray leaps out 1 m out of the water next to us. We also have a sea turtle come up beside us a few times for air and see lots of fish.
Decide to try our hand at the said angling and with Julie’s first cast she lands a Mangrove Jack which we cook up for dinner and with a nice bottle of wine celebrate her birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy birthday Julie, my friend for 16 years,
Plenty of good times, laughter and tears,
May 25, the date of your birth,
You have already lived a life rich with merit & worth.
At Yardie Creek to celebrate your 34th,
Today is Saturday, the same day as your birth,
Please be my guest and have a great day,
If you need anything you only have to say.
As for a gift there's no shops around,
But among natures beauty your presents abound,
A bottle of wine and a beautiful sunset,
We can reminisce about the day we met.
So happy birthday to Julie, happy birthday to you,
Enjoy the day, whatever you do.
Craig, 25 May 2002
I love the photos and the poem is so heartfelt and sweet.
The memory of the sea turtles and the stingray – wow – talk about precious moments.
Cool idea to blog your diary.
Still lovin’ the poem.