Wednesday the 12th of December... What a highlight to finally meet the iconic dolphins of Monkey Mia.
We were up early, excited about the prospect and lined up on the beach waiting to see a glimpse of these beautiful mammals.
There were about 100 people all waiting for the same experience which could have taken away from it all, but it didn't.
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| Waiting for the star attractions |
The ranger spoke to us about the dolphins and how two of them, Nicky & Puck, have been bringing in their calves for the last few weeks. I was expecting to see 3 or 4 dolphins but before long we could see dozens. Several of them came right up to shore for their morning feed, bringing their calves with them.
After they had eaten they went back out with their calves to feed them. We think we have it tough as Mum's but a dolphin calf feeds every 7 minutes. Talk about exhausting!
I then started chatting to one of the rangers who told me about the world studies that are carried out on dolphins in the area every year and how 1900 dolphins in the area are named and studied. One man from the UK has been conducting a yearly study for 30 years and the dolphin population is stronger and healthier than ever.
While being enthralled by his stories the dolphins came back in for heir second feed. It was then that Jack, Harry and Nina were given the privilege of being able to feed one....
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| The kids get to feed Surprise, the dolphin |
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| Nicky comes back for another feed |
Enchanted by these creatures, we headed back to the van, vowing to do the same the next morning.
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| A Dugong says hello |
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| A Manta Ray |
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| A turtle says hi |
When we arrived back Nina and I had a look at what a dugong looks like close up in the information centre....
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| Nina gets a closer look at a dugong |
Richard and I then went to sit around the bar, overlooking the water, while the kids fished and continued to collect shells with some friends they had met the day before.
Nina joined us for a while and we all played boule together and I am pleased to report, I have finally beaten Richard at something.
The game of boule got pretty competitive, poor chook didn't stand a chance once her mum and dad took each other on :-).
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| Chooky and I Have a drink together |
Dinner was chilli mussels, salad and crusty bread thanks to the losing boule player.
Thursday the 13th of December.... Was a fairly quiet one. We are all feeling happy to just relax and be, on our last couple of days. The morning was spent beach combing for shells. We now have quite a collection.
The kids have continued to earn some Xmas cash, selling their shells to tourists. This morning they made $7.50 and are still loving backpackers in Britz Vans.
While we were beach combing we also spotted more than 20 shovel nose sharks and several reef sharks. The waters are definately alive and well. We have been told tales of how last week, just off the shore, tourists watched on as a tiger shark leapt out of the water while taking a stingray for dinner. Quite a spectacle!
The longer I spend in Monkey Mia, the more I am loving it. Hearing this morning that Harvey recorded 107ml of rain, isn't spurring us to continue heading south.
By afternoon we took a drive into Denham to pick up some supplies and check out the town.
We arrived back in time to get organized to take a sunset cruise.... Richard got a slapping when he raised my hand when there were no takers to help put up the sails...
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| I suppose someone had to do it! |
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| My coffee grinding worked |
The kids had a ball on the boat, picking up where they had left off earlier with their mates.
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| The kids enjoying the sunset cruise |
While Richard and I chatted to an Irish couple on their honeymoon and then some Aussies, also on a caravaning trips around Oz.
This was all in between watching another glorious sunset in paradise.
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| A Monkey Mia sunset |
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| The end of another day in paradise |
We got off the boat and Richard continued on with some Aussie blokes who were up for a drink, while the kids had a game of boule. I went back to the van to bring in the washing and get dinner organised.
Tonight it would be pasta and probably one of the last meals in the van before we arrive home. Everything is starting to feel like a last. I have to keep that out of my mind and just keep enjoying the next couple of days ahead.
Tomorrow we have our last day in Monkey Mia.
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