Tues, 7th Mar, 2017 Gibson Soak Hotel RV Stop, Gibson, 30km north of Esperance to Membinup Beach, 65km east of Esperance, WA

7.30am 26 degrees and windy with light cloud cover.

Into Esperance for water but there were a few vans waiting already so we drove around to Woolies for a couple of items I missed the other day. Back to the water point and there were still 2 vans waiting. We pulled over further down and made a cuppa. I rang Rebecca for a chat which was a long one as the other vans were taking ages to get themselves sorted. Eventually filled up and we were on our way. Put the air conditioner on as it is going to be another hot day.

Headed east on the bitumen road past alpacas and olive farms then through forestry are into big open pastures for cattle and sheep. Nice and green after all the recent rain and there is still a lot of water sitting beside the road. All the dams are full.

Stopped at Condingup, established in 1963 and checked on road conditions etc with the tavern owner. Kev and Linda rang – heading off tomorrow so we will see them soon.

Continued a bit further then turned south down a gravel Daniels Road to Membinup Beach. Stopped to admire the great view over more of the Recherche Archipelago islands and over Duke of Orleans Bay to the west with Hammer Head (the point) and Mt Belches. Only got a bit of Table Island which is linked to the mainland by a sandspit.

Only the last few kilometres had bad rutted road but no problems. Stopped at the camping area where there were two other vans and went for a wander. March flies are out in force. Down to the beach where the sand is very hard. Steve went wandering while I took photos of the view. Big bank of seagrass on the beach but the water was crystal clear till it reached the seagrass bed further out.

Steve found more campsites in the bush but he decided on the beach was a better option.

While we were setting up dolphins came in and chased fish on the edge of the seagrass in front of our camp. I managed a few photos then got a great video when they came into the sandy area and were splashing about and rolling over.

Heard a voice and it was Greg we met yesterday. He was going to Alexander Beach but took the wrong road so pulled in beside us.

1.30pm it was 34 degrees – all the windows and vents open. Only a light land breeze. Greg headed off for a snorkel while we had lunch. The water looked so inviting we headed in but it was still freezing cold!! Greg came back and he had found some abalone so will collect them later and have a feed. Steve got fully wet but I only went in up to my waist as the breeze was cool and the water was freezing and clouds were coming over blocking the sun’s warmth. I am such a sook now when I used to love my freezing pool at Cicero Close, but it was hot and humid then. The sand is so fine it feels gluey under our feet and it squeaks when you walk on it on the beach. Not sure if there is less salt in this ocean but you don’t feel sticky or have salt crystals on you as you dry down this end of the country.

Went for a drive after smoko along the beach. The beach is hard so Steve hasn’t let any air out of the tyres as yet.

Mr Goanna was slowly making his way over the sand.

Past the blocked mouth of Mungliginup Creek.

A bit further around it got softer and we stopped to chat with Greg who was coming back from the end of the beach. After that we couldn’t more till Steve let air out of the tyres then we were fine.

Continued to the very end of the beach where another creek was meeting the beach.

Looking back along the beach.

The track goes up and over rocks and sand dunes but we got out and walked instead – need the exercise!! Over the rocks to another little beach.

Across that to the next rocky outcrop.

Lots of crabs hiding from the gulls under the overhanging rocks.

More rocks then another beach around to the next point. That was enough for us so we headed back. A lot windier on this side though the march flies aren’t worried by the wind!!

Found a spikey thing which I think Erica mentioned they found all over a beach near Esperance. I think they come from the bush rather than the sea though. Beachcomber Steve found himself a nice piece of board for under his jockey wheel!!

Headed back along the beach – obviously well used beach looking at the churned up tracks. Got out the fly swats and Mortein sprayer that lets off a squirt every now and then which seems to keep the march flies at bay.

While we were having drinks dark clouds started to roll in and the wind picked up. Rolled in the awning – learnt that lesson of not doing it and having to listen to it flap all night.

About 7pm spotted some flashes of lightning and a distant rumble then it got closer. Steve spotted some great streaks of lightning. About 8pm the rain started – not much but enough to wet things.