Wed, 5th Oct, 2022 Bush camp by Exmouth Gulf near Learmonth to Lyndon River West Rest Area, north of Carnarvon, WA

Missed the sunrise over the water of the gulf as we slept in.

Walked down the beach for a photo before we headed off. Obviously people drive along the beach here and it has lots of pebbles too.

Just as we were about to drive out the Shire Ranger pulled in advising us there is no free camping in the shire. Lucky we are leaving!

The wind is back and we are headed straight into it so no good fuel economy for today. We continued south through grass and spinifex covered sand ridges that are dotted with huge ant hills and no trees.

Turned off into Coral Bay. The two caravan parks are full. We found a spot in the day use area and got ready for a snorkel. I put board shorts on this time as the long shirt worked well keeping the sun off my shoulders and back but I forgot about the back of my legs and the top of my legs were a bit red!!

We walked along so we can snorkel back towards the bay as the wind is pushing the water along the edge of the sandy area. The coral is big but looks dead and after chatting with some others it appears it might be due to some cyclones causing damage to it. The fish don’t care obviously as there are still plenty about, not quite as many as Turquoise Bay but still fascinating to float over. Did another float and spotted a sting ray this time and some huge Spangled Emperor that were very happy to just swim about us.

We went back to the camper for a cuppa and changed out of our wet clothes are we were chilled from the cold wind. More people are arriving so we were lucky to get a park here. We walked along the beach and around the rocky point. The water is so clear.

Continued along the beach to a boat ramp area at the other end.

Back again to the main area which is now covered in umbrellas and shade shelters.

We watched as the Spangled Emperor zoomed in and around some people’s feet - they were feeding them a bit of bread. Obviously they are used to it as they came in very close that she could touch them. Big enough to eat too but it is a sanctuary here so they are well protected. Steve chatted with the chap and found out he was from Innisfail - small world.

Back to the camper for lunch then we walked the other way around the bay then up onto the top of the dune for a great view over the bay.

We were floating around this area.

In amongst the dried grass was a few lovely flowers and houses on the other side.

Selfie time.

Walked back then up to the other lookout which is being buried in sand. As we got to the top we got sandblasted so just took some photos and headed back down.

Headed off as it is all booked out here. We just wanted to snorkel as we have done all the sightseeing along the coast in 2019 but didn’t have the googles to see under the water. So glad we have done it now.

Back to the main highway and through the same treeless country but the sand ridges have gone now. A few clouds area appearing.

Across the Tropic of Capricorn. We did the pose shot here with the van. Should have stopped and got one with the camper!

Into Lyndon River (which is dry) West Rest Area to park up for the night. We were going to continue but the wind is very strong so hopefully it might be lighter in the morning which will be better for the fuel economy. Unfortunately it is a wide open area so the wind just whizzes around us but we have parked nose into the wind so it shouldn’t be too bad. At least there isn’t loose sand to fly around us. Hung out the wet togs etc but Steve had to put a few pegs on them to stop them blowing away.

Had a cuppa then got out our books. No one else turned up till after we went inside after drinks. They parked side on to the wind so a rocky night for them.

The wind didn’t settle and continued to blow hard into the night.