Thurs, 15th Feb, 2018 Bob & Margaret’s, near Mandurah, WA (Peel Inlet)

7.30am 23.6 degrees, clear sky.

Drove south to Island Point at the Harvey River end of the Peel-Harvey Inlet to walk across to the island in the middle of the inlet and try and find some blue-swimmer crabs.

Unfortunately the powers-to-be decided to redirect the Harvey River from entering the Inlet because of the threat of farming contaminants coming down the river into the Inlet. They had opened up the Inlet at The Cut to keep the Inlet healthy but now with the Harvey River closed this end of the Inlet is not healthy as the once clear sand is now slimy moss and weed so there were no crabs.

Walked across to the island then around it. About the same distance across to the other side to Herron Point.

I did see a couple of little live crabs as we headed back. The mullet were having a flipping time near us and Steve found one that must have just died. Into the bucket as bait for Margaret.

Drove around the bottom of the Inlet to Herron Point which is the only camp area on the Inlet. Of course back in the day everyone camped anywhere around the Inlet.

Looking back to the island we walked too.

The birds like it here.

Looking up the Inlet towards Mandurah.

Out to the Forrest Freeway for a bit. Interesting artwork – Bob calls it the icecream cones.

Back into the Inlet to check out another area Bob and Margaret used to go too – they call it Boggy Bay and we could see why – very muddy on the edges. It is now called Robert Bay – we teased Bob it was named after him.

Continued around to South Yunderup where the canals were put in years ago. Unfortunately they didn’t get it right and the canals silted up and stagnated but they have been fixed and the area is full of houses now though Bob says the mozzies are terrible here. The Murray River is on the other side of the canals. Stopped to check out the boating map which shows the rivers coming into the inlet and the two outlets to the ocean. It doesn’t go down far enough to show Island and Herron Points though.

Walked out onto the jetty for photos up the river and one of its branches.

Drove around to a new estate where Margaret’s granddaughter is building a home and works at the IGA. Called in to say hello and buy some icecreams. Certainly has warmed up today as there is no wind for a change.

Back home for a late lunch (33 degrees) as we watched more of the Winter Olympics. We think these athletes are truly amazing and cringe with each crash but most just get up and get on with it.

Joined Bob and Margaret for drinks – no walk this afternoon. Did enough walking through that water to the island and back!!

Watched more Olympics after dinner. Warmer night – left all the windows open tonight.