The sun rises so early here at the moment! We are waking up with light before 5am, so we are up and about far earlier than usual for us. This morning, by 6am we had decided to ditch the morning walk plans and head out on the bikes in case it is the only chance we have without wind. We knew the forecast was for increasing winds through the day, so off we went.

We were out pedalling by 7 and were surprised at the large number of people out and about, buying coffees, exercising, walking dogs. I think they are used to having a limited opportunity every day to enjoy time outdoors without being blown away.

We made our way around The Esplanade before heading back to the coastline beaches that were so rugged yesterday. Although we noticed it was a bit hilly on our way into town yesterday, we were unhappily reminded of just how much today…. regardless, we made it and really enjoyed the (mostly) calmer seas and early morning colours and light.

Once we made it further around the seas were still quite turbid. We stayed and watched for ages.

We turned around and retraced our tracks after an hour and a half of calling in to every coastal access point and looking around. We saw a large pod of dolphins in the waves just offshore. Even though the locals kept telling us yesterday that the wind was nothing special, the cycleway had a decent sized tree over it this morning. I do feel the wind may have been a bit above average…

We returned back to town where we rode the new replacement jetty and stopped to get Bob a coffee. Then via the caravan shop (to get a replacement gas bottle hose) before returning to the van for a very late brekky!

After some chores we headed out on another drive, this time to Wiley Point. There are large sand dunes that can be driven on here but Bob and I elected to walk them (anyone surprised?). We headed back to the Lucky Bay Brewery for a late lunch (which was absolutely packed) via the commercial marina at Bandy Creek Boat Harbour. The brewery was really well done and we enjoyed a long afternoon here after our energetic morning.

Back at the van we met up with the Scott’s who had checked in to the park after a busy day exploring around Esperance. They had arrived in town early, before heading to the replica Stonehenge east of town. They traversed the 40k loop that Bob and I did yesterday and Kieran managed to find himself fixing the control system of the kiln at the glass art gallery that we visited yesterday. It sounds like the owner was very appreciative as they have an invitation to park their caravan on the property and stay for free 🙂 .

This evening we spent playing Catan the card game in the camp kitchen. Karen won easily while poor Bob was always playing from behind.

Tomorrow we are all heading out on a cruise through the Esperance Archipelago. Hoping the wind holds off long enough for us to enjoy the sights and see some wildlife.