Cape Range National Park - Ningaloo Marine Park

 

3 nights camping on the shore – and the ability to step right out onto a tropical reef was incredible.  Especially with our new recruit to snorkelling (well, snorkelling 3yr old style – that is, without a snorkel – it’s impressive though how long Larina can hold her breath under water when there is lots of fish to admire.)

Day one – set up the site in 35 degree heat, then hit the beach.  The heat really got to me today.  I felt too exhausted to even swim.  Just sat in the shallows to cool down.  At one stage, I thought I was going to faint.  A good reminder to keep up the fluids and not underestimate the effects of a scorching day.

Day two – Ben goes for a morning dive, having scored a ride in the camp hosts’ boat. (Ben here, the dive on Ningaloo was spectacular, loads of BIG fish of all sorts the coral was amazing also, downside no spearguns in the park only fishing rods).  School back at camp until it gets too hot to bear… another day in the high 30’s.  This is followed by an afternoon at Turquoise Bay chasing fish until dinner time.  Here Larina, once again is ready for a “dive”.  It was gorgeous seeing her reaction to the tropical coloured fish.  (real ones this time)  She would hold her breath and put her head underwater for a few moments, then come back up to excitedly tell me what she saw. 

Some new tropical fish to try for dinner tonight – thanks to the generosity and good fortune of a fellow camper.

Day three –the hottest day yet - morning snorkel at Oyster Stacks with our new friends – the Brown family.  Afternoon back on Turquoise beach, again till dinner called.

Day four  - a very windy and hot pack up this morning, followed by a refreshing and much anticipated (by me) snorkel again at Oyster Stacks.  I loved this swim, with Sam and Nick by my side – we would swim up against the current, then drift back over the beautiful coral.  They boys taking my hand and showing me big blue starfish, flute fish, massive fish whose name I have no idea of.  To be able to communicate with your sons under the water, having such a fun time together without saying a word is something very special.