Day 48: Sat 01 Apr 23

Day 48: Sat 01 Apr 23 - Elliston

April 02, 2023

Sat 01 Apr 23 - Elliston

9 Deg and very still this morning reaching 22 Deg throughout the day. The strong SW wind arrived mid morning making it feel very fresh, and didn't let up until the late evening. This morning, I went for a 5km walk to the Jetty and along the town beach and back. It was a little fresh, but a beautiful morning with sun still rising and providing a little warmth. Back to the van and after breakfast, Dale (next door neighbour) and I went for about a 12km bike ride half way along the hilly Clifftop Drive around the Headland Sculpture trail with more spectacular views over the Great Australian Bight and the amazing coastline. Meanwhile Noeleene went for a walk into town and back. We all met back at the van, had lunch, then Noel and I drove the full loop of the Clifftop Drive and sculpture trail stopping several times. Watching surfers clamber down the steep rocky cliff face and paddle out 100s of meters into massive surf, captivated our attention for quite a while. We admired their dedication, not so much for having to make their way safely down the cliff face, then paddle out in cold water and strong wind, but more-so that Google Maps identifies the spot as a "Shark Breeding Ground". We returned to the van after our drive, then Dale and I packed the fishing gear and drove east 18km out of town to Locks Well Beach, regarded as the best Salmon fishing spot in Australia. It was a steep drive down to the car park, then another steep walk down 283 steps to the beach to try and catch a salmon. The wind was quite strong, the water cold and it was a very big surf with strong rips, but we both managed to hookup, and what a buzz it was. I may have caught the first salmon, but Dale caught the next two which were much bigger. We kept one each for dinner and released the other, then returned the van where I had crumbed salmon fillets for dinner - very nice. Despite our intentions to have a quiet day, it turned out to be another very full day. I felt very tired after dinner, and with poor internet, it was an easy decision to leave the blog till tomorrow morning.