Mon 30 Sept 2013 – Turtles and Rodger's First Surf in 12 Weeks

We knew there would be lots of people wanting the few camping spots becoming available today, so we got up at 5.15am, when I woke to the sound of a bird singing the most beautiful song. I couldn't see it because it was still dark, but I tried to learn the song while I had a shower.

We were at the Ranger's centre by 6.00am and there were only 2 cars ahead of us so we put the kettle on and had breakfast while we waited. it wasn't long before there was a big queue.

At 8.00am the Ranger arrived and we got a spot at Ned's camping ground, the first one into the Park. It's a good spot, right by the sea and with some shade - not that we need it at the moment, as it's overcast and only 17^oC!

All the people here seem friendly and welcoming, inviting us to Happy Hour at 5.00pm. Our new neighbour, Sharon, told us where to see giant turtles and that there's Internet cover up near the lighthouse.

We decided that turtle watching was a good activity as it was too cold for swimming and snorkelling and set off to find them. Sure enough, there were several, enjoying the surf a couple of feet from the shore. They seem to like surfing, riding the waves just beyond the break. As it's mating season, we saw several couples get together and we found a nest of eggs but a goanna had been there first and they were all broken open and eaten.

As we left the turtle beach, it was warming up and the clouds moving off. We saw that there was some good surf around the point and so Rodger was able to have his first surf in 13 weeks and he hasn't lost the knack, as he caught several waves.

also a few paddle boaders as well

We finally made it up to the lighthouse and, sure enough, got 3G Internet cover so we were able to talk to Andrew, down at Bateman's Bay and Tim, who was gardening. We saw a couple of whales but they were quite a long way out today.

When we returned to camp, there was a 3yr old Birthday party in progress but by the time we'd had a quick swim it had blended in to Happy Hour and we met most of our new neighbours, one of whom had taught with Andrew at Leichardt! It's such a small world.

It’s got cold again as the sun went down, so we had dinner in the van tonight - a tasty mixture of left over bolognaise and chopped up sausages. No insects tonight, thank goodness.