We had a wonderful day’s snorkelling and hanging out at Coral Bay the next day.  Too rough to do the kayaking that Janet wanted but ok for hanging out and swimming. We managed to get some snorkels and fins for use on Paradise Bay and Janet and I swam out over the nearest bit of the reef and it was great.

Had the second portion of the Wahoo in the evening with yet another nice bottle from the bottle shop.   This time accompanied by the noise of something really good happening for the West Cast Eagles at Aussie Rules down there in Perth at the Subiaco Oval.


Later walk to the Observation point and watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean – right down to its last gasp, melting into the sea.  Fantastic.

Got everything packed up in the evening before bed.  Went to c heck out in the morning and managed to confuse everyone.  Basically I had convinced myself that the 19th was in fact the 20th and we should be on our way. Instead we unpacked the car and trudged back up with one of the big bags and all our hand luggage.  Yes, we were in fact staying another night.  After a moment or two of family tension the day unfolded quite well (all things considered).  We watched the ceremony for the switching on of Ningaloo Reef Resort’s connection to the town grid.  Then we did a coral tour on a glass viewing boat with large numbers of older people.  It was very beautiful and we learned a lot!  Not least the names of some of the many things we’d been seeing.

Yet more snorkelling and then a dinner at the Reef Café (Snapper and Chips).

In the morning check out for the second time – but this time because we really ought to.  Head off back down the wide open roads again to Exmouth.  A strange low rise town, moving itself away from it past as a US Navy settlement and out into the future of tourism and so on. We visit the centre for coffee and for getting to know shops etc Then to the visitor centre and then finally part way out into the resort where we are staying.  Through some kind of feverish internet error back in February we seem to have ended up somewhere a cut above our normal accommodation.

A luxurious two bed apartment, all stone and chrome and wide open spaces.  An infinity pool, direct beach access and hi-falutin cuisine.  Not sure how everyone will cope with the sudden upgrade from no-water apartments. The answer is to the manner born. Especially Alice who luxuriates in the spa bath and floods out the ensuite.  A nice meal in the hotel costing the proverbial arm and leg and then bed.