Day 33. Venus Bay to Baird Bay

Doctor Scarlett

How good are these sleep-ins? This morning we woke to a glorious sunrise looking out over the bay, watching the weekend fishermen launch their boats from the beach -and all over a hot cuppa tea.

We are getting pretty good at set up and pack up now, and this morning was no exception. All done in under 30 minutes – and for the first time in a long time we were out of a caravan park by the 10am check-out time.

We only had a very short journey to our next camp today of 50 km’s, so we decided on a slight detour to a place called ‘Murphy’s Haystacks’. The ‘Haystacks’ are technically ‘inselbergs’ – an eroded hill that looks like a rocky island rising sharply from the sea. This is the description given at the site and is a unique rock formation found in these parts. It was a very enjoyable stop as Scarlett enjoyed climbing the rocks and catching butterflies. Visitors are asked to make a donation for upkeep of the area in an honesty box found at the entrance to the site. It was the best $5.00 spent yet.

We then had about 25km’s of dirt road to Baird Bay – today’s destination. We heard about this site from the South African travellers we met back in Port Lincoln who highly recommended it.

Driving along the dirt road, I thought I saw a large Blue-Tongue or Shingleback lizard on the side of the road, so I brought our rig to a stop and with Bec and Scarlett in tow, we walked back down the road to search for it. The lizard wasn’t anywhere to be seen. Bec noticed some zig zag tracks in the sand beside the road. We investigated further and after following the tracks, low and behold who should we find trying to hide under a small shrub – but the lizard.

It turned out to be a Shingleback, (Stumpy-tail; Sleepy Lizard; Pinecone Lizard or Boggi, these are a few of the names this little critter is known as in this and other parts of the country). He was very co-operative and Scarlett picked him up, and we all had a pat. As usual, Scarlett (or should that be Bindi?), was very interested and wanted to know everything about the little fellow. After a few photos, she gave it one last pat and placed him back in the shrub we found it in, and then we continued on our way.

Baird Bay - It’s not what we expected, as it’s only about a dozen fishing shacks at the end of a dirt road on the coast – but it is extremely beautiful. It must be its isolation that makes this place so appealing. At the time we were the only people to arrive at the community camp site provided beside the bay. We set up camp in the most prime position, and not 15 minutes later the grey nomads started rolling in. Talk about good timing! There is only room for about 6 x vans here, and a couple of camp sites; and by sunset the place was full. Like many other places we have visited so far, the place runs on an honesty system. The box asks for only $10 per night! What a bargain, as where else could you possibly have views like this for $10?

After lunch and setting up camp, Scarlett started painting her seashells (that she has been collecting along the way), while Bec stole a few minutes sleep – a very rare treat these days! Scarlett and I then decided to go exploring, and went for a bushwalk over the sand dunes and into the scrub. We found numerous animal tracks and scats, and even came across on old vertical shaft (well?) and windmill.

During our walk, I came to grief when a branch decided to embed itself into my heel. Scarlett the little champion that she is, told me not to worry and that she would look after me. She found a large branch for me to use as a walking stick, and held my hand all the way back to the van. She kept re-assuring me that everything would be alright! By the time we limped back to the van, she made me sit down while she grabbed a bowl of water and some cloth. She then proceeded to wash my wound while ensuring that I drink water. I was very impressed! She’ll make a fine doctor or vet one day.

We finished off with a BBQ dinner while watching the sun set over the water. Does it get any better than this?

Posted by Shane

via Bec's blog - again!

Due to not having internet coverage at Baird Bay.

Bugger!