Bound for South Australia 2023 – Day Twelve

Around Streaky Bay again

Now in fine form G literally smacked the ‘would be if they could be’s’ at the laundry for a second morning running. Not sure what she had left to wash. Maybe it was just a hierarchical reinforcement, but in the end G had a wide smile whilst others sat in the corner wishing for better things in life. Can’t help but be proud of the fight in G at times. Upon her return to the van she reiterated the pure mayhem that had played out in the Streaky Bay Caravan Park Laundry. No doubt there will be a medal struck for this encounter.

With the early victory coursing through her veins, G and I took advantage of the low tide and puddle jumped over to the two little island just off the van park. We spent the next hour photographing breeding birds nesting on top of the craggy rocks. We took great pains to make sure we didn’t disturb them, primarily as they were nesting, but also to get some good pics.

As we were respectfully retreating, happy that we had not ruined the flighted ones day, we passed an ordinary looking lady, mid-fifties, (unless she had a hard life), walking to whence we had come. She wore a red top, being in all ways unremarkable with no hint of what was to come.

A slight noise, then a major flutter of wings called my attention back to the island. Unbelievable is the only word to describe it. Here was old red top thrashing her arms about like an electric scare crow on meth, trying to get a rise out of the birds, just to get a picture. I’m not that good a shot, yet I reckon on a good day I could have put her down. She honestly deserved it. I prayed to the water gods a freak wave would sneak around the island and do what desperately needed to be done.

A bit later o’clock we drove into town, arrived a tad early to meet Trev and Sue for lunch so found a natty little coffee shop. Oh dear, how to make a muffin. G selected an apple and cinnamon example. It was indeed the best muffin ever. Truly, best ever. So thus far Streaky Bay has the best van park and the best muffins in the country. Not bad for a seaside hamlet with half a dozen residents.

I do wish King George Whiting would take a long swim north to Queensland. As good as the last time we were in South Australia the fish was magnificent at lunch overlooking the bay and town jetty. Drift is pretty much the only restaurant in town, so we celebrated Trev’s birthday there. Great food, great company and seagulls. Yes, the veranda tables come with their own water spray bottle labelled seagull repellent!! The little buggers get to close; you take them out.

A lacklustre afternoon led to some late pics of the sun setting across the receding water preceded by a long chat with our new friends from yesterday. Not a bad way to pull up stumps on another day where work feels a million miles away.