Exmouth and Cape Range National Park (Mesa Camp)
Split Rock Track and Clearing
On the way south to Exmouth we stopped overnight at Split Rock, as De Grey roadside stop was closed due to prickles - Noogoora Burr to be exact. De Grey is a really popular overnight stop for travellers, and in a very pretty location beside the river. So we went another 30kms to Split Rock, and found this site to be actually better.
Of course, a nice sunset was included!
Exmouth and Cape Range (Mesa Camp)
At Exmouth, we had to put Bailey in doggie care, as Cape Range is a National Park and in Australia, no pets whatsoever are allowed in any National Park.
So we dropped Bailey off at "Mouse's" house where he spent the next 5 nights with another doggie friend Meg. We headed out to Mesa Camp hoping Bailey would be well looked after.
The beach is just over the sand dune
When we left home back in April, we didn't really know whether Bailey would be well enough to finish our 6 month trip, so we arranged for Alexis to fly into Exmouth to spend some time with him (and us). It's been a very nervous journey at times, and we're amazed he's still around and seemingly healthy. He has to have medication every night before dinner as there is some kind of internal bleeding and this helps protect whatever is going on inside. His Oncologist back in Sydney has been incredible helping via email. We believe Bailey has turned into a bit of a star at Sydney Uni Vets and will soon have his own story on their web page.
After a night at Mesa Camp, we drove back out to the airport, picking Bailey up from Renate's along the way. Renate is part of the airport security personnel, and was there when Alexis arrived and got to witness the photo below. We're not sure how Renate got the nickname "Mouse" but she did have a friend at the airport called "Rissole". After a couple of hours in town with mother and dog spending time together, we had to return Bailey to Mouse's house and head back out to Mesa Camp.
Mesa Camp beach
Mesa from the beach
Whale Shark Dive and Swim
To do our Whale Shark Dive we had to head off at the ungodly hour of 7.30am to meet up with the others at the Tantabiddi Boat Ramp. Considering the Whale Shark season is coming to an end, we had a great day out with Whale Sharks, Manta Rays, Dugongs and Humpback whales.
Alexis ready to hit the water
Where's that whale shark?
Ahhh, there he is
That's me swimming with him - taken with Alexis's GoPro
This is our photographer, doing a selfie - thanks Alexis
Alexis went in to swim with a Manta Ray
Jayne and I sat this one out. After three swims with the Whale Sharks we were done and dusted
We were treated to two Dugongs swimming past, quite something
Our last night at Mesa Camp, of course complete with Harvey Wallbangers at sunset
It was a bit windy out there, sand in our Harvey's!
We're back in Exmouth from Cape Range National Park tonight, so we have Bailey back with us. He certainly was glad to see us even though his doggie sitter "Mouse" spoilt him rotten. He was very happy to see Alexis again.
Just so that Jayne's not on her own with her broken toe, last night in Exmouth I stubbed my toe on the footpath. Ouch!
It's not broken, but I think the nail is doomed!
Nice thong tan going on there as well, I'll lose that at Ningaloo Station as it will be three weeks without thongs
Tomorrow its off to Ningaloo Station where the temperature is predicted to be 30ᵒ, and no wind! Well, at least for the first few days.
Despite still being in the Tropics here in Exmouth, it's been very cold with morning temperatures as low 9ᵒC. Quite a shock for us coming from warm Broome. The diesel heater still gets a workout some mornings.
