Cape Keraudren

Last week we have had a pretty relaxing time. From Emu Creek Station we headed back to Port Hedland for a few days to stock up on groceries and for Philip to watch some more ships enter and leave Port. This time we stayed at the Free camp at the Turf Club. Each night there would have been at least 80 vans on site. They are very strict here and to stay you must have a grey water tank and toilet on board. No facilities are provided. This didn’t seem to stop some people with out grey water and toilets from trying to stay. The camp host was very much on the ball and quickly moved people on if they didn’t comply. From the camp site it was just a quick walk up over the hill to a local lookout to sit and watch the harbour, or a few minutes walk to the supermarket. We had a couple of very lazy days here then on Wednesday 28th we did a big drive up to Cape Keraudren, (164k.) This is the southern end of 80 Mile Beach. We just thought we would drive in and see what it was like as we had heard it was a nice spot but hard to get a camp spot. As we filled out our registration at the park entrance Philip talked to a guy who told us there were plenty of spaces so we decided to stay a night. We drove the short distance in and found a lovely spot on the edge of Cootenbrand Creek. Tide is out when we arrive but before too long the tide changes and the water rushes in. Totally changes the view from our van. It’s extra nice now with the tide high. The creek fills and drains all over the space of two hours.

After a walk down to the beach with its beautiful blue waters and some shell collection we head back to the van and relax for the rest of the day. Fresh Barramundi on the camp fire for dinner tonight. Yum.

Thursday morning we decide to stay another night so we take the truck out and pay our fees. Stop at Pardoo Roadhouse to fill up with fuel and buy an ice cream (it’s only 10 am but Philip tells me he hasn’t had one for days)! (P) Poor deprived Phil!!!) then head up a side road to collect some firewood for tonight’s campfire. Back to the van and I whip up some cookies for our travels, have some lunch then head out for a walk along the beach to the further two campground areas. Total walk 9 kilometres mostly along the beach and around the headland. There are lots of sparkling blue bays here, lots of people fishing, not much evidence of fish caught though. There are heaps of campsites still available even though the websites say camping is booked out. (P) never believe FB and other internet gossip sessions, we rarely book ahead and have, to date, not been refused a site where we wanted to stay. Even thru the school holidays! Maybe we will get caught out one day – we will worry about it when it happens)

After returning from our walk it’s time for a swim in the creek. The water is lovely and refreshing and the sun soon dries us off. Now it’s time for a drink and the Blog.

(P) and light the camp fire so I can cook a nice thick T Bone steak over the hot coals- gotta love camp fire cooking!