Break 1 - Day 6 Road to Exmouth

Back on the road again for a rather lengthy drive to Exmouth with breakfast and lunch on the road. En route today we saw more road kill than cars. Carcasses included in no particular order; sheep, goats, cats, rabbits, kangaroos and cows. They came in all states of decay; fresh kill the night before (still in the road, not too damaged); bloated beyond what you could imagine the skin stretching with legs splayed at ridiculous angles; mildly decaying with crows or occasionally an eagle happily munching; mummified with ribs and skull clearly identifiable; disjointed with limbs and body parts dissected – either by carrion or human hard to know…; in the final stages of decay with the odd crow searching for a morsel; or just plain old bleached bones. Between dead bodies and live animals, the driving requires the utmost attention even in mid-day (but especially at dusk and dawn).

We also spotted a large ‘dragon’ – name still to be determined – at the side of the road, but unfortunately could not stop as there was a car behind us (which did not happen often, but Murphy was with us). We stopped at one photo-op to drive up to an incredible look out spot. We also stopped for termite mounds which are extremely large and plentiful. This time lunch on the road we were smart enough to do inside the car. (Poor Michael has to suffer the files every time he gets out to take a photo though!)

Arrived at Potshot Resort Hotel (our home for 4 days) mid afternoon. We were too pooped to head out snorkelling (hard to believe that driving can be so tiring!). Kyle was keen for a swim, so off he and I ventured to the pool – there are 3 here (all small and one out of commission). We passed an emu walking down the road – and had a very relaxing time by and in (Kyle primarily in) the pool. Mike joined us later – as did 2 lost young emus squawking for their guardian. You are never quite sure what you will see here! We have now spotted smaller colourful lizards around the hotel also.

We ran into Cindy and her cousin in town as we strolled around waiting to go for dinner. They have been here since Monday – have gone solo snorkelling and dive/snorkel with a tour – found on their own to be just as good. They are off tomorrow for the whale shark swim, but are quite concerned whether there will actually be whale sharks – spottings have been few, and if you miss out, you only get to come back next day – which is not an option for them as they fly out on Friday.

We had a nice dinner at the restaurant recommended in the Eyewitness book. Lots of fun with Mike taking photos of us (like our tans??!) – several waitresses offered to help, but Mike was having fun.

Cockatoos are plentiful here - and quite vocal and entertaining. When walking back from dinner, we passed under one of the many trees where they congregate in the evening. Mike decided he wanted a photo of them fleeing the tree, so he and Kyle headed back out for a photo opp. Unfortunately, just as they were finally all set up for the shot, a cop car pulled someone over and most of the birds all left without Mike getting his shot. He still managed to salvage this attempt however which captures the effect.

To end the day Mike & I visited Cindy and Nathan for a couple of drinks - didn't stay long as he was still feeling jet lag since he only arrived a few days ago.

Off snorkelling tomorrow - can't wait!