Day 28 - Wednesday 25 January - Coffin Bay, Paradise Found

DAY 28

WEDNESDAY

25 January 2017 – 

Coodlie Park Camps 8 Ref# 532 SA – Elliston – Coffin Bay

The bright light of the new day came streaming into the van the minute we opened the blinds; up and out and on the road by 8.30am. It had been a lovely and quiet night in the middle of the bush.

Our first stop was Elliston, about 30min down the road. We initially took in the Great Ocean Tourist drive, but it turned to dirt and there was grading happening, so we found a spot to turn around and drove into town instead, stopping at the foreshore for a look around and a bit of a walk.

We drove the van through the heart of the little town before setting the GPS to Coffin Bay and heading on down the Flinders Hwy a further hour and 40min.  We passed through some very nondescript towns along the highway before we met the turnoff to Coffin Bay, pulling into the fuel station, as the van was warning us we needed to fill up. We then pulled into the caravan park next door and booked in for the next three nights.

We made ourselves comfy in our spot and had lunch, before we got into our car and did a drive around town making our way to the oyster sheds. We found one to our liking but needed to return in 30min, as the manager was off to collect the boat at the wharf. We took the opportunity to continue our drive around, checking out the area before coming back to pick up 2 dozen oysters. As they were a little small we were given 28 ready to eat for $20. We thought that was pretty good.

We returned our dinner to the van and then it was off to follow part of the Oyster Walk along the front of the foreshore from the oyster farms to the boat ramp. The walk was an easy amble following along the colour changing waters and various private jetties. We walked out along the wharf, where many boats were tied up and many fishermen were catching an array of fish. We watched a large ray swim by, saw a crab sitting on the sandy bottom and numerous schools of fish that were darting this way and that. I could see Paul’s interest peak and knew he’d be back.

We continued to follow the Oyster Trail to the yacht club, walking out on their jetty to see what could be spied. The walk continued on to the boat ramp where we stood on the rocks and the beach scanning for life below. With our fill of fresh air we returned along the trail to the caravan park. I happily sat outside under our awning watching life go by as I sorted photos and the blog, while Paul made use of the air con and laid down to read. Geez life is tough.

By 5.30pm, Paul had decided it was time to go fishing, I left him to it while I wrangled the TV to no avail, despite the fact that everyone else seemed to be getting reception no worries. Grr. I resorted to reading instead, starting a new book by Matthew Reilly The Four Legendary Kingdoms.

Paul returned at 7.15pm, no fish in tow, but excited none the less to have caught something BIG that took his line 150m before it snapped. He then got busy putting our 2 dozen oysters together for dinner.

A walk was required again after tea, this time following the Oyster trail in the opposite direction around the bay. The pink sky reflected in the water made it dazzle. We continued until it was getting too dark and then returned along the same path, making it back to the van for bed.