Sunday 4th September - Onslow to Thevenard Island

Day 2
After a well deserved sleep, we arose in Onslow, where Mags & Tez headed off for an early morning walk to see what was around. A walk to the ocean front, took them along a walkway to the Beadon Point Memorial, constructed of steel with a height of 6m and width of 10m, the arch of the Memorial bears the inscription "we will remember them" It was built by Smith Sculptors of Gidgegannup.

Onslow War Memorial

Once we were all up and the van was packed, we headed off for a stroll in search of food. The smell of breakfast coming from the cafe/garage on the main street seemed to lure us in, but what a disappointment when we were greeted with a very abrubt and quite loud (sonic boom loud) lady treating us like we were in a busy city McDonalds with 50 people waiting with a number. There were only couple of local kids sitting in there and us. No wonder the guy that walked out, as we walked in, rolled his eyes. We think he may have been trying to warn us.

We placed our orders and sat at the wobbly tables waiting for our meals. Mags had a sanga from the bain marie, Sue & Bugsy's bacon & eggs arrived with no bacon, which after a firm discussion with the abrupt one, the bacon finally arrived. Tez's toasted bacon, egg, cheese and tomato sanga arrived with no tomato but she wasn't game enough to complain. We enjoyed our cuppa and laughed as we watched the kids take off on their pushbike, all 3 on one bike.

Bugsy took a stroll outside waiting for us to finish our coffee, a local seagull took a liking to him and was following him as he walked along.

We headed back to the Ashburton Resort to see how unloading our van and getting the boat to Thevenard Island would work, we were told to come back at 9.30am, this left plenty of time to go for a stroll on the shore of Onslow checking out the native flowers and rockpools. Mags heading south and Sue heading west to see what they could find.

Sue in search of sea cucumbers

Mags way out there

A quick trip to the supermarket which was open (after we were told it would be closed) and it was back to the Ashburton only to find there would be yet another delay as someone was stuck on a sandbar and our boat may need to be of assistance.

After a short wait it was all systems go and we were following the ute from Ashburton to the jetty where we saw our boat - Thevenard 1 and met Drew out host whose brother Jarrad is an ex student of Muresk, so I am guessing he knew what he was in for. 

 Is all our gear going to fit on that little boat ?

With all of our gear safely stowed and a quick run down of emergency procedures, Tez felt safe enough now knowing that if the boat flips over, stay with the boat as it won't sink (just great).
Bugsy followed the guy from Ashburton back and parked the special bus up for the week we'll be away.

When he arrived back, at last we were off,  leaving the not so friendly Onslow, the long trip up and the rudeness of some of the roadhouses along the way, all behind us. 

It was all soon forgotten as we crept out of the inlet and sped up heading out to sea. Thevenard Island here we come. Seeing whales in the distance and turtles swimming as we moved further out to sea, we knew we were in for something special.

Bye bye mainland

A very invigorating boat ride, where sea sickness wasn’t even thought about, as we came up to the shore where a ute was waiting with some of the crew to help us unload. Tracey took us in the troupie  for a quick tour of where everything important is “the shop & the bar”, then to our cabin where our gear had already been delivered.  

Our new home - beachfront cabin no.1

We quickly unpacked and moved into what was going to be our home for the next 7 days.

Setting up a shady spot for Albert

After unpacking the girls took an afternoon stroll, Mags was first to dive into the very cold water,  whilst Sue & Tez took a little longer. Only knee deep for Tez. We watched the little fish jumping out of the water right next to us as we scanned wide eyed for sharks.

First dip was a cold one.

Then it was back to the cabin to admire the beautiful view on a lovely afternoon. While Bugsy headed off in search of whatever he could find, with his seagull buddy (Pesky) still following him.

This was our view.

We wandered on down to the recreational area and checked out the rec centre and shop. Then it was off to Club Thevenard where a  BBQ was put on by the staff for guests , Tez & Bugsy played a game of pool, guess who won !!  Fingerfood was passed around before a dinner call, Bugsy caught up with an old golf buddy and we feasted on chops, ribs, steak & sausages. Yummo, but we thought there'd be fish.

Club Thevenard

Tez discussed the internet signal issue finding out that it comes in and out but should work ok on the Telstra Next G connection she has. SHOULD !! but doesn't.... she may break out in a rash without her internet.

It was an early night for us all as we rocked to sleep still feeling the motion of the waves, taking in the last 2 days and wondering what tomorrow will bring. We can't wait to get out and explore.