Now we have the kiting bug again and all the bull dust removed from the kite and board, we want to take the opportunity to checkout Bush Bay. When I say “we” I mean Marjo as the loving supporter, chef launcher and lander, professional photographer and beach comber, while I spend time hanging under the kite in the water, between exhilarating seconds on the board.
So we drive the 9 grid road from Quobba point with killer waves (and a very paranoid Nossi) back via Carnarvon (new fuel, water and some groceries) to the turnoff for Bush Bay. Because I am stubborn and seem to remember reading that we only need 2 km of dirt road (and drive), we continue another 6 km past the turn off as the Google maps shows a road that turns out to be a rut in a field. So, 6 km back and then the very corrugated 9 km of dirt road to Bush Bay. With a maximum speed of 10 kph this takes close to an hour and we are relieved to be able to unload the dogs and walk to the beach.
The girl was right, there is about 3 to 4 km of shallow water with no waves. At low tide the shallow water turns into sand. Perfect for fishing, crabbing and of course – at high tide -for kiting.
We park the bus behind bushes so we don’t get blown away from the wind which is constant and only varies in strength (10-25 knots) and direction (West – South – East).
The kiting is great, the wind direction so that I get blown towards the beach every time which is safe, but requires a lot of walking back into the sea.
With the tide differences and the lack of waves there is a lot of shell and other shell like animals out there and my feet bear the remnants of it. My knees, hands and feet are covered in cuts, some superficial and some deeper which is a pain to walk on. Certainly with salt water and sand. So Marjo invents some reef shoes made from foldable seat fabric and cloth tape that still allow my feet to get under the foot straps of the board. They last half a day before they also get cut to shreds (rather them than my foot soles). The next step is old thongs (flip flops) cut to size and taped onto my feet. They last about half an hour. Then it’s time to give my feet a rest to heal before we go to the next kiting location.
Marjo meanwhile makes long walks with Nossi and turns shells and other found materials into art!
And of course we have some pretty sunsets.
Posted from Hamelin Pool, Western Australia, Australia.
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