We left the deep red dirt of James Price Point for the only slightly less red dirt further up the cape. A new road is in the process of being constructed and looks like it may soon be bitumen. We pulled in to Beagle Bay for fuel before finally reaching our campsite at Pender Bay.
We hadn’t booked and on our first night we couldn’t get a cliff front site, however we didn’t have to wait long, the next morning the folks in front of us were moving on. We actually met them at McGowan Beach Camp so it was nice to run into them again. Although we arrived late and the tide was out, it was clear to see this place was going to be special.
The next morning we moved on to our clifftop site and wow the view was amazing! With the tide now in and the sun high in the sky giving the water that aqua colour, its full beauty was revealed.
Getting on to the site, well that was a little tricky. It was very, very tight but as usual Kenny nailed it and it couldn’t have been better. Once set up we were all a little hot and bothered and hanging to go get in that cool water. Swimming here seems to be ok but I guess with all new places we feel a little cautious. We are still in croc country but there are no estuaries or mangroves nearby and the water is crystal clear.
The waves are gentle, the temperature is perfect and with a perfectly placed rock for someone to stand lookout we enjoy a swim. Lulu and Georgia play and swim carefree and have an absolute ball. Both are little fish and you need a close eye on Lulu as she is more than happy to swim away from you on her noodle and none too impressed if you grab the noodle to try and drag her back to you.
As the week went on we became more relaxed about there being any croc visits and very much enjoyed our daily swims. We extended our stay to be for the full week and settled into a rhythm of school, chores, play and swimming on the high tide.
Plenty of 3 bunk vans rolled in giving the kids ample choice of playmates. Including Bec and Justin from Tip in a Van, who we have followed for a few years and may even have been responsible for planting the seeds for us to do this kind of trip. They were keen to check out our van and had been keen to get in a Zone RV themselves. We love the way they conduct themselves online and they are just as nice in person. It was a real treat to run into them on our trip.
Our only outing for the week was a trip to Beagle Bay to get supplies from the store, fuel and visit the Catholic Church which is decorated with mother of pearl. After this trip we were probably put off going in the car if we didn’t absolutely have to. After having a vomiting bug Lulu had been doing much better but I made a very bad judgement call and made her a banana smoothie before we left, only to have it come back up and all over her, the seat and in the end me.
We did our best to clean everything up but in the end just needed to leave the windows down the rest of the trip. Once at Beagle Bay I was able to wash her clothes out and then as we visited the church spotted a tap and hose. I just had to take the opportunity to properly hose the car seat out. It really was the only way to get rid of the smell and better to do it sooner rather than later before the smell set in.
Unfortunately this tummy bug or possible food poisoning was taking its time to clear and while here at Pender Bay Georgia started vomiting also. After the initial 24hrs of vomiting, your appetite returns and you seem to feel pretty well but just can’t tolerate food. I knocked together some chicken soup and jelly was a hit. Ken, Charlotte and I all remained well and the girls did great during the day but evenings and nights weren’t so good.
It’s been a great design feature of the van to be able to lower the kitchen table, attach the padding stored under the bed to it and voila we have another bed. When the girls are sick it’s great they can escape from their bunk, have a little extra space and I can be there to help them easily through the night too. The Zone boys really have thought of everything. We love our van! Other than slightly bigger bunks for the kids it’s been fabulous.
Pender Bay has been one of our favourite and most scenic campsites. It would be a 10 out of 10 if it had sunsets over the water. Hopefully the photos speak a 1000 words. The Dampier Peninsula is certainly beautiful and we’ve barely scratched the surface. Just another one to add to that ‘next time’ list.
