So we arrived in Stansbury Friday night and pulled up to Mitchy's house once he had got home. Really nice house with our own beds and a hot shower something we hadn't seen for a couple of months and were pretty keen to test out. We arrived to a cooked dinner which we were both frothing on as Macca's had started to wear off. Next morning/afternoon once Mitch had stuffed around for what seemed like two hours we headed down the bottom end for a surf. We ended up surfing a pretty fun right and seen a couple of classic ways to use a cliff one was Mitchy slipping off trying to get into the surf and the other was an old bloke actually i wont say what he was doing but ill let you guess. That night was a get together at the Goody's house which was a big barbecue and beers and wine mine and Ben's favourite. Next afternoon back to the bottom end for a surf this time at a left which was fun as it was only us guy's out. On the Monday Mitchy scored the day off so we headed back down to Marion to launch the boat and try get some Bluefin tuna. Even though the wind was pretty strong we headed out and hooked into four only landing three but we all got one and a bit bigger than Cactus. The next five or so days were windy and rain which had us thanking we were in a house and not out in a tent. The next Saturday came round so we headed down the bottom end to stay a few nights and try get some waves. Surfed the Sunday and Monday which were both pretty fun waves then on the Tuesday Ben and I took the boat out to try find some tuna but there was no bird action so we just jigged and got some Swallowtail and Skippy and that. That night we went for a hunt and got some roo for the freezer. Next day was my birthday so we decided to put the tub back in and go to wedge to chase some Bluefin tuna. There were heaps of bust up's and birds everywhere and we ended up landing about fifteen. Then back to Stansbury for a meal at the pub and a bottle of Captain Morgan. Next day was a slow pack up then headed to Adelaide for the weekend. Have to say a big thanks to Marty, Linda, Mitch and Tayla for putting up with us and letting us stay at your house and cooking us dinner pretty much every night it was great and we cant thank you enough. Also to the rest of the Family and Friends you made our stay really enjoyable.
So we arrived in Whyalla at night and headed straight for Hungry jacks as we hadn't had it for nearly two months. End result is what it always is pretty crook. Next morning we headed to the tackle store to get some advice on what to use and were to go to get these Snapper that are around. After we had been to the tackle store we headed out to a new camp and to put the tub in and try get a big boy. We ended up fishing two nights and only managing to get one each that were just over size and loads that were under. It was worth a try and the next morning we headed off to Stansbury which is on the Yorke Peninsula to stay with Mitch who we met at Cactus and his parents had offered for us to stay at their house while we were there.
So we left Streaky after a big night at the pub and headed towards Elliston which was only about 120kms down the road. When we arrived we were not to keen to do anything but relax and catch up on some sleep. We were staying at Walkers rock bush camp which is about 13km outside of Elliston. We ended up driving 60kms Sunday afternoon to Sheringa as the wind had died off and that picked up the most swell. We had a really fun surf with only one other guy out. The next 5 days we were greeted by crap winds and weather which left us doing anything we could to pas the time. Friday came around so we headed to the pub for a few beers and a meal but the few beers part never seems to happen. Saturday morning we checked blacks to find it pumping. Surfed it till it went onshore and then surfed it the next day only it was a lot smaller but still real fun. As the swell was ment to be dropping we headed off to Sheringa for a couple of nights. First day at the hot spot was ok but a little cross shore but the next day was perfect and a lot more size to it. Surfed twice on the second day then packed up and headed to Whyalla to try get into some big snapper
So we left Cactus and headed of a few hundred km's to Streaky Bay. After our first check point for fruit and vegetables at Ceduna we stopped of to get a dozen fresh local oyster's which we smashed back there on the side of the road. We parked up in Ceduna to gather some supplies and some warmer garments from the local op shop. Next stop was Streaky Bay. We arrived in the afternoon and went for a stroll around the town then opted for a couple of cans on the grass opposite the jetty. We headed out to the camp we had been told about which ended up being full so had to make do with a near by carpark. We finally got a spot after a couple of nights in the swag's at Tractor beach. After some waves and setting up the tent we headed into town for a skate at the local park which was a real fun skatepark which we ended up skating whenever the waves weren't on. We then hit the grass again waiting to catch up with Old matey from Cactus at the pub for happy hour. Was a sick little pub with $12 burgers and chips and $4 South Australian pints which we loaded up on and a few of the lads from the surf rocked up as well. Got some real good surf while we where in Streaky Bay with no one else out except for Ben and I which is always good. Also got out for a dive with Wren who we met at the grass and ended up getting a good feed. Ended up staying for just over 2 weeks and met some more great people. Rob and his girlfriend who were prospectors, spent many the nights around the camp fire drinking cans. Wren and his girlfriend Hayley and there kids Will, Lolla and river and there 3 dogs Sam, Nulla and Momo. Red dog who is a local and just an absolute classic was good hanging out with him and everyone else we met along the way you know who you are. Next stop Elliston which is only 120km down the road
So we did the 1200km trip from Esperance to Penong South Australia. We did most of the driving at night as we did not leave Esperance till 2pm. It was the first time either of us had driven across the Nullabour but couldn't see much except for the night wildlife. We decided to just drive non stop just switching drivers every few hours. So we got to Cactus beach on Wednesday morning just before the Easter holidays. It was pretty busy but we soon found a good spot to set up camp. First few days were a bit slow as the swell was much too big and the whole bay was closing out. Once the swell died down we got some really good waves which were only a couple hundred metres walk from camp through the dusty desert. A couple of days with next to no swell ment we were sliding in the tub and going for a fish. We took Beno and his dog Blacky out with us and had two real fun days of fishing. The second of which we went out wide just using jigs and getting into some Swallow tails, Nannies a Blue Gropher and Beno got his Sambo. A school of bluefin came in which seemed to be liking the bass of Skrillex thumping from the boat. We threw all sorts of lures at them having plenty of hook ups and landing well over 10 in about an hour and a half session. After Two weeks it was off to Streaky Bay now. Met some great people while at Cactus Beno and Blacky, The Professor, The boys from Vico and also Old Matey from W.A with his family you guys made our stay there so cheers.
So we ended up spending just over two weeks in Esperance. Mainly just surfing and drinking. Ended up getting some real good fun sessions at heaps of spots all over the place. Met some real good people as well which is always a bonus when you dont really know anyone around. Esperance is a sick place and i will be going back again. Cheers to Brad for letting us stay at his joint while we were there and his mates Rob and Adian and there girlfriends and wives, also Steveo for putting up with us even though he loved it and is always ready for a session on the beers. Also Joel who we met in the surf and ended up having a few big nights with haha top bloke and showed us around. Everyone else that we met you know who you are Ben and I dont quite remember haha. So we are now doing the dash across to Penong South Australia which is about 1200km so should be good. Keep posted as update will be up soon of South Australia
