Friday at 1 PM Jeanne and I met with Kevan and Leonie, Perry, and Daryl, Karen and Sam at the Shell Tailem Bend.

We proceeded to Salt Creek, paid our camping fees and entered the dunes at Tea Tree Crossing.

We found a large camp area protected from the wind by dunes and all set up camp and went to throw in a line. The tide was moving fast and weed constantly caught on the hooks and bait. I kept up my reputation as "not a fisherman's ar----e", Daryl caught 3 Mulloway but had to throw 2 back due to being undersized, and even caught a stingray by the flap for excitement.

Bruce and Jill arrived at our camp in the dark about 9 PM Friday night.

About 1030 Saturday morning Chris, Margie & Gareth and Roger, Meredith and Matthew joined us.

Rick and Cindy came later and we all threw a line in. Roger and Perry reluctantly took a dip when fast moving waves knocked them off balance.

As a total fire ban was in force from December to the end of April, fires were not allowed, but Geoff and Chris provided a heating source. On Saturday night the group voted me as the most daggiest dressed, just beating Rick. (I didn't know that they are expected to fish in Nike, Adidas or suit and tie) Gareth, Matthew and Sam had fun in the water as each wave met them.

On Sunday we threw a line in for a while, with no luck. It was suggested that we pack up and find a better fishing spot, with alternative vehicles travelling at the tides high mark to bog and be recovered for experience.

I, Rick and then Kevan got bogged and recovered. As the pull was at 45 degrees we used tow ropes instead of snatch straps, the danger of snatch straps pulling the chassis is out of alignment.

A gentle pull in low second gear was all that was required. Chris, Margie & Gareth headed off due to work commitments. We all then travelled along the beach front to 42 Mile Crossing, we threw in the lines again with no luck.

We then traversed the dunes at 42 Mile and some went to see Chinaman's Well whilst the others went on to Salt Creek to buy some lunch. We all headed home from Salt Creek.

I hope that the persons with their name on the trip list that didn't attend didn't have major problems. Chris waited an extra half hour for them to arrive at Tailem Bend. All in all it was a relaxing weekend and all seemed to enjoy themselves.

I must remember to cover every part of my body as where I had my "daggy" overalls rolled up a received a bad case of sunburn around my ankles.

Geoff



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