Port Kenny 16 February 2007

Cool morning despite the prediction for a heat wave before we moved onto Murphy’s Haystack. These were yet another unusual geological feature, consisting of granite outcrops that had been eroded into astonishing weathered shapes with the tops covered in algae, giving some of them a big chocolate-cup cake look.
For the highlight of the day, we left Jimmy behind to see Australia’s only mainland sea lion colony at Point Labatt. The wild windswept viewing platform was extraordinarily located directly above a wonderful bay draped with sea lions! At first they looked just like dead bodies, all snoozing where they collapsed, however soon a few lively youngsters started to annoy the others and created lots of interesting interactions that kept us entertained for a long time. Babies suckling outstretched mothers, huge bull lions resting on the outer edges giving out an aura of “do not disturb” and the young ones playing. The area was unique and probably chosen by seals because the rocks made a break-wall of calm water, as well as a small sandy beach and smooth granite rocks that made warm beds! Photos galore again! The temperature was only 18 deg and we felt cold! Visited Sceale Bay, a really dry village that brought Coober Pedy to mind! Maybe 40 houses with no obvious services - fishing seems to be the only reason for existing now. History reveals that it was a busy port in the 1900’s for transport of wool and grain – how times have changed! Quite suddenly the wind direction turned around and the temperature soared to 34degs. We explored Murphy’s Haystacks in the heat realising this was the predicted heatwave - but much less than forecasted!
Passed Port Kenny, another tiny dry seaside village typical of this coast. Seems the main reason for many people to stop is FISHING! Whenever you ask about a place here it is described by the type of fish caught and how easy it is to catch them! We really are behind on that score, as we just buy ours freshly caught - currently Snapper and King George Whiting. The scenery is secondary to most fishermen but really unique! Stopped at another roadside rest area looking across to Venus Bay and bunked down with the air conditioner.