Sometimes you have an experience in life that you know will stay with you a long time. Today we had one of those experiences.
The day started with a delicious late (home made of course) frittata and toasted wraps and then we decided to explore the surrounding towns and beaches on the Yorke Peninsula.
We headed to the foreshore here in Port Julia to see the views across the beach and bay and discovered the old coast road - a dirt track - that headed out over the cliff tops. Of course we had to take that road (now that we don't have a cumbersome caravan being dragged along behind us) to see where it would go. It led us along farmland and then the cliff tops, which was quite spectacular. The road finished in Port Vincent, a small town with a quaint street of shops, known (as are all the seaside towns here) for seafood and crabbing. Next we drove to Stansbury, a town famous for its oysters - yum! Then we headed inland to the commercial Centre of the peninsula, to a town called Minlaton where Gadi visited the information Centre and asked about the best beaches to visit. On advice we then drove to Port Rickaby and Bluff Beach where he was advised you could drive onto the beach.
You have to understand that for a Victorian driving on the sand is an unattainable dream, as there are very few beaches where you are allowed to actually drive on to the sand. Sandy Point near Wilson's Prom is an exception and we have driven on the beach there. In South Australia, unless signs say you can't, driving on the beach is allowed, as long as there is a track leading on to the beach.
I know Gadi was excited to try driving on the sand and so that's what we did.
At first everything was alright. The beach was a bit rocky, but with nice firm sand. The driving was fine. We were both in awe of the amazing beach, calm water and spectacular sky, just pre sunset time. It seemed surreal. We saw only one person walking on the beach and after that, we were totally alone.
Suddenly I saw Dolphins playing in the shallows. We stopped the car and spent some time watching them and snapping lots of photos. It was truly magical. The sky meanwhile was changing colour, turning a deeper shade of lilac and pink. The sky, the sea and the beach were simply stunning.
So, after all this amazing and out of this world experience, what could possibly go wrong?
We got bogged, yes bogged in the sand. Not just a little bit bogged, but full on knee deep bogged, in sand so soft it felt like you were sinking in it.
Bogged.
How?
Why?
Gadi felt stupid (I think, although he denies it!) and I thought he was stupid for getting us into this situation.
However, he gets brownie points for trying very hard to dig the car out but it was to no avail.
Finally - thank goodness we had reception - I rang the RAA (SA equivalent of RACV) only to have to wait on hold as "they were experiencing high demand and long delays" - just great!
So I hung up and called the nearest police station but they are unable to help people bogged and suggested we call back the RAA.
I called back and eventually I got through to the RAA, only for them to tell me they don't help cars bogged on the beach but they could connect me to a local contractor, but we would have to pay him privately as they would not cover this service. I spoke to the contractor who agreed to come out as soon as he could reach us. And then we waited. We took our chairs out of the car determined to enjoy the spectacular sunset and incredible location. Again, it felt surreal. And we waited and waited. And the sun got lower and lower in the sky. And we got more and more worried as time went on and the night sky got darker and darker. But I had no number for the contractor as the RAA had connected us and by now we were worried they wouldn't show up. But after several more phone calls we eventually heard and then saw a big land cruiser coming our way. We have never been happier to see anyone!
Mick and his side kick got to work to help drag us backwards out of the sand, which wasn't that easy and their car almost got bogged in the process. I of course was busy playing photographer throughout as it was too good an opportunity to pass up.
Eventually we were out of there and gratefully followed the land cruiser back the way we had come.
It was an expensive (in terms of money) exercise but it was an incredible experience. And we did see dolphins and as Mick, our rescuer, said to me, seeing dolphins is a rare privilege and will bring us luck from now on in life. I'll drink to that!
We finally got back home around 9.30pm desperate to eat something (boxed noodles are looking good right now!). Our neighbours had worried about where we were and if something had happened - only happens in the country I think. Where else would your neighbour worry about you?
For now we are tired and ready to chill and remember our exciting adventure from today.
Enjoy our photos and remember, if you see a dolphin you will have good luck follow you.
Cheers xx