We went to sleep early last night knowing that we want to get up very early and leave for Monkey Mia so we are in time to watch the dolphin feeding at 7.45am.
We got to see an awesome sunrise as we drove (although it made it really hard driving into the sun) and made it in good time to pay our entrance fee, park and walk through the dolphin experience area.
The dolphins took their time in arriving - sometimes they are already waiting for their fish - but soon enough several females and their calves made their way into the area where all the tourists were waiting.
Yes this is a highly touristic experience, and we often skip these kinds of things, but we figured we'd do this one and enjoy it.
We took our shoes off and walked out in the shallows (yep quite cold!) and, while we weren't one of the lucky ones selected to feed them their allotment of two fish, we were able to get up close and watch them swim right by us and watch their calves frolic as they alternated swimming belly up and diving under water nearby.
After feeding time was over we went back to the parking area, made breakfast and then went to the resort at 10am to check in. Our site was one row back from the beach with a clear water view, and after we argued how best to park the caravan on the small curved site, we set up and checked out our surroundings.
The beauty of arriving so early meant we had all day to enjoy the beach and the resort facilities.
We took the opportunity to do a couple of loads of washing and then headed out a few metres to the beach front to relax and enjoy the sunshine.
Gadi and Cadbury went out in the kayak and I settled down to read and lie on the warm sand.
While they were gone I was lucky enough to have several dolphins swim right past me as I stood in the shallows, as well as a pelican who was following a dolphin.
Gadi also saw dolphins as he and Cadbury kayaked and also later when he hired a paddle board.
What a magical day we had relaxing in this lovely beachside resort, relaxing with perfect weather and enjoying the wildlife as well as the sun, sand and sea.
Just before sunset we headed to the beachside bar to enjoy a glass of lovely Margaret River Shiraz and a wood fired pizza as we sat under the palm trees watching the sun go down.
Gadi hopped in the hot tub for a bit and I chatted to some holiday makers before we both headed back to the caravan exhausted from our early start and long, magical day in the sun. I've never seen Gadi crash into bed to sleep as early as he did tonight!
Well, sweet dreams from Monkey Mia. We get to see the dolphins again in the morning before we pack up and head on to new adventures.
Good night - I am sure we will both be dreaming sweet dreams tonight xx