As the Mackerel Islands transfer boat skimmed across the azure waters with spray bouncing up and splashing a fine mist of water, it finally seemed like we had left work behind. Way in the distance behind was the town of Onslow and in front an island paradise, northwest style, coming up. Let the relaxation begin!

It had been a hectic last few weeks with training new managers, packing up and parties. For four years Coral Bay had been our home and workplace and we had chosen our time to leave when everything was going well and we were surrounded by good friends and excellent staff. We thought three days on Thevenard Island with our good friends Murray and Dianna, would be a fitting end (if only a temporary end!) to our time in the Northwest of Western Australia.

On arrival we were met by Jamie and Jessie the assistant managers. It was exciting to meet up with Jamie again, who is the son of our good friends Phil and Julie. We had not seen Jamie for nine years and were now meeting Jessie, his lovely partner for the first time. They have been working on the Island for two years and are very well suited to their jobs. In fact all the staff were amazingly friendly and helpful and all arriving guests are treated to a tour of the islands facilities, before being delivered to their accommodation and settled in.

Our accommodation was just right and even better than we had imagined. A large lounge, kitchen, dining across the front with a passage way leading to two bedrooms with a king size bed in each, then a back door leading to the outdoor bathroom and toilet. Best of all this was sitting right above the beach, with a little sandy path leading to the waters edge and a large patio for us to chill out on, and watch the wildlife of lizards, birds, turtles and fish.

With our first afternoon drinks in hand and fishing gear being readied, Jamie came to visit and nonchalantly asked if we would like a crayfish. Well, yes! What he produced was bigger and more beautiful than any cray any of us had ever seen. It was called an ornate cray and its shell colour was a mixture of blues and pinks. Evening meal sorted in the best possible way and the pressure was now off to catch fish immediately.

The following three days went all too fast, but included beach fishing, jetty fishing, reading, "nanna naps", sundowners and best of all eating the freshest and tastiest fish just caught. Dianna was the most proficient catcher of fish and Murray a very close second, the chief of the BBQ. Avan took out the fishing version of the wooden spoon!

One fishing experience Avan and Murray will never forget was on the other side of the island. Jamie took us across the 6 kilometres in a 4 wheel drive to a sandbar where the Modus Operandus is to wade out and use lures instead of bait. He mentioned in a laconic way that there would probably be a few sharks around on this sand bar. A few was an understatement! Avan, Murray and Jamie found themselves surrounded by quite large numbers of huge shovel-nosed sharks and then in breezed a few other varieties and these were in touching distance and huge! A rapid but dignified exit was made with Jamie the last to leave and as he came out the water he said with a grin "I told you there would be sharks".

Sadly it was time to go on the fourth morning and as we walked down to the beach to board the boat, all four of us were thinking a week would have been perfect.