The silver whiting are a biting...

For the last week or so, there's been a bit of a fishing frenzy at the Port Lincoln Main Jetty.  Just before high tide each day, the front beach and jetty has been crowded with fishermen - around 20-30 all fishing the one spot, all successfully. It seems a school of Silver whiting has been swimming laps.  They're being caught on bloodworm, prawns meat, live yabbies and seaweed worms...

Whale Spotting @ Sleaford Bay

Today we went fishing at Wreck Beach. Unfortunately for us, the salmon were somewhere else - or they just weren't hungry? There was, however a pod of Whales splashing about in the bay. I've not enjoyed fishing so much as I have today when there are such magical creatures right in front of you. Days like these make you realise how small your problems are and how big and wonderful nature is.  I took my Canon but without the bloody memory card - once again left in my computer! Grrr. I have been making habit of that lately.  So... here are a few pics from my phone. The Whales are like tiny black specs against the sea. But oh what a magical place. 

Parnkalla Trail

parnkalla: the parnkalla, or barngala, are an indigenous australian people from the port of lincoln, whyalla and port augusta are of eyre peninsula. (wikipedia)

The Parnkalla Trail runs along the beachfront of Port Lincoln area.  Starting from Port Lincoln north along Boston Bay, around the main beach, past the silos, into Kirton Point through the Marina to Billy Lights point.  

The thing I love about this track is that you can join it anywhere, which means your walk can be a short or as long as you want it to be.  You go through bushy terrain on a dirt path, cemented footpaths beside the beach and you wind your way through The Marina.  You get a nice change of scenery which makes for an interesting, easy walk.  I like that you also get some privacy which means that you can do lunges, squats or just skip along without being embarassed!

 

Winter sunset - front beach

If you're needing a little down time. The front beach at Port Lincoln is extremely peaceful. Ahhh the serenity.

Makybe Diva - to ride or not to ride?

Most Australian's will be familiar with this Legendary Mare of Australian horse racing.  She won 3 consecutive Melbourne Cup's '03-'05: the grand "Makybe Diva".  She now resides on the Port Lincoln foreshore as a life sized, bronzed steel statue.

Now, if you have ever been out in Port Lincoln or are soon to head out, consider this: To ride or not to ride? That is the question. Ask around and you will find that most people have saddled themselves up onto the life sized statue of the prize-winning mare.  There's even a You Tube video out there - youtube clip .

 

You haven't really "been out" in Port Lincoln unless you have ridden Makybe Diva.  Whether you approve of it or not, it's something you might just have to do. 

So, if you are considering - here are a few mounting tips to give you a bit of a "leg up" (courtesy of WikiHow)

MOUNTING

1   Stand on your horse's left side. This is the side that riders traditionally mount from. Holding the reins in your left hand, turn the stirrup towards you using your right hand. Put your left foot into the stirrup.

2.  Hold the waist of the saddle with your right hand. Have your left hand on your horse's withers. Gently bounce once or twice on your right foot, and then spring up off it.

3.  Swing your right leg up and over the horse's back. Be careful not to kick your horse with your toe! Since all your weight is on the left stirrup, ask a friend to hold onto the right stirrup.

4.  Lower yourself into the saddle. Land gently - don't flop or slam into the saddle and take up the reins in your hands. Gently pull on the reins to tell your horse not to move forward and put your feet into the stirrups.

MOUNTING USING A STANDING BLOCK

Mounting blocks are good choices for beginners, as they give you extra height and prevent you from pulling the saddle to the left.

1.  Place the mounting block to the left of the horse. Ask a friend to hold your horse in place, if necessary. Climb onto the mounting block and hold the reins in your left hand.

2.  Put your left foot in the stirrup. Spring off your right food and swing your right leg up and over the horse's back, being careful not to poke your horse.

3.  Lower yourself gently into the saddle. Gather up your reins in your hands and put your feet into the stirrups.

MOUNTING USING A LEG UP

A friend can give you a leg up to help you mount. This is helpful if you're a beginner, or have a tall horse.

1.  Put your right hand on the saddle. Hold the reins in your left hand. Your friend will hold up your left leg.

2.  Decide when your friend will lift up your leg. For example, you could count to three. While your friend propels you up, lift yourself with your arm into the saddle.

3.  When you're level with the saddle, swing your right leg over it. Gently sit down and gather your stirrups, while you straighten your back and put your feet into the stirrups.

Maybe, just like Makybe Diva you too can make history... 

Triple Bay Charters

triple bay charters

FISHING TRIP:  1/2 day $100pp.  PORT LINCOLN 

In April, my parents were visiting from Victoria.  Wanting to show off the thing that Port Lincoln is probably best known for - fishing - we booked ourselves into a fishing trip.
 

Now most fishing experiences I have had involve coming home empty handed talking about "the one that got away" so, as you could imagine I was not expecting a lot.  It would be a highlight if I caught something.  Anything.

We set off through Boston Bay, whizzing past fishing boats on their way out to sea and container ships that were waiting their turn to fill up at the silos.  Our first stop was at a little island that was alive with curious Fur Seals and Sea Lions.
We saw Dolphins splashing in the waves from our boat.  The sea was alive and bustling. Tuna's latched onto our pilchards and what seemed like a difficult fish to catch, came quite easily under the guise of our experienced skipper - Peter.

For those that have never caught Tuna, the aftermath of Tuna fishing is quite labourious.  After fighting with the fish to reel them in, and wrestling with them to get them onto your boat, they must be bled or they are no good for eating.  Not a pleasent sight or sound for a young lady.  Then, once back at the Jetty, they need to be filleted and with 3 big ones in toe it was quite a task!  Rewarding though...


Even if it's not Tuna season, you are sure to catch something grand on this fishing trip.

 

 

Sleaford - Sand Dunes

SELF DRIVE:  20km/18mins FROM PORT LINCOLN

Eyre Peninsula can be overwhelming with all the places there are are to visit.  If you want a quick 2WD out of Port Lincoln to see some great scenery and get a few photos, Sleaford is a great spot to head to.  It's a quick and easy 2WD drive from Port Lincoln.  No matter what the weather - it 's worth it, especially if you are not from the area and haven't seen local Eyre Peninsula sand dunes.  

On a sunny day, the white sand dunes contrast against the blue sky are spectacular.  The sand dunes are challenging to climb, but kick your shoes of and the feel of the soft warm sand plus the view make all the hard work worthwhile.