The day started with Gordie getting lowdown on the surf conditions and places from a “young mate” camped behind them.

We had looked at the map of the area and decided to use the day to explore the northwest coast of the Lower Yorke Peninsula starting at Daly Head which has been dedicated as a surfing reserve.

The roads out from the main road were all dusty dirt roads – the Pearl was back behind eating the dust again….

On the road out to Daly Head there were enormous sand dunes which sparkled in the sunlight – and had what appeared to be rocky points sticking out of the top – on closer inspection with the zoom lens they were pointy hillocks of bushes.

We stopped at the first carpark at Daly Head – a spectacular area to view the multiple surf breaks in different directions – a few surfers were out catching some waves. The rugged coastline with multiple reefs and rocky islands was beautiful and wild – so unspoilt and remote.

There were several vantage points along the road, so we drove to the next one – the Pearl came in too hot and missed the turn – so the Titan jumped in first!

The beaches along this stretch looked untouched and the views were amazing. The surf looked OK, but Gordie decided to continue on with us to check out come more spots before making a final decision as to where to have a surf. He contented himself with a quick practice surf on a wobbly rock.

As we drove on further a fat Sleepy lizard aka Shingleback was crossing the road. The Sleepy lizard is the Yorke Peninsula’s most common reptile. We stopped to take a closer look and Klaus managed to pick him up -he was very relaxed…. Trev like his sister enjoyed the opportunity for a pat. Klaus released him back into the scrub and we continued on.

Out next stop was Gravel Bay which was far more attractive than its name. The beach was quite protected from the wind but there was no surf, so we moved on to the next location Berry Bay.

Unfortunately, the south end of Berry Bay was playing host to a large surf school – the water was full of learners, so the next stop was the north end and Corny Point Lighthouse

The rocky headland upon which the Corny Point lighthouse is built as well as the submerged reefs nearby were a hazard to the sailing ships trading in Spencer Gulf. The 15-metre-high lighthouse was first lit in 1^st March 1882 and was manned for 37 years until 30^th June 1920 at which time it was automated.

From the headland you looked north towards Horseshoe Bay and out to sea the rocky reefs were easy to see.

Close in was a particular lone rock that disappeared under the water with the swell which the locals used to call Peeping Tom – now known as Shark rock for obvious reasons. I am sure it has startled many a swimmer!

The wind was cool and had picked up a bit, so we decided to go back to Gravel Bay to have lunch – we walked down to the sheltered end of the beach and spent some time there eating and relaxing.

Gravel Bay was very picturesque with aqua water, white silky sand and large outcrops of granite rocks at either end. The rocks had an orange colour in parts much like what we had seen on Kangaroo Island. The orange hue comes from lichens, a combination of algae and fungus that live together in a symbiotic relationship.

We walked around the rocks, looking in rockpools and enjoying the unspoilt nature of the area. Trev, Rose, Dave, and I all went in for a swim in the crystal-clear water – it was not too cold and very refreshing!

Walking back to the cars we noticed the unusual formations of the cliff face – it was very weathered and had multiple small caves and sections that looked like stalactites and stalagmites – I am sure the holes would have been home for many and varied animals and insects.

Trev had taken a leaf out of Dave’s books and was carrying all the bags while I took photos – what a great husband!!

Gordie decided to go back to Daly Head for a surf and so, while Klaus and Beryl headed home, we did a quick tour back to Daly Head via Swincer Rocks hoping to drive the track from there back to Daly Head. Swincer Rocks were not particularly interesting, and the track was blocked by a gate going onto private property, so we returned to the main road and went on – meeting Gordie coming back from Daly Head – apparently blown out and no good…. so back to Marion Bay it was.

We checked out Marion Bay JETTY on the way home – the jetty was built in 1889 to aid with delivery of supplies and transport of gypsum mined in the area.

Seems the only one who got a surf today was Branch….