Hump day

There is always a sense of achievement when hump day is over. You are closer to the weekend, and in a week that has been a mixture of emotions and homesickness, it has given us all a feeling of optimism. It was a quiet day at work, a chance to tidy cupboards and restock and stop for a morning tea of fresh scones bought in by our manager Lucy. The relaxed nature of the day at work reminded us both of how far away from our usual jobs we are, and that we need to savour this for its differences, and not wish it away so we can return to the comfort of home and all that is familiar.

Yesterday afternoon we went back to the beach with the palm trees. Amy and I swam while Rob fished and Ben rock hopped and explored. It was a beautiful afternoon. The sky was clear of all cloud and the water was so clear, you almost didn't need a mask. Amy and I swam around together looking at a mostly rocky bottomed ocean with a few fish and then swam through huge schools of sardines. It was very relaxing.

Rob had a few good bites but nothing stayed on the hook. From time to time some of the sardines would launch out of the water and make a great display...being chased by something bigger no doubt. It was relaxing just the four of us, enjoying the water and our time together. And then the sun sank into the ocean....and Rob captured it.......

Today after work, we headed down to the boat ramp and were met by several of the local kids fishing. They are amazing to watch. Even the little one cast their reels with amazing skill. First of all they "zig" for their bait. This involves launching and empty hook into the bait ball and hooking a sardine. They are very good at this. Its definitely a technique we have yet to master! Another example of generosity though, as one of the local boys caught us some sardines in a cast net so we could fish. About 20 people were along the shoreline fishing and swimming tonight. There were a couple of huge blind sharks swimming around causing much excitement. The kids were pulling in all sorts of fish, and then Rob landed something. It put up a good fight, and took him about 5 minutes to land it. It was great to see him bring in a beautiful fish and my dinner concerns were solved. Well done hunter and gatherer!!