This morning after a stop at the skate park we headed down to the Tanker Jetty - the home of Sammy the Seal to see if he was in residence today.
We stopped at the Coffee Cat for a little morning something to warm us up as the walked along.
As we began walking along the jetty we could see Sammy laying on the beach - the main beach in town. Quite amazing that he was so close!!
We walked a little further along the jetty and we saw another seal swimming in the water directly below the fish cleaning table. He's obviously very well trained - knows where to go for a free meal and was eagerly waiting a feed.
We discovered if we made a noise on or near the fish cleaning table the seal got more excited and rose higher in the water. Thomas picked up the hose at the table and thinking he was pointing it at the water pressed the trigger down and squirted himself in the face - it was honestly one of the funniest things I've seen in ages - poor Tom however was dripping wet and freezing cold so Dave had to drive him back to the van for some dry clothes.
Whilst Jade and I waited for them to come back we continued to watch Sammy who by this time had woken up and was taking a walk around...
After all the effort involved in climbing the embankment he laid down for a rest - I would like to say to lay in the sun but it promptly started pouring so we headed very quickly back to the car - the walk along the jetty would have to wait!
We drove around checking different shops for a insect protector for the front of the car - we were unsuccessful in finding anything suitable or that came close to fitting snuggly so we then headed to Dave's favourite store - BUNNINGS - even on holidays he can't escape it. A few minor repairs were required to the lid of the seat under the lounge - the rivets in the hinge have popped and the timber has dropped. Dave bought a metal channel and cut it to fit to support the timber better. Dad if your reading this the hacksaw and the file on your list of tools have proved very handy!!
Once the weather cleared we took a drive around the beaches - The Great Ocean Drive. This would have been much more enjoyable on a clearer warmer day but was still nice.
We walked up and down the stairs to get down onto Observatory Beach - 175 stairs to the beach (one way) and then a further 75 stairs (one way) to the Lookout on top of the beach. Kids legs were tired - Jade has some sore muscles after yesterdays massive climb!
We headed back into the Tanker Jetty late in the afternoon - had to try and complete the walk out to the end. Sammy was still sun baking in the same spot as this morning and the other seal was still desperately waiting for a feed. It was freezing cold and super windy but we finally made it to the end!
On the way back someone was at the fish cleaning table gutting a small fish - the seal and the sea gulls were very excited. It didn't take too much to wake Sammy and before too long he was in the water waiting for a feed too, its amazing how quick they can move on the land....sadly I think the seagulls got the feed before the seals did. We were so amazed that the seal and the sea lion were so close and so completely unfazed by all the people walking around them.
Today is our last day here at Esperance. We've all loved it but are hoping for some warmer weather as we travel further around the WA coast.
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