Monkey Mia and then to Coral bay

Another busy day, up before the sparrows again to get to Monkey Mia by dawn to catch the first dolphin feeding session.  We were lucky enough to catch a second session at 9.30 before we had to leave for the long drive to Coral Bay to watch the sunset.

Sorry about all the sunrise/sunset photos, I can assure you we have plenty more but we have limited it to only a couple a day, they are spectacular though so I’ve included some just to let you know we really are up early and still on the move late in the day.

The morning at Monkey Mia was a highlight, the first session was pretty crowded but we got lots of information about the history of the feeding and the modifications they have had to make in order not to harm the dolphins by overfeeding.   In short they have currently 5 dolphins which will take food, they only feed them  about 10% of their dally requirements to ensure they don’t forget how to hunt and it ensures their offspring are taught to hunt for fish too.  This all means that with crowds today of about 150 only about 6 to 10 people can get to give the dolphin one fish each.  The biggest crowd they’ve had is 750 over the Easter weekend.

By 9am the sun was out for the second session.  We lined up, Emily was picked straight up (she had a bright Batman t-shirt on that stood out in the crowd!! – tip for the future).  I then got chosen and did the honours, very special for Emily and I.  Pam and Chris were further down the line and Pam got picked as well.  She gave up her spot to a pretty German girl on our tour (I’m sure there would be hell to pay if Chris or I made the same gesture!!)

Anyway, we all had a great time and just before we all got sunburnt we piled on to the bus headed for Coral Bay.  

Dawn at Monkey Mia

Doesn't look too safe??

On the beach waiting for the show.

Another hungry native.

Monkey Mia from the coffee shop.

A few of our locals.

Interacting with some other locals.

Emily feeding the local dolphins.

Had a feed, ready for a yarn with the tourist.

Stopped along the way when Luke spotted a Thorny Devil on the side of the road, we still don’t know how he managed to do that as he was driving along. The crowds were very pleased with his effort. 

Made it to Coral Bay for a swim and a look at the sunset - sorry....just another one ocean sunset...they get better every time! 

Poor Luke, doing it tough in Coral Bay......it is so difficult for him.  From left to right - English, French, Swiss, German, Japanese, Swiss and in the foreground...Australian of the Luke variety.

What we really came for.