Jervis Bay Joy
Day 54 to 75 (Nov 21-Dec 12, 2013)
The white sands of Hyams Beach – the whitest in the world!
Photo credit M. Jenner
The crew of Whale Song was very happy to be alongside at HMAS Creswell in the calm water of Jervis Bay. The heritage-listed buildings and cottages of the pretty naval academy grace the bay nestled between Norfolk Pines and hundreds of resting Grey kangaroos. Life is very good for these roos. The careful management of the base regarding the pristine waters of Jervis Bay and the whitest beach in the world at Hyams, is taken very seriously. Reminders for the occupants, students and visitors to the base in the form of printed text on the curbs Drains to Jervis Bay with a dolphin emblem, are found beside every drain.
A mum and joey grey kangaroo in their usual spot behind the waterfront buildings.
Photo credit M. Jenner
Arriving for defence activities the crew was busy with this work and as well, in between, able to address maintenance issues before heading south, especially the on-going battle with rust one undertakes aboard a steel vessel. Whale Song received lots of TLC with Resty, Simon and Sam working very hard to maintain her ship-shape style. As we beavered away at paper-work and all things that keep operations running we enjoyed daily walks to the Post Office situated on the base and of course, on the white sandy Hyams Beach. Skipper thoroughly loved all the walks, running up and down the sand-dunes (secretly looking for beach roos!) as well as playing in the water, jumping the little wavelets at the bays’ edge.
Several shopping expeditions were mounted to local Vincentia and nearby Huskisson, namely visiting the Bakery for their legendary vanilla slices! The Sunday markets at Husky were great as well, for stocking up on fresh mangoes and nectarines!
Meeting navy personnel whom have studied or served at HMAS Creswell, there is always a common theme of good memories regarding time spent at this base. It is a testament to careful operations that the surrounding areas of national park and waters are in such good shape.
Departing Jervis Bay after a wonderful and productive stay, we rounded Point Perpendicular, leaving it to port and headed south…
The bridge on and off the base.
Photo credit M. Jenner
Some of the hundreds of well-catered for grey kangaroos at HMAS Creswell.
Photo credit M. Jenner
Life’s a Beach!
Photo credit M. Jenner
The NSW coastline is one beautiful beach and headland after another!
Photo credit M. Jenner
Paragliders and hanggliders in perfect wind conditions at Bald Hill, NSW.
Photo credit M. Jenner
More test driving of the Barracuda!
Photo credit M. Jenner
‘Da girls’ at Crocodile Rock.
Photo credit A. Nute
The rugged cliff coastline of Point Perp.
Photo credit M. Jenner
While beachcombing we found another fascinating marine creature, these two blue-toned planktonic nudibranchs (Glaucus atlanticus). These animals feed on Portuguese Man-of-War and concentrate the toxins of those nematocysts.
Photo credit M. Jenner
Beach-cast Portuguese Man-of-War, beware the nematocysts (stinging cells) are still active!
Photo credit M. Jenner
The well-photographed creek separating HMAS Creswell from Hyams Beach.
Photo credit M. Jenner
Peli-can or Peli-can’t?
Photo credit M. Jenner
Gliding, cruising Shy albatross – never cease to amaze!
Photo credit M. Jenner
“Sitting on the rock of the bay…”
Photo credit M. Jenner
Happiness is… leaping Bottlenose dolphins in clear blue water!
Photo credit M. Jenner
Test driving the Barracuda, a remotely-driven vessel used in navy training.
Photo credit M. Jenner
Beach walk bliss – meeting a grey kangaroo in the dunes!
Photo credit I.Ford
Para, para, paradise!
Photo credit M. Jenner
Skipper playing at the waters’ edge, Jervis Bay.
Photo credit M. Jenner
A Grey kangaroo enjoying Jervis Bay!
Photo credit M. Jenner
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