We have been resident at the Ocean View Caravan Park in Onslow for five days now. Rejuvenation is the name of the game. What have we achieved during our stay thus far? Sleep, walking, food and convivial company and conversation. They are an eclectic bunch here. Because Onslow is eighty kilometres off the North West Coastal Highway, those who come here really want to avoid the hustle and bustle of places such as Coral Bay, Exmouth and Broome. There are those who also visit the more popular centres, but agree that Onslow has that special something. The shire run Ocean View Caravan Park occupies a beautiful position on Beadon Bay, which encourages rest and relaxation. Onslow is home to about eight hundred souls without the tourists, facilities are excellent, the foreshore superb and lots of activities to keep the locals, workers and visitors keen as mustard.
The local op-shop, open three times a week is a absolute treasure trove of items. Picking up an unused backgammon set in a faux leather case for six dollars was a bargain. The kids and women clothing market outside the Tourism information centre was delightful and I spent a very pleasant half-hour there browsing and purchasing. And the local gift shop, Kuarlu, run by Peta Wilson is a beautiful addition to the town. Yesterday, we discovered the town oval, which Stella galloped around like a Whirling Dervish. Today, I have walked thrice on the beach, collecting shells on my last expedition, having doused myself in insect spray. I think the only downside of Onslow is that the sandflies are uber-friendly.
We have enjoyed the pub (twice) and the resort (twice + takeaway). For locals and visitors, there is a Sportsmen's Club, a swimming pool, a skatepark, a water playground, tennis courts (I think) and the oval. The school has just over one hundred students - the majority of those are in primary school. We met one of the St John Ambulance staff at the oval, who described Onslow as a great place to practise "free range parenting". He noted his young school aged children were in for a shock when they returned to the Big Smoke, having spent two years in a very laid back community.
We have yet to visit the Visitors Centre and the adjacent museum, the cemetery and Old Onslow. These excursions will probably be tackled over the next six days.
However, there has been another challenge that had Michael don his MacGyver suit, with the help of long term resident Bob. The hot water tank has been responsible for a leak that we believe has been an issue since we bought the caravan. This leak is clearly visible on the unit, which Michael and Bob were able to discover after removing it from the side of the van. Michael is not keen on having the leak welded; if the repair fails, we have no case for a new hot water tank from the manufacturer. Michael will be in touch with the manufacturer tomorrow to try and tee up a replacement being delivered to either Onslow or Port Hedland. We wait with bated breath.
Given our position next to the amenities, Michael (and Bob) became the object of giving blokes an alternative to being with the wife, boating or fishing. A number of chaps stopped to chat about the situation, intrigued by our problem and Michael's response. Without any fanfare, Michael and Bob were able to provide a distraction for those men wishing to engage in "blokey" observation and conversation. What a pair of heroes!
We are now watching the news prior to enjoying leftover Moroccan chicken for dinner. Tomorrow is another day in paradise. The good news is that we still have cold water, and of course, we are right next to the excellent amenities.
Stay tuned...
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