We had a very exciting adventure planned for today - swimming with the Seals and Dolphins! First up though, the temperature was so hot, we went for a swim, and the children jumped off the jetty numerous times, until we had to finally depart. We drove north towards Murphy's Haystacks - they are inselberg rock formations located between Streaky Bay and Port Kenny on the Eyre Peninsula. They're on someone's farm, and from a distance look like big stacks of hay, hence the name. We spent only a few minutes there, as the temperature was searing - definitely well over 40 degrees.

We continued to our main destination of Baird Bay, and waited patiently for the morning boat to come in so we could have our turn. Just as the previous tour returned, the weather went crazy, with howling winds, thunder & lightening and thrashing rain. It was quite a sight, and we were more than happy to wait while it passed.

Around 1.30, 14 of us donned wetsuits, and got on board the boat with Mick and Dave our guides for the afternoon. As we sped over towards the seal colony in very hot & windy conditions, Mick got us all fitted with snorkels. Once there, we all jumped in and spent some time with a couple of seals who were willing to play - the water was only about 2m deep, and they are so friendly, they just lie down on the sand like a dog wanting to be tickled. Dave called us in, and we drove across the bay to check out the dolphins, but they weren't too interested in interacting, so we went back to the seals for a really good long play with them. We saw lots on the bank too - big, small, even one feeding her little one. This time lots more came out to play - they come right up to your face and have lovely big brown eyes, and big whiskers. They love swimming around people, and jumping out of the water all over the place - it was great fun.

It was after 5pm, but Dave insisted we try the dolphins again, and to our delight we were able to get some close glimpses of 3 or 4 of them as they darted around in the very deep water - they are such elegant creatures. We still did feel quite vulnerable in the deep water, as Baird Bay is part of the Great Australian Bight, home to the great white and bronze whaler sharks. The afternoon was fantastic - everyone had big smiles as we departed the sleepy hamlet of Baird Bay.

Back at the campsite, there had been a 'mini cyclone' during the day - our awning had been brought in by some very kind people, and we only had some minor damage. The Prelc family's camper trailer tent was also relatively unscathed, though sand was all through it. Other vans had broken awnings etc, so we were very lucky - our windows were closed, and the TV awning was down saving us from sand and other damage.

A beautiful sunset on one side, and a magic rainbow on the water side topped off a great day.