From the Log of David McGuire, Field Associate

The first dive is a propitious beginning to the expedition and we are now ready to drive north to explore the open coastline. We rent the “Apollo”; a camper van that will be our home for the next two weeks for the road trip over 1000 kilometers north. Loading our dive gear, camera equipment and collecting nets we head north along Highway one skirting the remote coastline of this remarkable continent. Driving on the left hand side of the road and shifting with the left hand takes a small adjustment, but once we exit Perth the road is wide open. Early Sunday we depart Fremantle on our expedition, driving 300 kilometers north to camp alongside the Murchison River in a rustic campground. Road camping is an Australian national pastime, and the caravan parks and highways are filled with trailers, modest RVs and combis driven by people of all ages. People are so friendly they wave to their fellow campers as we pass. The funny thing is, nearly everyone passing along the narrow two lane highway is a fellow camper and my wrist gets weary from the Australian salute.