Back to Mutee

 

Back to Mutee Head and the turtle beach, we pulled up and our old spot was free, though another two campers were set up not far away. It was Friday, so we set up camp for at least till after the weekend.

New turtle tracks were evident along the beach, we tried our luck at fishing, but, with no big ones taking to our hooks, or even little ones for that matter, we gave it away and retreated to the shade of camp. A couple of bush turkeys were hanging around camp, scratching about for any crumbs. While collecting firewood I stumbled on their nest, a huge mound of scratched up sandy soil around some saplings.

In the afternoon, a boat with three indigenous fellas pulled up at the beach and two got out and began digging in the sand. Din went down to chat and soon called for me to bring the camera. When I arrived the men had pulled out a dozen or so eggs from their hole. They told us these were Flat-back turtle eggs and good tucker. 

They, as indigenous to the area, have the right to harvest the eggs for eating, as well as Dugong and turtle and other sea life that is off limits to others. They never completely deplete a nest but take just enough for a feed, there could be over a hundred eggs in one nest alone. When done they offered us two eggs to try if we liked. With that opportunity presenting itself we could not refuse, thanking them, we took the eggs and they continued on their way. We think it was very welcoming and generous for them to share with us, these interactions are what make our travels so enjoyable.

In the morning, I boiled up the eggs, as was instructed, and had them with toast. The yoke cooks firm but the white is more like a jelly, when put in front of Din, she studied it for a time then decided to forego the experience. I ended up eating both eggs. Not tasting like chicken eggs, but not unpleasant ether, as was told to us, they taste like turtle eggs. Tried one with salt and hot sauce as recommended by our egg digging mates, it was well worth the trying. 

Five days spent at Mutee Head, this was one of our most favourite camps. More turtle tracks and hatch ling tracks in the mornings, but even getting up at two in the morning to catch high tide, no turtles spotted.

On the last evening spent at Mutee, Turtle Beach, high clouds rimmed the sky, making the setting sun appear as a huge orange globe as it approached the horizon. As it descended, the colours transformed the scene into a real life depiction of the aboriginal flag, a fitting farewell to our Pajinka adventure.