"Why can't I be a seal?"

A short walk from the campsite was Coffs Harbour's "number 1 of 61 things to do" - Dolphin Marine Magic. So that was our plan for the day. We had a tasty brunch at the camp kitchen (so much better than cooking bacon in the motorhome, it hangs around for days); then set off. It turned out I have still not cracked my being late problems. The five minute walk (as stated by reception) was actually 15, especially as the code wasn't working for the side gate, so we had to go the long way round. And we'd left later than planned anyway. So we ended up half running through the sunny streets, me carrying Jemima (who was loving it), and arrived very hot and sweaty, but just in time.

And what were we rushing for? Dolphin kisses! As the staff said on a number of occasions, they are one of the most interactive marine parks in the world; and what that translates as was a number of opportunities to get up close and personal with variety of marine life.

(Kevin and I talked about the ethics of this after; it did all feel a bit icky, not helped by the protestor out the front with a loudhailer asserting that "dolphins have families too!". But a lovely time with a dolphin probably would help to encourage people to think more about eating sustainable fish and not throwing plastic bags and old fishing line in the sea, which would benefit marine life over all. So on balance, a good thing...? And we did really enjoy it too.)

The best bit was, of course, the dolphin kisses, which consisted of leaning over the side of the pool for the dolphin (Zippy) to touch your cheek with his nose - Jemima and I both loved it. Then there were also whiskery, fishy-smelling Australian sea lion kisses from Maxine (Jemima wasn't so sure about this, a sea lion is a lot bigger than her, but did it too). Plus we got a chance to feed fish to the adorable Little Blue Penguins, which were, accurately, very little (and really cute) with a blue sheen to their feathers.

And there was also the Marine Magic show. Not in the same league as the Sea Worlds out there, it was, however, great for how close you got to the seals and dolphins as they jumped and swam and balanced balls on their nose. And Jemima even got called up on stage with a much older girl at one point to demonstrate giving instructions (twirling around) and rewards (a dead squid), like a dolphin trainer. As with most experiences, she took it in her stride; and also took her chance to stroke a dolphin tummy as they swam round the pool upside down, after the show (I did too - surprisingly soft). An ice cream with an inquisitive peacock in the garden; the purchase of some very expensive photos; Jemima deciding she wanted to be a seal; and it was all over. Back into the breezy sunshine.

It was a lovely walk along a shady wooded path backing onto the beach towards the marina (once we'd jollied Jemima out of her "my legs hurt" phase). At the end of the path the waves and surfers came into view - 2-3 metres high today, really quite scary looking. We walked along the breakwater wall to the marina, and found the fish Co-op selling the catch of the boats lined up in front - either raw or as fish and chips. We bought some raw local prawns and got them cooked for us in lemon butter, with chips and salad - messy but delicious. Then wandering back, we sheltered in the yacht club (Ynot, I love a bad pun) for coffee and cake to wait out the threatening rain clouds, watching the surfers and playing with stickers. The danger passed, we ambled home along the beach and then the pretty shores of Coffs Creek as it flowed into the sea - it was a lovely place; it felt quite wild but as usual there were well-kept pathways everywhere.

Back at the campsite, Jemima and I reunited with the Australian families for more fun at the bouncy pillow while Kevin did a quick Aldi trip; and then it was a quiet dinner in the van. On the road to Sydney again tomorrow: two more nights after this and then the motorhoming is all over - it's been an amazing adventure.