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Eli Creek is the islands largest freshwater stream - it pumps several thousand gallons of fresh clear water per hour into the ocean and needs treating with respect by those looking to cross it...

Streaking along seventy five mile beach in the beast, we fail to see it coming. Next thing we know we're in the drink and driving blind - water blasts onto the windscreen and over the roof from the bow bow wave which sweeps over the bonnet; the side windows become screens of water from the spray the wheels have kicked up and there is a deafening rushing sound as I gun the accelerator to keep our momentum. Just as suddenly we lurch skywards - landing with a resounding thud on firmer sand. We've survived. So has the Beast!

Much though we'd love to repeat this, its close to high tide now so we stop and wait for the solid sands to be exposed again - using the time to float effortlessly down Eli Creek on a boogie board (a kind of foam half surf board).

As its early, we have the creek to ourselves for an hour - wandering up the boardwalks and floating back down towards the open ocean. The waters are cool, clear and highly refreshing.

Around 10am the coaches roll up - the boardwalks are filled with ill fitting bikinis and speedos. We depart.

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