After some discussion, decided to stay another night and attempt to sail relatively early, before the wind started really howling. All very well in theory but in fact the wind had howled most of the night and was still gusting occasionally (with quiet intervening lulls). Got down to the beach by about 10.30 and then proceeded to dither again, as what little wind was blowing was still quite offshore (more dangerous, even for experienced people). Launching would be better from further round the bay, but to get there would require either driving on the beach (not many people around and two very inexperienced 4WDers) or finding an alternate beach access from further along. Drove off to find another access point, leaving Ally and Jeff to set up (Ally was planning to go out and Jeff was considering). No luck though and wondered if heading down to Lancelin for the afternoon might work (thought the shoreline might allow a better wind angle but on studying the map further, discounted this). 
Reviewed the beach access options again and thought driving up a sandy track adjacent to the beach might be a better option…..
Unfortunately driving up the sandy track wasn’t a better option, as became pretty clear in a very short space of time when we came to an abrupt stop and the prado refused to budge. 
Looked initially like we’d dug a hole with the tyres (and we had), but became clear after unsuccessfully trying to clear the tyres and reverse out, that the prado had bottomed out on the central raised sandy ridge. The sand was loose and dry, with zero traction. Tried to dig out under the car but bit of a gargantuan task. Sliding the rubber mats from the campa and the van under the tyres didn’t help improve the traction either. Fortunately a couple of locals (typical “no worries” Aussie blokes) showed up with some serious snatch straps and a “she’ll be right, we’ve been stuck worse than this” attitude that was both reassuring and concerning at the same time. 
After a serious discussion about how to best attach the straps and whether tandem towing with their two vehicles, vs using one car only was better, the rescue began. After an initial mis-start, the ute succeeded in pulling the prado out. The plan was for both vehicles to keep moving back up the track at that point but the ute came to a sudden stop after the prado lurched out, and it looked for a moment as if our car would slam into the back of it – not a good omen for a continuing pleasant relationship with our rescuers. 
Fortunately all OK and the prado stopped in time. $50 towards a slab or two of beer and our spare digital tyre gauge were a small price to pay to ensure we weren’t still there now!
Had noted that Ally and jeff were getting ready to launch their kites before our rescue started and there was no sign of the kites on the beach when I looked up at the end of the rescue. Also no sign of kites out in the bay, so either they had been blown away by the now cross-shore (but exceedingly strong all of a sudden) wind, or they had given up. found them in the Cheapa Campa putting the kettle on, as the wind was now way too strong to go out, even for them!
Split up this afternoon, with Ally & Jeff off to see the Pinnacles and us off to check out a place called Sandy Cape, which our rescuers had said was “the place to be” – cheap camping, great beach, protected bay, etc. Had passed a sign for Sandy Cape on the way into Jurien but hadn’t realised it was a camp spot. In fact looked very nice and lots of people camped there. Clean pit toilets available but no power or water. Lovely beach (still a bit windy though). A possible windsurfing place but might need the right wind conditions. Perhaps another trip?
Back into town to do some necessary chores (laundry, birthday present sendaway, etc). Our trip was coming to an end, as we needed to be in Perth by Sunday and had booked our flight back to Sydney for Tuesday 7/12. Sad but needed a minimum of a week in Perth to check out rental options (moving for work in January) and finalise some work-related business. Given the contrary wind, we thought moving on a day earlier and arriving in Perth Saturday might be worthwhile. Perhaps stop in Lancelin to see if the wind started behaving itself? Dinner out tonight at the Sandpiper Bar and Bistro. Surprisingly good meals (really tender squid) and enjoyable evening.