What started off being a quiet benign sort of day has turned into an awesome one thanks to some real 4WDing, some nice water and some good company (albeit the company is becoming a bit paranoid about what goes in the blog).
Some people believe what goes on the camping trip should stay on the camping trip but I beg to differ. If the story is good enough, print it!
We camped overnight in a free camp site and moved early this morning to Cleaverville a Nature Reserve on the beach near Point Samson and Karatha.
Denis and Bec called in with some of the family (Courtney and kids), and went for a walk along the beach/rocks. Jet collected some lovely big clam shells. Mum was impressed!???!
Denis and Bec had their own adventure last night as when going to bed, the camper toppled over, as They had forgotten to put the legs down! When Denis says "help me Bec, Bec replies I can't" you see poor Bec was upside down at the end of the camper. Oh for a movie camera! (See what grandchildren do to you!)
This arvo Doug and Rob, Paul and I went for a drive. Initially it was to find a boat ramp, but instead we found some interesting rock formations - real volcanic stuff, zebra rocks and other fascinating relics of the past. (No, not just Doug and Rob)! Then the way back home became a 4WD experience as we went over the top of the mountains, down into the gullies and back finally to flat land. Only a little bit of slipping on rocks, a few white knuckles and the occasional OMG and we were back.
Then we followed the road to the boat ramp and found the most marvellous waterway I've seen this trip, so far. Tomorrow we investigate further with boats, fishing rods and swimmers. Can't wait!
Well enough excitement for the day so see you another time.
PS - An atheist gets into a 4WD and crosses himself, what does this mean?
You have to love us humans; a never ending source of amusement!
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Friday, 16 August 2013
Day 34 - 37: The Pilbara and beyond
Hello from far north-west WA; some call it the Pilbara! It feels like we've been around the world and back again as we headed inland to escape the wind ( you might remember), and have now found a nice area to camp the night outside Karratha, on the side of a creek bed, with lovely trees but unfortunately just a few mozzies as well.
Since my last report we have seen some of Karagini NP and walked some, of the Dales Gorge. You may have noticed I said 'some' gorges as actually I only did one as some of the boys decided we really didn't need to see anymore, especially when it required taking your vehicle off-road and heaven forbid, get it dirty ( like every other vehicle around here).
We did meet up with Di and Alan Thomas from Bairnsdale who have also been travelling the outback, only in the reverse direction to us. Great to see them, but because we talked too long, also saw the beautiful Ferny Pool ( which the others didn't), Paul didn't want to hold the group up any further, so we had to ascend the gorge and walk the rim. The others made their way along the bottom, which I wanted to do, but time didn't permit???.?
So this morning it was up and out of the park going onto Dampier to see Red Dog, big boats and Karratha where the mining industry is in full swing. I have never seen so many 'dongers'' where the fly in: fly out miners are accommodated during their shifts. I just wonder what will happen if and when the mining industry declines? Will these towns survive and if so what will be their reason for being here? Big prices they may make now, but what does the future hold?
Meanwhile back in the Karijini NP we had another film night, this time it was 'Australia' we put on and boy did we pull the crowd! It was three deep at times, all the vans (well almost) were there and seemed to enjoy themselves, even the family from Israel. As we were too late arriving to get into the real camp area, they put us in the overflow area, so we had the place to ourselves with ten other campers, tents and vans.
We were requested, by some of the others the next night, if we could put on another movie? All the boys were fired up until a gentleman came and explained "he couldn't talk to his partner, over the loud sound from the movie!", so the minority won - no movie. Damm!
Well we are to go back on the coast again tomorrow and take a chance on the wind not being there??.? To do some fishing (maybe again). We have lost Bec and Denis for the night as they went off to see their family up here at Point Samson. Maybe they will join us tomorrow on the coast or maybe Bec will want to stay with her grandchildren a bit longer. We will have to see what eventuates. Till then......
PS - We dropped Elaine off at Parabadoo to catch a flight home today as she was not enjoying the red dust enough and missing her grandchildren too much as well. Happy travelling Elaine; thanks for the snorkelling lesson though.
Since my last report we have seen some of Karagini NP and walked some, of the Dales Gorge. You may have noticed I said 'some' gorges as actually I only did one as some of the boys decided we really didn't need to see anymore, especially when it required taking your vehicle off-road and heaven forbid, get it dirty ( like every other vehicle around here).
We did meet up with Di and Alan Thomas from Bairnsdale who have also been travelling the outback, only in the reverse direction to us. Great to see them, but because we talked too long, also saw the beautiful Ferny Pool ( which the others didn't), Paul didn't want to hold the group up any further, so we had to ascend the gorge and walk the rim. The others made their way along the bottom, which I wanted to do, but time didn't permit???.?
So this morning it was up and out of the park going onto Dampier to see Red Dog, big boats and Karratha where the mining industry is in full swing. I have never seen so many 'dongers'' where the fly in: fly out miners are accommodated during their shifts. I just wonder what will happen if and when the mining industry declines? Will these towns survive and if so what will be their reason for being here? Big prices they may make now, but what does the future hold?
Meanwhile back in the Karijini NP we had another film night, this time it was 'Australia' we put on and boy did we pull the crowd! It was three deep at times, all the vans (well almost) were there and seemed to enjoy themselves, even the family from Israel. As we were too late arriving to get into the real camp area, they put us in the overflow area, so we had the place to ourselves with ten other campers, tents and vans.
We were requested, by some of the others the next night, if we could put on another movie? All the boys were fired up until a gentleman came and explained "he couldn't talk to his partner, over the loud sound from the movie!", so the minority won - no movie. Damm!
Well we are to go back on the coast again tomorrow and take a chance on the wind not being there??.? To do some fishing (maybe again). We have lost Bec and Denis for the night as they went off to see their family up here at Point Samson. Maybe they will join us tomorrow on the coast or maybe Bec will want to stay with her grandchildren a bit longer. We will have to see what eventuates. Till then......
PS - We dropped Elaine off at Parabadoo to catch a flight home today as she was not enjoying the red dust enough and missing her grandchildren too much as well. Happy travelling Elaine; thanks for the snorkelling lesson though.
Monday, 12 August 2013
Day 31 - 33 ( I think, starting to lose track of days) Exmouth & Niingaloo
Well yesterday would have to be one of my best days on the trip. After the wind finally abated, we had the chance to explore Yardie Gorge, where beautiful colours of the gorge made for spectacular photography ( I hope). Then back to Turquoise Bay to try my hand at snorkelling in the gorgeous water and along the Niingaloo reef. Thanks to Elaine, I eventually got the right idea and the hang of snorkelling enjoying the underwater world provided by nature. Blue, striped, large, small, starfish, you name it it was there. Rob and Bec even seeing a reef shark!
After returning back to the Yardie Creek Homestead CP, we set up the projector again and invited all the immediate neighbours to a showing of Red Dog. Even though I have seen it before ( as most of us had), one couple who had just come from Dampier had not see the movie, but the real statue instead, thought it was fabulous.
We have now left the camp and are doing some exploration of Exmouth. There is certainly much construction here at present, with building marinas, homes etc. all very impressive but quite out of our price range. The cheapest block I saw in the real estate was $200,000. We are now heading inland (I think) to Karagini NP, for hopefully some reprieve from the wind. WA they tell me now stands for Windy Aye! I can believe it.
Well until next time......
After returning back to the Yardie Creek Homestead CP, we set up the projector again and invited all the immediate neighbours to a showing of Red Dog. Even though I have seen it before ( as most of us had), one couple who had just come from Dampier had not see the movie, but the real statue instead, thought it was fabulous.
We have now left the camp and are doing some exploration of Exmouth. There is certainly much construction here at present, with building marinas, homes etc. all very impressive but quite out of our price range. The cheapest block I saw in the real estate was $200,000. We are now heading inland (I think) to Karagini NP, for hopefully some reprieve from the wind. WA they tell me now stands for Windy Aye! I can believe it.
Well until next time......
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Day 29 & 30 - Bushy Bay and 14 mile beach
Wind, wind and more wind for the last 2 days, straight off the water, then off the land. No shelter, no facilities - you have got to love camping!
It's not all bad though, as Denis caught a lovely big Golden Trevally which was shared one night for tea and Doug entertained us once more with his hijinks. Well to be honest it was Elaine, more than Doug, but all the same it happened when they we both out together exploring the 4wd tracks at Bushy Bay. Going over a salt pan the first time the car got through, but on coming back down she went into the quagmire of black squishy sand. Elaine hitched a ride back to camp to get some help to tow them out, so Paul went down, but he also on a different path, got bogged.
Rob just happened to be on the radio to see what was happening and heard the cry for "help, we're all bogged, can you come and get us out!" So, after sorting out which car to take ( they were getting limited now), Rob took his car. On arriving to the pitiful site of 2 cars bogged, Rob tied onto Paul's unit and dragged him out quite easily, then it was on to Doug's car, a bit messier.
After all snatch straps and the winch were used it was time to drag Doug's car out and believe me it took several goes to be able to get it on clear ground. Black mud was the new look on everyone's feet, snatch straps etc and not even soap would remove the revolting stuff. Rob literally had to exfoliate his with sand to come clean.
After all these shenanigans, we went to 14 mile beach to camp for a few days. Nice water just below the Ningaloo reef, but with not many fish to be had, no services, wind, and swimming was limited due to tiger sharks - well we think we will continue onto Exmouth via Coral Bay for a look and then find a camp more inland away from the water for a while and let the wind die down. The locals tell us we will have the wind on the coast up until net Friday, so fishing is a bit useless at present.
My lovely husband had bought me a nice cappuccino now, so I'll sign off. Stay tuned for the next instalment, hopefully without inclement weather.
It's not all bad though, as Denis caught a lovely big Golden Trevally which was shared one night for tea and Doug entertained us once more with his hijinks. Well to be honest it was Elaine, more than Doug, but all the same it happened when they we both out together exploring the 4wd tracks at Bushy Bay. Going over a salt pan the first time the car got through, but on coming back down she went into the quagmire of black squishy sand. Elaine hitched a ride back to camp to get some help to tow them out, so Paul went down, but he also on a different path, got bogged.
Rob just happened to be on the radio to see what was happening and heard the cry for "help, we're all bogged, can you come and get us out!" So, after sorting out which car to take ( they were getting limited now), Rob took his car. On arriving to the pitiful site of 2 cars bogged, Rob tied onto Paul's unit and dragged him out quite easily, then it was on to Doug's car, a bit messier.
After all snatch straps and the winch were used it was time to drag Doug's car out and believe me it took several goes to be able to get it on clear ground. Black mud was the new look on everyone's feet, snatch straps etc and not even soap would remove the revolting stuff. Rob literally had to exfoliate his with sand to come clean.
After all these shenanigans, we went to 14 mile beach to camp for a few days. Nice water just below the Ningaloo reef, but with not many fish to be had, no services, wind, and swimming was limited due to tiger sharks - well we think we will continue onto Exmouth via Coral Bay for a look and then find a camp more inland away from the water for a while and let the wind die down. The locals tell us we will have the wind on the coast up until net Friday, so fishing is a bit useless at present.
My lovely husband had bought me a nice cappuccino now, so I'll sign off. Stay tuned for the next instalment, hopefully without inclement weather.
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Day 27 & 28 - Kalbarri and Bushy Bay
Well we are now over the 26 parallel and officially in the North Western Australia. Our camp for the night is right on the beach ( well 50 ft off actually, 'cause the tide comes in and floods the sites otherwise). There is no shelter and we are hopefully of fish, but that doesn't look all that hopefully either.
Our trip here encompassed passing through Kalbarri and staying out at Murchison Station homestead, camped on the river banks. We finally caught up with Kaye and Shane, who looked well after finishing their stay of work recently at Denham. They are now off to Ledge Point CP to be assistant managers there, so life for these two is never dull. The disappointing part is they kept saying "have you seen this; have you seen that, you must see....." Unfortunately because of the amount of travel to get to a warmer climate our 'sightseeing' is a bit curtailed. Nevertheless, I am hopefully we will slow down shortly and some real tourist activities will begin.
Now to the little saga about our 'home wrecker' Bec McG. Well this so called nice person, stole a home from two love birds back at Nobby's head. On going to the toilet one day, Bec happened upon a 'deserted' nest ( so we thought). Bec was going to surprise her grandchildren in Karatha with it - "Linda has one, the kids will love it!"
Elaine that night goes to the toilet and finds these poor lonely little swallows huddled up on the opposite corner of the nest place and on reporting back to camp, the big, bad Beccy, had to hand it back.
The following night the two love birds had settled either side of the nest, but were unsure if it might disappear again. We left the next day so hopefully they may have ventured back into their rightful place.
Needless to say poor Bec has shown complete remorse about the situation, but we are keeping her well away from any nest we find in the future. Old habits might die hard, so we can never be sure.
Our trip here encompassed passing through Kalbarri and staying out at Murchison Station homestead, camped on the river banks. We finally caught up with Kaye and Shane, who looked well after finishing their stay of work recently at Denham. They are now off to Ledge Point CP to be assistant managers there, so life for these two is never dull. The disappointing part is they kept saying "have you seen this; have you seen that, you must see....." Unfortunately because of the amount of travel to get to a warmer climate our 'sightseeing' is a bit curtailed. Nevertheless, I am hopefully we will slow down shortly and some real tourist activities will begin.
Now to the little saga about our 'home wrecker' Bec McG. Well this so called nice person, stole a home from two love birds back at Nobby's head. On going to the toilet one day, Bec happened upon a 'deserted' nest ( so we thought). Bec was going to surprise her grandchildren in Karatha with it - "Linda has one, the kids will love it!"
Elaine that night goes to the toilet and finds these poor lonely little swallows huddled up on the opposite corner of the nest place and on reporting back to camp, the big, bad Beccy, had to hand it back.
The following night the two love birds had settled either side of the nest, but were unsure if it might disappear again. We left the next day so hopefully they may have ventured back into their rightful place.
Needless to say poor Bec has shown complete remorse about the situation, but we are keeping her well away from any nest we find in the future. Old habits might die hard, so we can never be sure.
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Day 24 - 26: Pinnicles and Nobbys Head
A quick hello while we are refuelling and re-watering at Geraldton.
We have had a lovely couple of days of sunshine and even broke out the shorts and t/shits. Some went swimming, but it isn't quite warm enough for me yet.
The Pinnicles were very interesting and quite beautiful. The scientists are still out on their theory as to why they are there, but one theory is it is petrified from Turat trees many 1000's of years ago.
Continuing on the Indian Coast Rd ( very pretty drive along the coast), we came to a free camp called Nobby's Head. Great place to camp with only 50 mt to the beach. White sand, with the water sheltered by the reef about 4 mile out. The boys (Denis and Doug) put their boats in and went fishing. Alas, Denis came back with nought, Doug the same. Paul and Rob went fishing ( this time with bait, not just lures) and came back with fish. Not sure what they were, but at least they were fish. Some of it tasted okay on the BBQ that night, but some was meant to stay in the water, I think.
Elaine, Doug, Denis and Rob all went swimming and found lobsters! Unfortunately we think it was out of season.
Woke up this morning to the wind getting up (one more time), and at 6:00am we had Denis asking Paul for his anchor as Doug's boat was drifting quite badly. The boys 'secured' the boat, so they thought on the seaweed, only to find the seaweed had disappeared along with boat now under water!
All this before breakfast made for entertainment to some back-packers as we winched, dug, rolled, bucketed, the boat to higher and safer ground.
After all the excitement it was then time to pack up and hit the road again. Heading into Geraldton, some crazy trees, growing at right angles made for some fantastic photo moments. Must be horribly windy at times along here is all I can say.
Oh, the other thing is that I have finally got some 'dirt' on Bec McG. She is a home wreaker; but I will keep that one till a bit later. Paul is in doing the shopping, so goodness knows what he is getting and how much it will cost. Had better run. Talk soon.
We have had a lovely couple of days of sunshine and even broke out the shorts and t/shits. Some went swimming, but it isn't quite warm enough for me yet.
The Pinnicles were very interesting and quite beautiful. The scientists are still out on their theory as to why they are there, but one theory is it is petrified from Turat trees many 1000's of years ago.
Continuing on the Indian Coast Rd ( very pretty drive along the coast), we came to a free camp called Nobby's Head. Great place to camp with only 50 mt to the beach. White sand, with the water sheltered by the reef about 4 mile out. The boys (Denis and Doug) put their boats in and went fishing. Alas, Denis came back with nought, Doug the same. Paul and Rob went fishing ( this time with bait, not just lures) and came back with fish. Not sure what they were, but at least they were fish. Some of it tasted okay on the BBQ that night, but some was meant to stay in the water, I think.
Elaine, Doug, Denis and Rob all went swimming and found lobsters! Unfortunately we think it was out of season.
Woke up this morning to the wind getting up (one more time), and at 6:00am we had Denis asking Paul for his anchor as Doug's boat was drifting quite badly. The boys 'secured' the boat, so they thought on the seaweed, only to find the seaweed had disappeared along with boat now under water!
All this before breakfast made for entertainment to some back-packers as we winched, dug, rolled, bucketed, the boat to higher and safer ground.
After all the excitement it was then time to pack up and hit the road again. Heading into Geraldton, some crazy trees, growing at right angles made for some fantastic photo moments. Must be horribly windy at times along here is all I can say.
Oh, the other thing is that I have finally got some 'dirt' on Bec McG. She is a home wreaker; but I will keep that one till a bit later. Paul is in doing the shopping, so goodness knows what he is getting and how much it will cost. Had better run. Talk soon.
 |
| Check carefully on top of the crest: is this the home wreaker? or is it just Nobby's Head? |
Friday, 2 August 2013
Day 22 & 23 - Sunshine at last!
Yesterday proved to be an exciting day in more ways than one. Firstly, we caught the public transport and I must admit it all went pretty well, especially for those 'senior' members amongst us as public transport for seniors after 9:00am is free until 3:00pm each week day (at least). Quite pleasant trip into Perth taking us a small amount of time. Unfortunately none of us really knew where we were going, so when we got to the last stop, we were unaware we were the last ones sitting. The bus driver then politely said " this is the last stop"!
Well after high-tailing it out of there we then went to the main bus terminal and caught the next one to Freemantle. This was the longest 16 kms I've ever put in as we stopped ( so it seemed) every 50 mts to pick up someone or drop them off. We finally arrived in Freemantle about an hour later, just in time to meet up with Denis and Bec, who had already dropped their trailer off for repairs to the window. A bite of lunch, quick look around the port and streets, then back on the bus again. This time the bus made good time as it was replacing a train (which were mostly out of service due to maintenance). But connection to the next bus was a bit more leg work, finally arriving back at camp about 3:00 pm. Whew, what a day on public transport. How people do this day in, day out is beyond me. It must be meditation to some I guess, but to me it seems a waste of time.
Now to the evening when we caught up with friends John and Marlyn Cordery after 32 years! Once again it was like yesterday we saw these couple and the conversation went well into the night before calling it quits. As per when we last saw them, little had changed: Marlyn is a great cook, John likes and knows his wine, so you could say it was a thoroughly enjoyable night. The only dampener on the night was unfortunately we could not help celebrate Doug's 70th birthday properly. We will have to wait until we can have a big fire at a free camp, before Paul can blow up his balloons and string his streamers to really celebrate.
Today we spent time at Kings Park in the middle of Perth. What a fabulous place! Spending only an hour or two was certainly not enough time, but the feel of the place was enough to whet the appetite for another time.
Heading up the highway and we have settled for the night in Cervantes which is near the Pinnicles, which hopefully we will get to see in the morning. Massive sand dunes seem to be the main focas in this area: the sand drift must be amazing. It looks like I imagine the Sahara. Once again time is getting away and so must I, so until we meet again......
Bad luck about Geelong not winning tonight. Sorry Baz!
Well after high-tailing it out of there we then went to the main bus terminal and caught the next one to Freemantle. This was the longest 16 kms I've ever put in as we stopped ( so it seemed) every 50 mts to pick up someone or drop them off. We finally arrived in Freemantle about an hour later, just in time to meet up with Denis and Bec, who had already dropped their trailer off for repairs to the window. A bite of lunch, quick look around the port and streets, then back on the bus again. This time the bus made good time as it was replacing a train (which were mostly out of service due to maintenance). But connection to the next bus was a bit more leg work, finally arriving back at camp about 3:00 pm. Whew, what a day on public transport. How people do this day in, day out is beyond me. It must be meditation to some I guess, but to me it seems a waste of time.
Now to the evening when we caught up with friends John and Marlyn Cordery after 32 years! Once again it was like yesterday we saw these couple and the conversation went well into the night before calling it quits. As per when we last saw them, little had changed: Marlyn is a great cook, John likes and knows his wine, so you could say it was a thoroughly enjoyable night. The only dampener on the night was unfortunately we could not help celebrate Doug's 70th birthday properly. We will have to wait until we can have a big fire at a free camp, before Paul can blow up his balloons and string his streamers to really celebrate.
Today we spent time at Kings Park in the middle of Perth. What a fabulous place! Spending only an hour or two was certainly not enough time, but the feel of the place was enough to whet the appetite for another time.
Heading up the highway and we have settled for the night in Cervantes which is near the Pinnicles, which hopefully we will get to see in the morning. Massive sand dunes seem to be the main focas in this area: the sand drift must be amazing. It looks like I imagine the Sahara. Once again time is getting away and so must I, so until we meet again......
Bad luck about Geelong not winning tonight. Sorry Baz!
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