Friday 22 February 2013

Walpole & Surroundings

18th till 21st February 2013

From Denmark we headed east to Parry's Beach. A nice little council campground, but it was a bit of a mission to get a spot as it's a very popular place to stay. The next day we drove to Peaceful Bay and went on a 3h walk along the Bibbulmun Track. Walked along the beach and through some bushland, stunning views and even managed to spot about 6 seals relaxing in the quiet water! After returning, we were also surprised by a black snake when walking over a little bridge - so after this we clearly deserved an ice cream!
We went to the Circular Pools and the Big Tingle Tree, nice little walk with massive trees. After a relaxing coffee in Walpole, we found a bank that must clearly have the longest opening hours - 2hours a week! Then we tackled Mount Frankland with a short but intense climb - over 300 steps as well as a ladder, the views were very well worth the effort! This lookout is still used to monitor the bush fires for the whole area, during the summer months there's always someone there reporting on the weather conditions and any smoke. On the downhill walk we were "lucky" to spot another snake - it had a yellowish belly, but was too quick for us to get a photo. So 2 snakes in 2 days!
We stayed overnight at the Fernook Falls, not much water there during summer. We were however greeted by an army of March flies, we must have killed about 300 in the first hour - they were very aggressive!
Before the rain started the following day, we managed to head to Windy Harbour and Point D'Entrecasteaux - beautiful cliffs and very dramatic with the thunderstorm and the lightning in the back ground.


















Thursday 21 February 2013

Albany, West Cape Howe NP & Denmark

13th till 18th February 2013

After spending the day in Albany seeing The Gap, Natural Bridge and the Blowhole (not blowing that day...), we headed to West Cape Howe National Park. We were surprised to find a full campground, but guess it's no wonder when it's just at the beach, in a National Park and on top of that free! We found a very cute spot surrounded by bush and flowers. We watched the sunset at the beach as well as lots of fishermen that only caught seaweed...
The next few days we spent in Denmark enjoying Ocean Beach with a surf as well as a day at Greens Pool swimming in stunning turquoise calm waters. We also took an drive to an awesome local cheese factory in the hills and enjoyed the green countryside!
And here just a little stat: upon leaving Denmark, we have driven 18,430km since departing Sydney on 4th September!










Stirling Ranges NP - WA

11th - 13th February 2013

The Stirling Ranges are a small "hill" chain north of Albany. The highest peak is 1097m high and to climb takes approx. 3h. This doesn't sound too bad, however most of the way is made in steps and the climb feels like a cardio session. Anyway, we managed to climb the Bluff Knoll and the view was well worth it. Our calves however were sore for the next few days.
Friends from Sarah's sister Claire were in the area and therefore we quickly drove to Mt. Baker to catch up for a coffee.
Stayed overnight at the Mt.Trio Bush camping, which we can highly recommend. The facilities are just done up and the setting is just great.

Next stop, Albany.....







Perth - WA

7th - 11th February 2013

Heading back from Mt.Isa, QLD we were greeted by the Dunn's family again and we stayed a few more nights before heading back down south. We managed to get some more windsurfing in, went to a lovely dinner in Freo with a following torchlight tour at the Freo Prison and had coffee with Ako & Roger at the Old Brewery.
Last night before leaving, Sarah & myself invited the hole Dunn family for a home cooked dinner. Pork fillet with bacon and barramundi in coconut, lime zest and chilly sauce - very nice.

The car packed and refuelled, we were heading south towards the Stirling Ranges for some hiking.....








Thursday 7 February 2013

Mount Isa - QLD

15. January - 07. February 2013

Wow, quite a while back since we updated our blog. We decided after Perth to quickly head to Mount Isa, QLD for work. Silvan's old company asked if we could help out during the 2013 shutdown at the mines. So we came out of retirement and jumped on a plane to Mt.Isa. Sarah got involved to coordinate the project which worked out very well for all involved. Silvan did was he usually does, fixing machines.
The 3 weeks were a great experience for all of us, and Sarah got to wear hi-visibility clothes and steel cap shoes. Plus, not only working in a new environment but also able to see the mines from up close and personal.
Customer happy and machine running, we left the tropical north with a quick stop over in Sydney before heading back to Perth where we will pack up our car again and continue our trip.