ALBANY TO MARGARET RIVER via THE GLOUCHESTER AND BICENTENNIAL TREES

My apologies to everyone for not updating the blog. My excuse is that the pain associated with the pinched nerve in my back worked its way down my arm and it was very uncomfortable sitting at the computer. When we got to Rockingham I went and had acupuncture which eased the pain slightly and even though it is almost better, I still get pins and needles in my lower arm and hand.

So this entry will be photos and a little dialogue. Will update again soon.

Jen climbing the Glouchester Tree

Arnold climbing the Glouchester Tree

The road to the Bicentennial Tree

Jen walking back to the car for her sneakers so she can climb

The Bicentennial Tree which is 75 metres high

Jen and Tony climbed to the 25 metre platform and then back down. Arnold made it to the top.

We then drove to Cape Leeuwen where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet.

Cape Leeuwen Lighthouse looking from the road in

Ronnie, Barb and Jen in front of the lighthouse

From Cape Leeuwen we drove to Tauton Farm Caravan Park at Margaret River and set up. In the following days we went for a drive and stopped at the Laurance Cellars winery, mainly to have a look at the beautiful building and gardens.

Arnold and Jen in the garden overlooking a pond with a statue of a golden lady in the centre

Jen in the tasting room

Arnold and I at the door leading into the winery

We left the winery and drove on to the Ngilgi Cave. It was getting late in the day and as Arn didn't really want to go into the cave, Jen and I went. It was awesome!!

Bye for now.

ALBANY AND PARRYS BEACH

When we drve into Albany we saw this rock that looks like a dog's head - they call it Dog Rock. It has a painted collar. Looks like a dog doesn't it.

We then drove down to the water where this ship, a replica of the Brig Amity is berthed. It is a tourist attraction of course.

From there we drove on to Whale World, a must visit for visitors to Albany.

Jennifer pretended to be in Titanic ....

The following day we visited Anzac Hill. We parked the car and walked up quite a few steps.

The view from the top.

Looking away from the water is this monument of WW1 Soldiers and their horses.

We set up the camera to take a photo of the three of us. What you can't see is the guys setting up large screens and audio cables as this is where the Anzac Day service was to be held the following day.

We left Albany and drove a short way to Parrys Beach. Very rugged coastline. We had to stay in the overflow as the park was full but that was okay. After we set up we went for a walk along the beach and rocks.

Arnold walking on the beach

Barb and I posing

The following photos show how the water crashes against the rocks.

Of course we wrote in the sand.

I haven't seen these birds before.... wonder what they're called.

We went back to the van and had happy hour. After a time I got my hats out and dressed Arnold in them. He looks so funny!!

The following morning Jennifer got up early, went outside and got these awesome shots. A magic sunrise ... it was Anzac Day.

It was time to move on so we left Parrys Beach. We all enjoyed our stay and would go back and stay again.

That's all for now. Bye Bye

CAPE LE GRAND TO WAVE ROCK AND ALBANY

Well, It has taken some time but here I am again.

We left Cape Le Grand and headed back to Esperance to stock up on food and meet up with Barb and Tony. Would definately stay at Cape LG again and hopefully we will get back some day.

I took a photo from the car with Esperance in the distance. I love clouds.

After leaving Esperance we stopped at Ravensthorpe for lunch. This hotel was built in the late 1800s.

After leaving Ravensthorpe we looked for a freecamp. We couldn't find a designated one so, after looking around we drove up a dirt road and as the verge was quite wide and there didn't seem like much traffic would use the road, we pulled over and set up. It was quite remote and the fields had wheat growing so the view was quite idealic. After a little while a farmer drove passed and told us it was okay to stay the night but we should close all the windows as a large semi would be coming passed. It was good we did as the dust was quite thick, but it didn't last long.
And so we enjoyed happy hour!!

The following day we drove to Hyden and Wave Rock. It was awesome.
Doesn't really look like we're surfing, more like skating.... oh well.

I set the camera on timer so we could all get into the shot. I just made it back.

We walked on top of the rock and saw these lizards. They really blend with the rock don't they.

From Wave Rock we drove a little way to Hippos Yawn. This shot is a little crooked - I put the camera in a tree and set the camera on timer.

It was time for lunch so went back to a bakery in Hyden. Right next door was a scrapbook shop but, wouldn't you know it, it was closed ... what disappointment :-(

It was time to leave and find another freecamp. We found one in a Recreation Reserve in a place called Bordern. It's so good that they allow travellers to stay at their reserve on lovely green grass... so good. The following day we left and headed to Albany. This mountain range was a great sight ... so (you guessed it)... awesome!!

We got to Albany and booked into the caravan park. We then discovered we had a broken leaf spring on the caravan. We couldn't go any further until it was replaced.

We finally found a guy who would make some springs for us - we ordered one to replace the one that broke and one just in case. Tony was a bit worried so he ordered one too, just in case.
We had to stay in Albany for an extra few days. It's so good that Arnold can fix almost anything. It only took a day and it was all back together and we could be on our way again. Next stop would be Pemberton and the Valley of the Giants.

Until next time, bye for now.