The Run Home

It has been a long time since anything has happened on this blog and we must apologise. Now where were we last time, yes the Margaret River, not a bad place an we think next time we will stay for a few weeks.

Anyway we left the sleepy town (not really) for Margaret River and headed south towards the bottom, firstly stopping at Hamelin Bay where there are massive stingrays just swimming along the shore, not  a Steve Irwin in sight.

The next stop was Augusta and Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse, where the 2 great oceans meet (Indian and Southern), it is very exposed and could easily see how boats ended up on the rocks (see below).

From here we made our way up in to the forests driving through Nannup on our way to Pemberton to see the famous Gloucester Trees (used in the old days as lookouts for forest fires). a very interesting concept, lets find the tallest tree, hammer a heap of steel spikes in to it and then put a lookout at the top.....seemed to work but i am sure it would have been a hard slog to work everyday. There are still a couple of these tree set up as tourist attractions and you can climb them. We did not take the opportunity for a number of reasons, firstly not fire season and no need to look for fires,  secondly may have looked like a stupid idea in the first place and thirdly at 75m high heights did not look like fun, especially when there is only one way up and one way down, passing looked very dodgy.

Leaving the heights of the lookouts we headed towards Albany, stopping for the night at a lovely place called Walpole. This place is a favourite for families and fishermen, has a great little river system and easy access out to the reefs if the weather is OK.

The next morning he broke camp and headed off to the Valley of the Giants (just outside Walpole). Here there are some massive Tingle Tingle trees that grow up to 60m tall and there is a tree walk that takes you up in to the canopy. It is amazing to be up that high and whilst it seems that the walk in constructed will there is a lot of movement up high.

After our walk through the trees continues east stopping at a magic little spot called Green Pools, seems to be a popular family swimming spot with massive protected rock pools. The water was the usual clear WA colour and the place was packed.

Declining the option of a swim we were back in Trev lot long after, next stop Totundirrup NP and Albany. Here we did the usual tourist things, Blow Hole (no blow that day), the Gap, Natures Bridge, all very interesting.

After exploring all or most of what Albany had to offer we decided to head straight to Bremer Bay for the night. This too is a popular spot for families and fishing with a great collection of different boats around. From all reports if becomes even busier when the local farmers decide they want to go fishing (normally in march when the weather is better), this is when the real boats arrive. Must be good money in growing 100,000 acres of wheat. Anyway, was a nice place even if it was only for a day.

Leaving BB, we drove through the back roads through some incredibly large wheat growing areas, whilst they had had a bad season (in their terms) there still seemed to be a lot of wheat around. May be they should try and grow something on the East Coast and then will see what they have to complain about. We arrived in Esperance by mid afternoon and decided to stay at one of the nice caravan parks along the front. The weather then closed in and as things were not great we headed to the movies instead. Was something about chicks dancing in their underwear so not too bad.
First light Tom headed down to the pier to see if he could catch some squid, no luck so it was back to bed for a while.
As we were heading across the bottom there were a few things that needed to be checked, this is when things turned. Trev decided he didn't like his battery any more so RAA was on the job, 1 new battery and we were on our way. We initially planned to head out through Cape Arid NP and up to 4WD track towards Balladonia but after talking to a few people and looking at the weather (rain forcasted) we decided to head the long way around up via Norseman (Gold mining town) and then across to Cocklebiddy for the night, a small run of about 650kms. As we travelled through this area we noticed a number of salt beds by the side of the road.

During this stretch we travelled across the longest straight stretch of road in Australia and Cindy decided it was her turn to drive.

Mission accomplished and we made it to our destination just before it closed at 9pm. Camping in the back of Trev for the night as there was little other option.

In the morning we kept on tracking East towards the board and the Great Australian Bight and the famous Nullabor. Shortly after crossing the border and with Cindy at the wheel we encountered our second major issue......now we are not sure of the reason but after 10,000 km Trev decided he didn't like his oil and would drop the lot, likely this happened just as Cindy was pulling up to see the start of the Bight.

Now she will say it had nothing to do with her but this is yet to be proven.......anyway with 1 sump plug missing we were on the phone to RAA again. Second time in 2 days. Luckily we managed to get a spare from Eucla (about 20kms down the road) and along with some of the most expensive oil you have ever seen we continued on our way stopping to have a look at various viewing spots of the Bight

and the eternal search for that perfect windmill shot Cindy had been chasing the whole trip....got it.

With the Nullabor conquered, what a barren place, we travelled 1000kms from Norseman across the Nullabor and only saw 2 sheep, nothing else...we only wanted to see a camel or two....maybe next time then. Did manage to see a lot of signs though....

Again arriving at destination after dark we slept in Trev, seemed like a nice place to stay shame we were not going to be there long......or so we thought, Day 3 with the RAA, Trev now didn't like his clutch. With the master and slave cylinder gone. As it was Australia Day and nothing was open no spare parts in town we were stranded for the next few days......3 days in Ceduna. Luckily the good people at RACQ came through with accomodation and hire car. The next 2 days were spent having a look around town (that didn't take long) and then a little exploring. We went down to Smokey Bay and Streaky Bay for the day, stopping at Streaky Bay for a great lunch looking over the water.

As we were stuck for a while Tom decided that it was time to put that very expensive and yet performing crab dilly to work, first night 3 sandies, not having a measuring stick clearly meant a lot went back that could have been kept. Also need more bait as there was hunders of them everywhere. Only 1 squid though. The next night was far more successful with 15 more in the fridge bound for Adelaide the next day.

With Trev fixed and only 800kms to go to make Adam's 40th we headed off after lunch, stopping for a look at a few places along the way. Arriving in Adelaide about 11ish, got lost driving in.........

Adelaide for the 40th, and whilst here we thought it was time to have a look at Trev and see if we could fix the manifold.......now you have heard of opening Pandora Box.....well this was an understatement.
With the assistance of brothers and father (as well as a qualified mechanic spectating) we went to work. The mystery was quickly discovered and the golden spanner from Cooroy obviously didn't tighten all the nuts/bolts on the manifold, hence the back ones had fallen off.....easy ...replace manifold. Whilst this was in process Tom decided he should investigate where this mystery nut (that had punched a hole in the timing belt cover) had come from. Well this made the manifold issue look minor. This nut had come off from the bottom wheel of the second timing belt (balancing belt) and had bashed around inside until finally punch through the cover. Now some history, this occurred when we were in the Kimberley's about 8000kms ago. Anyway the nut was gone, the bottom pulley had wedged itself sideways in the housing and the belt was raped around behind the time belt. Now some will say that we were lucky, other would say we should not have opened up Pandora's Box....your call, either way we were in too deep and the experts were called in (mechanics around the corner). We spend the next 4 days in the comfortable surroundings of Adam and Sasja's place, whilst waiting for the repairs. Was far to hot to do anything except head to the movies, so that's what we did.

With Trev all fixed we made a last dash for home (Kingsville), Cindy needed to be back for work and Tom for golf, and we need to find a place to rent. Was a slow trip through the night but managed to get back safely arriving at 5am in the morning. As little rest and we headed off to view a property in Mt Eliza.....the rest is history, we have now settled in Mount Eliza and both are loving it. Cindy is now commuting to the city and Tom had set up his own business TH Freight Solutions......life is good...........

We hope to finish the rest of our trip around NSW and Qld at a later stage but thanks to all for putting up with us and being part of the journey.....it is something we can truly recommend if you ever get the chance

Rottnest Island to Margaret River

After a lovely night spent in the industrial area of Fremantle, we packed up things and headed for the wharf to catch the overly expensive ferry to Rottnest Island. Well the traffic and the return of the Shepherd's Curse (every red light) we managed to get there just in time to see the 10.15am ferry leaving. So after purchasing our tickets for the 11.45am ferry we decided to do a little walking tour through Fremantle, lively little place. Also gave us a chance to do a spot of shopping from Coles.

Well with our lunch freshly made we boarded the ferry for the Island. What a place, you can see why they call it Perth's playground, lots of big flash boats. Obviously the mining tax is not hitting everyone too hard.
Due to the lack of time (missing first ferry) we skipped the bike option and took the hop on hop off bus instead. After circumnavigating the island we settled back in the main town, stopping to look at a few of the attraction.......actually we did 2 and then checked out the pub until our ferry went at 4.30. Even though we were only there for a short time it is definitely somewhere we will look to visit again.

Getting back in to Fremantle at about 5 we headed south towards Mandurah/Dawesville for the night. As usual we got there late and set up just as the sun was setting......surprisingly the wind got up again, as it has for the last few weeks.....must be the Fremantle Doctor or some relative. Was a nice place to stay and the camp was full of people spending a little time fishing ( & crabbing) before the holidays finish. One of the guys had been out that day and had caught 15 crabs, nice of them to share one with us......beautiful and sweet.

In the morning we did a little trip around town and then went to visit an old school friend, I hadn't seen Narelle since she left school at IGGS. Good to catch up and get a little goss on who is doing what. She has now been over here for 20 years and things seem to be agreeing with her, hasn't changed too much at all.

After stopping to pick up a few sand crabs and fresh local squid we head for Bunbury with the plan to stay the night at Bussleton. Bunbury was another popular holiday destination for the Perth crowd and beaches look great. Cindy did a little shopping........and Coles as usual.
Leaving the sights of Bunbury behind we head for our destination for the night, Bussleton.

Staying at the local tourist park, we set up the tent and then headed off to town to see the sites. The major attraction is The Jetty. This has been closed for the last few years and has just had a massive face lift. The Bussleton Festival is on at the moment and the offical opening of the Jetty on the 5th Feb, sadly we will be in Melbourne. Managed to get a few pics and then headed back to cook up a banquet of seafood, actually sandcrab pasta, was pretty good for a campground feed.

Leaving Bussleton behind we continued on towards Dunsborough, stopping at Meelup Beach and Eagle Bay. The water was crystal clear and that blue we have come to associate with the west coast.

From here, Margaret River and wine, wine, wine.........
The drive down Caves Road was very spectacular, driving through forest and bare farm land then coming across lines and lines of bright green vines. I was a good drive down and not too long we arrived at Margaret River and our campsite for the next two nights.
Did a little exploring of town before heading off to the famous surf break to see if we can catch a good sunset. Was not too bad and the scenery was different once again. We set up on the headland and waited, little cheese and sundowners to soak up the time. managed to get some nice shots but the sunset was not as pleasing as we hoped. Back to the campsite as we have a big day in the morning.

Awaking to a great sunny WA day, we indulged in a hearty cooked breakkie...need to line the stomach in preparation for the days adventures. We had booked a tour for the day, visiting 4 wineries, deer farm, chocolate factory, cheese factory and finally a brewery. The first winery Adnifern was owned by a sheep farmer who had had enough of sheep.....made some good wines and managed to get a couple to go. From here we went to another small boutique winery (Edwards), another good selection of wines and if we didn't have to drive all the way home would have purchased a couple of their premium reds, they were very good and not too badly priced. Still got a couple of easy drinking ones and hopefully they will make it home. Next was tasting Bambi at the Venison farm, an interesting selection and very tasty, they had stuff for everyone you could even buy dried deer pissle. Loaded up with everything but the pissile we headed to the next winery for lunch, wine was not too bad and the lunch was nice. Dessert was at our next stop, the chocolate factory where there was a free for all on the sampling station...also got a couple of treats for later. With the day coming to a close we had a couple of late stops, the cheese factory because that is was you need after a day of wine, lunch, chocolate etc etc. and then finished of at one if the breweries in the region.
We were then delivered back to the campsite, well fed and wined, was the best $64 spent and was great not to have had to drive for a day.....think Trev liked the rest as well.

In Summary, Margaret River is somewhere that must be visited again and again and again until all is sampled.

Shark Bay World Heritage and Marine Park to Fremantle

Having inserting a new radiator in Carnavon, Trev was now running like a dream. We headed off for the tranquil waters of Shark Bay.

First stop was Shell Beach, a lovely white beach made up of tiny cockle shells, from a distance it looks like pure white sand. This beach seemed to go for ever and made for great pics.

From here we headed off towards the windy town of Denham, the most westerly town in Australia. We had good intentions of staying but due to the strong wind warning we poked on to Monkey Mia (on the other side on the Peron Peninsula), land of the great Grey Japanese Tunas commonly called dolphins.
We have recently changed the set up with Trev and now seem to be using the tent far more. It is cooler and a lot easier to set up things. We pitched the tent on a nice grassy area and headed off to have a look at things.
It is an interesting place with families and backpackers everywhere. Early night as Dolphin feeding was at 7.30 or so they said at reception.....well up at the crack of dawn and cameras in hand we headed down to the beach........7.30 my bum......was more like 8.30 but the dolphins did come in and was great to stand in the water right next to them.....few pics and was unlucky not to be picked to feed one of them, this went to a rather large American lady and as a result our view was blanketed but her bending over in front of us, dolphin feeding will never be the same.

With the strong wind warning still forecast for the whole coast we decided to press on. A quick detour in to Francois Peron NP and stopped to look at the old homestead and Big Lagoon.

From here we headed to Eagle Bluff lookout, a boardwalk along the cliff tops looking down at the clear waters below. Now we know why its called Shark Bay, you could see them cruising through one after another, we would have seen 20 sharks in about half an hour. Can only imagine how many we could have seen if the weather was a little calmer.

On the road again heading south to Kalbarri and the stopping at a view of the viewing platforms in Kalbarri NP overlooking the Murchison River which was in flood. As Kalbarri township is on this river the picturesque location was somewhat brown and murky. A real shame but we stopped at the mouth to watch a few fishermen catch a couple of small jew.

With the sun dropping quickly we proceeded south along the ruggered red clifftops, driving down the Indian Ocean Rd. This seems to be WA answer to the Great Ocean Rd in Vic.

As the sun set we drove towards Geraldton through the northern wheat belt, the countryside was somewhat bare as what little wheat they grew had been harvested. Was not a great season for them and many of the paddocks were empty. As most of this was on the coast it was interesting to see sand dunes and sheep in the same paddock. This area was one of the early rural settlements in WA and many of the old building are restored and used today.

Managed to find a nice little caravan park down near the port for the night.

The next morning we did a little drive around Geraldton, stopping in at the WA Museum where there is a large exhibit of shipwrecks from this coast as well as a section on HMAS Sydney. Was interesting to read all about the tragedy.

Heading further along the coast we dropped in to Dongara/Port Denison, major crayfish boat port. The coastline was just one small fishing port after another, all well worth a look at and very popular in school holidays for Perthsiders.

Next stop was the Nambung NP, home of the famous Pinnacles. This was an amazing place to visit, shifting sand dunes that reveal limestone pillars that look like termite nests in the desert. We drove through the middle of the park stopping for photos as we went.

Leaving here we made a B line for Perth and Fremantle, still with no fixed accommodation plans we thought that this should not be an issue. After Cindy spending an hour on the phone we ended up at a caravan park in the back of Fremantle. Was not all bad as we had a little time to drive around Fremantle, the place was packed and all the accom was full. Found out that it is like this all summer so those travelling this way, book first.