3 July
To Geraldton
Our drive to Geraldton was okay with a bit of rain so no
real stops. Geraldton was our last big shops for a while so did some stocking
up as well as a bit of a look around. There was a lovely old gaol next door to
the Information Centre where they had set up shops in some of the cells, very
neat.
We also went to a memorial on the highest hill overlooking the town that
was set up for the HMAS Sydney that sunk somewhere off the west coast during
WW2. A really well done memorial with a statue of a mother looking out to see
waiting for her son to return from war. Quite moving.
We headed up the road about 12 kms to Figtree Crossing which
was a free camp spot that is now managed by the council so it cost us $14 for the
night. Nice spot, not much passing traffic noise and quite a few campers.
Ducked back into town for a look at St Francis Xavier
Cathedral where we went inside and had a look around. We all lit a candle in appreciation of our
safe journey to this point. Lincoln managed to burn his finger on the
match...bad Daddy should have been watching closer.
4 July
To Kalbarri
Then it was back on the road heading for Kalbarri.
Beautiful drive up the coast with rich green farmland and
ocean vistas.
Kalbarri is a lovely spot although we found the
accommodation quite expensive. Stayed at a caravan park just in town
overlooking the Murchison River and where it meets the ocean. Kids did some
bike riding and we explored the beach and town a little.
Went sightseeing on the south side of town, which is
surrounded by National Park. Saw Island Rock, Natural Bridge and Pot Alley.
Stunning views and topped it off by seeing some dolphins and whales going past.
Milly was extremely excited.
Decided to spend the next night at Murchison House Station
which was recommended to us by Bill and Lil from Willowbrook and the brochure
looked nice. We were really disappointed. No power or water, everything was
really grotty and old and the river we camped on was nothing but a thin dirty puddle
that was flowing so slowly you couldn't see any movement. Add to that
absolutely no hospitality from the managers or staff.
We were lucky enough that although the road to Nature's
Window was closed for repairs that they were going to reopen it for a few days
during the school holidays. So we packed up and headed out along the dirt roads
to see some beautiful sights. Nature's Window really was spectacular. We also
went out to Z Bend which was okay but not as good.
Then back to the beach for another beautiful sunset and dinner by the water.
Next morning we hooked up and went back into town to go for
a boat ride. Hired a little 12 foot tinny with a 5 hp motor and went up the
river for an hours cruise. We all had a turn driving which was great fun.
Then
back into the car and headed out for a free camp out near the highway at Galena
Bridge.
Arrived at 4.30 and couldn't believe our eyes. There were
over 50 vans, buses etc. Just amazing.
After pulling up we started chatting to a couple of people who had some good
info to pass on but the conversation was cut short. The kids went down to the
river for a look around. Lincoln went to close and got a shoe stuck in the mud,
Milly went in to help and lost one of hers as well and Patch thought he might
be able to do something and got covered as well. We are not talking about your
usual gooey mud this was black and sticky like tar and as we were free camping
there was no running water to clean them up. What a mess. The car stunk of the
mud as things were scrubbed by TJ but still stunk. Big lesson for the kids that
if one gets in trouble then one of them should come and get us while the other
stays close by. Please don't try and save each other.
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