Kalbarri

The next morning we drove a short distance to Lake Thetis in Cervantes. There we walked along the boardwalk and then around the lake to view the thrombolites which are within the lake. They are rock like formations and are millions of years old, among the planet's oldest life forms. Apart from the group of Japanese tourists it was very peaceful walking around, and there were many shore birds to look at on the way. From there we drove north to Kalbarri, our next stop. On the way we stopped at Geraldton ( a large town) to buy snorkels ready for later in our trip. We reached Kalbarri mid afternoon and dropped in at the tourist information centre prior to checking in at the site. We wanted to buy a NP pass for the next 2 weeks, but were told they only sell 5 day passes. We needed to go the Head office for NPs, which was a 2 km drive away and would be closing at 4pm. We arrived there as they were pulling down the shutters. Fortunately they realised we had arrived and re opened for us. Tomorrow was to be a bank holiday for Anzac Day and they would be closed. We were very grateful to come away with the necessary pass which we would be using the next day. We set up camp, erecting the gazebo next to our campervan. Doesn't take long. We are here for 5 nights, and spent the evening perusing the information we'd picked up en route, making a plan for the next 4 days. Lots to see and do here.
The next day we walked over the road to the beach to watch the pelican feeding which happens daily. The pelicans could be seen in the distance, but did not appear at the allotted spot, despite being lured in by various attempts of fish throwing. The seagulls enjoyed a feast and took advantage of the seagulls' disinterest. Once the fish was gone 2 pelicans flew over and landed on the beach in front of us. We then headed off for the Kalbarri NP. First stop was the Skywalk, 2 platforms that hang 100 m above the Murchison river gorge. Surprisingly K was not scared looking down and around at all the views. The car park and the walks around the Skywalk were very busy, it being a Bank Holiday. Next stop was Nature's Window, a natural rock formation that frames a view of the River Murchison. It is reached by a 1km walk culminating in a bit of a scramble along rocks to view the window through the rocks - a bit hairy at times!! We had planned on completing the Loop Trail from Nature's Window, a 9km walk. When we realised this involved walking along cliff edges and a steep descent down to the river followed by a steep uphill climb we opted not to do this. The views from Nature's Window showed us just how hairy this walk would probably be! Instead we drove to another walking spot in the NP, from where we completed the 6km Four Ways trail, which was a walk along a sandy and rocky path down to the river. By the time we returned we were starting to feel weary. One more stop before heading back to base - a short walk to the Z Bend lookout, where we saw the river form part of a letter Z as it meandered through the gorge. Once back at the campsite we had a refreshing beer, followed by a very welcome shower. Then over the road to the beach to watch the sunset - took a bottle of fizz with us to do so. We slept well, having walked 17000 steps over the day.
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