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K and A's road trip

K and A's road trip

Retired professionals wishing to see a little more of the world at home and abroad Baca lagi🇬🇧Chandler's Ford
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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Carnarvon

      9–10 Mei, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

      We did another relatively short hop down the coast to the seaside town of Carnarvon, which lies on the Estuary of the Gasgoyne River. Carnarvon is the centre of a major fruit growing area in Western Australia, and there is a Fruit Loop drive in the season when fruit is available at the various farm gates. Not much to be seen at this early period in the fruiting season, but an interesting drive all the same.
      We arrived in Carnarvon in early afternoon and drove into the town for a look-see. It is a town with a dubious reputation, allegedly due to the aboriginal problems with alcohol.
      It was a bright, sunny and very warm day. The air conditioning in the Woolworths' Mall, and their reasonable pricing levels after the expensive groceries further north were very welcome.
      The town itself is a bit of a mish mash of low developments but with some nice housing around the river.
      Karen found a reference to a craft shop selling fabric that she just couldn't resist.
      We visited the craft shop on our way out of town the following day. There are some very talented people working within the group collective. Some more fabric was purchased to fill our cases on the way home.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Coral Bay

      6 Mei, Australia ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

      Next stop Coral Bay, also on the Ningaloo Reef coast. A 2 to 3 hour drive from Exmouth, again on quiet roads. It is easy to keep to the 110km speed limit with nothing really to slow down for - no traffic lights, roundabouts, T junctions etc. Just km after km of tarmac road through a landscape of bush, red soil and the odd tree.
      We branched off the road as we left to look at big gorge we had been told about then passed once again through the termite fields. There were signs telling us to look out for kangaroos, emus and cows which might wander out into the road. We saw cows and the odd goat and sheep but no emus at all. The only kangaroos we saw were dead ones that had been hit by vehicles.
      The campsite at Coral Bay was extremely busy and was situated opposite the most beautiful beach and bay. After setting up on our pitch we walked along the beach towards skeleton point, where the reef sharks nursery is situated. As we walked along we spotted many blue spotted rays in the shallows, close enough for us to touch had we so wished. Sadly we did not spot any sharks but the coastline was interesting. Opposite our campsite was Bill's Bar which offered free wifi (our campsite did not have this available for us). As B's Bar had happy hour from 5 to 6pm we enjoyed a beer and glass of fizz (for K) each evening as we caught up with emails and other messages.
      On our first full day in Coral Bay we took our snorkels down to the beach (Bill's Bay). The sea was like a mill pond and crystal clear. There were many people on paddle boards and kayaks, also some snorkeling. We enjoyed the beach and sea, but were disappointed with the snorkeling close to shore. The living reef here is further out at this location, with the coral close to shore mostly dying. We did see some fish but nothing like we'd seen at Exmouth. The next time we joined a glass bottomed boat trip which took us further out to view the living reef. We were not disappointed!! Again the water was turquoise and crystal clear, so inviting. We were able to snorkel in 2 different locations from the boat, the first spot in very deep water with coral everywhere. So many different breeds of fish. The next stop off point was in shallower water. Here we spotted a puffer fish and a green turtle. The turtle was initially nestled amongst the seaweed on the seabed, but then came up to the surface right next to where we were swimming. Absolutely wonderful. We were very pleased we had joined the trip - our last chance to see all of the wonderful sealife before we start heading south towards Perth.
      3 days had been just enough to enjoy this spot on the Turquoise Coast. Tomorrow we head to Carnarvon.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Exmouth

      2 Mei, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

      We had a long journey today to reach our next stop at the most northerly location on this trip. We got up early and had decided to leave before breakfast. Before we set off K went to reception to check messages, only to find a message from Kirsty along with a photo of our new grandchild- both K and baby still in the birthing pool. "We have news" read the message, but no mention of sex of baby or how it had all gone. We knew we would have to wait until we reached the next site, as it was now midnight in UK.
      The journey went very smoothly, and the kilometres sped by. We stopped for breakfast at a rest spot. The roads were extremely quiet, and we drove for long stretches without seeing a soul. The first 100 miles saw us pass 19 cars passing in the opposite direction and 4 in the direction in which we were travelling. The landscape remained pretty constant - brush and scrub for much of the way. As we drove further north there appeared hundreds and hundreds of termite mounds, stretching as far as the eye could see. After 680km we reached our new site in the small town of Exmouth. The first thing we did was contact Kirsty and Matt. We enjoyed a video call with them and met our new grandson, Jasper. All had gone well and mum and baby were fit and well. Happy times.
      We set up on our pitch and then went into town to buy champagne to welcome our 8th grandchild. We found a bar selling real ales brewed on the premises. Alan could not resist, so in we went. The Friday night market was just opening up and the bar/brewery (called Floss) was playing some banging music across the market place. There was a DJ on the roof running through his play list - Alan loved it - the drum and bass -Voulez Vous quite brilliant. DJ Flo-tation was the man responsible. The bar served some good beers and the XPA was fine, K enjoyed a glass of Margaret River SB - beautiful. We enjoyed our meal and fizz that night, knowing that all was well in Chepstow.
      We spent 4 nights, 3 days at the Ningaloo campsite. Each day we drove out to visit the N Reef - just amazing. The first day we snorkelled from Turquoise Beach. As the name suggests the waters were blue and crystal clear. We were able to snorkel from the shore, getting in at one end of the beach and drifting with the current to the other end. Out of the sea and back in again to do it all over again. And again!! There were so many fish to be seen, all colours and sizes. We just loved it!!! The following 2 days we snorkelled from the Oyster stacks. Again wonderful seas with so much to observe. At times it felt like being inside an aquarium, with fish everywhere we looked. Magical!! The drive to and from the snorkelling spots was about 70km each direction, so as we returned each evening to our campsite we felt weary.
      On our way to the beach one day we diverted to do the Mundy Mundy walk through a gorge and up to the high ground. A beautiful walk with some steep uphill climbs at times - which meant of course that we had to climb back down too to reach the car park. At times a little scary with the heights involved.
      The evening shower each day was bliss, after being under water for so long, walking through gorged and sunbathing in between. We had so much looked forward to this part of our trip, and were not disappointed. An absolute treat.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Denham and Shell Beach

      1 Mei, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

      We had decided to visit Shell Beach today, which we had passed on our way to Denham. On the way we stopped off at Eagle Bluff viewpoint. It is situated on a high cliff overlooking the Denham Sound. We walked along the boardwalk hoping to spot turtles, dugong or even sharks. Plenty of fish to be seen but none of the larger creatures we had hoped to see. Another beautiful spot along this stretch of coastline.
      We then made our way to Shell Beach. The beach is made up of tiny shells, all from the Fragum cockle. At places the shells are 10 metres deep. The sea there was idyllic, crystal clear and a perfect temperature. The water here is twice as salty as usual sea water - due to high evaporation and limited water flow. As a result floating in the sea was so easy. We were thankful that the many flies in the carpark here did not follow us onto the beach. Some people were wearing fly nets on the beach, but we were quite content without. We were in and out of the sea which was very shallow, and although we walked a long way into the water it was still below knee depth. Back at the campsite we were keen to check our messages on our phone. Kirsty was due to give birth a week ago, so each day we are convinced we will hear news. We only get Internet at the campsite reception, so K regularly plods down there to check. But again no news.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Denham

      29 Apr–2 Mei, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

      We rose early and left site at 7:30 to travel further north. Our next stop being a town call Denham, and a site adjacent the beach near the resort of Monkey Mia. The peninsular lies within a World Heritage Site due to its unique features and sea life.
      We breakfasted en-route at a road rest area and arrived in Denham at about 12:30pm.
      After setting up we wandered into the town in glorious sunshine. The temperatures are rising as we move towards the Tropic of Capricorn, this latitude being very similar to Rainbow Beach on the East Coast.
      we enjoyed a couple of beers to cool us down in the local hotel and visited the adjacent Bottle-O.
      On Wednesday we drove off to Monkey Mia which was 20k further up the road to have a look at the dolphin experience. Historically the locals used to feed dolphins at this point which earned its reputation as a place to interact with them. Over time it was realised that feeding the dolphins was not good for their continued well being as they were beginning to lose the ability to hunt for themselves.
      As a consequence the protocols have changed and the emphasis is now on careful interaction with, very limited feeding. Three interactions are offered each morning by the local rangers which give an informative talk about the dolphins, should they come in to interact and to feed them a maximum of 10% of their daily dietary requirements.
      A mother and calf came in not long after we arrived. It seems these two are the most often seen in the resort, recognisable by the damage sustained on their dorsal fins. There were a lot of fish sheltering under the jetty whilst we were there.
      After breakfasting, we watched the pair return for the second interaction of the morning. They were accompanied by a large turtle.
      We then spent some time on the beach. As the tide came in so did a multitude of other dolphins, much to the delight of the paddle boarders and swimmers in the sea. Apparently there are about 3000 dolphins in the greater Shark Bay area overall. We saw some out at sea fishing where the seagulls were also working.
      A fantastic day in the most beautiful surroundings.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Kalbarri

      26–29 Apr, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

      We spent the day locally, walking around the town in the morning. We walked along the beach to viewpoints to look over the sea and river. The river Murchison flows into the sea here, and where it meets the sea a reef has formed, blocking most of the entrance into Kalbarri. There were lots of fishermen out on the rocks and by the river's edge. We wandered around the few shops in the town and then back to base. The afternoon was spent on the beach. Perfect temperature of 26 degrees with clouds to begin with. K went for a swim - cool water to begin with, but very pleasant once in.
      The following day we wandered down to the sea shore again to see the pelican feeding. 5 birds came in for their fish, apparently they are lazy hunters which wis why they could not sometimes be bothered to compete with the seagulls when a fish thrown at then hit the ground. After breakfast we drove along the coast to Shellhouse Grandstand to start a walk along the clifftops to Island Rock and the Natural Bridge. The walk was about 3.5 k each way with a strong breeze blowing towards the sea. We were accompanied for much of the walk by Swifts which were picking off the flies around us. Our WA salute (swatting flies away) was spared for the duration.
      We drove further down the coast to visit Hutt Lagoon and Port Gregory.
      Hutt Lagoon is famous as the Pink Lake due to its hue caused by a specific algae growing in the very saline water. Quite a spectacle.
      Port Gregory offered us a General Store, but not much else, however, we enjoyed our ice cream.
      On our last day in Kalbarri we drove a little way down the coast to the car park serving Mushroom Rock and completed the circular walk on the cliffs and in the Rainbow gorge. The landscape is almost lunar at times, with scrub interspersed amongst the red rocks and sandstones.
      after that we drove to The Blue Holes where we swam in the very refreshing water on a hot day. Karen got her snorkel out for a looksee under the surface.
      In the evening we dined at Finlays Fish BBQ, quite an institution in the town, and in a unique position on an industrial estate. We were glad we had booked in advance as all tables were sold out for the night. The place was buzzing with families, enjoying the (brewed on site beers) and the food all accompanied by live music. There were about 12 beer options all brewed on site. The 10% Black Stout looking particularly dangerous. We had a great evening.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Kalbarri

      24 April, Australia ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

      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.
      ......      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Cervantes

      23 April, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

      We travelled north along the Indian Ocean Drive for about 2 hours, until we reached The Pinnacles within the Nambung NP. They are set within desert landscape and comprise of thousands of limestone pillars up to 4 m tall. We parked up at the visitor centre and read the information panels telling us the history of what we were about to see. There are various theories as to how the Pinnacles came about - but no one is really sure just how they evolved. We followed a 1.2 km walking trail through many of the pillars of rock, stopping to take photos. A real spectacle to see. From there we drove to our first campsite at Cervantes, a small coastal town.
      We had a wander through the smalltown to a look out point to the sea, this is on the turquoise coast. There were some grey clouds about but we could see the colours in the water when the sun shone through. we walked along the beach back into town.
      The site was busy (it still being the Easter school holidays in WA and Anzac Day on Friday) and our pitch was wedged in between families enjoying the beach and heated on site pool. Although it was noisy during the day by 9pm all was silent, and we slept well.      Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Perth WA

      21 April, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

      Our 5 and a half hour flight to Perth went smoothly, and the Quantas staff looked after us well. We were met at the airport by our nephew Will, whom we had not seen for over 5 years. He drove us back to his house in Fremantle in his parents' campervan - which we were to use for the next 3 weeks to tour the coast north from Perth. We were given such a warm welcome by him and his family. His 2 children Gus and Mia displayed no shyness and quickly launched into asking us questions, showing us their toys and generally chatting. It felt much like being back at Jamie's house in Brisbane! We spent 36 hours with them, which gave us chance to unpack our suitcases into the van and go off shopping for food and other essentials. We left Fremantle by 9.30am on the Wednesday to travel the first leg of our journey north. The campervan has everything we require and is very comfortable to drive and live in. We are excited about the next 3 weeks of travels.Baca lagi

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    • K and A's road tripPengembaraBig Adventure

      Brisbane

      19–21 Apr, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

      We had two days of feasting to finish off our trip to Queensland this year. The girls all love sushi, and Jamie had mentioned a local Japanese restaurant that does an all you can eat menu.
      We rocked up at Okami for lunch. The food was very tasty indeed and the dishes kept coming, Sophie and Sammy were relishing ordering dishes via an ipad interface. We all left the restaurant absolutely stuffed - and did not eat another thing for the rest of the day.
      On Sunday we all visited Renee's parents in Boondall, where another feast had been prepared. A most enjoyable afternoon catching up with their travels around Australia. Again we did not eat again that day.
      Back at home we began the task of filling suitcases for our journey to Western Australia. A lot of fabric once again to pack. With various trips to Spotlight and 2 or 3 visits to The Nest we had accumulated a big pile to take home.
      On Monday we all enjoyed a breakfast of bagels, smoked salmon, avocado and scrambled eggs. After (tearful) goodbyes Jamie drove us to the airport for our 1pm flight to Perth. Our adventures in Queensland over for another year, but a 3 week trip in WA before returning home to the UK.      Baca lagi

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