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Around Oz 2023-24
  • Tanya Simmons
  • Tanya Simmons

Around Oz 2023-24

An open-ended adventure by Tanya Read more
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  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Mullewa

    August 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    We free camped the last 2 nights a Arturchik's rest about 17ks SW of Mullewa. A very pretty spot surrounded by masses of Pom Pom Everlastings. We spent our days exploring the area and wild flower hunting. There are 2 excellent trails to follow. The northern loop and the southern circuit. Both are very will marked with lots of interesting points of interest. These have great signage with story's about the area.
    Another must is to visit the Catholic church and learn the history of the priest that built it. A truly beautiful church and an amazing man.

    There are also a number of interesting walking trails in town.

    Photos - some of the point of interest on our drive around.
    * The Church of Our Lady of Mt Carmel
    * Greenough River
    * Perkins Well
    * Christian Brothers Ag School (closed) designed by Monsignor John Hawes who also designed and built the church. Could get any closer as big gates locked to keep you out.
    * Butterabby Graves. The site of Aboringinal hangings😢
    * Bindoo Glacier Beds
    * Mass Rock where Monsignor John Hawes held mass for the local Aboriginal people that were to frightened to come into town.
    * Pom Pom Everlastings...view from our van.
    * Ripped my pants when exploring through the bush for wild flowers. Tripped some dead fall. Got to look where I am going.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Geraldton

    August 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    Doing an overnight stop at Geraldton. We were at the free RV site, but got kick out at 5pm. Was told we could used a 5hr only slot if the 24hrs spaces were full originally. Well the rangers changed they minds. Told us and others to move to the area for cars and boat trailers across from Kmart. So we all up and moved.

    Geraldton is a lovely town. We are quite impressed. After doing a supply run we had a look around. For some reason we haven't stopped here before.

    Visited the
    - St Francis Xavier Cathedral. This cathedral was also designed and created by Monsignor John Hawes (see Mullewa for more info)
    - HMAS Sydney 2 memorial. I find these memorials very moving.
    - Geraldton Museum. An excellent stop. Had a very good 3D movie on the HMAS Sydney 2
    - checked out the lighthouse
    - plus dipped my toes in the Indian Ocean for the first time this trip. A bit cool. Lovely white sands and blue water.
    - picked up some tomatoes $1.50 bag and butternut pumpkins for $1 at the stall out side BCF...was getting a gas bottle filled.

    Off to Kabarri tomorrow for 5 nights. Have another of Monsignor John Hawes churches to check out on the way.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Northampton

    August 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Did a stop over at Northampton on the way to Kalbarri. In case you can't guess from the photos we are now in sheep country...also wheat and canola. So green after weeks of red soil.
    A very pretty town with another church by Monsignor John Hawes. I think this is the last one in this area. A bus tour group was in at the same time. Made I had to get photos without large groups of strange people in them.
    They have an amazing seniors center. Were just opening for the day and invited us in the view the painters works. Then chased us down the road to let us know they were open to 3pm if we wanted to came back at all. There building is behind the red flowers. The arts and craft centre was closed. They do have a sewing machine museum. But didn't drag Graham through. Even though I love to sew not really into museums full of old stuff.

    Stayed at the True Blue Van Park on the way back from Kalbarri. Was very nice.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Kalbarri Rock Lobster Tour

    August 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We rolled into Kalbarri yesterday for 5 nights. Camping on the river at Murchison House Station. A farm stay about 10 mins out of Kalbarri and only a few minutes to the turn off the Natures Window and the new skywalk.

    Up early this morning to be in Kalbarri by 7.15 am for the lobster pot pull tour. Was a fantastic trip. We were treated to am amazing morning of fun, lobster facts and best of all yummy lobster to eat. They share out the catch at the end of the tour. We came home with 2 to cook up for dinner. Were given detailed instructions what to do...thank goodness.
    We were also treated to yummy lobster snacks cooked up on the boat.
    The views of the cliffs from the ocean were just an add bonus. As well as the hair raising crossing in and out of the river into the ocean. A most enjoyable morning.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Cliff walk Kalbarri

    August 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Walk along the magnificent cliffs today. You can do a 8k one way walk or pop in and out that the main points of interest. We opted for the second option. Still managed to walk 11 ks today.

    We stopped at Kalbarri fish and chips for lunch. Had to be some of the best we have ever had. Enjoyed them in the park at the river head. The photo with the surf braking in the background if the channel into the river. Was very interesting coming through there yesterday on the lobster boat.
    Had a great walk along the beach. The water is crystal clear. Such a beautiful place. We both love it here.

    Off to the National Park tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Kalbarri flowers

    August 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Spotted these on our walk along the cliffs today.

    - Murchison Rose
    - Warty Fuchsia Bush
    - Panjang
    - Wilcox Bush
    - Pink Milkmaids
    - Spreading Coneflower

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Banksia

    August 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    I was so pleased to find Banksia out in bloom. They hold a very special place in my heart and bring back childhood memories. My beloved nanna would read chapters for the Gumnut Babies a night when I stayed with her. I always think of her and the Banksia Men from that book when I see them 💖💖💖Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Blue Holes Kalbarri

    August 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Our last day at Kalbarri 😢 have loved our revisit to this beautiful spot.

    Spent ages at Blue Holes. What a magic place. Was super excited to find a starfish. The tide was going out, so a great time to explore the tidal pools. Also some lovely big ones to swim in.
    We then went up to the Red Cliff look. An excellent view down the coast from there. Plus we were lucky to spot whales playing off shore.

    Went back to our now most favorite fish and chip shop for lunch...They were closed till 4.30. We were shattered. But an ice cream from ' The Milky Way ' next door helped to make us feel better.
    Will just have to come in for a fish and chip dinner and watch the sunset instead.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Coalseam CP

    August 31, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    We are currently at Coalseam Conservation Park. So called for the seams of coal running through the cliffs. Was not a large enough deposit to make it viable for large scale mining.

    Coalseam is renowned for its wildflowers. Very sadly with the lack of winter rain the showing this year is not as good. It's makes me worry if the winters stay warm and dry that these beautiful displays will be memory. There are some lovely yellow Pompom Everlastings. The pink Everlastings are really struggling. Plus the odd yellow immortals showing through. No new finds as of yet.

    Went for a drive to the lookout and down to fossil this morning. Some great view, plus nice to have a bit of a walk. Have to get out early, very hot at the moment.
    Just starting to come good after a fall on our last day at Kalbarri. Nothing broken, Have some very painful fingers and have pulled something in my chest. We spent 3 days at Northampton in the van park to give me a bit of time to recover. Slowly coming good. Graham is an excellent nurse.😷    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Full Moon Rising

    September 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Had a full moon last night a Coalseam. After a hot day it was nice to sit out in the cool of evening.
    Had some fun experimenting with different setting on my phone to take photos of the moon.

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Coalseam CP

    September 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    A cooler morning...thank goodness. Took advantage and did a pre breakfast walk. Went up to check out the old coal mine. Not that impressive. Then walked part of the way along the 3.5k track that continues on from the mine. Still not up walking that far, but good to be out stretching my legs again.

    The river here is very sad at the moment. Again no winter rain. The grey and black seams running through the cliffs are the coal.

    Lots of dead trees here. Found a very interesting one that I had to snap. More yellow pom poms. Plus a pretty gum coming out in white flowers.

    Did the drive to River Bend after lunch. Walked up the dry river bed. The cliffs are quite impressive here. The lookout we visited yesterday is up above. Some lovely pom displays here.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Wreath Flowers

    September 2, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    We hunted down some more beautiful wreath flowers today after leaving Mingenew.
    Traveling through country back roads we found these. Graham is becoming a real flower detective.
    Also found some pretty Common Fire Bush in full bloom and a spiked Dampiea.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Mingenew

    September 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    We called into Mingenew this morning after leaving Coalseam. What a pretty little town. We were hoping to spot some orchids. As there was a sighting near the recreational center. No luck. They had probably been picked by someone wanting to press them. So annoying. Apparently it's a bit of a problem with some of the more unusual flowers.

    They have the best book exchange on town. Set in a wonderful old bank. Had a lovely chat to the lady on duty about quilting and crochet while Graham swapped some books. Also the place to go for flower info.

    The bakery was also fantastic. Loved the sign above there dog water bowl. An added plus was an excellent Arts & Craft show running in town. Picked up some yummy jams and relishes.

    After some very hot days at Coalseam the weather has turn a bit cool and some light rain.

    No idea what the orange flowers are. Were growing in a garden in the main street.

    PS. Finished crocheting a Cocoon Shrug last night. Just in time for some cooler days. Hoping to get a matching beanie out of the left over yarn.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Canna Dam

    September 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 12 °C

    We free camped last night at Canna Dam. Another of the old dams around the area that provided water to the trains in the days of steam. Still a rail siding here to pick up grain from the local wheat and canola farms.

    There is a orchid trail here...No luck again. We spent ages this morning combing the area. Lots of tiny pom poms springing up after the little bit of rain over the last couple of days.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Wild Flowers

    September 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    I found this little blue fan shaped flower yesterday. The best I can make out is a Stobbs Goodenia, but by rights should not be growing this far south. Should be in the Karratha/Broome area.

    Again the delicate little yellow flowers seem like they should be a Sida ( maybe Sandplain) and again should be up north.

    The glorious hot pink Native Foxgloves are right where they should be. I have seen them on mass like we did yesterday.

    We successfully hunted down more Wreath Flowers. Someone very kindly marked them with pink flags. They are not as big as normal. It amazes us that something so beautiful grows in such arid looking soil.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Yandanooka Town Hall

    September 3, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    We free camped overnight on a big grassy area next to Yandanooka Town Hall. Only the hall left here. No town.
    We have been basically floating around the area the last few days waiting on parcels to be delivered to Dongara. Will be heading there today. Graham has decided we need a diesel heater after all 🤔

    There is a planisphere here. It tells you what to look for in the night skies at the different times of the year. Plus lots of other info to guide you. Unfortunately it was very overcast, cold and windy last night...Not stargazing weather. We would have loved to sit out and stargaze.

    It's hard to believe this was once a thriving town with stores, many sporting clubs.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Lake Indoon

    September 7, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    3 nights at Lake Indoon. What a pretty camp site. No free, but just a small donation.

    So nice to wake up to a view of the lake in the mornings. The first day was blowing a gale and very cold. The lake had waves.
    So a day spent curled up inside.

    Today was sunny and the wind has dropped prefect for sitting outside and enjoy the serenity. We did have some bees swarming around. So had to retreat to the van for a while. So many bees over here. They seem to be everywhere we go. It's nice to see them in such numbers. 🐝    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Wildflowers @ Milligan Island

    September 9, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Found these flowers on the walk to the beach this morning. Was pleased to find a few new ones.

    * Running Postman
    * Clematis (but only ment to be on the East Coast???)
    * Fanflower
    * Sea Rocket
    * Veriable Groundsel
    * Sandplain Hovea
    * Panjang
    * Bristly Cottonheads    Read more

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