May 22nd-27th
Day 31-36
The Coral Coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate in the south and sub-tropical climate in the north, but the vegetation is totally different to it’s opposite coast of North Queensland.
Did you know there are more than 12,000 species of wildflower in Western Australia, the home of the world’s largest collection. 60% are found nowhere else in the world. The season is usually late July to early October.
Great waterpark and playground where we camped for the night, which was a council designated park for RV self-contained vans only. Short walk to the heart of Geraldton which has a population of 40,000. Warm day traveling up, but rain was forecast, which it duly delivered in the early evening. Had a drink on a roof top bar, then a local pub, and stopped for grilled snapper and chips at the local chippy, just as the rain arrived, yep we got wet wet wet! Only lasted 15 mins but still warm.
Local grain export
The Port of Geraldton is a major west coast seaport. Geraldton is an important service and logistics centre for regional mining, fishing, wheat, sheep and tourism industries.
The melon is a weed in Australia and in California, where it may also be known as prickly paddy melon, bitter apple, gooseberry gourd and gooseberry cucumber.
The larger melons commonly seen on roadsides in rural Australia are in fact Citrullus lanatus, a wild relative of the watermelon. Children in rural Australia often use the fruit of this plant as an opportunistic source of entertainment, for example by throwing it at each other’s feet, or squeezing the fruit to shoot the seeds at each other.
In 1629 the Dutch ship Batavia was wrecked off the coast on some local islands. Here is one of the canon’s along with many other items recovered from the wreck. A very interesting read on the mutiny that occurred on this vessel if you are interested, Very gruesome.
In November 1941 the HMAS Sydney encountered the German raider HSK Kormoran off the WA coast in a brutal encounter. All aboard the Sydney lost their lives (645) and 81 from the Kormoran. I did not realize Germany operated this far away from Europe in WWII.
A compassionate letter form Ursula Detmers (wife of Kormoran captain) to Enid Burnett (wife of Sydney captain) written over 40 years after the incident, moved me…. the futility of conflict, that the twilight of life is a time of homecoming a time of healing, a time of harmony and a time of peace.
Beautifully written Ursula. Amen to that!
Many dutch wrecks on this coast as they used the ‘roaring forties’ across the Indian Ocean from South Africa targeting the 27th parallel, which is Kalbarri on their way to Batavia (now Jakarta)
Bit hasty to earlier say put away the long pants & hoodies. Windy and cooler, 19deg in Kalbarri.
In 1853, the Port Gregory Convict Depot (known later as Lynton Convict Hiring Depot) was built to supply covict labour to the Geraldine lead mine, in the bed of the nearby Murchison River.
No sitting under trees?
The Pink Lake at Port Gregory about 60 klm south of Kalbarri.
The colour is due to algae, dunaliella salina – which is a food-colouring agent and a great source of Vitamin A. Dunaliella salina is commonly used in cosmetics and dietary supplements – it’s said to be fantastic for skin health. Didn’t see anyone swimming in it.
Arrived in Kalbarri, here for 5 days. Last month Kalbarri was hit by a cyclone that devasted large parts of the town. Only 1400 residents, but beautifully situated a the mouth of the Murchison River. Famous for the nearby gorge and in geological terms a Z Bend with viewing platforms.
Famous for it’s fishing, it also attracts Pelicans, Australia’s largest water bird. Always looking for some scraps along side seagulls (mine! mine!) That mouth can hold 13 litres of water.
Had a coffee, smoothy and a cake, $68, I thought that was a bit expensive, Sarah said I got a dress free though for that. Who puts a ladies clothes shop next to a coffee stop? A clever lady that’s who.
25th May Warm & Sunny, with wind 25-28 deg next few days
Two years ago today we attended a wedding in Germany for a wonderful couple, Stephan & Verena, who have also visited us downunder. In January this year Juna came into the world. A great wedding to remember. schöne Grüße
Stephan & Verena.
Today we are in Kalbarri National Park. For those interested the cost for entry to NP are $15, but we purchased a pass for all NP @ $75 (seniors discount), $120 for post baby boomers. We have already re-couped our outlay.
The park covers an area of 1850 sq klm and the Murchison River Gorge runs for 80klm, with spectacular coastal cliffs on the ocean. Good access, beautiful walks, short and long for all levels of fitness and mobility. Had a wonderful picnic high above the gorge with no other visitors.
Another of Nature’s Window capturing the Murchison River, I read it is a popular place to take photos, no wonder. This area dates back 400 million years when for the first time animals were venturing out of water…the beginning of the land invasion. The sand layers were layed down when this region was tidal before the uplift of the land. For natural beauty all you need is time and perseverance for the water & wind to wear down the rock and do it’s magic.
I wonder if the same applies to us, we have to achieve this in 80 years though not 400 million. They say that hardwork, self-effacing, a life given to others over many decades begins to express itself externally so that in the twilight years it is obvious for all to see, joie de vivre, a window into one’s soul. Time & perseverance, boy it’s hard work though.
Passed this adventurer on the way to the gorge, ahh the freedom of cycling. I read many years ago Desmond Tutu said,
“Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, and you will feed him for a lifetime. Give a man a bike, and he will realise what a waste of time fishing is.”
The various view of this region are all within a radius of 35 klm, then a short return trip to home base for a meal and drink in the local pub to witness this sunset view from the table, phew! the broken limbs and branches stripped of leaves from the cyclone, but the new growth is visible after 6 weeks, nature is beautiful.
Kalbarri cliffs, great walking trails along the tops.
Heading off in the morning (Friday) towards Monkey Mia/ Shark Bay, very well known within Australia for swimming with whale sharks, dolphins etc. Will keep you posted. Some showers forecast, lets see.
