Visiting South West WA ............

Once the washing was done and on the line we decided that we would take a walk into town to have a look.  We walked in along the beach front but the freezing wind made this a fairly unpleasant activity.  We did get a surprise though when we saw a young man with his pig playing in the shallows.  Yes, Pig, just like a dog but he didn't seem to like the waves!  No photos sorry.

Leaving the beach we walked up to the Main Street where we found the very old Norfolk Island Pine tree and we read all the inscriptions on the circular seat.  A lovely way to interpret the past.

We continued along the Main Street and soon found our way into a coffee shop out of the wind.  I loved their wall.  How can you not love coffee shops with originality!

We took ourselves home again and settled inside for the rest of the afternoon out of the wind until it was time for dinner.  We had decided that since we were here we would try the fish and chips.  The Red Emperor caught that day was delicious and the chips were good too.

The next morning we had a few things to find to sort out our grey water hose so it was off to a caravan supply shop and Bunnings.  Once that was all sorted we got into tourist mode and went in search of the sights.

Our first stop was Lake Warden were we had a wander along the shore, no birds to speak of and no water just here though in the distance a pink glimpse could be seen.

Next stop was Woody Lake Nature Reserve and as we arrived so did the rain.  Not very pleasant so we left.  Our next stop for lunch was Lake Monjingup and here we found a fabulous park and nature reserve.  The boardwalk track took us through Salt Water Paperbark forests and then into dry area plants.  The Banksia here were lovely.

From there our next stop was the famous Pink Lake.   Not pink at all today but dull grey.  Obviously had something to do with the weather but we were not the only disappointed tourists there that day.

Driving on from there we continued on the coast drive and stopped at 11 mile beach, Ten Mile Lagoon and the Wind Farm lookout.  I was surprised to read that this wind farm was the first commercial facility in Australia.

We continued on to Observation Point and climbed to the top fighting against the roaring wind all the way.  Great views but oh so cold.  This is meant to be summer!  I can see now why it gets the title of the second windiest place in Australia.  No idea who wins first place!

Our last stop was at the beautiful Twilight Beach.  Still cold but we just had to get out of the car and have a look.  With the sightseeing finished we returned to town and did some shopping at the supermarket and returned home again for a quiet night in.

The next morning we packed up and were soon on our way towards Albany.  We had been going to stay in Ravensthorpe but decided instead to keep going and stay in Cheynes Beach for an extra day.  We stopped at Ravensthorpe for a look at the old flywheel in the Lions Park before continuing our journey on.  

Our lunch stop was in a park at Jerramungup where we sat in the van and watched the pouring rain.  No sightseeing here!  We continued on our way with the rain continuing as well and a couple of hours later we had arrived at Cheynes Beach Caravan Park which was to be our home for the next three days.  It seems there are no other options here as every possible camp site has a no camping sign up.  A bit different to home where free campers are catered for very well.

Our first look at Cheynes Beach was as we drove in and it looked spectacular even with the rain.  What a gorgeous little spot, now if only the rain and the wind would stop we could really enjoy it.  We got set up again and settled inside for another quiet night.

Still not used to daylight from 4.30am we were awake early and Bill took his camera for a walk to see if he could find any of the birds known to be in the area.  Emu Wrens, Bristle Birds and Western Whipbird.  No luck this morning but lots of other pretty birdies.

After breakfast we went for a walk down to the beach and with the sun shining today the colours were just beautiful.  

A little later we did the 4 km walk which takes you into Waychinicup National park along sandy tracks to the Back Beach coastline.  From various vantage points you look over Bald Island then coming a bit further around you find The Three Sisters and lastly the Tourist Rocks - why - I've no idea who named them this.  

The first part of the walk is a bird watchers paradise apparently though we did not see any of those pesky little devils.  The coastal parts of the walk are just spectacular and makes you forget how far there is still to go.

Back at home we had lunch and whiled away a couple of hours under the awning.  From my porch I could see the waves through a gap in the trees.  Very therapeutic watching the waves on a lovely sunny day.

A little later we were off again in birdwatching mode again trying to get a photo of the Noisy Scrub Bird.  These little birds run across the road every morning and evening in the same spot so you should be able to just stand and wait.  Well stand and wait we did, for nearly two hours, and did it cross.  Of course it did but not until we had packed up and started to walk home - we did see the two of them racing across the road but only from a distance.  We'll get the little devils tomorrow.

After such a lovely day we hoped the weather would stay like that and the next morning it did.  I got some washing done and on the line before we went out to have a look in another part of the Waychinicup NP.   We drove to the end of Waychinicup Rd and was surprised to find a camp ground but only for tents.  Walking through on a walk trail we found the mouth of Waychinicup River where the river meets the ocean.  It was just beautiful again and a little further along you could look back at the river as it came down to meet the sea.

Leaving here we drove into Albany for Bill to get his hair cut.  As we arrived here so did the rain - again - just like our last camping visit here many years ago.  The Town Hall looks very stately standing on its corner in the older part of town.  

We had a quick drive around but as it was still raining we decided to return home.  A little detour on the way to Betty's Beach where we found another little piece of Fishermans paradise.  A tiny little beach and a few shacks were all that was there.  We braved the very chilly wind to eat lunch and then it was back in the car and home again.

That evening we went back for 'take 2' with the noisy scrub bird.  This time we didn't have to wait long before we saw the first one streak across the road.  Before Bill could get the camera pointed no. 2 followed just as quickly so no pictures again that night.  We will just have to revisit this beautiful little place and try again.

The next morning we packed up and said goodbye to Cheynes Beach and set off on our journey towards Pemberton where we were staying for two days with Rob and Jill.  We had a quick rest stop at Mount Barker before continuing on to Manjimup for lunch.

As we arrived we were surprised by all the traffic and people there.  Seems we had turned up right in the middle of the Cherry Festival.  We had a wander enjoying the fun atmosphere of the festivities before grabbing some lunch and finding somewhere to eat it.  Once finished it was back in the car for the last part of our journey to Pemberton.

We arrived soon after and found a spot to park the van and then we enjoyed an afternoon on the verandah catching up on each other's news.  Bill and Rob got straight into cameras and picture taking while I just chilled out enjoying the quiet.  I even got to pick raspberries the next day though Jill did manage to pick three times more than this learner picker.  Jill certainly spoiled us with a delicious dinner on Saturday night and of course breakfast lunch and dinner on Sunday were fabulous too. And most home grown in her own garden.

After Breakfast on Monday morning we said goodbye to our gorgeous hosts and were on our way again.  We decided that we would drive straight up to Perth and get in one day earlier than planned and so now here we are all set up in Banksia CP in Hazelmere.

Tomorrow we will see the kids and finally meet our new little Grandson, Noah.  We can't wait to see everyone again.

until then.......