Week Commencing 28.02.11

Week Commencing 28 February 2011-03-03
After a weekend of golf, played ok but not his best, he still enjoyed the games. We leave Albany today and not too soon, had enough of the winds. They are so strong you find it difficult to sleep at night, they don’t let up. We are off to Bremer Bay, hoping the caravan park is a little protected. We follow the signs to Esperance and hit a dirt road, some 14kms of it. So we do the big turn around and head back to Albany. Never mind we find another road, sealed and head for the South Coast Highway. We have an easy drive to Bremer Bay. The caravan park is in the bush so fairly protected from the winds, but we cop another gravel site. Things aren’t too bad and we set up camp. John and Judy have already arrived and enjoying a nice cuppa. John and I go for a drive to see what Bremer Bay has to offer. The beautiful beaches on one side of the peninsular are protected from the wind and the bays look very inviting. Unfortunately the other side is very rough with big swells and very windy. We return to camp in time for a drink or two with John and Judy.
01.03.11 – We wake to find it is March, nearly a year since we left Brisbane. The sun is shining so we take to the road with John and Judy to explore these beautiful beaches. John is the tour guide so we head to the windy beaches first and of course get blown away. The views of this rugged but beautiful coastline are breathtaking. We decide on Little Boat Harbour to have our lunch, most enjoyable, but lots of march flies joined us, still we had a fun time, the view is fantastic. We finish the day by driving on the beach and just enjoying the views. The pictures do not do the bays justice.
02.03.11 - John has decided he will take me to Wave Rock at Hyden some 200kms north of Ravensthorpe. We head off very early for the Costello’s drove out of camp at 7.40am a record we think. We drive to Lake King where we leave the van, make some lunch and head another 124kms to Wave Rock.
Formation of the Rock: Wave Rock, a granite cliff, is 15 metres high & 110 metres long. Its rounded like shape has been caused by weathering and water erosion which has undercut the base and left a rounded overhang. Water from the springs running down the rock during wetter months dissolve minerals adding to the colouring of the wave. In 1960, crystals from Hyden Rock were dated as being 2700 million years old, amongst the oldest in Australia.
Hippos Yawn – Hippos Yawn consists of an unusually shaped granite or that was formerly part of the larger outcrop. The second most visited site, it is connected to Wave Rock by a walkway.
We were not disappointed, it was a fascinating place, we spent around a couple of hours there. Drove back to Lake King, showered and spent the evening at the local tavern and enjoyed a beaut meal and some beers.
03.03.11 – Up early again and left camp by 8.30am heading for Esperance, the trip was great very entertaining. We had the CB on and spent most of the trip behind a road train and listened to the conversation is very entertaining. Pulled into Esperance at lunch time and set up camp next to JJ & BB (John & Judy – Bernie & Bev). I think we are planning on travelling together now until we get to South Australia. John popped off for a game of golf in the afternoon.
04.03.11 – Jenny’s 30th Birthday today, so up early to make the call. We are both a little sad that we are not back in Brisbane to celebrate with her. She seemed very excited and had a lovely day and evening planned. Today , Bernie was nominated at tourist guide, so we set off early on the 40kms Esperance Great Ocean Drive.
West Beach – A favourite with surfers. Whilst a very beautiful beach, caution must be exercised , locals can be found swimming in the lagoon pools behind the reef when the conditions are safe. The beach is 3kms long. We were lucky enough to see dolphins surfing the waves, some 50 to 70 of them in three pods. It was amazing. We also saw one fellow swimming only metres from them. Bernie said he had planned this wonderful event for us. Well done Bernie.
Blue Haven & Salmon Beaches – Beautiful bays
Twilight Beach – (Noted most popular beach in WA) This is a spectacular family beach with crystal clear waters and snow-white sands. As the beach curves to the Southwest it becomes protected by its orientation and two offshore rocks.
Observatory Beach – Great appeal is windsurfing while still relatively unknown, it promises awesome waves without the crowds.
Ten Mile Beach – is a great swimming beach. A rocky shore acts as a natural breakwater, forming a long shallow pool that is considerably warmer than the ocean.
Wind Farm - consists of some 15 turbines which create energy for Esperance.
Pink Lake – From the viewing platform you could see a huge salt lake unfortunately it is not really pink, we are told in certain times of the day it appears pink.
Woody Lake - Here we enjoyed a yummy lunch.
Bernie, we had a very enjoyable day, a great tour guide, watch out you may get the job again.
Saturday 05.03.10 – Today is boys day, the three are off to the TAB for a few beers and whatever boys do. The girls are off to have lunch and play ladies. Over happy hour, lots of talking about the days events. I also got to met Sammy the Seal, he spends most of his days sitting in the shallow waters near the jetty. He is very entertaining and I think he enjoys the attention.
Sunday 06.03.10 – John and I took the bikes and went for a 2 hours bike ride. I am now sitting in the van writing my blog with a tender butt. No really it was great the view of the ocean was fantastic and it has turned into a nice day.