All our friends were busy for the day in Geraldton (medical and vehicle issues) so we made our way down the coast from Kalbarri at our own pace.
We visited the hot bread shop and bought buns for morning tea.
Our first stop was Blue Holes (the in crowd were calling this place Blue Poles due to a phone text message which used this spelling). The others had had a lovely time snorkelling here the previous day. This little spot is an area sheltered from the waves by the reef, which forms a couple of pools. The fish love this spot and so do the snorkelers. It is a fish reserve. Unfortunately the tide was rushing in when we were there, so we were battling the twin perils of shallow water over sharp rocks and strong waves which were washing us over the space rapidly. The water was still relatively warm (more than we had expected so far down the coast). We did see some fish, but nothing like the experience of our friends the afternoon before. We ended up salty and sandy again with swimming gear, towels and snorkels which were destined to stay damp now for a few days. We shared our tiny space with them all for a few days before they were finally dry enough to pack away again and give us some breathing space.
After this we stuck to the cliffs for a while as we worked our way down the coast. Red Bluff offered views back along the coast and Eagle Gorge lookout produced a kestrel sighting.
As we walked the cliff top paths we continued to ooh and ahh over the flowers that kept astounding us with their variety. The wrens also continued to tease us, whipping around in the bushes but avoiding a definitive sighting and identification.
Donkey orchids were found on the path between Mushroom Rock and Rainbow Valley ( our first Donkeys for this trip).
We also particularly enjoyed this amazing flower which reminded us of a rose.
The path between the island Rock and Natural Bridge brought its own pleasures with whales. Groups of whales (with babies) were happily making their way down the coast well within good sight of the cliffs. What a treat. !! I won’t bore you with my pictures of whales. They are too hard to catch well. There were also groups of dolphins playing far below.
We were also entertained by a lizard with a very blue tongue and scary attitude, hilarious centipede and numerous skinks out enjoying the sunshine. We later saw pictures of a Bob-tailed skink and we think that’s what this is.
Continuing on past the cliff top adventures we came to Hutt Lagoon (better known as Pink Lake for obvious reasons). We drove around the end of the lake and in to the viewing area, where we marvelled at the pink colour of the water (even when we were up close)
We couldn’t resist driving around to the little seaside town of Port Gregory just to see what it was like. The local shop sells basic provisions (like crumbs to put on the fish you have caught) but had no pies or pasties, so we sat in the local park and read the ad for tours of the pink lake while we ate sandwiches at 2:30 in the afternoon. Then we were on our way again.
As seems to be the way, it wasn’t long before we were distracted by another interesting place. In this case it was the remains of the Port Gregory Convict Hiring Station! This site was used to hold between 8 and 40 ticket-of-leave convicts from 1853 who would then be hired to work on local properties. The main building has been enthusiastically restored and is quite impressive. Sadly, it was only completed a short time before the station closed in 1856. For the rest of the time the convicts were sheltering under canvas in very crowded conditions. The locals have done a great job of compiling information, which is available to read inside the big building. We didn’t take too long here as we were still hoping to make it quite a bit further before dark.
We passed through the city of Geraldton, taking the route beside the water so that we could have a bit of a look, but didn’t stop. The least expensive fuel was on the other side of town, near the airport. When we got there it appeared to be only truck fuel, and we weren’t too sure about that, so we opted for the self serve station down the road a bit. (149.8/litre). We have got pretty used to these self serve pumps now, where you say how much you are prepared to pay, the machine takes that amount from your credit card and then it either stops pumping at the maximum you gave or stops when full and the difference comes back to your credit account within the week.
We continued on our way into the local wind farm country and found our way to Ellendale Pool-our intended stop for the night. This beautiful pool sitting below high cliffs is a stunning place to stay. It costs a whole $5 per person per night. Reflections in the water were beautiful and it was good to park with the Colwells and share a quiet evening together. There is quite a large space here and the half a dozen other campers spread around didn’t worry us at all.
Sadly the washing still didn’t dry.
Luvapuzzle 