Saturday 16 December – Wildcats 76 v Brisbane 82
Esperance
Well 630am is an improvement on yesterday’s wake up call. I am hoping that tomorrow will be 730am and we will be back on WA time, somehow I think Paul will be up and ready to get moving early. Oh well.
It was another gorgeous morning not to be wasted, so we left the comfort of the warm bed and put on the walking gear. We stopped in at the caravan park’s resident coffee van for a large mocha and hot choc and with the warm cup firmly gripped in our hands, we crossed the road, flicked off the thongs and enjoyed the white sand between the toes.
There was a fresh breeze pouring in over the bay, giving the morning a cool blast, but it was hardly noticed, as the sun made its presence felt. We walked the beach to the remains of an old jetty where I could take a few photos before making the trek back. We passed a 3 month old, golden retriever pup who was very excited to receive our attention, but I think we enjoyed it more. I can’t believe we will see Yogi tomorrow.
Once we were back, we sat down to breakfast and then had a shower. Martin rang Paul to let us know he and the boys were heading into Esperance before making their way to Hyden. It wasn’t long after that they parked up next to us and we sat under our awning catching up chatting about both our respective travels. It was a quick visit but a good one.
As it was only 10am, I suggested we pack up our lunch and drive to Le Grand National Park so we could revisit the beautiful beaches. The drive was about 40min. We paid the $13 entrance and then made our way o the carpark at Lucky Bay. It wasn’t as busy as the day we visited in January and there were far fewer cars on the beach.
The water was churning today and the wind was quite strong, a complete contrast to our January visit. While we were wearing our bathers, there was no appeal to actually go for a swim. Instead we kicked off the thongs and set out on the squeaky sand. Despite the wind, it was lovely walking the water’s edge. The water was very cool, but we soon became accustomed to it.
We had forgotten just how incredibly blue the water is here. We have seen some beautiful beaches up and down the east coast, but I think this is the most spectacular in regards to the vivid colours and the dazzling white sands.
We returned to the car and collected our lunch, found a picnic bench and then ate in the intermittent sunshine. As we returned to the car, a kangaroo was busy sniffing our bumper before continuing to forage for food. We chatted with a couple from Portugal and France, who were surprised how close the Roos were game to come.
We drove around to Thistle Cove, clambered over the boulders and down to the beach. This spot was quieter than Lucky Bay which was quite lovely. We were able to walk the beach leaving only our footsteps.
Once back at the car, we made our way back to the van for 130pm. We were happy to sit about for a short while, but then we went in search of the TV. Unfortunately the camp kitchen tv was in use with the Perth Ashes, so it was a quick run into town and the Pier Hotel making just as the cats took the floor.
We made ourselves comfortable in front of the screen and settled in for the couple of hours. Things didn’t look good from the outset, Brisbane seemed to have free range and our guys were static and hesitant. I spent most of the afternoon shouting at the tv and getting frustrated. Unfortunately, it didn’t improve and we eventually went down by 6 points.
We left the Pier, picked up some beers and then we followed the Great Ocean Drive to check out the western beaches. We had looked at these when we were here in January, but it was on dusk and the views weren’t great. Today we were seeing the beaches in better light, but unfortunately there was quite a thick smoke haze clogging the horizon.
We drove to West Beach, Blue Haven and Twighlight Beach, looking out over the beaches from lookouts above. We walked along a couple of the beaches, enjoying the afternoon stroll along yet more beautiful beaches.
When we returned to the van, Paul readied the car and van for tomorrow’s departure, while I organised our dinner. I watched another episode of A Place To Call Home as I prepared the salad. When Paul was done, we ate and then I went across the road to take som photos of the pink sky. It didn’t become as vivid as I had hoped, so I returned to Paul eager to get out for a walk.
The wind had dropped away and it was quite warm outside. The sun had disappeared and by the time we reached the centre of town, it was dark. We were able to check out the minimal Christmas lights lit up down the Main Street, including the roof of the RSL, which was smothered in fairy lights.
We returned to the front to check out the Christmas tree and then made our way back to the van in the dark. Unfortunately the path had no lighting, so it was a bit precarious but we made it eventually.
Tired after all of our walking, we were straight into organising to head to bed.
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