Day 7 - Wednesday 4 January - calmness to chaos

DAY 7

WEDNESDAY

4 January 2017 –

Denmark

As promised to Brad I was up at 6.30 ready for an early morning paddle of Wilson’s Inlet. I am so glad that I did. While it was quite grey and overcast, it was calm, still and quiet out on the water, unlike what we left on the shore, Yogi barking madly at us. If I had have called him, he would have been in and following, though I doubt he would have stayed for too long.

We opted to paddle to Poison Point and back, a good 45min in the kayak.

When we arrived, there were plenty of birds roosting on the rocks, so I took full advantage of the waterproof camera. The return journey was just as picturesque.

Everyone was up and about on our return. Paul and I took Yogi for a walk to Poison Point this time, before returning and readying to meet the family at Green’s Pool. There was an interesting venture. Green’s Pool is a lovely spot, a real gem of the Denmark coastline. Unfortunately too many tourists know it. I have never seen the place so busy. What on earth were we doing here?

We found Brad and the kids through the hordes, plonked down our gear and made for a small patch of water. Knee deep was fine, it was f.. f …f .. f ..freezing. The kids came and went, opting to mostly hang with Laura in the sunshade only returning to wash themselves clean of sand.

The rest of the family arrived from Albany shortly after. With them safely with us, Paul and I opted to go for a walk, away from the masses. I am so glad we did. The beach returned to its peaceful and inviting self and it was lovely walking on the sand amongst the granite boulders and looking out to the most brilliant blues and greens of the ocean.  Big deep breath and take it in.

On our return to our group we were glad to find that our lot had had enough and were packing up. Yippee. We made the long trek up the stairs to the overspilling car park and then patiently waited for room to move out and away. It was sad to see so many people park willy nilly, the beach scrub is certainly going to suffer with the greater traffic flow.

A quick pit stop at the bakery for a pie and spinach and ricotta roll and it was home to rest up and take it easy before the Albany family returned for afternoon tea.

Later in the evening we put the kids to bed and took out the Cards Against Humanity to play with Brad, Laura and Mum. Under protest from my brother, who thought it was terrible that we should play this game with out mother.  However, Mum was right into the game and was coming up with some corkers. With many laughs and plenty of drinks to help lubricate the crudeness required we called it a night. 

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Poison+Point+Walk+Trail,+Denmark+WA+6333/Greens+Pool,+Denmark,+Western+Australia/@-34.9922138,117.2195921,12z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a396604919c30b9:0xea82edae681dc6e0!2m2!1d117.3552099!2d-34.9904289!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a39616e4a6dadbf:0x6d67374830812f83!2m2!1d117.2372961!2d-35.0157979

Day 6 - Tuesday 3 February - Time to relax

Tuesday
4 January 2017
Day

Albany - Denmark
Rudely awoken in the middle of the night by the automatic sprinklers machine gunning off the van, Paul decided it was best to move the van 100m away, so we could continue to sleep in peace. This certainly helped and allowed us to get a few extra hours before the sunlight began leaking through the gaps in the vents and window shades.
Our first job was to contact the insurance company and put the wheels in motion for our car to be assessed. The first repairer was very helpful and though he couldn't help, he did point us in the direction of those who could. So by 830am we had the car in and we were heading to Denmark with the bike and an empty trailer.
It was nice to finally arrive at Mum and Dad's and begin the setting up of camp Cooke in the back yard. With everyone out, it was calm and peaceful sitting back in the yard.
Lunch time brought the family in. Mum, Dad, my brother, sister-in-law and two nephews, all ready for a feed after exerting energy at Lights Beach. Dad was off to play bowls and dinner arrangements were made before Paul and I took the Patrol and headed to Harewood Forest walk trail to get some exercise with the dog. It is always a great walk. Only 1.2km to return and all shaded by the giant trees.
We returned to the madhouse of town. Paul braved the supermarket while I kept the dog company and then we returned home. Paul set up his fishing gear and headed out to the Hay River for a few hours while I caught up on all things internet. Oh how I have missed you.
Ensuring I kept up the walking, I completed numerous laps of the yard, watching the wildlife and the neighbours, before coming in for pre-dinner snacks. Paul returned at 6.45pm with no fish, though he caught many underside. Oh well still a good afternoon out in the sun.
We all sat down to a delicious BBQ dinner and a few laughs before retiring.

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Albany+Leisure+and+Aquatic+Centre,+Barker+Road,+Centennial+Park,+Western+Australia/Denmark+WA/@-34.9822087,117.3357367,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3920d6048effed:0x34d9c3521283aaee!2m2!1d117.8786796!2d-35.0098961!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3965f199c6ac69:0x500f638247a0e50!2m2!1d117.3560796!2d-34.9749188

Day 5 - Monday 2 February - A day to forget

DAY 5

MONDAY

2 January 2017 –

Kulin – Lake Grace – Nyabing – Gnowangerup – Albany

Well sitting here now next to a very large sports oval next to the Albany aquatic centre, I can finally process the events of today. It started like all the others, sunshine, blue skies and an eagerness to see what they day was to hold. We left Kulin at 8am after readying the vehicles and going for a morning walk around town. We made our way to Lake Grace, stopping at North Lake Grace to take in the crystalline white, beaming out at us. I walked the surface and found some salt to check out, took my photos and then we continued into the town. Nothing was open, as expected. We did a quick fuel stop before continuing on our way to Gnowangerup.

We passed through Nyabing, the town that cares. Again nothing open. We did a quick toilet stop before heading 40 min down the road to Gnowangerup. Unfortunately that is when the day took a turn for the surprising and disappointing. We pulled into a street just off the main road to be met by the local publican who had seen us drive down the main drag. He was there to tell us we had lost a tyre on out car. There was nothing left of it except for some steel wiring tied up like a knotted ball of wool. Unbelievably there was also most of the rim missing, the brake drum and the shock absorber as well and the rear bumper wasn’t looking the greatest either. Oh What! Is all that came to mind. 

The publican was very helpful and went off to get tools so we could remove what was left of the sanded off wheel and put on our spare to the remaining half of hub. Thankfully the hub was still moving so we were able to get on the road again.

We nursed the car, which was now bouncing on the trailer due to the lack of suspension for a further 130km to Albany. Paul stopped every 20km or so to do a check and then resume the drive through the Stirling Ranges and into outer Albany.

We parked up at Brookes GardenWoolies. Paul continued to shake his head over the car, while I did a quick shop. We then walked the light industrial estate for panel beaters /  mechanics that might be able to help us out tomorrow, but being New Year most are shut til Jan 9. Even our insurer was non-contactable.

After filling in the folks of our drama and them giving us directions to another estate, we moved on and found the Albany Aquatic Centre and sports ground, the perfect place to stop for the night. We wandered the industrial park and found some places that may be able to help out tomorrow, before completing our walk and returning to the van for dinner and a full check over the insurance.

An evening walk around the suburbs, with a great view from the hill, was needed before calling it night on a day to forget. 

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Kulin,+Western+Australia+6365/Lake+Grace,+Western+Australia/Nyabing+WA/Gnowangerup+WA/Albany+Leisure+and+Aquatic+Centre,+Barker+Road,+Albany,+Western+Australia/@-33.834129,117.0661511,8z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m32!4m31!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a366de23aca6649:0x400f6382479f8e0!2m2!1d118.15!2d-32.67!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3631bc656d8e6b:0x400f6382479f950!2m2!1d118.46!2d-33.1!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a37bc227d061675:0x400f6382479fbd0!2m2!1d118.15!2d-33.542!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a382a11a727684b:0x400f6382479f730!2m2!1d118.01!2d-33.94!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3920d6048effed:0x34d9c3521283aaee!2m2!1d117.8786796!2d-35.0098961!3e0 

Day 4 - Sunday 1 January - Finally made it Wave Rock

DAY 4

SUNDAY

1 January 2017 –

Kulin – Hyden – Karlgarin – Kulin (Camps 8 WA#121)

Book Club – I am hoping to read 20 books this year. I am starting with The Light Between Oceans by Stedman. This was recently out at the cinemas, though I didn’t see it. The book so far is fabulous.

Paul has started reading – Thatcher Stole My Trousers by Alexi Sayle

Paul has the early morning bug at the moment. While I appreciate the eagerness to see and do, I am quite happy being lazy. It does however put my in a spot as I know he wants to get on with the day, so I relent and join him up and about. Today we were heading to Wave Rock. An iconic travel destination and I guess a must see at least once in your life if you are from Perth.

Paul’s early rising certainly was an advantage today, as we were into the lunch box (the affectionate name for our little towing car) by 730am and heading an hour out of Kulin to Hyden. The morning was just glorious with bright blue skies and paddocks of gold ahead.

We made it to Wave Rock, paid our entry fee, $10 per vehicle, and began our trek. The rock itself is near the car park, so took no time to come across the amazingly formed rock face. Due to our early arrival, we beat the tourists and had the place virtually to ourselves. I was free to take as many uninterrupted photos as I liked.

We followed the easy walk path before climbing the rock and taking in the view from above. There was plenty to explore from unusual carved out boulders and rock stacks to scattering bearded dragons.

Upon our descent we followed two more walks. One that took us to The Breakers, a smaller version of Wave Rock and the second that took us to Hippo’s Yawn. Again the great granite outcrops were stunning to wander around.

Our next stop was Mulka’s Cave and The Humps, just out of Hyden. Mulka’s Cave is an important aboriginal rock art site, with over 452 stencils. We entered the cave and sat quietly for a while taking it in. We then did a quick walk around the base of the humps before the dog took control and made it clear it was time to head back to the car.

We drove back into Hyden and did a quick lap of the town, before continuing down the road and through Karlgarin, where they had two iron statues of mallee fowl all decked out in tinsel and Santa garb. We followed the sign of the Tin Horse Highway back to Kulin. Skirting the Jilakin salt lake and back to the caravan park.

So Kulin is known for another thing in town, its water slide! Following a nap, I’m following our Motorhome Rules, we were off to the waterpark, with a very disgruntled dog left behind. $13 each and we had free run of the pools and the slide. What a way to spend the warm afternoon. We decided we needed to take the plunge 15 times to get our moneys worth. 88 stairs each time and a friendly lifeguard from Broken Hill to keep us entertained each time we made the top. Woo Hoo! Just who were the bigger kids we wondered.

We returned to the van an hour later, with Yogi very happy to see us and us ready to take it easy.  We were planning on having a pub meal for tea to put some money back into the town, however it was shut, so Paul came up with a quick and easy pasta dish instead.

We sat and watched the sunset before making out way back out to Jilakin Rock in the dark to check out the stars. It was quite blowy and while there were plenty of stars out, I couldn’t find the Milky Way, so the photos were a bit hit and miss. The best part was standing there in the dark listening to the sounds of life moving though the bush below, even if it did creep me out somewhat. We returned to the van shortly after ready to call it a night. 

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Kulin,+Western+Australia+6365/Hyden+WA/Karlgarin,+Western+Australia/Jilakin,+Western+Australia+6365/Kulin,+Western+Australia+6365/@-32.5636313,118.2257571,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m32!4m31!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a366de23aca6649:0x400f6382479f8e0!2m2!1d118.15!2d-32.67!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a4989573dfb5327:0x400f6382479f7b0!2m2!1d118.86!2d-32.45!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a35ff78dcbe8145:0x400f6382479f840!2m2!1d118.6107986!2d-32.5534476!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3611b2befc2b85:0x400f6382479f810!2m2!1d118.3224512!2d-32.6808592!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a366de23aca6649:0x400f6382479f8e0!2m2!1d118.15!2d-32.67!3e0 

Day 3 - Saturday 31 December - Cooling off in Kulin

DAY 3

SATURDAY

31 December 2016 –  Hawks 85  v Wildcats 97 – Yippee an away win!

Bridgetown, Wagin, Dumbleyung, Kulin (Camps 8 WA#121)

The rattle of road trains rumbling past the van had Paul awake early, while I did my best to ignore the noise and vibrations that came with it. My alarm came at 6.30am with the heaving dog, who didn’t quite make it outside in time. Good Morning Saturday!

Paul was up, away and out walking the dog, while I continued my lazy start. With breakfast behind us we were on the road by 8am and parked up in Bridgetown for a leisurely walk along the main drag. Being so early, there was very little going on, though many of the cafes appeared busy. 

With the music cranked we were back on the road and heading to Wagin, the home of the Giant Ram!

Neither of us have seen much of these wheatbelt towns, so we found them quite interesting. The Giant Ram is 9 times larger than a regular ram, standing at 9m tall. With the obligatory photos and wander of the attached park we ventured on, heading to Dumbleyung.

We passed the turn to Lake Dumbleyung, but decided not to head down the tourist road, as it was gravel and didn’t fancy getting the vehicles dirty. Instead we made it into the centre of town and checked out the Bluebird.  I had absolutely no idea about this craft. It was piloted by Donald Campbell, who already held the land speed record and on this day, as fate may have it, in 1964, he broke the water speed record as well, by travelling at a speed of 442km/hr, across Lake Dumbleyung. 

The roads out here are sealed and well maintained and seemed like really easy driving. I wouldn’t know for sure, as I have only been in the passenger seat. From here I can take in the scene, paddocks, bird life and checking my phone. Damn it no internet!

We stopped in Dudinin, on the Rabbit Proof Fence, for lunch. I used the loo in the town hall, which was completely open. It was quite interesting inside, with a full stage and props set up and plenty of cabinets for footy trophies. Following this we were on to our final stop, Kulin.

We decided we would stop at the caravan park this time around. It is a pay as much as you like site, so we figured we would take advantage of it. When we were here in March, it rained non-stop. We stayed at the free 72 hour rest stop, but didn’t really see much, except for drowned hippies attending the Blazing Swan festival. So we are here again.

After setting up camp and rearranging some of our things, we unhitched the car and headed 18kms out of town to Jilakin Rock, which is next door to the Kulin Race Course. The rock offers a terrific view of Jilakin lake, the racecourse and surrounding farmland. To earn the view you have to walk up the granite rock face, which in parts is steep and just when you think you have made the top you have another section to conquer.  I would recommend it if you ever get here.

Our journey back to the caravan park was a slow one. It follows the Tin Horse Highway and I wanted to stop and take photos of the various horses that were presented in all manner of poses with interesting little signs and anecdotes.

We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the lovely weather. The Moet was cracked in celebration of New Years Eve and the afternoon slipped into evening. Crayfish for dinner, thanks Brad and chocolates for dessert. No better way to see out 2016. 

Feeling a bit wobbly, we made the trek around the town. There were revellers at different party hot spots and Christmas lights to light our way.  We couldn’t think of better place or way to say welcome to 2017, under a carpet of the most amazing stars.

Happy New YEAR!

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Bridgetown,+Western+Australia/Wagin+WA/Dumbleyung,+Western+Australia/Kulin,+Western+Australia/@-33.3118446,116.5804469,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m26!4m25!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3043fe136de90f:0x400f6382479e810!2m2!1d116.1312143!2d-33.9544478!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a36dac69bdba971:0x400f6382479fdd0!2m2!1d117.3474325!2d-33.3053993!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a36fda56fe5ede7:0x400f6382479f630!2m2!1d117.7517369!2d-33.3108573!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a366de23aca6649:0x400f6382479f8e0!2m2!1d118.15!2d-32.67!3e0

Day 2 - Friday 30 December - Off to Bridgetown

DAY 2

FRIDAY

30 December 2016 –

Mandurah – Waroona – Harvey – Balingup - Bridgetown

Our first night under our belt, even if it was inside locked gates and sitting on a driveway, we were ready and raring to go. With everyone up eventually, it was time to get our morning walk in. We took the dogs and headed to the beach. Yogi was in his element and just looking for an excuse to go in. It was surprisingly busy. We let Charlotte lead the way around the suburb, passing a juvenile dugite sunning itself in the sun, on to her school and then doubling back to their home.

After our fruit platter, photos and packing away it was time to say goodbye and begin our journey.

We drove to Waroona, where we stopped and had a quick walk around, picking up some food before continuing the journey. We travelled through Yarloop, which still appears devastated by the fires that roared through last year. The bush is slowly regenerating while the town will take a lot longer.

A little further down the road we stopped outside of Harvey and had lunch, before walking across the road to Lockwood Falls and wandering the gardens attached a cottage with links to the author of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. It was very green and lush and beautifully manicured. Paul was peeved to see many golden carp and black carp in the Harvey River. 

Our drive continued to wind through various country towns, all quaint and picturesque in their own right. We eventually stopped at Balingup to take in the Golden Valley Tree Park. At the right time of year, I imagine this would be a spectacular spot, but the middle of summer probably isn’t the best time. That said the walk was still lovely. We followed the Pear Tree Trail amongst the trees from around the world and up the incline of the hill for a view over the valley. As we made our way back, it began to rain, back to the warmth of the van and onto visit friends in Bridgetown.

Mel and Lee met us in town and led the way to their property on the banks of the Blackwood River. Unfortunately, the van wasn’t up to the challenge of their driveway, with the car and trailer behind it, so we parked on the street and walked. They have a lovely rammed earth home amongst the trees . We stayed for drinks and nibbles, enjoying their company and views, before heading 10km out of town to a rest spot by the highway and set up for the evening, our first free camp for this trip. Ahhhh, how’s the serenity?

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/Dawesville+WA/Waroona,+Western+Australia/Harvey,+Western+Australia/Balingup,+Western+Australia/Bridgetown,+Western+Australia/@-33.2995432,115.3266513,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m32!4m31!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a2d87e9e5597201:0x504f0b535df4310!2m2!1d115.641!2d-32.649!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a32129200ad50cb:0x400f6382479f180!2m2!1d115.9303855!2d-32.8409199!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a321d8e86113127:0x500f638247a0c40!2m2!1d115.915262!2d-33.0786638!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a30342e1b580881:0x400f6382479e6e0!2m2!1d115.981944!2d-33.786944!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a3043fe136de90f:0x400f6382479e810!2m2!1d116.1312143!2d-33.9544478!3e0

Day 1 - Thursday 29 December - And we are off!

DAY 1

THURSDAY

29 December 2016 –

Perth – Mandurah

The DAY has arrived. With much packing and sorting done during the morning and farewells made we were on the road at 2pm and heading only a short distance away, Mandurah, to stay with Sharon and Simon.

This is the first run we have had in the van with everything on board and it all seemed to handle really well. The drive down was smooth and easy and in no time we were parked up outside their home. With a little convincing from them both, Paul reversed the van with trailer and car attached into their driveway. This wasn’t the easiest of manoeuvres, but at least he knows what the vehicles are capable of.

With everything sorted it was time for us to chill out, have a chat and let Chelsey and Yogi dog get reacquainted.  It wasn’t long before we were up with the dogs and heading out for a walk along the beach front in the afternoon sun, recharging the batteries. We completed a loop passing the park at the end of the street renowned for the mob of kangaroos gathering, before heading home again.

We spent the evening enjoying the company of great friends, playing backyard netball and enjoying a wonderful meal before calling it a night and retreating to the van for our first night.

https://www.google.com.au/maps/dir/22+Muswell+Street,+Balga+WA+6061,+Australia/Dawesville,+Western+Australia/@-32.245113,115.2484368,9z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a32ae12c6f538f9:0x81cf06ade74e8b2c!2m2!1d115.82945!2d-31.84698!1m5!1m1!1s0x2a2d87e9e5597201:0x504f0b535df4310!2m2!1d115.641!2d-32.649