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Distance traveled:267km/4300km(6%) 3 nights stayed Collecting the appropriately named “WaShongiExpress”(WSE) from Campaboutoz meant that our long way up drive to Darwin was finally on.The name is derived from Wa…benzi(being a Merc Sprinter) and Shongi…..lolo.With the aid of Chris Lendrum’s GPS device we had no trouble threading our way out of Perth and onto the Brand Highway.The countryside is flat and covered by sparse shrub like growth not unlike that seen driving up the West Coast to places like Langebaan.There was some evidence of wine production close to Perth but this soon petered out giving way to mainly sheep and cattle farms.It was incredibly dry and the comment on the weather from most locals was that it was far too warm and a high pressure system has been sitting over WA for a long time.We crossed a number of quaintly named creeks with British name tags but there was no sign of water in any of them.Despite the highway annotation the road’s are single lane but very good with Aussies showing plenty of discipline on the roads.Susan is chief navigator and kangaroo spotter and she is excelling in the execution of her duties.Two dead roo’s were spotted(road kill)and I guess two kangaroo’s
attempting to cross the road goes something like this….standing on the side of the road one will look up and say to his mate…”Hey,there’s a car coming”.They step into the road and the other says..”Where?”.First one…”There”…. SPLAT!Second one….”Oh”….SPLAT!Like sheep they are renowned to wait for an approaching car before crossing the road.Turning off the highway we pointed down to the coast and arrived in a delightful little seaside resort named Jurien Bay(population 1472).Lobster fishing off shore is huge business along this stretch of the coastline with most of the catch rushed off to voracious sushi consumers in Japan.The thought of fresh lobster at low cost got us fairly excited but at $14(R90)each we had to back off….temporarily I’m sure as they are big and look too good to be missed.The caravan parks are outstanding and very well organized and all accommodate campervan’s.One is allocated a parking bay which has a power hook up and tap.Toilet,shower and laundry facilities are spotlessly clean.A communal BBQ area allows one to grill a meal on gas heated stainless steel plates.We met an elderly couple who have been caravanning around Oz for 9 years and I guess you don’t do that unless you know you
have a decent place to stay whenever you pull off the road.Close to Jurien Bay is the Pinnacles Desert Discovery in the Nambung National Park.Fascinating to see these limestone pillars which have “grown” out of the dune sands.Eerily quiet and desolate it was interesting to read in the Interpretive Center how many creatures actually live in this desert environment.The one that caught my eye was a fairly unique python which I hadn’t expected in Oz.Fact file on Australia……ever wondered why the Sydney Olympics were widely regarded as the best Olympic Games ever?Well,for my cents worth I think it is the attitude of the Australian people.They are friendly and ever willing to engage in “chit chat” and many have been fascinated that we have come all the way from SA to spend 6 weeks on the road to Darwin.Conversation is often direct but they are courteous and will readily assist when needed.Also obvious is there sense of patriotism towards their country.All the basic ingredients needed to pull off the biggest show on Earth.Fishing:Fly fishing and drop shotting is virtually unknown in this part of WA which is surprising.The beaches and jetties are superb to fish off as there is little wave
action due to a reef out to sea.Caught at Jurien on drop shot were four different species and to date on fly just a garfish.The sea is alive with baitfish and marine life and I sense there is some exciting fishing as we head north.Sue says thanks for the emails and updates which she enjoys receiving.
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