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Oakabella Homestead.
Overnighting at Oakabella Homestead. The long awaited day arrived for us all to start our much planned trip all around Australia, but we could not leave until we had taken part in the Million Paws Walk, an RSPCA appeal very close to our hearts.
Our first stop was GinGin where we parked beside a lovely park with birds of every breed making sure we did not sleep in. At a petrol stop in Geraldton we managed to damage our awning on a bowser which protruded out high up. A few choice swear words and a bit of duct tape and we managed to put it down to experience - and a promise to get it repaired when we reach civilization. The next night was an experience, staying in a paddock at Oakabella homestead just north of Geraldton, said to be one of the most haunted homesteads in W.A. A very bright and happy lady called Lorretta gave us all a welcome coffee when we helped her get her PC printer working - more by luck than knowledge !! That was a very peaceful place to rest after a busy day.
Following up the promise we made to ourselves, we camped the next night for free
at Edaggee Rest Area. Having our own generators toilet, showers and big water tanks we are self sufficient - along with many other travellers who have the same aim.
The following day saw our arrival in Carnarvon and a super site called Wintersun. Immacutlate toilet facilities and lovely grassed areas made it a pleasant stay and after a struggle we had three dogs all bathed and clipped ready to face the heat of the north. Carnarvon is certainly a lush growing area with roadside stalls with avacardos, tomatoes and hands of little bananas for a few dollars. Eggs too which made a few very cheap meals at $8 for a tray of 30 huge free range.
We visited Quobba Station and saw huge plumes of water from the blowholes, then on to Bibbawa Bore to witness an artesian well which spews out 520,000 gallons of water every day at 65 degrees centigrade. The water was too hot to do more than just dip your fingers in but we were amazed to see fish swimming in the hot water. Still have to get on the net to find out what sort of fish can live in such extreme temperatures. Mind you.
just a few chips and we would have had supper all ready !!!
Next on to Coral Bay, a beautiful place with coral just meters from the beach. We took bread down to the waters edge and fed snapper about 10cm long swimming around our toes. While on the subject of wildlife, we saw eagles, emus, cows, sheep and goats all roaming the countryside. The other wild life was Millie, Freckles and Buddy racing along the beach and thoroughly enjoying themselves. Millie had her first experience of swimming when she was dumped by a small wave, mind you she is only a few inches high.
While in Coral Bay we visited Exmouth, Learmonth and Yardie Creek. All breathtaking scenery and skies of blue, temps just nice at around 28 degrees.
Cossack is a very interesting Ghost town nearby to Wickham and Point Sampson. Originally a supply port for the area then taking part in the pearling industry but when the luggers grew in size the inlet became unsuitable so they moved the industry to Broome. (in a nutshell) Years ago we had an elderly friend named Alan Pead who used to tell us about his roots being in Cossack. We
were able to see the tomb stones for his ancestors in the graveyard and the ruins of Mrs. Pead's boarding house.
The scenery has started to change as we enter the Pilbarra, now in Karratha for two days before trekking off to Broome where we are booked in for a week. After a couple of years of all Broome caravan parks banned dogs, but now one has now changed it's mind - horray !!! So now we will be staying just a short walk from Cable Beach - can't wait. Until the next time - take care.
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Nic
non-member comment
Thats a lot for a week
Wow, you have only been gone a week and a bit. How on earth have you fitted that much in. Keep the entries coming. I am reading.