Blogs from Albany, Western Australia, Australia, Oceania - page 2

I tried to take a photo at the beginning and end of each day. Missed a few, some as I got in late (dark), a couple because? i have no idea! Weight loss pics were good- after 8 weeks there was zero overhang and hip belt done up to the max but I can't see too much change in the face. Proves undoubtedly that the aging face definitely settles as the day goes on.... read more

Day 57 Mutton Bird to Sandpatch 12.1km, (08:15 to 14:45 with 2 long breaks and 2 big detours) Another stunning moonrise and wake up to a clear sky. Up at 06:30 but we have a quiet and slow prep to get ready for the second last day. Suboptimal sunrise- ah the problems of first world hiking... The food rations have diminished a lot to the point that I will walk in to Albany with nothing left over, not even my emergency packet of Mie Goreng. Kind of wishing the trail mix I left in Denmark was not in Denmark but in my food bag! The wind turbines come into view almost immediately and are to stay with us for much of the day. Hit the turbines and dramatic coastal views at the 1/2 hr mark. Interestingly ... read more

Wave Rock is a spectacular granite formation which is 15 metres high and in excess of 2,700 million years old. Formally known as Hyden Rock, the formation looks like an enormous wave ready to break. It is the sandy grey colour with red ochre streaks which give it the rolling motion appearance. Just nearby are the rock formations called Hippo's Yawn, The Humps, the Breakers and Mulka's cave. The name Mulka comes from an aboriginal legend who was born cross eyed because his mother was not allowed to marry his father, Mulka was unable to throw a spear and hunt and became ostracised from his community. He made the cave his home and turned to hunting little children. Believed to have killed his mother the aboriginal community hunted him down and speared him. The Cave contains ... read more

Unfortunately its been a drizzly wet day today, not the best weather for being in a Bago and sight seeing. Hopefully this weather doesn't last too much longer. But I'm a little worried looking at the long range forecast, its not looking good. Guess we will have to wait and see. None the less, we were fairly fortunate when we reached the Valley of the Giants and the Tree top walk. Around Walpole and these areas, its heavily wooded, especially with karri, Marri and Tingle trees. They are eucalypts but different to anything you see down our way. They are quite gnarled looking generally. The Valley of the Giants are primarily Tingle trees and they are pretty much isolated to this area. They can grow to 75 metres tall and around the base even as big ... read more

From Perth we headed for Margaret River overnighting at Pinjarra, a small town about an hour south east of Perth. Stayed at a nice freecamp till 1.30am when the irrigation sprayers pelted the van with pressure lasting one hour!!!! Think we should have moved down to where the other vans were parked.!!!! Arrived at Big Valley farmstay about ten minutes from Margaret River, nice rustic setting with a few farm animals to interest the kids. We used Big Valley as a base to visit Busselton, great beach, very safe for littlies, did a train ride the 1.8 klms to the end of the jetty. There's an underwater observatory there. Next day went south to Augusta and on to Cape Leeuwin where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. The lighthouse has magnificent views which we did'nt get ... read more