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Published: April 19th 2009
Little Jack
Took cute for words in my hat !! We left Mukka round 9.30 and didn't reach Kalbarri til 6.30 at night. You do the maths, thats a lot of K's and long hours on the road. We took all back country roads and were stoked at all the beautfiul towns we passed, specially ones with petrol bowsers that a) were open on good friday and b) took eftpos cards.
Dad told us a story bout some petrol stations round Australia not taking cards or some not taking cash, we laughed a bit and told dad that things should have changed since the last time he was on the road. Well truth be told not much has and precaution should be taken as to not get stranded. Once again - thanks for the heads up Daddio.
Once in Kalbarri we were hit with the beginning of easter holidays as we rallied with all the rellys at the catholic house all the extended family from Geraldton were staying in. Was great to see everyone together again as it had been yonks. We had a mini catch up over beers and fish n chips before all my family headed off to our holiday house to unpack and get settled in
Family Cricket Game
Can't fit everyone in , hilarious - oh and catch up on some much needed sleep. All 15 stayed in a 4 bedroom 2 bathroom house out near red bluff, this joint had bunk beds galore, haven't slept in one since Teresa and I were kids, Was great to be back with the family again all under one roof.
First couple of days were spent down the beach at Blue Holes and Chinamans beach, snorkelling and some fishing. Tones went out for a surf, Sandy and I gave it a miss as the waves were frigging huge (and we werent' even at Jakes) plus it was on reef. Tones caught a few and we were all very impressed, cos seriously one more mention at how huge the break was !!
Went out for dinner at Finleys fresh fish bbq were the service is based on a cook that calls your number and hurls abuse at you with a comical tone (of course) went with our family as there were several April birthdays to celebrate, from Alex and Taj to Kirsten and Mason totalling 79 years in age. The night ended with a friendly food fight , that was not started by me. Not pointing
Sandy and I
Don't push me cos im close to the edge, im trying not to lose my head - get it ? Red Bluff Gorge any fingers Kirsten. Nice work gang.
Caught up with the extended family after church for a massive bbq on Easter Sunday as there was a massive crew there , well over 40 folks and kids. Was a great night for catch ups, can't wait for the next one !! Thanks Aunty Helen for getting us all together ! See all you cuzzies soon !
The next couple of days were spent playing cricket in the cul-de-sac and climing gorges, drinking beer, playing poker and saying goodbye to the first round of family leaving to get back to work in Perth, Cherie, Mason, Daniel , Kirsten and Taj (Tears all round, specially Cherie and I, and possibly my brother later in the car on the way home , when no one was watching ) We also headed out to Lucky bay on a 4wd trek, once again fishing, snorkelling and Dad taking his patrol over the dunes - which was sick fun.
I'll tell you what isn't fun, getting stung by Blue bottle jellyfish on your tummy and arms. Lucky for the quantity of paw paw cream we had on hand as that was the saving grace for
Family Dinner at Finleys
Everyone is in the photo cept for Tones, Jack and I. Birthday dinner for Alex 33, Taj 1, Kirsten 26, Mason 20 - that makes a combined age of 80 , not 79 !! Tash to quit her whinging. Teresa, Sandy and I all had a snorkle session over to a reef that runs along the coast of Lucky bay. Amazing fish and underwater life to keep you interested for hours. The team fishing on the shore did well to bring home 10 little whiting that Tones cooked on the bbq for dinner. Delicious !
Throughout our stay in Kalbarri we visited Red Bluff, Z bend, Natures Window, Rainbow Valley and the Coastal Cliffs. The scenery is amazing and the landscape wonderous, as you could just stand and stare out over the gorges and cliffs for hours in awe. (well i could) and our camera worked double time to keep up as we tried to take it all in. Tourists through and through, even in our own backyard. I reckon i could sell it a thousand times to anyone that would listen. You know that expensive Australia ad that Baz made recently after he made the Australia (flop) movie and has that actor from Secret life of us in it and it's in the North West of Australia in the Kimberleys and at the beginning of the ad the little kid says, sometimes
The Shanks @ Natures Window minus 17 more
Awesome day out with most the family kicking on at Natures window and the gorges. 17 family members missing as people have to work around here, but you get the idea . .. you just gotta go walkabout, well the Z loop gorge we all climbed and swam in at the bottom was as close to that ad as - well the ad itself. Truely surreal.
On the last day we had to get up early and clean house, then say our teary goodbyes to the rest of the family. Boy oh boy that was hard. Kissing and hugging our little godchild Jack , mum and dad, justine, Tones, Teresa, Alex, Chloe, Annie and Jess - thats a lot of goodbyes and there were shitloads of tears. Miss you so much, but we just gotta keep moving , while we can !!
So if you haven't picked up already, Sandy and I had the best time in Kalbarri and got our first real hint of what life will be like as we head further north to discover more gorges and seas and cliffs and wonderous landscapes and amazing sunsets . Oh yeah life is good !
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Kim Robinson
non-member comment
Selling Ozland
Let's hope the WA govt organises a "Best Job in the World", like the one for Queensland ... you should apply! Your enthusiasm would get you over the line first for sure.