Albany

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Sunday 24th October 2010
We have booked to stay at Albany at Middleton Beach for 7 days, which suits us all very well. 30 steps to the beach, 30 steps to the pool and spa. Best Caravan site in the park. Yesterday was a rest day for us all. I walked into town where Ian met me for a wander around. The town has some very interesting architecture as you see from the photo of the town hall. Lots of houses here nestled into the hillside - ALL with a view of the bays around. Albany is on several bays. White sand, emerald green clear water - why would you live anywhere else? Honestly beautiful. Traveled around the Albany Port to Frenchmans Bay and Goode Beach. I really can't stop raving about the white sand.
I guess in some ways Albany is like Newcastle. The port ships out silicon (obviously from the white sand) along with wheat and wood chips. While down at the harbour we found a market where fresh seafood, vegies, bread, cheese were being sold, along with waffles. Delicious. Had to buy some fish, bread and oysters for back at the van later. We then headed out to see the Blowhole, The Gap and the Bridge. All natural phenomenon. Breathtaking background of the southern ocean in ink blue through to royal and at time turquoise. The huge granite outcrops were bordered by a carpet of native plants and the Banksia were quite amazing. We unfortunately had missed the flowers at their bright pink best but even now they were spectacular set against the blue of the ocean.
For the blowhole to work a bit of a wild sea is needed and today was quite calm ( thankfully ). The roar of the ocean as it echoed in the cavernous rock below was loud and exhilarating. I know that saying I was glad it was calm, sounds a bit like a party pooper but really WA isn't too strict on the security and people tend to climb everywhere. It is dangerous. Blue Hole rock hopping came in handy as Ian and the boys climbed everywhere- see the photos. The gap and the bridge were again just remarkable natural sculptures, which with the swell of the waves crashing on to them becomes a mesmerizing sight.
Headed home after pretty hot and tiring walk. Xav jumped straight into the pool. We are now relaxing having sausage sandwiches for lunch.

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Photos

Middleton Beach Albany
Beautiful clear green water

Albany Town Hall
All significant building are built from stone and all this chunky architecture.

View across Bay to Albany
Port with silos in view

Emerald green clear water
Can you believe this water

Southern View
The Southern Ocean

Comments

[Jack Evans]

WOW!
THAT IS THE BEST WATER ON A BEACH I"VE SEEN!