The Pinnacles and Jurian Bay

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Arriving in Perth was anti climatic. I did not know what to expect. Leaving the airport, of course, was a deal and a half. This was because of construction like in Montreal. Not nearly the pot holes or the inconvenience, but still unexpected delays.Trusty GPS, and the day was merry as usual.

The next morning we set out on our traverse to the Pinnacles. See Below:

Published description: A set of unique circumstances produced the pinnacles. Firstly the huge sand dunes stabilised. The rains which fell on the dunes leached down through the sand carrying the calcium. This resulted in the lower levels of the dune solidifying into a soft limestone. As this stabilisation occurred a layer of soil formed on top of the dune which allowed plants to grow and further cemented the limestone below. Gradually the lowest layer of soil, which lay between the surface and the limestone, formed into a hard cap which resulted in the old dunes having three levels - a soil and plant level near the surface, a hard cap below the surface, and a thick layer of soft limestone at the bottom of the dune.Inevitably the roots from the plants on the top level found cracks and broke up the hard cap and the layer of soft limestone. The result was that under a surface covered with plants and soil the pinnacles developed. No one knows for sure how long ago this process occurred. It may have started as long ago as 500 000 years but equally it may only be a few thousand years old and it may still be continuing today.

Beginning our day was a series of evolutionary experiences that began at Macdonalds with a Cappuccino. Armed and dangerous now, we braved the coast and endeavored to conquer my fears of driving on the right side of the car!

Again, I prevailed, and succeeded and arrived at "The Pinnacles"

We meandered our way through the coastal roads towards the Pinnacles. As we drove, we noticed that the clouds were very low, as if we were flying through them. A unique opportunity to photograph but nowhere to stop. I picked a likely spot but was preoccupied with something else. Snails on flowers everywhere Whaaaaat! Randomly stopped the car off the side of the road and there they were. Snails by the hundreds on flower stems. Lucky I stopped, or I would never have known.

Continuing on our way, the beauty of the moment is etched in our memories, because as we forged forward in our anticipation of Pinnacles, we were distracted by the roadside opportunities, of stopping and going on nature walks , which were abundant. One place we stopped was a look-out area where we were able to capture the wildness of wondrous photo ops.

Along the way the roadkill was evidenced in the Wallabies dead along the highway, definitely from the night before.Edible, is debatable.

We finally arrived and the anticipation of seeing these breath taking pinnacles in all their glory was staggering. We paid our dues and were able to forge ahead onto the road trail and into the Pinnacle park. To what did my wondrous eyes did I see, but the Pinnacles in all their glory! Yes, there they were, as far as the eyes can see. Tall ones, short ones, skinny ones and fat ones. They did not disappoint. The colors were off the charts. Walking through the pinnacles were as if I was walking through a passage of time, touching them lightly as I passed by them, one could sense that these beauties have witnessed evolution. I tapped some pinnacles, to feel the density in them and some rang hollow and some did not! If these were indeed made from a mixture of vegetation and limestone, then here was history, preserved. Oh. if these pinnacles could talk!. Walking and weaving in and out of them, in their pristine state of decay, gave me a sense of timelessness, and continued to put my life into perspective. Not alot of people today viewing the pinnacles, which was fortunate, as I like the solitude feeling that was presented.

We also drove through other areas designated and were able stop and get out and touch, the pinnacles, as well as enjoy the vista. I can say that the feeling one gets is an open mouth that says " Is this possible?" And it is...

The day was bright, and I needed to take some pics that were more shadowed, and less bright, so we decided to go for lunch in a Bistro, hoping to eat Lobster, but at 37 $ a half lobster, they can keep it no matter what. A beer cost me 11.50 $?

We ate Spam sandwiches instead, or as I like to call them, Inventive spread. No, we had the beers and other seafood such as squid, catch of the day, and scampi which were delectable, and spicy.

Back at the Pinnacles for the golden hour. We drove though the pinnacles again this time to experience the golden hour. It was magical, in that it showed the timeless beauty, of the area, with the sunset shadows radiating off the stones. I remarked to the wife that we as humans are constantly looking for the garden of Eden, but earth is our garden of Eden, we should look no further than the Pinnacles.

To end the day, we drove a little further to Jurian Bay, a quaint little Sea side village on the Indian Ocean. It had the standard rotted out sea wharf, turquoise waters were gorgeous, as were the waves that pounded the shore. Walking out from the wharf we were able to review the arcing sea view which gave us a tremendous sense of timelessness.

The following day, we decided to go to a nature park called Yanchep Nature Park. We got in for free, because our 24 hour pass was still valid from the day before. As we entered, we went straight to the Koalas. An open area on a walkway, brought back memories of a past visit 10 years ago. These passive, somewhat lethargic bears, are always gentle and carefree, while either sleeping or eating. I finally had action, when a Koala decided to maneuver to get a better angle of the Eucalyptus leaves to eat.

The park also presented itself with caves, which we explored, and lots of different bird species.We went on a nature walk where our senses took over with the combination of smells, optics, and touch,

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Comments

[D MJ Binkley]

The Pinnacles
We loved our time at the Pinnacles and your photography is excellent. MJ

[D MJ Binkley]

Eerie location
We loved our drive