On Sunday we made our annual pilgrimage to my great granddaughters school, for the Summer Fayre. It’s always well attended and this year was no exception. There is always plenty going on to keep you entertained and it seemed that this year the school had excelled themselves.
Some of the crowds at the Summer Fayre
Scattered throughout the school rooms, and around the grounds, were many stalls offering you the opportunity to win a prize. There were tombola stalls where you could try to win a teddy, some chocolate or perhaps a bottle of something alcoholic. Other stalls tempted you to guess the weight of the cake, or the number of sweets in the jar. Alternatively you could try your hand at the more traditional hoopla and hook-a-duck games. For those of a more sadistic nature there was Splat the Rat.
I found it quite interesting, the number of opportunities there were to win bottles of booze. Most surprising, since many of the purchasers of tickets were well below the minimum age required to carry off their prizes, needing to go and find an appropriate adult to carry off their booty.
Early on we were entertained by the rousing sounds of bagpipes and drums courtesy of Harbour Pipes & Drums, a locally based marching band.
They came back for a second performance later in the day.
There were some truly dubious characters roaming around the school grounds, one of which my granddaughter claims is her dinner lady. My dinner ladies, when I was at school, never looked like either of these folks. I’ll let you decide which one is her dinner lady.
Spiderman
Mermaid
As usual there was a brilliant demonstration of birds of prey, despite a certain amount of truculence from one of the owls which decided she didn’t want to play anymore and flew up onto the school roof.
Earlier in the day the handlers had apparently lost a bird to the lure of the tree tops.
White Faced Scops Owl
Gyrfalcon
Spectacled Owl
Gyrfalcon
Barn Owl
Harris Hawk
White Faced Scops Owl
White Faced Scops Owl
In the gallery above is a photo of a juvenile Spectacled Owl. Actually, this specimen is one year old. Last year he was just a little bundle of white fluff in the palm of the handlers cupped hands. Apparently this species takes four years to attain its final plumage colour.
I am disappointed that I missed the Dog Agility Show. I’m sure it would have been highly entertaining. I was busy visiting my granddaughters classroom, viewing her art. I include a couple of examples below.
I’ll let you decide if she is a budding Picasso, or perhaps Gainsborough, as I can’t make an objective comment, biased as I am.
The weather was kind too, making this a very enjoyable afternoon.
So, I hear this commotion going on over my head. Thinking it’s a couple of fat pigeons I look up and what do I see.
You lookin’ at me ?
Daisy In A Tree
Yep, my neighbour’s cat, Daisy, about eight feet up. Presumably, stalking the birds, hence all the noise.
Apple Blossom
I’ve also included this archive shot of some Apple Blossom. Since I have culled the branches of our tree the only blossom is way out of reach for me, photographically speaking. So, as the saying goes, here’s one I prepared earlier.
Thirsty
The Leaf Cutter
And to close, a couple of squirrel shots. We had been wondering what was trimming the tops from our plant leaves. Thinking it was probably beetles, but really surprised to find it is the squirrels. All that leaf cutting obviously makes them thirsty but that’s a long stretch.
Over the last few days I have been trawling through my photo archives and thought I’d share a few.
Scarce Swallowtail
The swallowtail was fluttering around the village of Collonges la Rouge in France. It led me a merry dance from flower bed to flower bed before settling long enough for this photo.
Meerkat
Loved these little fellows long before they became stars of a certain advert series.
Otter
One of several residing at Marwell, this little guy didn’t want to share his fish.
Otters
More Marwell Otters.
Snow Leopard
Another resident at Marwell and my favourite of the big cats.
Just thought I’d share a picture of these two guys.
Goldfinches
We rarely see Goldfinches in our garden, just maybe once or twice a year, and this is the first time I have managed to get a photo. The focus is a bit soft due to the effect of shooting through double glazing and being at full zoom.
Feeling chuffed with myself due to some recognition that I have received over the last few days for photos that I posted on the Photography Cafe website.
I thought I would post the photos here for your perusal ….
And so to my final post inspired by our trip south of Perth. Our route has taken us from Perth, through Margaret River, Pemberton, Walpole and Denmark to our final destination, Albany.
Albany is the oldest permanently settled town in WA. It was founded on 26 December 1826, predating Perth and Fremantle by over two years. Its creation was part of a plan to thwart French ambitions in the area.
As it was too early for us to check in we headed down to the town centre to stretch our legs and grab a bite for lunch. It was a lovely day, albeit very windy.
Found ourselves on York Street and dropped in to Cosi’s Cafe for a spot of lunch and a coffee. York Street is very busy but at the same time has the feel of an Australian country town.
While in York Street, we ventured into the visitor centre and booked ourselves onto a four-hour river boat cruise for the following day. We also decided that we would take a run out to The Historic Whaling Station after we had checked in at our hotel.
This was our second visit to Albany, Gerry and I having been here some eighteen years ago. It only seemed fitting that we should stay in the same hotel, The Dog Rock Motel …..
The Dog Rock – Albany, WA
…. named after the large rock shaped like a dog’s head.
Having checked in and unloaded the car we set off to be educated about the whaling industry. The following is from Wikipedia …..
The Whaling Station, which closed operations in 1978, has been converted to a museum of whaling, and features one of the ‘Cheynes’ whale chasers that were used for whaling in Albany. The station was the last operating whaling station in the southern hemisphere and the English-speaking world at the time of closure.
On the way out to the whaling station we stopped off at the Vancouver Lookout to absorb the scenery …..
….. seems like every turn of the road offers us a new perspective.
Tearing ourselves away from the fabulous views we soon arrived at the Historic Whaling Station (previously known as Whale World). There is lots to see here, and whatever you think you know about whaling, this place will show you how little you know. For me, the overriding factor is the sheer brutality of the whaling process. There are some pretty graphic pictures around the site and, for the people who worked here or on the ships, it was a tough life. No health and safety regulations, no protective clothing, no sick pay and no pension.
Cheynes IV Whalechaser
Historic Whaling Station
Hilda Hotker Shell Collection
Lizard
Flensing
Flensing Knives
Light Beams
Puffer Fish “Blowie”
Seal Island from Frenchman Bay, King George Sound – Albany, WA
Cheynes IV Whalechaser
Frenchman Bay, King George Sound – Albany, WA
Hilda Hotker Shell Collection
Michaelmas Island & Breaksea Island from Frenchman Bay, King George Sound – Albany, WA
Sperm Whale Skeleton
Historic Whaling Station
We spent an enlightening couple of hours at the Whaling Station. No matter what you think of the morality of whaling, you have to remind yourself that was a different era. The world has moved on.
And so did we, heading back into Albany and the Dog Rock Motel to rest up prior to dinner.
We had dinner at Lime 303 where I was talked into having a cocktail, a “Blue Lagoon”. Needless to say I was soon back to drinking beer. The cocktail was like an alcoholic Gatorade…. Yuuuk !!! Regardless, the food was very, very good.
The next day we were up early and down to Emu Point ready for our river cruise aboard the Kalgan Queen …
Kalgan Queen – Albany, WA
Once we were all aboard we were treated to a display of pelicans and their party tricks. Our skipper would feed them but only after they had “danced”, twirled around on the water. He did this while explaining about the pelicans and there abilities and traits. As the Kalgan Queen is a glass bottomed boat we were also treated to the view of a large sting ray cruising under the boat.
“Perch” Star of the Pelican Show – Albany, WA
“Perch” Star of the Pelican Show – Albany, WA
“Perch” & Friend on Escort Duty
After the regulation safety notices we were off on our journey, across the sheltered waters of Oyster Harbour and then up the Kalgan River.
Kalgan River – Albany, WA
Oyster Harbour, Looking Out To King George Sound
Green Island, Pelican Nesting Site – Albany, WA
Kalgan River – Albany, WA
As we crossed Oyster Harbour our skipper pulled out a whistle and tried to attract the attention of White Breasted Sea Eagles. Unfortunately, they did not put in appearance. However, later as we were running up the river we were treated to the spectacle of several Osprey plunging down to collect the fish thrown out onto the river.
Osprey – Kalgan River, WA
Osprey – Kalgan River, WA
Osprey – Kalgan River, WA
Osprey – Kalgan River, WA
Osprey – Kalgan River, WA
Part of the cruise package is a wine tasting at Montgomery Hill Vineyard. To be quite honest, it was a waste of time. We all agreed that we would rather have stayed on the boat and perhaps travelled further upstream.
The folks in the tasting rooms made no attempt to tell us about the wines, didn’t even ask about individual likes or dislikes to try and match their products to our tastes. Most unlike any tasting I have ever been to before.
The only positive was the view from the tasting rooms and terrace …..
Montgomery Hill Vineyard Wine Tasting
View from Montgomery Hill Vineyard
View from Montgomery Hill Vineyard
View from Montgomery Hill Vineyard
After thirty minutes or so we were bussed back down to the river and back on board the boat. Here we were treated to hot Billy Tea and Damper as we headed back down the river and on to Emu Point.
En-route we encountered other river users / inhabitants …
Artwork, Artist unknown – Kalgan River
Water Ski – Kalgan River
Back on shore we bade farewell to the Kalgan Queen and to “Perch” …
“Perch” – Emu Point, Albany, WA
The cruise had been around four hours duration and was well worth the money.
After a spot of lunch the afternoon was spent fishing off the shore at Emu Point. On my first cast I caught a blowie and although I had many bites I didn’t manage to land another fish. Steve, on the other hand, despite also be plagued by blowies, managed to land a Port Jackson Shark.
Port Jackson Shark – Emu Point, WA
While we were fishing there were rays constantly cruising along the water’s edge. Fascinating to watch.
All too soon it was time to pack up and head back to the motel to wash up and head out for dinner, this being our last night down south.
The lucky establishment to be blessed with our custom was the Mean Fiddler Restaurant. It was very busy and when I enquired, about a table for four, was informed that they had more tables upstairs but that there would be about a thirty minute wait.
Upstairs was much quieter and also cooler. Our waitress seemed to be a bit eccentric, a bit like Julie Walters as the elderly waitress in the Two Soups sketch from Victoria Wood As Seen On TV.
Quite early on, the waitress had handed out some crayons and informed us that we could use them to draw on the table-cloth, if we wanted to.
Doodles, Noughts & Crosses – Mean Fiddler Restaurant, Albany, WA
Despite the eccentricities of the staff, the food was good. By the time we had our main meal, the other upstairs customers had gone. We had the room and the balcony to ourselves and were able to wander around perusing the artwork and other curiosities.
Artwork – Mean Fiddler Restaurant, Albany, WA
Artwork – Mean Fiddler Restaurant, Albany, WA
From the balcony there was a view, both, up and down York Street.
After our meal we once again headed back to the motel. Sad with the knowledge that we had to head back to Perth the following day.
And so it was that the following morning we headed out on the Albany Highway for the journey home.
I know this is out of sequence time wise. This post is the continuation of our trip down south. The previous post is here
The next stop on our itinerary was Denmark or perhaps I should clarify, our next overnight stop. Our next stop was actually Walpole and The Valley of the Giants.
Departing from Pemberton we headed down the road to Walpole, a quiet, one horse, maybe two-horse town. Here we were to have a belated breakfast as none of us wanted to chance the Pemberton Hotel. So, arriving in Walpole our first port of call was to the Top Deck Cafe
Top Deck Cafe – Walpole, WA
South Coast Highway – Walpole, WA
The Top Deck is a very pleasant place to eat. Lots of plants dotted around the eating areas split over two decks. The staff were very friendly and the food was good if a little expensive. Breakfast finished we browsed the shops and managed to obtain some cash from the ATM in the small shopping centre.
Walpole itself is spread along just one side of the South Coast Highway, the towns main road. The town is very small and we were soon back at the car and once again on our way, searching out our first true destination, The Valley of the Giants.
Just twenty kilometers down the road and we were at the Valley of the Giants and the Treetop Walk. Gerry and I did this walk eighteen years ago during my first visit to Australia and I was curious to see if it had changed in that time.
There are two main features of this attraction …
A walk through a grove of giant Red Tingle trees more than 400-year-old. This walk is known as the Ancient Empire and comprises a boardwalk / path designed to protect the forest floor and the root system of these giant trees. The path winds in and out, up, over and through various of these giants.
The 600-metre Tree Top Walk which is 40 metres high and takes visitors through the canopy of the Tingle and Karri trees.
Our Motley Crew – Valley of the Giants, WA
Treetop Walk – Valley of the Giants, WA
Ancient Empire – Valley of the Giants, WA
Treetop Walk – Valley of the Giants, WA
Boo !! – Valley of the Giants, WA
Ancient Empire – Valley of the Giants, WA
Grandma Tingle – Ancient Empire, WA
After doing both the tree-top walk and the boardwalk, slurped an ice cream and raided the souvenir shop, we headed on to Denmark. Approaching Denmark we decided to detour down to Peaceful Bay …
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
Peaceful Bay, WA
It was very windy but the views were worth the short sojourn. After few more kilometers we arrived at our accommodation, the Windrose B & B.
Windrose B & B, Denmark WA
Windrose B & B, Denmark WA
Underfloor Art – Windrose B&B – Denmark, WA
Windrose B & B, Denmark WA
Windrose B & B, Denmark WA
Although our host was not home, there was a letter indicating our rooms and the facilities. We were soon unpacked and installed in our respective rooms.
The B&B was very nice, the rooms having en-suite shower rooms. The decor was clean and modern but also quirky with bits of memorabilia on the walls. Each room had under floor art, that is there was some kind of illuminated box built into the floor with a reinforced glass top. The box was illuminated when the main room lights were turned on. A nice touch.
Our hostess arrived, welcomed us to Denmark, enquired what time we would like our breakfast and gave us some good advice regarding local eateries. We headed back out to explore the local area.
We spent some time wandering the shops in Denmark centre although it was getting near closing time. We also ventured down to Ocean Beach ….
FAT 49 – Denmark, WA
Ocean Beach – Denmark, WA
Charlie Hebdo Tribute Graffiti – Denmark, WA
Ocean Beach – Denmark, WA
Ocean Beach – Denmark, WA
Ocean Beach – Denmark, WA
Ocean Beach – Denmark, WA
Ocean Beach – Denmark, WA
By now our tummies were rumbling so we went in search of food. The first eatery that had been recommended was the Denmark Tavern. We took a look but the place was heaving. Normally we would have taken that as a good sign but it also meant that there were no tables available. Certainly the menu looked very inviting with reasonable prices and it was obviously a popular venue. Sadly this time, not for us.
So then we took ourselves off to the second recommendation, which was a couple of kilometers outside of Denmark, the other side of town. And so we found ourselves at the Boston Brewery. We would definitely eat here again. The staff were friendly, the food was good and the atmosphere warm and friendly. The brews were really good too, just a shame I was driving.
And then it was back to the B&B for a good nights rest. Unfortunately, it wasn’t that good. The rooms don’t have aircon and, despite our hostess assuring us that once the sun went down we would be cool enough, we were hot and sticky all night. This is my only criticism of this charming B&B.
The breakfast was filling and tasty, although the German sausage wasn’t appreciated by all of our party.
Car packed, we bid our farewells and headed back into Denmark to browse the stores again and partake of a coffee before getting underway for Albany.
On arriving at Kalbarri we managed to locate our accommodation, despite the best efforts of our sat-nav which was intent on sending us off-road again. We were also confused by the name of the motel. All of my paperwork from the booking referred to Kalbarri Reef Villas. On the same street we found Kalbarri Seafront Villas and immediately behind was Reef Villas. No mention of Kalbarri on their signage but a quick chat with the manager confirmed we were in the right place. So Reef Villas it was and we were soon checked in, car unloaded and ready to explore.
The beach was just five minutes walk from the motel.
Kalbarri Beach – Kalbarri, WA
Kalbarri is to be found at the mouth of the Murchison River where it joins the Indian Ocean.
River / Ocean Meeting Place – Kalbarri, WA
Unfortunately, Gerry ricked her back on our first morning here. This meant that we had to curtail some of our exploring. So a tour of the gorges to see Natures Window & “Z” Bend was kicked into touch. The problem with these attractions is that they are only accessible along some sixteen kilometers of dirt road, not really conducive to reducing back pain.
As an alternative we decided to visit the numerous local ocean lookouts, all of which have paved roads right up to the car parks and also, in most cases, smooth pathways to the lookout. The following are a selection of the photo’s I took. I hope they give you a flavour of this area.
Coastline – Kalbarri,WA
Daily Pelican Feeding – Kalbarri, WA
River / Ocean Meeting Place – Kalbarri, WA
Tree – Kalbarri, WA
Natural Bridge – Kalbarri, WA
Daily Pelican Feeding – Kalbarri, WA
Coastline – Kalbarri,WA
Pelicans – Kalbarri, WA
Blue Holes – Kalbarri, WA
Coastline – Kalbarri,WA
The Island – Kalbarri, WA
Natural Bridge – Kalbarri, WA
Coastline – Kalbarri,WA
Daily Pelican Feeding – Kalbarri, WA
The Island – Kalbarri, WA
River Mouth – Kalbarri,WA
Pot Alley – Kalbarri, WA
Daily Pelican Feeding – Kalbarri, WA
Coastline – Kalbarri,WA
View – Kalbarri, WA
Bush Loo – Kalbarri, WA
River / Ocean Meeting Place – Kalbarri, WA
Natural Bridge – Kalbarri, WA
Ready for Australia Day
View – Kalbarri, WA
Daily Pelican Feeding – Kalbarri, WA
Some of the Aussies were really chuffed to see a car, with references to an English football team, sporting the Aussie flags.
While we were at the Blue Holes, a fellow Brit spotted the Pompey stickers and the rego plate. He was originally from Salisbury and knew all about our home area in Hampshire.
Every day pelicans are fed down on the Kalbarri foreshore. There is a seated arena for the early risers to use and children are invited to feed the pelicans. The couple that run the feed are very informative, with a touch of humour.
After touring the coastline, we returned to Kalbarri and found a site on the foreshore so that I could go fishing.
Me Fishing – Murchison River, Kalbarri, WA
Although I did get a few bites, I didn’t manage to catch anything.
Chatty canoeists – Murchison River, Kalbarri,WA
The fish weren’t the only things biting. There were crabs in the river who were taking a repeated interest in my feet. The canoeists were friendly and chatty, interested in how I was doing. I think they were also amused by how far out in the river I was.
Later the same day we were, again, down on the foreshore to watch the Australia Day fireworks.
During our all too brief stay in Kalbarri we were lucky enough to eat at the Black Rock Cafe. Here we had our evening meal on the day that we arrived. Good food and a table to watch the sunset. For our breakfasts, we visited Angies Cafe where they do a really tasty Bacon, Egg and Tomato Toasty as well as filling Tuna Patties (fish cake). Both establishments seem to be very popular.
Angies Cafe – Kalbarri, WA
Angies was our last stop in Kalbarri, before heading off to Jurien Bay.
Having spent a couple of nights in Exmouth we headed back south to Carnarvon. As we left Exmouth, heading along the Exmouth Minilya Road we stopped very briefly to visit the Potshot Memorial site.
Memorial Marker – Operation Potshot
Tank Float – Several secured together formed floating docks as part of Operation Potshot
Ball Float – Possibly used to moor boats or barges involved in Operation Potshot
Roadside Marker – Operation Potshot Memorial
The Potshot Memorial commemorates the use of the West Australian coast for the allied attacks on the Japanese. US submarines used this area as a refuelling base and an airstrip was built for the fighting squadron
We returned to Carnarvon, to stop overnight, for no other reason than to break the journey to Kalbarri. I know many folks like to dose up on energy drinks and punch on down the road and get the journey over with. Some folks have told me that they drive from Perth to Exmouth in one continuous bash, stopping only for fuel and pee breaks. Madness is what I call it, certainly asking for trouble.
Driving all that way is tiring and boring, yes boring. Long, very long, flat, straight stretches of road with countryside that doesn’t change very often. Nothing to keep you alert. Which is why we purchased some CDs. Nothing like singing along to ELO, Fleetwood Mac and of course, it had to be done, Men at Work’s greatest hits.
At times the bush is fairly close to the edge of the road, meaning that you get a form of tunnel vision. You become mesmerised staring off into the distance. That is the time that you get a cow, sheep or herd of goats or a kangaroo wander out into the road. There are plenty of signs along the roads, where collisions were not avoided.
We observed some very fresh road kill, a young cow that was decapitated and it’s entrails spread along the road, providing fresh food for the scavengers. Not a pretty sight. On our journey I learnt to look ahead and spot the dark clusters of crows which would reluctantly scatter as we got nearer. As soon as I saw the crows I would slow down and prepare to deviate around whatever carcass was laid there. The roadsides are littered with skeletons and desiccated corpses. I dread to think what it must be like to hit something the size of sheep, let alone a kangaroo or even a cow. Although our car had “roo bars” fitted, I suspect hitting a cow at the state speed limit of 110 kilometers per hour would be pretty devastating for all involved. Luckily, whenever something chose to cross the road in front of us, I spotted them early enough to slow down. And, on at least one occasion come to a complete stop. Luckily there was nothing following behind me. I wouldn’t want to be stopped in front of a road train.
On arrival at Carnarvon we booked into the Best Western Hospitality Inn. Very friendly receptionist who dealt with us most efficiently and we were soon stretched out having been folded in the car for several hours.
After our last experience, looking for an eatery, in Carnarvon we chose to eat in Sails, the motel restaurant. The food and service was very good. Although, the breakfast was another story. The food quality was okay but the service was somewhat off kilter since this was provided by a very pleasant, chatty lady. However, her normal role was in the laundry. Consequently, she didn’t have all the information regarding food options.
Overnight, the weather had changed. There had been a nice sunset in the evening but we were greeted with a dull and overcast morning. As I packed the car, ready for our onward journey there was a pleasant surprise waiting for us.
Cecils Calling Card
Tucked under our windscreen wiper blade was a card, left by Cecil. He had cleaned our windscreen while we were tucked up in bed. A nice touch.
Moored on the Fascine – Carnarvon, WAFascine View – Carnarvon WASatellite Earth Station – Carnarvon, WA
This satellite dish dominates the Carnarvon skyline. The following has been lifted straight from Wikipedia.
WrAnTz 