Not quite a free camp

Jan & George, who I met at Bargara Beach in Queensland a couple of years ago were over in the west for a few days for the Perth 4x4 and Adventure Show where they sell solar and LEDS.

I met up with them on Sunday and spent a few hours wandering around the show (managing to avoid spending any money!) and resting between times at their stand and even selling a couple of items as they were really busy.

After the show ended we high-tailed it to their accommodation at the Perth Crown Promenade hotel. The room came complete with champagne and chocolates which were eagerly demolished.

Feeling a bit peckish, and after a bit of a discussion, we decided to head downstairs to the Atrium buffet.  Not your run-of-the-mill "all you can eat buffet" … there were many dishes available but I decided to stick with my favourites and must have eaten at least 2 dozen oysters, prawns, sushi, sashimi and the best dumplings I've ever tasted. Jan & George, who recently stayed at the Shangri-la hotel in Shenzen, China agreed they were excellent. Over 3 hours of eating and talking …
you do have to pace yourself …

Indian Ocean Drive

Tonight I'm camped in Lancelin having driven from Jurien Bay on the newest section of the Indian Ocean Drive. This would have to be among the top 10 drives in Australia, it follows the coastline and the landscape is very varied - low heathland rich in flowering plants ...

unbelievably white sand dunes (above and below) ...

acres of towering grass trees ...

and of course Nambung (Pinnacles) National Park with thousands of huge limestone pillars which bring to mind the Chinese terracotta army.

Jurien Bay

After leaving New Norcia it was cross-country through undulating plains covered with low scrub and, even this late in Spring there were quite a few wildflowers blooming.

Next stop was a restful one week break at Jurien Bay on Western Australia's Coral Coast, which had been recommended by a friend.

There are miles of beautiful white sandy beaches and the pier and esplanade to sit and enjoy the view.

The caravan park also has a cafe right on the beach with reasonable food and friendly daily visitor [a stumpy tail lizard].

Stormy Weather

After months of blue skies and mid 20's the next week is bringing a dramatic change. We've holed up near Streaky Bay thanks to friends of friends.

 

I'll have tuna with that

The most amazing thing on the Swimming with Tuna trip at Port Lincoln was how BIG the tuna were.

Did I think they'd be can-sized, no, not really, but I hadn't imagined that they'd weigh 60-100 kg and be up to 4 metres in length.

The one's we were swimming with were juveniles and around 60kg and up to 2 metres in length.

Most folks wore the wetsuits that were offered but after noticing that a couple of folks went in with swimsuits and neoprene gloves and boots I decided to follow suit.  So, after waiting for the rush to die down in I went …

It was FANTASTIC … the speed of the tuna and their dexterity and skill in manoeuvring around us clumsy land-based creatures

Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula

The ferry from Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula to Cowell on the Eyre Peninsula saves about 350kms on the journey over to Western Australia and is a relaxing and enjoyable trip with frequent sightings of dolphins.

The ferry arrives in a rather remote location in Lucky Bay but after a short drive on a gravel road you arrive in the pretty town of Cowell with Norfolk pine trees down the centre of the main street. 

To my great excitement my brother James and his wife Maureen caught up with me at Cowell. They are just at the beginning of on an extended trip around Australia

The Cowell Motorhome Camp which is situated about 3kms south of the town on the foreshore, has only recently been moved from the dump point site in town so is rather barren but trees have been planted around the circumference and rubbish bins are emptied a couple of times a week. 

Nuriootpa to Wallaroo

My favourite place at Nuriootpa was Maggie Beer's Farm Shop, you can purchase all her products here, as well as some small run specials and they have a picnic menu. The staff were really helpful and friendly and the whole place has a lovely atmosphere with peacocks wandering among the fruit trees and a large lake.

Being in the Barossa Valley there were vineyards everywhere. This area is renowned for it's Shiraz. Kellermeister Wines' Wild Witch Shiraz collected three trophies at the International Wine Challenge in London this year and was judged best international Shiraz, unfortunately it's a little out of my budget price at $70 per bottle.

Leaving the Barossa we travelled south through the Yorke Peninsula to the tiny town of Wallaroo on Spencer Gulf where the ferry that runs between the Yorke and Eyre Peninsula departs.

The town has probably the most rough and potholed roads I've ever seen but there does seem to be some work being done down on the foreshore where the kiosk has been recently upgraded and is now a really good cafe with excellent coffee and a good variety of cakes.

The local children also have contributed to brightening the streetscape with some interesting mosaics all with a nautical theme.