Tuesday Oct. 23rd
It is another bright sunny day but definitely not as hot
.
On our way out of Carnarvon we saw the huge NASA Tracking Station used for tracking the different space missions returning to earth. Since the space missions have been stopped this huge dish is obsolete.
We are heading to Monkey Mia on Sharks Bay today and once we get to the roadhouse for the turn off we will have been around Australia. We fueled up in Denham, a quaint little town on the waters of Sharks Bay and 25 kms from Monkey Mia.
We had to pay to get into the Sharks Bay Marine Park and then into the campground. Fortunately there was room as we didn't call ahead to reserve a spot.
The scenery wasn't the greatest today as it was what we have been seeing for days. We saw some goats and cows along the side of the road but they were scared off by the sound of the horn.
Once we had set up we went for a walk around the park to reorient ourselves. The wind is really blowing and since it is so dry there is sand blowing everywhere. Up to today we have driven 9963km.
Wednesday oct
. 24th
It another bright sunny morning and the wind is not as bad.
The feeding of the dolphins is scheduled for about 8am so we head over to the beach to wait.
Last time they were a bit early but stayed around until they got their food. However today they decided to thumb their noses at us and we ended up waiting nearly two hours before they came into the bay.
One of the bottlenosed dolphins is pregnant and when she rolled over to show her big belly it was speckled. Evidently as dolphins age the belly becomes speckled and this one was over 30 but in adult years about 70 and still bearing young. Dolphins nurse their young for 3 -- 4 years and can still get pregnant even while nursing. They also eat about 15 kilos of fish per day. Each dolphin has distinct markings on their bodies just like humans have different markings on our skin. These ones answer to their names and turn their heads sideways so they can see you better.
We only saw one emu walking around getting into trouble because it was looking for food and being nosy in every caravan that it came upon
. We didn't see any pelicans today either.
Had lunch at the restaurant here. There is also a massage parlor that wasn't opened as well as a small grocery store and souvenir shop. They have everything that one needs. The sandy beach is lovely for swimming and soaking up the sun.
We didn't take any of the excursions out on the catamaran as we did that the last time. We decided to have a quiet afternoon and Eric had a nap. We needed some down time and it was nice to not be on the move for a day.
The wind has picked up again this afternoon.
Thursday oct. 25th
We had to retrace our footsteps of 159kms back to the Overland Roadhouse on the main highway where we fueled up for our journey south. On our way out from Monkey mia there were emus and goats along the side of the road or else in the middle of the road. It was a good thing that we were alert and these animals were alive when we left them.
Heading south toward Geraldton the scenery is starting to change. The vista is offering us something different with each twist and turn and up and down the hills
. We are out if farmland and the hay or straw is cut and baled -- I can never tell the differnce between these two as they look the same from the road. These homesteads are huge and it was interesting to see the farmhouses.
Once arrived in Geraldton, a community of approx. 33,000 people right on the shores of the Indian Ocean which is dotted with freighters, we had to find a Beaurepairs as Eric keeps loosing pressure in one of the back tires. Then we got afew groceries to tied us over for the next few days and then to the campground. Once we were settled Eric walked over to the beach while I did laundry which didn't take long to dry in this wind.
Friday Oct. 26th.
On this grogeous morning we decided to take the scenic route along th Indian Ocean Hwy. to Perth.
Along the way we stopped in Leeman to get a coffee and some hot water for my tea. Have had to start drinking tea (I even carry my own teabag) as it is impossible for me to get decaf coffee.
On to Jurien Bay and we walked out on the jetty
. The beach is lovely and there is even a raft when folks can either jump or dive into the inviting touquoise water. People were fishing at the end of the jetty. The wind is balmy and helps to keep the flies away and now we are being bothered by ladybugs -- these ones bite just like the ones at home.
We stopped for lunch on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Lancilin.
The scenery has been views of the ocean as well as hills, windy roads, farmland and brambles of various sorts.
We have arrived in Perth during rush hour so it is slow going.
P.S. This is for Jim, Bill & Mae -- there is a Phelps Street in Geraldton as well as a Phelps transport co.
Our stop tonight is in the Swan valley known for its vineyards.
On to the south west tomorrow.
Indian Ocean West Coast, Carnarvon to Perth
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Carnarvon, Western Australia, Australia
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Comments

2025-02-06
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Susan
2012-10-28
It looks beautiful. What a treat to see the dolphins.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY!!
Connie
2012-10-28
Also want to wish you a happy birthday!
Miss you --love your travel updates.