28 April, 2015

Time is flying by, I can’t believe it’s been two weeks since I blogged.  There’s been so much happening and some wonderful places to see.

After leaving Nambung Cattle Station, I stopped at a camp on Coronation Beach, which is about 25ks north of Geraldton.  I assume its a council owned park because there’s a caretaker, longdrop toots, garbage bins etc but it’s only $7 a night.  Bargain!

Nice sunsets over the water.

Then out to a place called Oakabella Homestead, which is only about 7 or 8 ks from Coronation Beach but inland.   It’s supposed to be the most haunted place in WA.  Check out the signpost below.  There’s some history of the property on the website if you’re interested – www.oakabellahomestead.com.  It’s run by a crazy fun woman called Loretta who’s only too happy to share the stories of the history of the property and the ghosts plus she makes a mean wattle seed scone.

 

I stayed a couple of days but didn’t meet any of the ‘complimentary ghosts’ so toddled off to Geraldton.  Geraldton’s a nice enough place but the main reason people stop there is because it’s the last place to stock up before heading further north.  From there on there’s nothing much before Port Hedland.

I bought a swag of groceries etc and would have liked to buy some wine;  however, Geraldton’s idea of fine wine comes in a box with a little tap at the bottom and, well, I’m not quite there …. yet!  The lady at the bottlo also told me that they don’t keep Chardonnay because ‘no one drinks it’.  Oh dear.

I’m often amazed at the stunning old buildings to be found in little one horse towns – usually churches, convents etc.  This is an example in Northampton.  Just beautiful.

Of course, having come this far I could not possibly miss a visit to the Principality of Hutt River.  How many of you can say you’ve been presented to royalty?  There’s a pic of me and HRH Prince Leonard below. For nearly 90, he’s as sharp as a tack and loves to have a laugh, usually at the expense of the Australian politicians and government.  We had a great old chinwag and I was lucky enough to have arrived on the 45th anniversary of the Principality’s secession.  Check out his car please and then put it into the perspective of the surroundings!

 

There’s a lovely little chapel with some impressive artworks.

And there’s beautiful Betty in the bush all settled for the night.

After that, I headed back to the coast.  The coast road affords really beautiful scenery but the best views are often in places where it’s impossible to pull over and snap.

I had to laugh.  I came up and over the crest of a hill and below me stretched a very pretty valley.  I looked at the road ahead and, in a steady stream, was a convoy of caravans and motorhomes.  What a hoot!  The nomads are headed north for the winter.

This is on the way to Port Gregory and past the Pink Lake.

Port Gregory is just a tiny little fishing village but quite pretty.  Look at how crystal clear that water is.

From there I took the road along the coastal cliffs heading toward Kalbarri.  What a stunning rugged coastline!

However, the flies are very, very, very friendly!

But, the views make putting up with the bugs all worthwhile.  However, I had to delete a number of photos when I got back and viewed them because, at the point of clicking, flies had flown in front of the lens.  Little blighters!

Even from the cliff tops you can see to the bottom of the water because it’s just so incredibly clear.

And now I’ve arrived in Kalbarri.  I didn’t expect such a stunning place.  Am in love.  It’s beautiful.  There’s lots to see here so I’ll be staying awhile.