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February 2019
02 February 2019
Having explored the South side yesterday today it was time to investigate a couple of free camps and the National Park at Two People's Bay.
First off was an inspection of the beach at Nanarup where the ocean is kept back from the estuary by a huge sand bar. Nice spot, but no camping and not really any photo's.
Heading back past our camp we made our way to check out Betty's Beach. This would be a great spot for a few days, if you can get a spot in the first come, first served, camp hosted area that is.
Then it was off to East Bay and that is definitely a no go for large rigs, and the fact that it is backpacker heaven. Then it was off to Norman's Beach which, with only a couple of large spots on the estuary, would be okay if we could have got in.
So into the National Park proper we stopped right at the end of the road where, with a short stroll up the seaweed covered beach there were some great scenes ripe for a photo.
Long exposure photography was the go to get this shot.
A little closer and this was the scene.
Then it was time to check out Little Beach. Parking at the carpark and walking down to the beach, there it was. A magnificently white sandy beach surrounded by huge towering granite rocks and beautiful turquoise water. Picture perfect and obviously very popular with families enjoying the warm day and the beautiful water.
Little Beach.
We didn't bother with the beach but took a walk along the coast and over the rocks to get some photo's of other things.
Another long exposure shot.
We could have spent all day at the beach but as it was getting hotter it was time to head back for a rest before tonight's outing to see the Field of Light on the Avenue of Honour.
We arrived early and after being greeted at the entrance wandered up the road that has the Avenue of Honour on each side as it ascends Mount Clarence. The 16,000 sphere's waiting for sunset to then light up.
One side of the Field of Light under the Avenue of Honour Tree's.
The ANZAC Memorial as it sits atop Mount Clarence.
A closer shot of the Memorial.
Walking back down to the Avenue of Honour after the sun had set we could hear bagpipes playing and as we came down we could see lots of people standing around watching the piper and of course taking shots of the now lit sphere's.
The lights change from green to red to yellow to represent the colours of the Australian landscape.
Three hours or so after we had arrived we had seen it all and it was time to head back to camp for something to eat and bed.
02 February 2019
Waking to a grey day we packed up and headed off, this time to visit a potential camp, and then some photographic locations. Leaving Albany the rain started to come in and was quite heavy by the time we got to our first stop at Cosy Corner, which is indeed cosy. A good little camp but chockablock full. Backpacker cars and smaller vehicles down the bottom closer to the beach all sheltering under the paperbark tree's, and the larger rigs up the top in between the paperbark's and bushes. We would have stayed but there were no spots left, so we moved on as the wind and rain continued.
Lights Beach was the next stop and where the wind made life rather interesting. Certainly no good for the drone which had hoped to get airborne for some coastal top down shots, but okay enough for some ground based photographs.
Lights Beach with a rare burst of sun on the beach itself.
Of particular interest was the incoming tide as it came around a rather large rock outcrop off to the left of the stairs. The water came in from both sides and met at a sandbar, opposing waters smashing into each other and also running up the sand bar. Not being game enough to stand where we wanted for photo's we had to be happy with a slightly safer, not to mention drier, location.
Opposing sides from the same waves would have been better shot from the wet sand but...
So after Lights Beach we made our way to Green's Pool and Elephant Rock. Parking up with the many others we made our way down to the beach and the particular rock that was to be the subject of a photo. Finding the rock not far from the stairs down to the beach it was a case of staking one's claim to a spot amongst the many foreigners enjoying the beach and the odd selfie obsessed female. With a 30 second timer it was a case of timing the shot between people wanting to get in the shot.
The rock and some long exposure to smooth out the water.
Object achieved at Green's pool it was a short walk over the large rock and along the path to observe some rocks that, if you use your imagination, look like elephant's. It was from this vantage point that I spied a potential photograph in the small cove next to the rocks. But how to get there?
The steps ended down at a small opening between two very large rocks, and the water was starting to come in further with each wave. So, there was nothing to do but make a dash for it, set up a quick composition, take the photo and get back out before the tide cut off any chance of an easy return.
The entry to the small cove.
Once on the beach a composition was fairly easy to figure out, but then as I set the tripod up the clouds above opened up as a rain squall came in from the sea. Might not be a good omen I thought as I left the tripod, gathered my camera bag and camera and tried to find some shelter from the wind and rain, all the time hoping the rain would disappear quickly and allow me to get the photo I wanted before the escape route became totally cut off.
The wind and rain came in for what seemed like an eternity but eventually eased for a few seconds, so I put my camera bag on my back, cleaned the lens off my camera, adjusted the camera settings to what I thought I needed and returned to the tripod to set up. A quick focus using the back button and rear screen while holding my hat above the camera to ward off any errant rain spots on the lens, I pressed the shutter button and after the 2 second timer was done I heard the shutter open. 30 seconds later it was done.
My under pressure, long exposure shot worked a treat!
ISO 100, f8, 30 Second Exposure at 17mm. CPL and Nisi 10 Stop Filter.
Shot taken and no time to check it in camera, it was time to get back. A look over to the escape route showed the tide coming further in, and by the time I got there the water was knee deep. Trying not to stumble and get the camera and gear wet I made a dash into the opening just before a wave came crashing through. Back on just wet sand I found Joanne and some others sheltering in the lee of the rocks at the bottom of the stairs.
Back at the carpark we enjoyed lunch as yet another rain squall came through. Heading off with the wipers going we made our way into Walpole where we hoed to camp up at the carpark next to the tourist information centre. A check with the info center however thwarted that as the local Council had quashed their initiative and shut it down. Making our way out of town we eventually found the rest area we had been recommended beside the highway in the National Park and settled in for the night.
03 February 2019
Waking this morning after a very dark, but peaceful night, we were among five others parked up, all of whom had come in after us.
With more strong wind forecast for the coast we decided to remain inland and so heading off along the highway we were passing through some magnificent tree's, but with a narrow road and nowhere to pullover it was impossible to get any photo's, something we will have to rectify at some time.
A check of the new campground at Shannon in the National Park before arriving in the very pleasant looking town of Manjimup, we stopped for morning tea and then a drive around town. From there it was a short drive onto Bridgetown and then onto Greenbushes where we have camped before. Setting up camp and settling in with four others.
11 February 2019
After another good camp at Greenbushes we were on our way to Pinjarra where we enjoyed another good visit to the free RV Camp, and the next morning made our way to family and friends.
The next few days were spent catching up and spending time with family and friends, getting some small tasks done before heading off once more.
Today saw us leave our front lawn camp at our son's and head for the hills. Stopping in Jarrahdale at the free RV Camp for morning tea we considered stopping there, but eventually decided to continue on for a look at Pumphreys Bridge and then onto Wikepin, all via the back and dirt roads.
Pulling up in Wikepin we stopped on the large concrete slab (looks like an old grain silo floor) and set up our home for the rest of the day.
13 February 2019
Leaving Wikepin after a night that seemed way too quiet for the centre of town, but one we were thankful for, we made our way to Hyden where we topped up the fuel and then stopped under a beautiful tree for morning tea.
Some 50 km's out of town, and just before the vermin Proof Fence we hit the dirt, so we stopped to air down the tyres just in case. We have seen the road in varying conditions over the time we have traversed it, but the latest report was that it was in "good" condition.
Passing Forestania Plots, the Breakaways and what was the Emily Ann Mine (where we got water and a shower when we cycled through in 2006) as well as other stops of interest along the way, we had settled on finally camping at Lake Johnston, a large salt lake in an area where salt lakes are in bountiful supply. We have always said we would camp there one day, and today turned out to be that day. We arrived to find we had the place to ourselves and so picked a spot and settled in as the wind did the same.
After scouting around and capturing some photography subjects the wind really got up and so the idea of a flight with the drone was ditched. Thinking we would have the place to ourselves all night changed when a 4wd came in and set up camp down the track from us on an area we almost took ourselves.
The wind was still up when we went to bed, a look outside showed the stars out and the surface of the lake shimmering under a slither of a moon.
Waking to no wind this morning it just before sunrise it was time to launch the drone to see what we could capture as the sun began to illuminate the countryside.
Our camp not far from the only piece of bitumen along the road.
The wind was quite cool but the sun over the land quite nice. Having captured the landscape in the early sun the next task was the head along the shoreline to look for interesting features, and about the best to be found was this.
About the only features along the shoreline were these water runoff's.
Packing up and heading off to cover the 100 odd kilometres to Norseman we were enjoying the changing tree's and scenery along the way, nearly stopping to try some shots of the burnt tree trunks that had snapped during the fire, their white trunks decapitated at various stages standing among other complete, but totally burnt tree's.
Crossing Lake Cowan we arrived in Norseman where we inspected the new free camp, filled our second water tank for a donation at the tourist information centre, got some fuel, aired up and had morning tea.
Turning East we were again facing the direction to make our way across the paddock yet again. The trip was quite easy, the wind almost non existent, as was the traffic, the bush sparkling and with the various tones of green and blue in the leaves and browns to white to green in the trunks inviting a photo every few metres it was hard not to stop.
We eventually arrived at Newman Rocks, a place we have camped at quite a number of times. Following the track in off the highway for about a kilometre we arrived at the open rock area to find one other camper enjoying the view. A quick drone flight to see what the place was like from the air we then decided to call it quits and set up camp.
Looking East towards Balladonia.
16 February 2019
Well its been a few days since we last updated and there has been a number of kilometres under the wheels since.
Leaving Newman Rocks our first stop was the now abandoned ruin of the Balladonia Telegraph Station. Thwarted by the weather last time it was a good morning to fly and to get the video and still's of the old place sitting by the highway as thousands pass by.
Looking back towards the highway and over the water collection rocks out the back.
Top down view of the ruin.
More and more bush and grasslands passed by and we eventually stopped for morning tea at the water tank and roof that we have camped near on a number of occasions, including when we cycled across here.
Looking West from the water tank rest area.
Passing Caiguna, Cocklebiddy and then stopping for lunch in the gravel pit we usually camp in, the end of the days travel came when we arrived at the Western end of the Madura Pass. Fining a spot out the back we set up for the night.
A couple of others up the front and us down the back. Perfect!
Not being one for sunrise's a half asleep glance out of the window showed it was time to get up. Hastily getting dressed and grabbing some camera gear it was a short trot to the pass to set up and get some shots.
Sunrise over the pass at Madura.
Descending the pass from our camp we stopped in at the roadhouse to top up with fuel and were on our way in a jiffy. Passing our usual stop at Mundrabilla Roadhouse we fondly recalled the number of times we have stopped there, and the time we came down the bluff there from the old coach road up along the escarpment.
Having been to the ruins of the Telegraph Station at Eucla way back in 1999 we decided to have another look. Taking the short cut (that turned into the long way) we were stopped not far from our destination by some very white, soft sand dunes and a track that was getting skinnier by the second. With nothing to winch off and the up and downs of the sand dunes we decided that lugging the 5th wheeler over that would probably not be a good idea, so we back tracked and went in on a better road.
Parking up in the carpark we were the only ones there, so up went the drone for some video and still shots and then a reccy trip out to the coast to have a look at the wharf, somewhere we hadn't been.
The ruins of the Eucla Telegraph Station as they sit filling with sand from the dunes.
The sign said it was an easy 850m walk to the old wharf, and it turned out to be neither. Soft, deep sand made the legs work hard as did the lungs, the hit and miss track made for an adventure, and the sun made for lots of sweat. But on arrival the labour of getting there was well worth it, and some 30 minutes later there were some photo's in the bag.
The classic shot.
The long exposure shot.
Back at the vehicle it was time to cool down in the air conditioning as we made our way up to top up the fuel and to head on. "You will meet the heavy traffic guys at the border" was the information from the man who we paid for the fuel to. "Been there for a few days now and they are getting everything in and out of the state, going both ways". Oh well, this should be interesting we thought, having just put more weight in by filling up and also filling a jerry can.
Arriving at the border we found flashing lights, vehicles everywhere and on both sides, but when we got to where we would be directed to pull in there was nobody in attendance. Passing the vehicles with their lights flashing at 25km/h, the required speed in SA we were half expecting someone to run out and tell us to pull in, but they just looked at us and continued on weighing a truck. So in some ways it was good because we didn't run the risk of finding we were overweight, and bad because we could have got a definitive answer to what our weights were, according to those who say so.
Moving on we investigated a number of lookouts and potential camping spots along the cliffs, some being rough rocky tracks and others being the official ones. We were looking for a specific view of the coast and eventually found it at official lookout number 1 (from the Eastern end), and with nobody there we took a spot that suited us and set up camp.
The bottom edge of Australia (looking West)
A little closer view, and even the highway in sight.
The highway and cliff's not far from our camp.
Our camp at the lookout just after a caravan came in and parked in front of us.
We enjoyed a balmy evening with very little wind, but the wind came up in the middle of the night and we expected to wake to a rig covered in sea salt. As our heads hit the pillow we were secretly hoping for a sea mist at sunrise, but... Now, not being a morning person I was totally surprised when, after looking out the window it was a case of hands to action stations. Hastily dressing in nowhere near enough clothing and grabbing nowhere near enough camera equipment (read should have taken the camera bag) it was a short trot to the lookout and just in time to see the sun rise from below the horizon and to get some shots of another day starting at the bottom of Australia.
Just a little sea mist along the cliffs as the sun rose.
Back at the rig it was time for a cooked breaky before finding and plugging the hole that we had picked up in a tyre on the ute. Not exactly what we wanted, but... So with the rig back in operation we made our way out of the camp and along the highway once more.
Away from the coast now we passed the turnoff's to Cook and to Koonalda Station where we have enjoyed some of our previous outback travels. Passing the Nullarbor roadhouse and the head of the bight we crossed the treeless plain and before long stopped for morning tea in a large rest area come gravel pit not far from Yalata.
Arriving at Yalata we noticed that the old roadhouse had been pulled down. Sad in a way because we had some good and funny memories there from when we cycled across here and camped behind the roadhouse in what was supposed to be the caravan park. Being walked in on in the shower by locals, the local kids coming down for a look at us and those funny bikes and even the old bloke driving in for a look in his bush bashed old car complete with flow through ventilation courtesy of no windscreen or back window, and half a tree stuck under the car and being dragged along as he drove.
Stopping in Nundroo for a fuel top up we noticed the place had had a bit of a facelift, which according to the bloke behind the counter, was just the first bit of the reno. Asking if filling the huge holes in the driveway in was going to be past of the work he laughed and said no, they help slow down those who fill up and drive off without paying.
Our days travel ended at a large rest area some 16 kilometres West of Penong, and being the first one in, we had the pick of the spots as the mercury rose into the high 30's.
17 February 2019
To say today was a blur and filled with white line fever is an understatement. Having enjoyed a peaceful night in our camp we hit the road aiming for a slightly longer day than normal, but we didn't realise it was going to be one of the biggest days we have driven in a long time.
Heading towards Ceduna we passed through the windmill town of Penong and before long were cleared through the quarantine checkpoint, had stocked up on food and fuel and were heading out again with the idea that we would get to Kimba and camp for the day. We are on a mission with these large kilometre days as a family member in Melbourne is not fairing too well so we are definitely on a mission to get there in the next few days.
After an uneventful trip we arrived in Kimba where we fuelled up the tank and ourselves with some hot chips. Heading over to the free camp we pulled in to find it quite busy. Having decided to move on to Iron Knob we stopped long enough to enjoy a $1 shower in the camp before heading out again.
Approaching Iron Knob we changed our minds again and changed the destination to a spot on the Goyder line away from the coast and on the inland side of the Flinders Ranges. The change in daylight hours since coming East helped as did the forecast 39 degrees, so it was just cooler to keep driving and to keep the kilometres disappear.
Approaching the end of the Eyre Highway we viewed the new wind farm that is being constructed on the hills of the Lincoln Gap and before long were passing through Port Augusta without stopping, the first time we can remember. Turning off the highway and heading up and over Horrocks Pass we dropped down into Wilmington and then, with another change in our choice of destination, we made our way to Murray Town where we took up a spot at the camping/recreation ground. $15 for a powered site and with showers and toilets on this hot day was well worth the 658 kilometres we had driven, as was the air conditioning to keep us cool some more.
20 February 2019
We have arrived in Yarragon, our Victorian destination. Yesterdays travel was again white line feverish but after only 489 kilometres it was shorter drive than the previous two, both of which were well over 600 kilometres. Waking today and not driving was a bit of a novelty, but a nice one.
Coming into Melbourne was the usual interesting trial as we battled the traffic, and crossing the West Gate Bridge in lane 3 (out of the 5) was thankfully uneventful.
Posts on here will be few and far between for a while, but we will try to put some things of interest up when we can.
22 February 2019
So this morning it was time to get up before the sun and to head up into the Strezlecki's to see if the sky would light up at sunrise. The view and photo's would have been very nice looking back down over the rolling hills into the valley with the sky lit up, but the cloud was too low and while the clouds did light up just a little, the sun was blocked almost straight away.
Dropping back down the range I came into the Warragul Plantation and where I immediately had to pull over in a small clearing beside the road. Tall timbers of stringy bark tree's towered over fern trees from way down below the road, the colours of the bark and the leaves really standing out in the dull light. So not the shots I wanted, but certainly a very good second.
The view as I came around the corner.
A slightly different view
Most ferns are down in the gully, but this one graces the side of the roadway.
Back down the twisting and winding road it was time for breakfast and a shower before starting the day.
28 February 2019
And so it is the end of another month. We have been busy visiting, and with visitors over the past week, and even a chance to get the flying camera up in the air.
The town of Yarragon from the air with the start of the Victorian High Country off in the distance.
And behind Yarragon are the Strezlecki Ranges stretching for miles from either side of the town.
Mark Twain once said "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do that by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - and so we will.
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