Horricks to Greenough.

Windy Always is living up to its name.
We were informed, that there is a good side to that as well. That is there are no flies, and it keeps the heat down.
That is possible as it is only 29deg at the moment,  and still no rain.
7months since we left home, and rain still evades us.
Fishing is still a problem because of the wind,also there has been a closure because of the breading season. That finishes on the 15th December.
Tez and I left first, as we wanted to call in and see the Pink lake at Port Gregory.It was overcast so the lake wasn`t that pink,but you can see it.
Then headed off to North Hampton. to see an old church and shop.
We all travelled to Horricks for two days, relaxed did some sight seeing, not allot to see, it is a very       small town.
Sandy and I cooked an Apple Pie for our Xmas tea with Donna and Phil.
She also died my hair for me. I appreciate that so much. There is no where to have it done around here, so we do each others, so one good turn deserves  another.
 Tez and john went fishing. John caught a nice Taylor so we had fish dinner, with prawns.Not to be sneezed at.
We left there and went to Geraldton.
Sandy and John are still without their van, so they have been staying in cabins at their own cost.
We only stayed at this Park for two days, till Sandy and John go home For Xmas.
When we arrived our sight was next to Donna and Phil, So Donna being Donna she put the kettle on for a cuppa, for when we had set up. They are very special people.
Then Sandy, Donna and I went into Cole's to shop for our Xmas Dinner that night.
The Caravan park had a beautiful camp kitchen, that we were able to use, so that made life very easy.
The next day we did washing etc.That night all had our dinner then went to Sandy and Johns cabin to finish off the apple pie and ice cream. As no one has room for those type of things. Each of us exchanged cards and it was a very nice night.
Today we have all gone our separate ways.
Us to Greenough, Sandy and John to Perth,Donna and Phil leave in two days for Dongara.
So till the New Year when we meet again.

Kalbarri.W.A.

Our Holiday has now taken us to the beautiful Kalbarri.
We are staying at The Anchorage Caravan park.
Donna and Phil arrived the day before and are staying at the Tudor, But Tez had to be near the water.
As we were setting up, Sarah and Matt arrived, He couldn't`t wait to go fishing with Tez.
They came back for happy hour and organised the next morning for Matt to pick Tez up and take him Beach fishing for Taylor at Wittecarra . Kalbarri.
 Sarah and I were going walking  along the beach at the front of us to China mans Beach it takes about an hour .
It was great to catch up again, they are such a lovely couple.
So the next morning we all set out on our adventures planed the day before.
 Matt got one Taylor Tez  none. Since then it has done nothing but blow.
The next day they were supposed to leave but stayed an extra day with us, so we invited them and Donna and Phil around for Happy hour, so they could  meet each other.
Everyone enjoyed each others company it was good.
It is good because you catch up quite often, so it is nice to see a friendly face, you are never lonely.
Before going home that afternoon, Donna made the same arrangement with me, to go walking The next morning. So Tez and Phil were going Fishing.
Next morning Tez Had to renege as he had been pushed around by the surf and his back didn`t like it.
Donna and I still kept our date so off we went, and collected a few bright Orange shells.[Oh! no.]
Sarah and Matt left that day and headed for Dongara.
 Tez and I went to pay bills and also went for a look around the town.
While driving we saw an add for The Murchason River Homestead. They were having a Muso night on Saturday night in their wool shed.
Plus we had also found a place advertised for dinner ,called Finlay`s Fish or beef BBQ
 Drove to Blue Holes very pretty. Jake's Point. Red Bluff Beach and Red bluff Point. The views are unbelievable.
Then we went looking for cabins for Sandy and John, as they are coming back to Kalbarri to be with us while they wait for their van to be repaired.
That afternoon we went and had happy hour with Donna and Phil, and also met up with some other people we had met along the way, Sue and Phil arrived from Denham and Fay and Bruce were our neighbours in Port Headland when we got our van back so that was nice.
We put it to all at happy hour about the nights out and they were impressed. So it was Friday night for Finlay`s fish BBQ, and Saturday for the Muso`s night. Everyone seemed quite happy about going.
Got back to have dinner at 7pm These happy hours are becoming very extended.
The next morning Donna and I went walking and picking up shells [ just a few] We leave at 7am it is great.
Then Sandy and John arrived so Donna made everyone a cup of tea for morning tea it was great.
So Donna, Sandy John and I all went to the Rainbow Jungle Bird Sanctuary.It was so very hot there, the poor birds were all sitting with their wings out and their tongues hanging out, poor things, I wanted to let them out to fly away.
There were some beautiful birds there though.
Then Sandy and John had us all at their cabin for happy hour.
Next morning Sandy John and I all went to the Kalbarri National Park.
Donna and Phil also went out there, It was so hot we were all back by lunch even though we went separately, we all had the same idea.
Altogether 10 of us now, turned into 12 for our dinner to Finlay`s fish BBQ.
OH! it was great what a place so cheap.
Their add reads Australia's famous tin shed, The old fish factory. Seafood under the stars, no frills, no service, no corking charges, no glasses, no waiters, no carpets,no table cloths, no bookings, just rock up to a seafood and steak grill to remember.
Everyone had a ball, it was fantastic.[check out the photos on the blog] heaps of memorabilia. Toilet rolls for serviettes, BYOB.
We had 3 large pieces of red emperor plus chips, salad and fried rice That I could not eat it all for
$18-00 a head. Desert was very large servings of Apple crumble and ice cream $5-00. That is only one of the choices. There were approximately 10 varieties of desert ranging from $3 to $5-00.
We couldn't`t believe it.
The amount of people that were there was incredible. One lady did all the cooking on her own. nothing seemed to faze her she said she loves it. What a worker.
It is only open Fri, Sat, and Sunday nights now, as she needed a rest.[ wonder why]
We all thought it was fantastic, she even cooked special seafood for Sandy as she is Celiac. Nothing was a problem.
Then came Saturday night.
Murchason House Station. [a working station Built in 1800,]  Muso`s night in the shearers shed.
It started at 5-30 till 10pm  $20 per head included a hamburger for adults, or sausage sizzle for kids.
Sandy had to take her tea to that one but she didn`t mind.
BYOB, bring your own chairs etc.desert was an ice cream cone $1-00 each. [we find the bargains]he!he!
That was another good night, heaps of laughs, everyone seems to get on very well and it is lots of fun.
Donna, Phil, Bruce, and Fay all left for different destinations today.
Sandy and John went on a tour of beaches etc, so did Tez and I separately, then met latter for happy hour.
Tomorrow we head for two nights at Horricks beach.

Denham. Shark Bay.

Oh my goodness did we have a drive down from Canarvan, to Denham.
After travelling 100ks John and Sandy were in front of us, When their wheel come off the front left hand side of the van, come out the side and then flew across the back of the van and straight across the road, between our vehicles.
It was so scary, We were not hurt, as we were quite away back, enough to not be involved. Thank God.
Poor Sandy and John were shaken of course, the poor devils.
No one can believe that they are having so much bad luck.
 But thinking positive no one was hurt. Just their van. It had to be towed back to Canarvan. So they followed it back.
They were lucky it got to there. As the tow truck driver was unbelievably dreadful.
 He almost tipped the van off the truck. After having two chances to place it on the truck and two hours latter.
 They were able to take off.
Sandy and John were in the N.R.M.A. road service, so they were covered for accommodation, in
Canarvan. They have stayed in a cabin at Winter Sun Caravan Park the same park we had just left.
They had the people look at the van in Canarvan, He has said it will have to be towed to Geraldton on
Monday as it can`t be done in Canarvan.
So Sandy and John are going down there too. That will be a huge drive for them in one day, poor buggers. They do not know how long it will be before it will be repaired till they get to Geraldton.
When they were on their way to Canarvan and there wasn`t any more we could do, Tez and I went on to
Denham. We arrived at 5pm. All pretty sunburned,plus covered in dirt, after being in the Sun all day,also the road trains flying passed we were all covered in dirt. Poor Sandy and John I don`t use sunscreen, and they couldn't` get theirs.  They must have really coped it. I was fine but Tez was a bit burned.
We had all had a very long day.
Sandy and Johns was very stressful, Tez and I felt very sorry for them.
We were also very sorry to say that the whole time that Sandy and I stood waiting for Tez and John to return, as they had no service on our phones, They had to drive up the road to get on to the N.R.M.A.
 Out of  fifty cars two pulled up to see if we were o.k. and one of those were people we new.
The other people were an English couple on holiday here.
 Not one Ozzie. Good on ya mate.
That is pretty sad when you think about it.
The next day Tez and I went and done some sight seeing around Denham.
We went down to Monkey Mia we were disappointed very over rated and a rip off.
The second stop was Little lagoon, where all the windsurfers go. That was very pretty, around the whole lagoon there were all these sun shelters and barbecues, everyone was spotless.
Then we drove to shell beach, where the whole beach is shells that they make bricks out of.
Next was Goulet Bluff very nice, two free camps Whalebone and Fowler's camp Not as big as we thought and no one out there, but it was very windy.
The next stop was Eagle Bluff it was spectacular, they had a wonderful boardwalk that gave you the best view of sharks and rays in the water, it was beautiful.
Then back at around 2pm to be met by some friends we have made through travelling. Donna and Phil
and Sue and Phil who asked us up for Happy Hour.
Today started with Donna and Phil coming to say bye, Till tomorrow as they have gone on to Kalbarri.  So we went to the Shark Aquarium.
The tour guide was amazing, very informative, and he was from The Hunter. So he was very excited to see us.
We also met Sue and Phil there as well, and they are from Newcastle. So this young man thought it was incredible.
 He was a very knowledgeable young man. We come back to the van had lunch and wrote some letters. Then Sue and Phil come down for Happy Hour, It was a great day.

Canarvan, W.A.

On Tuesday, Carol, Stephen , Tez and I, all left Sandy and John at the Coral Bay turn off, As they headed for Exmouth once again to have their fridge replaced.
The drive to Canarvan, was not very interesting. Although going from A to B on the West Coast is very boring, the landscape dose not change. Very flat no wild life and the vegetation is Spinafix and rock, no mountains, just flat.i
Canarvan is disappointing as everything we hoped to see here has finished for the year. There year finishes in October, as the wet season is about to start.
They have a jetty here that runs out to sea for 1klm, 2months ago the kids burned it down half way along.
You need to be able to go right out to fish, so that is out also.
This Jetty has an old Museum that is closed. The jetty also has an old Puffa Billy train that runs to the end of the jetty and takes you out or back. But because of the fire that isn`t going either.
So we decided to go to a fish factory, where they have their own fleet of 10 boats that harvest scollop's and prawns. Then they show you how to process them. So we thought that could be interesting. [heard this on the radio]. So off to the tourist information centre to book. Oh! we keep telling them to change that add as it has not been going for 4 years now.
We thought o.k. while we  are still waiting for Sandy and John, to have their fridge fixed, as they had the old fridge taken out, put the new one in, BUT the new one dosn`t work either. So they are still held up in Exmouth. Not knowing what is going to be done.
Instead of staying here with not much to do we decided to go out to Quobba Point and stay, as there is a camp out there that only costs $5-00 per day. You have to be self sufficient but it was great.
So off we go to Quobba, it only took us 45minuets to get there, we set up had lunch, and went sight seeing.
Some people we have met on our stops Donna and Phil from Alice Springs. Were coming out for the day, as there was a Memorial Service for the H.M.A.S. Sydney II. 70 years after they were attacked, 80 miles off Western Australia. Phil's uncle was on that ship, so they were going.
So Cas and I went and saw the Ranger and got permission to pick the wild flowers, and we made two Bouquets one for Donna and Phil  and one for us as we went too, It was lovely.
Even though it was very Windy out there we still went walking, Fishing etc. Found a few more shells He!He!He!..... Made our way back on Tuesday as Sandy and John are back at Canarvan[still with no fridge in their van] So they have something they have given them a 50ltr Waeco fridge to get them to Geralton, where they can get another new fridge. UNBELIEVABLE.
Whilst here in Canarvon we will replenish stocks, do the washing Clean the Vehicles again.
The best part about Canarvon you can go straight to the farms and buy your fruit and Veges very cheap, and with beautiful flavour. The Strawberries are Beautiful.
Tonight Carol surprised all of us by decorating all the table with xmas decorations,seeing we wont be together, and she is leaving us.
So from tomorrow on Sandy John Tez and I will be on our own, As Cas and Stephen have seen this part of the coast, so they are going on to Perth to see Karen and David Thom's
Then on the the 10th of December Sandy and John Fly home till the 6th of Jan. So we will be on our own  for about 1 month till we all get back together again.
It is now 7 months since we have been on the road.
Tez and I can`t believe it , we have seen some amazing places and things.
You keep wondering what is around the next Corner.
We are always surprised, as every day is a Sunday . 

Coral Bay..

Hi Everyone,
Well this place should be called, Snorkelers Paradise.
Coral Bay is a very small place it is only 1 klm and that consits of two caravan parks, two small shopping centres. Mainly tourist tour shops  and dive shops Plus a pub and resort. That is it.
Since leaving home 6 month ago, This town has the most young people, as well as grey nomads, it is great.
It is heaven here. there is only one problem this time of year is the wind. It never stops blowing, 25knotts. Although we feel if there wasn`t a wind it would be too hot. So it keeps the temperature down a little. So take the good with the bad.
We are all staying in the Peoples caravan Park, that is right on the water, with different sites, Tez preferred to be right smack on the beach, the others went up the back with a few minuets walk down.
But we have every day on the beach, and dinner together most days.
We have walked around the beach to the shark nursery.
On Sunday John, Sandy, Stephen, Carol, and myself all went on a snorkeling cruise in a glass bottom boat. That was something else.  Cas reckons that that was the highlight of her trip so far.For someone who didn`t feel confidant in the water, we are now calling her Val, every opportunity they get her and Sandy are wanting to go back into the water and snorkel. They are very good.
Even though I like it I can still hear that Jaws Music.
Although the scene under there is a garden under the sea it is magic.
The colours of the fish are A M A Z I N G. We are diving on Ningaloo Reef.
This is the only country in the world that has a coral reef on the west side of a country. That in its self is
A M A Z I N G.
Tez and the boys went around to where they could fish yesterday afternoon. [ as most of this is a sanctuary] Although  the wind was very bad he still managed to catch a large Queen Fish. No photo the boys didn`t take a camera, It come back in fillets. Sorry.....
This has been a very relaxing place.
Oh! another thing is the water you  use is artisan boar water, very salty. Then you go to a special tap to get your drinking water. It seems like it will be like this for a fare way down the coast.
When and if, you ever come here you have to have all your food as there is only a very small very expensive super market. One small piece of sweet potato $2-65. Those stripped bags $2-00 at The Reject Shop. Here they are $5 -80 each. A tin of curry powder $4-80. So you cant afford to buy anything here.
We are going to Canarvan tomorrow so Woollies is there and it will cost us a fortune as we will be refilling the cupboards, as we have almost hit rock bottom.
Cas and Stephen are going with us, but Sandy and John have to go back to Exmouth to have their new fridge installed. YES!!!!! Dometic, have finally agreed to replace their fridge. It has only taken 11 months.So they will stay to make sure all is o.k. then meet us further on.
It wont be long and we will be on our own for awhile as everyone is doing something different for Xmas.
Then we all meet again, mid January.
So that will seem strange, But it will be good for all probably.
Heard from Sarah and Matt last night, They have their van all fixed now.
Matt has bought a new rod so can`t wait to meet up with us again, so he can go fishing with Tez and the boys, again.

Exmouth. W.A.

Well we are on our way to Exmouth, Today is Melbourne Cup Day.
Three days ago when we were in  Port Sampson, having happy hour with Matt and Sarah we said we would have a sweep, for The Race. Sarah  chose the horses and persons to go with them, we all had three horses each, at  $2-00 a horse.
As we drove along the highway it was getting close to the time of the race, as we are three hours behind.
Cas gets on the two way, "Di can you get a station on the radio?"
"Our aerial hasn`t been up in ages as it is full of dust."
Everyone laughs at me. and says they don`t believe it.
So no one else can get a station without static.
On goes our radio, up goes the aerial, yesssss. Perfect.
"Everyone pull over."
 The Race that stops the Nation.
Cas 1st  Di 2nd  Steve 3rd  Sarah last. but she received $2-00 back for running last.
O.K. back in the cars lets go, it is very hot here.
On our way that day we saw allot of Willy Willies, or as Tez has Christened them Jimmy Jimmies I have no idea why.
 But Sandy was able to get a good picture of one.
We arrived, set up. Sandy rang about their fridge, and I rang about the Skylight that had to be replaced over the shower.
 The young man I rang said I can be there in ten minutes. I was amazed, couldn't`t believe it.
But yes he was here in ten minutes, did a great job. Plus our door handle needed to be fixed he did that as well. Sat and had a drink with us. Looked at Sandy`s fridge but couldn't`t do anything for them as they were sent to a special person because of warranty. [Dometic are now coming to the party and giving them a new fridge] and so they should.
Tuesday 02-11-11
Today did washing, went to the office to pay for 4 extra days stay. When I got back, Tez was upset we had just found out that our sister in law Joan had passed away. After her battle with ovarian Cancer.
She was only 76 the new 60. We were so pleased we took the time to go visit with her before we left.
We had 3 lovely days at Diamond Head. Those  Memories will last forever.
Sarah and Matt were back at this Park also, by now. [staying in a tent] van still not fixed, been out to the National Park for a few days. They are supposed to leave tomorrow. Ha! Ha!
Seeing that the boys are hiring a boat and they have invited Matt to go fishing, It will now be the next day..... Or will it????
So the boys all took off for a fishing adventure. All the girls went with Sarah to Wobiri Beach. Then to all meet for lunch at Tantabiddi Boat Ramp.
We are all off at an early start. When we arrived at our destination Wobiri Beach. Sarah said" all those
Things in the water there not rocks you know, They are turtles." We all said " No Way" There were hundreds of them. They were so tired after laying their eggs that some of them were resting on the beach. OH! MY! GOD! it was  A M A Z I N G. I could have stayed there for the day. [ see the photos ]
We met the boys had lunch and went to Bundegi beach, Had a lovely swim.
This is such a beautiful Place. The boys caught fish so we all had tea together. It was a great day.
Sarah and Matt are definitely leaving tomorrow, even though Matt was trying for another day.
They said it was a little hard in a 2 man tent, they really needed to get their van fixed. So we will probably meet again down the coast. They are a gorgeous couple.
The boys had the boat for 3 days and made the most of it. Even though they were a little sea sick our stematil come in handy. Tez couldn't`t go the last day, His back was letting him down. So the girls went fishing with their husbands and we stayed and went to do some sight seeing to Charles Knife Gorge. and allot of other beaches. One of which was Wobiri so Tez could see the turtles, Or was it just because I wanted  to go back.....????? It was very nice. We have been back 3 times now and you don`t get sick of it. Oh! and we got to collect some more shells there. Clam Shells all sizes. He! He!
Exmouth is a Peninsular that covers 95ks of 22  beaches and Cape Range National Park and it is  all  extraordinarely beautiful  .They say that Exmouth is where the mountains meet the Reef and the photos show you how.
You can stand on the beach and look out to sea and see the Whales it is remarkable. I just love it.
Only one problem They have only 2 I.G.A stores owned by the same man in the same small centre one on each end, maybe 4 shops apart. It is ridiculous. and so expensive. so we have done very little shopping here we are waiting till we get to Geralton, to Woollies, that is another week away, So we had a meeting of what was in our cupboards and Freezer till then and made a menu for 10 days.
We went on a whale sunset cruise, saw a mum and a calf, they really put on a show for us. Even though it was windy we all enjoyed it.  
We have been snorkeling at Turquoise Bay, What a great spot but it was very windy the day we were there. Also the boys had a go at Lakeside They thought that was even better. They got to see allot bigger fish there. We have been here for ten days now and it dose not seem like it, there was so much to see and do.
They say that all good things must come to an end.
Tomorrow we leave and head down to Coral Bay, only 155ks.
Except for the wind the weather is still unbelievable, not a cloud in the sky we are all very Brown. and healthy..
Hope you are all enjoying our blog... More adventures are on there way. 

Onslow. W.A.

Well this is our next stop the tiny coastal town of Onslow.
This town does not have allot to offer the tourist.
It has just in the throws of being a Gas works town, Off Shore, just like the one in Karatha.
So everything is taken up with miners or Mining.
We went for a nice walk along the beach,and back on the boardwalk.
On our way back we found Their lovely Memorial Park. It was so nice, they had it on the water where there was a steel Sunrise. On Anzac Day the sun would rise exactly where this is placed. It would look spectacular. Such wonderful planning.
Opposite the caravan park, was a park that offered a set of exercise equipment that we thought was a very good idea, it had signs to explain what to do and how to do each exercise. Also for what stage you needed to do and use each piece of equipment for what length of time.
The boys went down to the mouth of the Ashburton River. Where the lady who owned the Park said it was her favourite place to fish, for the first time they had a good days fishing. They caught, 3 bream 1 grunter, 4 trevally,and a barracuda. They were most impressed.
That afternoon, we went to a place called Old Onslow where we were supposed to see an old town with Onslow`s History.
Stephen drove us  80ks out to find signs only. Except for the old goal and police station. We couldn't believe it, we laughed all the way back to the vans.
The next morning we were to leave for Exmouth, as there was nothing else to see.
Tez was a little disappointed as he said this was the most fish he had caught and this place showed allot of potential.