In-land Surprises + Freo Heave Ho!

I know this post is a long time coming......Sorry x

As you are all aware we have been hugging the coast line for most of our travels with one exception when we travelled in-land to trek around Karijini National Park.  The coastal fun was about to be interrupted for some in land wine tasting and a drop in temperature requiring jeans and trackie pants!  

From Kalbarri we continued on our southerly journey travelling through some of the first in land settlements still pretty close to the beach but the countryside showing signs of farming life.  Paddocks full of wheat and grain all ready for harvest and even some lying on the ground waiting to be bailed

On our drive we passed this amazing lake.  Yes it is pink in colour and supposedly naturally occuring with the most exquisite pink colour from all angles.  This phenomenon is due to a "bloom" in algae production and produces beta carotene!  Now I thought beta carotene was what made carrots orange.. so why is this lake not orange?  Anyway is was very pretty and Sophie was very excited to see her pretty fairy lake.

We had planned to camp in Jurien bay for the night but our fellow travelling buddies managed to come across this little gem "Sandy Cape Reserve" only 13km's north of Jurien bay.  This area was originally full of "squatter shacks" which were used by the local farmers for there summer holidays.  The shacks were ordered to be pulled down in 2001 and what is left is an area that has trees and some grass which is now accesible for all to visit.  All along this little strip of coast are little fishing shacks and with the WA lobster season about to begin I bet they will be visited to taste some of the local produce

Sandy bay is protected from the winds and you can snorkel of the beach.

This pic is taken from the lookout from the point, nice little find for sure x

Fishing at sunset....

The Weirs stupidly packed there fishing rods in the container with the rest of our belongings!  Yes very dumb.. Thankfully our good friends have a couple of rods with them and have been kind enough to share.  But we thought the hospitality will surely run thin soon so we finally purchased our own rod and reel in Jurien bay at a bargain I might add. $49.95 for a Abu Garcia reel and rod combo.  Jack is stoked and caught the first fish on the rod and the only fish for the day!  I think we have a fisherman in the making. 

As I mentioned the temperature had dropped quite a bit and the kids decided that they could still enjoy the sand but the just needed a bit more clothing.  Mind you the water temp was beautiful, it was warmer in the water than on the shore.

From Jurien bay area we continued south and visited the "Pinnacles"

Limestone statues that jolt out from the ground in the middle of nowhere!

The aboriginal story tells tale of elders telling the young men not to venture into the sandy soils because if they did they would not get out as the sand would be like quick sand.  The pinnacles are the young men's fingers trying to reach out from the ground who had been swallowed by the sand!.... Anyway it is pretty cool and from a distance they look like termite mounds.  You can walk or drive around them on a designated track and there are literally hundreds of them.

http://www.westernaustralia.com/en/pages/attraction.aspx?pid=9001684

From the Pinnacles we turned East and went inland. We stayed at a lovely little place called Toodyay! pronounced Too -jay.  We used this as a base to take a look at Northam, York and the Swan Valley.  The weather was cold, overcast and rainy at times but is was still pleasant enough to go for country drives.  I am sorry but I did not take any pics :( not sure why was too busy being countryfied.

It was also an opportunity for the kids to sit and rest for a bit and watch a few movies "Chitty Chitty bang bang" is a hit! and for us to regroup and do some washing before hitting Perth!

Paul did mange to get a pick of the resident peacock in the caravan park at Toodyay.

Freo Heave Ho!

Well we love it. Perth is a great city.  

We have stayed and spent  most of our time in and around Fremantle venturing to Cottesloe to dream, Subiaco to window shop and drink coffee and Perth city to ride the train and free buses.  The rail and bus system is awesome and most of it is FREE!!!!!

Freo markets are a must, BUT not the E shed it is crap!  full of tourist bulls*#t  make sure you check out the main markets along cappuccino strip!

Paul and kids walking down the esplanade, fish and chip central...

Now this is how to bring the 30 something clientele into your brewery.  Little creatures is awesome! we spent a few hours tasting the selection and munching on delicious pizza and we could because the kids were in heaven....

Honestly the only time I have truly liked a sand pit xx

Hermit Crabs!

  

A view of Freo from the "Wheel"

Freo Mariner

Even the kids are now accustomed to to our daily coffee fix!  Putting in their own coffee orders

Cappuccino Strip

Some of the older architecture of Fremantle

All taken from my iphone so not that great of quality

We were fortunate enough to catch up with my first cousins Judy and Mandy and their respective families.  Mandy provided a delicious morning tea for us all.  It was so nice to see them as I really can not remember the last time I have spoken with the two of them.  Sophie became quite attached to Judy, with Judy providing the right amount of attention to keep her entertained.  The kids for once where very good and have them all fooled!

Judy in the dress on the left and Mandy in the middle.

xx

We have really enjoyed Perth and we would love to come back without the kids to really enjoy the restaurants and cafe lifestyle.  Everyone seems very active and it appears the weather supports many outdoor activities.  We where thinking of going over to Rottnest Island but it is a bit $$ just for the day and honestly we would prefer to spend the money on some nice wine down in Margaret River.....

So the Margaret River region is calling.. We will leave tomorrow for Yallingup to camp and relax by the beach once more and taste the local produce along the way! 

Will keep you posted.

xxx