Day 132

We have swapped some books with Denise and John so we have been reading and Gerald did watch the football, it must have been a good game being so close but I wanted St Kilda to win, must admit I was out in the sun.

The wind has been blowing a bit here and it sounded like we had a branch stuck up on top of the bus, which wouldn't be surprising as a branch wiped out one of our top lights. So I had to get up and look, no branch but a lot of leaves on the tyres we have roped to the roof. I did have to tape up the light so water didn't get in when we get to the wet part of our trip.

Day 131

Well what a contrast today is the wind has picked up and the water is very dirty. I didn't mention before but the beach what there is of it is covered with sea grass, what we get on our beaches in Bridport, but its 2 to 3 foot deep here.

We walked up the other end of the beach today and there were about another 12 vans poked into the bush. Back our end there have been some comings and goings, Denise and John are still here. There have been a few come in just for the night and its very interesting watching them position their vans. But Gerald said that some vans have to be dead level to get their gas fridges to work.

Day 130

Well we made the decision today to head home and not go down south to the Margaret River area. So Gerald rang and ordered his pills to be sent to Coolgargie. When we texts the girls Mandy text back why? as it still raining at home, but its going to take about 4 to5 weeks to get home. We will probably come back along the Murray.

Had drinks with Denise and John tonight they are from Qld and have been on the road for almost two years.

Day 129

Well we are in Cliff Head a nice grassed area. There were already two cars and caravans and a Mazda bus here when we arrived there are what appears to be fisherman's shacks, but there is no one in them.

There is a reef way out so the water is very clear and clam. Way way out there is a gas rig and you can see the lights on it at night.

Day 128

Went to Wollies and got all we will need for a bout a week of free camping. School holidays start Friday and its also a long week end. The lady at Wollies told us about a camp just down from Dongara so that's were we headed, stopping first at Dongara for lunch it a very nice place. A couple came over to us and asked if they could have a look as they thought it looked nice from the outside, they also directed us to the spot the Wollies lady suggested.

Just a note, something we haven't come across before. I asked the Wollies lady where the Wollies Service Station was and she told us and I asked if they have gas which they did but the lady next is the queue said that they didn't give the 4 cents off on gas. It does say that on some of the dockets. Gerald said that we didn't need any gas as we have still got that shitty Gull gas that is causing us to stall.

Day 127

After cleaning out the freezer yesterday someone left a can of coke in the freezer over night and it exploded, so I had to do it all over again.

Went to the museum at Geraldton today. They have a lot on the Sydney and the Batavia, even a re-enactment film of the mutiny on murders on the Batavia. Plus a planetarium, that wasn't what I thought it would be, most unusual. Loved the skeleton guide though.

Day 126

Everybody is out washing their vans is not very nice there are a few clouds in the sky but we are still in shorts but T shirt not singlet.

Married 40 years today and I cleaned out the freezer, nothing changes. Leftovers for tea.

The other day we went up the hill to the monument for the Sydney which was sunk off this coast and wasn't discovered till last year. They are in the process of up dating the information at the site.

Day 125

Washing today and then catch up with the blog. Boy I have been at it for three hours trying to get on to the web site. Each time I tried my site it took me to a site where you had to pay to use and when I wanted to look at other peoples sites it went to the same web site and even when I tried to log on as they said it wouldn't work. So I had to shut everything down and then it told me I was unprotected, so back on the net and did some more updating with my AVG so it looks like it's ok now but its taking forever to get my pic on the blog.

Gerald has now decided that the shaking may have something to do with something in the stearing are which is designed to break away in the event of an accident. I just hope he puts it together again properly.......Oh looks like I have to do it.

Day 124

Up at 6.00am well the alarm went off. By the time we had a cup of tea and got dressed and washed we left at 7.00am. So we well and truly there by 7.30.

It was very chilli today and I wasn't looking forward to having to hang round town all day. But we were very lucky we were able to stay in the bus and we had a TV reception.

Gerald spent most of the day watching what Hoover was doing to the bus. actually forged the new leaf in the old fashion way.

By 4.00pm we were on the road again. Mmmmmmm yes well it was better, but there still a small shimmy in the stearing.

So that's it we have had new tyres, new shockers, and a new leaf in the springs about all that can be done as the bushes are OK.

Day 123

Not a lot today. Looked on the computer for times for the pictures so we can have somewhere to go if we have to leave the bus. Not that there was much on till 12.30 and as far as I thought nothing I would want to watch.

We filled up with Gull gas when we first got to Geraldton and its crap the bus wont idle and has stalled a couple of times. So we will NEVER use Gull Service Stations again.

There is a lovely beach just across the road from the park we must go and have a look.

Gerald insisted on doing the washing up

Day 122

Off to pick up the new shockers from Truckline, they were even cheaper than the ones Gerald got for his Z car, good start. But the card machine wouldn't work so we had to pay cash, Gerald most of it.

On to TME in no time the had the new shockers on and you guessed it made little difference. We went to the caravan shop and got a few things for the bus. Then Gerald decided after nearly driving past he would go back to TME and they decided to put a new leaf in the springs. Back to them at 7.30am Friday.

We stocked up with food which was well down and back to the caravan park I had already phoned and booked until Sunday morning.

Day 121

This is the second time for this I for some stupid reason hit cancel instead of Ok you can imagine the word and stamping of feet and I so peeved with myself.

Anyway let me see if I can remember.

We left Kalbarri and headed for Geraldton and we encountered our first real rain for the trip (well we did have a bit at Ormanston Gorge), this lot really washed all that red dust off the bus. It had cleared by the time we got to the post office and
Gerald got his package. We just happened to go by a Harvey Norman store and I have wanted a camera that has a view finder and a zoom. We picked one out but they only had display models and it took them ages to get all the parts together for me I had to even go back to the store. But did get a decent discount.

On to try and find Twomeys, recommended by Paul at Paul's Tryes in Denham. I had to go on the net get the phone number and Gerald rang them we were next door well the name had changed to TME. They were excellent put us straight over the pit and disconnected the shocks and took a ride with us and after lots of discussion it was decided that new shocks would be the first thing. We went a few door down the road to Truckline and he said they would be he at 7am.

By now it was pouring down and we check into the Belair Gardens Caravan Park. It was so wet we had to drive to look at the site and drive back, not cold though.

Day 120

One of the best days of our trip for me. We went out to Rainbow Jungle, we had been here 13 yeas ago and loved it then and its even better now. Its the Australian Parrot Breeding Centre. When we were first here there was Cockie out the front who chatted and bit, the sign said and he was still there he is 57 yo. He is so cunning when he sees new people he puts his claw through to 'shake'. Round the front of his cage it says don't shake, but he does chatter away. On the way out he didn't even raise his head. Any way its the best place there is a walk through avery where the bird just fly round you and just by having a good look in the bushes you can see the birds looking at you just a few inches from you. Excellent.

Went and looked at the bay and saw a lot of people fishing. They put a lot of bait on and all we saw was one small mullet.

Day 119

Well not a lot today. Washing etc, you know it never stops even thought you are on holiday, I think I do more in the bus than at home. As soon as Gerald is out of bed I open the curtains and make the bed.

The view for the park is excellent we look over the river. Will see if I have some pics to insert.

Seeing it was V8's today not a lot was done, exciting but not the best results for us. There is always Bathurst.

Day 118

Went to do a dump but found it was overflowing not at all nice. Moving on to Kalbarri for the V8 supercars this afternoon.

On the way we found a change on scenery wheat fields and lots and lots of wonderful wildflowers. I have heard how great the flowers were, but I am not really into them, but I have to say I was very impressed. I need a better camera.

We almost didn't stay in the park Gerald had a lot of trouble getting a satellite signal. But he got it in the end so all is well.

Day 117

Nola and Trevor left today and we were going to stay for a few more days but it was a bit overcast and we were only staying to use the spa, so we decided to leave too.

On to the Billabong Roadhouse were we fill, well put in $110 of gas as it was $1.049 per litre. We were to meet Nola and Trevor at the Galena Bridge (Murchison River) for lunch, which we did. They carried on and we stayed the night, there was a tearful good bye, we have been travelling together too weeks, but we will catch up when they come to Tassie next year. You meet some amazing people travelling. I bet the people that know Gerald would hardly credit that it was all because he started to chat!

Day 116

Headed of with Nola and Trevor today to explore the area. First stop was Shell Beach which is made up of little Cockle shells sometimes up to 10 metres deep. There is also a fence across the peninsular to keep out the feral goats and sheep, they have culled 32 thousand and the bush is starting to regenerate. Next Eagle Point where there is a nice walkway and sometime sharks and rays can been seen, but not by us. Then on to Ocean Park but they wanted $16 each to look at some fish if the new building had been completed it might have been worth it, but it was a bit too dear for us. Coffee and cake $10 not us. On to Denham that has really grown since we were here 13 years ago. Had lunch at the bakery at a very reasonable price. Monkey Mia was next on the agenda, but they wanted $8 each to enter the car park so we went to the boat ramp and walked 20 metres along the beach and read about the dolphins, who are encouraged to go out to sea and "socialise" in the afternoon. So if anyone wants to see the dolphins its best in the morning.

Back to Denham to get a few things, especially 'R' clips for Trevor's caravan. Trevor has the uncanny nack to see things on the side of the road and at one stage he did a u turn and there was a fishing float on the side of the road and yesterday he found a pair of swimming goggles on the beach.

Back for cheese and drinks, then spa. Tonight we decided to use the camp kitchen for tea as Nola said might as well use their gas. It was nice for a change.

Day 115

We thought we would try a different smoother track to leave Gladstone Beach today, went well for about two km but it seems to be getting right away from the main track so we turned round and met another 4x4, they didn't have much english and weren't sure if the track went to the highway. Anyway we got back on the original track and just near the gate the 4x4 shot out of a side track so didn't seem to save much. Then later on the way to Nanga Station we saw them on the side of the road with the guy underneath, we surmised that he may have done something to the muffler. No good us stopping with Geralds back.

On to Nanga Bay Resort, it is owned by a Chinese or Filipino woman who hasn't spent any money on it and its a bit run down but the Spa was nice and hot and the beach was nice too. We had a spa in the afternoon and another before we went to bed very spoilt.

Day 114

Another lazy day. Walked to the water which was about half a kilometre away and it was nice and warm because its only very shallow and it heats up easily. Trevor had told us about AM 666 it's a radio station and it just plays classic hits its had some really good music.

We had to put on a jacket tonight it was a bit cooler sitting outside for tea.

Day 113

Its nice to be travelling with someone who knows the area. Today Trevor led us to a lovely spot in Carnarvon right on the water. We walked over to the supermarket and Gerald found a chemist and I got some more tops and shorts. Another cunning place there is a Wollies but no Wollies petrol a Coles petrol and no Coles. Lucky I had vouchers.

Anyway when we got back from shopping Trevor had the table and chairs out and we had home made rolls and a cup of tea by the water, very nice.

On to Gladstone Beach there was a gate and had we been by ourselves we wouldn't have gone through it. But its only 6 km of dirt road not corrugated said Trevor......right it almost shook the windows out of the bus. We did eventually get there and I said after that we are staying at least two nights $1 per person per night.

Day 112

Into Exmouth to replenish our stock of water, fuel, food and grog plus dump our used water. On the road to and from Exmouth we saw our first lot of sheep.

We went into Coral Bay for a look and its a very nice place the coral is right on the beach and the caravan parks and just there at the beach. One has kids and dogs the other doesn't

As we got back onto the main North West Highway there were lots of feral goats and they were so pretty and hardly took any notice of us as went past.

Tonight we are at Lyndon River free camp, we were well off the highway so Trevor could run his generator to keep his fridges going. Nola and Trevor used this camp on their way up from Busselton.

Day 111

As we didn't get any fish last time last night we decided to get to the beach early well leave the park by 9.30am. Well we did but it was blowing on shore and it was hopeless, but the water did seem warmer. So decided to go to Bundegi beach on the other side of the cape, so it should have been off shore, but of course it wasn't, so no fish for tea. Went and looked at the Dunes Surfers Beach the waves weren't huge but just right for learning on and there were a few there.

Managed to stop at the 'phone box' and send of a text for Jacks birthday.

Back to the bus and the sky was cloudy and we even had 20 spots of rain. As we are leaving tomorrow we packed up the few things we had outside.

Today is the first day that we haven't seen a whale.

Day 110

Seeing we are leaving here on Sunday I decided that I had best wash the bedding and towels plus anything else that was dirty.

We heard that there is a beached whale on Bundegi Beach and there had been two tiger sharks snacking on it when a big white pointer came along and scared them away and snaked its self and its being suppressed by the shire up here as not to put the fear of god into the tourists...so they say. Any way I heard from a different source that you had to go up the beach in a 4X4 to see it. Even though we had Trevor's 4X4 but we didn't bother and just went into town for happy hour and a pizza and home by 8pm. Of a night you can see the fires on the gas rigs right on the horizon

Day 109

Today Nola and Trevor too us down to the Gardie Beach, well you catch Gardie there now I am not sure but I think they are what we call gar fish. I don't know but we didn't catch any so I still don't know. I think we were a bit late in the day and the tide was going out. But was the day perfect, no breeze the water was calm even though it seemed a bit cool to me. So of course we didn't have the camera only my phone, I did take some pics but I will have to see if I can transfer them to the computer. Well its one of Gerald fishing, now that's a rarity. He seemed to really like it.

There is an ant hill on the side of the road near the Yardie Caravan Park the they, the holiday people call the Phone Box because you can get a single on your mobile phone.

Day 108

Not a lot today. But that's what you do on holidays isn't it. Just sitting and reading. Still windy so Nola came down and said that she was heading into town to get a few things did I want to go, sure thing. I could take my computer and download any emails and update the blog which I did. Nola had a lot of trouble getting on and in the end gave up so I didn't like to take too long so I just updated the blog without any pics they take so long to load. So we had coffee and got a few things from the supermarket and then back to camp

Day 107

Today we packed some rolls and juice and headed down to the National Park for the day with Nola and Trevor. We went into Turquoise Bay where you go to The Drift and snorkel down the bay with the current, its suppose to be the best way, but it was blowing and no one was doing it so I didn't either. So we went into Turquoise Bay proper where it was a little bit calmer, not much though. I went in for a snorkel but I scared myself and couldn't get my breath and it was cold in the water, Nola and Trevor had a dip and them we moved on to another spot for lunch but unfortunately it was windy there too but we had our lunch. We went right down to Yardie Creek which is the last "free" camp on the list. I am glad we stayed where we were at the Lighthouse a lot of the camps we looked at had no grass or any trees for protection from the wind, but one was right on the beach and did have a great view of the water when you could see through the dust and sand blowing about.

Day 106

Into the big smoke today to get supplies ie grog, food and water also to do a dump of out used water. Exmouth have got very nice facilities and do cater for the tourist.

Gerald tells me that we have to more camp tomorrow morning so we thought we would go down to the National Park and check it out. The Tassie family didn't leave here till about 10.30.

Nola and Trevor came with us and because Gerald had his seniors card it only cost $5.00 for the vehicle to get into the park. The ranger did say that you have to be at the gate by 7am to be assured of a spot. Its not like free camping in Tassie where you just pick a spot. Each area only has a limited number of sites 6 to 10 and limits in size of rig and each site has a camp host whoi is responsible for the site and toilets and who is where etc.

We went to the Mesa site that the ranger said would suit us and one of the families that we met at Munro Station were there I had a chat with them and they were moving on to Coral Bay tomorrow.

In the end we decided to stay where we were at the Lighthouse

Day 105

Not a lot today. Nola and Trevor asked us to go swimming again but Gerald wasn't feeling the best and I didn't want to crowed the others.

So just a day of sitting out in the sun reading, there is a slight breeze. In the end I had to put the awning out to get out of the sun a bit.

Met some Tasmanians from Turners Beach and they are going to go into the National Park tomorrow and camp. Its evidently not as hard as we have been led to believe. Having to line up at 5am in the morning to get in. It may have been a few weeks ago but things seem to have quietened down.

Day 104

A couple of days ago we met some people two vans down from us and they invited us to go to Exmouth for "happy hour" at the local. We met a few of their friends and it seem like they have been coming here for holidays for a few years. Most of them stay out at Yardie Caravan park but the two we met Nola and Trevor and moved to the Lighthouse where they have constant power, Yardie only has generators. Anyway we had a very nice night and finished with pizza for tea.

Today Nola and Trevor took us to a beach so we could have a swim. It was lovely I swam and Gerald beach combed. While I was drying off I walked with Gerald and he kicked over the shells and I had to pick them up, that how it should work isn't it?

Day 103

Today I thought I had better catch up with the diary and found out that Nomad's Notes doesn't expect anyone to be away longer than 100 days and started firing error messages at me no matter how I tried to fool it. So I have had to start a new trip. No real hassle it just means that when I get home I will have to combine the two trips. Also when Gerald took all the video off his camera the new pictures he took have renumbered and they are mixed in with the others, so I think I will put a new memory card in and start that again too.

Day 102

Went for a walk along the beach just across the road from the caravan park today. Boy will I feel it tomorrow. I had to walk up a huge sand dune then when I got to the top it was twice as far down to the water. There were a lot of rocks so you couldn't really swim there, I did paddle and the water was very nice. There were a lot of fossils of sponges and coral impregnated into the rocks and the colours were beautiful. But I was a good girl and just looked and didn't take and souvenirs.

I am sitting out side typing this and I have a very noisy and nosy crow, ahhh now there are two, I bet they are hoping that I will feed them. Bad luck buster they ask in most parks not to feed the wildlife, they may become aggressive.

Day 101

Went for a walk along the beach just across the road from the caravan park today. Boy will I feel it tomorrow. I had to walk up a huge sand dune then when I got to the top it was twice as far down to the water. There were a lot of rocks so you couldn't really swim there, I did paddle and the water was very nice. There were a lot of fossils of sponges and coral impregnated into the rocks and the colours were beautiful. But I was a good girl and just looked and didn't take and souvenirs.

I am sitting out side typing this and I have a very noisy and nosy crow, ahhh now there are two, I bet they are hoping that I will feed them. Bad luck buster they ask in most parks not to feed the wildlife, they may become aggressive.

Day 100

We think that we will prop here for a bit longer. Looking at the weather channel it doesn't look the best further down. And Gerald has excellent reception on the TV. We also found quite a few Clive Cussler books. And it holiday time. Even though there have been some clouds in the sky, but its still nice and warm....well very hot in the direct sun. Had my legs out for 15 min yesterday and last night I could feel them in bed. But I haven't got a tan at all, its too hot.

Day 99

After our great flight yesterday we moved into our new caravan park. Its just across the road from the beach. Forgot to mention yesterday that great big towers at are used with the naval base are all taller than the Eiffel Tower.

Just a rest day today, well having said that there is the washing to do, that never stops holiday or not.

Day 98

We went to the information centre again today but we got the girl that I got the time before and she was more interested tin constructing some sort of folder than helping us in the end we had her price book and sorted out our own tours. The one we, maybe I should say "I" here, wanted to do was the swimming with the whale sharks, the pamphlet was there but unfortunately it was the wrong time of the year.

We decided to do a flight over Exmouth just a half hour. I wasn';t that keen as I had done the flight over Lake Eyre, but It was the same price for two as for one. We rang them direct rather than use the information centre and we would be able to go in 30 minutes. We got to the light airport and had lunch, rolls I made. Our pilot turned out to be Sally just 19 years of age, and very slim. After chatting with her she explained where we would go and recommended that we did the hour flight naturally as she would do it a bit cheaper.

Well it was well worth the hour. We flew right along the reef and up round the point and we saw more whales. Sally had only been in the area two months she wasn't able to answer a lot of our questions. But we were able to see and appreciate the immenseness of the area and get an idea of the gorges and the national park. Along the west side of the cape there is a national park with what is called bush camps but as we found out they are very limited. Best to line up at 5am to get a spot, the ranger evidentially allots them.