ESPERANCE BLOG 6

ESPERANCE. March. 2011

Esperance approx. 894klms. from Perth, via Pemberton, Albany etc. along the southern coastline.

The weather was very comfortable and I must say a lot cooler than the high temps. being experienced in Perth.
On our arrival in Esperance on the 19th March we met a couple, Don & Rhonda, who had purchased the same rig as ours. As it turned out he was an auto electrician, just what we needed, as we were having some battery problems. After a few hours on the job found the problems and had them rectified. No more battery hassles now. Thankyou Don.
Esperance is beautiful, with clear aqua water and lovely scenery. 18klms off the coast is one of group of islands, Woody Island. There was the option of a day cruise or include an overnight stopover on the island, staying in safari tent style accommodation. We waited for a window in the weather to get a couple of good days and decided on the island stay. It was just lovely. Beautiful walks to take in the scenery from all angles back to the mainland and beyond. During the cruise out to the island we stopped off a couple of times to witness the NZ fur seals at play and to feed the white breasted sea eagles that came down for their fish feed thrown by a member of the crew. A little too fast for my camera skills unfortunately. Dinner in the island restaurant was included with a set menu and a choice of dessert. Our waitress, Terri, chose to give D’Arcy extra ice-cream on his cake. Such a smoothie...
The Esperance Seafront Caravan Park was the choice of our stay and right on the Esplanade looking out over the water to the islands. Lovely sunrises.
A day trip to Cape le Grande National Park, approx. 50klms from Esperance along the coast line is a must see. So beautiful. We took our picnic lunch which we enjoyed in one of the park areas along the coast. There is also a tourist loop north of the town which takes you along the coast to various beaches and lookouts. Just stunning scenery. Like so many places it will be on the list to return and spend more time.
A week later and we were on our way to Kalgoorlie, 408klms. north. Stopped just short of Kalgoorlie at Lake Douglas. A good spot for an overnighter and only a short distance into Kalgoorlie the next day. Our first experience of the season with the bush flies. Out came the nets and the cream and the spray. Pestie little buggers. With no cover they get into the eyes, the ears, and the nose and seem to stick there, hence the nets.etc.
More on Kalgoorlie next post.......