Tag Archives: Beach

Places we have been, South Australia, Victoria

Aussie Lap – Morgan SA to Port Campbell and the Great Ocean Road VIC

November 12, 2024 Maryann McDougall 2 Comments

Locations: Morgan, Bordertown, Port Nelson, Cape Northumberland, Port Campbell, Timboon

Dates: 6-11 November 2024

Regions: Riverland, Barossa and xx South Australia, Barwon South West, Melbourne and Gippsland Victoria

Temperatures: 6-34 degrees

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Morgan to Bordertown SA

Temperature: 12-34, clouds clearing, sunny & hot

Starting km’s 15060

Leaving Morgan today we cross the river and drive East up to Waikerie admiring the silo art, then onto Berri with all the vineyards and wine making facilities at Kingston on Murray before turning South towards Pinnaroo, passing through the Mallee and then onto Bordertown where we camp for the night at the recreational lake.

Dinner is a simple Salmon with ratatouille and pasta while we watch the results of the US election and Trumps victory.

367 km’s today.

Thursday 07 November 2024

Bordertown to Port McDonnell SA

Temperature: 8-22 Sunny but cool morning. Shower or two and wind later for Bordertown

Starting km’s 15427

A lovely cool morning with a breeze and a bright blue sky and it’s always lovely to wake to the sound of many birds enjoying the lake.

Today we are heading to the coast of Port McDonnell heading directly South all day. We pass through Naracoorte, home of the fossil caves and where the prehistoric Diprotodon, the largest prehistoric mammal was found.

We pass the sculpture and apparently the Diprotodoon looked like a very large 250kg wombat!

Everything is looking very green as we pass pastures and then vineyards as we move through the Coonawara Wine region.

By 11:00am showers start and we have paddock after paddock of vines lining both sides of the road. It’s cool, misty and green and we pass many estates including Wynn’s and Penfolds.

No wine tours today though as we continue South passing through Penola and Mt Gambier where we see a boat replica and pass the famous blue lake that we visited last year.

It’s then a short drive to Port McDonnell and then Cape Northumberland, our camp for tonight and the most Southerly tip of SA, all up just under 200 km’s today.

It’s windy when we arrive and make camp and the BOM reveals a marine wind warning and gusts of up to 65km overnight. It is such a beautiful spot we decide to stay and take what comes.

It’s surely an adventure but there’s not much sleep for me and at 4:30am there’s a storm to boot. The van rocks and the wind howls and I eventually drift off about 6am to snatch a wee bit of sleep!

Friday 08 November 2024

Port McDonnell to Portland

Temperature: 7–22 windy, clearing showers

Starting km’s: 15616

It’s a slow start after a nearly sleepless night but we are away by 9am.

Travelling into Victoria we visit Nelson, having a look at the river houses in the Glenelg River and then as we head to Portland on the Portland-Nelson Road we enter the green triangle – 6M hectares one of Australia’s largest forestry region.

125kms today.

We make camp at Portland RV park and just after we parked I saw a large Koala on the other side of a chain link fence near a pathway bordering the canal. At first it tried to come through the fence but realising it couldn’t and then seeing me it bolted for a tree on the pathway.

Not a Eucalyptus but a Sheoak. He/She looked very fit and healthy but I rang Victoria Wilderness Society to check for its welfare. Apparently Portland has a healthy population of Koala’s and they do roam so everything appeared to be ok. Possibly a male out looking for a mate.

What a cute koala and such a joy to see up close. He was in the tree curled up sleeping about 7 metres up til late afternoon then he was gone.

Saturday 9 November 2024

Portland

Temperature: 8-17 cool & cloudy

This morning Rob’s taking me on one of his mystery tours; he’s so good at these and I’m excited to see where we are going.

First stop was the Gannet Colony. Gannet’s are large seabirds; with a wingspan up to 2 metres, that have taken up the rocky outcrop of Lawrence Rocks at Point Danger just 6km from the city centre of Portland. Over 6000 pairs breed here, laying one egg only. The chick, on maturity will leave the colony to roam the seas for 3-5 years before returning to mate for life and breed. They are fascinating to watch as they skim and dive over the waves as they fish.

Next we head to West Portland, taking in the views before we visit the light house at Cape Nelson.

The next stop on the tour is Cape Bridgewater where the bay is the base of an old extinct volcano. It looks like a lovely spot for summer holidays.

We visit the blowhole and watch the frothy water on the coast.

BLOWHOLE

Next we visit the petrified forest which is only a short walk from the blowhole. It’s not really petrified but a geological phenomenon of sand and limestone that appears tree like.

As we head back into town we pass lots of lovely old cottages, always a favourite for me and one particularly charming example covered with roses takes my eye.

Sunday 10 November 2024

Portland to Port Campbell VIC

Starting km’s: 15843

Temperature: 8-18 partly cloudy

We head East today, passing through very cute Port Fairy. Rob deviates around the front for a look and it’s a very pretty town. I wish we were stopping but onwards through Warrnambool we go before turning right onto the Great Ocean Road.

The pine forest gives way to groves of Eucalyptus and large stands of Mediterranean Pines and then we get a flips of the Great Ocean at Peterborough.

We camp at Port Campbell, wash everything including us and are back in the car in an hour and a half and of sightseeing.

We turn back towards Peterborough and visit every lookout taking in Port Campbell , London Bridge, the Grotto and the Bay of Islands.

Along the way we met a couple on a trip to Tasmania for a vintage car rally towing an old Green Buick.

Our last stop is the Bay of Islands before picking up dinner tonight of Fish and Chips from Peterborough. Accompanied by Rob’s Vero cocktail which is a version of Appleton spritz we cheers to a great day.

BAY OF ISLANDS

Monday 11 November 2024

Twelve Apostles Marine Park

Temperature: 6-21, cloudy, clearing to sun

Today is a touristy day and our first stop is the Gibson Steps about 12 km’s from Port Campbell heading East.

Next stop is the Twelve Apostles heading back towards Port Campbell. A truly iconic Australian location.

Next stop is the Razorback and the Blades.

Next stop is Mutton Bird Island, home to the Mutton Bird aka the Short tailed Shearwater. These are extraordinary migratory birds that travel up to 15,000 km’s each year between Australia and the Northern Hemisphere for summer. Each year thousands of birds arrive at this island at the end of September, mate for life, clean out a burrow, feed, lay eggs in November which all hatch between 10-20 January, then the adults leave in early April. The chicks wait til end of April. George leaving for their first solo migration navigating on instinct.

Our final stop on the coast is Loch Ard Gorge where we read about the shipwreck of the same name. After a three month voyage she was lost trying to navigate this coastline. Only two survived to tell the tale.

We finish the day with a quick 17km trip inland to the famous Timboon Ice Creamery. My good friend Heather lives liquorice ice cream. I’m a fan of liquorice too so had to try it and it was amazingly good. Made with Junee Liquorice. yum.

The tough part was what to pair it with? Chocolate or Turkish Delight?

We’ve had a fabulous day!

We continue East tomorrow. I’m a bit behind with posts from WA and SA and will hopefully catch you up soon.

Love to all. Stay safe and be kind.

Love Maryann and Rob xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Shark Bay, & Shell Beach to Geraldton

September 30, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations: Shell Beach, Denham

Regions: Gascoyne, Mid West

Dates: 16 – 21 September 2024

Temperature: 16 – 33 degrees,

Monday 16 September 2024

Starting km’s: 10394

A couple of relatively quiet weeks coming up for us as we meander South with the next big thing in the calendar the AFL semi’s then Grand final. Both Rob and I are hoping our teams, Brisbane Lions and Sydney Swans prevail.

We leave Edgadee around 9:30am q and at 10:50am we pass the 36th parallel circle of latitude and leave the North West.

The country side is still salty scrub with few variations. Around 12:00pm we pass the Overland Roadhouse at the turn off to Shark Bay.

We visited Shark Bay and Monkey Mia in September 2023; a week later in the month than today. Passing the overland roadhouse today completes a full lap of Australia for Rob and I. We both feel a sense of completion for this journey even though we have done way more than a “lap” and still have approximately 12 weeks before we return to the East Coast of Queensland.

We are both enjoying this adventure and all the experiences we have encountered in this amazingly beautiful, rugged country of ours.

We turn right off the highway and head up Shark Bay Road, planning to free camp near Shell beach, a favourite beach from last year. After 80km we arrive and spend a couple of hours on Shell Beach, enjoying the uniquely extremely salty (hyper saline) shallow water in the sunshine and all the shells of course.

About 60km of shells in fact, sometimes up to 10m deep, formed from from the tiny Fragum cockle that’s able to survive the salty water created by the Faure Sill, an expanse of sea grass at the mouth of the Peninsula. It’s warm with a breeze and a lovely place to relax and reflect on our trip so far.

Rob decides to walk up to the feral animal control fence; erected in 2010 and stretching across the width of Peron Peninsula to protect indigenous animals from feral invaders such as cats, foxes, rabbits and goats. I read that the Bilby has been successfully reintroduced here since the fence was erected.

We make camp at a WikiCamps Freecamp – Shelly Gravel Pit almost opposite Shell Beach. Its location is the most appealing element.

Tuesday 17 September 2024

Temperature: 16-31, Windy, cool overnight and sunny.

Starting km’s: 10600

Wind picked up overnight and it’s a very windy morning so we have a slow start as we decide how to spend the day.

We decide to drive into Denham about 80km’s further along the peninsula and visit the World Heritage Centre and hope that the wind drops later so we can swim somewhere.

Stopping at Whalebone point scenic lookout we see a large bird fishing so we walk down to take a closer look. It moves further down the beach but we think it might be a pacific gull or greater cormorant? You may make it out in the photo on the left.

Continuing on, we see a tiny Thorny devil on the road, no pic as he’s too small and too quick as we head into Denham, where we stroll along the foreshore before deciding to visit Shark Bay World Heritage Centre.

The centre celebrates Shark Bay’s bio diversity and explores the area’s inclusion in Workd Heritage listing including Stromatolites at Hamelin Pool and the Fragum cockle and Faur Sill that make up Shell Beach. The centre also explores maritime history of the area including the landings of Dirk Hartog on the Island of same name nearby in 1616 and Dutch navigator Willem de Vlamingh’s landing at same location in 1697.

I read the story of Rose de Freycinet (nee Piñon) wife of Louis Freycinet who sailed with him on the Uranus 1818-1820 and wrote a journal as the second woman to circumnavigate the globe. Now a book; a Woman of Courage, it sounds like a fascinating read so I note for future reading.

Afterwards we head to Shark Bay hotel for lunch sharing a fishburger and squid with salad and while away an hour chatting to two fellow couples traveling from Qld.

On the return trip to to the van we stop off at Eagle bluff which has amazing views below of the bay below and we see sharks and turtles! An amazing afternoon even without a swim!

TURTLE

Wednesday 18 September 2024

Temperature: 16-31 degrees, Cool breezy morning, sunny.

Starting km’s: 10720

Approx 250 km’s driving today, leaving the Francois Peron Peninsula and heading South towards Geraldton

As we leave I spy a lizard in a bush and on the main road we see some emu’s.

We see lots of wildflowers and the outback scrub slowly gives way to green agricultural fields along the way before we stop today at Galena Bridge Camp on the Murchison River.

We relax for a while before I make dinner, a vegetarian nourish bowl with spiced & roasted chickpeas and cauliflower. As the afternoon wans a breeze comes up and I start sneezing. This starts a full on allergy attack with itchy watering eyes and a sneezing, headache. I’ve suffered hayfever my whole life so I’m prepared with antihistamines on hand but it’s still unpleasant.

As evening sets, the moon rises and we have the a beautiful harvest moon on the horizon.

Thursday 19 September 2024

Temperature: 12-29 breezy, sunny

Starting kilometre’s: 10973

100 kilometres today into Geraldton.

Lots of flowers, kangaroo paw, wattle and swathes of yellow, pink white and purple line the highway.

No wonder my hayfever is in overdrive!

We stop at Elephant Hill lookout, and take pics of Elephant Hill. Can you see the elephant?

We set down at Sunset Beach Caravan Park, here for three days to take care of a minor recall on the Isuzu and catch the next two semifinal games in the AFL; Sydney Swans (my team) v Port Adelaide on Friday and Brisbane Lions (Rob’s team) v Geelong Cats on Saturday.

Friday 20 September 2024

Temperature: 7-23 cool overnight, windy and sunny.

Our first job today is to drop the Isuzu in for a minor recall. Thankfully they give us a loan car for the morning so we head to the shops for coffee and a browse then back to the van. In the afternoon we head to WinterSun tavern. We are meeting my niece Jo for dinner and to watch the Swans game. It’s lovely to see Jo and catch up on all her news.

The game is a nail biter but the Sydney Swans prevail and I’m thrilled with the win! Woohoo!

Go the Swans!

Saturday 21 September 2024

Temperature: 7-22 windy with gusts.

The gusting wind in Geraldton makes doing anything outside tricky so we opt for a wildflower trail drive. Rob’s found a loop drive that will take us out to Mullawa and around and back via Nabawa where we have arranged to meet Jo and her partner Chris to watch the Brisbane Lions v Geelong Cats semifinal later today.

As we head for Mullawa we pass through Tenindewa and find the flower trail includes sculptures and local history.

Mullawa, about 100 km’s from Geraldton is a charming town in the wheatbelt with a lookout and an interesting church.

We then take the Northern loop which includes a sidetrack through Urawa Nature Reserve with lots of flowers and a camp spot by a river.

We just have enough time to drive to Nabawa through the countryside and arrive just before kick off. Jo and Chris are there to meet us and there are a few locals settled in for the game too.

The game starts with the Geelong Cats and Brisbane Lions evenly matched but in the second quarter Geelong gets ahead. It’s a tense third and fourth quarters as Brisbane battle to fight back the 29 point lead and the closing minutes of the game are tense as Geelong and Brisbane fight to win. Geelong kicks a goal and Brisbane have minutes to score!

They do and it’s a thrilling win for the Lions!

A great afternoon of footy with good company and friendly rivals in the crowd.

It’s been lovely to spend time with Jo too.

A lovely few days in Geraldton with great AFL results for both Rob and I with both our teams making the Grand Final next week.

Tomorrow we head to Dongara for a few days and then hit the Wildflower trail.

Stay safe and take care.

Love Maryann and Rob xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Bullara Station to Coral Bay WA

September 24, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations: Exmouth Gulf, Bullara Station, Coral Bay WA

Regions: Gascoyne WA

Dates: 11 – 15 September 2024

Temperatures: 20 – 37, hot, sunny.

Wednesday 11 September 2024

Temperature: 15 – 31 degrees, sunny

Starting kilometre’s: 9368

With all the washing clean and fresh yesterday we decided to forgo the mining mess for the hotel and shared a prawn stir fry and a parmi. Today we are headed to House Creek Camp, about 176 km’s on the Beasley (52) and then Nanutara-Munjina Road 212 in total.

It’s vey hot with 33 degrees at 11:30 and 34 by 12:00pm. We make camp at House Creek in shade and set up to watch the US campaign debate Trump v Harris. Entertainment at its best.

Roast Lamb & Veg and then a storm after dinner.

Thursday 12 September 2024

Starting kilometre’s: 9581

Temperature: 22 – 37, warm overnight with a wee storm, cool sunny morning.

We drive 251 kms to Bullara station today, arriving about 12:30pm. After set down we relax in the shade of the van. The temp is 34 at 1pm.

As the afternoon cools I take a walk to check out the camp kitchen, the bottle tree, the Lava Trees and Bill the Turtle. Curiously, and I’m a bit embarrassed to admit, it took me 24 hours to work out what a Lava Tree is!

SHEEP AFTERNOON STROLL

From 4:30 pm there is live music and a bar at the woolshed with guitarist Tommy Steez so we relax there and enjoy the cooling evening breeze, I particularly like his song, “I hate Byron Bay”! He sings some of my old favourites from Neil Young and Hendrix with his own arrangements which are interesting and different.

It’s Suzy’s funeral in Brisbane today so Rob and I have a quiet cheers to farewell my friend. A country girl like me, Suzy loved everything country so I reckon she would have loved Bullara Station.

Friday 13 September 2024

Temperature: 21-37, hot and sunny

Hot overnight but a cool breeze picked from around 3am for a cool morning.

I feed my starter Millie for bread and cinnamon rolls later.

Rob and I decide to do a trip to Coral Bay so we leave at 9am. It’s 69kms. We plan to spend the day on the beach and return at 3pm so I can make a loaf of bread and cinnamon rolls before we attend the famous “burger night” at Bullara Station.

We visit Bills Bay; a beautiful sweep of a bay which includes Maud’s Sanctuary zone so no fishing. We walked along the beach and see large fish, some at least 600mm in the water. Happy to swim near us, close enough to touch!

Then we visited Monck Head, for a look and returned to Bills Bay for the day. I couldn’t resist videoing the fish.

We sheltered under a sandstone overhang and with the shade and the breeze, swimming and snorkeling had the best day!

As we leave Coral Bay we see quite a big build up of clouds. Makes me think of the wee storm two nights ago, maybe the build up is already starting?

It’s still 29 degrees when we leave at 3pm

The drive along Exmouth Gulf has outstanding views of wide sweeping plains, peppered by termit mounds all the way out to Giralia range. The photo’s don’t do it justice but it is a spectacular view.

Once back at Bullara, I hop to with my cinnamon rolls. I’m making my own recipe for the filling with apple and cinnamon and just a little sugar as I’m always trying to to reduce/cut sugar from my diet. I’m pretty pleased with the result but proof will be in the baking in the morning.

We shower and get ready for the evening and I just have time to mix ingredients for a sourdough loaf. I’ll be busy later with the folds.

Later we hear there are 400 people here for burger night. The atmosphere is festive and we chat with Paula and Steve sitting next to us who are from Karratha.

The firepit is lit and they start cooking – about 30 burgers at a time I think?

Shortly after a fellow comes in on a horse. We aren’t certain but it maybe the station manager. He heads to the bar, still on his horse and is provided a beer. This is a very Australian thing to do and everyone in the crowd including us love it.

The dinner queue starts soon and it’s an amazingly well rehearsed production that moves quickly. I must say the burger was one of the best I’ve ever eaten, truly. Very tasty, juicy with pickle, cheese, beetroot, onion slaw and your choice of sauce (mustard and tomato for me) and it didn’t fall apart! Rob liked it so much he planned to buy some burgers from reception the next day!

Thalia provides the entertainment tonight and does a great job with her three acoustic guitars, original scores and unique rhythm technique. To top the evening the sunset is a beauty!

Saturday 14 September 2024

Temperature: 20 – 37, warm overnight, sunny.

Starting kilometre’s: 9984

Rob’s up early for a walk and I’m up to bake my cinnamon rolls and finish my loaf. I use the oven in the camp kitchen and I’m pretty happy with the result.

We leave Bullara today and are heading South over the next week towards Geraldton. It’s going to be hot today so we decide to head back to Coral Bay for a few hours during the middle of the day. This time we go to Monck Head as it has a boating facility and parking for the van.

We park ourselves under another sandstone overhang. For the first hour the flies are terrible, hence the fly net but a wind change later provides some relief. Rob takes a walk and spies a small reef shark in the shallows and later we see a small sting ray in the shallows

We pack up about 2:30pm and head back to the car and then head South for another 80 or so km’s on the Minilya- Exmouth Road. The coast plains in this area are vast and seem to stretch on endlessly with narry a tree to be seen. We see vast spreads of yellow flowers before the road turns further inland and the landscape changes to low saltbush scrub. Lovely to see flowers and looking forward to more as we head South.

The dash show 40 degrees at 2:15pm and at 2:23pm we cross the Tropic of Capricorn.

We camp at Minilya Creek Rest area. We have reception for the Lions V GWS semi final. What a game!

Sunday 15 September 2024

Temperature: 10 – 38, breezy overnight, warm and sunny.

Starting kilometre’s: 10159

Today we are driving 140 km to Carnarvon which is uneventful. In Carnarvon we stop for fuel and groceries then visit Pelicans Point.

We then drive a further 80km’s to Edagee Rest Stop where we are camping tonight. With pretty wildflowers.

Tomorrow we are revisiting Shell Beach and Shark Bay.

Stay safe and stake care of each other.

Lots of Love Maryann and Rob. xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Reef

September 12, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Location: Cape Range National Park Ningaloo Reef

Region: Gascoyne WA

Dates: 2 September – 4 September 2024

Temperatures: 17 – 35, hot and sunny

Monday 2 September

Temp 17 – 35, hot and sunny.

It was lovely going to sleep in the salt air with the sound of the waves crashing on the Ningaloo reef on the other side of the dunes. Good thing it was an early night as something wakes me at 3:00am scratching about on the roof of the van. Possibly a bird but it may have been the top hatch creaking as it caught the early morning breeze that came through. It’s another beautiful dawn and Rob is up and out for an early walk to catch the sunrise while I chase a few more zzz’s.

We head out early though, around 8am to catch high tide at Oyster Stacks. This is another drift snorkeling site that can only be swam at high tide to protect the reef.

On the drive there I see a black flanked wallaby sitting quietly in the rocky hills as we pass by.

We arrive and I’m dismayed to see the beach is very rocky and the shoreline is jagged rocks. I decide to sit and watch as it’s too rocky for me to navigate with my ankle which is quite swollen today from all the sand walking yesterday I think.

It’s a beautiful spot so I’m happy to watch Rob and other snorkellers.

The idea is to go in at one end, on the left and let the current take you over the reef for about 300 metres as you snorkel and you then exit before the current sweeps you out and walk back up to repeat.

Rob does about 3 passes, seeing lots of colourful fish and a turtle embedded in the sand. I check later and apparently they sleep when they do this.

Next on the list today is Osprey Bay, with sand entrances so I swam and snorkelled here and saw lots of fish.

By 11:30am it’s getting quite hot so we decide to drive out to see Yardie creek. As we walk back to the car we see Corella’s seeking shade under cars and they’re not moving for anyone!

Yardie Creek is another 30km’s down the range road and the end of the road for the National Park. From here you can take a 1hr boat ride up Yardie creek to where it ends and view the Gorge. I run into a lady I had spoken to at Oyster Stacks who had just done it and really enjoyed it. Said she had seen lots of wallaby’s on the rocks too and some monitors.

Obviously the wildlife stick close to fresh water as a distinct characteristic that we’ve both noticed since we left Kununurra is the lack of wildlife; apart from birds, My hopes of seeing a full grown frilled neck lizard having diminished as the days have gone by so it’s a good thing we see Kites, Kestrels, Hawks and many other birds most days.

On the way back to camp I see a Wedgetail Eagle pair high in the sky enjoying the thermals as they hunted for their dinner.

It’s another spectacular sunset followed by leftover roast lamb for dinner.

TIMELAPSE SUNSET

Tuesday 3 September 2024

Temp: 15 – 33 degrees, hot and sunny.

We are going back to Turquoise Bay today, to the bay this time rather than the drift section so we are out early once again.

The bay is lovely and calm and it’s a delight to swim and snorkel here. We strike up conversations with a couple, Marilyn and Peter from Perth and chat to them throughout the morning. Peter has a stand up paddle board and very generously offers Rob a go. No photos as I was swimming.

I relax on my towel and there’s a seagull who keeps popping in next to me. He’s got a sore paw like me poor thing. Rob saw a turtle as he went further out with fins and then later we both see one surfing the waves briefly as they bobbed up for air. What a treat this is.

We leave Turquoise Bay at lunch and I think I spy a Wedgetail eagle in the dunes as we leave. Driving back I try to capture the ranges.

We relax through the heat of the afternoon then try our luck with some beach fishing using sourdough for bait. Sadly no catch but there’s a few nibbles and it’s fun casting and trying out the beach rods. I used to love fishing when I was a young woman but like lots of things in life it fell away with children although I did take my daughters fishing a few times on holidays as they got older.

Cape Range has been a delight and I can admit to a twinge of jealousy when talking to three gents on the way back from the beach who camp here for 28 days every year! I’ve always admired the idea of an annual four weeks summer holiday at the beach.

Wednesday 4 September 2024

Temperature: 17 – 31 hot and sunny.

Starting km’s: 8028

Happy Birthday Carly!

Today we leave Cape Range and Exmouth Gulf heading inland toward Karijini National Park, 717 kilometres away. We will take two days to get there, camping at House Creek Free Camp on the way.

We leave MESA camp and head back into Exmouth where we need to refuel, dump and refill water and stop for a few groceries. I also have an important phone call to make for my daughter’s birthday today.

We stop at the visitors centre to dump and refill water and there is a Travelers camp van parked up nearby with a young man sitting on top strumming his guitar and singing. Turns out to be an impromptu original composition which his mates from Germany, India, Sweden and Nederlands tell me he just keeps making up as he goes along! Hilarious! The singer is Italian and they are all international students from Perth on a quick getaway to the outback.

I really enjoy this impromptu and innocent fun.

In the background of the photo is the big prawn! Not as big; about 1/10th in fact as the one I photographed in Ballina NSW last year but it is very shiny and new looking.

While Rob attends to the jobs, lucky me has a lovely chat with the birthday girl and her big sister too, catching up on all their news. They’ve been going through a difficult time as their co tenant has breached their lease so they’ve had to navigate all of that, find new accommodation and organise to move! I’m very proud of how they’ve managed this difficult situation and luckily they have found new digs not far away from where they currently are. Trying times in the current rental market.

Next up is groceries, then fuel and we head out of Exmouth. We backtrack down the gulf road then turn left and head North back up the highway to Nanutarra before turning left towards Parabadoo, Tom Price and Karijini.

Almost as soon as we turn, we start to see ranges appearing left and right. The drive to Karijini has the Hamersley and Chichester- Millstream Ranges on the left (North) and Barlee and Capricorn Ranges on the right (South) so the further out we go the more picturesque the drive becomes.

We arrive at the camp around 2:30 and it’s a very hot 37 degrees so we relax in the shade through the remainder of the afternoon and later spend the evening chatting with another couple nearby, Helen and Stephen from Bribie Island.

Sometimes travel days are really lovely days like today. Tomorrow we will arrive at Karijini National Park.

Hope you are all well and thriving. Stay safe and take care.

Love Maryann and Rob xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Karratha to Exmouth WA

September 9, 2024 Maryann McDougall 2 Comments

Locations: Karratha, Yannarie, Exmouth, Cape Range National Park WA.

Regions: Pilbara, Gascoyne WA

Dates: 29 August – 1 September 2024

Temperatures: 17 – 37degrees

Starting kilometres: 7128

Thursday 29 August

Temp: 18 – 37, hot and sunny

We leave Karratha around 9:30am with a long day of driving ahead. Hoping to do about 340 kilometres.

About 5 kilometres out we receive a rock strike on the windscreen from a truck cutting in to soon after overtaking which gives both of us a scare but thankfully no damage.

The landscape changes more often today as we move through Mardie. I think we have Hammersley Range on our left and then we cross over the Fortescue River. The third longest river in the state it is named after Chichester Fortescur, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1861.

Fortescue is also a family name on Rob’s mum’s side of his family.

By 11:30am it’s 35 degrees as we pass over the Robe River, wide and mostly dry.

We then come to an overpass at Fortescue with a gravel road running underneath in either direction and lots of radio chatter between a stationary vehicle and road trains turning left and right onto the highway, with a Mining operation nearby, we suspect.

An hour later, in the distance more ranges appear and Parry Range comes into view as we pass Cane River Conservation Park. By 1:00pm we reach Nanutarra Roadhouse and here we refuel.

We arrive at our camp for tonight, Yannarie around 2pm. We relax in the shade of the van til sundown before an early dinner and night.

Friday 30 August 2024

Yannarie to Exmouth

Temp: 17 – 30, cool breeze over night and morning, warm and sunny.

I’m awakened at 3:30 by a stiff breeze and it’s cooler than it’s been for days. The cool change is welcome relief after all the heat.

I’m looking forward to seeing the Coast again at Exmouth and after about 40km’s today we enter the Gascoyne region before turning right onto Warlu Way towards Coral Bay, Exmouth and Cape Range National Park. We will be in the Gascoyne Region for the next few weeks.

80 kms along the Warlu way we pass Bullara station. We will return and spend time at Bullara Station in mid September. Due to bookings we will be doing a bit of criss crossing in this area in the next few weeks.

Then we turn right again toward Exmouth.

We are staying at the RAC Exmouth park for two nights. Unfortunately when we arrive it’s very windy. Wind is prevalent all along the WA coast so you just never know how it will be and you have to take the bad with the good. I’m hopeful that the wind will die down by the time we get out to Cape Range national Park so that we can enjoy the best of the Ningaloo reef while we’re there.

After set down and a bit of a break we head out to explore Exmouth with a drive out to the start of the Cape Range NP and the Vlaming Head lighthouse which is about 25km’s out.

While there we read that the lighthouse is the only point in Australia where you can get both sunrise and sunset from the one point so we decide to rise extra early on Sunday to catch sunrise out here before we head out to Cape Range and then do sunset out there.

Saturday 31 August 2024

Exmouth to Cape Range NP

Temp: 17 – 28 sunny and windy 25 – 45kph with gusts

A very slow day today. The wind is gusting and it’s very unpleasant so we have a cruisy morning with egg and bacon rolls then do a a few groceries then a drive around Exmouth.

We visit a new Marina estate and while checking out the boats I see a huge eel swimming underwater along the rock wall. He’s obviously hunting for his lunch!

Sunday 1 September 2024

Temp: 20 – 30 cool & breezy morning, sunny.

We rise at 5:30am, dress and grab a jacket as it’s cool and breezy, then jump in the car and drive to the lighthouse. It’s magnificent to see the light in the sky change through a myriad of colour and to experience sunrise like this on the WA coast.

After about 1/2 an hour we head back into town pack up and hitch and then head back out again, this time continuing down the Ningaloo Coast Road for another 36 km’s with the coast on our right and Cape Range on our left to our booked spot at MESA campground. The wind has settled as the day progresses and we are looking forward to the next three days exploring Ningaloo Reef.

We arrive, set down and have a chat to Rick and Val, the volunteer camp hosts then throw on togs and we are off for a snorkel at Turquoise Bay. Rob does some drift snorkeling on the current while I choose to swim and let my ankle just enjoy the cool water.

We spend a couple of hours enjoying the water before heading back to van where I have planned a roast lamb for Rob for Father’s Day. We enjoy the sunset in the dunes with a glass of wine and agree it’s been a perfect day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the dad’s we know . Stay safe and take care of one another.

Love Maryann and Rob xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Eighty Mile Beach to Karratha WA

September 7, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations: Eighty Mile Beach, Pardoo & Cape Keraudren, Port Hedland, Karratha WA

Regions: Kimberley, Pilbara WA

Dates: Sunday 25 August – Thursday 29 August 2024

Temperatures: 24 – 37 degrees, hot!

Starting kilometre’s: 6490

Today we are leaving Eighty Mile Beach heading for Karratha with a couple of stops along the way.

The weather has really heated up and we hear on radio national that in the last few days 140 year old August temperature records are being broken all over the Kimberley and Pilbara regions!

Up until the last couple of days the nights have been nice and cool provided welcome relief from the hot days but last night it only got down to 24 and that’s on the coast so you can imagine what inland temps are like!

Today we are traveling 173 kilometre’s to De Grey River Free camp, moving into the Pilbara and driving mostly along the coast.

Still traveling along the Great Northern Highway we turn right at Pardoo towards Cape Keraudren which is about 6 kilometre’s, mostly bitumen.

Cape Keraudren is a Nature Reserve not part of WA parks so day and overnight fees apply to visit. We arrive at 11:30am and it’s already 36 degrees. Rob wants to walk to a blowhole nearby so I elect for a shorter stroll to the boat ramp and enjoy views of the coastline.

Continuing on we pass Pardoo heading South to our overnight camp on DeGrey River. Rob walks to the river but it’s dry. Next morning as we leave we cross another bridge on the DeGrey River and this one has water.

Monday 26 August 2024

Temperature: 20 – 38 sunny and hot.

Today we are passing through Port Hedland for fuel and supplies but not stopping. We plan to Freecamp again on our way to Karratha.

As we are driving towards The Port we pass a very long train loaded with ore and a large salt mining operation.

Fun fact, each carriage carries 140 tonne of ore and each train has 140 carriages!

Just after this we are on a dual carriageway and a driver alongside of us makes a circling motion attracting my attention. Something must be wrong so we pull over and the driver does too then comes back to tell us the drivers side wheel of the van is on an angle! He thinks we may have done a bearing.

I immediately start searching for caravan repairers and calling, after 3 attempts I get onto Bruce Rock engineering and they say to head over, they can take a look.

Based on advice from a tyre guy a while back Rob bought two hub and bearing kits in case so we have our own spares if needed.

Bruce Rock assess and it’s not the bearings at all, the wheel is slightly loose by about 5ml which is negligible and he’s amazed that the guy could see this from the road. Phew! Crisis averted!

In any case it’s good to have both wheels checked and tightened and the service is at a very reasonable cost.

By 12:30pm we are back on the road and back to our brief tour around the Port of Hedland. We visit Pretty Pool on the way out and then it’s onto refueling and supplies before heading back to the highway. Good to be back in the car too as it hit 39 degrees at 2:30pm.

We cross Yule River which is very wide has no water but some cows are wandering about and our camp tonight is at Peawah River.

Tuesday 27 August 2024

Temperature: 18-34, sunny and hot

On the highway by 9:30am and this morning we saw a Flock of Emu’s; the first for a while, hills start to appear and the vibrant Stuart Dessert Pea pops up in patches alongside the highway from Whim Creek for about 10km’s. The temperature hits 33 degrees at 10:30am!

We cross Sherlock and then little Sherlock Rivers. One with water, one without. So different.

We turn towards Roebourne and briefly stop for a break. I grab a coffee from the community cafe and it’s a good one! Thank you Roeburne Cafe.

We arrive Karratha about 12:30pm. The town is very nice, tidy and obviously has lots of industry around mining..

We are here two nights and after set down we head out to Dampier, a further 20km’s to see the coast. We’ve heard the pub; the Mermaid, has great views and cheap meals so maybe dinner out tonight.

As we drive out, there is a long causeway with salt lakes either side and when we arrive the pub does have a lovely view and we think the sunset will be good so we decide to have an early dinner.

Wednesday 28 August 2024

Temperature: 18 – 35, hot and sunny

I’m awake early as usual and find a message from a girlfriend in Qld bearing sad news. An old friend has passed away tragically and unexpectedly.

Suzy and I knew each other through my daughter’s primary school years. She was an amazing woman, full of fun, spirit and a very kind person.

I feel so sad for her children, young adults going forward without her and for a life lived but taken too young.

The news weighs heavy. Times like this, it’s hard to be away from the support of friends but they are also just on the other end of a chat too which I take comfort from.

A quiet day of contemplation, washing and preparation for our onward trip towards Exmouth tomorrow.

Give your loved ones a hug. Stay safe and well.

Love Maryann and Rob xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Broome to Eighty Mile Beach

August 31, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations: Broome, Barn Hill, Eighty Mile Beach WA

Regions: Kimberley WA

Dates: Wednesday 21 August – Saturday 24 August 2024

Temperatures: 18 – 37 hot and sunny

Starting kilometer’s: 6096

We leave Broome around 10am with the destination of Barn Hill Beach Side Station stay 149 kilometre’s away so not a long drive today.

The landscape is arid and dry, flat and there are not a lot changes along the way. It’s also very hot today.

Barn Hill Station is a 10km drive off the Great Northern Highway along a red gravel road with four gates. At every gate we find vehicles behind our vehicle so naturally I wait to let them through. They all say thanks but not one offers to wait to shut the gate, despite my limping. Nothing surprises me these days.

The station is set along a clifftop, has a cafe where you can order the days meal, buy coffee and pastries and fresh baked bread. There are amenity blocks, huts to camp in and you can walk or drive down onto the beach.

After set down we head down to the beach for a slow walk.

The beach is lovely and currently at low tide with an amazing 7 metre tide change (probably due to the full moon this week) so goes out a long way revealing all sorts of beautiful rock and sand sculptures along the coast line.

On our return to camp we seek and find Tony and Amanda’s van; friends made in Manning Gorge. We stop by to say hello and chat a while before heading back to our van.

Thursday 22 August 2024

Temperature: 21 – 28, warm and sunny

The next day Rob takes an early run on Barn Hill Beach and I rest my foot – too much walking yesterday. Later we wander over to the cafe to get a loaf of their whole grain high top bread to go with our snags in bread for tea tonight.

At the top of the cliffs we find some pink mulla mulla wildflowers.

Later Rob returns to the beach for a high tide picture and then sunset.

Friday 23 August 2024

Temperature: 21 – 28 sunny

We have a longer drive today, 256 kilometre’s trekking down the coast line to Eighty Mile Beach.

The landscape remains desert dry, arid and flat for most of the drive with floodplains and an escarpment glimpsed in the distance.

We stop at the aptly named Sandfire roadhouse to refuel. It’s busy with a queue for fuel that takes 30 minutes!

Again we turn right off the highway towards Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park and head down another red gravel road for 9 kilometre’s to the park. No gates today thankfully.

The park is spacious and our site is on grass and shady which is a welcome change to the red dirt and sand sites of late.

After set down we take a walk to the beach. There’s no swimming due to crocodiles and stingers and as if that isn’t enough all the fisho’s are catching sharks!

The beach is a stunner though with attractive aqua water and a lovely breeze. It can be driven on though so even more caution required…

The walk to the beach, then along and back again is enough for my ankle , it’s also very hot the past few days so we retreat into the shade for the remainder of the afternoon.

We head back to the beach for sunset and it’s a beauty over the water. The tide has gone so far out, about a kilometre at least we thought and amazingly I seem to catch a stairway to the sun photo over the flats!

Saturday 24 August 2024

Temperature: 18 – 34, hot & sunny

Today is even hotter so I catch up on some washing and making bread. My loafs aren’t optimal at present as I’m using lower protein flour, a different wholemeal to feed, it’s consistently warmer and I’m baking in the van oven so I’m trying a levain, made from my starter Millie then fed, bloomed and used in the dough but that’s not really working either. My loafs have a good crumb but there is no real rise which is frustrating.

In the cool of the late afternoon I see a pheasant walking across the top of the hedge next to the van and some White breasted Woodswallows I think, high in the treetops. If I’m correct they are related to the Artamidae family of Butcher birds, Currawongs and Magpies here in Australia.

WHITE BREASTED WOODSWALLOW

Tomorrow we are off again leaving the Kimberley for the Pilbara as we head towards Port Hedland and Karratha.

Stay safe everyone, keep well and be kind.

Lots of love Maryann and Rob xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Derby to Broome

August 30, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations: Derby, Fitzroy River, Nillibubbica, Broome

Regions: Kimberley WA

Dates: Wednesday 14 August – Tuesday 21 August 2024

Temperatures: 13 – 33 degrees

Wednesday 14 August, 2024

Starting Kilometre’s: 5535

Temperature: 13 – 33 degrees, sunny.

We left Derby around 10am for just a short drive today, 116 kilometres to Nillibubbica Rest Area via the Great Northern Highway which crosses the Fitzroy River

According to WikiCamps there are some Crocodile sighting areas along the way so we stop at each one hoping for a sighting. Signs of recent and major roadworks in the area will have impacted the local population though and we only see flood plains and the Minnie River apart from the partial remains of a dead crocodile.

We camp at Nillibucca Freecamp in shade and relax for the afternoon, me with my foot alternating up or on ice.

Thursday 15 August 2024

Temperature: 15 – 32 degrees, sunny.

Another 107 kilometre’s to Broome and we arrive late morning, chase down some groceries then check in and set up. Broome Caravan Park is large with a big oasis pool complete with lap lanes and lots of shady recliners to relax in. We spend the afternoon cooling off in the pool, my foot loving the cold water. Later in the afternoon we visit the Town Beach Markets where we grab dinner of Chicken Satay and Green Curry.

Broome has strong historical ties to Asia due to strong migration from the 1880 to the 1960’s from countries like Japan due to the pearling and associated industries.

As we head back to the car I spy a small Sea Eagle eating his catch atop a light post.

Broome has an outdoor Cinema called Sun City Cinema in the “Chinatown” district of Broome so we head there to take in the new Alien sequel, just starting today. The cinema is the real deal with hessian seating and not much changed in over 40 years I’m later told. It is a real treat with a bar and choc tops to boot!

Also as we watch the movie and to top it off, planes are flying in very low overhead on their runway approach! The first one gave me a good scare!

Friday 16 August 2024

Temperature: 16 – 32 sunny

This morning I make some sourdough discard muffins and do some washing before heading into town. I’ve been trying to rest my foot but I’m determined to visit the famous Paspaley and other Broome shops in the lookout for a South Sea Pearl. Rob takes a walk out to the town jetty then picks me up. The pearl’s are so beautiful but so very expensive! Maybe I’ll do better at the weekend markets with the 2nd or 3rd grade pearls.

Saturday 17 August 2024

Temperature: 17 – 33, morning fog then sunny.

Quite a strange start to the day with morning fog that didn’t clear until 8:30am. The day warms and feels humid, summer like?

A restful day with another cooling swim before we head to Cable Beach in the afternoon for a look and to plan a picnic for Sunday with some friends we are catching up with.

Sunday 18 August 2024

Temperature: 16 – 33 sunny

We pick up friends Rudite and Ian who are from Morgan, SA whom I’ve known for years from visiting my sister there. We have arranged to take them to the weekend markets and visit Roebuck bay lookout afterwards. No luck in my pearl hunt but Rudite and I buy hats and Rudite finds a lovely necklace as a souvenir of the visit.

The day is heating up so next we head to MATSO’s Brewery, the oldest in Broome to cool off where the others get paddles to taste. I’m the designated driver so I have my usual version of a lemon lime and bitters which is fruit only, no syrup, bitters and soda water. Healthy and refreshing.

It’s been a busy morning so we all head back for Siesta’s in the heat of the afternoon then gather again for a picnic at Cable Beach in the late afternoon.

The hot and humid day cools off to a breezy afternoon and there are loads of people about for the sunset. We see a camel train coming in off the beach before we leave. A lovely day.

Monday 19 August 2024

Temperature: 16 – 33, hot & sunny

A relaxing morning and we are catching up with some new friends today, in fact are meeting for the first time! Friends of friends who are traveling & living in their van like us, we have both landed in Broome at the same time so we have organised to meet for lunch at Spinifex Brewery.

We meet Leanne and Cheryl at 1pm and it’s truly like meeting old friends. We find common ground very quickly and chat our way through lunch and the afternoon sharing life and travel stories. What a lovely pair.

We see the camel trains walking past as they head to cable beach too.

CAMEL TRAIN

A really lovely day!

Tuesday 20 August 2024

Temperature: 18 – 32 hot, sunny

Our last day in Broome today so we have a few jobs to do. I’ve found a bookmaker in town who will hopefully fix my hiking boots but no, he tells me they are disintegrating and beyond repair so in the bin they go. Oh well, they’ve been great boots with 8 years of service so I can’t complain. Next is BCF in search of tap fittings then we drive out to Kimberley port as they have a Natural Arch then to Gantheaume Bay to see how far out the dinosaur prints are and to check the tide which is currently high.

In the afternoon we pick up Ian and Rudite as we plan to go see the dinosaur footprints, then the Town Markets to see the Stairway to the Moon and dinner afterwards.

We head to Gantheaume Bay as the tide is now right but looking at the map the dinosaur prints are too far around the point, over too many rocks to make an easy walk so we head back to Minyirr bay at the Port as I’ve found some there too.

Next it’s back into town to the Markets and the Staircase to the Moon. The Stairway to the Moon is a phenomenon that occurs at Full Moons for 2-3 days between March and October when the tide is fully out and the reflection carries across the tidal flat creating a stairway of reflection to the moon.

Rudite’s and I visit the markets while Rob parks the car then meets Ian at a nearby bar to wait for sundown.

I finally find a pearl that’s within the budget I set and Rudite finds a lovely one also, so we are both happy shoppers.

As the sunsets and moonrise approaches the four of us find a position to watch from amid the thousands (no I’m not joking) of people here.

I’ve studied hard to try and get the best pictures I can on the iPhone and take lots of snaps with reduced exposure, night mode, flash off etc.

It is an amazing thing to see for real so if you visit Broome I recommend planning for it.

Next up is dinner at Divers Tavern which has been recommended. It’s busy today after the Ladies Cup and the Stairway event so there are people everywhere.

We’ve had an amazing time in Broome, despite my foot injury. It’s been lovely catching up with friends old and new and the relaxation has been good too.

I hope this finds everyone well. Stay safe and be kind.

Tomorrow we are off to Karratha.

Lots of love Maryann and Rob xx

Aussie Lap, Places to go, Places we have been, Queensland

Aussie Lap – Mount Coolum Housesit

July 1, 2024 Maryann McDougall 1 Comment

Location: Mount Coolum, Qld

Region: Sunshine Coast

Dates: 4 June – 2 July 2024

Temperatures: 8 – 23 degrees

Hello lovely people, I hope this finds you all well and thriving!

I’m writing from our Housesit House in beautiful Mount Coolum on the Qld Sunshine Coast and pondering how time flies. It seems only days; not weeks ago, that we arrived and tomorrow we leave here.

Before we came to the Sunny Coast our first week in Qld was in Coominya, where we shared a few wonderful catch-ups with family and friends and we’ve had a couple up here at Mount Coolum too. It’s been wonderful to see everyone after being away this past 12 months.

You may have noticed I’m very behind with the blog. This is due to having struck an internet access issue back in April whilst in Victoria due to my VPN security program and it took weeks to sort out.

Never fear though, I’m planning to catch up a few posts over the next week before we hit the road again on the 8th July and will continue to post so more to come.

When we set off again, we have a relatively quick 5 week trip planned across to WA as we have a date with the horizontal falls off of the WA coast at Derby in mid August.

Our plan is to head West then North in Qld, making our way to Charleville, Longreach and then Mt Isa. Crossing into the NT at Three Ways we will then head North to Katherine then West into WA to Kununurra and across to Derby via the Gibb River track, hopefully spending a couple of weeks exploring the Gibb River area, weather & track conditions permitting of course as there is about 600km of gravel road.

All up about 4300 kilometres!

It’s been a lovely relaxing four weeks here at Mount Coolum looking after little Mogwai, a very cute Shih Tzu.

It’s such a great lifestyle, a quiet community and kilometer’s of quiet beach either way. Lots of doggies too which is nice.

Here’s a pictorial of our days…

The days have been made up of slow walks with Mogs on the pathways and on the beach. Lots of bike rides, reading, writing and lovely evenings listening to the waves lulling us to sleep. Thank you to Kathy and Gary for allowing us to housesit and look after their little dog Mogwai.

Rob has also been very busy spending quality time and helping his daughter with some bigger jobs on her property at Coominya. He is a wonderful dad!

If you’re in Qld I’m sure you’ve been enjoying the sunny winter weather. May and June have long been my favourite months of the year here.

Just one more thing before I go.

Go the Blues! Best of luck for the decider on the 17th July. Rob would also add Go the Maroons! Always a fun contest in our house.

Love to all. Stay safe, be kind and look after yourselves. xx

Places we have been, South Australia

Aussie Lap – Tumby Bay SA

March 7, 2024 Maryann McDougall 2 Comments

Location: Tumby Bay, Redcliffe

Region: Eyre Peninsula

Dates: Monday 4 – Wednesday 6 March 2024

Temperatures: 15 – 29 degrees

Monday 4 March, 15 – 26 degrees

Leaving Port Lincoln today, we have just a short drive up the East side of the Eyre Peninsula to Tumby Bay, about 50km.

We take the Redcliffe road off the Lincoln Highway about 20kms from Tumby Bay and 15km of gravel road to the Redcliffe camp, not too bad. Our campsite is right on the waters edge and we look forward to the waves sending us to sleep later.

On the way in we pass a charming old farmhouse set amidst dry fields. It reminds me of a similar house I saw in Scotland. So different but somehow similar? What do you think?

After setup we drive into Tumby Bay and explore. Tumby is a charming town with an excellent RV stop in town opposite the old jetty. The foreshore is lined with Pine Trees and the town has street art and silo art. The area has a marina and is known for fishing and beautiful beaches.

We visit the bakery which looks busy; always a good sign and I order two pies, plan for me, pepper steak for Rob.

The girl serving starts the order then turns to me and says the top on the plain pie has come off, I can have it for free or I can choose another. I say top off is ok, thank you. In all my years eating pies I’ve never heard of this and neither had Rob? The pie was nice, a little hard to eat as the top kept moving but that’s okay. 👍


Tuesday 5 March, 15 - 32 degrees sunny with showers

We decided to stay an extra day at Redcliffe camp. It’s so lovely to be right on the beach and the morning is sunny with just a breeze and we don’t have to be up at Wilpena Pound until Thursday so it will just mean a longer drive tomorrow.

Rob has an early swim and we otherwise have a quiet day so I feed my starter and spend the morning catching up on my blog, making muesli bars and chatting to my friend Liz in Brisbane for a while.

About lunchtime a shower comes across and we sit under our awning enjoying the sprinkle and watching how the sea changes colours.

Afterwards we walk around the beach to the point. We see sea snails, starfish, a dead baby Ray and lots of birds.

We also see two hooded plovers on the beach. These birds are protected in this area.

We also see Pacific Gulls on the rocks and on the vegetation. They seem to be eating red berries found along the coast here. I research but can find no reference for this behaviour?

About 3:30pm I looked out the window and saw a fin in the water then three dolphins surfaced. Rob then ran up the coastline trying to get photos as they made their way past but they were too quick.

As the evening closes in the sunset is once again a beauty.

We continue North/North East tomorrow travel up the remainder of the Eyre Peninsula and then on to the Flinders Ranges. Next stop Hawker.

Stay well, be safe, be kind. xx

Places we have been

Aussie Lap – Port Lincoln SA

March 5, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Location: Port Lincoln

Region: Eyre Peninsula

Dates: Thursday 29 February – Sunday 4 March 2024

Temperatures: 15 – 32 degrees

Thursday, 29 February, 18 – 26 degrees.

We leave Coffin Bay around 10am after some cleaning and jobs this morning. I’ve given inside a good dust and also cleaned the outside of the windows. Rob has also been busy with some jobs so a productive morning.

Port Lincoln is only 50km from Coffin Bay so it’s a a quick trip today. The tourist holiday park is set on a hill overlooking the water so everyone has a lovely view. After setup we decide to walk into town for a few supplies following the Parnkalla Trail which runs across the foreshore of the park. It’s a lovely walk, around the point and past the huge Viterra Silos then through the Port to the town centre foreshore.

We wander along the foreshore and read all the tourist information about the tuna and fishing industry and see the statue of the racehorse Makybe Diva (owned by Tony Santi a local tuna fisherman). Interestingly the horse was named after 5 of his employees – Maureen, Kylie, Belinda, Diane and Vanessa by using the first two initials of each of their names!We find our way to Coles for a few groceries then back to the Park via a very big hill!

Friday 1 March, 15 – 25 degrees, partly cloudy.

The park has a camp kitchen so after coffee, I head up there with my dough, cast iron casserole dish, liner and oven pads to bake my loaf. I patiently waited 8 hours for this dough to double in size during its first proof and it’s had 36 hours for the cold bulk ferment so I’m hoping for a good loaf.

Afterwards, the day has cleared and we set out to explore Lincoln National Park. First stop though is L’Anse patisserie which does amazing croissants and pastries.

Pastry in hand we drive out to the National Park and visit Matthew Flinders monument. We walkout to the shore first of all and paddle around in the lovely clear water before Rob walks up to the Summit and the monument and reads about the search for water.

On the way back in we turn off to see Wanna lookout. It’s a 20km return journey on rough dirt road but Wow! The lookout is spectacular! Rob and I are both continually surprised by the sheer wonder of our coastline!

Friday evening g we enjoy happy hour with new friends Dee and Nic with whom we keep meeting at each stop since Venus Bay and another couple that Dee and Nic know, Debbie and Peter drop by for a while too.

Saturday 2 March, 19 – 26 degrees, partly cloudy

We have a quiet morning then head across Port Lincoln and out the other side to explore the lookout.

After visiting the lookout we return to the van to relax for a while before getting ready for dinner with new friends Dee and Nic, Debbie and Peter. Such lovely people.

The restaurant of choice is Del Giorno’s and a fun night of good food, wine, stories and great company we had!

Sunday 4 March, 13 – 24 Degrees

This morning we drove out to the National Park again to do 4km on the Investigator trail around surfleet cove headland.

We saw lots of birds, 28’s, Galah’s, Fairy Wren’s and a couple little dark green birds with big yellow eyes have a drink in a puddle on a rock.

After the walk we head out to stock up on groceries ahead of next week and our Flinders Ranges trip.

After groceries, we shower and head out to Teakle winery which we had spied from the lookout. We had tried the 2019 Sauvignon Blanc with dinner the previous evening, another reason for the visit.

The tasting is a mix of red and white wines, all very good and a couple exceptional.

Our host Matilda was very passionate and informative on all things wine too, having grown up the industry.

Port Lincoln and the Eyre Peninsula has been delightful. A wonderful area full of amazing landscapes, people and places to visit and enjoy.

We are off to Tumby Bay tomorrow.

Be well, be kind. Stay Safe xx

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 2

February 17, 2024 Maryann McDougall 3 Comments

Locations:, Esperance, Wharton Bay and Cordingup.

Regions: SouthEast, Goldfields- Esperance

Dates: Tue 13 Feb – Fri 16 Feb

Temperatures: 18 – 39 Degrees

Tuesday 13 February 18 – 26 degrees

Tuesday is part jobs, part exploring so first up is starting a load of bread. Once all the folds are done and the bread is set aside for its first rise we head out to Lucky Bay Brewery; just outside of town, for lunch.

Before going to lunch we check out Wylie Bay. This piece of coast can be driven on, due to the crusty compacted white sand and its a 22km drive from there to Cape Le Grand.

Wylie Bay is beautiful, with some rocky areas and one you can cross a small inlet to. Once out on the rock we spy “Sammy”.

Sammy is the name used for every seal that visits Esperance. We spied Sammy cavorting in the shallows but they soon moved further out, presumably due to us. I was fortunate to get one reasonable photo of their little face peaking out of the water.

Lunch at Lucky Bay was awesome. We enjoyed a Prosciutto, Tomato and Rocket Salad and a Hellfire Pepperoni Pizza!

Wednesday 14 February 15 – 26 degrees

Happy Valentine’s Day!

A cooler day today so Rob is taking me for a drive out to Wharton Bay; 100 km East along the Coast towards Cape Arid, on recommendation from a local fellow he met and had a chat with.

The drive is unassuming and the landscape could be outback in any state really, with a mix of low rolling pastoral land and scrub. There are more stands of trees between pasture blocks though, which is good to see.

Wharton Bay is just beyond Cordingup and it’s worth the trip. A beautiful Bay with that same stunning white sand. We climb a short trail up an overlooking rock formation for the most spectacular views.

We head down for a swim amongst the surfers and it’s very refreshing.

We sit on the beach to dry off and unfortunately I get bitten by a March Fly on the top of my left foot. My skin reacts badly to these bites so I know I’m in for a few days of swelling, itch and discomfort, even with antihistamines and SOOV a gel I got onto a while ago. These flys have been everywhere we have been lately and it seems the only deterrent is a slap as Aerogard certainly doesn’t work! If anyone knows of a good deterrent and or remedy for bites, please let me know.

We leave Whartons Bay and head to Condimgup Tavern for lunch.

Thursday 15 February, 18 – 37 degrees

It’s a hot one today so I’m up early cooking, baking bread and washing clothes, then grocery shopping.

When we leave Esperance we plan to travel back up to Norseman then across the Nullabor fairly quickly as we will be off grid and are expecting a few hot nights with the current heatwave. Having a couple of meals ready will help reduce heat in the van and makes for an easy evening after a long day driving. Yesterday I made a batch of San Choy Bow, today Ratatouille and as most meals last two days that will get us through to Sunday.

My left foot has swollen during the mornings work so I elevate it for a while and we finish the day with a lovely swim at Twilight Beach.

Tomorrow we head off, back towards SA. Stay safe and be kind.

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 2

February 17, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations:, Esperance, Wharton Bay and Cordingup.

Regions: SouthEast

Dates: Wed 14 Feb – Fri 16 Feb

Temperatures: 18 – 39Degrees

Wednesday 14 February 15 – 26 degrees

A cooler day today and Valentine’s Day so Rob is taking me for a drive out to Wharton Bay; 100 km East along the Coast towards Cape Arid, on recommendation from a local fellow he had met and had a chat with.

Wharton is just beyond Cordingup and it’s worth the trip. A beautiful Bay with that same stunning white sand. We climb a short trail up an overlooking rock formation for the most spectacular views.

We head down for a swim amongst the surfers and it’s very refreshing.

We sit on the beach to dry off and unfortunately I get bitten by a March Fly on the top of my left foot. My skin reacts badly to these bites so I know I’m in for a few days of swelling, itch and pain, even with antihistamines and SOOV a gel I got onto a while ago. These flys have been everywhere along the coast and it seems the only deterrent is a slap as Aerogard certainly doesn’t work!

We leave Whartons Bay and head to Condimgup Tavern for lunch.

Thursday 15 February, temp 18 – 37

On Sunday we head to the local market for an early breakfast, a shared egg, spinach and bacon wrap, a lamb roti and two coffees.

We explore the market stalls and purchase a dozen black figs and 10 green ones – we both enjoy figs with Gorgonzola as a treat.

During the midday heat we relax and I catch up on some washing and as the afternoon cools we head out to see the Pink Lake and explore Ocean Drive.

Despite its name Pink lake has not been the bubblegum pink of previous years since about 2017. This is due to changes in climate and salt levels. Hopeful it will one day be this pink again but today it is pale blue/green.

This picture courtesy Wikipedia.

How it used to look.

Ocean drive extends past Pink Lake, behind Esperance and to the Indian Ocean then back to Esperance

Monday 12 February, temp 18 – 24

Today we head out to explore Cape Le Grande National Park. About 12km out we visit Esperance Stonehenge. I had read about this place and was keen to visit. It doesn’t disappoint and it really is a wonder. Original started in 2002 but later stalled due to finance. It was taken up by a local farmer in 2010 and completed 2011. It is a complete replica of what Stonehenge was when built including lining up for summer and winter solstice but rather than Sandstone is made of Pink Granite.

Its quirkiness, set here in WA takes me and I feel complete as my visit to the original in 2019 was somewhat disappointing due to it being fenced off and not being able to wander the stones. For good reason no doubt but still… here we could wander at will, touch and admire the beauty of the design and concept. Awesome. Love it!

Onward to Cape Le Grand National Park about 53km from Esperance.

First stop is Cape Le Grand beach. There is a camp ground here and a 18.5km coastal walking trail through to Rossiter Bay via Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and Lucky Bay. Some parts are level 5 but it looks like an interesting walk. Perhaps for another visit.

We then head to Frenchman Peak, a 262m elevation level 5 walk Rob is keen to tackle. I sit this one out due to some tendinitis in my left foot, admiring the view and writing.

On his return we then head for Lucky Bay, so named by Matthew Flinders when he stopped there in the xx in 1798 and also touted to be the whitest beach in Australia with squeaky sand. It doesn’t disappoint and although the water is cool – estimate 15 degrees we enjoy a lovely dip.

After a dip and some drying time it’s back in the car and we start to head back, taking in Whistling Rock, Thistle Cove and lastly Hellfire Bay.

As Collin’s would say… What a day!

More later. Stay safe and be kind.

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 2

February 16, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations:, Esperance, Wharton Bay and Cordingup.

Regions: SouthEast

Dates: Wed 12 Feb – Fri 16 Feb

Temperatures: 18 – 39Degrees

Wednesday 12 February 15 – 26 degrees

A cooler day today so Rob is taking me for a drive out to Wharton Bay; 100 km East along the Coast towards Cape Arid, on recommendation from a local fellow he had met and had a chat with.

Wharton is just beyond Cordingup and it’s worth the trip. A beautiful Bay with that same stunning white sand. We climb a short trail up an overlooking rock formation for the most spectacular views.

We head down for a swim amongst the surfers and it’s very refreshing.

We sit on the beach to dry off and unfortunately I get bitten by a March Fly on the top of my left foot. My skin reacts badly to these bites so I know I’m in for a few days of swelling, itch and pain, even with antihistamines and SOOV a gel I got onto a while ago. These flys have been everywhere along the coast and it seems the only deterrent is a slap as Aerogard certainly doesn’t work!

We leave Whartons Bay and head to Condimgup Tavern for lunch.

Thursday 15 February, temp 18 – 37

On Sunday we head to the local market for an early breakfast, a shared egg, spinach and bacon wrap, a lamb roti and two coffees.

We explore the market stalls and purchase a dozen black figs and 10 green ones – we both enjoy figs with Gorgonzola as a treat.

During the midday heat we relax and I catch up on some washing and as the afternoon cools we head out to see the Pink Lake and explore Ocean Drive.

This picture courtesy Wikipedia.

How it used to look.

Ocean drive extends past Pink Lake, behind Esperance and to the Indian Ocean then back to Esperance

Monday 12 February, temp 18 – 24

Onward to Cape Le Grand National Park about 53km from Esperance.

We then head to Frenchman Peak, a 262m elevation level 5 walk Rob is keen to tackle. I sit this one out due to some tendinitis in my left foot, admiring the view and writing.

After a dip and some drying time it’s back in the car and we start to head back, taking in Whistling Rock, Thistle Cove and lastly Hellfire Bay.

As Collin’s would say… What a day!

More later. Stay safe and be kind.

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 1

February 10, 2024 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Locations: Hopetoun, Esperance

Regions: SouthEast

Dates: Sat 10 Feb – Fri 16 Feb

Temperatures: 13 – 40 Degrees

Saturday 10 February 19 – 40 degrees

We left Hopetoun around 10am and head back up the highway towards Ravensworth before turning left onto the Jerdacuttup Road.

Along the way we stop to see items of the Farm Gate Art trail exhibit that we’d glimpsed on the way in to Hopetoun.

With temperatures reaching 40 on the highway, once again as we approach Esperance and the coast, the temperature drops to a much more comfortable 27 degrees on arrival. We are staying for six days at the Esperance Bay Holiday Park which is at the end of the Esplanade adjacent to the Port Harbour.

After setting up we take a long walk along the Esplanade and the Jetty. The path is lined with towering pines – Norfolk I think and the esplanade has lots of interesting activities for children including a bike track, a mini railway, a skate park and several dedicated swimming areas, one with a pontoon and swimming lanes!

Back at the van we finish the day with Lamb Roast and chargrilled vege then enjoy drinks with our neighbours Tony and Dale from Glebe NSW and Mark and Sue from Sunshine Coast QLD.

Sunday 11 February, temp 18 – 37

On Sunday we head to the local market for an early breakfast, a shared egg, spinach and bacon wrap, a lamb roti and two coffees.

We explore the market stalls and purchase a dozen black figs and 10 green ones – we both enjoy figs with Gorgonzola as a treat.

During the midday heat we relax and I catch up on some washing and as the afternoon cools we head out to see the Pink Lake and explore Ocean Drive.

This picture courtesy Wikipedia.

How it used to look.

Ocean drive extends past Pink Lake, behind Esperance and to the Indian Ocean then back to Esperance

Monday 12 February, temp 18 – 24

Onward to Cape Le Grand National Park about 53km from Esperance.

We then head to Frenchman Peak, a 262m elevation level 5 walk Rob is keen to tackle. I sit this one out due to some tendinitis in my left foot, admiring the view and writing.

After a dip and some drying time it’s back in the car and we start to head back, taking in Whistling Rock, Thistle Cove and lastly Hellfire Bay.

As Collin’s would say… What a day!

More later. Stay safe and be kind.

Places we have been, Western Australia

Aussie Lap – WA Swan Valley, York, Yarloop, Bunbury and Australind

February 2, 2024 Maryann McDougall 2 Comments

Location: York, Yarloop, Bunbury and Australind

Region: South West and Great Southern

Dates: Tuesday 23 January – Friday 2 February 2024

Temperatures: 14 – 36 (including Heatwave)

Swan Valley Wed 23 – Fri 26 January

This is our last trip out from Perth exploring this great state of WA. The weather has been hot and we were looking forward to some cooler weather heading South and time on the beach.

Originally when we booked Swan Valley Tourist Park (a while ago) we were imagining lazy walks and some winery visits. Instead we find ourselves doing van maintenance and weekly jobs of bread making and washing on the first day we arrive.

York Wednesday 24 January

Rob really wanted to see the historical town of York, the oldest inland town of WA so on our second day in the Swan Valley we head out there, about 1hr, 87km West of Swan Valley.

We spend the day following the heritage trail, visiting the sick factory and enjoying lunch at the Imperial hotel.

Our second day of Swan Valley is taken up with bread baking, more maintenance (Rob working on the Stone Stomper and me cleaning windows and more cooking) before we head out to Funk Cider about 500metres from the park!

We enjoyed lazy paddles of cider for me and beer for Rob before heading back and joining our fellow neighbours Ann and Kenny for dinner with other family and friends. A great night, thanks for the invitation Ann!

Pinjarra Fri 26 January

On Australia Day we left Swan Valley heading inland for the long weekend. We headed South West towards Pt Heron to hopefully catch up with my niece Lynda who was camping there with other friends. Along the way we passed through Pinjarra and I spied a sign for the best meat pie in Australia 2021! Of course we had to stop!

The Beef and Beef and Mushroom pies went down a treat and we also had a Vanilla Slice and tropical smoothie. All were very good!

Waroona Fri 26 January

We’ve found most WA towns to be full of charm, history and often very RV friendly. Waroona was one such of these.

Overnight camp on the oval Friday 26th

Yarloop Sat 27 Jan – Mon 29 Jan

1.5 hour South West of Perth on the South Western Highway. Overnight in the towns RV stop with toilet and sink but no soap or hand washing facilities. 14-34 degrees.

Yarloop is a charming National Trust heritage town with ties to the wood milling industry. The whole town was severely affected by bushfires in 2016, losing 2 lives and 220 homes. The quiet town , now mostly rebuilt still shows signs of recovery. Rebuilding has included a new Heritage trail which records the history of the old milling town’s original characters and buildings with photos along a 3.5km walk taking in most of the town and the railway line.

A lovely stay not far from the coast but far enough to enjoy the beautiful night skies and the full moon over the long weekend away from crowds as WA enjoys the last weekend of the school holidays. A great spot to catch up with my niece Lynda and enjoy some quality time catching up over prawns, crab, roast lamb with ratatouille and chocolate cake!

Options to explore nearby include the towns steam workshops which provide guided tours and Logue Brook Dam sound good for a picnic & swim.

Bunbury Monday 29 Jan – Wed 31 Jan

This is our third visit to Bunbury a thriving coastal community with beautiful beaches, coastal paths and lots to see and do.

Known as the “City of three waters” for the roaring Indian Ocean, nearby Koombana Bay and Leschenault estuary.

A heatwave is predicted Wednesday 31 January- Friday 2nd February so we were lucky to be heading to the Coast in the days leading up to this. We spent the days with early morning walks, swimming and long bike rides including a visit to Bunbury Farmers Market. One of the best ever so don’t miss it if you get the chance to go!

Australind Thursday 1 Feb – Fri 2 Feb

Another favourite place to stop is Christina Reserve on the Leschenault Reserve, a free council stay that requires booking for up to 48 hours either toilets nearby.

The day we arrive it got to 36 so we spent most of the day relaxing in the shade to avoid the heat. On the second day we walk out on to the Eco Discovery walk and watch crabbers, people fishing and enjoy the abundant bird life. The day is heating up though so on return we elect to drive back into Bunbury, (about 20km) for a swim, shower then lunch and a movie in aircon.

Friday morning we head back to Perth for our last weekend before starting to head East again. We have a great time with my niece Lucy, her daughter Clare & Ryan and the beautiful Zoe and baby Dustin and catch up with Lynda too (Happy Birthday for next week).

So nice to spend time with family.

A big thank you to Louise, a wonderful friend who hosted us each time we returned to Perth. We will miss you.

Next stop Esperance. Love to all!

Take care, be kind and stay safe!

Australia, Places we have been, South Australia

Aussie Lap – Streaky Bay

August 27, 2023 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Location: Streaky Bay SA

Region: Eyre Peninsula

Dates: 10 August – 13 August

Temperature: 4 – 18 Degrees

We left Minnipa with only a short drive today to Streaky Bay of roughly 100km’s from bush to coast!We decided to camp at the Islands RV camp which was recommended by a fellow camps at Tcharkuldu Rocks and a powered site will provide an opportunity to catch up with weekly washing. Our van has a washer and we can comfortably wash clothes while off grid and we could do sheets and towels but much easier in a big washer!

The Islands is 7km from Streaky Bay and on the way in we spy a bike path so as soon as we park and unhitch we grab the bikes and head for town. The ride is reasonably flat with enough hills to please Rob and make me wish I was fitter! 😂

After about 40minutes ride we arrive in town, explore the picturesque jetty, then visit the pub to book a bus and dinner for the Matilda’s Qtr final on Saturday. We enjoy a beer then ride back to camp to take in the sunset then fire up the Ziggy for roast pork dinner.

On Friday after getting the washing done we set out to explore the first of two loop drives around Streaky Bay. The first is the Cape Bauer loop. We took sandwiches and enjoyed them with tea at the blowhole and whistling rock. We waited til high tide as we hoped for a real blow but other visitors mentioned you need an onshore wind for it to pump. There’s plenty of noise though and it feels like the rocky shore beneath you is breathing, especially at Whistling Rocks!

On Saturday after a bacon and egg role at the local Drift Streaky Bay Cafe (very nice), we drive to Point Labett. As we drive past Baird Bay it appears streaky with lines of sea foam on the caps of the waves and I wonder if that’s where the name came from? The bay appears shallow and the edges had pillows of pure white foam. We stopped to watch a big flock of pelicans and other seabirds and admire the view of the wide bay.

On to the Seal Colony (51km’s from Streaky Bay), where we spied 30 seals including pups lazily enjoying the sunshine. The colony is very protected as you can only view from the platform high above which is good as it’s evident from the sign that the Australian Sealion is an endangered species. We stay quite a while but it’s cool, 18 degrees but with the breeze from the viewing platform above felt much cooler.

The only active seal!

On the way back we drive the Westall Way Loop coming across a very cranky blue tongue lizard on the wayand taking in the amazing white sand dunes at Sceale Bay, rugged Perlubie Beach, and some early wildflowers at Westall.

The area is remote and both loops were on unsealed roads which were very good and easy to drive on. The scenery in this area is so beautiful and we would love to visit again in the summer months to enjoy the beaches. We return to camp to get ready for our dinner in town and the Matilda’s game and to pack, for tomorrow we head out onto the Nullabor and five days at least of free camps.

Places we have been

Australia – Qld, Sunshine Coast, Mt Coolum

August 11, 2023 Maryann McDougall Leave a comment

Location: Mt Coolum

Region: Sunshine Coast

State: Queensland

Time: Two weeks in February and Eight weeks in April – May 2023

Reason: House Sitting

Rob and I experienced an idyllic five weeks in February/ March and then two months during April and May 2023 in repeat housesits at beautiful Mount Coolum looking after Mogwai a cute little Shi Tzu while housesitting as we awaited our van which has been delayed five times (originally due Oct 22, then Jan 23, then Apr 23, then Jun 23, then back to Apr 23, now expected mid Jun 23).

Oh what a magical 8 weeks! Living less than 300 meter’s from the beach felt like a dream come true.

In some respects it was, as I have always wanted to take leave in May, a month I consider to be one of the nicest months of the year in Queensland. The weather is milder as the season starts to cool to winter with temps between 10 – 25 which is great sleeping weather whilst the sea temperature still hovers around 20-22 degrees so you can still swim and the light at that time of the year is magical.

This relaxing period has been good for both of us after the very hectic 2022 finishing house renovations, but we have also been active, continuing our healthy approach with regular exercise everyday.

Every morning we do an 8 km circuit walking and running from Beachside, alternating the direction each day North then South from the lovely beach house which is approximately 300 metre’s from the coastal path and with Mount Coolum beach just over the dunes running parallel to the path.

We follow the coastal path and visit one of two coffee shops Cuba St to the South and Wagtails to the North; both on David Low Way and both serving excellent coffee, so we highly recommend a visit if you are up this way. We then return home with a walk along the beach admiring the view of Mount Coolum which sits directly opposite. Its a great climb too, especially at Sunrise or Sunset.

During this time we have enjoyed a mix of “Dolce far niente” (literally ‘sweetness of doing nothing) with some serious hikes, one around the Noosa Headland with Friends Liz and Dale a good 12km circuit with a lovely lunch after enjoyed at Sunshine Beach Surf Club; what a great day!

We are also continuing our education on all things caravanning, I’ve started making Sourdough bread and I’m also exploring pencil drawings and water colour painting. Mount Coolum is a wonderful place and really suits the outdoors lifestyle that Rob and I enjoy. Definitely one for the list for our forever home at the end of our roaming.

Friends Liz and Dale with us on the Noosa Headland walk
Mogwai
Mogwai on his daily beach walk
The beginning of my Sourdough adventure
One of the many boardwalks to the beach

Physio my way

Tag Archives: Beach

Aussie Lap – Morgan SA to Port Campbell and the Great Ocean Road VIC

Aussie Lap – Shark Bay, & Shell Beach to Geraldton

Aussie Lap – Bullara Station to Coral Bay WA

Aussie Lap – Cape Range National Park, Ningaloo Reef

Aussie Lap – Karratha to Exmouth WA

Aussie Lap – Eighty Mile Beach to Karratha WA

Aussie Lap – Broome to Eighty Mile Beach

Aussie Lap – Derby to Broome

Aussie Lap – Mount Coolum Housesit

Aussie Lap – Tumby Bay SA

Aussie Lap – Port Lincoln SA

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 2

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 2

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 2

Aussie Lap – Esperance Pt 1

Aussie Lap – WA Swan Valley, York, Yarloop, Bunbury and Australind

Aussie Lap – Streaky Bay

Australia – Qld, Sunshine Coast, Mt Coolum

Life Moves!