Little Adventures

Another wedding for the year! It was a quiet little one in a backyard and we had a great time with our whole family on the dance floor. 

Before the scratching!

We went on a 4wd adventure off 11 Mile beach. We drove along the beach, through dunes and along bush tracks (which definately scratched the car) and had great fun. We stopped at some new beaches and explored rock pools. I even drove for a bit which was a good experience.

We’ve had a few rainy days to explore, even though it’s supposed to start getting sunny! We have driven around Munglinup and explored some bushland with old sheep yards. There was a creek and the remains of fences, sheds and cars with the bush taking over again.

Not quite roadworthy...

On another rainy day went for a drive and decided to see where we would end up. We ended up in Hopetoun! Driving right along the coast (and sometimes on the beach) along the way. We found some great camp spots we would like to come back to and explored bush tracks to barely explored lakes. We spent some time in Fitzgerald National Park too, and decided we would have to come back to thoroughly explore it. We have some amazing spots to go for an adventure not too far from home.

Fitzgerald River meeting the sea

A whole new world

Boy was Aladdin good! I went up to Perth for some training and mum had already bought tickets to see the show so she tried to get one for me too. And she delivered, somehow managing to get me a seat next to them! The show itself was incredible and well worth it. The sets were spectacular, one of my favourite scenes would be the magic carpet ride.

One of many trinkets in the garden

The magic garden we went to was incredible. Helms Garden was open for one day as a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctors Service. I wasn’t so sure about it, but there were so many people and it was amazing.

Another garden! The following weekend we went to Myrup Downs Alpacas to look through the gardens and say hello to the alpacas. This was also a fundraiser for the Royal Flying Doctors Service and was a fun outing in the sun.

Full bloom

The Surf Life Saving Season is now underway and I am so ready for beach days! There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to run nippers and patrol the beach and it is rewarding to see your work unfold.

Some Bush Bashing

We spent the long weekend in the Hyden region. We decided it was a fairly equal distance for all parties to travel and we wanted to check out a bit of the Holland Track.

We did the obligatory Wave Rock visit, although we’ve never seen so many cars or people! There was a music festival, so we could hear the music while we looked around and walked from Wave Rock to Hippo’s Yawn. It was very scenic and there were a few pretty wildflowers to look at, not heaps though as it has been very dry.

A Hippo Yawning 

Mulka’s Cave was an interesting spot to visit. It was a short drive from Wave Rock and is the hiding place for Aboriginal legend Mulka where hand prints can be seen inside the cave.

The start of the Holland Track (well our starting point) was very easy and seemed like a well-maintained road. That was just the start however, and the stretch we covered was bumpy with big holes and gulleys and plenty of muddy puddles. There were chicken tracks for the more difficult or deep looking puddles, however overall it’s not for the light hearted. It was a really fun day filled with adventure!

We drove past a few dried salt lakes along the track which made nice photo opportunities. We stopped and got out to look at one and I started sinking and nearly lost my thong in the mud! It was very funny and fortunate we filled the water tank on the car!

Three wheelin’!!

It was also really lovely spending the evenings playing games and sitting drinking around the camp fire and I’m keen for more camping, and to do the whole Holland Track.

A Pirate Life

A pirate life for us!

We participated in the Munglinup Car Rally which was simply awesome. Ten out of ten, would recommend, we will definitely be doing it again.

It’s basically like an Amazing Race, but with cars! You spend the day solving clues, completing challenges and earning points. We did well as a team and ended up coming second! Challenges included sharp frisbee shooting, randomly selecting a key in hope it would open the lock and team ‘skiing.’ The day ended with an auction while the points were tallied and we ate hot roast beef rolls.

This was so hard

The hockey season has officially come to an end with the grand final and windup. We have been done for a few weeks as we didn’t make the finals. The weather cooperated for the grand final, sunny but not too hot and the games were fairly close. The windups were fun adventures, we had a team one on our last game day where we gathered around with a few drinks playing a few games. Then we had a big windup with all the other teams, and there was food and live music. There was also a farmer dress up theme for this one, there were many flanno shirts, men as cowgirls, a few animals and me- the only tractor. It was quite the team effort constructing the tractor and it took a few hours longer than I thought it would, however it was worth it coming off best dressed for the night!

The colour choice was deliberate

Esperance also hosted its biennial Emergency Services Day where all the emergency services in town, run mostly by volunteers, show off what they do. I wore two hats for the day (well a hat and a shirt) representing both the Emergency Support Unit and the Surf Life Saving Club. It was interesting seeing what the other units get up to and there were lots of fun activities to be involved in, from knocking down cones with a fire hose, to flare demonstrations and cutting someone out of a car.

Race Cars and Superstars

Beautiful sunset over the paddock beside the track

At the end of June a big group of us drove up to Kellerberrin to watch the speedway. The drive up was pleasant, we managed to leave work a bit early on the Friday and got in just after nine. We spent the weekend watching races, huddling around the fire, drinking beer and just having a nice time together. We were prepared for it to be freezing in the swag, but it tuned out not to be too bad. I was also pleased to not be camped in a puddle like last time!

Our sweet little set up

The next day the group went to Wave Rock, minus me, (which I had severe FOMO over) whilst I headed in the other direction to Perth. This time I was up for P!nk and I wasn’t missing out on that. I had purchased tickets almost a year ago into GA standing, and seats for the rest of the family. My mate and I ended up getting even better tickets earlier this year into the Wild Heart Zone and this was definitely the place to be! Stage touching/sweat zone area!

Yes, that close!

There was a DJ to get the show going before The Rubens opened. These guys are from country NSW and you’re bound to know a few songs from them. The DJ then kept the crowd pumping while they made the finishing touches on the stage.

The Rubens were pretty sweet

As always P!nk’s performance was spectacular. She opened the show swinging from a giant chandelier singing ‘Get the Party Started.’ She sang a good mix of old and new with some acoustic pieces and some action pieces dangling from rope, or swinging over the crowd. One of my favourites was her encore of ‘Glitter in the air’. I’ve never seen this live and it’s just one of my favourite songs.

I hope she tours again, because I’ll be there!

Stage behind me and stage in front!

A Birthday Surprise!

My sister came down to surprise me for my birthday and everyone was in on it! I was watching a movie at home with some friends, when one friend’s cousin needed rescuing because ‘he ran out of fuel’. When the friend came back my sister was there too. I had no idea!

Pristine looking Thistle Cove

. We went out for dinner the night before and then on my birthday we got up early because there was a whale in the bay! We also went out for breakfast, did some beach exploring and had a roast for dinner. It was super chill and I had a great time.

We went camping at Quagi Beach. Even though it’s the beginning of winter it wasn’t too cold and we settled in front of a fire playing games. The next day we went four-wheel driving around Quagi and to Stokes National Park.

Quagi Beach

 We decided to have a look at Skippy Rock, which has a nice campsite that I think we’ll stay at one time. We checked out Torradup Inlet which was very protected and looked like a great spot to set up for the day (so we’ll have to do that next time). We also drove to what we think was Margaret Cove and what we’ve figured out is that there are so many little beaches and coves yet to explore!

Awesome little spot we found...name unknown!

A Big Hole in the Ground

We decided to spend the WA Day June long weekend on a little adventure, so we headed off to Kalgoorlie. We checked out the Super Pit and went on a tour too, it really is a big hole in the dirt! The tour took you to a great vantage point overlooking the pit, but unfortunately they weren’t blasting when we were there. Then we went through the Fimiston Milling Plant where we could see how they get the gold out of the rock. It really is quite a process to extract the gold, but clearly it’s worth it!

The Super Pit

We were amazed at how huge the trucks are that drive the dirt out of the pit. There are 793 dump trucks with a life span of about 7 years, and it costs $40,000 for just one tyre! The pit is over 3.5 kilometres long, 1.5 kilometres wide, and 400 metres deep and has produced over 13 million ounces of gold. Our tour guide told us they were training dogs to sniff out gold…golden retrievers!

The tyres more expensive than my car!

I didn’t realise they still had an operating underground mine at Mount Charlotte so it was quite interesting to go to the lookout to see that. The lookout is also based at the reservoir which is where the water is piped from Mundaring Weir in Perth. The water travels 563kms and provides drinking water to the region.

 

Overlooking Mount Charlotte and the town

We went to Hannan’s Tourist Mine where we went on a self-guided tour walking through original buildings relocated from mine sites along the Golden Mile, looked at old engines and machinery and old prospecting camp sites. We got up close and personal to some big modern mining machines, sitting in the driver’s seat of a 793 dump truck and in the shovel of a  994F loader. I’m pretty sure this is the place I went as a kid where we actually went down a mine shaft and watched them pour gold (I remember winning a Crunchie chocolate!)

We went to the Museum which was incredibly busy! There were many families as there were lots of activities for the WA Day celebrations. We were a bit old for the face painting and the petting zoo, but we found the museum really interesting. It showcased the town’s history and the gold vault displayed many golden jewels. It was a grand little adventure!

Big trucks!

Sydney Adventures

The surf life saving season is done and dusted and we are now a few weeks into the hockey season. We had our awards night for surf and I won the senior patrol member award, I did 170 hours! I knew I was spending a lot of time at the beach, but I didn’t realise quite how much!

Don't think I'll have a bath at Coogee

I went on what I felt was a well-deserved break to Sydney with the sis. We could probably have packed a bit better as it was a bit cold and wet, but we managed to make do with shopping!

We explored Coogee beach and had a yummy breakfast. We wanted to do the coastal walk to Bondi but it was a bit cold so we bussed it. We spent a long time shopping and exploring Bondi Junction. The centre was huge! We then ended the day checking out Bondi Beach, unfortunately, it was really raining by then so we didn’t go for a swim.

Bet they have the heater on!

We walked to Martin Place where we peeked through the window at Channel 7 where they were interviewing one of the judges from House Rules. We had a lovely stroll through the Chinese Garden or Friendship which took you to a whole new place even though you were in the city! We walked around Darling Harbour before making our way to Circular Quay.

Secret little gardens

The Opera House was very cool. I was surprised at how busy the whole area was considering it was a weekday. We took a tour of the Opera House where I pocketed some fun facts. For example, it took the guy 10 years to build the organ and another two years to tune it! I’d definitely like to see a show there one time. There was a great view over the harbour from the second floor.

Look, a bridge!

We climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge and I was actually surprised with how long we were there. We spent about an hour getting ready, suited up in overalls and learning what to do. We headed out for the climb just as the sun was setting and there was an amazing view. The climb itself wasn’t too difficult and the view was spectacular however, my legs were tired from all the walking at the end and I really appreciated the tacos and margaritas we had afterwards!

'Twas worth it

While I was on my travels I went to my cousin’s wedding which was great fun. I really enjoy busting it out on the dance floor with all the family! It was funny too because dad was the MC. We also celebrated my sister’s birthday which happened to fall on the same day as the wedding so we went out the night after. It was great fun catching up with everybody.

Dog High Jump

I definitely can't jump that high!

The weekend before Easter, a group of us headed out to Condingup, about an hour east of town for the Condy Fair. It was a great afternoon, there were different stalls and everyone’s favourite- the dog high jump. It was funny watching the owners give their little pep talk to the dog before their jump. That night we went to the Condy Tavern for dinner and then went back to the fair to watch the Lazy Boys perform. It was a fun night despite the rain.

We went back to Perth for the Easter long weekend. The weather was warm so we went to Trigg for a surf and I’ve never seen it so busy! So that was a bit of a different thing considering you generally have the beach to yourself in Esperance. We went Kings Park which was also packed! It was a lovely day for a stroll and to be out in the sun.

The Perth skyline

Hogs Café has opened near where Mum and Dad live. We used to go to the one in Mandurah as kids when we went on holidays, so it was nice to dine there and relive a bit of a childhood memory.

We jumped on the bandwagon to have a couple of games at Holey Moley. It really was fun too! Each hole has a pop culture theme and some creative ways to get the ball to the hole. It was well worth the visit. We also did lots of shopping, but not too much because it needed to fit on the plane on the way back!

It was great to see all the family again and we had a lovely evening catching up.

Let's jump on those hover boards!

March Long Weekend

The March long weekend was action packed in Esperance, from sport to music to food there was something for everyone! There were many sporting competitions in town and there was even a cruise ship in! I’ve never seen so many people in town. Dad came down earlier in the week for work and then stayed the weekend, Mum managed to get a last minute flight so that we could spend the weekend together.

View over Woody Lake

I finished work early on Thursday and Friday so I could spend some time with dad. The first day was really warm so we went for a swim at 11 Mile and then went for ice cream! The next day was wetter and cold so we went for a walk around the old Windfarm and around Woody Lake nature reserve. It was perfect walking weather and both trails had amazing views of the surroundings.

It was pretty overcast the day mum arrived – not exactly beach weather! We went out for brekky to Taylor Street Quarters, went for a drive exploring and we went on a Port tour. The tour was interesting, but not quite as good as the last time I went as there was a bit less going on.

Espernace Speedway Production Sedans

That night we went to the speedway to watch a friend of mine race. Esperance’s track is on the smallr side, but there is a perfect spot to sit and watch the action. It was a noisy night and we had a really great time. It is more fun when you know one of the racers! It was also amazing the amount of mud that flies through the fence on the bend in the track!

The next day we went out to Alexander Bay which was about an hour and a half out of town. There is a nice camp site out there, but it was very full. The beach was nice and we climbed around all the rocks to get a nice view of the island. I heard there are some big rock pools out there, but we didn’t find them this time.

With Little Wharton behind us

On the way back, we stopped in at the Duke and had a good look through the caravan park, Dad wants to stay there at some point. We went for a look and a walk at Little Wharton and Wharton beach too, it was very windy so we didn’t end up going for a swim. Wharton beach is probably my favourite beach so far, not too busy, beautiful white sand melding with crystal blue waters, it can definitely get some dangerous currents and big surf though.

Hiking and Cowboy Boots

We went out to Mount Ridley a few weeks back. This is one of the few places you can see Aboriginal rock paintings. It’s about an hour’s drive from town, about a third of the journey is along a four-wheel drive track where you wonder if you’re actually going the right way! There are lots of walk trails out there and there is a spectacular view from the summit. Mount Ridley is also home to Esperance’s own Wave Rock, it is smaller than the one in Hyden, but it is very cool.

Awesome view from the top

As with many people around the globe, we tried to stay up late to watch the Super blue blood moon. Unfortunately, Esperance had other ideas and it was very cloudy. We even had a telescope and everything! We did eventually catch a glimpse between the clouds and I was very impressed with the picture my phone managed to capture!

The moon!

I went to a very unusual show, although I thoroughly enjoyed it…the Katherine Outback Experience! The show is normally run in the Northern Territory, but they decided to take it on tour in the wet season. Tom Curtain’s show included breaking in horses, dog training and it ended in the Golden Guitar winner’s musical performance. It was a great experience where I learned quite a bit and I really liked the music.

He's playing a guitar too!

I spent another day at the Races in Esperance for a work social club do. It was pouring all morning and I was ready to go in my dress and wellies! Fortunately, it fined up and was a lovely afternoon.

I enjoy exploring lesser known parts of Esperance and on one evening at sunset this included the Old Windmill Walk Trail. It is surprisingly close to town and has exceptional views over Salmon Beach. I found it very interesting learning about the way the old wind farm used to work.

Looking out towards Twilight Beach

Exploring the Duke

Little Wharton

A school mate of mine who now lives in Port Hedland came to visit and in the week she was here we sure filled the time!

We drove out to Duke of Orleans Bay which is about an hour out of town. Duke of Orleans is a wide bay with the caravan park on one end and Table Top Island on the other. The island is still connected to the mainland and it is cool to stand in the middle with the ocean on either side of you.

While we were out there we checked out Wharton Beach where we swam. It has pretty dangerous surf, but there is one end that is a more protected. The day started overcast, but it cleared up by the time we went for a swim. We also explored Little Wharton where there is a small beach with rockpools down one end where we climbed over boulders to explore the pools. Round that the side the rock had an amazing tiger pattern!

A very cool rock at Little Wharton

As you do with a tourist, you drive the Tourist loop and check out all the beaches! The drive takes about an hour if you get out and have a quick swim at each spot and we finally swam at 11 Mile which is the last beach along the loop without going along the beach.

We had an early start to climb Frenchman’s Peak. It wasn’t busy when we went up, there were a few other people going up at the same time as us, but it was packed going down. There were cars lining the whole road up to the car park which was also full! The climb took us just over an hour at a leisurely pace with a few photo stops, but it is steep and not for the light-hearted. We were glad to do it first up!

Looking out towards Cape Le Grand from Frenchman's Peak

After our climb, we rewarded ourselves with a coffee at Lucky Bay which was a little windy and unfortunately we didn’t see any kangaroos. We decided to have a swim at Thistle Cove which is more protected and isn’t as popular because you have to climb over a big rock to get onto the beach. We checked out Hellfire too which was packed, it is also more sheltered by the wing and has nice toilets and a BBQ area.

One the last day we hung out at Blue Haven, where the stair climb was a bit treacherous on our sore legs! The water was gorgeous and it was nice to chill out.

In the time my mate was here we ate plenty of good food and drank lots of cocktails! I’ll eventually make it up her way!

Hellfire Bay

Christmas and Camping

I had a very quick trip to Perth for Christmas. I drove up with my housemate and was there pretty much for Christmas Day! We did our usual family thing on Christmas morning opening presents under the tree and throwing paper for the dog to catch. Then we had brekky with Dad’s side of the family- this was a new thing for us. We had a lovely breakfast and did a Secret Santa which was fun. In the evening we had dinner at our house with Mum’s side of the family. My favourite part about Christmas is everyone being together…and the ham!

Family Cuppa

On Boxing Day Mum, Dad and I drove to Munglinup Beach where we camped for a few days. Dad always goes all out with the camping stuff and he even bought solar panels because we had an unpowered site! We went for a long paddle along the Munglinup river, to the river mouth on one day and up the river on another.

Our Fancy Camping Breakfast

Munglinup River

We took a day trip to Stokes National Park and visited Moir Homestead. This was an old set of buildings from the 1870s. There were so many bees there and I’ve never seen such a big beehive! While we were at Stokes we settled in and spent the afternoon at Fanny Cove. We went for a swim and watched a seal have a splash! It is a really nice spot and I’d like to camp there.

The Residents at Moir Homestead

Fanny Cove

Once in Esperance with Mum and Dad we went for a drive and checked out all the beaches along the Tourist Loop. We were lucky enough to get a parking spot at Blue Haven which was very busy and we had a swim. We visited Lucky Bay Brewing and had a few tasters and I was glad to show off our local brewery to Mum and Dad.

Blue Haven

I had a pretty quiet New Years. We watched the fireworks and the foreshore and went to the pub. It’s been a busy couple of weeks and I’m glad to have a bit longer off work to chill.

The Foreshore Fireworks