From Perth we headed to Dandaragan as a stop over and had a look in Badgingarra National Park. We saw some new wildflowers (including an enamel orchid) so went in to nerd mode and out came the cameras. On the way back to the start of the trail, Max jumped 5 foot in the air as he stepped in front of a big ugly lizard, which was thick with no tail and a blue tongue- yuck! I love camping and being outdoors but I haven't quite got used to the animals you find out here! I shut my eyes and jumped over it emitting a small screech as I did :o). From here we travelled up the coast to Jurien Bay, which was beautiful. Turquoise sea and white sand (this will be a feature of the west coast). We had a nice lay on the beach (the weather has got soooo much better) - we then headed to Dongara but as it is WA school holidays, all the camp sites were full so we had to head further North to Geraldton, not before Max managed another surf.

We stayed in Geraldton for three days, relaxing and enjoying the beautiful weather. We then started planning the next few weeks and realised we had forgotten to see the Pinnacles so we detoured south again for the day (an additional 500 km and back to the rubbish weather) and then back North to Dongara for a night.

We then headed further North to Horrocks Beach, Port Gregory to see the Pink Lake (and this time it was pink) then up to beautiful Kalbarri for 3 days. It is a lovely little seaside resort with a big lagoon and reef. We had a lovely day in the National park, and did a 8km gorge trek which was great fun, if not a little tiring in the heat. We were up and down and by the side of the river, ducking and diving under low hanging rocks - all very adventurous. We even saw a couple of kangaroos which made my day! We see so many dead ones by the side of the road that it's a pleasure to see some still jumping! Nature's Window was impressive as were the beautiful wildflowers.

The next day we went sand boarding, which was great fun. It's like snowboarding on sand but so much harder. The board has a mind of it's own and just tips you off at will. We did sitting and going down on your belly and your back and Max and I even did a 'couple's' move which was him going forwards and me sat on him going backwards (see the video we have posted) which was great fun! I was the one with the most injuries at the end of the day as I got sand burn on my thigh and wiped out totally on the dune and wrecked my body - took a few days for it all to stop hurting! All in all it was a great day! We then spent the final day looking at the coastal scenery from Red Buff, Hawk's Bay and Eagle Bluff, did some off road driving with rubbish corrugation that makes your teeth chatter and had a lovely fish and chip supper while watching the end of the sunset. We also visited the Bird sanctuary and saw so many beautiful species of birds. So much more colourful than the boring sparrows and seagulls we have in Holland!

From Kalbarri we headed north to Shark Bay and stayed in Denham, had an afternoon on the beach, walking and finding shells then headed up early the next day to Monkey Mia Nature Reserve to see the dolphins. There were about 8 or so that come to feed each day and on the second feed, Max and I were both chosen to feed them which was fantastic. They really are beautiful creatures and very gentle when taking fish from your hand. We stayed at the resort for a drink and some cake and to see the friendly pelicans, which was lekker! Sunshine, calories and a great view :o)

From Denham, we went to see Hamelin Stromatolites and Cape Peron, which is all off road in thick sand or rock. Max was like Schumacher manoeuvering the car but we didn't have enough petrol to go all the way so headed back...our teeth still chattering! We also visited Shell Beach which has no sand but is made up of millions and millions of shells.As Coral Bay was fully booked up due to the schoolies having holiday we bypassed it and went to Exmouth instead. This is a lovely town situated next to Cape Range National Park and the Ningaloo Marine Park. We had a few days there, mainly snorkelling and swimming and relaxing as well as taking a trip around the park to see Yardie Creek gorge (and kangaroos) Turquoise Bay, Sandy Bay and Mangrove Bay. All very beautiful. There are also some good surf beaches so Max was happy and surfed really well - big smile on his face all day!

After a couple of days, we headed back south to Coral Bay which is tiny - 150 locals, 2 caravan parks and a supermarket basically. Max had a trip booked on a boat to go swimming with manta rays as well as dolphins, sharks, turtles and whales and had a great time. I went to to the beach, shopped and relaxed. We also snorkeled which was great as the sea is so clear you don't have to go miles out to see everything. Good for me given I am not a water baby, more a water cry baby. It was good fun (flippers are so not the usual footwear I go for - but at least they matched my bikini!)

We also went quad biking which was great fun. As Max's bike took some time to get started he was at the back of the group, an ideal opportunity for him to be a boy racer, hang back from the back and exceed the speed limit :o) We went bombing through the sand dunes and across the beach before stopping to see the sunset and coming home. We had a lot of fun doing that and then treated ourselves to pizza!