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7th August 2007- Perth Kalbarri
Got up rather early and left Perth on a tour bus. Stopped at a roadhouse and got chatting to few girls from Manchester and Leicster I was still a bit apprehensive as they were in a group of five. Made our way up the West Coast with our tour guide Locky who was very funny but did have a bad ataste in music. Arrived a tthe Namburg national park where we went to see the Pinnnacles. After stupidly not reading up on these and the fact that I had slept most of the way I had no idea what these were. However they were pretty basically long tall rocks that seem to stand alone in the middle of the grounddotted about. I', not describing them very well but it was rock formation, weather erosion. By this point the group are starting to get to know each other. There was 21 of us in all and lots of girls travelling on their own as well.
We then went sandboarding which was fun and eventually arrive at the hostel at around 7:00. It is freezing and I am grateful for my fleece and hoody. The youth hostel was called Kalbarri Hostel and was nice enough but still feeling a bit homesick.
8th August 2007 Kalbarri- Monkey Mia
Early morning start well for me. We set off to the National Park where we see some awesome views and look through natures window photos will be on face book soon.
On the way we call and see some Stromalites the oldest living thing on the planet. Basically creature like things that were the first things on earth to produce oxygen and were pushed up out of the sea millions of years ago. Fairly interesting but I was more excited about the colur of the sea and that in the next few days we would be on a beach.
We call at Shell beach is what it says on the tin and is possibly the longest beach in the world at 110km. We then arrive at Monkey Mia which is a resort just outside of Denham. Not sure why it is called Monkek Mia as it is where the Dolphins come to shore to feed. Watched the beautiful sunset and had tea starting to get to know the group who are brilliant. That night we went on an aboriginal tour with Cappes. Who is a man trying to work with the different communities and trying toaddress the cultural differences. We leant about his beliefs and family and how some indigenous people beleive the world was created. He played the digeredoo, burnt sandal wood and coked fresh fish on teh camp fire a thoroughly enjoyable and interesting evening. Feel like I'm in Australia now!!!! Slept very well and got up early for breakfast and to see......
9th August 200- Monkey Mia- Coral Bay
Got up to see the wild Dolphins come to mee to people. They came right up to the shore and posed for photos however the rangers and experts ensure that they are not over fed as around 10 years ago the population dropped because they were relying on humans. An amazing experience!
We left Monkey Mia and travelled and travelled and travelled. Beautiful views but the outback does look fairly similar thorugh a tour bus window. There wasa rebelliona nd personal I-pods got plugged into the radio so we had renditions of Grease and Dirty Dancing. There was only 3 boys on tour who did not have a choice.Arrived in Coral Bay and stayed at the Ningaloo Club awesome youth Hostel. Here I was meant to leave the tour and stay another week but decided agianst it. Phonecallw were made everything was fine!!!
10th August 2007-Coral Bay- Exmouth
Today we ahd a choice chill on the beach, go on tours, quad bike, shop whatever. I decided to go on a boat and attempt snorkelling. The boat was manned/womanned by really nice people who were really happy to help. Went on this tour with Clare, Lynne, Sarah, Gillian, Brian and Susan. We had such a laugh!!!
We had the opportunity to snorkel 3 times so first we swam with the fish and saw the Coral which was beautiful but the highlight was just before lunch. We had to quickly get off the boat and chase a Mantaray. A mantaray is a bitl ike a sting ray but measures about 6 meters in length and can only be seen on the Western Coat. It was amazing we got to see it so clearly. However the second attempt the current was too strong an after nearly swimming into the boat a few of us retreated back to the boat.
Possibly one of the coolest things I've ever done and feel like I can master snorkelling a lot better. Even though I do become slightly panicky and breathe too fast but it will come. We leave at about 4:30 to make our way to Exmouth. Arrive in Exmouth stay at Hotshots. This is a resort so has a rather funky bar and nice rooms with good facilities. We have tea and sit up drinking feeling a bit homesick not sure why?
11th August 2008- Exmouth
Today we got to see the Ningaloo Reef and drift snorkel. This is really beautiful and less tiring as the current takes you. Spend the day on the beach swimming in Turquoise Bay. Stay at the same youth hostel
12th August 2007- Exmouth- Karijini
After ane arly start and I mean 4:30 in the morning we drive towards Hammersley Rangers. A lot more driving but we arrive at the Karijin national Park. Where we walk down into the Gorge. I think this on is called Hancokc Gorge but not entirely sure. Anyway we clamber over rocks and then we are told that we are swimming into the gorge. Now this water is freezing like being stabebd with razors. Iwas thinking of refusing to do it but did not want to look like acomplete idiot. I have never been so cold in my life!!!!
Arrived at the camp site just outside of the NationaL Park. We set up camp and cook tea or rather Locky does he makes Than Green Currty we all drink and tell stories around the camp fire actually quite enjoyable, I surprised myself no toilets running water or electricity. I am a changed woman!!!
Did not sleep that night very well very cold note to self sleep in hat.
13th August- Full day in Karijini
We spend a full day in Karijini and the thought of swimming in freezing cold water does not fill me with joy! We walk through Dales gorge and along handrail gorge. You had to climb down the rock fce backwards using the hand raila nd a rope. I'm thinking where is my bloody helmet and protective clothing. Australians evidently do not have health and safety issues. In England or America I reckon there would be law suits galore. Only a few people muttered my concerns so though sod it. It was fine more difficult than it looked. There is an option to swim once you have clambered into the gorge I opted out. It is far too cold others did as well!!!
We then went on a beautiful walk through the Karijini and saw beautiful waterfalls. The walk we did was called Circular gorge and much to my happinness we walked in a cirlce and got to swim in the the warmest pool in the Karijini Fern pool. This was beautiful and where the Aboriginees give birth to children as the warm waterfall calms the baby and mother.
We also went to the visitors centre and had lunch. I wanted to stay and read about the aboriginnee huistory but there was not enough time decided not too argue and be the geeky RE teacher.
We then went to another camp site (when I say campsite I mean flat ground with the remains of a camp fire from another tour) and saw the beautiful sunset that is truly amazing beats Ayia Napa hands down!!!
Had a lot of fun that night we ahd picked up an Irish couple in Exmouth and Martin sang funny Irish songs and played the tin can. Gillian the Irish girl told hilarious stories about running down sheep and claiming on the farmers insurance. I will be very sad to leave this group of people. However Sarah a girl from Milton Keynes is doing the same route as me so we are travelling together yeah!
14th August 2008- Karijini- Port Hedland
Today we head back up the Coast and leave Karijini National Park. We call at Port Hedland a mining town where approx 50 million tonnnes of iron are exported annually. Trains can reach 2.5 kilometers long. Actually did not like noise and the busyness maybe I could live in the country! (With water and elcetricity)
We arrive at Eighty mile beach which is actually 78 miles long but Ozzies apparantly round up. We look fro shells and watch the Sunset. We are camping again but on a beautiful campsite with running water, electricity and no red sand. I was in heaven!!!
Went to the beach at night with torches and watched the stars. Have I mentioned how amazing the stars are in Australia. Its like the episode of Friends with Ross and Rachel at the Museum. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about get on E4.
15th August 2007-Port Hedland- Broome
We depart 80 mile beach and head for Broome. We head into town and then at around 4:00 drive down to see the sunset. Again a beautiful sunset, tonight we stay in the bar drinking and chatting but I have an early night. We are staying in the Kimberly Club. This youth hostel is plush not too mention lively! (As I have no found out after moving roooms to right near the bar)
16th August 2007- Broome- Japanese Cemetary, town and night out.
The group are all moving as the KK is booked up sad to see everyone go but we plan to meet up at night for a farewell drink. In the morning we go to see the Japanese Cemetery and then go into town. Sarah and I are trying to work out the best route to Darwin and I am beginning to get stressed. However we pop into eco- travel agents and the most helpful woman in the world manages to sort us out. We now have our trip planned to Darwin yeah only 2.5 hours in the travel agents.
Tonight we all go out to the Divers Club and meet the locals. Not that local mostly Irish working as labourers. Earning a bloody fortune and look like they are spending a bloody fortune. Went onto Oasis a really cool nightclub..However while with the friendlt woman we had booked another tour on the Friday. So rather grown uply I leave at 12:00 as I'm up at 5:00. Said a sad farewell to everyone.
17th August 2007- Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek
We get picked up at 6:30. Sarah got in at 2:30 she is a mentalist or maybe I am becoming boring. Spend the first 3 hours sleeping then stop at a roadhouse where we were going to stay. Thank God we did not.
Stop for morning tea and talk to the group who are really nice. 2 young girls one candian one teacher who unfortunately for Sarah and the Canadian girl I start to talk shop to. She is also like me and hasn't talked school for 3 weeks. The otrher 6 people are middle aged but very cool people who are friendly. I will update you on what happened yesterday, tomorrow as I need to go and pack as we leave tomorrow night.
Saturday 18th August 2007- Markets, Croc Park tea at Cafe Zoo
Sunday19th August 2007- RELAX and overnight Greyhound
Monday 20th August- Tour to the Bungle Bungle
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