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Esperance, Albany, Margaret and everything inbetween (Part 2)
Yesterday, for the first time ever in Australia, I saw a wild snake! Ok, I only saw the final foot of it, but it was definitely a snake, as I'm pretty sure that lizards dont slither! I would have liked to see the whole beastie, but sadly the clip clap of my thongs must have sent it running off in fear! After speaking to my local snake expert, or my Dad, we decided that it was probably a Dugite, which is unsurprisingly highly venomous! So guess its good that I decided against following it in to the bush to try and get a picture, or doing a Steve Irwin and just grabbing its tail (Do snakes have tails?! Just look like a really long tail really - wierd).
Back to the blog (proper), and my camping trip to Esperance! One thing first, you will be glad to know that no longer doing the bold typing thing, that tried last time, as it makes me look like a muppet, as I'm quite obvisously not writing a travel guide so much as a story about me (true story). Actually adventure sounds better than story, or amazing adventure, thats cool! Well I awoke to a rather overcast day in the Stirling Ranges, but I braved the clouds and possibility of rain to climb a mountain or two! My first trek was up Toolbrunup, an exciting little journey, even if progress was hampered by the path being turned into more of a waterfall by the recent rainfall! Sadly on reaching the summit, I found myself above the clouds and struggled to get any good pikkies. Which reminds me, I have added some pictures to facebook now, for you all to enjoy! You will be glad to hear that despite taking about 2000, I only added about 100, as didn't want you to get too bored! Another problem with climbing alone, is that you have no-one to take a picture of you at the top, however with some clever and careful positioning I was able to get a few of me posing, with a look of total achievement strewn across my face. My next task for the day, after getting down that mountain, was to climb my next, Talyuberup, I refuelled on some sultana's and began my second ascent, and it wasn't even lunch time (I know, it's very impressive, I even manage to surpass my own exceedingly high expectations at times). This climb was slightly tougher, as my legs were rather more jelly-like by now, but I still made it to the top, although I did get a little lost at one point, when the clouds engulfed and the route decided to suddenly become a rock scramble! On hearing that Bluff Knoll was closed, and with some weary legs, I thought what better than making the drive to Esperance! With much thanks to Jarvis Cocker and the Gallagher brothers, I eventually made it to Esperance some hours later, by which point I was in desperate need of food, since my last real munch had been breakfast that day. The shower came first though, sadly it was cold, or perhaps more accurately freezing cold. Then I hit the kitchen for some very sophisticated instant noodles, and a VB, where I met John, who was from Derby, and sadly, for him, a Derby supporter too!
The next morning, I was sadly caught by the ranger, before making my getaway, so was forced to pay to stay at a campsite with cold showers - rubbish! I should probably say at this point, that I had camped in Cape Le Grand National Park, with the campsite being by Le Grand Beach. It really is a very "grand" beach, as it was pretty much impossible to see the other end, pretty though! Next was Lucky Bay, where I bumped into a tour group, who I swear followed me for the rest of the day, as everywhere I stopped, there would appear - stalkers. Lucky Bay, was also quite nice, but not a patch on the rather delightful Hellfire Bay. I also climbed up the Frenchman, for a lovely view of the park, and to stretch my legs out again. Next on the agenda was Esperance itself, and a visit to the Museum village. Which I swear must be a joke name, as its just a collection of metal huts, claiming to be over a hundred years old - strange. I then had to buy some olives, out of desperation, it had been a few days since my last hit, and I really fancied the garlic - chilli hit! Twilight Beach, and the other beaches around there, are amazing, and put Eastbourne and Brighton to shame, the water has an insane turquoisey colour! Although I didn't see any kangaroo's sunbathing - false advertising, I feel. The pink lake, or the large lake that is nothing like pink in colour was next, before I set off to find my camp. I headed to one stop, before promptly driving away at speed in fear. For this place was in the middle of nowhere, with a creepy guy fixing his car, and the dirtiest toilet block to ever grace the shores of Australia. Perhaps I'm being harsh but I'm pretty sure that if I had stayed I would not be here writing this blog now! I continued the drive back, under-estimating the distances involved, and only made it to my campsite in time for a late dinner!
I awoke feeling as fresh as a daisy, and was even able to have a lovely hot shower, so popped over to Bluff Knoll, but sadly due to a huge landslide, and the lazy national park rangers, the route was still closed. So Porongurup National Park, seemed like a viable alternative, I saw a Tree in a Rock, a Balancing Rock and quite a few other rocks too! A quick visit to the quaint little town of Mount Barker, was enough to convince me that my best option was to head down to Shelley beach and take pleasure in a beer or two. Sadly the popularity of Shelley had dramatically increased, and I was sharing the single chemical toilet with about another 20 campers. John turned up, after making the insane drive to Wave Rock and back over only 2 days - madman! We shared some VB and cask wine, while taking in the view of the doplhins fishing amongst the surf, and I finally hit the sack in the early hours of the morning, mostly due to purple colour my feet had turned in the cold!
The next morning, my body faced the truth, that a substantial lack of proper food and sleep, led to some considerable burnout, so the best option appeared to be to head back to Margs. After a brief stop in the Denmark bakery, for milkshake and a beef sausage roll - why? I wish Australians could learn that a sausage is made from Pigs, rather than Cows, but until then I guess Beef may just about suffice, perhaps I should open a butchers here?!
I hope you have enjoyed my blog, and like the pictures! I will update with my Perth trip next, but right now the sun is calling, and I must go!
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