80 Mile Beach (day II)

Vietnam War Memorial

Pop told us about Ray Miles who raised money to build the above memorial.  Pop was fortunate to have been asked to place a wreath on the memorial, for ANZAC day, 2011.  We wanted to meet Ray to say hello, and thank him for the memorial as it meant a lot to Pop.  250 plus sites in this caravan park and we setup behind a lady who over heard our conversation and stated Ray was coming down to her caravan this afternoon for drinks.  How lucky were we.  

 Old Genny for Grandpa

We were told that 80 Mile Beach caravan park was the result of the gravel/road base being stored here to make the highway

80 Mile Beach was originally Pearling grounds in the late 1800's

20kms north

Having spoken with Ray, he said that most of the fish being caught is 20 kms up the beach. So we set out for the hour before and up to the hour after high tide to try our luck.  Jen caught two sting rays but no fish were caught. 

Beach perspective

Zachary masters "thumbs up"

Our tired little fishermen

Junior Master Chef

The boys have been helping with dinner of late.  Jacob's job is the cutting the mushrooms and Zachary's is peeling the carrot (if there is any carrot left after he tries some).  Have a chat is in the background (ie Steven).  He just met this man that has a 60 series with a chev engine in it, a mate for LIFE!!

Serious fishing 

There are more beach buggies but too many to fit in the photo.  The first buggy pictured has two engel/waco fridges on the trailor, a genny and a microwave.  Serious fishing going on here.

Pardoo Station (day III)

Zachary's turn on gate duty

RAC to the rescue

This couple had problems with their car.  They were able to get there car and caravan towed from Pardoo Station to Port Headlands for repairs for free.  RAC ultimate,  would not leave home without it.

Mt Blaze

We did a 4WD day trip out to Mt Blaze.  In the background is Lighthouse Island.  We drove through a white clay tidal area.  Warning signs were posted not to cross tidal flat on a high tide over 6.5 metres.  The tide was 6.1 metres today.  Where Steven and Zachary are standing the rock looks porous, almost coral like.

Skyline

An incredible skyline where the clouds just hugged the coastline.

Puddle jumping 

The boys had so much fun puddle jumping.

Sunset stars

Each day ended with a quick swim then we all headed up to the communal fire. We stayed the extra night as the Station had a TV and were advertising the Rugby League.  Steven watched the third State of Origin with a Blues supporter.  Queensland won!

Pardoo Station (day II)

Croc Watch

We explored the foreshore of Pardoo Station and headed down to Pardoo Creek.  There was one man fishing and told us that a croc was spotted at the mouth of the creek a few miles up, less than a week ago. We grab the boys and kept them well away from the creek.

Pardoo Station gates

Mustering with 4x4 Jeeps

Red Point

Whilst we were in the car, we pulled up over looking Red Point beach.  The boys were asleep and Steven and I ate our lunch, in the car.  In the background there are four people fishing off the rocks. A lady started walking toward us holding up two massive salmon.  I applauded, thinking she wanted to show us their successful catch (and rub it in that we haven't caught a thing).  But she came over to us and asked if we wanted the fish.  YES! YES!  We stayed an extra night and had the most fresh fish caught less than an hour ago.  We received four massive fillets and the boys chowed down.  Steven and I protected our plates from them (we weren't going to share our fish fillet with them). 

Gate étiquette 

Grandpa, found the missing sign from the back paddock gate.  It is hard to believe that some city slickers fail to shut a gate.

Pardoo Station

Pardoo Station

Leaving Point Samson we restocked at South Headland, buying supplies to last us for appoximately two weeks.  We arrived at Pardoo Station for the night.  Arriving in the afternoon the boys spotted the pool and it was time for a swim for everyone, just to cool down.  (Especially Steven).  The firewood in the background was part of the Station's invite for everyone to join in at 5pm for a communal gathering of drinks/nibblies.

A quick dip

Point Samson

Steven pulled out his credit card

A dollar for a two minute high pressured car wash. Ouch!  Our last day in Point Samson was a big wash and restock day.

Sturts desert pea

Western Australia's wild flowers are incredibly beautiful.  Blankets of purples and yellows and then the Sturts desert pea, a vibrant red, clumped everywhere.  You would love these flowers K & A.

Karratha to Dampier

Hearson's Beach

We travelled from Point Samson to Karratha and explored the local coves/bays.  The boys are collecting some unique shells to take home for Kindy for show and tell.

Zachary has a shell to his ear, and

listening for the sea.

Aboriginal rock art.

One of the first Australian Art museums

Rock Art

Our entrance into the Art gallery

Exit

Beautiful day exploring the Aboriginal Rock Art.  Just the walk in and out was very tranquil.

Woodside offshore petroleum

Woodside offshore petroleum

This photo does not show the enormity or perspective of this plant. 

Dampier 

We drove to Dampier and had lunch. The boys cannot go past a tree that looks good enough to climb.

Sharing

Zachary sharing out the sultanas.

Three BIG Ships

Three ships docked at Dampier Port.

Point Samson

Crossroads

Hey Len, the Tom Price sign just for you!

Honeymoon Cove

We spent the day at Honeymoon Cove, just a short walk from the caravan park we were staying in.

Rock exploration

Divining

The fish were biting

We had a very successful day pulling in the fish, just not the big ones.  This one had to go back in.

Lunch

We had a wonderful day just relaxing, swimming and trying to catch a fish to eat.

Rock pool

The tide was on the way out and as we started to walk back to our home on wheels, the boys discovered this fantastic rock pool to splash about in.

Zachary takes the plunge

Rock pool depth