Haystacks and more

After a wet and windy night the rain eased up a little today and we were able to get out in the Suzi to see quite a few places. About four Kms from town is a waterhole that John Eyres used in one of his exploration expeditions. An interesting historical snippet.

Then it was on to Murphy's Haystacks. They are a fascinating group of granite rocks that are various shapes and sizes. Quite amazing and well worth the look. There's a perfectly good reason how they came to be but I can,t remember much except they are part of an island under the surface.

We drove to the top part of Baird Bay and it is a beach that you could easily spend a day with the family there. The water is shallow and on a hot day would be wonderful swimming.

We visited the ruins of an old town called Calca where there is an abandoned church and hall plus the old post office.

We also found the original school site which is marked by a plaque but no real evidence that a school was ever there except perhaps the circle of very old trees that surrounded the site.

There are great surfing beaches here as well and some of the pics of the wave sizes are incredible. Just a bit cold to go in today though..

After a great day out of sightseeing we were back to the bus for a drink and enjoyed one of the local pizzas here at the park. We sat at our usual place and thoroughly enjoyed it. By this time the weather is well and truly clearing and looking good for a sunny weekend. One couple told us it hailed when they stayed at the Nullabor Roadhouse last night. Washing and recharging is all done so we're off in the morning heading to Pt Augusta before our next leg to Coober Pedy to hopefully find an opal or two. So take care everyone, we are really enjoying ourselves and could get used to this for a long time to come... I did buy a slik pik for tonight so fingers crossed. See you all. Please leave a comment or two Love to all and I talkies soon Xx Sonia n John xx

Ceduna to Streaky Bay

The trip from Ceduna to Streaky is only about 110 Kim's and a very pleasant drive, more farming country with wheat crops. We are at the Foreshore Caravan Park for tonight and tomorrow as it is a lovely place and we are right on the shoreline about 50 meters from the water.

Ceduna last night at sunset at the caravan park The weather was lovely when we pulled in today but by the evening the rain and lightning and very loud thunder started and set in.

Not too worried about this and walked over to the restaurant for a fish n chip tea. John had local snapper and we were amazed at how cheap it was. Thoroughly enjoyed our tea sitting outside on the restaurant verandah at the table watching the rain and wind. Earlier we went to a couple of local places including the Whistling Rocks and the Blowholes. The coast and cliffs were lovely, a sort of mini version of the bite really.

There were so many steps to climb but did manage with a couple of stops.

The other interesting place we combed was the cemetery. So many old graves from the 1800s. You can learn a lot about a place from visiting the cemetery.

The cliffs and ocean at whistling rocks.

The rain has set in so might as well wash the windscreen..... It was lovely to hear from Uncle Den and thankyou to mum for leaving little notes. We really enjoy hearing from you all so please keep in touch. I haven't taken more than a handful of flower pics yet but will do a post once I get some nice pics together. So from Streaky Bay it's bye for now and talkies soon.... Xx Sonia and John

Across the Nullabor to Ceduna

Hi everyone Here we are in a lovely caravan park in Ceduna. We have been here before just passing through but never really stopped to look. It is a lovely little town next to the beach and with lots of touristy things to do. We needed to stop so we could refill water tanks and do some washing as well as recharge the batteries. We have a huge pretty bay and although we intended to go to Streaky Bay tomorrow, we will probably stay another day here. The Nullabor went very well but our last free camp stop proved to be a little testing. We drove into the camp track and promptly became a little bogged. No problem though. Just unhitched the Suzi and off we went (Not quite that simple but sounds good) There was a couple there watching the show and although they admitted it was very entertaining, were quite impressed that John actually kept cool and no temper. We got chatting to them and they gave us some fossicking tips and invited us to catch up with them when we get to Brisbane. The park is located right next to the beach and John and I watched the sun set tonight and met the local mozzies at the same time. They were something like the ones in the movie where the dinosaurs ruled the earth and the mozzies were a foot long. Anyway no bites yet. We are having a lovely time and relaxing in between driving and I have even downloaded some ACDC for John to listen to at full boar whilst driving along. Good old ackerdacca. Take care everyone. See you in Streaky Bay xxx Talkies soon Sonia n John xx. AKA Nana n Grandad.

Pictures

Well, it's been an interesting week on the road, very busy and difficult to get this blog actually started. So for all of you who have been holding your breath in anticipation here goes!
We set out last Saturday and initially decided to seek some warmth and go north instead of straight across  the Nullabor as originally planned. Having spent a few nights in the bus prior to leaving we realized just how cold it was and felt the cold was too much to put up with. However not far past Geraldton I started to feel a bit bored as we had done this road so many times before. And so, much to Johns delight (not), we decided to turn around and make our way back to our original route. We travelled through Mullewa and down to Merriden then back to the great Northern Highway and back on track. On our way we stopped over for two nights at Dalwallinu where I caught up with an old work friend, Ally, who said to say hi to all at the Oaks. Her house is looking fabulous and here is a picture of her at her veggie patch. Apart from the two nights at the caravan park in dalwallinu we have been free camping which we both enjoy. The bus is going well and very comfy and cosy. Weather has been great so far and we have not had too cold a night at all.
Fuel has been reasonable I guess with the highest price so far at $2.3 cents per liter for deisel. Not much you can do though except pay it. Came across a truck that had caught on fire the day before and was still smouldering. The fluid on the ground you can see is all milk as it was a truckload of long life milk and olives (but no olives left).  Will put some pictures of it as well. Luckily the driver was able to unhitch and drive the prime mover away before it went completely up in flames.
Enjoying everything so far but missing the family a bit of course especially when Rylee got on the phone today and said "nana please come home".
Looking forward to staying somewhere for more than one night though. Have been cooking some nice meals especially as when we cross the border all of the fruit and veg have to go. So it's been stewed fruit and casseroles past two night.
Will put the pictures on as soon as I remember how to and please note there are not yet any pics of flowers as yet. Although we did see some beautiful pics of Sturt Peas past Coolgardie.
Talkies soon
Xx Sonia and John