CORAL BAY

We farewelled Kalbarri on Sunday the 29th, leaving by a rain filled sky.

The new umbrella came in handy

Rain on the way to Carnarvon

Travelled on through to Carnarvon and set up camp for the night at the Big 4 Plantation caravan park. Having joined the Big 4 membership it came in handy remaining in the budget.  The park itself is quite nice, with very friendly operators. The banana plantations are everywhere and its very tempting to just lop a few bananas into our car. But of course we didnt as the fruit and veg is so cheap.

 We took off early the next day to make our way to Coral Bay arriving at about 3 o’clock. We had pre- booked a four night stay at Peoples Caravan Park.  Having spent a week there earlier this year, we could not wait to get back to the warm waters of thel bay. As soon as we set up camp we took off across the road to check out the stunningly blue waters of the bay. You just couldn’t believe how beautiful the waters are around coral bay shores. You have to see it to believe it. I remember when you were living up here mum and now I wish we had visited way back then..

The waters are so clear

Own private beach

Actual Blue of the water

Some of the pictures have captured the startling blues, but you really need to see it for yourself.

What can I say?

 John and I brought some snorkelling gear and off we went, leaving Lizzy basking on the beach.   Once you are in, the water is warm although the further out you swim the cooler it does become.

Lookout fish  here we come

                                               
 
The coral and fish are abundant with multi- colours and different sizes. From tiny electric blue fish up to the green and yellow parrot like fish and every colour and size in between. They were very happy to share the water with the snorkelers and swimmers and swim happily alongside or under you showing no fear.  Just around from this little bay area is another bay they call "The shark nursery".  There are all sizes of young sharks there that you can see quite clearly from the shore.
Lizzy enjoyed some fishing with lots of nibbles but no prize. She did however manage to hook up the boy next doors line and spent quite some time untangling it. ( he was quite cute)

Checking out the fishing

Unhooking a line...

Of course John and I spent some time every day at the local bakery trying out the cappuccinos and their various mouth watering pastries and cakes. John has given the vanilla slice a 6 out of 10. He has been on a quest for years to find the perfect slice. So far Bridport (Tas) has the highest score of 7 out of 10.

Yum

Although we were at the Peoples caravan park, John and Lizzy had a wander through the other caravan park next door, Bayview, which was just as nice.

Peoples Park

Lizzy did her 5 km run each night battling the strong wind up to the boat marina and back making her fitness side happy. It was soon time to say goodbye to Coral Bay, and although we could of stayed another two weeks there are other adventures waiting. 
So see you in Tom Price, hope everyone is well.. Don’t forget to leave us a comment as we would love to hear from you  
 Talk soon
 John, Son & Liz xx.

WILDFLOWERS and NATIVE PLANTS

Hello to everyone.
 Hope all is well with all of our family and friends.
We left Kalbarri and headed for a one night stopover in Carnarvon. On the way the bush had began its wildflower festival and soon we could see spatterings of whites, yellows and pinks on each side of the road.

THE FLOWERS BEGINNING TO BLOOM ALONG THE ROAD SIDE.

 Every time I saw something different, we had to stop to take a photo. During some of our bushwalks and lookouts I came accross many different flowers and so will put them here to see. John n Lizzy got fed up with me stopping constantly just to take photos of flowers but I couldnt help myself. They were just so lovely. So here is a few pictures of the ones we've come accress so far. I hope you enjoy.....

xxxxx Sonia

KALBARRI OF COURSE

We could never head north and not go to Kalbarri. Its one of those places we have become quite fond of and can see ourselves retiring here. As you approach Northhamptom make sure you take the scenic route to Kalbarri. This will take you past some nice green fields and pastures and then past the PINK LAKES. Apparently they mine these lakes for beta carotene and this is what causes the pink color.
Kalbarri is one of those lovely little fishing towns that has now become super popular with tourists who are attracted not only to the peaceful little river mouth with its idyllic fishing and swimming, but also the National Parks which boast some of the worlds most stunning gorges and lookouts.
We stayed at the Murchison Caravan Park which is nice and handy. The beach is across the road and the first thing we did on arriving of course was to get some bait and try out lizzy's new fishing rod. All she caught was a sweet little baby fish that was as cute as a button

NEMO"S FRIEND..

ITS STILL A FISH! IT STILL COUNTS.

 Trouble was she let it go but it kept coming back again. John also caught a blowie the size of a small cup. Lucky no one was depending on fish for tea. (not that I ever would) The sun came out after this and it was nice just sitting on my chair enjoying the warmth.

BLOW FISH RULE

The travelling tires you out and so early to bed. Its taking a little getting used to sleeping in the single bed but after my third night it's getting better.
We were up early the next day watching the pelicans getting a feed. Apparently it was started by a local nearly 30 years ago and it happens every morning at 0845 hours ever since. The kids love it and get to feed them as well.
I have taken a few pics of the area around the foreshore to give you a little bit of the scenery.

THE RIVER MOUTH

JOHN N LIZZY OUT FOR A KAYAK

HERE FOR A FEED

Next day we were out to the Parks. A 26 km drive brought us out to the famous Natures Window and Z Bend gorges.

HI THERE.

People come from all over the world to stand at  Hawks Head rock, a rocky protrusion that juts out from the tip of the gorge. Tourist dismiss the warnings and stand out proudly on this part of the rock for a fab photo. I could only just bring myself to walk out on the very protective railed board lookout without feeling as though somehow I would faint and fall head first into the gorge. John and Lizzy continued to laugh of course and when making our way out to the Natures Window there was no mistaking the coward that needed much coaxing to actually bring herself to make the precarious journey just to get the prized picture sitting at the window. Lizzy and John just strutted straight out there and many parents walked around cliff ledges with their children dangling and not a care in the world. In fact I heard one mother tell her little children to stand tall at the window to see if they could touch the roof (no parent at their side). At that point I had to stop myself from reminding her it was a sheer drop the other side and her children would not be standing very tall if they fell. However one look from John and all I could do was turn my head until finally she had her pictures and the kids were away safely from the window. 

GOING DOWN WAS EASIER I"M SURE

JUST NEED A MOMENT TO CATCH UP

Anyhow, enough of that. I have an inbuilt fear of heights so to me it was probably worse than it was to everyone else. The views were well worth the fear of high places and I'm glad to say we have the picture now to prove I was actually there.

JOHN VERY TEMPTED TO SHOW ME THE SHORTCUT DOWN TO THE GORGE

NICE VIEW

WE"RE HERE

                                                          HAWKS HEAD LOOKOUT

Susan, your boys would love the adventure of it all  and there is also  hikes around the gorges that take 2-3 hours to complete that I'm sure you and the family would thoroughly enjoy. The views are astounding. I know Chris Kate and Ian have been here before. 

ROSS GRAHAM LOOKOUT

NO TEMPTATION TO GO CLOSER!

THE WINDOW WAS OPEN

COME ON SONIA>> I WILL CATCH YOU!!

THE GORGES ARE REALLY STUNNING.


Walking up and down the lookout paths is a good walkout and a little hairy in some spots but well worth it.  I think that this is one of the better times to visit as its not too hot. A little while ago someone perished in the blazing heat. It can reach temperatures of over 50 degrees in the gorges so if you do go out there are plenty of warnings about heat and taking water with you.
The other nice thing is all of the wildflowers that are out. But will leave that for another day.

And so ends our couple of days in Kalbarri.
Coral Bay awaits'  Love to all
Sonia, John n Lizzy xxxxxxxx