Thurs, 16th Feb, 2017 Betty’s Beach Campground, east of Albany, WA (30 months on the road)

2 ½ years – wow it has flown. Each night we are enjoy looking back at our photos of two years ago – seen so much already and there is still so much to see.

8am 19 degrees in the van – top of 20!! Blue sky though with a few puffy clouds and no wind which makes it much more pleasant.

Rang Jon to wish him and Jess a happy and safe holiday to Bali. Poor Jon though has got the flu but hopefully is on the mend.

Headed into Albany to shop. Went down first to Emu Point to find the monument to Sam the Seal near the boat pens in Oyster Harbour. Sam was a NZ Fur Seal who over the years had trusted and befriended thousands of locals and tourists who visited him at Emu Point. Sadly he was slaughtered by someone (rumour is it was one of the fishermen as Sam was known to wreck the nets) in 2006. Sam’s death was covered by national and international media and even drew comments from the Prime Minister. A memorial service and scattering of Sam’s ashes attracted a crowd of 450 people. An appeal conducted by a local tour operator has seen donors contribute to this life-sized bronze memorial of Sam.

We went across to the park for a cuppa. Much nicer day than our last visit. Looking across the bay to Mt Martin.

Another chainsaw sculpture by the local chap – pelicans & fish on a wharf pier.

The toilets had the pelicans etched into the concrete.

Did a few things then stopped at the Info Centre to find out about the road conditions eastward. The main highway past Ravensthorpe to Esperance is still cut by the collapsed bridge so there is a big detour onto dirt roads. Hopefully things might have improved by the time we get there in a week’s time. Asked about the Killer Whale tours from Bremer Bay - $385 each – might have to give that a miss. Picked up a brochure outlining Albany’s history etc.

Around the base of Mt Adelaide overlooking a very tranquil King George Sound to Middleton Beach for lunch. Fish and chips (Bronze Whaler Shark though – but it was nice) followed by Violet Crumble Cheesecake, to celebrate our 2 ½ years on the road.

Sat up on the terraced area overlooking the beach and Ellen Cove. Can’t get better than this.

Followed the path up the hill a bit – information about Charles Darwin’s visit here.

Steve found this busy little fellow digging holes along the embankment – I think he is called a Quenda (type of bandicoot).

Info about Ellen Cove.

 Nice view from up here. The walk continues for 6km around to the port area.

Zoomed in on Emu Point channel.

Got our fuel, gas and shopping done then headed home. Packed it all away. Malcolm rang for a chat, so great to hear from him. Facebook is great so everyone can check what others are doing but there is nothing better than a phone call.

Late drinks with the others – the younger ones were on the beach fishing for herring. A dolphin was busy rounding them up so the German girl was having a ball catching them. It was great watching the dolphin work – boy could he zoom through the water fast. Didn’t do any dancing for us unfortunately. By 7pm we were freezing so headed into the van for a hot shower and dinner. Overcast but no wind.