7am
23.8 degrees, breezy and clear sky. Starting to feel a bit more like we are
heading for summer.
Headed
back to Cervantes. Tried ringing Terry but no answer. Continued down the Indian
Ocean Drive through the Nambung National Park and into the Pinnacles Desert. At
least they provide good wide long parks for vans etc. The desert covers an area
of approx. 190 hectares, is about 60m above sea level. The Pinnacles were
formed by lime leached from sand subject to Aeolian processes (wind-blown) and
by rain cementing the lower levels of the dune into a soft form of limestone.
Vegetation then formed an acidic layer of soil and humus, and a hard cap of
calcrete developed above the softer limestone. Cracks in the calcrete were
exploited by plant roots, while the softer limestone continues to dissolve and
quartz sand fills the channels that form. The vegetation died and wind blew away
the sand covering the eroded limestone, thereby revealing the Pinnacles.
Walked
up to the lookout – should have brought the fly net, the flies are horrendous.
There are thousands of limestone domes and spires throughout the honey coloured
dunes.
Went
back to the van for the fly nets and our boots so we can do the walk first.
There is a nice breeze which is good as the sun is heating up quickly today.
Lots of different shapes as we meandered through the pinnacles and the
bushland. One side is blackish and the other is the nice honey colour which
makes for better photos.
I
thought this looked like a fat nosed face.
A
lot of the pinnacles are very tall.
Up
the slope of a dune for a view back towards the coast and the white sand dune
nearby.
So
many different shapes.
Climbed
up onto the Desert viewing platform. Looking east.
Then
back over the white dune to the north west. Then to the coast.
This
one has white cylinder shaped bits.
Steve
found one with a deep hole in it – good watering spot for the birds.
Continued
along the walking trail (different to the marked road).
Back
to the truck for a cuppa then into the Discovery Centre for a look. No flies in
here. Interesting to read here there are two versions on how the Pinnacles were formed.
Unhooked
the van then did the drive through the desert getting out here and there to
take more photos.
Stopped
near the Desert LO to take photos of the galahs – probably have nest in there.
They didn’t move as I walked around the spire they were on.
Other
galahs were climbing up onto the rock where the signs said not too!! The
lookout platform is just to the right in the trees.
We
turned off the main route to check out the Northern Spur. I had read there were
some named pinnacles – these would have to be the Milk Bottles.
I
saw this photo in the Discovery Centre – I think I got just as good a shot with
my little camera.
This
one reminds me of the tall ant hills in Cape York.
Around
to the other side of the park – these ones worn differently to the others.
I
think this is the tallest one we have seen.
The
pink middle in these are wearing away.
Last
shot as we head back to the car park.
Hooked
up the van then headed out to the main road then south a bit to turn into
Hangover Bay. There was no sign on the main road – probably stolen as it would
be a good one for over a bar!!
It
is in the National Park and there are nice picnic areas behind the dunes and a
short walk to the beach. Unfortunately the flies were here too so we will be
eating in the van. Snapped a few photos of this lovely bay (looking around to
Kangaroo Point) and decided we would go for a swim as it was fairly clear of
weed and it is warm as the wind is still blowing from the east.
Water
was still freezing but I eventually made it in.
We
floated about for a while as little mullet swam around us then some bigger fish
– might have been bream or puffer fish started nipping our toes!!
Back
to the van for a quick wash and some lunch away from the flies.
The
wind changed to the sea breeze and the flies nearly disappeared – amazing.
Back
to the main road and then north to Kangaroo Point.
It
is on the southern end of Hansen Bay. Not as nice here for a swim.
Zoomed
in on the houses in Cervantes.
Had
phone reception here so tried Terry again. Erica answered and Steve said he
wanted to talk to the birthday boy. Erica said ‘oh happy birthday Terry – I
forgot!’ She thinks he forgot too as he never said anything. That is the
problem when one day rolls into the next. I have my calendar I cross off every
day and the birthday calendar and phone so I don’t forget!!
Headed
north past the turn off to Cervantes then north-east past last night’s camp
spot. The next one was only a small area beside the road surrounded by banksia
– it was called Banksia Reserve. Left the Beekeepers Reserve and entered
farming land again.
We
continued on up and down hills then turned south then east again to the next
spot called Hakea Reserve. Very open but away from the road with great view of
the wind farm and across the countryside.
It
was beside the Emu Downs Wind Farm which has 48 turbines. There is a viewing
area further along. The blades are hardly moving as the wind has stopped. 3pm
35.5 degrees in the van with all the windows and vents open.
No
TV but we had phone reception with the aerial. Erica rang about family tree
stuff then she went to cook Terry a nice birthday dinner. I got some blog done.
Wind
started picking up in the late afternoon while we played games and we could
hear the whoosh of the blades turning.
Lovely
warm evening.
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