Woke
to the sound of rain and wind. That passed over then it all went quiet till the
next scud came through, followed by some thunder.
Had
breakfast then rang Tuckshop to see how the girls are going. Spoke to Rochelle
and all is well and they are keeping busy.
The
dark sky has passed over and there is some clear sky in the west. Hooked up and
said bye to Greg – we might catch up with him in the goldfields somewhere.
Stopped at Leigh and Sarah’s camp to say goodbye.
Up
the road – still wet from the shower so making a mess of Steve’s cleaning!!
Turned west and headed to Cape Le Grand National Park. Lots of black cockatoos
flying and squawking. The sky is clearing as we continued west.
Onto
bitumen road as we headed down to the park. Stopped at the entrance to the
National Park where the ranger checked out entrance sticker. It has paid for
itself with all the national parks we have been into. A sign says there are 26
sites at Lucky Bay and 3 at Le Grand Beach available. It is a very popular spot
and we were told to arrive early. Weekends and holidays they have people lining
up here waiting for someone else to leave!! We continued on then turned east
towards Lucky Bay. Frenchman Peak (262m) stands out.
As
we passed I noticed the cave at the top.
Top
view of Lucky Bay as we head down into the campground.
Checked
out the campground info.
One
of the camp hosts stopped and said to find a spot then he would find us later
for the payment. Chose No. 5 and backed in.
We
have a reasonable view across the bay to Mississippi Hill (178m).
After
our cuppa we wandered down to the beach. Stopped to check out the info signs
near the shower and toilet block. We saw these palms at Thomas River campground
– we wondered if they were native to the area.
Maps
and a bit of history.
The
campground has recently been upgraded with fund from the Royalties for Regions.
Great aerial photo.
As
we headed towards the beach we spotted some guests lolling around at one of the
camp kitchens.
My
battery was going flat so we went back to the van for a new battery (have a few
spares with the camera replacements which is very handy). When we came back,
joey was enjoying a drink.
There
is a coastal trail that runs from Cape Le Grand around to Rossiter Bay. At each
point a board provides info on how the area got its name.
Down
to the beach and we found some more roos relaxing.
Lucky
Bay was voted ‘the Whitest Beach in Australia’ but at this spot I wouldn’t say
so. Lots of tannin stain coming down onto the beach and the western end is
covered in seagrass.
The
sand is hard and squeaky. This roo is enjoying the beach.
Further
around I can believe the white beach title. Very nice.
As
the wind is from the land the water actually feels nice – not so freezing and
it may help that it is shallow for quite a way out. Steve wasn’t being tempted
though.
Lots
of caves in the hill.
2.5
km later we arrived at rocks and steps to the lookout platform.
View
of Mississippi Hill with another cave then over the next beach and out to the
point and some islands close to shore then back over the bay.
Zoomed
in on a cave on the seaward side of the big rock near the campground.
Zoomed
in on the campground.
Selfie
time.
Back
down and back along the beach – Steve took his shoes off and got his feet wet
too. We were ready for lunch by the time we got back.
I
went down to the shower block to wash my hair in hot water – may as well get
something for the money we pay to camp here. Unfortunately no hot water came
out. As I walked back I saw the camp host and asked and he said they don’t turn
it on till 4pm as day visitors come and use all the water during the day before
the campers get to it!! Oh well – I wash in cold water normally so it didn’t
matter.
Drove
across the dirt road to Rossiter Bay – the start of the coastal walk.
Long
walk through the tall bushes. There is a bird sanctuary here somewhere too.
Lots
of sea grass at this end.
Thousands
of dragon flies buzzing around, lots of flies and march flies too.
Walked
up into the bush and found the cairn to Captain Rossiter.
Continued
up the hill and over the boulders to look over the point.
Back
to the truck then back up the track for a bit for a higher view over the bay.
Nearly
back to the campground. Stopped at the roadside lookout over Lucky Bay.
Certainly is pretty now the sun is shining and the sky is blue.
Continued
back along the bitumen heading westward then we turned down to Thistle Cove.
The
local aboriginal story of the area.
Checked
out Whistling Rock – wasn’t whistling but as you walked up to the waved shape
you could hear the wave sound resonate off the rock.
Lovely
view over the cove. Long walk down to the beach though.
Back
to the car park, looking over a freshwater lake behind the beach and across to
Frenchman Peak.
Continued
westward to Hellfire Bay.
Made
a cuppa and sat under the picnic shelter listening to willy wagtail sing his
song.
Past
Frenchman Peak – a bus load of people have done the 3km hike up to the top. It
would be a great view but we decided we didn’t need to do it!!
Across
to the western side of the park and Le Grand Beach. This is the other end of
the coastal walk.
The
beach goes all the way around Esperance Bay back to Wylie Head if you wanted to
take your 4WD along the beach for 46km then another 10km back into Esperance.
Walked
down the beach then up over the dunes into the campground. Only 15 sites here
and they were all full. Some geological information.
Back
to camp and we had visitors.
The
bees were busy too on the stalk of the black boy.
Rochelle
sent through newspaper photo of Jon and Jess out on the town but I will need to
download them onto the other phone so I can download them onto my computer.
Sat
outside for happy hour listening to the birds and the waves rolling onto the
beach. The park is full now, 60 sites, say 2 people in each @ $10 each is $1200
per day and they are probably full each night of summer and still into autumn.
The
sky is clear and there is no wind, very peaceful even though there are so many
people here. The moon came up behind Mississippi Hill. Bit chilly out so closed
up the van again to keep us warm.
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