Exploring Esperence: phase 2
Trip Start
Jan 22, 2011
1
9
65
Trip End
Ongoing
Where I stayed
Seafront Caravan Park
Esperance, Western Australia, Australia
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
We were hoping for some beautiful weather, but unfortunately it was grey and misty again, so we explored the town instead of the coast, and learnt a bit of history while we were at it. We stocked up our freezer for the Nullabour run, and the kids made a little friend from 3 doors down.. they have a van like ours.. but on steroids!!
So not a lot to report from yesterday, but I had high hopes for today. The sun was trying really hard to shine this morning, so I took that as a good sign. It was still blowing a gale, but after 9 days of still, damp, muggy air we were happy to let it rip through the van, and freshen everything up a bit. My washing dried in about ten minutes flat!
Mid-morning we packed the kids into the car (unhappy, I might add, that we were taking them away from their mate.. ) and drove toward Cape Le Grand National park. We stopped off at Bandy Creek Harbor on the way, and loved the quiet little spot. There was nobody around, and if it wasn't so chilly, we would have absolutely had a swim.. such a protected little bay.
The drive to the cape was around 55 kms, and very pretty, as you get glimpses of the bay all the way around, and pass a few little 'mountains' as well. We paid $11 to enter the park, and then drove on to the cape. As we crested the hill, the views were amazing, and the colour of the water was INSANELY BEAUTIFUL!! The longest stretch of white, powdery sand to the right, and a striking rock face to the left. Oh my, check the pics.. stunning. The sun came out just before we left, and from then on it just got clearer.. loved it! A sunny arvo for exploring.
The kids and I had a good run around, checked out some Mutton birds, and had a splash in that crystal clear heaven.. There were a few people there when we arrived, but it's so expansive, I didn't even know they were there!
Of course we needed a loo stop, so we checked out the facilities. There were quite a few people camping (in designated areas) so took note of the ones we could fit camper trailers in.. (hint hint, camping buddies!!) It would be an awesome place to set up camp for a week!! Apparently the fishing isn't too shabby either.
Our next stop was Hellfire Bay, an exquisite spot, with beautiful views from the rocks above the cove, and of course, more perfect beyond perfect beach. This spot even has a bbq spot, so would be great for a lunch stop if you were doing a longer tour of Cape Le Grand.
The kids were getting hungry, so we started for home, passing Mt Le Grand, Frenchman Peak and Mississippi Hill on the way. The ol Cape is definitely worth a look if you are ever down this way!
After a late lunch, we sat down with our friendly neighbors, Shawn and Cheryl, who had very kindly offered to talk us through some great spots to stop as we head off on our journey. (we gladly accepted... they have been going around and around for 3 YEARS!! they know their stuff) The next hour or so was filled with a lot of chatting and note taking, they are such great people, and their 6 year old daughter is the girls' friend they never want to leave!
After dinner and kids showers, we tucked them into bed with a movie to entertain them till lights out, and I pulled on my sneakers for what might be my last walk for a few days :( The wind was howling!! but the scenery along the beach path there is so GORGEOUS, and today finally being clear, I could see all the points and islands in the distance... Fabulous last walk in Esperence.
So the pack up begins first thing, and we will be off on our way to the Nullabour Plain. I am really looking forward to this part of the trip, there are so many hidden, beautiful spots along the way, can't wait to see them!
Sending BIG BIG love to you all, (not like the creepy show), take care and I will post again asap.. not sure when I will have service along the plain, but I will keep you updated!!
Love from Felicity and the rest of the Thommos. xxxx
Comments
Hi family. Loved the look of Cape le Grande. How has your first day on the Nulla gone? Where have you spent the
night? Can't find my little garden saw.
Any ideas? Mail---- one confidential one from NSW and another from GIO!
What to do with them is my question. Bye, love & kisses Grammy, Mummy etc.
im back at school yessss i hope you all are having fun
Hey guys, Lovely to catch up with your blog thanks for link LOVED checking out what you have done so far. Hope our blog will be of some use to you on your travels. We are out in Cape Le Grand camp ground for a week and LOVING it. Isn't Hellfire Bay just stunning that is our favorite beach. The weather has not been crash hot but meant to get better in the next few days. Travel safe, Explore Lots and enjoy the journey. It was lovely to meet you guys and don't forget to look us up in Exy!!!
Luv... Shaun, Cheryl, Jaymon, Eli and Amy
PS Amy says HI to the girls