German Language Course

Ian 'volunteered' to do his first German course back in May 2006. Since then not much progress happened ;-) But since we are getting married next year and several of his friends will come along as well, I thought it would be a good idea to organise a German course for Ian and his friends. So today was their first lesson and I think they are all very happy so far. He even came home and started speacking German! Something like "Wie geht es dir?" "Gut, danke." :-)

Long Way Home

It was indeed a long way home - over 800km within 11hrs! We didn't spent much time stopping because my sister and her boyfriend needed to be at the airport before midnight. But it was such a great trip! We've been to so many places and seen so much! We drove for about 3800km and spent about A$1000 on diesel! Ian said that we was glad that my sister came over and we actually did this trip up north. He hasn't been there since he was a kid and forgot how beautiful it really is! But I think we have to go there again and spent at least a couple of months because there was so much more to see and do!

Shark BayWe woke up to this gorgeous morning. It was just amazing you could hardly see the where the sky touches the ocean. And while we were walking alone along the beach we saw the first fin sticking out of the water, right next to the beach - the first dolphin came so say good morning.




And more and more dolphins came - we saw up to 7 at one stage. They know exactly that they will get fed at 7.30am every morning, so they came and stay until they get fed and disappear very quickly afterwards.





The best time to see them is in the early morning before the crowds get out of bed. And it is a really fantastic experience - the dolphins swim just a few centimetres past your legs. It was great!




In the afternoon we went on a wildlife cruise with a catamaran which was good fun - we just didn't see that many animals - actually just a dolphin or two. But we were offered a complementary sunset cruise as compensation :-)

Sightseeing along the road



Today we 'only' had to do 500km so we could stop a few times along the way for some sightseeing. Our first stop was just past Hamelin Pool - the old Stromatolites. These living cells are more than 2 million years old and helped enriching the atmosphere with oxygen back then. They can be found at a small beach right next to the old telegraph station and post office. They have excellent Devonshire tea.





The next stop along the way was Shell Beach. This 40km long beach is made off shells - up to 10m deep layers. The rabbit prove fence also runs along shell beach. This fence cuts the Peron Peninsula off the mainland in order to keep rabbits, foxes and other introduced vermin from killing native animals.
We arrived in Monkey Mia just in time for the sunset. Fishermen were at the beach cleaning their catch which attracted a couple of pelicans. One of them was so tame that we were even able to pet his head; Ian was very impressed.

We had dinner in The Old Pearler, the only house in Denham build entirely of shell blocks. A friend of us recommended this restaurant. And we were glad to get a table in this living room (about 30 people max.). We had local oysters and a fantastic seafood platter.
While driving back to the resort that night we saw our first wild kangaroo, which just missed the roo-bars of our 4WD :-)

Coral Bay


Just like the name suggests there is a big coral reef just off this bay. The waves break here and leave the nice and still. This morning we went on a guided kayak and snorkel trip out to the reef to see turtles, little white-tipped reef sharks, sting rays and lot and lots of different fish.


When we came back we went snorkling directly off the beach. After a short and very shallow bit of sand the beach drops very quickly and you are in the middle of a reef already. Lots of fish swim directly next to you just 5m off the beach!

In the evening we went for a walk along the beach and saw lots of little hermit crabs and a few big ones too. But we also saw the most amazing sunset over the ocean! The whole sky was on fire. We just stood at the beach for half an hour gazing at the sky.

On the road again



Another day on the road - Karijini to Coral Bay about 700km. Possible obstacles on the road - stray cows. Fortunately non of them was actually on the road. While driving we also spotted a racehorse goanna.
We arrived at a beautiful long white sand beach at Coral Bay and we stayed in the resort right next to it with our balcony overlooking the bay. After a short swim and some relaxing drinks we had dinner in one of the local restaurant eating fresh fish and seafood!

Karijini - Weano Gorge

We are used to getting up at sunrise and going to bed at sunset by now. While camping I like to use the whole day plus there is not much to do in the dark after sunset. Today we drove over to the other side of Karijini and our first stop was Kalamina Falls. It was again a really magical place and we were the only ones there. These gorges are such a contrast to the surrounding dry dusty res landscape.


We would have love to walk down to Jeoffre Falls but there is just not enough time in a day. So we drove further to Weano George; the lookout where 3 gorges meet. From there Ian and I went down to Hancock Gorge - a level 5 - 6 (with 6 being the highest) walking trail. We came to a point where we left our backpacks and put on our bathers to continue the walk. We manged the 'spider walk' and swam through ice cold water - but it was great!!




At the end of the day we stopped at the visiter center where we could have a shower ;-)




We had dinner at the communal BBQ area at the campsite.