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I note our last part of our travels as relayed to the group ended at Northampton. From there we went to Geraldton
intending to do shopping etc. However, the town is quite congested (built on a point between a hill and the shore) so
streets are narrow and parking (least near the shopping centres), crowded. So we left and continued south to the small town
of Dongarra where we did the shopping etc.
Weather reports from places further south ( particualy Perth and the south west) indicated cold wet weather. So we
decided to spend some time on the roads to the east and south east of Geraldton. This area also coincides with one of the
best wild flower districts in West Aussie .. and for once, our timing was spot on.
From Dongara we went south east about 150 km, then east for 50 km to join up with another road further east. That
took us to back north about 200 km to Mullewa. From there we went via back roads and various camp spots, back to Dongara for
more shopping and Sue to get her Qld. drivers license organised .. lots of paper work involved .. photograph, statuary
declaration etc. .. and only time will tell if we got it all correct!
So we left Dongara again, travelling south and onto the so called "coastal scenic route" Our first camp spot at
Cliff Head North .. right on the water front .. we parked about 30ft from the high tide mark. Another couple, who we had
met further north, in Fuzo bus were the only others there. We stayed 2 nights, but it was very windy and cold most of the
time, so we didn't venture outside very much.
Further south at Cervantes we picked up our mail .. it was all there waiting. A couple of days later saw us at
Gin Gin. You Qld. people know our Gin Gin, well there is another one here. Did some shopping, had hair cut and so on. Found
it a nice friendly little town.
Then towards the coast near Lancelin. Stayed at one camp spot, looked at others and continued south towards Perth
along Wanneroo Road. Got into the suburbs, Found a few square miles of new housing development (amazing), couldn't find a
suitable shopping centre so decided to great away from ALL that traffic.
Headed east along Gnangara Road to Middle Swan and the great Northern Highway .. which we took back north! Still
part of our plan to keep away from the (still) cold south. Back to Gin Gin again thence north to Moora. The West Aussie CMCA
group had had a rally there a few weeks prior to our arrival .. so people there knew what a motor home was! Friendly staff
at the Info Centre, where we filled up with water, advised Sue where to find a doctor for her routine tests which meant us
having to stay a night .. found a nice gravel pit north of the town .. and visited the doc again in the morning for the
results.
From there southish to New Norcia .. an old settlement of the Benedictine (a Spanish order) of monks. You would not
believe the size of it all and coupled with many massive size 2 to 3 story buildings. Some facts from memory, founded 1846,
olives grown, grapes grown and 10,000 gallons of wine produced annually in the hey (thirsty) days. Also, 15 sheep eaten a
day in the same hey days, bakery and so on. Tis a pity to see it all being grossly under utilised (in my opinion) and its
all got to fall apart with the passage of time. Lots of cracks evident in some of the stone buildings and it is evident
where extra steelwork has been added to "tie" things together.
It is possible to park overnight in self contained vehicles at the edge of the football field. From there, it's
within walking distance of the complex. There is a museum (entry fee), guided tours (fee) plus they have their bakery
products, olive oil, soap and wine for sale. However, in our opinion, the prices were exceedingly expensive.
Continued further south, via dubious routes, and ended up at Northam. As it is still cold further south, we have
decided to head east to Kalgoolie. Our current plan, in keeping away from those southern areas is to let them warm up some
more. We will go south from Kalgoolie to Esperence, then back west to cover that south west part of the state. This will
mean some back tracking, but that is necessary if one wants to travel the Perth - Kalgoolie - Norseman section as well as
the Albany - Esperence section.
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