WA (Here come the flies.)

Mar 6th

Our first stop, crossing the Nullarbor, was a recommendation from some mates who travelled last year, called Cactus Beach. It's a world-renowned surf beach and a popular fishing spot. We didn't surf or catch any fish, but learnt about the breaks from a few old surfies. It's funny to see a surfie with a beer belly. Out by the point is Cunns, straight off the beach is Cactus, and a crescent break further north is Castle. They come from far and wide to surf this break. The most northerly is Caves.

We walked along the coastal path and came across multiple blow holes, some spurted jets of water meters into the air. The surprising thing is that none of them are publicised. There are also some interesting rock formations along the shoreline.

Rock fishing.

Only about 100mm long.

Sea on the left, Salt Lake on the right.

Blowhole.

Blowholes.

Rock pools.

Beach rocks.

Inquisitive Old woman.

Pretty rocks.

Mar 7th

Another recommendation from our mates was Koonalda Homestead, which is 16 km off the Eyre Highway along a very bumpy track. It was a stop on the Old Eyre Highway and was an operational sheep station from 1938 to 1988. It was South Australia's most westerly property. The old homestead and outbuildings are made from recycled railway sleepers.

There was a surprising lack of information about the station, considering how well preserved it is. As we were leaving the homestead building after having a snoop around, we spotted a Dingo at the back door. He was a pretty scrawny example, jittery, and it took off into the scrub when it saw us.

Koonalda Homestead.

Koonalda Homestead servo.

Treasure.

Surprisingly, there's a bit I need.

Shearing shed.

We think this is a sheep dip.

Old bush fence.

Koonalda caves.

Mar 8th

Today we only travelled a short distance to Madura, crossing the border into WA at Border Village.

We stopped off at Eucla for fuel and are now camped 20 km west of Madura at an old Main Roads Department camp. There aren't any remains of buildings, but quite a few concrete slabs where the buildings were. This is our first encounter with Bush Flies, March Flies and European Wasps. They are thick as thieves here.

Madura Lookout.

A pretty tree.

Sunset over camp.

Mar 9th

A really warm day today, the temperature reached over 40, so we kept on trucking to Norseman. An ice-cold refreshment was called for, so it was off to the local Pub. We got chatting to an Aboriginal Guy who sets up Men's sheds in different communities. A local who looks like Mr Magoo joined in the conversation. (Introduced himself as Fred Astair) He's about 99 not out, and we could only understand some of what he said. Must have been funny though, as he was cackling away.

Norseman.

Mar 10th

We spent the day wandering the streets of Norseman, dodging the rain showers, walking to the lookout via the old mine ruins and then did the Woodlands Walk.

Flowering Gum.

Norseman Gold Mine.

Guess the Car. (Answer at the end of the post)

Mar 11th

It rained all night, and we packed up camp in the wet. The rain continued most of the way to Esperance, but by the time we got there, the roads were dry. After checking in and attending to a few chores, we went into town to reacquaint ourselves with the area. We dropped in to the 33-degree bar on the waterfront to watch the activity in the port. There was a Cruise ship, Silver Dawn that was just leaving.

The Silver Dawn.

Mar 12th

A day spent dodging rain showers. We had a good ride along the foreshore but had to make frequent stops to shelter from the rain. In the end, we gave up and headed to Lucky Bay Brewery. The Homestead Farmhouse Ale is one of the best craft Beers in the country.

Esperance Foreshore.

Esperence bulk Port.

Esperance Foreshore.

Mar 13th.

Looks like we'll have to do more forward planning than we usually do. Word on the street is the whole south coast is busy, and anything near the beach is already booked for Easter.

Another overcast and windy day; however, we managed to stay dry and ride along the coast.

All the travellers we talked to are disappointed with the grey skies. The beaches don't live up to what they've seen online. Fortunately for us, we've seen it at its best on our last trip.

Coast ride.

We rode to the farthest point in the distance.

We presume they were Dogs, not Surfies.

Blue Haven Beach.

Blue Haven Beach, two years ago.

Mar 14th

It can be risky going back to a place you've enjoyed. Sometimes it doesn't live up to the memories.

The weather has let us down, but we've still had a great time here. this morning we did some bike maintenance then after lunch when the showaers stopped we decided to have another go at riding to the Lucky Bay Brewery. On the way we were passed up by a couple of Old lady cyclists with the same idea. They didn't have a bloke with them so kept going the wrong way. We kept them on the right path and ended up having a good session at the Brewery. Time got away from us and it was well dark by the time we rolled into camp.