2 Week USA & 4 Weeks Camping in West Australia 2022.10.20 – 2022.12.10

10.19. Wednesday

The past week or so, I put any item I thought I could use during the upcoming trip in my living room close to my largest open suitcase. Only when I returned on the 19^th around lunch time after a meeting in Hochdorf, I started to select what I thought were the main items out this collection of things and added into my suitcase. Parallel I made lunch and later dinner, cleaned the house, changed the sheets, washed cottons and synthetics, and ironed where necessary. The first time I put my case onto my scale it weight 29,6kg. Much more, than what I was allowed to for a checked luggage item. The hard selection began. I made it down to 24,5kg and let it be. The main items I took out were a bottle of wine and a heavy multiple tool set as well as other smaller items that I could purchase if needed along the way. I just hope that I do not regret, letting my “Leatherman” like tool set behind, once I am on my 4×4 Camper trip.

10.20. Thursday Stuttgart – Philadelphia

After 3 ¾ h of sleep I got up at 4:15 and by 05:55 (10 minutes late) I was entering the Taxi I had ordered after finding out earlier that the first U5 tram would be getting me too late to the airport. The rest of the trip went smooth. My “Last Supper” was as so often lately a Bavarian White Sausage with Sweet Mustard and a Brezel. All my papers, ESTA immigration forms and the Covid-Vaccination certificates, I uploaded already. At no point of the travel I was ever asked about them again.

The wait at FRA was 5h, as the plane to Philly was exchanged and it took time set it all up and cater it. At approx. 08:20h later we landed safe and by 7pm I was waiting for the Thrifty/Dollar shuttle bus to take me to the rental car counter. It did not come and me and some others walked the short distance across the airport and 30 minutes later I was on the way to the Days Inn at the Roosevelt Boulevard (not one that I will stay again). From there I tried several times unsuccessfully to contact Frank.

10.21. Friday – Philadelphia

This morning after a good 6h sleep I finally reached Frank. We arranged that I would pick him up. But first I was looking for a breakfast restaurant. I ended up at Great Awakening Café. Good coffee and a great croissant. I picked Frank up at home at round 10am and we drove to the elevated Frankford train line that took us downtown. The Reading Terminal Market https://readingterminalmarket.org/about-the-market/history/ was the goal. It opened for business on February 22, 1893. As it declined over the years, a renewal was started in the 1990’s as the whole area was reshaped. I was there the first time 3 years ago and I wanted to spend some more time there to learn more about it. The old train station was partially converted. The Market East Station replaced it. Today’s Market Hall shows the old historic metal beam construction. It’s a hall that covers the whole block between Arch and Filbert Street. It’s not much of a grocery market left but there are many foods stands that covers all the different kitchens of all nations that make up the US population. There were also some meets, cheese, vegetable stands left, but in the minority. All in all, lots of very intensive energy and different foods. We choose a regular Deli, and I only had a wrap. Frank wasn’t in the mood to eat anything. 1 ½ h later we went back towards Franks home. I dropped him off and went on to my hotel. After a short rest we met again at around 5:30pm as Mary wanted to make dinner. It was mashed potatoes, spinach, and salmon. Very tasty and an enjoyable evening. I stayed until 09:30pm

10.22. Saturday – Philadelphia

I picked up Frank at 11am and we went straight to “Tiffany On The Boulevard” https://tiffanyontheblvd.com/ . A nice, renovated Restaurant that also served Breakfast. By 1:30 we were back at Frank’s place. We parted. I did some shopping at an ALDI and tested a Starbucks Cappuccino for the first time in about 5 or 6 years. I felt, that the Hummus prices at ALDI were lower than in Germany. Of course, as Thanksgiving inches closer, ALDI too, offered Turkeys also. Went back to the hotel to do some washing. Returned to Frank’s home at 4pm to pick him and Mary up to visit his son Russel and Family at his house with his daughter Rachel and his siter Karen. It was a nice and entertaining pre- and dinner time. It wasa well prepared and tasty Roast beef with veggies and an apple cobbler for dessert. By 9pm we left, and I dropped Mary and Frank off and returned to the hotel. We agreed that I pick them up at 12:45 tomorrow for lunch at Gollo’s Seafood Restaurant / www.gallosandburgerbar.com .

10.23. Sunday Philadelphia

 The Great Awakening Café was closed, and I decided to just have water and nuts for breakfast. I checked out at 10am. By closing my large suitcase, I realized for the xx time that the zipper had an issue and did not close over a length of 20-30mm. I went to Kohl’s and saw one for $199 but felt for the next trips a belt should be sufficient. But did not find one. I will check during the stops to follow. I was punctual for the pickup. When I checked on Gollo’s I thought that they did not want to put all their money on fish. They also had a Burger Bar to cover the meat lovers. I was looking forward to geta grilled fish but at the end I choose a Crap Cake Sandwich. Just before I dropped Mary and Frank off, Frank asked a question that we had discussed earlier. He did not remember that he asked that before. That had happened over the days several time and I let it go. This time I saw that Mary looked at me and as I dropped them off and she said good bye, she spoke with me about it. I just asked if the Family knows that he had an early stage of dementia she said yes. It was a relief for me, as I wondered if they had recognized his health status. It is sad when you see a longtime friend slipping away. Must be a terrible feeling when one is realizing at an early stage that its memory is drifting off. Once we had parted, I left for the King of Prussia Mall. Actually, the third largest in the country. Once done and on my way again towards the Travelodge Hotel at the airport, I made a wrong turn. Could not go back and suddenly was on the turnpike which did cost money and I had refused to activate the unit on the windscreen when picking up the car. I might get an additional invoice later😏 No food tonight just again water and nuts. The Hotel was an original Travelodge. Meaning it rooms and such were old school style with lots of plastic in the sheets and covers showed some wear (melted cigarette holes etc. and tear. But that’s what you get when choosing the cheapest hotel on the block.

10.24. Monday Philly to Chicago

I wondered about the luggage situation when checking in at the Southwest counter. They had written that much about sizes and weight that I worried if I qualify for checked luggage or if it would have to go as freight. Well, apparently, I passed all critical points well and I could drop off my luggage and pass through security fast at 8 am.  I was early and I had time to kill, I opted for a breakfast which was a hot sandwich. The flight was fine and after arrival at the Midway airport I took a cab to the Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago www.hotelversey.com (a long name but in this case a good choice) in Lincoln Park. The room was very small, but the hotel all together very nice. I purchased a 3 day CTA ticket at the vending machine at the CTA Diversey station which was closest to the hotel. I went towards the city with the elevated Brown Line. I did some small shopping for Aspirin pills, a US wall phone charger (110V) and a belt for my suitcase and zig zagged through downtown Chicago. Want to buy a new one but prior wanted to look at a selection of suitcases and not have just to be the next best one. For a late lunch or early dinner, I visited Billy Goat a blue collar Tavern www.billygoattavern.com. Jim Driscoll showed it to me some 30 years ago and I still like the experience once in a while. In the early days, the newsprint workers went there to have a bite and beer at lunchtime or dinner. I went back to the hotel. Had to take photos of the wall decoration created out of painted simple bicycle chains. My jetlag was still haunting me. Had a 2h nap and later I added 4h later another 4h or so.

10.25. Tuesday – PackExpo

 Having attended the show for so many years I wanted to know personally how this show is today and if it changed due to Covid. It was busy but not easy to see, what one wanted to see, as the booths of different interest were scattered in 4 halls. My feet and legs hurt after I was done. I went home via the green and brown line. It had been raining on and off all day and of course it was raining on my walk back the 4 or 5 blocks to the hotel from the station. As dinner I choose the mfk. Restaurant www.mfkrestaurant.com close by. It showed some Spanish food items on its menu. Ordered Boquerones and Seafood Fideos. Where quite well prepared but of course the taste was different than expected. Price was definitely steep: $95 (incl. 2 beers and a glass of red) without tip.

10.26. Wednesday – Museum of Science and Industry

Again the 2 step sleep pattern continued. Was up at 04:50. As the Chicago Art Institute was closed today, I purchased a ticket for the Museum of Science and Industry. But first I would like to have a good cup of coffee and possibly some warm bite. On my walk over to the train station I passed Dom’s Kitchen & Market www.domschicago.com/ Had a coffee and a hot sandwich there. From there again by train to the city where I changed onto the #6 Bus that I left at the Museum of Science and Industry https://www.msichicago.org . It was quite pricy. Had additionally booked a entry to the “Art of the Brick” Exhibition and an VR Transporter Holo Lens experience for together €48. The first exhibit was impressive. The Pioneer Zephyr https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Zephyr was placed before even having passed through the entry gate. The Museum was interesting however many sections were tailored to the Schoolchildren that were here today also in high numbers. Visited also the Art Of The Brick Exhibition https://artofthebrickexhibit.com/ It took me 4h to get through the whole Museum. Left by bus towards the city. Got off the bus at Michigan & Ida B Wells Drive. West and north, looked at the large Harold Washington Center. Had seen on the way to the Museum a BAO chain restaurant and wanted to try it. Food was good but not what I was looking for. Found later also the Magazine “Traditional Home” that Marjory asked me to bring her, if I ever would find it. I did😁

On the walk back from the train station to the hotel I picked up a coffee and a Muffin and went back to the room. As I had slept very little last night, I changed my habits and tried successfully to fall asleep around 4pm for 2h. That allows hopefully to work through my evening and going to bed late.

10.27. Thursday – Chicago – Cincinnati

It was an easy travel from bus stop right next to the hotel exit, to the Logan Square transfer station and from there on the blue line to the O’Hare Airport. All include in my 3-day travel pass on the CTA public transportation card for $20. Had lunch at the airport before taking an AA flight to Cincinnati. Perfect weather for arial photos of the like and Chicago as well as Cincinnati and its airport. The airport there had quite changed. The C Terminal was gone. The Rental Car location now close to the arrival hall. At the Dollar rental car was a nice & large Jeep waiting for me. Had a smaller one booked but hey, I did not complain. On the way to the hotel, I checked at the Dillard’s Outlet Center if the Roundtree & York Performance Polos that I like were available. They were not. Saturday I will check at their regular Mall locations north of the City. Went on to Jungle Jim’s and found after some 15 minutes of searching the Papi Joes Tennessee Peper Sauce http://www.papijoes.com/ . I found the La Rosas Spaghetti and Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce at the new Krooger Market Place at Princeton Glendale & Tylersville Rd https://www.kroger.com/stores/grocery/oh/west-chester/crossings-of-beckett/014/00959?cid=loc_01400959_bg They had closed the old one and built a new one 2 or 3 times as large a few 100m north. A La Rosas was close so I ordered there my standard Small thin crust meat lovers Pizza with an extra cup of Montgomery Inn BBQ Sauce on the side. The Comfort Inn & Suites at West Chester https://www.choicehotels.com/de-de/ohio/west-chester/comfort-inn-hotels/oh234?mc=llbillpx&pmf=local&checkInDate=2023-03-14&checkOutDate=2023-03-15 was reached in 10 more minutes and check in was an ease.  Some nuts for dinner and falling asleep at around 11pm followed by an 8 1/2h of sleep.

10.28. Friday – Cincinnati

After a coffee I went straight to the SUSA office looking for shipping boxes and sorting the goods for Madrid and myself. Had a brief talk with Nena and Richard. Had lunch at Skyline Chilly and watched a robot bringing the trays to the tables where customers could take it off onto their table. Was thinking did the woman that also carried food items or watched the robot know it would cost her job at one time🤷‍♂️ As Widmer’s Cleaner had no 24h Service any more I went to the Hotel washing my cloths. The lady at Widmer’ Cleaner remembered me, and I was able to get some simple hangers for my travels. Had a brief nap and went on to the Monroe Outlet Mall to have a look at Samsonite. My Zipper had not improved. To pay $600 for a new Samsonite suitcase at an Outlet store I didn’t have on my mind. A small dinner at Aladdin’ Eatery in West Chester followed. By 11pm I was ready to turn the light off.

10.29. Saturday – Cincinnati

Long sleep, breakfast and doing laundry. By 11 I left hotel, stopped at Starbucks had a coffee and some Dark Chocolate covered Grahams. Went on to SUSA to take some photos (Parking & Drive Way) and go towards the TRI County Mall. I was very surprised to see it shut down. Read in the Net that a new development including housing, offices and restaurants is being planned. Went on to Blue Ash to have a look at Metalex. They put onto our old location a huge building similar to the one where they have the large regrinding machines. On I drove to the Kenwood Mall but stopped before a stop at a Penn Station location to have a Chicken Teriyaki Sandwich (no Chips nor French fries with it.. Checked at 2 shops if Polos as I need them would be available. Too late all items were tailored towards the Winter and the once available had no pocket. Wanted to have some Chicken Nuggets and a salad at McDonalds. The doors were closed, but drive through open. This 4h before closing. Instead, I went to a Buffalo Wild Wing and got myself a beer, some Cheese Nachos with Chili and 6 Wings with BBQ sauce. At least double or triple the volume I would have had at McDonalds. By now it was just about 8pm. 

10. 30. Sunday – Cincinnati

Slept until 8:30am, got 2 cups of coffee from the breakfast room, of which I spilled one. The carpet had a coffee to light brown mixture of colors, and I could only see where it was wet when tapping the carpet with some tissue. Dropped before going Downtown a copy of a WIWO for Nena at SUSAS letter box. Had planned to visit the National Underground Railway Freedom Centerhttp://www.freedomcenter.org/ I liked how it explained very detailed the issue from 1700 onward until today’s including today’s child labor, prostitution slaved labor, …… Took me about 2h to get through. Made also photos of the new development along the river on the Ohio side. Impressive! A nice place to live but when games are on, it might be a nightmare. As I left it started raining. Having ahd a large meal last night I wanted something simple. It was a cup of Chili and Chicken/Avocado Salad at Wendy’s. Tried McDonald for a Hot Fudge Sundae but again doors closed and at the drive through I was told it was not available. So it was again Starbucks with some Chocolate covered  Grahams and a decaf Cappuccino before I returned to the Hotel. Had to write my notes of the last days, wash my hair and get my suitcase ready for tomorrows early flight to Denver and Orange County.

10.31. Monday – Cincinnati to Palm Desert/Palm Springs

Got up early at 5:45pm and on time at airport. Plane was on time too and after 3,5h flight we touched down at Denver. The mountain peaks behind Denver were all covered with snow. After a 1,5h layover and change of planes I sw from my window a lot of plain country (besides o thers we passed over or by: Duck Lake-– Dillon Reservoir,……). It was quite a difference when approaching the John Wayne Airport in Orange County 2 1/2h later and seeing the and urban sprawl. Because it was early in the day, I drove with the rental to an Outlet Mall, bought 2 American Eagle Jeans and went on driving towards Palm Springs. Traffic at 3pm was more than slow, but eventually I arrived at the hotel. Had a wash day and later a light dinner at Kitchen-86 & Bar at El Paseo in Palm Desert https://www.kitchen-86.com

11.01. Tuesday – Palm Dessert/Palm Springs

Met with Stuart on their terrace and in distance due to Covid at around 9:30 am. John was nt feeling well and did not participate. Dropped my presents as the last 2 years DHL was unable to deliver them. Later I did some shopping and went on for a 5h drive also through the Joshua Tree Park. Very strange dessert and various rock formations within 40km driving radius. Later at a lower altitude it changed and the Colorado desert that spans Southern Arizona and North Western Mexico and is part of the large Sonoran Desert takes over. Both with different plants and animals. Again, lots of Photos that I might have to delete, as they are mostly meaningless to others and I will not often look at them again either. Dinner, once I was back, was taken at Catalan

Mediterranean http://www.catalanrestaurants.com .I did not see the Catalan Cook, but just Mexican employees😉 Food was good but I think I have to change and eat in simpler restaurants. At the end the bill was 120€.

11.02. Wednesday Palm Desert to Pioneertown & finally to Temecula

(From Palm Desert on Rt-74, left turn onto Rt 371, right turn onto Rt-79?

Left the hotel at 9am. Did some shopping for compression socks that I forgot at home as well as some pain and sleeping pills that I just in case purchased if needed in Australia. On I went towards Pioneertown a small movie set but also with permanent homes that have been designed in the same historic style or at least facades. I purchased a small souvenir out of Bismuth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bismuth for my collection at home. The recommended restaurant/Bar Pappy & Harriets http://www.pappyandharriets.com was closed at the time but will open at 5pm as a concert is scheduled. At the same time of my visit I saw a camper come in that I saw already yesterday. He had a LB for Ludwigsburg License plate. Had it shipped his Semi-Integrated Motorhome built on a Sprinter chassis, from Germany and is allowed to stay in the US for a year. On the way back I stopped at the Yucca Valley. Had a cup of coffee and a Muffin at the Frontier Café http://www.cafefrontier.com Especially the coffee was excellent. I thought it would be empty, but the room was full of young people. All dressed a bit alternatively. Maybe the once that life in the houses in the desert I saw🤷‍♂️On the way back to the car I passed a collection of old and rusty cars at Hills Towing http://www.hillstowing.com. Not sure if it is his or someone else’s. One of them was an old VW Bulli Camper (approx. 1970). From here I passed by the Palm Desert and went to La Quinta and there to the “Old Center” Well it was new. Looked like old and quite nice to look at with also outside seating at several restaurants, that were well attended. My next goal was to see the PGA West Golf Course and see what the Greg Norman Golf Shop had to show. The whole building was under renovation. Therefore a few photos of the golf course And on I went towards Palm Desert to have a quick small lunch at Carl’s Jr. Burger joint. From here a 30$ gas refill and on Rt. 74 and Rt, 177 towards Aguanga where I wanted to make the decision once that if I would drive towards Julien or not. The drive was wonderful (2 lane roads) with great views and impressions as only mother nature can create it. When starting I was in a dry Desert. As I got higher in altitude (up to 300ft) it became greener with bushes, trees and palms. I wished I had my Porsche with me instead a small Ford SUV. At one point I was not sure if it was a reflection or a radar that flashed. It would have been approx. 10 miles above the 55 m/h speed limit. Once in Aguanga I decided to go straight to the hotel in Temecula. I was tired and the sun was on the way down. Julian was once a mining town and possibly some other time I can see what’s left from that time-period there.  I did finish my notes for the day, have in mind to go to Wendy’s for a small salad and Chili dinner. The Cowgirl Restaurant https://ilovethecowgirl.com John and Stuart recommended, I forgot about. Maybe tomorrow.   

11.03. Thursday Palm Desert Temecula to Ontario (Rt-79 to St. Julian, back towards LA on Rt-79, left (straight) onto Rt78 to Escandido and onto I-15 Ontario and Hotel) As I thought about today’s activity it became clear to me that “some other time” would be today. The drive started at 9am after the breakfast. It was cold (41/42F) and windy. The road (Rt-79) was 2 lane road. Windy and fun to drive. As yesterday. As I gained altitude the land changed again. It became greener, farmland with pastures. I saw citrus fruit plantations, Nurseries and later even horses and cows. The first glimpse of the past mining history I saw about 5 miles before the actual city. Some old and rusty mining machinery and items. I did not visit at this temperature the Eagle Mine. Once an active gold mine now turned into a tourist attraction. The other big thing at Julian is the Hard Cider (as example http://www.calicoranch.com/) and Honey. The village has kept its old houses. One or the other had to be renovated but all in all it looks very authentic. Unfortunately, at above 400ft it got cold. I saw a car with snow on its windscreen. I choose to visit the Julian Bakery and Café. It was packed. Had a coffee and the smallest breakfast possible, a Ham and Cheese Croissant with some fruits instead French fries. Once I left 45 minutes later it had stopped drizzling and the sun was out again but still windy and cold. Walked Main Street, visited some shops, went back to the car and started driving back towards the hotel. After Julian I saw a large assembly of buildings and wondered. Found out it was the Nucal Egg Ranch https://nucalfoods.net/index.html Stopped also for a quick check if I could find a power adapter at Office Depot od Walmart. Which was not the case. Instead, I went for a cup of coffee, to a Starbuck location at the other side of the road. I came close to Temecula again but did not choose to eat there as I had basically 2 breakfasts today. At 4pm I was at the Candlewood Suites and started to write and correct my notes.

11.04. Friday Ontario to Huntington and on to Brisbane

I checked-out at 10:30 and was at the Huntington and Garden earlier tan expected. It is an impressive sized land with nice Gardens and buildings https://huntington.org It took me 4h but still had not seen all. The most impressive items for me at the Art and Library sections were the Gutenberg Bible and the 2 portraits one from Thomas Gainsborough’s  “The Blue Boy” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Blue_Boy and opposite of it a modern “A Portrait of a Young Gentleman” painting from artist Kehinde Wiley https://huntington.org/exhibition/kehinde-wiley-portrait-young-gentleman. The Gardens I enjoyed too. Thought that the Japanese Garden was a bit different from the once I had seen in Japan and the Australian one kind of overshadowed by the 2 huge gumtrees. But never the less interesting to see and explore. Had coffee twice plus a sandwich. At the end I drove 1h towards the airport took a bus from the Dollar car rental just to jump out of it again at the first red light. Had forgotten my dark leather/cotton jacket in the dark trunk. Car was still sitting where I got out of it and in no time, I was back in a bus towards the LAX International Terminal. Passing through the different station was just a question of time not of issues. The plane took off on time at 21:40 and 14,5 hours later we were landing punctually the next morning at 5am at the Brisbane airport.

 11.06. Sunday – Brisbane

Landed at 5:40am. Flight was good, I had taken a 3mg Melatonin tablet and was kind of sleeping. My watch read as 6,5h of sleep this night. It felt more like a dream. I passed all the inspections and controls without issues and was at 05:45 in the arrival hall just writing an email to Gary when he approached me. In now time we were at his place where I met Marjory. Had a coffee at the balcony and exchanged information about the various situation of the past 3 years that we had not seen each other. Later we went downtown for me to purchase a Pre-Paid SIM card for the next 3 months and toured a bit through the city and its surroundings. Like in Sydney the face of the city changes fast. New high risers where ever you look. The rest of the day we spend at home. Me taking a 2h nap and finishing the day with a nice lam boast and veggies with a red wine.

11.07. Monday – Brisbane

It was decided that we would drive towards Tamborine Mountain. The Village was aligned along the main road. We  opted fo a coffee and stopped at the Café on Tamborine and after a coffee and a cheesecake left for a Souvenir shop (run by two ladies from Germany) to stroll through it and see if some decorative items would be in favor of Margery. A stop at Witches Falls Winery http://www.witchesfalls.com.au/ was next. We choose to go through a wine tasting with a cheese platter and opted to purchase some bottles. Mine were sent to my family in Sydney. On the way back we stopped again at a at the St Bernards Hotel http://stbernardshotel.com.au/no Hotel but a Pub. This mainly for the views. We had full view to the east as we before had it towards the west at a site where normally paragliders would take off. As the kitchen had closed we had drinks and once dione we drove back home. There we I did write this notes and later Gary prepared a burger dinner that was quite taste 😋Again a few sips of red went well with it.

11.08. Tuesday – Brisbane

Today we wanted to go up the coast after the breakfast. By 10 we left and reached the coast at Brighton crossing the bay over the bridge and finally stopping close to the Radcliff Pier and choose The Oasis at the Esplanade www.oasiscafe.com.au for having a coffee and a small bite. Walked the beach, went out on the pier. As a second stop Marjory and Gary had the Belvedere Hotel at Woddy’s Point www.belvederehotel.com  in mind. When we reached it it was in the process to be toprn down or at least a major renovation or add on took place. A newer looking shed like building was available for having a drink and/or food. On the way back we visited the Christmas Shack www.christmasshack.com.au at Sandgate Rd. in Virginia. Apparently, the largest Christmas Shop in QLD. All day long the rain hung in around Perth but avoided us. When leaving Woody’s Point we caught a few drops. The rest of the drive back home was dry again but wind was on all the time. For Dinner its cold cut lamb roast, some cheese, and crackers as well as some wine. It should be sufficient food on the plate for all.

11.09. Wednesday – Brisbane / Perth

By 04:30 the car was packed and we were ready to leave. Gary drove me to the airport in just about 15 minutes. The passage through the various station was quick and I had time to have a simple toast and a coffee. The 737-800 was full. The seat configuration different to the intercontinental flight and much tighter. It was difficult to get out the window seat into the aisle. I watched to films and the time passed fast. Even tough I had something to eat at the airport, I could not restrain from eating the offered omelet. We landed at 10am local time after a 5,5h flight. The IBIS hotel did not have a room available that early so I walked the city for just about 5h. I shopped for some camping books and looked for some shorts but have also tomorrow available to finally get everything together that I need for the 4-week road trip. Having gone west I collected another 2h of time change. Hope I overcome it quick but have no one (besides TV) that keeps me up in the evenings.

11.10. Thursday – Perth

Had to get a few items. Found a WA Map, purchased 2 pair of socks, a T-Shirt and a beige Shorts for hiking. As I walked through the main streets I passed an exhibition/Gallery where the Floribots where exhibited https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLl0zKBnBoY .  Visited the Bell Tower, https://www.thebelltower.com.au/perth-attractions/the-anzac-bell and walked the city again. Also to the southeast and the Watertown Brand Outlet Centre http://www.watertownbrandoutlet.com.au . Worked on searching and listing possible activities for my upcoming tour. Tried to prebook an Uber to the rental car station – unsuccessful. Will see what’s happening tomorrow and order a Taxi if no one shows up. So far it looks as if booking did not go through even so, the money was put on hold on my card account.

11.11. Friday – Perth / Cervantes

At 09:45am I got out of an Uber at the Apollo station close to Perth’s airport. By 10:15 it was my turn at the reception and by 13:15 I was done with loading and storing my items into the 4×4 Camper https://www.apollocamper.com/Vehicles/4WDs/Adventure-Camper . It’s my home for the next 4 weeks. I started to drive towards Cervantes https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/destination/cervantes where I had booked 3 nights at the RAC Cervantes Holiday Park https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au/cervantes . Cost was AUS$153. The drive was just interrupted by stopping at grocery stores to get my food items for the coming days. After the check-in I had a beer out of my cooler while walking along the beach and watching the sun go down. Cervantes Bar & Bistro was next, for dinner. Fish and chips and 2 “Little Creatures” beers did the job. Cervantes was named to a whaling ship that was wrecked close by. Most if not all street names are also given Spanish names https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/cervantes-wa .  

11.12 Saturday – Cervantes / National Parks

Woke up after 7:45h of sleep. Unfortunately, I went asleep early therefore woke up early. By 8am I stood in line for a good cappuccino, a Ham & Cheese toast as well as a Blueberry Muffin. Took it slow and by 11am I had packed up and left the camp ground towards the Nambung-Nationalpark http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/park/nambung and its famous Pinnacles Desert Lookout and Drive https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/pinnacles-desert-lookout-and-drive It was my second time there. I at the same time purchased a WA wide National Park Access. Right after this Park I drove to the next one Lesueur National Park https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/lesueur-national-park At the shop of the Pinnacle Park it was stated that I had to go and see it aa blooming was still on. What can I say, toooooo many pictures to show. The dirt roads leading to and leaving from it were unsealed and quite rough. Only at speeds of above 70km it was bearable, and the car was stable and without vibrations. The last stop I took, was Green Head, a coastal settlement. I took a touristic drive along the coastline and again had to take a few photos. Not having had lunch and eying a bit to get a meal at Lobster Shak in Cervantes I went to a Café and could beside the cappuccino not eresist some custard. Very sweet but good and different. At Julien Bay I did not stop. Something for tomorrow. It seemed it was bigger then either Cervantes or Green Head. Once at Lobster Shack, the kitchen was closed since 3pm so a beer had to do it. I guess I will be back again at Cervantes Bar & Bistro for dinner. I thought with driving between 100 and 110km as an average once outside towns and even on the unsealed roads the daily possible distance was easy to determine if no extra stop and sightseeing would take place. In the morning I had already booked the Kalbarri Red Bluff Tourist Park for on Monday night. Leaving at around 10am would get me into Kalbarri at around 3 to 4pm.

11.13 Sunday – Cervantes & Jurien Bay

I took it easy today. It was 11 as I left the camp site and drove just around the corner to the Lake Thetis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Thetis Its famous for its living marine stromatolites that exist only at a very few other sites worldwide. From there I went North to Jurien Bay https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/destination/jurien-bay . Stopped at a gas station for Diesel and purchased a few items I felt I should have them at the local IGA. Went on to the center of town so to speak. Meaning the beach access close to a large Campground with public Restaurant, a large playground and lots of parking spots. The queue in the restaurant for a coffee was not as my liking. Therefore, I went to a little mobile kiosk that was close to the playground. As I found out I was his last customer for the day. Aparently, he started already at 6am. Not bad for a Sunday and with sufficient customers as he told me. Had a Cappuccino and a sausage roll even though I had had eggs, beans and tomato for breakfast. There was not much to do at Jurien Bay therefore I went back towards Cervantes. 15km later I turned left into a small road leading up to a viewpoint. Took some photos and went on to drive back. I was in time to sit down at the Lobster Shack http://www.lobstershack.com.au/ for lunch. Not that I was hungry. But again ½ grilled Lobster was not something that would make a difference. The small beer neither. I watched the sea gulls watching us and how they fought for their share of food once someone left the table and either had not eaten all of his food or let his food on the table while picking up cutlery or such, that one might have forgotten. It was entertaining watching them how they figured out where and when someone was uncareful. The rest of the day including a short nap went well. For the first time I eat in. Bred with some ham. Also opened a bottle of red Proximo from Marques de Riscal. Had sympathy for them to at least try to sell wine in a country lite Australia. Will repurchased the ham tomorrow in Jurien Beach at the IGA. Have also to get some plastic bags to seal in items where I had opened the package but not finished it. I had a refrigerator but did not want to help mold to grow.  I don’t like travelling with bags. The consequence was that my suitcase was kind of in the way every day. As I traveled alone, I did not care.

11.14 Sunday – Jurien Bay / Kalbarri

Today’s stage was roughly 450km long. I passed through or by places like Jurien Bay, Port Denison/Dongara, Geraldton, Northampton, Port Gregory and finally I arrived in Kalbarri Mostly the landscape provided the images. First it was bush and scrub and then canged into Farmland with no green gras but cows & sheep on the fields. That changed again into a golden landscape as far as the eye could see. https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/region/kalbarri Full of grain ready to be harvested.

An that’s what was already done, was in the process to and/or waiting for been harvested. Mobile silos been on the field into which the smaller collecting vehicles delivered the grain just when full it’s all been transferred into Road Train Lorries that got them to Ports such as Geraldton. Huge Silos were waiting to accept millions of tons of grain. Some years back 2.618.500 tons passed annually through its port. This was definitely grain Country.  I had also a stop at Dongara. Passed an old rebuilt single room house that was converted into a Café. Buy local support local was the motto. Maybe even a no profit set up. I had a Cappuccino and a quiche Lorraine for lunch. The highlight of the trip today was however the pink lake close to Gregory Across it was a BASF plant that extracted BETA Carotene out of its waters. When opening the car door in Port Gregory after I saw the Pink Lake a wind gust hit the door and overextended the opening angle. There was a sharp breaking noise and at first I saw no issue. Only later I saw that a rod that controlled the holding points when opening a car door was disengaged and broken. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaojfZmNOiw At around 4:30pm I was arrived at my next Camp Ground https://summerstar.com.au/caravan-parks/kalbarri about 5km south of Kalbarri. It seemed to be brand new. I had an ensuite powered site. Meaning I had a 230V connection & my own bathroom and toilette. So far I had no negative experience with either of the 2 Camp Ground Chains that I have used so far RAC https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au and Summerstar www.summerstar.com.au I am sure that I will use one of the BIG4 www.big4.com.au once in the future too. Due to the Cyclone that went through Kalbarri in 2020 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-13/cyclone-seroja-leaves-kalbarri-residents-in-state-of-shock/100064564 some of the houses, restaurants and motels were not rebuilt yet. Right after check-in I went into town to visit a car mechanic. After I checked in at the Campground I went on and looked for the Kalbarri Auto Center 6 Southerland Street in Kalbarri (08) 99371290 https://www.kalbarri.org.au/local-business/kalbarri/kalbarri-auto-centre   kalbarriautocentre@westnet.com.au . The owner Glen Hancock mentioned that if he had a PO by 9am he could get the part early afternoon and be done with it a little later.  Due to Covid the personal was also an issue and not many restaurants I wanted to get in were open. The once open I did not like. Therefore, I had 2 slices of bread with some cheese and a glass or two of red at my camper. No more was needed 😊

11.15 Tuesday – Kalbarri & National Park

At 06:15 WA time I called Brisbane where the headquarter of Apollo was located. The girl on the phone promised me quick answer about the issue via email. I had while we were on the phone emailed some photos that explained the issue well. The mechanic needed a PO number and also , as it was not my car he could not work on it without permission from Apollo even if I would pay to get it done fast. I knew his cut off time for any shipment from Geraldton’s Toyota dealer to him would be 10am. Otherwise the shipment would arrive next day. To cut it short all went well and the part arrived just after 3pm. I in the meantime I was checking all the viewpoints along the coast and also 2 within the Kalbarri NP of which one was a skywalk. Just as I was on the way back the mechanic called me and 25 minutes later, I stopped the car in front of the garage. The exchange of the parts went well and 1h later I was on my way to town to get gas, a six pack and went to the Jetty Seafood Shack to dive into a Fish & Chips. www.kalbarri.org.au/the-jetty-seafood-shack The mechanic had said – The Best Fish In Town and that’s what it was. Not many alternatives to choose from🤷‍♂️. Back at the Camp Ground I set up the car again, did some washing and with the wind it had dried all of it within 45 minutes. My homework/notes concluded the activities of today, besides 1 or 2 beers😉.

11.16 Wednesday – Kalbarri to Monkey Mia

It was again an approx. 400km drive. Just stopped to get gas and a coffee and a bite at the BP gas station at Billabong Roadhouse.A German woman from Cottbus was working there. Lived in Perth but worked here. I guess similar to miners “fly in – fly” out situation. Who wants to live permanently and work here. Once off Hwy 1 at the Overlander Roadhouse and in the Shark Bay area while on Rt 353 towards Nanga and Denham I started to get on and off the main road and followed the turn off signs to the viewpoints such as: Hamlin Pool Stromatolites  https://www.sharkbay.org/place/hamelin-pool , Shell Beach https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/destinations/shark-bay/shell-beach  , Eagle Bluff Lookout https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/products/eagle-bluff   & Passing the 26^th Parallel, shortly after I arrived at Denham https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/denham-wa . The only Town on this Peninsula. There was another site, the Hamelin Station https://www.hamelinstationstay.com.au , but that was closed. I would not much else than the other sites mentioned above. From the 4×4, sitting higher, I saw quite often onto the long stretch of roads in front of me. Not many tourists here, so close to the rainy season. I had to assume that I passed more than one mining site hidden behind the trees, bushes and scrub. Once in a while a sign mentioned the organization and a particular one was the Coburn Mineral Sand Project https://www.mining-technology.com/projects/coburn-mineral-sands-project/ . The possible deposits are approx. 35km long, up to 3km wide and 5 to 40m thick. Again, besides some dirt tracks, Lorries and road graders one saw nothing of it. An aerial view would have provided different inside I guess. In Denham I was lucky to get a coffee and a slice of a good Banana Bread at the Shark Bay Café 15 minutes after it had officially closed. This thanks to the Vietnamese work culture. Consumed it across its location at a park with a nice view onto the Pacific Ocean and the local yachts bobbing. May stay for the coming 2 nights I had booked again in advance with on-suite bathroom at the RAC Holiday Park in Monkey Mia www.parksandresorts.rac.com.au/monkey-mia 2 beers, twisted Prawns, a small salad and 4 veggie spring rolls were my dinner. I will tomorrow morning pay my NP fee and also will ensure that I will be tomorrow morning at 7:30am at the Dolphin feeding point to at least have a good viewing point.

11.17 Thursday – Monkey Mia & Surroundings                                                                             

My instant Aldi Cappuccino was first before getting going with every day’s procedures. First I went to the viewing area for the morning feeding of the dolphins. The Dolphins came in already at 07:15. The whole action, checking for tickets, explaining the academic background of what was shown as well as details about those specific Dolphins special to this area. The history of the feeding of the dolphins goes back to the 1960s. As the fishers cleaned their catch of the day, they throw it back into the sea where the dolphins realized that there was a free breakfast. Once it was decided that the fishers would be relocated in 1984 researchers arrived and since then studied the dolphins. It’s the oldest dolphin research program in the world. The feeding continued but now for the tourist, as the RAC Automobile Club won the rights to build a holiday park. I was reading that on certain days up to 800 people where watching the feeding. I took a real cappuccino from the bar with me back to the car, sat in a folding chair and read my guide book about todays options. I heard a silly noise but did not react. As at one time the noise came closer I looked into the eyes of an adult Emu not more than 5m away. He definitely was talking to me. I was frozen and my brain on lots of adrenalin in kind of a survival mode. I started to talk to it. Had no food on me nor in the car. As it turned around and walked away I got my telephone out of the car but just was able to take a photo of the little once. The adult was around the corner and out of sight.   I left with the car to the little lagoon. It’s connected by a canal to the sea. Several covered resting stations with restrooms were place around it to allow for a relaxed stay. I went by car along the canal and at the end got out to walk along it until it hit the sea. Saw one angler with a professional locking 4×4. Wide off-road tires, large engine! Once back in the car it took not long to see some kite surfers. Fast and far out. Shipped later in the city some souvenirs back to my grandchildren and had a burger for lunch. Next to my restaurant there was the Shark Bay Discovery Center. After paying my dues I wondered through the exhibits and learned with interest about the HSK Kormoran and the MAS Sydney https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinking_of_HMAS_Sydney The Aquarium south of Denham was closed but I went there anyway just to see what it is like. Not sure if I would pay the entrance fee once I saw it, but the coffee I got was good. Tonight, I only had some cheese with crackers and a red in my bus for dinner. Was not in the mood for any more food today but space left for a beer. On the way back I saw dark and not good looking clouds come in from the west. They passed by without creating issues.

11.18 Friday – Monkey Mia to Carnarvon

Started my drive back to the Hwy 1 over the Shark Bay World Heritage Drive from Monkey Mia to the Overlander Roadhouse. 350km to Carnarvon today. There I got some 65L Diesel and a Beef & Bacon Pie with a coffee. The drive along Hwy 1 is rather boring. Avoided a collision with a Wallaby and later 2 goats that were thinking about crossing the Hwy. On the way however the landscape changed a bit. Suddenly it was not bush any more as far as the eye could see but also higher and more trees were in the plant mix. Later a homestead came up. Coming really close to Carnarvon, farming was on https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/destination/carnarvon https://www.carnarvon.org.au/ . The area is well known for its bananas and many other vegetables they farm here. The large telescope told me I was close and opted in time to turn off and go towards the Harbour and downtown area to familiarize myself with it and have a coffee and a banana bread. It was quite windy. As by now it was 1pm. After some walking and visit to the Tourist office I drove the 4 or 5km to my camp site for the 2 nights to come, the Carnarvon Capricorn Holiday Park. Check-in was fast and after I parked at the site and raised the roof I started to read the West Australian and thereafter writing my notes. Did not unpack all as I have in mind to drive back to town by 5 or 6 for a fish dinner. By 5 I was at the Mar E Sol Restaurant. Thai Beef Salat was very good. Around 6pm I was on my way to the 1 mile Jetty. It was as I was reading closed due to unsafe condition. My guess is that after the Cyclone there was no money around to get it back in shape. The Light House Museum was closed and so the little museum edicated to the train and Railway that carried visitors on the Jetty closer to the sea.

11.19 Saturday –Carnarvon & Surrounding

Having eaten yesterday the 2 Greek yoghurts I had, I had to get new once. Therefore, I visited IGA. Of course, more than needed material in my bag. Put the cheese (brie) and 2 bottles of white wine from NZ, into the cooler as well as the yoghurts. Felt like a need for a real and not just my instant cappuccino I drove into the center and got lucky. One if the better ones I had so far on the trip. Beans come from Perth. Decided at that point and after some reading to visit the whale skeleton on display at a farm that also was in growing and displaying cactuses. By going there, I drove along many plantations for mainly bananas, but also lots of other for me unidentifiable fruit plants possibly Mango. Also, just to see it with some time available, I drove up to the Hwy 1 bridge over the Gascoyne River. It looks quite different when flooded. I insert a photo from Wikipedia below. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gascoyne_River By now it was time to visit the Space and Technology Museum https://www.carnarvonmuseum.org.au/ Its all run by volunteers. The exhibits are interesting and bring one back in time also on the hardware used. From here to the Quobba Blow Holes https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/destination/quobba-blowholes-carnarvon  it was just about 1h over regular road. A food caravan with a separate Generator was set up and during my visit the cook had quite some work to do. I ordered a box of chips and 4 slices of lightly battered fresh and local fish. To many chips. Gave some to a lonely seagull. The rest I took with me back to the campground. On the way back I passed a commercial operation that had set up an operation to produce BETA Carotene. The same idea as of what BASF did on the other side of Pink Lake, I visited 5 days ago. But here I think the bacteria and the salt levels of the waters were adjusted manually not as by mother nature was at the Pink Lake. During my drive today I also passed flood indicators. Max. 2 Meter. Don’t want to be there once such flood levels are on. Back at Carnarvon I went to the One Mile Jetty. The Jetty closed but the Café was open. A cake and a cappuccino later I was gone https://www.facebook.com/sunsetscafeatonemilejettycarnarvon  Had actually in mind to visit later the Mar E Sol Restaurant again for dinner after a nap at the van but changed my mind and had a small cold dinner in the Van with 2 beers instead. I am writing my notes and as yesterday, I might watch 1 or 2 videos off the ARD Mediathek again, after I finished my notes.

11.20 Sunday – Carnarvon to Exmouth

Had to have a cappuccino at Coffee To Go Carnarvon at 08:00am. It’s a little kiosk. One man operated and no food items. But who cares if the coffee is as good as it was – just awesome. Drank it while driving. Drove until the Better Choice Minilya Bridge Roadhouse. Again, a coffee and in this case 2 Bacon & Cheese pies. From here further on Rt 354 until the turn onto Minilya-Exmouth Rd. A good 45 minutes later I turned left again towards Coral Bay. Saw 2 eagles taking off as I approached them. Within a few seconds (until I had my photo activated) they were just about out of sight. I was under the impression it’s a small village, but it was a vacation hot spot for water sport enthusiasts. Nothing of interest for me, so after a few photos I went back to the main road and on towards Exmouth. Entered into the NINGALOO COAST – Coral Bay (Baiyungu Country https://baiyungudreaming.com.au/about-us ). It began with one Termite’s nest, but increased and I think the amount I saw was in the thousands. At one point they were gone. Why there and now not anymore?? Just after I passed an RAAF Air Base Learmonth I saw a WWII memorial – Operation Jaywick – Krait Memorial https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/krait  https://www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/operation_jaywick . From here it was only 15 minutes or so to Exmouth https://www.australiascoralcoast.com/destination/exmouth It was the first hot day with max. 35°C. I hope the forecast of 18C during the night becomes true. Had between several beers a phone call with my sisters, washed a few cloths and prepared for a dinner at the Whalebone Brewery https://www.whalebonebrewing.com.au There I consumed besides 2 beers a good tasting thin crust Pizza

11.21 Monday – Exmouth / Cape Range NP & back

After 9h of sleep, I made me a cup of coffee. The water Kettle with just the amount of water needed. I must not have switched it off after I poured the water in my cup. As I poured water again for a second cup and pushed the lever to start it, nothing happened. Searched and found the Earlybird Cafe https://www.facebook.com/people/Earlybird-Cafe/100063546970134/ Good coffee and a Ham & Cheese Croissant. A German Lady from the east ran it. Later in the day I found at Exmouth Betta Home Living a new hot water kettle. I had passed earlier the Niungaloo Visitor Center but they were still closed https://www.ningaloocentre.com.au/visitor-centre  Today my plan was to drive to the Lighthouse and south along the west coast of the peninsula to the end of the road. That’s what I did. I was not on a regular vacation schedule but wanted to see as much as possible of this part of the country (WA) and some highlights, as they were close to my path, also. To try and get onto an excursion, that might or might not, get me close to some whale sharks or other sea creatures was not on my list during this trip. Not much time had passed after I had left Exmouth when I saw many and quite high antennas ahead of me. It was the VLF Naval Communication Station Harold E. Holt. It allows communication with Ships and Submarines. It’s operated by Australia in behalf of Australia and the U.S. Went up the hill to the Vlamingh Head Lighthouse. At one point I entered into the Cape Range NP and stopped for a bit longer at the Milyering Visitor Centre https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/cape-range-national-park They even served good coffee. The stops I made after this included:

The Yardie Creek was the most interesting site on this drive. It was full of water. Unfortunately, the ships for the tours into the creek were only going in the morning hours. This could also have been related to the low- and high tide schedules. A hike path was sign posted but alone and in the heat, I did not wanted to walk it on my own.

The return trip was about 120km. Sufficient time passed to return to Exmouth to get a cold 6-pack and find some food. A bit early but for me today just right. Found an IGA for some water, opposite it was a bakery that had a veggie roll and a Beef Stroganoff pie to sell and the 6-pack I found at a bottle shop close by. The rest was quiet time, having a few beers, showering etc. ………

11.22. Tuesday – Exmouth to Karratha

Just a coffee in the van + 30 L of Diesel and off I went. 50 km or so later I turned left onto Burkett Rd . until I reached the Hwy. 1 towards Karratha. I stopped just twice. One time at the Nanutarra Roadhouse and the second at Fortescue River Roadhouse. The first time I had breakfast and got some more Diesel and the second time just a cup of coffee to stay awake. It was again the changing landscape that was of interest. From bushes there came trees and open views with scattered boulders & stones with barely any vegetation. It seemed I was going up in height and also flat-top mountains came into view. It was also obvious to me that there were mines close by. I saw again lots of cars that had the flags on them. The flags are there, to not been overlooked by the heavy trucks that moved the soil and minerals, when driving in the mines. Their drivers have only limited views. Only once was an operation so close to the main road that when on the bridge (one of the only once not going over a river), one had a chance of seeing a bit of it. There was an advertisement about “Robe River Pannawonica Rodeo” https://roberiverrodeo.com  It’s a Rio Tinto mining settlement with cinema and Pub etc. to serve the miners that stay here 2 weeks before flying out back home for a 2 weeks period having had 12h shifts daily. Here are some of the companies that mine here:

• https://citicpacificmining.com/
• https://www.nsenergybusiness.com/projects/mardie-salt-project/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesa_A_mine with several locations cose by
• https://www.riotinto.com/Operations/australia/pilbara  17 mines in the greater area
• http://www.bhp.com/

It was about 3:30pm when I finished the last of the approx. 550km I drove today. Even though I was  not near a city I was continuously connected to the Internet. Along the way every 100km or so there were high antennas. The power was provided in my opinion either by a generator or via solar panels and batteries. Don’t know the power requirements nor did I see large solar panel installations.  Check-in at the Discovery Parks Camp Site – Pilbara Karratha was an ease. Did not spend much time there but went on to understand the layout of the area. Stopped at a shopping center and went later to the North West Brewing Company http://www.northwestbrewingco.com.au to have a beer and a salad for dinner. Well and that was it for the day.

11.23 Wednesday – Karratha & Surrounding

The day started early but slow. Was up at 6am but only left the campground at 9:30am. When driving in search of the Hullabaloo Café www.facebook.com/hullabaloocafe one passes over a dam and salt deposit area. Art objects such as ball playing children etc. were set up. After an intense search due to a renovating and rebuilding process I found the Café and did not regret it. Good tasting Coffee and good sandwiches. From here I drove to Dampier Boat Ramp and was able to take some photos of the port and the ships waiting to be loaded. Later coming from the other side, I also saw the new Gas plants with the LNG Terminals as well as a large factory from the Yarra company www.yara.com . On the way to Ngajarli (Deep George) within the Murujuga National Park https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/murujuga-national-park I crossed a railway line and had to take some photos. The Deep George https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/ngajarli-deep-gorge is a site where stones with historic engravings and paintings from the local Aboriginals were found and secured. Displays explain the site in detail. On I went to the Hearson’s Cove. Again, a nice beach with only few people but public toilets and shady picknick tables and benches. On the way back to Dampier and the Hullabaloo Café I stopped to take a photo of the Red Dog Memorial https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Dog_(Pilbara) . A movie was made about the dog also. A trailer can be seen (in English) at https://youtu.be/GTExiWzvJlo While seated at the Café and drinking my ice cold XXXX beer, I decided to go the Cossack https://www.cossack.org.au an abandoned town with only 1 or 2 handful of buildings left. Aon my way I saw a large and long collection of rail cars. At Crossack I visited several buildings and had also a look inside the museum. No entry fee but one could donate by Card via Bluetooth😂 Unfortunately, the Café had already closed for the season. Therefore, as I was thirsty I had to drink water😒Went on a bit further for a better viewpoint of the bay, the waiting cargo ships and an historic. Not far was the point where the Afghan Camels and their handlers landed 120 years ago. An Asian & European cemetery was there also. On the way back to the camp site, several locomotives made up the now even longer collection of ore cars but still in the process of adding some further railcars. It was loooooong. I Googled and found that the longest freight train was from BHP. The longest train ever was 7.353 km long with 682 ore cars. This one did not break the record but ….. . Tomorrows camp site was at Tom Price with again some 420+ km to cover. If I would have known what I know today I might have driven voluntary +200km via another route. Close by was also a new Gas Plant. LNG Tankers were waiting in the bay.

11.24 Thursday – Karratha to Tom Price

Before I left, I watched 2 crested pigeon that seem to figure out who’s the best man for the bride. As they hit their beak onto the tarmac making a clicking noise, I just thought, what they would have done years ago, when no tarmac was available😂

Had, just for security, gotten 20L spare diesel and a fresh made sandwich just to be safe. Then I left and followed my Google Map instructions. What I know today was never mentioned at Google Map or at street signs. That is the fact as the receptions at today’s campground in Tom Price told me the fact that that road was a private road, and I should have asked Rio Tinto for permission respectively paid some money for the right to drive there. I researched and found out that no payment was involved. Why there was nothing signposted???? I covered all of the approx. 300km well. No issues with the car nor any need to get diesel.

By any means I had some nice motives of landscape and also on the trains and systems / Repair crews. I at one point tried to visit the Millstream Chichester National Park’s Visitor Center but due to me losing interest and the fact that I was on unsealed road, I turned around and went back to the main road. Would I just have known what was laying in front of me😁. After the first 100 km or so around Millstream, the road changed for good from a sealed to an un-sealed one. What I know now it was the RIO TINTO Railroad Access road or also called the Tom Price Railway Rd. . The first 1/3 of the approx. 270km was terrible. The car did not get into a stable condition at any speed. Later, where the road was better taken care of and the corrugation became more regular, it smoothened out and got better all together. What I did not know, nor did I see any sign or marker, was that it is not allowed to drive on the road without having a Permit from RIO TINTO.  As I checked in at the camp site I learned about the fact. I checked it later online and saw that the permit can be achieved by going through an online course. That’s what I did after the fact but passed now with 100% and the time stamp was Nov. 24^th. No time stamp on the ticket to be downloaded. Here the Link if needed https://www.visitashburton.com.au/visitor-info/transport/rio-tinto-access-road.aspx Once checked-in at the Tom Price Tourist Park I went to get a new 6-Pack at a liquor store and some food at the Red Breeze Restaurant https://www.facebook.com/redbreeze/ that served Chinese/Asian food. I was the last guest at 2:15pm. Choose some ready packed Sushi rolls and a beer. Bothe were good to consume after that ride. Back at the camp site I set up the camper and started to write my notes. Earlier as I asked the woman at the reception wat the main attraction would be to visit here she mentioned going with the 4×4 up into the hills. Not with my camper😀 Wind came up and I felt a drop of temperature. Some cheese and 2 glasses of Sauvignon Blanc from NZ went with it. Watched a German online video and went to sleep. Just before that I heard a few rumbles and later heard some Raindrops hitting the car.

11.25. Friday – Tom Price to Newman

Tom Price is a huge mining area and is in close proximity to the Karijini-Nationalpark https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/karijini-national-park Its a Park where I would have liked to have more time available. Maybe I’ll have another chance in the coming years. At the edge of town an old ore truck was exhibited. About 50% smaller as the largest today. But still huge, compared to my little camper. All km today were on sealed roads. No unsealed Train Access Roads anymore. Choose a sidestep into the NP. First nothing did change but as I reached the end at the parking for the Dales George Outlook the downward view into the George was spectacular. Saw some people swimming in the Fern Pool and below the Fortescue Falls. I saw also a warning about poisonous snakes that were lately seen at these points. On the way back to the main road I stopped at the visitor center  https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/karijini-visitor-centre I thought it was good information provided. The situation of the Aboriginals was provided in a good way. The speeches of people were provided and the last 200 years or so explained. All together I feel that within the last 20 or so years a lot of the general understanding of the aboriginals and the Europeans has changed to the better. I purchased some souvenirs and once done left and 120km later I arrived a bit early in Newman. The difficulty for me is to judge the possible distance for the day and to locate a decent camp site that fits into the equation. Better shorter distances as too late arrival at the camp site. It also allows for a later departure and possible side steps are also easier to handle. At the 2pm arrival time no Café was open anymore. Had only my instant cappuccino from Aldi this morning. I checked in at the municipal Caravan Park. My second municipal. All not so professional as on the previous once but new and in nice condition. No trees or shade though. The towns existence is based on the Fortescue mining activities. Later a sandwich and a beer had to do. The Pub kitchen did start at 5:30pm and I would have been drunk by then. Therefore, went back to the Caravan Park and set up camp for the night. There was a small issue with the pin at the bathroom doors, but one functioned for each male and female and that was with only 4 campers on site. Just as the sun went down the wind came back and some rain. As yesterday. In the morning all will be dry again.

11.26. Saturday – Newman to Karalundi

The night was a bit unusual. Newman is a mining town and draws of course various people into town. My camp site was a bit outside, newly set up but not with a permanent Reception to fixed hours as usually. During the night there was some discussion going on and the camp site responsible for the night that was sleeping in a van here also, called the police. After that we had our peace. The morning started as usual with an instant cappuccino, got everything out of the way, had a shower and prepared for departure. The drive was kind of boring. The landscape and manly the plants changed from dense plants growing to barely anything growing at all. Also, due to flooding I assume, the right side of the street was just red with barely any plants while the left side was green and lush. Passed the Tropic of Capricorn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropic_of_Capricorn . I passed again through quite some Mining Operations and those mainly from BHP. As I came closer to the goldmines, I even saw sign towards a Degussa mine site. Again, no sign of large Kangaroos beside skeletons on the side of the road. But 2 cows and a dead one, were critical. I think it was a group of 3. One was killed by an accident and the others kind of hung around not having a plan what to do next. Lucky for me, one did not walk towards the street and the other accelerated away from the road and out of harm’s way as I approached them with 80km/h. At just 2:15pm I arrived the Karalundi Caravan Park https://www.karalundipark.com.au/ . It’s part of larger Aboriginal community https://www.karalundi.wa.edu.au/ . The shop and reception was closed. It is also a Drug, Alcohol and Smoke Free Zone. But I as a visitor could have a beer inside my camper. But not allowed to leave the beer bottles or cans behind. That was ok with me. Found what I had to do, and all was fine. Had time to wash a machine full of linen and cloths which dried within 30 minutes. It was a very hot and a bit windy day. Started to read again as there was no internet available just phone services. That made me call my sister in Sydney and we spoke for quite a while, while my laundry was in the washing machine. For dinner, it was some hummus and bread as well as 3 beers. I do hope for a good night’s sleep tonight. It is not raining but the air feels at the end of the day, a bit cooler than a while ago.

11.27. Sunday – Karalundi to Mount Magnet

Night was good and yes it had cooled down as much that I had to cover myself up in the early morning. I had been the only occupant on the car park. Had my thoughts about that, but all was good at the end. Woke up at 7am. The trucks and traffic were not high and did not disturb my night. After my first cp of coffee, I packed up and started driving. Only landscapes and trucks to talk about. Some 30km before Cue I stopped to see Lake Anneen https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Anneen  He had a nice rose color this time of the year.  Only after I reached Cue, I could enjoy the historic houses (some boarded up) left standing and turned right to visit the Waga Rock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walga_Rock . 47km all on unsealed surface. 100-110km/h was no problem. Only in the curves, where gravel was around one had to be careful. Unfortunately, the access was closed and I had to turn around and go back to Cue https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/cue-wa . Stopped at the center, took my photos and went on to the gas station. 35L Diesel, a paper, Cappuccino and a Banana bread later, I went on towards the Mt. Magnet Caravan Park. Saw overall today 3 huge, oversized transports again, supported by the Police. Always had to go into the gravel. As I approached the left turn towards the Granites https://mtmagnet.wa.gov.au/the-granites A Aboriginal schematic figure cut out of metal was standing on top of one for the first granite formations after one turns off the Hyw. Just 3km earlier I had seen information about a tourist drive. I went back there and had a very nice off site experience in between the still active mines which one again was unable to see in detail. Once arriving in Mt. Magnet I went to the camp site, registered and paid my 30$ dues. Went on to the Gas station filled the tank and went back to my final position. Had a beer and grilled Baramundi at the Commercial Club Hotel www.commercialclubhotel.com.au Back at the camper I wrote ahain my notes and hoped I could sleep as good as last night bat daupt it as the highway was just a mere 20m away. The temperature had gone down some what but still was quite intense.

11.28. Monday –Mount Magnet to Leonora

Having fallen a sleep at 21:30 I felt quite well rested when I was woken up with the first car driving by on the Hwy at 04:35. I did not hang around too long and was done and packed at 7am. A real Cappuccino and a Ham and Cheese Croissant were purchased at the Gas station and off I went at 07:15. Well before Cue I had my 2 highlights of the day. Avoided the closer interaction with 2 cows and believe it or not, had a stretch of a straight road for 34 km. To keep me active I always (when I remembered) guessed the straight distance of a stretch of road in front of me. Often something else caught my attention and I forgot to check the length of the straight part all together. And I was ready just in time for this one. Started with 8-10km but as the road went up and down, I readjusted. At the end, it was a stretch of straight road that was 34km long. Just a bit east of Cue I turned off to the right and followed the Tourist drive to the site of the former Brewery (1907) https://www.sandstone.wa.gov.au/sandstone-brewery.aspx and the London Bridge https://www.sandstone.wa.gov.au/london-bridge.aspx . Nice landscape and views. Saw of what’s left of the underground beer storage. Went back to Sandstone but it was dead. The only possible Coffee or food source was the Sandstone National Hotel. It was for sale but open for dinner. I saw a larger advertising sign right at the entrance of the village. Did not understand the meaning of the word Skimpy at their billboard at the entrance of town. Here now, on a flyer at the entrance door to the closed pub, I found the answer 😉. On I went, straight through – just stopping for photos once before Leinster. Had not seen many positive reviews of its restaurants and food shops and as I entered the BHP set up and saw the site, I also thought there can only be better places ahead of me. If not, I stop and open my fridge. The road changed into a kind of emergency air strip for a good length. Lucky me no emergency at this time. The clouds changed a bit, and I wondered if we would get some rain, fortunately not. At 1:45pm I arrived at Leonora just in time to still get a beer and a Burger. As told by phone yesterday I entered the camp site, choose a site and waited until 3pm at which the reception was opened, and I could pay my dues for the night. Will have a steak at the pub tonight. Seems to be the only choice of food besides another burger.

If you ever come to this part of the world, there are nice 4×4 self-drive tours available https://www.australiasgoldenoutback.com/business/attractions/leonora-loop-trail

11.29. Tuesday – Leonora to Norseman

It’s all a huge mining area and the large nights because people get up early where kind of short or just got up early as I could not fall asleep again. So tonight. At 4:30am the first cars left the camp site. I guess it’s mostly men that live here with family and don’t want to life in the container sites which the mining companies provide. The BP gas pumps where not working. Therefore, Ampol next door did get all the business. Had to wait a bit in line. No proper coffee anywhere close, so just a sandwich it was. I should not have purchased it. It was spicy and greasy. No wonder many of those truck drivers had all huge sized belly. Just out of town I took a right turn to the old mining town of Gwalia https://www.gwalia.org.au/ Right there was a small display of historic mining and street gating machinery. Naturally at this early time of the day the nearby museum was not open, but I could take a few photos of the Gold Mine https://stbarbara.com.au/our-operations/our-leonora-operations and the village as such. Distance today a bit more than usually, as the camp sites were further apart. 421km officially but add 100km for my side step from Menzies to the Lake Ballard and its sculptures “Inside Australia” https://www.westernaustralia.com/de/Attraction/Lake_Ballard/59631f9e67607d3b3721195f  Unfortunately the sculptures are that far off the “land” that without a Tele going beyond a zoom on the cell phone would make them visible clearly https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=lake+Ballard&form=HDRSC2&first=1 . Menzies https://www.menzies.wa.gov.au/ itself is one of the just barely alive old mining towns. There was also a an exhibit of historic machine set up under a sun roof. Also historic information on the town. I guess its income form mining operations and its support companies keep them going. However the sheer size of shire of Menzies with 124.635km² is impressive. As stated on one of the information displays, it’s larger than the territory of Tasmania (68,401 km²). When I was there first, all was kind of boarded up. Only when returning 1,5h later, the corner coffee shop had opened and so aparently, as the lady at the coffee shop told me, the kitchen and general store at the other side of the main street. Of what I saw from the distance I opted to stay with the coffee shop. “Order through the window” a sign said. That’s what I did. Cappuccino as always and a grilled ham, cheese and tomato sandwich and I was informed that it came originally frozen and would not be fresh. I assumed the lady that took the order was the owner. She must have used the weight of the gold and jewels on her fingers, for weightlifting. I assumed the coffee shop was her hobby or, a long dream come true. The profits from the coffee shop would not have paid for these jewelry items. I choose one of the simple wooden designed tables and chairs in the shade and consumed the sandwich while looking at the few houses left over from the better times. I took the coffee with me as I roomed the exhibits and information provided downtown. Next brief stop was Kalgoorlie. Downtown still nice to look at. Old colonial buildings are in good shape. The Super Pit Lookout still existed. Daily tour access to the mine is as still offered https://www.kalgoorlietours.com.au/tours/super-pit-tour-2-5-hours . The HANNANS NORTH TOURIST MINE http://www.hannansnorth.com.au/ also available to see mining details close up. Interesting sites on the way. With 28km the second longest stretch of straight road for me. Had in mind to go and have a view from the Burra Rock but I ran out of time. Again, looked at changing landscapes and plants. From bushes, desserts to trees and back. In Kalgoorlie I just  drove through the center took some video, got gas and an ice cream and went on to the KCGM Super Pit Lookout  http://www.superpit.com.au/community/lookout/ I checked again on the internet and prices for these huge XXXL spare tires for the Earth Movers. It’s approx. AUS$ 60.000. From here a non-stop drive to Norseman and my camp site for the night the Acclaim Gateway Tourist Park – Norseman http://www.acclaimparks.com.au/ Not one of the best camp sites I stayed on during the trip but nothing to complain in detail. Arrived, had an immediate shower and washed my hair, had them sun and wind dried and off I went to the Pub. Had Shrimps in a garlic sauce, where the garlic was missing, with rice and a salad and one pint of beer. Took a few photos at night and went back searching for a camp site tomorrow which was a problem. I must call first thing in the morning. The bigger and better places were already booked.

Had been in the past at Hyden and seen the wave rock. For this trip I had other plans. But looking at the wave rock I can recommend. A nice trail to follow is the Granite and Woodlands Discovery Trail https://www.dundas.wa.gov.au/granite-and-woodlands-discovery-trail.aspx

https://www.australiasgoldenoutback.com/destination/norseman-nullarbor Every city or town did have some sort of an Art Object that included or represented for what the place was known for. Here it was a statue of the horse “Norseman” and a Camal roundabout. https://www.westernaustralia.com/en/places/Norseman/56b266bbaeeeaaf773cf959a

11.30. Wednesday – Norseman to Esperance

First, I wrote my notes from yesterday. I was tiered then and only a short distance to drive today. It was a transition not only from the Woodlands to the coast but also from the Gold mining to the farming/crops. Only about 210km and me not having any idea of a sightseeing stop in between. I was on Hwy. 1 all the time. In Norseman I took a few more photos especially of the horse statue https://norsemangreatwesternmotel.com.au/attractions and the camel roundabout. Passing through Dundas I saw huge grain operations. Large silos and large kind of sheds to secure the thousands of tons of grain from any weather and hold them until loaded up into the trains. The grain & mining Railway system had started already in Menzies, and it became obvious as the volume of road trains was much lower. But here, at Dundas and also at Salmon Gums, where I stopped for lunch (a salad) again more trucks were on the road that drove into the other direction – towards the coast and the Harbour of Esperance https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esperance,_Western_Australia It’s one of the larger grain shipping points in Australia. Over the entire length of the drive, I passed lakes at various stages. Some dried up and showing crystallized salt covers others were really covered in water, but just barely. By now it also had started to rain a bit harder. I went straight to the Pink Lake Tourist Park camp site, signed in, had a nap and left again to go to the Tourist Information before their closure at 5pm. By now the rain had stopped but it was still cooler here and the sky was cloudy. From there I passed by the Lucky Bay Brewing Company https://www.luckybaybrewing.com.au and went on to the wide Wylie Bay. It was possible to drive along the shore with a 4×4 but I refused to do so with my rented camper. Went back to the center, took photos along the Bay and towards the Harbour. There at the 33 Degrees Pub I stopped for a pint and some chicken wings for dinner. Tomorrow, I want to have some beer and food at the Lucky Bay Brewing Company.

12.01. Thursday – Esperance

Woke up at 3am and had a hard time falling asleep again. Finally did and woke up at 8am. A bit late but no distance driving today, therefore it was ok. Had a coffee and a Croissant at the Bistro Louis https://www.facebook.com/BistroLouisEsperance Later I drove a 40km recommended self-drive course and followed the map provided by the Tourist Office. Lots of beaches and bays with interesting viewpoints. Came by another pink lake that apparently is no longer pink. Changes in the salt content and evaporation with not enough flowing fresh water etc …… caused it, to not be pink anymore. Went to see a copy of Stonehenge https://esperancestonehenge.com.au/ , but complete as it most likely was at one time. It was made of solid granite blocks and adjusted to the situation of longest and shortest day here at Esperance. On the way back to the town Center I stopped at the Lucky Bay Brewing Company https://www.luckybaybrewing.com.au for lunch. Order for a paella and 2 small beer was taken by a German girl on a work visa. Cooks were from Chile and the Canary Islands (Paella cooked by Kamals Quarter Catering www.instagram.com/kamalspaellas ). On I went to the Center, walked the Jetty, and made a few additional photos, visited the Museum of Esperance https://www.esperance.wa.gov.au/esperance-museum  and went back to the camp site. Had dinner at the camper. Had to work a bit harder to reduce my food stock as I slowly approached the end of my 4-week camper trip.

12.02. Friday – Esperance to Albany

Over the last days my left side of my back hurt. Nothing new to me. I organized through my sister in Sydney to have 2 scheduled visits at a Physiotherapist once there. Last night I had the idea to not wait until I am in Sydney to get checked but start in Albany at a Chiropractor. Unfortunately, the one I had called this morning had no appointment available. He recommended one in Esperance which I called and yes, he had time at 11am. He could help and at 11:30 I left Esperance for Albany. It took me 6h for the 480km including a stop for a coffee and a meat pie as well as one to get some Diesel. Having passed Jerramungup https://www.jerramungup.wa.gov.au I saw a The Sterling Range NP https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/stirling-range-national-park on the right. It was impressive how it stood suddenly there in an otherwise flat land. Might come back one time to explore the region a bit more in detail. At 17:30 I was at the reception of the BIG4 Emu Point Holiday Park. Found my spot and to my surprise there was a Swiss couple with the same camper also from Apollo. They had started at about the same time but were in Australia for 3 months. The trip will end in Sydney. I washed but had not enough $ for the dryer. Hung my items late without a chance to have them dried before going to bed. I will take the important and Apollo items that I rented inside and leave the other items to finally dry in the morning sun. My dinner to reduce my food items was at the Camper again with a few large sips of white wine.  

12.03. Saturday – Albany & Surroundings

I slept in and left late. Had also to wait until the washed items were dry. On my way to the Frenchman Bay in the Torndirrup NP & Peninsular https://www.rainbowcoast.com.au/areas/albany/torndirrupnationalpark I stopped at the Center of Albany and had a coffee and a light lunch. The coastline is spectacular but before I went to the highlights I stopped at the Historic Whale Station. I stayed there a good 2 hours after I paid the 35$ entry fee. They provided good information. If the weather would have been nicer, I would later also have had a better view from Stony Hill. One could just imagen it. The following views of the Gap and the Natural Bridge, which are next to each other, were spectacular. There was a sky walk over the Gap. Impressive. Driving back towards the city, I came by the replica of the Brig Amity https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/greatsouthern/brig-amity as well as large grain silos and also again as yesterday large handling sites for fertilizer. Ships were loaded and others waiting in the bay. Earlier I came by a realtor’s office. Saw a in general, a nice-looking house.Its price was AU$ 500.000 – would be a bargain in Sydney! Had dinner at the Hybla Tavern http://www.hybla.com.au/ . A nice place, for mainly the young and beautiful and the once thinking they still were, with good looking and tasting food items.

12.04. Sunday – Albany & Surroundings

Not much to do therefore I got out of bed late, had a coffee, talked with my sister and went to the reception where there was a coffee trailer  https://www.instagram.com/p/CX8LOvUF2Lm/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= . Ordered a Cappuccino and ham, cheese and tomato toasties. Looked again at my possible activities and got the car ready to roll. The goal was the Porongurup-Nationalpark http://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/park/porongurup On the way I saw a sign for a Winery and took that direction just out of interest. Looked small but just next to it was a Café / Restaurant called Handasyde’s https://handasydestrawberries.com.au/ I liked what I saw and want to come back after my next activity was done. Parking for it was at the bottom of a hill so I was aware that I had to walk upwards and that for about 250-300m in altitude. The length of the uphill path was as I figured out later around 2,5 to 3km.  Good that I did not know that when I started. Not that it was painful or beyond my capabilities, just a mental thing. The path was easy to follow and kept in good condition. As expected, there was a restroom close to the parking. In Germany I would have to water a tree😒 I don’t know why we do not get it. Too much monkey or neandertal DNA still left?? I heard many birds’ voices but always when I wanted to catch their music with the phone recorder they seemed to know what I had in mind and kept quiet. On the way up near the top already some huge boulders were placed and kind of balanced. Later, at the top, one stood in front of those very large boulders. A sign directed one to either the Karri Lookout or the Granite Skywalk. I choose the later. Crawled upwards between the boulders. Also grabbed handles which were placed in the boulder to ease the passage. Came to the first platform, took some photos and once other visitors were came down, went up the ladder and enjoyed the views. Unfortunately, the weather was not on in favor good views and photos. A all of us up here had limited visibility. Shot my photos and videos and hoped for the best. Once down I went to the other platform which was not that exciting and started my walk back down. Met 4 groups of marine cadets. What I know now is that the first group (just 4men) tried to be as fast as possible. The others (1 men, 1 mixed and the last 1 female group) had the challenge of being faster and catch the leading man. Forgot to ask who had to pay the beer. Once down and back at the car, going back passing the Castle Rock & Wignalls wineries https://castlerockestate.com.au/  http://www.wignallswines.com.au/ as well as the Gillman Grove (Genovese Olive Co ) olive orchard. I remembered the Handasyde’s Café I saw earlier and had a small and light lunch as well as a coffee and cake. Back at the camp site it was washing day (bed linen etc.) had a beer out of the fridge in between, walked the beach while the goods were in the dryer and finally settled in the camper to finish a few things and also call Willy.

12.05. Monday – Albany to Margaret River

Took my time to get going. Another cold and cloudy day. On and off it was also drizzling. Had only 1,5h to drive to the Valley of the Giants. From there only 30 minutes to the booked Coalmine Beach Holiday Park at Walpole. By 11:30 I reached my first destination and started to walk after paying the entrance fee. It was a nice path up to the trees. Similar as my sister and I walked it at the Alsace just longer and higher. Once back at the ground I walked the 2^nd trail. Took over 1:30h and once back at the van I decided to cancel the next camp site and book another night at the Margret River Tourist Park https://summerstar.com.au/caravan-parks/margaret-river  . That’s what I did. The rest was driving hard but had one stop in Denmark. A nice little place. Around it all kind of enterprises such as Brewery, Winery, Distillery, Farms for Berries, Sheep. Llamas, Cattle and also the village itself with a vibrant Art circle. I also remember having passed Manjimup (first Police control-for alcohol) in the middle of the day. But here also quite some business activity going on. Also, in Nannup. That area was again also farmland. Saw larger Avocado farms and also lots of cherry trees. In Manjimup there is also a cherry festival  https://www.cherryfestival.com.au Saw at both towns large operations from Parkside Timber www.parksidetimber.com.au . The rest of the drive went again through forested areas. As I approached Margret River the landscape changed to larger patches of cattle land and vineyards while on the Rosa Brook Rd. Then I saw them – the Kangaroos. The only other time was 3 weeks ago up in the North but saw it just for a split second. Here they were in packs. Feeding / grazing. Heads down, I just saw the other end of them stick out of the gras. But only if I was passing them at higher speed. Once I turned around, to come back for the photo shoot the head went up and they started to flee. That happened twice but all in all I saw 4 groups with at least 50 or so. It took the first flock for me to understand that those brown animals were no cattle. Too far to turn around and only as I saw the second group, I was able to get it all together quick enough. After that excitement I arrived at 5pm at the camp site. Got out right away again and into town for a beer and a BBQ brisket burger. It was a long day and quite some faster than allowed driving. I was not in the mood to do anything other then just hang around complete my status and go to sleep.

12.06. Tuesday – Margaret River & Surrounding

Left late and started driving towards Cape Leeuwin and the Lighthouse https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/lighthouses/cape-leeuwin-lighthouse   using the Touristic Rt 250. The day before it came to me that I might have been here before. I checked it on my old travel notes and could confirm that fact. Nothing had changed the past 7 years 😂 On the way back I stopped at the  historic “Water Wheel” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Leeuwin_water_wheel and took a different route. Stopped at Flinders Bay where I was able to see wild Pelican that, for a change, were not fed. Went on and stopped at the Jewel Cave https://www.margaretriver.com/things-to-do/attractions/caves/jewel-cave-augusta/ . Only guided tours available and I did not want to spend the time to wait for the next one. On I went to the Mammoth Cave https://www.margaretriverattractions.com/caves/mammoth-cave/ . It was interesting but as it was a stalactite cave, not generally new to me. Could walk it with a head set on my own pace. From there on back to Margret River and a dinner at the Elkamo https://elkamo.com.au (seared Scallops and a grilled Barramundi) From there to the camp site. Too tired to do something else anymore. Just watching some German TV videos and finally fell asleep.

12.07. Wednesday – Margaret River & Surrounding

Today I went North towards Yallingup just to remember when I saw the bay and the houses built up the hill, that I was there years ago too. But what was new to me was, this section of the Touristic Route 250. Seldon had I seen so many Wineries on a stretch of road. There are more than 120 in the Margaret River region, but on that stretch of rod and next to it must be at least 50+ of them. On the way up I saw the Café Cape Lavender http://www.lavenderonline.com.au/ It was now 10am and I had my breakfast there. An Egg & Ham Scone and a Cappuccino. I ate it outside. After 4 days of clouds, wind, and humidity with down to 10°C at night, the first day with sun and blue sky. As I write this however the wind picks up and I am afraid tomorrow it will be cloudy again. Had my car washed and cleaned inside to avoid 220AUS$ cost for cleaning. Before going to the campground, I had a small salad in a shopping mall. Further on the way I passed a sign that pointed to the Yallingup Maze. A family oriented fun zone https://yallingupmaze.com.au/ Back at the campground, I started the cleaning of the drivers cabin and the small things around the outside of the camper. I used some wipes that I had purchased earlier at the shopping mall. Because I could not consume it in the time left, I gave a 6-pack of beer and some water to a couple at the campground. Did my last laundry and washed my hair. An emergency instant soup was left as well as some cheese and a pack of ham. That became my dinner. The rest of the leftovers and mainly chemicals etc. I will drop off at the Rental car company when dropping off the camper tomorrow around lunch time.

12.08. Thursday – Margaret River to Perth

Woke up and realized I had no coffee anymore. Water it was instead. Started to pack my suitcase to get things out of the way as I also had to clean the inside of the car. After 2,5h I was ready and left the campground at 10:15. By 1:15pm I was parked in front of the hotel, got my luggage out of the car and into the luggage hold area of the Hotel Holiday Inn Perth City Centre. As I drove towards the new Apollo location, I took the wrong term and had to make a round until the other entrance to the Hwy. By doing so I came by a nice-looking Bistro, and I stopped for a small salad with some chicken. Once at the rental location, after I had filled up the diesel, I had a bit of a chat with the women, which was the same that gave me the car. She then went outside checked the fuel gauge and came back. Don’t know if I would have had to do the detailing🤷‍♀️Maybe just the outside wash would have done it too. I cleaned the camper floor 10 day ago and was shocked how dirty it was. I had all days been sweeping it but that red colored soil from the outback was still there. Once I was done today, the red was taken care off by my cleaning wipes. I returned to the city via train as the station was only a 10-minute walk away. Rested a bit but did not sleep. Had a beer and Nachos as a mini version and at another shop 2 Pastéis de Nata. Next was the hotel.

12.09. Friday – Perth

Had 2 cups of Nespresso at the room. By 10:30am I was on my way to walk to the Kings Park https://www.bgpa.wa.gov.au/kings-park/visit/help-you/things-to-do the Botanical Garden and the war memorial. Had a cup of coffee and some salad at the Botanical Café http://www.botanicalcafe.com.au/ Some other 200 people had the same idee. I was lucky and was at the front of the line. Saw in the Gallery next dor some nice WA Souvenirs but was afraid to have issues with my suitcase. One artist was Anne Sorensen https://annesorensen.com.au/printed-artwork/ The Botanical Garden was nice. I saw all the flowers and blooming bushes together as I never did in reality while crossing WA. Also the views towards Perth and the rivers was exceptional. Saw a train which I believe was the one to Fremantle. I read that it would be shut down from Friday to Sunday. After I found my way back and down via the Jacobs Ladder https://www.perthwalkabout.com/Great-Outdoors/jacobs-ladder-at-kings-park.html I walked to the train station just to learn that it’s running until tonight. I got a ticket and boarded the next one towards Fremantle. Walked the center, found the apartment Akiko and I shared 7 years ago, had a coffee and a Vanilla cream Cannoli at Gino’s http://www.ginoscafe.com.au/ , tried to walk it of again and ended up back at the train towards Perth. There, a visit at the Hotel Restaurant and 2 beers and some wings later I was back at the room. Want to go to bed early. Must get up at 03:15. Taxi will pick me up at 4am sharp.needed aparently also a lift to the airport. We sheared mine. Had a coffee before boarding and at the end the procedure the flight left at 06:13. The Qantas 737 landed, after a quiet flight, 1/2h early. As the plane descended, we all, on the right side of the plane, had nice views over Sydney. 35 minutes after the landing the luggage was on the belt and L&H waiting outside with the car to pick me and my luggage up. The rest of the day was calm and quiet. We sat at the terrace had drinks and a bite and dinner 5h later inside. This terminates my travel notes abouts for this part of my trip. It was nice to see parts of the US I enjoyed in the past, long-time friends in the US & Brisbane and new sites with positive and memorable impressions. My trip passing through Western Australian was the highlight. Just a bit over 10.000km in 4 weeks with views and experiences I am grateful to have had the chance to see and experience them. I just hope that the next generation will still have the opportunity to experience the same as I. What I learned when returning the Camper was that Apollo, Maui, Britz, Mighty, Road Bear, Kea Campers, United Vehicle Rentals, are all in one Group called THL or Tourism Holdings Limited

My Toyota 4×4 Apollo Adventure Camper based on the HiLux Diesel, performed like a champ! Would buy one any time, if living in a country like Australia.

Google Map was sufficient to provide me the information needed to find Campgrounds,  Restaurants and of course directions. The printed material I took I purchased I donated at the special “not needed any more” box at the camper drop off site. The printed maps though, I did not want to miss and took them back home with me for hopefully future trips in the region.

Surprisingly I learned that the Southwest corner of Australia is always a bit cooler than the rest of the nation. Early December at night a warmer sleep wear was appreciated.

http://mobilemarshies.blogspot.com/ is a website to get Australian Camping travel ideas.

Campground Parks and Organizations:

BIG4 https://www.big4.com.au

RAC. https://parksandresorts.rac.com.au/locations/

Summerstar  https://summerstar.com.au

Discovery Parks www.discoveryparks.com.au & Tasman Holiday Parks www.tasmanholidayparks.com  also have ensuites.