063 – Carnarvon to Warroora (29/5/17)

It was time to bid adieu to Carnarvon and we enjoyed a lazy pack up before rolling out, fuelling up, and chasing the dotted line once more.

The drive to our next destination of Warroora was with few highlights but little hassle, which as far as I’m concerned, is much more preferred than the alternative of a few hassles but little highlights.

There was a strange incident however when stopping at Manilya Roadhouse for fuel, lunch and a very sneaky ice cream. Whilst taking respite from the heat alongside the van in the shade I look over towards the petrol pumps. And there I see a bloke walk out of the scrub carrying a reasonable size roo, over to his small car (an Astra from recollection), and put it in the back seat. A then a lady came from the shop, jumped in the drivers seat and drove the car over to the other side of the carpark where they both got out (obviously the Roo had found something better to do inside), chatted and then took off… It was just one of those moments in life when you look at others and just puzzle at what the hell is going on in their life. I imagine what it’s like living inside Evie’s head at times…

Manilya Roadhouse... It's not on any tourist brochures. But it was a welcome stop.

When we arrived at Warroora Station we were met with a few signs advising of us to ‘air down’ so for the first time, all 8 tyres (4 on the truck and 4 on the van) got the treatment as we started the thirteen odd kilometre trek into what would be our home for the best part of the next week. Really, we probably didn’t need to air down, but the corrugations were noticeable and I’m sure both vehicle and trailer were appreciative of the effort.

The entry into Warroora Station. Not sure where those white things in the sky came from.

A few corrugations, but a pleasant drive nevertheless. Glad we didn't meet any vans coming the other way!

Once at the beachfront we were met with a site of beautiful blue waters and crisp white/yellow beaches. Our camp hosts Rossco and Lesley were warm and welcoming and Lesley was soon jumping in their beat up little Suzuki Sierra to take us around to potential spots amongst the dunes to camp.

It was then that I was actually quite happy we went to the trouble of airing down as at times it got a little sandy and boggy. But we survived and managed to find a spot just on the back of the dunes (Site 15B for anyone reading that might want to head there one day). A little bit of manourvering and ‘to-ing and fro-ing’ and we planted the van in the sand and proceeded to unpack.

Doing sand burnouts...

Obviously getting the van into the site really took it out of Evie...

The afternoon and evening was spent exploring the beach and down to the point where a brilliant rock outcrop created this fantastic ‘aquarium’ where from the surface we could see an array of fish and other marine life. Cuttlefish, octopus, aneonoenomemenoes, sea cucumbers, clams, fish.. all visible without snorkel or entry payment.

A quick spin in the front seat to get the fire drum...

Another beach with as many Evie handprints as footprints.

And here she is, the right way up, posing for a great shot at the best rock pools I've ever seen.

Fun for everyone...

"What's that? Dad... look at that!"

"What is it James?"

"Ah don't worry, it's gone. Think it was a shark".

Classic James.

Proving to Evie that even the smallest shells can be homes for some creatures.

Following on we walked and talked back along the beach before firing up the fire drum we had borrowed from Rossco and watched a few episodes of Natures TV.

A beautiful shot walking back home.

Now that is a sunset.

Impressive from many angles.

A family portrait (sans Dad) including the Rock Truck and Lizard.

Harry Potter by fire light.

But before the night was over, I managed step on a rock I’d been telling the kids to look out for and sliced the bottom of my foot open quite substantially. Great… just what you need before spending a week on the beach.

Yeah... good one Matt. Douchebag.

Still, if there was anywhere you could want to be to sit back and put your feet up, this looked like just the place.

B and I already agreed, we had a great feeling about this joint...

...except for the bugs. You can have them.