We said goodbye to Moora and Wildflower Country (for those lucky enough to visit in the spring), managing to catch glimpses of a few native species of blooms, nonetheless. I can only imagine what this place would look like in October or November.
After several miles we found ourselves back in wine country, though not yet in the thick of it; we’ll save that for tomorrow.
Here, the predominantly ochre terrain gives way to a land of tans and whites. Either way, the colors of the Australian countryside are simply amazing. The simplest landscape becomes alive because of the contrasts against an ever-azure skyline.
We arrived at Yanchep National Park in good time, so that we are able to spend the better part of the day here. This place is interesting to say the least. Giant gum trees make a perfect habitat for Koalas, animals that prefer the wetter East of the country. The few that do live here, make their home in this park. What a spectacle! These creatures are simply adorable!
We took advantage of today being Sunday, which is the only day of the week when you can partake in an Aboriginal Cultural Experience. We were the only two who signed up for the three o’clock lecture, so Eric and I had the guide all to ourselves and were able to ask many questions. Derek, the guide was most entertaining and knowledgeable. He provided a bit of history and much in the way the indigenous groups view life. We learned about hunting skills, weapon-making, food collection and so much more. Ultimately, he introduced to the Didgeridoo, that horn-sounding instrument that they use to make the most unexpected sounds.
As seemingly everywhere else in this neck of the woods, there exists an outstanding variety of bird life. Cockatoos and parrots abound, swooping down to enjoy the meal you may be consuming al fresco mindless of your presence.
Kangaroos? Since we are staying in the park for the night, we are literally surrounded by them wherever we go. We sat outside our van for the better part of an hour just enjoying their grazing, their gentleness and their antics.
This seems like a good place to talk about the campervan and the camping experience. We are enjoying it very much and do not miss the amenities, nor the expense, of hotel stays. The camper is 11-foot long and very manageable; hence you can drive it around anywhere with no worries.
The sleeping accommodations run practically the length of the vehicle. I would compare it to a full-size bed. We are sleeping very comfortably and have lots of space. The mattress is as comfortable as any sofa-bed and we have been provided with linens, pillows and sleeping bags.
There are several chargers for electrical appliances, computers and cellphones. There is a sink with water, a cooler to keep things fresh, and all the pots and pans, dishes and cutlery you will ever need and even a gas stove.
Campgrounds have every facility available, with bbq pits, swimming pools, wi-fi spots, play areas for children, microwaves, laundry and full shower facilities. Australians love their “caravans”, and so do the many Europeans who flock to these shores on vacation. I have met the most interesting people, which for the sake of brevity I will not enumerate, but every night is a new experience. Tonight, for example I’ve been chatting it up with a couple from Oxford, England, here on a 5-month tour, and a young German couple with a lovely 2-year old daughter named Eva who just loves to chase the little roos around. The camp-keepers are an elderly couple from Queensland, volunteering around the country, which they are also touring in their “caravan”. After retirement, we are told, Australians take time to visit their land. Mario, a Sicilian who has been in this country since he was 5-years old, explained that many pensioners here take 5 years to tour the whole nation, occasionally flying back home for a month or so when they miss their grandchildren, then return to the place where they last left their camper to resume their journey. It’s known as the Australian 5-Year plan.
And with this bit of information I shall close for now. Of course, I’ll be back soon. Ciao.
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