Windy Harbour
After leaving Glen Mervyn Dam we headed for Windy Harbour in
WA’s South West. Renowned for good fishing and a scenic coast line it was a must for
our itinerary. On the road down, the landscape can only be described as rural
nirvana. Gorgeous farmland with cows, sheep and golden pastures abound. Light
filters through stormy clouds as the road gives way to the tall trees we have
come to know and love. To cap the experience, just out of Donnybrook, we came
across a collection of antique trucks lined up like old soldiers with full
regalia waiting in line for inspection. Picture book perfect!
 |
| Windy Harbour Campground |
An afternoon at Manjimup provided a much needed pit stop to
fill up on fuel and food and then on to Pemberton for the night. The next
morning provided a right old soaking as we packed up for the last leg to Windy
Harbour. True to its’ name Windy Harbour was very, very windy. It reminded me
very much of my childhood in Geraldton where wind was the prevailing mode of
all seasons. Just don’t bother with the hair because it's going to stick out
no matter what. I truly look like the 50 year old version of a grommet.
The wind was howling, waves were crashing and the caravan
park just a barely adequate stop. If possible I would have free camped but alas
no go. But the coast line here is magnificent and well worth a day or two.
 |
| Rocks at Windy |
 |
| Michael on the Rocks |
Michael
couldn’t wait to get out the rod and start fishing. I just donned the new hikers and started
walking on the beach. For over two hours I could not stop. It was invigorating
and inspiring. Rocks, lathed smooth from continual buffeting, stormy skies and roaring
whitecaps create eye catching visual extracts with new twists beyond every
corner. Finally as the sun closed it’s door on the day I turned for home just
in time to catch my intrepid fisherman husband catching the smallest fish on
earth. Oh well. We can’t have it all!
In the morning we took the car up to Pt D’Entrecasteaux and
Salmon Beach to complete the Windy
experience. All I can say is wow! Jagged
rocks, windswept plains and island vistas with hovering rainbows captured our
imaginations. The beaches here are just magnificent, but the stars are the
cliffs themselves with incredible rock formations formed by unforgiving winds and
driving seas. The sand plain foliage is incredibly dense, salted with subtle
colours that lean towards the prevailing windswept landscape. Hardy succulents
stand out vividly in this rugged environment and grow in unexpected places.
I
can only imagine how difficult it would have been for the intrepid explorer to
gain any traction in this impermeable mass. The Australian landscape just takes
my breath away. How lucky are we!
 |
| Cliffs at Pt D'Entrecasteaux |
 |
| Salmon Beach |
No comments:
Post a Comment