Surprises in Kalbarri

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 Red Bluff Tourist Park, Kalbarri

Nature's Window in Kalbarri National Park

We had a few unexpected situations today, some good, some not quite so good.

Surprise number 1. We had our battery charger gadget all ready in case it was needed, but the van went on first try! Perhaps the charger from the previous day boosted the battery somehow? In any event, no problems on the starting front!!

Surprise number 2. We got a lump on the other back tyre... Once again, our lucky bad-luck struck: a man came up to us when we arrived in the car park of one of the gorges, and said "I've been following you in, and you seem to have a problem with your back tyre". Indeed, we did... this time a large bubble on the wheel on the other side. Fortunately, we had our new spare (that we picked up in Broome or Kunnunara, cant remember which), and Mark - and some very kind other blokes who turned up to help - managed to get it on. 

Once again, due to the good will and helpfulness of people, what could have been a very bad situation (a blow out, or the need to call out a mechanic) was avoided. 

Mark getting the spare tyre out from under the van

How many blokes does it take to change a tyre? 

This is the lump on the tyre. I still reckon these bubblers were caused by the tow-truck experience

Anyway we've ordered another tyre (needs to come from Geraldton), and we have a garage all lined up to put it onto the spare wheel, hopefully by late tomorrow afternoon we will have a new spare and can continue on.

Surprise number 3. Kalbarri is beautiful. Mark and I stayed here years ago and all either of us can  remember was that it was so windy...  But in fact there are stunning gorges, amazing beaches, and the national park is FULL of wildflowers. It is also not that far from Perth so worth remembering as a place to come back to some time.

Z-bend gorge

Walking to the gorge, flowers everywhere

Example flowers (more at the end for flower enthusiasts)
This is a view from Nature's Window, looking down to the river, which we walked to
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At the river. I think this pic could be a great cover for Mark's album!

Also near the river, descending from Nature's Window. So lush and flowers everywhere!

This is part of the "Skywalk" - pretty impressive piece of engineering

Well we are really into count-down mode now. Two more nights camping, and then we'll be home. Mixed feelings about this, but trying to keep the holiday vibe for a few more days...













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