Albany

The map describes the area around Albany as “Dramatic Coastal Scenery and Rock Formations.” That much they certainly got right. We have spent the day exploring the numerous attractions along the short stretch of coast between Denmark and Albany. We managed about 80km of progress towards home today, which seems to be about our recent average. Just too much to see!

It took just a little longer to get to Denmark this morning than we might have expected. On the road out from Parry’s Beach we came a cross a sheepskin and furniture gallery. Specialising in all things wool, it leaned towards ugg, but fortunately the pricetags were all in a range to cause us no further problems. We later ran into a little trouble – a toffee shop with tastings. They also did cider, and jams, preserves, salad dressings and too many other yummy things. There went the savings from the cheap night last night. More trouble ahead too. Just across the road we came across a Honey and honey wine place. More damage to the wallet and tastebuds here as well.

Our first port of call on the coast was a place called Green’s Pool. It was in a little area also with Elephant Cove and Rocks. It could just as easily been Green Pool, because the sea water washing over the rocks from the crashing swell formed a lovely light sea green in the pool behind. Some hardy souls were snorkelling there in wetsuits, but I have no idea what they were chasing. Elephant Rocks were in a narrow little cove and gave a good view of the swell in the surrounding bays.

Denmark passed without too much incident, but trouble was brewing with a well-advertised wood gallery coming up. It turned out to have a good range of stuff, ranging from furniture, boxes and utensils, down to more abstract and artistic creations. The gallery allowed  photography, but asked that the artist names be acknowledged if published on blogs. I wasn’t that organised, so you will have to take my word for it that there was some very beautiful stuff on display. There was also a resident photographer. He had quite a collection of photos from areas of the state we have just visited, and the stuff was of high quality. Best of all, he was just there and more than willing to have a good chat. He also gave us a good tip on where to see an interesting plant. Very friendly indeed.

We skipped West Cape Howe and Torbay Head, the most southerly point in WA,and apparently scenic in its own right as well, but something had to give, and we were headed for Albany. On the way we had to go via the local peninsula which protects the harbour in Albany. Blowholes, granite bridges, rocky outcrops, pristine beaches, wildflowers and birds all feature here. Our soundtrack through here was a broadcast of the last night of the proms, and that, together with a collection of royal English names in the area, had us discussing all things monarchical through the afternoon.

I didn’t know much about Albany before coming here. I thought though that a John West ad from years ago said that the best salmon in the world came from here. If so, then perhaps we might have some salmon fish and chips. Well, that was the plan. Either “John West bought all my best”, or it was a complete fabrication because fish and chips was scarce, and when I found it, salmon was not mentioned. Perhaps we may find it tomorrow, but a salmon industry, if it exists, was well hidden from us this afternoon.

Tonight finds us at the “Panorama” caravan park across the bay from Albany. It was no doubt named for the panoramic vista we have from our campsite back across to the lights of Albany. More investigation over there tomorrow.