Albany

Not very far from Walpole is the Town of Denmark, which we only drove through, however next time we visit we will take more time to have a look around because it looks like a beautiful area. This 120 K drive was a very pleasant experience, the scenery changing from Forrest to farming areas, along the way we came across a Farm Factory Outlet specialising in Toffee. They also made and sold Sauces, Jams, Ice cream and Cider. All their products are excellent and most are made in house. This place is well signposted and well worth a visit, even if you do not buy anything the free samples are well worth stopping for. Onwards into Albany (pronounced locally as Al-bany unlike Albury). King George Sound is home to Middleton Beach, a beautiful beach with 5km's of fine white sand, which, in turn is home to Middleton Beach Holiday Park which is a small park but a very good one with excellent amenities.

A short walkway from the park to the beach leads you to a wonderful walking beach which is what Judy and I did the next morning. Taking an early morning walk along a beautiful beach is one of life's greatest pleasures and when the beach leads to a walkway around the rocks of the headland to the next bay, it becomes even more of a pleasure. This cycle/walkway around the bay from City to Middleton beach, is a highlight of Albany. It was constructed as a project for unemployed aboriginal people and is a credit to all concerned and well worth a visit.

The biggest attraction in Albany is Whale World, an operating whale processing plant until 1978 when escalating cost's and opposition to whaling forced its closure. This is a well run and maintained and very interesting exhibition. We thought that two hours would do to see all, we spent almost all day there and were entertained the whole time. It brought back memories of my younger days as an Electrician working in an abattoirs, I even found myself recalling the smells of the cookers and processing areas. The most interesting exhibit was the whaling boat which we toured with great interest, this purpose built ship was used for many years before becoming an exhibit. You do not have to stretch the imagination to get a feeling for what it was like for the men who worked this ship, one thing to think about if you visit is "How did they manage to get the ship onto its resting place?" I also have great sympathy for the family's that worked in this plant and overnight had their life turned upside down. It's not only the loss of income, it's like the loss of a family, your co-workers become family and when someone suddenly makes a decision that destroys your world it also destroys a little part of your soul. Sorry but I am going through the same drama in my employment at the moment.

The people behind the scenes that run this Tourist Attraction should be very proud of themselves, I know it is a co-operative, so well done.

One final word, without delving into the rights and wrongs of whaling, I wonder if there is food for unlimited numbers of whales. Will the numbers be regulated by the ability of large numbers to survive and how will that affect other marine life. I wonder if a complete stop will have any dramatic effects? will the balance of marine life be tilted?

Whale World is a short drive out of town and on the return trip we turned off the main road to visit "The Gap and The Bridge". The Bridge is a span of rock which has been eroded underneath by the sea, the surf comes in under the bridge, and with a good surf running, it looked good. The gap is what it sounds like a gap or alcove in the rocks, the surf pounds into the rocks and shoots vertically up, there is a lookout right at the top on a ledge. Yet another scary high experience. I do not know if these places looked so good because of the big surf or if they are always this good, but they are worth a look.

Next morning we were off to the Boat Shed Markets, a small market where I found some delicious bread and Judy found a Yabbie Pie which she devoured with great delight and declared it fabulous. We then got some photo's of the "Amity" a replica of the ship that brought the original settlers of Albany from Sydney, then it was off to the city center for a walk around to get a "feel" of the city. As in most of W.A being Sunday nothing much was open however being the determined shoppers we are we found "Icky Fink's" a $2 shop that everyone enjoys wandering around..

We then took a drive up to a lookout and found a Military Museum, which we had a look at. We found one interesting fact there, that Japan was an ally of Australia during the first world war something that I did not know. Museum's are normally off our list these days but this one was worth the visit. We also looked out over Mount Melville obviously named after Steven, my son in law and very well deserved.

We also took a drive to Emu Point Marina to view the statue of "Sam" the N.Z Fur Seal who lived in and around the Marina for many years until killed by persons unknown. The upset locals raised money to commemorate Sam's life. Back in the Park we enjoyed a relaxing spa and had a quick preliminary pack up for an early start for the long drive to Esperance tomorrow.

P.S The name of the Toffee outlet is"The Toffee Factory" and I think they have a web page!