Parkrun and Celebrations

 Saturday 7 November

Mt Clarence Parkrun this morning was an interesting experience, as both felt like our bodies had forgotten how to run. We got it done!  Mt Clarence Parkrun

As we could not stay tonight in the same caravan park (it was booked out), we packed up the van and moved to Kalgan River Caravan Park and Chalets.  

https://kalganrivercaravanpark.net.au/

My next top priorities for me were a haircut and a pedicure.  I can assure you that walking 1000km does not make for pretty feet and some maintenance was in order.

In the evening we had dinner at Due South in Albany with a group of people we met on the Bibbulmun Track – a great way to celebrate our mutual achievements.

https://www.duesouthalbany.com.au/

https://www.bibbulmuntrack.org.au/

Torndirrup National Park

 Saturday 26 September - 182157

Mt Clarence Parkrun in Albany was our start to the day, walking for me and running for Drew.  This was cold, wet and very windy.  Mt Clarence Parkrun

Torndirrup National Park

We then drove to Torndirrup National Park and walked the Uredale Point Heritage Trail (Distance 5.08km, Time 2h, Ascent/Descent 196m). I wore my hiking pack as per physio instructions. This walk had two sections of beach walking, so some sand to challenge my calves. There was also a descent with a chain. When we reached Uredale Point we could see that the pilot boat and tugs were about to bring a ship through Ataturk Channel, so we stopped and watched.  I saw more wildflowers today that I had not previously seen.  Trails WA Uredale Point Heritage Trail

Albany Port form Point Uredale

Ataturk Channel Markers

Point King Lighthouse Ruins from Uredale Point

The descent back to the beach

We then began the walk to Peak Head but turned around about a quarter of the way into it. The wind had picked up again and the rain was also increasing. We felt it was unlikely that we would be able to go safely across the granite at Peak Head so decided to change plans.  Trails WA Peak Head Walk

Instead, we had a look at the view of Albany from Stony Hill Lookout and then went on to the Blowholes. The weather at the Blowholes was quite wild – very gusty winds and rain. The blowholes were making a lot of noise, but not much spray.  Trails WA Albany Blowholes  We decided to head back to the shelter of our van to escape the weather.

Back at the van park the wind and rain had really picked up, so we headed inside to read and relax.

Exploring Denmark and Surrounds

 Saturday 19 September -181848

This morning Drew ran and I walked the Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail Parkrun in Denmark. This is a very pretty run at this time of year due to the wildflowers.  Wilson Inlet Heritage Trail Parkrun

We then explored the town of Denmark – which also had some lovely flowers. 

Our next stop was Wilson Inlet to have a look at the potential water crossing on the Bibbulmun Track – now it would involve getting completely wet and Drew ferrying my pack on his head. If we can get back on the track, it may be passable by the time we get here, fingers crossed!  Bibbulmun Track at Wilson Inlet  Wilson Inlet

We visited Ocean Beach, and Lions Lookout – you are looking at Wilson Inlet from the ocean side.  The water looks so beautiful but is freezing cold. 

We then explored the sand island at Prawn Rock Swimming Channel.  

We took a scenic route back to Albany, via Torbay Inlet Campground and Perkins Beach – both very pretty.  Torbay Inlet West Campground