Nambung National Park and Wanagarren Nature Reserve, WA: Moon or Another Planet?

We had to go.  The Pinnacles Desert in the Nambung National Park, as described by Fudor's travel book, is a unique unusual geographical area; described as "an eerie moonscape where pale yellow limestone formations loom as high as 15 feet. Formed 200,000 years ago, the pinnacles are one of the world's most spectacular karst landscapes created by the dissolving action of water on exposed limestone beds that formed under the dissolving action of water on exposed limestone beds that formed under windblown sand dunes."

Seeking this unusual experience, we set off to drive the125 miles north of Perth, to explore these extraordinary pinnacles.  We arrived at Nambung Park prior to sunset, in order to capture the best light for photographs.  These photos, with my novice photography skills, do not do these Pinnaceles justice.  Yet another skill to improve--but a fun hobby to learn it's techniques.

We wished for more time to explore this park, but it our usual manner of trying to, "do it all", we didn't get to spend as much time as the area warrants.  I would recommend, to other travelers, to plan three to four hours for full exploration; as there is a scenic loop drive, a Pinnacles Desert Discovery Center with geology interpretative displays, and hours to walk through the sand among the thousands of pinnacles--especially if you are desiring to challenge your photography skills with unusual geographic landscape photos.

After spending the night in the pretty coastal town of Cervantes, with yet again beautiful beaches, we headed back to Perth, via the scenic Indian Ocean highway.  Purely by happenstance, as we looked for a rest area, we stumbled upon Wanagarren Nature Reserve and within it is a section locals call "The Wedge."  The most immense stretch of white sand I have ever seen--or likely ever again will see in my life time was an unexpected surprise.  Awesome!  Once again we wished we had more time to fully explore this area--so much to see and not enough time. But we sure are trying to give it our best go!  It was a reminder to keep our "bucket list" focus, which for us is not merely touring to see the sights.

The "Wedge" in Wanagarren Nature Reserve

Our number one bucket list item is to be engaged in an activity, which in some manner contributes to the improvement of the lives of people. Actually, I think it is for most people as well. However having this sole focus can be a hindrance to actually doing other things on your bucket list. Life is all about balance--isn't it? But we all need breaks in our daily routines, in order to renew our energies to be able to carry on our number one bucket list item---whatever that may be---, which is why I think it is not only unfortunate but proves contrary to work efficiency when people don't take vacations.

Sadly, many Americans are fearful of workplace consequences for taking time to renew themselves. And we wonder why--not only America but the world is suffering a mental health crisis?  How does poor mental health of employees fit into work effectiveness? So here's a cheer for nurturing mental health, that I might dare say Australia does a much better job of doing than America. So grab your calendar and starting planning--life only so many years and days and---time is a ticking....

"Ticking Time" at the "Wedge"

Margaret River Region, WA: Beach Strolling, Surfing, Sipping Wine and Savory Gourmet Restrarants!

Wow! It is hard to imagine a place on earth, which has as much to offer all within miles of each other as the Margaret River Region, in the state of Western Australia.  A Cape to Cape coastal walking trail with white sand, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, with beckoning turquoise ocean waves, adrenaline-junkie surfers to admire as they negotiate some of the 75 surf regional breaks, that can be strolled on various cliff-top or beach trails. Do you suppose this is what heaven offers?  I hope so, as additionally Australia is full of friendly, helpful people, who also play nice!

Smiths Beach, Western Australia

Smiths Beach, also near Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, as said by Fodor's Travel is "in a state of extraordinary beaches, this one rates high on the list." A pleasant surprise was the lack of people on this amazing beach as depicted in this photo.

A particularly enjoyable coastal trail walk is near the Ellenbrook beach.  This soft sand path to Graceland is two hours at a moderate pace. We have learned the hard way signage and trail descriptions in Australia are minimal.  I recommend asking locals about the location and condition of walking trails in the area before embarking. If Australia is looking for a way to boost their economy---they could employ people to work on signage improvements--as from our experience the lack of clear signs seems to be a common and frustrating puzzle for non-locals.

We didn't anticipate playing in the ocean as the trail (according to the inadequate map description) was on a cliff above the ocean, which didn't reveal any beach access, so we didn't pack any swim wear. In Australia, the saying, "never wear underwear with holes" has a different twist then the usual reason, "you may have an accident requiring emergency treatment--and how embarrassing to have underwear with holes"---for with all of Australia's beckoning beaches, you should always be prepared to play in the waves---and wear underwear suited to ocean swimming.  The waves of the ocean were calling all to come join the fun---so we accepted the invitation--in our ambulance ride underwear!

The afternoons are particularly suited to enjoy one of the 140 plus wineries in the region, which is frequently compared to France's Bordeaux region.  Many also have gourmet restaurants with menu options loaded with local produce. The vineyard's natural forest settings, along with manicured flower gardens are the prefect site to renew one's spirits while sipping wine or coffee. Most wine cellars are open from 10 am to 5 pm, but food might only be served until 2 or 3 pm. In major tourist areas dinner may be served until 9 pm or occasionally even until 10 pm,  however, in most rural towns dinner is only served from 6 pm to 8 pm. It is worth checking the serving hours, as stragglers may find yourself staring at a closed sign on the restaurant door. And, "nuts" may not only be your exclamation but as well your only dinner.

As Americans, as we travel we still struggle to remember Australia's meal window of time cultural phenomena; even despite suffering numerous times the consequences of our forgetfulness, and having only nuts to eat.  This cultural factor seems to be due to the high cost of labor for cooks and food servers whose average respectively wage is from $20 to $15 an hour and is not dependent on tips. Their minimum wage is $15 per hour with the exception for youth workers up until the age of 21 whose minimum wage is $7.50.   It appears except for high tourist regions the demand is not high enough to hire workers to supply food service. A nice aspect of Australia is the price listed-- is the price charged---no surprises with extra fees due to taxes or services.
                                                                              

Sand walking trail

During our travels, rarely do we find an area we would return to, mostly due to our desire to seek out new and different regions to explore, however, the Margaret River Region is one we would happily return to. This region offers endless adventures with it's numerous beaches to explore and a lifetime of wineries to discover. Now that is a slice of heaven here on earth!