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"