Doing a U-turn at Exmouth

It seemed easy to just keep travelling north, and after we left Carnarvon we went beyond our planned itinerary. Once we reached Exmouth we knew we had to cover some serious mileage back to Perth in a short time. For the first part of our return trip we drove without any diversions and our scenery went from this......

to this......

for about 900km.

Exmouth gave us Cape Range National Park, therefore a chance to enjoy the coastline and take a swim or two. In Exmouth emus rule! All traffic gives way to these crazy birds.......usually the males who look after their teenage off-spring. Apparently the female disappears when the real work of upbringing begins. Smart lady!!!

One of our reasons for our extended itinerary was to enjoy the Coral Coast and snorkel on Ningaloo Reef. Swimming with turtles and schools of colourful fish was brilliant, but the real buzz was being with Manta Rays. These guys can have a wing span up to 7 metres, but this one was only 4 metres.

They are both graceful and ugly. When they come towards you they look sinister,...... just have to remind ourselves they are inquisitive filter-feeders. Some had a couple of sucker fish attached,....... going along for the ride and collecting the crumbs!

Actually we were just in time to explore around Exmouth. Many attractions and accommodation shut down at the end of October.  Temperatures become too hot and sticky, so most people hang back until the north become bearable again.

As mentioned in a previous blog we stayed on cattle ranches as much as possible. We noticed friendly rivalry and competition to attract travellers. One is around scone-making. Would have been impolite to refuse the offerings.....

Even if some didn't make scones, artesian baths are a drawcard,..... in spite of a mild smell of Rotorua lingering on the body from the bore water!!

In Cape Range National Park room service was provided at our camp at Osprey Bay. Door opens,....... in flies the staff, cleans the crumbs off the floor, then attacks Doug's shoes!!

We took our time travelling through the Avon Valley as we neared Perth. In contrast to the harshness of the north the green rolling hills and fields of canola were a refreshing change. Many of the towns have English names like Northam, Beverley and York,...... and all are brimming with restored pioneering heritage.

It was a sad moment returning our van back to Maui,....... such a faithful home on wheels for 44 nights. But....... all good things!! We are now off to Adelaide to hook up with The Ghan. In the meantime a colourful wave as we reluctantly leave WA.