purpleflowerpatchinOZ - Van Gogh's Seaweed Stacks?

Aug. 13, 2007 - Van Gogh's Seaweed Stacks?

We spent last weekend driving around the Cape Le Grande National Park where there are an inordinate number of magnificent beaches complete with pure white sand, turquoise blue water and a varied assortment of nature's treasures.

This stunning area is just 50 klms from our front door, and with so much beauty on offer we quickly purchased a yearly pass entitling us to unlimited use of the many beaches and bays within the confines of the National Park.

First stop was Cape Le Grande itself. My first impression as I gazed along the secluded beach was a mental picture of Van Gogh's "Haystacks" - though the stacks that were dotting the coastline before me were not hay, but seaweed.

Sam and I found them to be soft seats, though a bit damp after a few minutes...

After a morning tea of honey cakes, fresh strawberries, and coffee we set off for Hellfire Bay. This beach was simply glorious! The sand is like finely crushed quartz, squeaking as you walked along. At times it gave me a feeling like nails on a blackboard but the view was so spectacular that I chose to forgive and focus on its isolation, silence, and uniqueness. We will be back here within weeks for a dawn b-b-q breakfast.

Our next stop was Lucky Bay, voted the most beautiful beach in Australia.

Lucky Bay was discovered and named by explorer Matthew Flinders in 1802 after his ship, The Investigator, took refuge in it's sheltered cove.

We unpacked lunch in a lovely shaded area above the bay and watched as a cheeky crow swooped down to steal a carton of eggs from some sleepy campers. There are some great camping areas available all through the National Park, but hubby prefers the softness of his own bed so we'll make do with long day visits in the coming spring and summer.

We came across some strange trees, with what looked like the bush coconuts we found when living in Alice Springs last year, but these were very spiky, almost alien looking. Hmmmm....

Lizzie and dad took lots of photos with their digital cameras while Sam and I pined away in envy. We are both ready to buy our own cameras! This area is filled with so much beauty and needs to be captured in a myriad of glossy prints. I did manage to have some time alone with Lizzie's camera while she munched on a Babybel, though. Food....it always works.

The day drew to a close, so we packed up our sandy shoes and headed back to the car for the 30 minute drive home. So close...all this beauty was at our doorstep. There is so much life around Esperance - I am looking forward to the many discoveries yet to come!

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Aug. 14, 2007 - Beautiful pictures

Posted by Anonymous

Jenny
Love the scenery, you all look so much happier.. Your new side picture is lovely too:) I thought those 'haystacks' were hay too.

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Aug. 15, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

The senrry looks absolutely lovely Jenny. What a wonderful place for your family to explore.
Lynn

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Aug. 15, 2007 - Beautiful!

Posted by jugglingpaynes

I don't know how you managed in the desert for so long. You have a family of water babies!
I'm so happy you are enjoying your new home. I can feel you glow in every sentence!

Peace and Laughter

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Aug. 17, 2007 - Rejoicing!!

Posted by JewelSea

Thanks so much for sharing with us. I feel honored to rejoice with you in your new blessings!! I am so happy for you.

I need to learn how to take pics and upload them, too! We don't have the white beaches, but we have plenty of lovely maritime scenery, too! Doncha just love the water?!!? :)

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Aug. 17, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Lyric