Rugged up at Hearsons Cove

Week Ten:  Karajini National Park and Dampier


This week we found ourselves landing in Dampier...an unplanned visit but nevertheless a lovely one.  We thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful scenery in Karajini National Park, but found that 2 days, rather than the planned 4 days there was enough (challenging walks for the boys and terrible corrugated roads in the Park itself).  Then it was a lot of deliberation to decide on which was the best path to take back to the coast:  towards Port Hedland again, or via Tom Price.  We opted to drive straight back up and were fortunate enough to get 3 nights at the Transit Caravan Park in Dampier.  This part of the Pilbara is very busy due to needing to accomodate all the workers in the area. There are also lots more tourists around as it is 'the season'.  Oh, and it is school holidays as well!!  So, we are very lucky to have got a spot; and I am very pleased I booked Point Samson then Exmouth, for a week each, before we left Rocky!  We are right on the coastline here and have an interesting view of the Port (you can also hear the constant work and trains at night).  There are plenty of areas for families, with playgrounds, and the boys have had a great time.  All the industry is quite interesting to look at, for a change of scenery from gorgeous gorges :)
 The weather hasn't been so great - windy and some rain as well, but this is the first time on this trip we have encountered poor weather, so can't really complain.   This has meant we have spent some nice family time in the van relaxing and playing games rather than the go, go, go of tourist life.  A big morning shopping in Karratha was another good way to pass the time.
We have had some wonderful company in the park, with the 'Lifestylers on the Loose' who are on their 'Organic Odyssey 2011'.  These are four couples from a Lifestyle Village near Perth, and their 3 friends.  What has fascinated me is the comraderie and fun they are experiencing, and it reminds us that Tony and I have so many more years of travelling ahead of us.  This is something we look forward to immensely.  Big cheers to you:  Julia and Mike, Fran and Noel, Estelle and Eric, Ann and Mac; and friends Val, Anne and Kevin.  You are inspiring! 
So, this is the fastest blog ever for me to write, as we are about to head off to Point Samson.  I have been told there are caravans queing at the gates here in Dampier and we need to move on!! 



The beautiful Kalamina Gorge, Karajini National park. 
We walked and had a picnic lunch.





The boys climbing the rocks in Kalamina Gorge.



The view down into Fortescue Falls, Dales Gorge.  Quite a steep walk down.

Fern Pool, behind Fortescue Falls.  Beautiful!

Tony and his beloved tripod at top of Dales Gorge.

East Munjina Gorge.  So amazing!

The spinifex and the red dirt...beautiful combination!

On the way out of Karajini - see the beautiful scenery, the area is so moody; 
and our first comparison shot! 

This is back up at the Coastal Highway - not so nice scenery
but an even bigger road train!!

The boys having a grand time on the beach at Hearsons Cove
 on the Burrup Peninsula, Dampier

Hermit Crab at Hearsons Cove

The boys posing on the statue of Red Dog, just outside Dampier. 
This is soon to be an even more famous dog, with a Hollywood movie
about to be released, loosely based in his exploits. 

I couldn't resist this shot of Pearl - the contrast of the beautiful environment
and the industry in the background is a classic image of this area.