What are we doing here?: Albany

By this stage we (particularly the kids) are starting to feel a bit 'treed-out'. Also, we are rather astounded about the number of things to see, parks to visit, experiences to be had, towns to visit, bays and beaches to see, and so on, in this southern area. Unlike in the north where distances separate one point of interest from another, here, they are all around you, close together, signs pointing all directions, and a lot of things you just have to let fall by the wayside otherwise you would completely exhaust yourself. Driving into Denmark for lunch (it was late lunch and we were hungry) we firstly passed the Toffee Place, then the Icecreamery, then the Chocolate Place, as we passed each one we groaned and lamented why they weren't on the east side of Denmark on our way out after lunch.

We were able to recharge a bit in Albany, a place we were figuring we would pretty much drive through, however we ended up staying some days and really loving it. What a beautiful city it is, situated on the King George Sound, surrounded by untouched shoreline, yet all the conveniences of a small city. It is the oldest township in WA, settled before Perth, when the NSW Government sent the ship AMITY over to land before the French did. Potentially Albany could have been the capital of WA.

A full size replica of the AMITY kept the kids amused for 2 DAYS. We could not get them off it and they begged to return again the next day. It was pretty good - simply a free for all, climb aboard, go wherever you like, on deck, below deck, captains cabin, convict quarters, climb the riggings, to the crows nest.. there was no one there to supervise or guide you around, the kids invented all sorts of games and role playing and it was hard to pull them away. It was part of an excellent (and surprisingly free) complex also containing museum and gallery with a great photography exhibition 'Convict in the Family'.

The old gaol was also well worth the visit. However the most fascinating place we visited was the old whaling station, slightly removed from town out past the Torndirrup National Park. Absolute horrified fascination did this place conjure. An insight into an extinct (thankgoodness) industry. It was the last station in Australia to shut down in the late 70's, and would appear to be exactly as it was left, like a deserted ghost town. Graphic imagery and audios throughout the station gave us a very good idea about how the various areas were used. There was so much fascinating and horrific info and samples and pictures and audios that we also came back here again the following day to cover it all.

Once again the hit for the kids at the Whaling Station was the old whaler 'Cheynes IV' which was one of the actual ships used, now positioned at the station for visitors to explore at their own will, all cabins, all decks, galley, engines, mess, harpoon etc etc. The whole place was an excellent and fascinating museum.

The Gap and our 5th natural window of the trip were to be seen in Torndirrup National Park, as well as wild raging seas and calm bays perfect for picnic lunch.