It's in the air and it's called 'Rain'. (Bean)

Righty then. Last night at Esperance was windy and very cold. The wind appears to be our biggest enemy - obviously the rain doesn't help but it's the wind that cuts through to the bone ... and beyond if that is at all possible.

The memories of Esperance will stay for a while methinks. Here are some other pics as promised.

Al looking at some happy cows: (Well sort-of, she got bored rather easily).



Some cows looking at Al:





In the National Park we went up a big rock thing called Frenchman Peak. It had stuff growing on it like moss. I haven't seen moss since, oooh I don't know, a young boy I reckon.



It was quite windy as Al demonstrates here:



The beaches I mentioned were Lucky Beach (usually it has a kangaroo on it I believe) Hellfire Beach which was the one I really liked and some other ones too. Here is Hellfire Beach:



Having bought some much better binoculars recently I was able to keep Al up to date with my incredible ornithologist ability. Here for example is a Silver-eyed Sided Bunting*:



Here it is again (It's the two-sided version):



There were plants as well but my expertise on identifying them is slightly lacking. Look:



I've absolutely no idea what they are. I'm sure they are important for the bio-diversity of the what-knot etc.

There was a beach that had sea grass being dumped on it. Apparently this grass is very important for the environment and hence it is not cleared away anymore. (Actually I'm not sure if it was ever cleared away but it could have been. It looks kinda messy.)



The squeaky white perfect sand grew stuff out of it as well:



Again, no idea what it is. I could google it but ... well you know.

We passed some wetlands on the way back from the national park where we saw some Pelicans and a Long-legged Hybrid Shank Wader*





We also saw a Lesser Spotted Stork* that appeared to have dropped its baby.



Oh and there was a Silky Winged Falcon* that was just showing off because ... well, it's a bird of prey so it can.



So then, moving on and leaving this rather lovely place behind, we ...er ... left.

- oh I suppose I could mention that the people we met in Esperance seemed rather polite. Actually I will. The people we met in Esperance were rather polite (and pleasant).

Luckily this morning it wasn't too wet to pack up and head off to Denmark. A windy (as in blowy not zigzaggy) drive of around 530 ish km. On arriving in Albany the heavens opened and it chucked it down. It was very set in and looked rather depressing. Knowing that our plan was to enjoy Denmark and do some day visits to local attractions (yes, wineries are on the list but walky type things are planned as well) we took a vote on going for an onsite cabin. The I's firmly won and we are now in a very nice studio cabin overlooking the river. (More photos tomorrows.)

We walked into town (because the sun suddenly came out) and on the way back went along a wooded trail.

Al talked to a tree:



I saw an old bench and thought about what kind of stories it could tell if it could talk. However, that thought then scared me a little and I felt like the woods were getting darker. A Fertile Imagination I think they call it. (Or Stupidity depending on which way you are facing/leaning).



Al looked at home among the hidden woodland creatures:



Then I saw a Southern Woodland Duck* which was surprising since this was obviously wolf territory



and judging by it's worried look I think it already knew that.

Finally back at base for a pleasant evening out of the freezing wind. (Yes, I know it looks serene here but it's not).



Here we are kind of under the blue stuff.



I'll leave you with a picture of a Pelican (Inland Variety*) because Pelicans are just so cool.



Until tomorrow.

(* Although I could possibly be mistaken.)