The Road to Albany - Day 4

Firstly the view from our B & B is Esperance, looking over the bay to the Recherché Islands. The sun was shinning brightly this morning so you can see it at its best. We were quickly packed and were away by nine, firstly to fill up with diesel. With petrol stations up to one hundred miles apart you have to take every opportunity. We had thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Esperance, it had the feel of a very remote place and the scenery was wild and quite unique. Also nothing will replace the thrill of seeing kangaroos in the wild for the first time. Incidentally Australia has more specific signs warning of animals crossing the road then any other country I have driven in. Kangaroos, cattle, and horses are commonplace. Tonight we had to watch out for turtles and the Mallee fowl. There were also a couple of others, which I did not recognise. The B & B in Esperance was comfortable, with a simple but good breakfast, and of course the lovely views.

This first part of the journey retraced our steps along the Southern Highway, so we made good progress at a steady 110 kilometres per hour, watching out for passing road trains, monster lorries with two full sized trailers. Due to the lack of traffic driving is very easy. We stopped for lunch in a bird sanctuary, excellent and in common with most of the food so far, well priced. Uniquely I had a bottle of water sourced from rainwater captured at the sanctuary, a first I think.

We arrived in Albany in the late afternoon and found our B & B easily, after a warm welcome we settled into our very comfortable room. I explored the path along the bay, again it is a large natural harbour, with two large bulk carriers anchored waiting to load with ore.

We were recommended a fish and chip café that has just been voted the best in Australia. Once we had navigated the varieties available, we sat down to a plate of bronzie and chips. It was very good; there was no trace a fat on either. Marion puts this down to the fact that they use bran oil at a very high temperature.

We had a quick explore of Albany by car, which looks very interesting. Unfortunately tomorrow it is due to rain all day, if so there is the Australian Anzac museum to visit.