Point Samson

Pulling into Point Samson after our 500+km trip was divine.  In need of a shower, a major laundry wash and  a general clean up to remove the Karijini red dust.  The caravan park was like an oasis.  It was on bitumen roads, we had concrete pads and lush green grassed areas all around us.  It was amazing and it just shows you how much we were missing this style of camping after wandering around the Pilbara.


We arrived around 3.30pm and check in.  As we drove in we were greeted by the sight of Dennis and Marion in the site a few places away.  Oh the kids were delighted.  They really enjoy spending time with the two of them.  They are like stand in grandparents.  They fill the gap(but not replaced) in which they would normal spend with Grandma and Pa and Pa Ace.  It been really good for them and Nigel and I as they great company also. Very funny pair.  While the kids spent time badgering....oops playing with Dennis and Marion I spent the afternoon was beds, clothes, towels and bather.  I also spent time getting the red dust out of the caravan courteous of Karijini.  What a mess!  I think I'll be bring some of the red dust home unfortunately.  It just gets in everywhere.

Sunrise at Point Samson

The Cats mad the Grand Final this year.  I put balloons and streamers up around the awning of the caravan. Austin's towel took pride of place (Thanks Nathan and Alex for that present).  Our alliance was clear but it was nice to hear the constant support from other campers also cheering on Geelong.  Only a few Collingwood supports came out for the day but quickly went back into the woodwork.  LOL.  It was a great game and  we loved every bit of it.  The win was phenomenal.  We watched the game with Dennis and Marion who were rugby Shark followers.  They cheered on with us but I imagine the game was a little confusing.  It was a really great day.  The only part I missed really was all the after the game halla-bulu that goes on around Geelong.  I love that part of the grand final wins.  But still in saying that I would not change a thing of this year.  It's a fabulous life style as a gypsy.  We even had to watch the Manley v NZ grand final.  Now I was the one that was lost.

We have now been on the road for seven months how amazing is that. Just a few little facts for you.  Those of you that had a little wager on kilometres and petrol prices.

Petrol Costs - $6454.97

Total Kilometres - 22916

Average cost of petrol per litre - $1.79

Average Litres per 100km's -17.73

Not at all bad really.


COSSACK
Point Samson was surrounded by lots of interesting locations.  The first of these locations was Cossack.  It is a historical town in which has been rebuilt and lovingly restored.  It is a beautiful little place.  We wandered around the different buildings taking in the history of of the place and its area.  It really was just such an amazing place.  We were joined by follow traveller (Phil, Tia, Maddie, Ella & Kye) that we had meet at several places and the kids really enjoyed kicking around with them.  The big old bond store was an amazing space and one they use for functions and art displays.  The old post office was also specked up as an art gallery also.  It was a shame that no showing the day we went.  The old court was very prestigious and the gaol was fun.  The kids spent the whole time locking themselves and the adults in.  It was a little funny but very loud in a place that echoes as a gaol does.  The lookout was also pretty amazing.  It looked over Settlers Bay, Honeymoon Bay and the old lighthouse.  

School House

Bonds Store

Inside Bonds Store

Cossack port

Post Office front

Post Office rear

Court House

Merchant Store

Docks at court house

Gaol - 'Let me out!'

Mmmmmm what's this?

Cossack from lookout

Lighthouse Island

Settlers Bay - Honeymoon Bay in distance

DAMPIER / KARRATHA
We decided to take a drive to Karratha and Dampier instead of stay there.  We have really enjoyed Point Samson so made the choice to stay longer in that location.  Our first stop was to Dampier to visit the port area and watch the loading of the Rio Tinto iron ore ships.  We luckily arrived as a couple of tug boats were pushing a ship away from the pier.  This was very interesting.  We continued our drive around the port and found the train yard.  

After looking at the locomotions we moved on to the Red Dog memorial.  The kids all got up on the statue and gave him a huge.  His story is very interesting.  The film based on Red Dog was similar but they have used their literary licence to spice it up a bit.  But still an amazing story.  And a very cute memorial.  

We headed to the Karratha Gas plant, Woodside.  The visitors centre and spent an hour reading about, watching and filling in educational worksheets.  The kids really enjoyed the activities and learnt about the process of refining natural gas.  They were rewarded with a little prize at the end also, a packet of pencils each and a pencil case to share.  

Memorial for all the injured and killed workers on the gas plant.

Pipeline - Karratha to Perth connection

Ahhh!!!

From here we head to the two lookouts.  One overlooking the salt terminal and iron ore terminals out of Parker Point and East Intercourse Island and the second at the Crystallization salt ponds.  A grader was even working in the ponds which was very interesting.  Both very interesting sites.  Our last look at Karratha was to take in the area and just see how it has developed and changed.  The number of housing projects is just amazing but I tell you what, I would not like to live in Dampier if I did not have a mining job.  The prices of things were just phenomenal.

East Intercourse Island - Salt

Parker Point - Iron Ore

Dampier Salt Crystallization Pond

The next couple of days were spent around camp at Point Samson.  Taking rides along the beach top track, swimming at Honeymoon Bay and watching whales swim and frolick only the point.  Truly special.  It was spectacular see these beautiful animal so close to shore.  Nigel even got to see a few dolphins.  We will be keeping an eye out for them along the coast from now on.

Whales

There she blows!

Jordan spent her final day at Point Samson making a beautiful shell hanging with Marion.  They spent hours on completing it.  I think they both had a lot of fun!  

The boys helping Dennis with the damper.

Drink and nibbles were a regular around camp.  We meet some amazing people so far and are making our time on the road very enjoyable.


Off to Onslow for a couple of nights.