We'd had a really enjoyable chilled time at Hopetoun and were quite sad to be leaving today, especially because we wouldn't be able to see our mate, Kody the dog, again. This had been one of the best camp sites we've stayed on. After brekky we left this lovely chiiled place and went to the IGA in Hopetoun to stock up on provisions before heading to the Fitzgerald River National Park which was only a few kilometres away. For some reason I didn't come here back in November but I'm really glad it wasn't missed this time around. The dramatic peaks of the park dominated the skyline in front of us as we drove in. We paid our entry fee at the self registration station and then went to explore. We stopped at a lookout first to take in the view of the coast. Whilst we were here a guy rocked up in a ute and he came over to talk to us. He told us that whales were just off the shore and pointed out where they were in the water. We could see the water foaming and something obviously moving but we were too far away from them to see properly. He very kindly went to get his binoculars so we could get a better look. We zoomed in and did see whales frolicking in the water. He told us that he was working in the park doing maintenance and that it was a great job to get because he was working in such incredible natural beauty. He said it was much better than working up north around all the ugly mines. He was a really nice guy and he gave off a good energy. It was great to talk to him. After this we drove to the base of East Mount Barren for a walk up to the top of this peak, 311 metres high. A boardwalk led to a rocky path which we followed and scrambled up. We felt free and very happy. It was our anniversary today. We met a year ago today and wow what a year it has been. Who'd have thought a year ago that we'd be here in Australia living the dream together. The climb was well worth the effort as the view from the top across the national park and the coast was stunning. The national park was certainly barren today as we saw no one else on the walk. We had the whole mountain to ourselves which was ace. There were lots of beautiful plants and flowers along the path which added to the beauty of the place. After scrambling back down we drove to Mylies Beach and had fun on the sand. Again we had the whole place to ourselves which is just the way we like it. From here we drove to the campground at Four Mile Beach. There was only one other camper here and we got a lovely secluded spot at the edge of the campground overlooking the bush and from where we could hear the waves crashing against the shore. The only facilities were pit toilets but they were clean and the campground had a lovely feel to it. The plastic holder for our camping permit had a spider in it again! Thankfully only a tiddler this time though. Soon after we got here it started spitting rain. The spitting though soon turned into heavy set in rain. We just cosied up in the camper for the rest of the day and enjoyed our anniversary.