Meckering - Northam (fuel + shopping) - The Pinnacles - Cervantes (fuel + attractions) - Jurien Bay

342kms / 9 ¾ hrs

Today we were spoilt with a beautiful pink sunrise. We left at 7:30am and drove the short 35kms into Northam where we fuelled (Rog who has been driving the car and van so well nearly hit a pole as we were worried about the height. Luckily his navigator stopped him in time so no damage done - don't worry Papa we are being careful!). Then it was off to coles to do a big grocery shop. We stopped at the tourist info and saw the beautiful Avon River. It was such a pretty area, we walked over the suspension bridge and Josh ran after the ducks and swans. It also had a great kids park but unfortunately we needed to keep driving.

We drove through some beautiful countryside today and it was a nice change of scenery as we headed to the West Coast! (some of the towns we drove through inc. Toodyay, Bindoon, Gingin).

We stopped at a rest area for lunch and then arrived at The Pinnacles. We unhitched the caravan so we could drive the 4km loop and we stopped a few times to wander around and take some photos. The kids woke up just in time to see the last section and have a run around them.

From there we drove to the Cervantes where we refuelled and drove to Thirsty Bay where the whole of the point and road is being washed away by nature and its tides. Unfortunately the sky was cloudy and there were a few light showers so didn't get to enjoy the turquoise colours in the water or our first beach stop on the west coast.

Then it was onto Lake Thetis. The lake contains Stromatolites - one of the earths oldest living life forms. It was raining when we got here so we quickly jogged to the boardwalk but didn't stay for long.

Our next stop was Hansen Bay Lookout which was a great view but the sky was cloudy so didn't see the beautiful colours here either.

We then drove to Jurien Bay which is where we are staying tonight at the Jurien Bay Tourist Park. We arrived at 5pm and while we set-up and cooked dinner (spag bol) the kids had fun on the jumping pillow. Lucky just as we got the kids inside for dinner there was a big downpour. It has rained on/off for a while tonight so i've had to time when I could run to the laundry to do the washing.

Today got quite warm and the hottest day we've had at I think 23 degrees.

Tomorrow we will explore the area before heading north to Lake Ellendale.

Also, after further inspection this morning the chip on the windscreen is very small and we have 2 tiny ones to add to the collection. We saw another car today with 3 big ones so we are lucky. Slow down overtaking trucks!