Yanchep National Park

This morning I was moved by an image showing a kangaroo and fresh vegetation emerging from charcoaled branches following the recent bushfires in Yanchep. A friend posted the picture on social media, thus motivating me to pack a few essentials, jump in my humble little car and head to the National Park to see the remarkable recovery of nature for myself.

One can never fully take into account, the area of destruction from bush fires until we actually witness it ourselves… images and reports through the media can never bring it home like this. 

Slowly I drove through the vast area where all that remains is blackened tree trunks and dirty brown bushes and branches, now sprouting with new green life upon the ashen dirt. I saw the remains of the fuel station which did not stand a chance in midst of it all and could plainly see how many homes were in the line of possible ruin.

Signs of new green life

When I veered into the entrance of Yanchep National Park, I felt the need to pull over and take a snap of the sign that stood lonely before the burnt out bush. The smell of smoke was still evident.

Birdlife is profuse in the wetlands

Once I parked my car, I set off on my stroll across the pristine picnic lawn area adjacent to the lake, teeming with birdlife. This brought back wonderful memories from my childhood where our family often came for picnics some fifty years ago, though it has changed a lot since then.

Koala sleeping

I have never seen so many Western Grey kangaroos grazing on the picnic grounds in Yanchep like this before and they don’t seem to mind the people either. They are clearly hungry.

just two of many kangaroos grazing

How shocked I was to see how really close the bushfires came to destroying this area. The fires burned as close as a few hundred metres from the koala sanctuary and walk trails are now closed off due to destruction from the fires that raged through.

"this is Australia"

Later I settled myself with a refreshing glass of sparkling under a canopy of trees and enjoyed the mellow music and singing by a duo playing in the beer garden of the magnificent Yanchep Inn. A cool breeze, adults relaxing, children playing and kangaroos grazing made for a typical Aussie Pub scene.

remains of a foot bridge

As I cast my eyes about a hundred metres from where I was sitting, there stood the remains of the footbridge over parched wetlands that previously flowed into the lake. Green shoots of vegetation are beginning to appear here as well from clumps of black roots. Frightening to see how close this came to the Inn.

new growth sprouting in dried up wetlands

The magnificent Yanchep Inn

I have a deep respect and appreciation for our volunteer firefighters who do an amazing job, working tirelessly to ensure the safety of humans and wildlife.

Sealreal

Sealreal 30/08/2011

Phil Hollet Photography

There I was in the month of July, in warmth and comfort of my car sipping my much appreciated flat white on a cold blustery winter day.

Every so often, just to get out of my four walls in Busselton, I’d take myself for a relaxing drive to relish in the serenity of the countryside.

On this particular morning I stopped in Dunsborough, grabbed a takeaway coffee and drove on a little further down to Eagle Bay. The beautiful, rugged coastline - so spectacular with white foamed waves forcing into the rocks.

Suddenly, to my disbelief the most majestic seal appeared from nowhere, it was almost like I had to shake my head, close and re-open my eyes to realise what I was actually witnessing.

This black, blubbery mammal from the ocean was playfully clambering up the rocks until he reached the highest point right before me.

Saluting to the skies, his nose high into the air was like he was bestowing gratitude to the universe for his wonderful life of freedom.

I thought to capture the image on my iPhone but I was transfixed and couldn't take my eyes from him for a second. I was utterly connected to him in those precious moments, where nothing else mattered or even existed apart from me and him. I could feel my whole self soften. I felt warmed, relaxed, uplifted and free all at once, because of him.

Next thing my beautiful friend slid down from his position and back into the ocean as if enjoying the thrill of a water-slide and he knew very well I was watching him.

No camera image could ever match that precious gift to me on that day. The memory stays etched in my mind forever.

Relishing in the Moment

Some beautiful moments in my daily life where I am reminded

how blessed and fortunate I am to live in Western Australia.

Bay of Blessings  20/02/2015

I opened my eyes to the morning sun's rays through the outdated curtains of my villa.

Back on home soil, I broke into a half smile in remembering the earlier years, when I worked in this very resort in Busselton as a waitress - another past chapter in my life.

I open every curtain, window and door of my villa to greet and breathe in the sights and sounds of my natural surroundings, before settling back into bed, propped against the pillows with my early morning cuppa.

My intention of reading at least the next chapter of my book was short lived however, due to the shrill calls and twittering of the birds. It was like they were beckoning me to step outdoors and embrace the intro of this brand new day, so to their demands, I slipped into my bikini, grabbed my towel and set out along the bricked pathway.

The feel of the sultry air and smell of willowed peppermint trees and lush dewy grass that lead to the beach was all so familiar and gratifying.

Greeting happy groundsmen and rident holiday goers with cheerful smiles along my way, I was reminded for the billionth time of how lucky and blessed I am to be given this gift called life, along with freedom to enjoy it.

The calm, still waters of the bay beneath the pale blue endless sky and clouds that were stretched like cotton wool strands came into view like an endless sketch in water colours of pastel shades. I’m even more so inspired to take a course in learning to paint – must look into that once I return to Perth.

Bayview Geographe Resort - Beach

Bayview Geographe Resort

Geographe Bay

My daily beach walk  27/10/2015

I started out on my walk along Mullaloo beach a little later than usual today, it was just around midday, though it was most definitely worth it.

An over cast sky and slight offshore breeze made for perfect conditions for a brisk pace along the shoreline, where the gentle waves rolled in as if collecting my deepest secrets and thoughts and freeing them out to sea.

Midway, during my therapeutic venture, I suddenly became aware there was not another human being in sight, uncommon especially for a Perth beach. In realising this, I came to a stop and stood knee deep in the cool, soothing Indian ocean savouring the peacefulness.

Normally by this time, I have a leisurely swim, but the water was rather “milky” looking and I refer to this as “shark water” because you can never see anything unless it surfaces.

# Mullaloo Beach

Gazing out to the horizon, I broke into a smile, for there at that moment in time was little ol’ me, a speck in the universe with all the space and liberty anyone could wish for.

I couldn’t help but ponder about the millions of less fortunate people in the world, living in confined conditions of multi-story concrete blocks or those exposed to the harsh, dry conditions in desert with absolutely no freedom of choice. Many would never even experience a beach.

Lucky and privileged am I to have been born, raised and living in this wonderful part of Australia and never shall I take any of it for granted.

Sea View Ridge Olive Grove - Lancelin 30/05/2016

Enjoyed a delightful, welcoming stay with a friend in this rammed- earth, cottage style B&B in Lancelin - 127kms north of Perth.

Set in tranquil surroundings within an abundance of olive trees, I immediately succumbed to the serenity as we pulled into the drive.

A long afternoon walk, soaking up the warmth of the sun with nothing but sounds of tiny birds twittering was divine.

Organic olive oil and preserves are made and available for taste testing and purchasing on the premises.

Small courtyard outside our room with a touch of rustic
European Charm

Loaded olive tree branch at Seaview Ridge

Gardens and hanging baskets add to the homely charm 

Homemade plum jam, lemon and lime marmalade
and garlic infused extra virgin olive oil.