Not quite a free camp

Jan & George, who I met at Bargara Beach in Queensland a couple of years ago were over in the west for a few days for the Perth 4x4 and Adventure Show where they sell solar and LEDS.

I met up with them on Sunday and spent a few hours wandering around the show (managing to avoid spending any money!) and resting between times at their stand and even selling a couple of items as they were really busy.

After the show ended we high-tailed it to their accommodation at the Perth Crown Promenade hotel. The room came complete with champagne and chocolates which were eagerly demolished.

Feeling a bit peckish, and after a bit of a discussion, we decided to head downstairs to the Atrium buffet.  Not your run-of-the-mill "all you can eat buffet" … there were many dishes available but I decided to stick with my favourites and must have eaten at least 2 dozen oysters, prawns, sushi, sashimi and the best dumplings I've ever tasted. Jan & George, who recently stayed at the Shangri-la hotel in Shenzen, China agreed they were excellent. Over 3 hours of eating and talking …
you do have to pace yourself …

Indian Ocean Drive

Tonight I'm camped in Lancelin having driven from Jurien Bay on the newest section of the Indian Ocean Drive. This would have to be among the top 10 drives in Australia, it follows the coastline and the landscape is very varied - low heathland rich in flowering plants ...

unbelievably white sand dunes (above and below) ...

acres of towering grass trees ...

and of course Nambung (Pinnacles) National Park with thousands of huge limestone pillars which bring to mind the Chinese terracotta army.