Day 31 - Sunday, 14 February - Denham (Bay Lodge)

Happy Valentine to all of you -

27*C - the heat wave is definitely over.   The last days with temperatures in the 40++ have been hard to endure, but now it is very pleasant.

Strangely enough, the wind gets very strong  every day just before sunset (19:10).  Yesterday it was particular violent.  

Last night we had supper at the "Shark Bay Hotel", at the cozy "Old Pub".   The one with the dress code, remember ?   Delicious fish by the name of "Red Spot Emperor".   One plate for two is just enough.  Many Australians are rather big and so are the servings.

This is a "fully licenced pub" and you should not bring your own wine (BYO).

There is something strange about the way things are priced in this country:

- a 4 liter carton of Cabernet Sauvignon at the bottle store is 21 AU$

- One glass at the restaurant (same wine, same owner as the bottle store costs 6,50 AU$

- a bottle of good sparkling wine will be 25 AU$

This morning we went to church at St Andrew-by-the-sea at 9 o'clock.   A tiny Anglican church where we were around 20 adults and seven children aging 1 to 8 yrs.   The Reverend's three children and a few others in their Sunday best.   

The church is built from Cochina bricks (sea shells) and is surprisingly cool.

We were received by Yvonne and presented by name to everybody.  The Australians are extremely friendly and helpful.  They will drop what they are doing and walk with you to show you how to find what you are looking for.

As his youngest begane to cry, Reverend Steven took him on his arm before the final prayer.

After service we were all invited to morning tea and cake, whilst Mrs Reverend gave Sunday classes.

View from the church - See the "canal"?

The light green parts are shallow water.  The darker ones are patches with seagrass and where the ships are, the bay is deep.  In the older days, when the shearer station was in Denham, the pier went all the way out to where the ships are allowing the wool to be wheeled down to be loaded.  The ships would bring provisions to the population and sail off with the wool.

Boat for sale .... Tempting, but the wind too strong and in March there will be hurricanes.

View from our front porch.

Father Emu leading 12 chicks towards the roundabout.   The female lays the eggs and that is all she does.  He will keep them warm and take care of them at they grow up.  

Afternoon swim in the very salty bay water and supper at the "Old Inn".