Day 47 - Monday, 29 February - Lancelin (Turquoise Coast)

We are now in Lancelin, a small township around 150 kms north of Perth 

This morning we left Cervantes at the crack of dawn.   We had packed the car last night and left without breakfast.  The idea was to reach the "Pinnacle Desert" a bit after sunrise.  Many people go there for sunset, few get out there in the morning.

The lunar-like "Pinnacle Desert" attracts 190.000 visitors each year and is one of Australia's most unique and fascinating natural landscapes.

We were lucky to be alone with thousands of Pinnacles.  They are all over until the horizon and give the impression of a huge churhyard,

The light changes minute by minute.

These limestone pillars date back 30.000 years, when the sea receded leaving a thick deposit of sea shells.

Over time, costal winds removed the surrounding sand leaving these pillars exposed to the elements.

In the far back, you see them as well.

Me - inside

The visitors are asked not to climb the Pinnacles, but eventually they break.

Sand formations - and a few tracks.

A month ago, when we were here last time, the road police stopped all trafic towards Lancelin.  Today we saw why ... A devastated burnt down landscape for over more than 30 kilometers and as far as one could see.  Sometimes at one side of the road with only very few green patches.  Sometime on both sides.  

An immense bush fire that left not much else than black misery in this otherwise beautiful green and hilly landscape.

But The lovely dune landscape around Lancelin township was spared.  Lancelin is said to have the tallest, largest and whitest dunes in Western Australia.

At 11 am we get a very big and much longed for breakfast at the local bakery.  And another black and long together with a real "Eclair au chocolat" with real whipped cream authentic whipped cream (from a cow).

Late afternoon, we will have fish and salad and fresh break.  " Red spot Emperor" fried in butter and fresh celery and apples and grapes as part of the salad.  

We are happy with two meals a day.  For tomorrow morning, I have melon and yoghurt with fresh mango and honey roasted nuts.

The wind is strong as of noon, but the temperature is pleasant - around 26*C,   

Hans playing "Sudoku".

Our backside neighbour is Thomas.  He is a true Australian.  Came to this campsite four years ago and say, he will never leave.  His "home" is a huge multi-compartment camper with kitchen and bathroom.  He also has a big boat and two crayfish pots in the bay.  He empties those on Saturdays.  The new AU regulations allow him to keep two cray fish for his private consumption.  The rest must go back to the sea.  Sale is prohibited and the control is very strict.

Tomorrow, I will swim from a white beach with sand as fine as icing sugar and we'll have dinner at the nearby hotel (with WiFi).

We will stay here, at the coast, for another night before going inland to the Swan- and Avon Valley.