When I said (last post) that Coronation Beach was popular with windsurfers – here’s a pic of a not very windy day.

Definitely not my thing.

I also forgot to mention the Pink Lake we passed on the way south. Depending on the conditions, an algae produces a vibrant pink bloom containing Beta Carotene which is harvested for the vitamin supplement market.

We stopped in at Geraldton to vote. Right nearby was the Western Australian Museum where we saw some great displays about the history of the region. They also had a section on HMAS Sydney and the story of finding the wreck. We’ve been absorbed in the shipwreck history and early Dutch exploration of this coast, and the museum had a great collection of relics from that era.

The rest of our time in Geraldton was spent at the major banks sorting out fraudulent activity on our accounts, and the odd bit of identity theft. All fixed now, but we were impressed with the banks’ staff and screening practices that identified the problem. So next time they ask you a dozen security questions over the phone, be glad they keep their guard up!

Somewhere north of Geraldton, around about Northampton, the land suddenly becomes viable for cropping. It seems to happen so fast, switching from the arid, marginal pastures to healthy green fields of lupins, canola and other grains. They don’t call it the wheatbelt for nothing.

We continued south through Dongara and Greenhead, and camped at the pretty town of Jurien Bay. There’s a great bike path alongside the shore, so John and Ferg went exploring, although they only found the marina.