Anzac Day has a special meaning here in Albany Western Australia, because on November 1, 1914, 30,000 young Australians and New Zealanders departed from here for Egypt and the battlefields of the Great War. They had never heard of Gallipoli or the Somme and it is tragic to think they had no idea where they were headed and that many of them would never return home.
So, here I was, not intending to be here on Anzac Day 2018 for the centenary, but somehow I ended up at the morning service (paying homage to my Dad, ex British Navy during WW2.) It was, as always, a very moving occasion with about 60,000 people here at Albany’s Princess Royal Harbour.
After leaving Hopetoun yesterday, I passed through some very desolate-looking country where floods had destroyed parts of the road and workmen were repairing or building new bridges.
I stopped at a café for a coffee and asked where would be a good place to stay in Albany, saying I would like to be by the sea. Anyway, that’s how I came to stay at Emu Point, about a 10 minute drive from the city (Albany’s population is about 140,000 people apparently). Made a last minute booking at a motel where I ended up with a gi-normous room – see below pic – bit like a dormitory!
Albany is a very picturesque city and in the afternoon I went for a walk over the foot bridge into the city. Some of the shops were open and there were a lot of tourists around.
From pure white sand beaches to beautifully restored buildings with a typically English tudor-look about them, Albany has a really good feel about it.
Spent another night in Albany at yet another motel (getting to sample many different kinds of accommodation). Still haven’t put my tent up yet – waiting for the warmer weather!!
Becoming expert at whipping up a quick dinner – like sardines on toast and salad or a hydrated special like quinoa with mushrooms and salad. It all depends what cooking facilities are available at the time, but happy to say I’m not resorting to fried food at the local take-away. My trusty muesli from Costco has stretched as far as Albany and might hopefully make it to Perth where I might find another Cosco to replenish it. Doing lots of walking too, which helps with keeping fit.
OK – onwards to Walpole and looking forward to walking around the top of the Tingle trees …
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7 Comments
Hi Tina,
Love following you on this great adventure. What is it now, two weeks on the road? Can’t wait for the next chapter each day, words and photos.
Take care, Brendan
Glad you are still with me on the journey Brendan. It’s been amazing so far.
Tina
You were spot on with the idea of this adventure. Life filled now with endless possibilities and newness. Good on you.
Love C
Thanks Ted. Loving my adventure.
Tina x
Was thinking of you on ANZAC Day and glad you were able to get to a service. Your adventures sound wonderful and hope you keep on enjoying until you finally reach Broome and then even more so.
Sorry to say that there is no Costco in WA for your Muesli!
Del
Thanks Del, good to hear from you. Shame about the Costco muesli. Never mind, ordinary will have to do!
Tina
Awesome “dorm” Tina! Rather like an image from Goldilocks and the Three Bears 🙂 I imagine the Anzac Day ceremony was a time of quiet reflection. I had no idea the history of Albany and the connection with WW 1. A somber moment. Thank you for your generous sharing.