Friday, September 24, 2010

Horrocks and the Chapman Valley

Cliff Views of Horracks
We had another three night stay, this time at Horracks, a delightful village nestled at the base of coastal cliffs and known for its fishing and protected waters for boating and swimming. Our journey was a continuation of rolling hills of wheat, barley, lupin and now fields of iridescent yellow canola, a tapestry of colour all the way to the beach. We have become so accustomed to sand dunes and sparse areas through our travels we were surprised to find this rich agricultural land almost on the ocean shores.



Canola Country

With Horrocks as our base, we headed out for a day of exploring inland to Northampton and the Chapman Valley. We soaked in the change of countryside with it's old stone farmhouses, barns and fences, some in ruins, and enormous grain storage sheds some of the largest in the country, and 'green' everywhere.


A Testament to our Beginnings

Northampton is best known for its many historical buildings. Oakabella Homestead classified by the National Trust is known as the most haunted house in Western Australia.

We took a run out to the Bowes River mouth which we were surprised to find was cut off from the sea by a wide strip of sand. I'm sure a king tide would change that situation. Miles of stunning surf beach, and treacherous rips. You would have to know what you were doing to venture out with a surfboard at this beach.


Entrance to Willgully Caves

On the way back we met the challenge to find the Willgully Caves and it was worth our trek through the knee high undergrowth to see rock art created by the indigenous Nanda people. Fortunately it has been spared from vandalism and I summised that is pobably due to the lack of signs!



Willgully Cave Drawings
Our next stay will be Geraldton, the second largest town in Western Australia with a population of approximately 36,000!

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