19 February 2017

Sailing Along - Fremantle to Cape Naturaliste



January 25 - February 5, 2017


Katmai's Sailing Route
We were delighted and really excited to have our nephew Kristean and his partner Katie join us in Australia for a several weeks, which included a two week sail down the west coast and back to Fremantle.  We cruised about 250 miles, stopping in Mandurah, Bunbury, Meelup Bay, Port Geographe Marina (Busselton) and Garden Island for the evenings. We had fantastic weather with morning easterly winds to help us make tracks south before the afternoon southerly seabreeze arrived.  On the way back, we sailed a long day leaving Bunbury just before sunrise and arriving at the north end of Garden Island by 4 pm, a distance of about 75 miles. Below are a few of our favorite photos from this trip.  

Success at crab fishing in Bunbury.  These local blue crabs are sweet and tasty












The sunset at Meelup Bay was breath-taking


We also took at 3 day road trip down to the Margaret River area to enjoy the beaches, forests and even a few wineries. We also took at 3 day road trip down to the Margaret River area to enjoy the beaches, forests and even a few wineries.
 

Near Augusta, the Wrenwood Chalets are our favorite place to stay when in the wine country.
Great Kangaroo viewing, lots of bird life and lovely proprietors
 
One of the two Chalets at Wrenwood.
 Amazing coastal forest of Marri and grass trees is home to diverse wildlife.
 
Kangaroos come out to feed in the early evening in at the forest edge.
Hiking in the Bonarup Forest is one of our favorite things to do in SW Australia.

A male Fairy Wren in his blue splendor.   Seems to be a blue theme going on!


There are also numerous hikes along the coast through the coastal heath habitat.
Miles and miles of coastline is preserved in the Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park and makes for wonderful hiking and beach walking.

The Southern Ocean meets the Indian Ocean at Cape Leeuwin


Cape Leeuwin lighthouse sits on one of the 5 great capes of the world.
A refreshing swim at "Cozy Corner" beach after a long hot hike.

We had a nice spinnaker run on the way back to Garden Island from Bunbury
 
 

And finally a lovely view of Perth from King's Park overlook