New Norcia ... Fascinating Benedictine Community

Don Quixote ... Cervantes

A town named after the Don Quixote author? Why not!  And the best and biggest weather vane I've seen in WA.

Swimming with Sealions in Jurien Bay

 

The Australian Sea Lions are the rarest of their species with only approximately 10,000 to 12,000 in the world. In WA they inhabit Essex Rocks, an island located in one of the largest marine parks in Western Australia.   Today I experienced a wonderful swim with these characters.  My goodness, they like to have fun!  All they want to do is play - either together, or with us land-lubbers.

It was particularly exciting to have a juvenile male sea lion swim with us.

This was well worth the early rise - the freezing air (only 3 degrees as we drove to Jurien Bay!).  With a wetsuit and warmer water temp, it was quite bearable - for about half an hour.

We were so blessed that when we arrived at the island, the sea lions were already frolicking around - they had a couple of days of no visitors as it is the quiet season, so I reckon they were super excited to see us.

Everything on their terms, of course.  They don't have any concept of personal space at all.  So, although we are not allowed to touch them, it is quite common for them to really get in close.

I'm super grateful to two of the other swimmers who took some photos, and generously shared.  The last two photos are from the tour guide website:  https://www.turquoisesafaris.com.au/sea-lion-tour/

Playing "Chasee"

The Pinnacles

The Pinnacles are like a moonscape.  And nobody really knows how they came to be where they are.  Apparently, in geological terms they are very young and scientists believe they were formed underground, possibly up to 500 000 years ago during theIce Ages of the Quaternary period. It is thought that they were exposed and buried again by shifting sands.

Lots of creatures make this area their home:  Scorpions, lizards, snakes, boo-book owls and... Ant Lions!  I was super excited to hear that Ant Lions actually exist!

Oh... and RAMs

Oh, and extremely childish people

Walking amongst the Wildflowers.

Inland to Mullewa and the Wildflowers

First we checked out the amazing natural wreath flowers. 

Then we got a bit creative ...

Well... They are "Wreath" Flowers...

Then Lucy joined in...

Lucy's acting skills are pretty amazing...

Sticky started to get bored with all the "flower power"...

Architecture of Monsignor John Hawes, Mullewa

Monsignor Hawes was a priest, architect and perhaps most of all a visionary. Born in the UK in 1876, he came to Western Australia in 1915 after a fateful meeting with the Bishop of Geraldton in Rome. This lead to his recruitment as both outback missionary and architect of a new cathedral for Geraldton.

During his 24-years in Western Australia, Hawes created 29 buildings throughout the region. He battled heat and isolation in pursuit of his craft, all the while maintaining the highest dedication to his parish and the people.  His most favourite work was the church at Mullewa.  Such a delightful place, with a real sense of spiritual peace.

Hawes left Western Australia in 1939 and continued his work in the Bahamas and other countries.