G’day from Albany,

This morning I was awakened just before 5, by the cacophonic caws of a couple of Corvus Coronoides(es?) (Australian Raven or Crow). I was away by 5:50, as the lazy buggers running the motel don’t open reception until 8:30, so I’d paid the bill and got a continental breakfast tray the night before. Out of spite, I’m considering trying the other motel in town on the way back; it hasn’t got a rating in my NRMA Accommodation Guide, but it looks OK.

I was in Esperance by 8, where I located a Vietnamese-run hot bread shop, and stocked up for the rest of the trip. For a change, it was good to see some hills, trees, and corners in the road! From near Jerramungup, I could see Bluff Knoll, in the Stirling Range National Park, in the distance; at 1095m, it’s the second highest point in Western Australia (by 140m). “up” seems to be a common suffix on the names of towns over here; I assume it’s of aboriginal origin? Much of the trip was through the “wheat belt”, and on 5 occasions I had to pull off to the side of the road in order to let huge oncoming combine harvesters go past.

I reached Albany around 2, and after checking in to the motel, I went for a short (26 minutes return) walk into the Albany Plaza, to ascertain the time at which the Baker’s Delight franchise opened (8:00am). I knew there was one there, because I found them in the ‘phone book. I suppose I could have just rung them to find out, but I needed the exercise; my right hip was feeling a bit stiff after having been sitting on my arse for so many days.

Had a room service dinner; herb and olive bread, red snapper, and a glass of Chardonnay.

My destination tomorrow is Margaret River. It’s only 380km away, so as well as a late getaway in order to stock up at Baker’s Delight, I’m also planning to check out the sights at some of the many national parks along the way.

Cheers,
Julian