Thursday 28th July 2011 Karratha to Dampier and return 30km

We had an easy start to the day, did a load of washing and were out of here around 10ish.  

We drove over to Dampier, checked out the William Dampier lookout, was a pretty view.

Then we found the Red Dog memorial – an Australian film has just been released (premier last night in Karratha) about this dog that hitchhiked around the Pilbara in the 70’s, evidently the film is a very good showcase for the Pilbara – so if you are so inclined, go and support an Aussie film and enjoy this part of the world.   We will be checking it out when we get back.

Then it was off to Hearson’s Cove, a beautiful beach that is totally made up of shells – never seen anything like it, I was wishing Tessa and Ella were with me, you would have loved it.   I collected quite a few for you to look through when we get home and choose a few for your treasure boxes  🙂

Then we went to the North West Shelf visitor centre and caught the end of a talk that was being given to some tourists, it was interesting.    I have learnt quite a bit about mining this holiday, thanks to Greg.    Today I learnt that iron ore is crushed to a sand like size before it is shipped overseas – Greg took a great photo of it being transported by train.

Being here it is easy to understand why the West are so protective of the money that is made from their resources.

Then we went and had a look at the Aboriginal Petroglyphs, (rock carvings) at the Deep Gorge site (over 4,500 here),  there are over 40,000 on the Burrup Peninsula, it has been recognised as the most prolific Aboriginal rock art in the world.  They are thought to have been produced between 25-30,000 years ago to C1860’s.    Greg had fun climbing over the iron ore hills photographing the rock art.   I enjoyed being on the ground photographing the real wildlife!   We were glad we took our hiking boots with us, would have been hard on our feet climbing over the rocks otherwise.

We spent the afternoon relaxing, Greg tidied up the car, ready for our travels tomorrow.   Had a nice phone call from Ben, got to talk to Dante and Tessa and Sophia – don’t want her to forget us, but I think she had more fun sucking on the phone!!   Was delightful to hear her gurgling J  Evidently she has been eating broccoli and had it all over her, I would have loved to see that 🙂

Off to Karijini National Park tomorrow, for a bit more hiking.