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Karratha & Dampier

6th - 11th October 2016

Karratha
We hooked up with our buddies Mike and Margo again. Happy days free camping in their mate, Bob's, front yard!


Budget camping at it's best.


All the boys lined up after a haircut marathon thanks to Margo! Mike, Dezzi, Tom and Bob.


A bit of sillyness around the pool. Exclusive bathers!


Great night out for dinner at Bob's local club.


We had a great few days at Bob's place. A top bloke who opened his home to us - complete strangers. 

Cleaverville

Time to explore the area. First day trip to Cleaverville to do some fishing.






First, though, maybe some oysters.


Getting the awnings lined up for our day camp on the beach.


Oyster time.....sadly the tide was too far in.


Bugga!


Back to camp to get the rods in the water.


And this is how it's done!




No fish, but a brilliant day swimming.

Cossack

Next day trip and more fishing planned after exploring the area. The old town of Cossack has been restored. Very interesting.


First stop on the beach to get some little crabs for bait.


Looking, looking, looking!


So pretty. Hope the fish like them.


Oh Macey!


View from the lookout.




The old town of Cossack.


The rear of the old Bond Store. Now a lovely cafe.


The original prison.


The Court House.


Inside the Court House. Still with original furniture. 


Dezzi and Macey having a cuddle.


Fishing time.


No luck again, but more time floating in the water.

Point Samson

A drive through Point Samson on the way home.




Taylor Barracks

A friend of Mike and Margo's is the 2nd in command at Taylor Barracks in Karratha. So Major Damien gave us a guided tour around. The boys were very excited to have a play with the vehicles.




Mike's smile says it all!



Dampier

A day trip to see the sites of Dampier, which is the next town along from Karratha. Most commonly know as the home of Red Dog.




Pat, pat, there, there....good dog!


But who needs a statue when you can play with the real thing! This is Bob's very own red dog "Cobber". One word from Bob and he does whatever he wants.


Dampier bay.


Beach area.


Dampier is also another mineral Port.




This little island has a quite personal name....Intercourse Island!!!


Loading Iron Ore from Tom Price and surrounding Rio Tinto mines.

Dampier is also home to massive offshore gas mining and processing. The visitor information centre at the gas plant was so interesting.


We both kinda liked the sculpture out the front.


The flames from the chimney are an incredibly vivid orange.









Aerial view of the gas processing plant.


Pictures of pictures. This is one of the offshore plants. Totally unmanned.




Map showing the various platforms.


Just down the road is a small National Park. The hills look like someone has just dumped piles of red rock. Amazing.






Dampier is also home to another massive salt mine, as in Port Hedland. The overflow along the side of the road looks like mini icebergs. Beautiful.












Salt anyone?

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