Wildflower & Wheat Country Wandering

At Kalbarri we surprised ourselves with a 7.30am start which meant we were in Geraldton at 9.30am. Merilyn shopped whilst I went for a guided tour of the Memorial to the men lost on HMAS Sydney in WW2. I found the Memorial very moving. It was designed and built before the wreck of the ship was discovered. The dome, held up by 7 pillars (one for each State and Territory), consists of 644 metal seagulls, one for each sailor, spiralling towards heaven. The inspiration came to the artist during the playing of the Last Post when the land was being dedicated and a flock of seagulls spiralled around the bugle player. Another moving feature is the bronze statue of a woman (mother, wife, sister, girlfriend, daughter) gazing out to sea waiting the return of her loved one. When the ship was found it was discovered that the statue was gazing directly towards the wreck site.

 

Catching up with mail and some things which needed to be followed up meant that we did not have lunch until 3.00pm whilst on the way to Mullewa.

During our three days in Mullewa we visited the wildflower show, walked two wildflower trails, a town heritage trail and a trail commemorating the life and work of Monseignor Hawes - a remarkable Priest, Architect and Horseman who had lived in Mullewa for many years. Most of the Catholic churches in the district, including the Cathedral in Geraldton, were designed by him. Merilyn was particularly taken with the Priests House which was next to the Millewa Church.

 

 

Although the surrounding country looked quite lovely, a mosaic of green wheat and yellow canola, the crops are actually suffering through lack of water. The low rainfall also meant the wildflowers are not as spectacular as usual although we still found many and saw some lovely displays of everlastings.

 

  

On the way to Dalwallinu to catch up with Anne and Roger, we detoured to find the much sought after wreath leschenaulti. This is a 'must find' for many wildflower enthusiasts, some folk in the Mullewa  caravan park were very excited because they had found one after much searching. Roger had told us by phone where  to look and after travelling a fair distance we were thrilled to find the site right next to the road where there were dozens of wreaths of various sizes, and many other interesting plants as well.

 

 

It was great catching up with Anne and Roger again. Over a few days with them we wandered through the hills discovering some lovely wheatbelt towns, walked several wildflower trails finding 7 different orchids, did a guided tour of the monastic town New Norcia which was quite fascinating and will require a re-visit some time, attended an Anglican Church in  Wongan Hills where we met some lovely people and generally had a relaxing, chatting, sharing time. We have now parted company again, they are slowly heading towards Perth and we have turned east towards home. Unfortunately Merilyn has a nasty cold, the weather is freezing with gale force winds and rain - there was snow on Mt Stirling today which is a bit further south, but we are looking forward to catching up with family and friends.

 

Unfortunately the Internet connection is very shaky and will not download any more photos. You will just have to try and picture the orchids,  the large red flowers of the eucalyptus macrocarpa, and the blue leschenaulti yourselves. Sorry!