After what feels like weeks on end of waking up to the call of the alarm, we decided today to leave the alarm off, switch the phones to silent and ignore the pawing of the dogs, to enjoy a sleep in. The only hiccup to our lie in was at a way too early hour to be awake, when the couple in the van across the road had issues lining their truck up to get it mated to their van and ended up screaming at each other. I didn’t hear it, but if I had of, I would have kindly lent them our little radios so that we could at least listen in a little easier. From then, it wasn’t until almost 11:00AM that our body clocks decided that it was time to face the world.

We had been able to fit a lazy morning into our schedule, as we didn’t have a great deal planned for the day. The only thing we intended to do was follow the tourist drive that was set out in ‘the book’ we had been given at the information centre the other day. The 40Km loop is designed to take in some of the natural wonders of the region including a not so pink, Pink Lake, a number of marvelous beaches and look outs for postcard perfect vistas, as well as a close up look at the power generating wind turbines.

The first stop on the trip was the low bluff overlooking Pink Lake. While a sign at the lookout describes the organic activity that leads to the pink tinge to the water, the lake took on a decidedly bleak gray appearance for our visit today. Our brochure had kindly warned us that the lake was unlikely to be tinged with pink though, so we couldn’t complain. Continuing along the route mapped out in our brochure, we next came to a sensational beach at 10 Mile Lagoon.

Better hurry, Bec’s gone that way!

…but great for photos.

Not much for swimming…

A steep descent down a stairway fashioned from old car tyres filled with dirt led down to the narrow stretch of shore upon which glassy water was breaking forcefully, a foamy white layer of suds coating the wetted sand. Again, the temperature was too low to be able to fully enjoy the beach, so we whiled away a few minutes taking photographs, before struggling back up to the distant car park to continue on our way.

The next point of note on the map was the wind farm. Spread across two wind farms, there are 15 turbines that supplement Esperances energy usage. We were able to get up close and personal to one of these towers, in the walk up to the nearby lookout. Walking around the base, I was amazed at the size of the unit when seen from such an oblique angle. The lookout provided us with far reaching views, both out to sea and back across the field of giant white propellers, all standing proud, facing into the wind, the blades spinning slowly, but powerfully.

Standing tall, a power generating wind turbine seen from ground level.

Our next break was at the Observatory Beach, where we were greeted with lengthy flight of timber steps leading down to what looked like a perfect beach. Had the weather been more conducive to swimming, we may have made the effort to clamber down, but on this occasion decided against it.

It may as well have been from here to eternity. The reason we didn’t sink our toes into the sand of Observatory Beach.

Instead, we motored onward, stopping at a lookout next, where we found yet another stretch of stairs to climb to reach the knoll on which the lookout platform was constructed. We did make the effort to climb these and with expansive 180^o  views, it was well worth the exertion. To one side of us, powerful waves were crashing against a rock strewn shore, while on the other, similar waves were cascading across a horseshoe of glittering sand.

Bec makes it to the peak.

While I slowly bring up the rear.

The beaches spread out below.

Twilight Beach was the next beach at which we were destined to stop. This is the beach that won the title of Australias best beach. Sure, it was way back in 2006 when the title was taken out, but things don’t seem to have changed much. It is indeed alluring, with acres of talcum powder like white sand leading down to vivid aqua water. We wandered along the beach, imagining what it would be like if only it was warm enough to dip our toes in the chilly water.

The calm waters of Twilight Beach.

The final stop on our tourist drive was a further lookout, this one closer to town. The Rotary Lookout is atop a raised dais allowing scenic vistas of the town spread out below us as well as further ocean views. That marked the completion of the defined drive along which we really did get to see Esperance and surrounds in the best possible light. Our day wasn’t done yet though, as all this peering at beaches had me intent on getting my feet wet, so we took a quick detour past the van to get changed before heading back to the town beach.

Far from spectacular as the other beaches we had been privy to, it at least allowed us to get the dogs out for a saunter down the sand. Both of them were ready to run, although the fun almost ended in tears as Bethany pulled up short with a sore leg after a particularly energetic gallop. If it’s going to happen, it’s always going to happen to her. She just doesn’t know when to stop, although we knew it was painful for her when she started to limp heavily on it. I ended up carrying her back to the comfort of ‘The Beast’. She might be small, but gee she’s heavy when you’ve got to man handle her over a few hundred metres of silky soft sand.

With Bethany back in ‘The Beast’ that pretty much spelt the end of our day as we collected groceries with which to prepare dinner, before heading back to the van where we’ve tried as best we can to keep Bethany from bouncing around on her sore leg. Poor bugger, if she’s not suffering a stomach upset, she’s nursing a tender leg.

Until next time, stay safe, have fun and don’t forget to write.