4^th September: Gingin

Where is Gingin? Never heard of it? Well, I selected it because it is close to Perth, close to New Norcia and in the Chittering wine valley. But, although it is a very old town, it is a very small town and we missed the Caravan Park as we drove in! We had to drive back almost out as it is behind a roadhouse very close to the intersection of the Brand Hwy and the road into the town. It is a wheat area and so the Galahs are going berserk tonight still.

Despite the forecast of a sunny, warm day, there has been a very cold westerly wind cutting through to the very bone and an overcast sky which mistles rain every so often. So freezing that we are not in shorts today but jeans and coats! First time since Charters Towers!! I only have 2 pairs of jeans.Could be a problem from here on!

We came from Cervantes across to the Brand Hwy and then went north to Badgingarra, a little spot on the map with a service station and little else. However, it is the entrance to the Badgingarra NP which is an area of low heath with a wealth of wildflowers throughout, mostly in flower and very visible. We walked 4 kms, stopping to photograph as many of the beautiful blooms as possible: yellow and white feather flowers, lillies, eremeas, low banksias, wattles, cats paw, kangaroo paw etc! (Another 156 pictures of flowers! Some will have to be deleted as the camera didn't like focussing so closely!) However, I am now able to recognise many of them. My little books have helped (even if one is written in Japanese and a little English!)

The drive here was uneventful except we couldn't find the caravan park. But the sides of the road are covered in wattles, geraldton wax and other wildflowers. It was a stunning display!