Hidden in plain sight

RDP Saturday : Hidden

I recently visited Kalbarri, Western Australia, some 600 kms (or approximately 400 miles) from home. It was my first visit to this region in 40 years. I first went there when Dr T and I were dating. It was a sleepy, tiny hamlet where river mullets danced across the river with pelicans in hot pursuit. Dolphins silhouetted the horizon at sunrise and dusk. It was a magical place and still is, despite the changes over the years.

Kalbarri is now a thriving tourist destination. The area has gorges, wildflowers, river and ocean activities that draw folks to this region. I used to fly low over this region in a five seater plane and the view was always amazing. Silently, I would promise myself I would visit one day but work always got in the way of plans. There is so much to enjoy in this small place, there is grandeur and minutiae to see and experience.

With some trepidation I impulsively booked a sunset cruise on the Murchison River. It was the perfect thing to do for a couple of hours on a warm night. The small group of tourists from all around the world were soon chatting like friends. My heart was filled with nature and photo ops. Soon my fear of being on water was a distant memory.

With a stunning landscape around us, I suspect the views became ‘more of the same’ for some folks.

Not me! I was enthralled.

Murchison River, Kalbarri, Western Australia

It was moments like this that took my breath away.

I could not get enough of this region and will be returning in spring when it will be awash with wildflowers.

Until next time

As always

a dawn bird