Today however , we chose to go to one of Carnarvons bigger attractions - One Mile Pier . The pier was once the lifeblood of the town , state owned ships would come from Geraldton & Perth bringing supplies , taking back cattle & produce to markets . There was , and still is a rail line that runs to the end of the pier - now used by a small locomotive that takes people almost all the way to the end of the pier .
The locomotive is gradually having it's distance shortened as the condition of the pier deteriorates , and after walking it's entire length today , it's lucky it's running at all !!!!The sleepers used in the decking are weathered and loose and very uneven - you need to watch where you are walking otherwise you will trip over - and that's a shame because you don't get to take in the views . Admittedly the view for the first 600m is mainly tidal mangrove flats , then another 300m of beach before you get to the water , the surrounding landscape is generally flat , with the main feature behind you being the satellite dish .
Out at the end of the pier the last 100m is fenced off . The old timber pylons have rotted away at water level , making this part a little shaky to say the least - it doesn't stop the fishermen though , they go around the fence or through the hole that's been cut in the steel mesh !!
The birds don't mind the end of the pier either .
The have been some sections of the pier replaced after someone decided to set it alive 4 years ago - they replace 75m of decking and supports at a cost of $1.3million !!!!!! There was a lot of community funding used to help replace it - I don't think there is enough community support to save the rest of the pier , and it will probably be closed for public access sooner rather than later !! They do charge you $5 each to go for a walk out there , our $10 won't go far in the restoration stakes . The rail tracks are held in place with coach screws - at least what's left of the tracks - rust is also taking it's toll !!
There was an interesting cloud formation , making for interesting photo's .
After chatting to some of the fishermen/women , we wandered back , stopping occasionally to take in the view of the estuary of the Gascoyne River and the beach .
Back at the ute , we drove past the small rail museum . Some of the carriages are still there , all in various stages of deterioration / restoration .
Don't adjust your computers , it is black & white - just having a little play !!
From here we went back into town and grabbed some fish & chips and then went down to the Fascine beside the water . Last year we got some amazing photos from here - it is now finished - they have completed the upgrade they were doing . There is now a retaining wall with footpath / bike path, grassed areas and access to the inlet for boats to tie up against , seating , and fish cleaning tables - it is a really nice feature for the town .
Especially for my golfing friends , here are a couple of photos for you - however dry you think your course is , check this out - Carnarvon Golf Club - Ist hole 195m Par 3 from tee to green ( sand scrape) and the 9th hole looking from green (sand scrape ) to tee - down the fairway ????? - not much fair about this , it's all sandy on a clay base !! and only 9 holes !!
So there you are , all up to date again , bye for now !!
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