Here we are again , having spent a few days at Port Hedland , catching up with friends Gary & Linda , and restocking before heading further upwards . As we're not in a rush , it was decided to not go too far each day - we were also heading into the wind , which isn't optimal for fuel consumption . We stopped at 3 rest areas on the way at DeGrey River , Stanley & Goldwire rest areas . That also left us with a short 40 klm drive to Barn Hill Station Stay . We got to their driveway at 9:45 am and made our way in - it's 10 kms from the highway and a little bit corrugated and bumpy in spots , they've got a 40 klm speed limit on the road - not that you'd know with some people trying to get there as quickly as possible . We were happy that about 15 vans had come out while we went in , meaning more spots for us to choose from . Our spot from last year was taken , but we found one that was a little closer to the amenities . After setting up and having lunch it was time to hit the beach again .
Negotiating the track down to the sand was done and we wandered up the beach , the afternoon sun was shining on the rock pillars again , and the clouds were looking interesting . While walking we looked over at the rocks and it felt like being in a movie with all the rocks moving as we edged along the beach .
It may only be a plant that attempts to grow along the sand dunes , but it sends out runners that are 20-30 metres long .
This ones taken from about 8m above the beach looking down the small cliff and onto the beach - do love this place - it is one of the most pristine feeling places we've been to - you've got this 5klm stretch of beach to walk on and there may only be another 3 or 4 on it at the same time .
A little bit of pre warning , if you don't like sunsets don't come here , they are spectacular most days and awesome others - just when you think it will be a dud , it comes out and says , cop this !!
This is the pinyin cliff on the southern side beach - another couple of kilometres beach to walk on .
This is the rocky outcrop that separates the 2 beaches - many , many layers and colours .
Here's one of the flowering shrubs that survives the climate here . Flowers are really starting earlier this year due to the recent rainfalls .
Cliffs are at the south side beach , but at the far end and around the next corner or 2.
Tidal ripples are visible as the water recedes at low tide , they're also different colours .
This rock pillar shows an amazing mixture of levels as it formed .
The shells here also adopt the pindan colouring . Pindan is actually the red coloured dirt that is covering up a lot of rock pillars , they gradually appear as the pindan is eroded away . Pindan also turns into very fine dust that finds it's way into everything .
The rocks also show some amazing colours as they get worn away by the waves , even the weed is orange - it's either a type of seaweed or a very flexible coral .
There were a few of these little birds - terns maybe ??
The rocks here take centre stage - even in the distance they look like they're falling apart .
Low tide around the rock pools is also interesting , showing off the colours of the rocks & barnacles .
This year it's far busier than last , many people seem to be down fishing - the most we've seen was only about 12 - but that's busy enough haha .
Here's a birds eye view of the southern beach , showing the red of the pindan , the darker red/brown is ironstone , then you get all the colours blending together in the sands .
Same spot , but from directly above it .
Another couple of beaches on the southern end .
This is the end of the south side beach , you can see more pindan cliffs further inland and a few creeks that pour some water onto the beach when it rains a lot .
Stay tuned for more of Barn Hill .
