The Amsterdam arrived to Hanover Bay in the larger Princess Royal Harbour around 6am this morning. We were safely docked by 8am, and cleared by the local authorities by 8:10am. The city of Albany is located in Western Australia, and has the distinction of being the oldest continuous settlement in this part of the country.
Arriving by ship in 1826, Major Edmund Lockyer arrived with his crew, several convicts, and their lock, stock, and barrels. That consisted of 50 men with sheep and pigs. It took six weeks for them to arrive from Sydney to Albany. The very first Europeans to sight this area happened as early as 1627, but it was not until 1791, that George Vancouver claimed Western Australia as a British possession. At that time, the original inhabitants were the Minang Noongar Aboriginal people. It has been documented that these natives lived here for 50,000 years. When the Europeans arrived in 1826, the natives cooperated (more or less) with the invasion, teaching them fishing techniques and how to live off of the land.
Eventually, Freemantle was developed and became the largest deep water port in Western Australia, keeping Albany a more rural community. The weather is cool and wet with summer temperatures mostly in the 70’s. Albany gets about 37 inches of rain a year. Much of its history involves the whaling industry, but it also is famous for World War One history, as over 41,000 Australians and New Zealanders left Albany bound for the Great War in 1914. The National Anzac Center tells the history of the conflicts at Gallipoli, the Middle East, and the Western Front, as well as post-war info.
Five tours were available today for 3 ½ hours to 8 hours, costing $90 to $200. Most all of them were out of town. Since whaling was a big factor here, a trip to the Whaling Station, now a museum, showcased a restored whale-chaser vessel named Cheynes IV. This station was built in the 1950’s and operated unto the 1970’s. It was the last of these stations to close in Australia.
The Torndirrup National Park is a place to see dramatic land formations called the Gap, with drops to the ocean 78 feet below. The Natural Bridge are gigantic rocks that span the torrents the see the awesome power of the sea below. A new viewing platform allows brave tourists to walk above these torrents. We have been on this tour, as well as the whale station tour which took all of it in.
Another excursion we did a few years ago was a trip to see red tinglewood trees that measured 17 yards in circumference. It was called a walk through the giants. This time, there was a buffet lunch included, which our tablemate Ken said was great. Good food, and all you can eat. Worked for him.
The other tour went to wineries, and a chance to see giant wind turbines and a war memorial. Brenda took this excursion, and enjoyed most of it. The best part – the wineries of course.
Today we chose to stay in town, and do some walking. Once at the terminal, we were handed a local map and guide, while listening to the lone bagpiper playing for the guests. Normally, we don’t take the shuttle here, but since there was one waiting outside the terminal, we got in the line, and got the last of the seats. It was only a five minute ride across the railroad tracks and up the hill to the Town Hall. Many volunteer guides were available to give directions and more maps to all that asked. They were all so friendly, it was heart-warming.
We knew our way around town, and headed uphill towards the shopping area. Believe it or not, a Kmart is up here, and other big stores. We needed some pharmacy items, and we found just what we needed at the Reject Store. Yeah, we know, a funny name, but this store is the same as our Dollar Stores at home. Only a bit more extensive and more expensive.
One of our buddies, Sue, was searching for a place to get a haircut. We would expect those services to be expense as well in Australia. One of us got a haircut on the ship yesterday, and it only cost $25 (plus 15% gratuity). This is quite reasonable we think, and the hair dresser did a fine job in less than 20 minutes.
We ran into friends Eddie and Lee, who were sitting in the mall, searching for free internet. No such luck. Back by the library we had talked to other friends who were having a hard time getting online there. So we suggested they find a café, and get online there. We would do the same later on. Suddenly, Eddie (who is in his 90’s), asked to take our picture, because he noticed we were wearing long jeans, and not shorts. First time this cruise, that he saw that. Funny……
With our one job done, we walked back downhill, stopping to take photos of every historical landmark. We were also looking for a place we had a pretty good pizza the last time we were here. But we found the raised patio was gone, and the café was now a small boutique. We’d have to search for a new venue, or wait until we went back to the ship for lunch. Darn…..
It was still early, so we continued to the Anzac Peace Park, down near the water’s edge. There is an expanse of park greens here, and it obviously a perfect place to walk dogs. We chatted with a local couple with their dog, who had just chased a flock of gulls, so proud of the work he did. They inquired where we were from, telling us they were from Scotland originally. When we told them we were from the San Francisco area, they laughed and said we had come a long way to get the same type of weather we have at home. Of course, they admitted that today would have been a hot day in their home country. Don’t think we have ever been here that it was not overcast and drizzly. The locals are so friendly, reminding us that we had a similar experience the last time we were here. Many folks obviously know we are visitors, and go out of their way to welcome us. Nice.
From here, we headed towards the Brig Amity Replica, a copy of the exact ship that sailed from Sydney to Albany in 1826. Locals built this boat in 1975, and incorporated it with a Heritage Trail with 17 sites to visit in a walk about town. Even Captain Jonathon was exploring the site, especially the ship, taking as many photos as we did. Many times in ports, he will put on a regular jacket and a baseball cap, and no one knows it is him. Must be difficult to get a few minutes of solitude with his job.
Right near the ship is the Residency, built in the 1850’s as the commissariat and stores for the convicts hiring depot. Eventually, it became the government residency, but by 1953, the residents complained that it was cold, damp, and uncomfortable. So it opened as the site of the Western Australian Museum. We went inside, and found some neat displays showing the natural and social history of the region. By the way, they had nice restrooms there.
It was close to noontime, and we were ready for lunch. Walking back towards the new Albany Entertainment Center. For such a traditional settlement, this building is extremely modern. It is a venue for conferences, shows, and food. Nearby was another big restaurant/bar, where you ordered your food at a counter, then it was brought to you. The name was Due South. They did have many styles of pizza, as well as beef, chicken, and a few fish entrees. We ordered a cheese and tomato pizza, a side of fries, and two local draught beers. All was good. This place was filling with locals, which is a sign that the food was good. It is also located in the small marina, where many boats were moored.
Some of the larger catamarans were chartered whale-watching tour boats. The season for the whales is between late May and early October. The King George Sound provides a natural and safe harbor for several species of whales such as humpbacks, southern rights, minke, orcas, and an occasional blue whale. The price for a three hour tour is $95, and includes hot and savory food, home-made scones, jam, and cream, and tea or coffee. Not a bad deal, we think.
Recently, our Kindle had the game apps stop, needing to be updated and renewed. Going online in the restaurant was easy and fast. Within minutes, all of the games updated. Perhaps while we are in the next port, we will do the same with the computer. It seems to work way better to download the security measures off of the ship, since sometimes the speed is too slow. Another job done.
Walking slowly back to the ship, we were back by 2pm. Well before the required all onboard time of 4:30pm. Worked on photos until it was time for sail away on the aft deck. Only, it appeared that it had been partially moved to the Crow’s Nest. Gone were the little flags, and the bar set-up. The bar staff did promote the drink of the day, but there were no hot treats passed around the guests. Of course, the wind was blowing steady and strong, so there was not a huge crowd out here. Sadly, we learned from a couple of our new Canadian friends, that they will be leaving the ship due to health reasons. Certainly a huge disappointment, they know it will be for the best. Sorry to see them leave, we wished her well.
At his sail away talk, the Captain said that we would see a pile of white sand, which was silica, exported to Toyota for making windows and windshields for their cars. The huge silo complex where dozens of big rig trucks were loading, were for wheat storage. The last huge piles were wood chips, also exported, but to Japan, where it is turned into paper. All good info.
The Amsterdam sailed out of the bay between a narrow gap, entering some rougher seas once again. Captain Mercer mentioned that we could expect 6 foot swells, but as the night progressed, these swells doubled. Or at least it felt like it. One good thing, is that when we arrive to our next port of Freemantle, the temperature should be close to 80 degrees with sunny skies.
Dinner was fun as we all had stories of the day to share. Everyone had done something different, so we got to hear of a variety of activities, more than anyone of us could have done in a day. The only thing missing, was a guest we were expecting – the hotel director, Henk M. Phillip, our dining room manager, had told us he was going to join us this evening, so we waited to order. Fifteen minutes went by, and no Henk. Turned out, he dined early with another couple with the names Bill & Mary. Only Phillip sort of forgot to tell us he had the wrong table. Not a big deal, we asked him to send Henk M another time, if he wishes.
The show this evening was the return of the Divalicious divas, Fiona and Penny, who would be competing to hit the high notes. High c’s on the high seas, they promised. Brenda told us that the previous night’s showing of the Frozen Planet Live with music by the orchestra was great. Only the music over-powered the video for her and many other folks sensitive to loud music. That is one thing we truly enjoyed while sailing on the Eurodam this last fall. We loved the BBC nature series we watched on the large screen TV in our room. So much so, that we did not mind watching them at least twice.
Tomorrow we shall be arriving to Freemantle and docked by 4pm, spending the night with a full day to follow on the 22nd. Looking forward to it.
Bill & Mary Ann
The terminal in Albany
A lone bagpiper, reflecting the Scottish heritage
The walk from the gangway was long
Flags represent visiting countries
Complimentary shuttle bus to town
The small boat marina
Gangway was deck A forward
All aboard – 4:30pm
Old train tracks
Not much in the terminal but maps and brochures
Available tours onshore
Albany’s Town Hall
York Street
Typical architecture of Albany
A round about
Summer surf shop…there are beaches here
One of many Norfolk Island pines
Coles is the grocery store, while Kmart has everything else
There is a new tourist information building going up
A Minang Noongar Aboriginie
Man of Peace, Mokare
Small businesses
Clock tower of Town Hall
Town Hall goes back to the 1800’s
Dedication to this building
Tents of the craft market
Shops on York Street
Real Estate
Everything you need, you can find here
Baptist Church
Info Center
Another church
Church grounds
Historic sites
One tall palm
Church grounds
Neat facades
War Memorial
Not a whole lot of traffic today
You are here
This is where we had great pizza on a patio – now a shop
Surely, we will find another lunch place
Heading back down to the water
The more historical area is here
Backpackers Hotel
A bit out of place, but popular with the tourists
The Anzac Peace Park
Back side of the Entertainment Center
Expanse of lawn
Birds in a row
Turned into the wind
Silver gulls
Too lazy to fly
A pretty type of gull, we think
Ship docked very close to town
Birds on the rocks
Scenic coastline of the bay
Great place to walk dogs
Posing at the Anzac Peace Park
A dog flushed the birds
Flock of silvers
Looking for a landing spot
Until another dog comes along
Resting
Flying
Floating
A pier dedicated to the submarines that left from here
Well-documented submarine plaque
Amity Brig Replica
Ship was close to the wheat storage complex
Albany Entertainment Center
Taking in the view
Last sight the troops saw before leaving for the war
A nice memorial
Silver gull on the left, tern on the right
Tern in flight
Silver gull
This might be a male silver
Can’t decide if this is an arctic tern
It is a mid-size bird
