So. Why did we move to Albany?

As you will know by now, after 15 years in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast of SE Queensland, we made the momentous decision to return to the south west corner of Western Australia. It feels like coming home.

There are those who question why we would move from a sub-tropical paradise to a wet and windy city a long way from anywhere much. Whilst we really enjoyed the fifteen years we spent in Noosa and Queensland in general, it was time to come back here.

We have now been here for three months and so have settled in, and I thought a little picture essay of some of the delights of the area might be appropriate. I have not included any pictures of the City of Albany … it is much like many Australian towns with all the usual facilities but with less people. We still have lots of friends to catch up with but it has surprised us what a BIG THING moving interstate is and we have to admit that it has taken us a while to recover.

The story is all in the captions so let’s start with the nearest beach with its clear turquoise water.

Middleton beach is a short distance from home. Our house sits atop the right hand side of the hill behind.

From Middleton beach, a boardwalk runs around the headland to the Port of Albany and gives spectacular views.

It is spring here and so the wildflowers are showing themselves in spectacular fashion.

There are those that know the names of all these beauties – alas it is not I.

The beach on Vancouver Peninsular opposite the boardwalk.

Many migrating whales visit King George sound.

What a sight!

A windsurfer catches a wave at Lights Beach to the west of Albany

Seen from Little Grove across Princess Royal Harbour, the sun rises over Mount Clarence. Albany is shrouded in early morning mist.

Sleepy pelicans enjoying the sunrise

An early fisherman takes to the water.

A regular roost for Pelicans and Cormorants.

What an amazing creature. They are incredible flyers for a bird so clumsy on the ground.

The sun sets over Torbay Inlet to the west of Albany.

A seed pod, probably waiting for a fire to germinate.

Miniature flowers in the wind.

Bug eating plant about to get it’s dinner

Such beauty!

… and the colours!

An ancient tree in the dry country

I always thought this was called Green’s Pool. I think I was wrong, it is actually Green Pool, and I can see why.

To the east of Albany lies Normans Beach a favourite of ours

A whale calf having fun off Norman’s Beach

Not too many sunbathers here – Norman’s Beach.

Our every day views

I finish this little missive with a few pictures taken from our upstairs comfy seats where we spend a great deal of our time. With views like this, who wouldn’t!

The sunset from our bedroom window.

The sky above King George Sound gives us a continual show.

… and varies a great deal

Facing due east, we get the full moon rise!

Mornings can be misty

A ship waits to be called into the harbour.

Another day begins over Oyster Harbour.

So you may now get an idea of why we moved back here. It is a really beautiful area with white sandy beaches bookended with granite headlands. A reminder of the west coast of Scotland and Jacqui’s youth.

Apart from this, it has been great to catch up with our many friends in the area, (still more to go!), in which we lived for several decades.

May you all be well and happy.

Enjoy!

Alan.