Day 24: Thu 11 Apr 24 - Borden to Albany

Thu 11 Apr 24 - Borden to Albany (119km)

10 feeling like 8 Deg, clear and no wind in Borden, to 21 Deg, with a moderate SE wind, cloudy and light showers in Albany.  It was a lovely overnight stay, and so quiet. I love these small country towns. We got away at 08:30 heading along the Chester Pass Road which passes through the Stirling Range National Park. The first 50kms was at times narrower and much bumpier then most roads we've travelled this trip, but they improved again as we approached the Stirling Ranges. The views driving towards the Ranges were magnificent in the morning light. There were a few nervous moments as we spotted many emus grazing very close to the road.

We arrived in Albany around 10:00am, and because we were told that we couldn't check in before 2:00pm, we drove into town to visit the Information Centre and then find a coffee shop. Albany is much busier than expected, and the traffic was horrendous. We did a couple of laps of the Main Street (not much fun towing a 28 foot caravan  around small roundabouts in busy traffic), before we found the long vehicle parking bay at the front of the Information Centre. Shortly after, returning to the car with more information and activities than our three and half days will allow, we drove down towards the waterfront and parked on a large dirt car park next to the Convention Centre with no parking time restrictions. We then walked back into the town centre across the railway pedestrian crossing to a coffee shop for a late (1100) morning brew. 

Considering we have driven almost 4,700km (4,200km towing) in just over three weeks, and climbed a few rocks,  we're feeling like we need a break, so we decided to call the Tasman Holiday Park before checkin to see if we could extend our stay by one night - making it a 5-night stay. With availability confirmed, we were told that we could also check in whenever we were ready. So we returned to the car at pace, and we were surprisingly checked in and set up by 1:00pm. 

After a light snack, I dropped Noel off to buy a few groceries while I took the car to give it a much needed bath, then collected Noel and the shopping on the way back to the van. I need to replace my jockey wheel as it is almost impossible to wind up or down, so I went for a walk to a caravan parts store about 2 km away to see what they had in stock. The walk was very pleasant, and confirming the store does have a suitable replacement, although more pricey than expected,  I will return with the car tomorrow to buy it. 

Both feeling very tired today, we decided to leave any sightseeing around Albany until tomorrow, so a very quiet day with the camera was had. I'm sure I'll make up for it tomorrow.

An amazing view driving towards the Stirling Ranges

An amazing view driving towards the Stirling Range


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