Day 26: Sat 13 Apr 24 - Albany

Sat 13 Apr 24 - Albany 

13 Deg no wind, reaching 23 Deg mostly clear and sunny day.

Noel became sick last night, so it was very late before we got to sleep. We don't know if it was seafood, as I cooked fish for myself and chicken for Noel for dinner,  separately outside using a fry pan for the fish and air fryer for chicken.  It is possible that cross contamination has occurred, but because we’re so careful, Noel thinks that something else may be at play.  An otherwise rather enjoyable day ended not so nicely.

With Noel waking not feeling well, we amended our plans for the day. After eventually getting going, we drove along a scenic drive to Middleton Beach then back to the National ANZAC Centre located on Mount Adelaide.  Opened on 1 Nov 2014, this is an impressive state-of-the-art facility that commemorates the departure of the ANZACS from Albany. Through its use of multimedia, interactive technology, and historical artefacts, one can develop a deeply personal connection with the past and pay tribute to individuals who served. The interactive visual and audio displays are superb, and the views across King George Sound simply stunning. After a couple of hours engrossed in the exhibition, we returned to the van for lunch, then I returned to the Padre White Lookout, the Desert Mounted Corps Memorial and Avenue of Honour on Mt Clarence or another, slower, look around. 

While at the Memorial, I received a call from an old Navy Cook Mate (Vince Ruffo), who lives in Albany, but I haven't seen for almost 30 years. I returned to the van, then Vince and his wife called past to pick us up and took us to a sports bar for a few beers and dinner. It was great catching up on the years past, and they kindly invited us to dinner at their home tomorrow night for part 2. It feels so good renewing old acquaintances. We were back at the van by 08:30pm following a lovely day and evening.


Lookout across Ataturk Entrance from the scenic drive to Middleton Beach

Lookout across Ataturk Entrance from the scenic drive to Middleton Beach


National ANZAC Centre

Noel enjoying the views across Ataturk Entrance from the National ANZAC Centre

Noel enjoying the views across Ataturk Entrance from the National ANZAC Centre
The sculpture is titled 'The ANZAC Spirit' - Sharing the last of the water with my old mate, he deserves a drink as much as I before the charge. Of all the horses that were sent overseas in WW1, only one returned...

Noel enjoying the views across Ataturk Entrance from the National ANZAC Centre.
The names of the 41,265 Australians and New Zealanders who left on the first and second convoys (from Albany) are recorded here.

National ANZAC Centre

Desert Mounted Corps Memorial

Desert Mounted Corps Memorial

Desert Mounted Corps Memorial

Desert Mounted Corps Memorial

View from Padre White Lookout

View across Albany from Padre White Lookout

Paadre White Lookout

View from Padre White Lookout

View from Padre White Lookout

View from Padre White Lookout

Avenue of Honour


Mt Adelaide Summit - In the foreground, the ships of the 2nd convoy as they were assembled at King Goeoge Sound, prior to departure on 31 Dec 1914. 

Mt Adelaide Summit - In the foreground, the ships of the 1st convoy as they were assembled at King Goeoge Sound, prior to departure on 1 Nov 1914

Mt Adelaide Summit Convoy Lookout - Heritage Rose Garden

Pause and Reflect

This memorial garden is dedicated to the strength and courage of Women in Wartime.

The women who served,

The women who nursed,

And the women who remained at home and waited.

They bore the long and terrible years of uncertainty and grief.

They took up the baton passed by their men away at war and shouldered the load,

Both in the work place and at home.

They then cared for the damaged minds and bodies of those who returned.

In this peaceful place take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices of the heroes

Of the other side of war,

The Women of War.

Pause and Reflect in Peace


Mt Adelaide Summit Convoy Lookout

Mt Adelaide Summit Convoy Lookout


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