News letter

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eter and I took the Xmas holidays off with a trip up the north coast from Perth to Kalbarri. Kalbarri lies on the Western Australian P

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coast, 661km north of Perth. This delightful fishing town is renowned for its rich and diverse wildflower displays during spring and the spectacular gorge and coastal scenery created by the Murchison River as it cuts its way through Kalbarri National Park, home of the spectacular Natures Window, to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The temp that day was 40 degrees !

We walked around the town and viewed the spectacular Eagles gorge, (no eagles flying – just way to hot !) had lunch and started to make our way back to another delightful town called Geraldton (approx 440 kms from perth) We stayed at the Ocean view hotel in Gerladton for a few days as you

can see form the image below the hotel was perfectly situated for the best view ever ...!!! We were so blessed and got to stay in a room facing the ocean , was splendid waking up every morning to the sound of the waves breaking and the sight of the majestic ocean ......Both Peter and I LOVED this spot .

The photo of peter was taken from our

hotel room – Peter was watching a tug towing a ship out of the harbour ....

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On the way back we stopped at the Pinnacles The extraordinary ancient rock formations that make up the Pinnacles are located about a three-hour drive north of Perth near the coastal town of Cervantes.

Regarded as one of Australia's most unique landscapes, these incredible limestone spiers rise eerily out of the sand, some several metres tall. You can get up close to the Pinnacles on a scenic drive and walk trail that includes an amazing lookout over the Nambung National Park. It's believed the Pinnacles were created millions of years ago as seashells were broken down into sand and then eroded by water and wind.

Peter has now gone back to Port Hedland and the new project he is tackling is now in full swing. This project is estimated to be completed in 18months- 2 years .Peter will be one of the Senior Engineer’s on site, the aim of this project is to create a new wharf and the associated facilities for loading the mined iron ore. Peter will be on a 22 day on and 6 day off rotation, which means he gets to fly home for those 6 days.(Our Frequent flyer miles will really build up with all this flying....yippee ...a free flight somewhere soon !)

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A little about Port Hedland

Port Hedland is the highest tonnage port in Australia and largest town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, with a population of approximately 14,000 (this includes its satellite suburb South Hedland, 18 km away).

Port Hedland is a natural deep anchorage port which, as well as being the main fuel and container receivable point for the region, is seen as perfect for shipment of the iron ore being mined in the ranges located inland from the town.

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Caitlin is growing up so fast now and gives us so much joy, she is already very comfortable with the computer and chats to her granny and Grandpa quiet often via skype. She is just so cute

always take over when ever Caroline and I are chatting .....loves pushing buttons that light up !! (like the delete button! Which Clive has now disabled) and always wants to be the first to tell us( in her own language) about her day’s events .I took a photo of her chatting to me one morning

Caitlin in her Cooking outfit ..... She just loves her food and goes a little berserk for bananas!!!! Isnt she a real blessing ?

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Happy Birthday to the following :

1. Mom (Pat) O Grady ................12 January 2. Nicholas Twiggs ............ .……13 January 3. Danielle Chivers ..... ............22 January 4. Peter Butcher ........................27 January 5. Tamlyn Venter ......................30 January

Peter and Cathy