Augusta’s Coastline

Took a drive down south to Augusta to eat fish and chips, and we headed further to have a look at the coast and the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse. Never mind that it was a stormy grey day. We went out anyway. It wasn't as if we were going whale-spotting and getting thoroughly soaked. This little rain didn’t dampen our moods or made it a tough drive.

The weather forecast was spot-on. We would miss viewing the sunset at the lighthouse or along the stretch of coastline, and planned our day to skip that and head back to town by late afternoon. We’ve seen splendid sunsets for many days and will see a few more! So missing today’s was okay.

We drove over to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to take a look at the reception counter and cafe. It is sited at Cape Leeuwin, the most south-westerly point of the mainland Australia continent. This lighthouse was automated in 1982, and its keepers were withdrawn. Now, it's a tourist site. We skipped going up to the top of the lighthouse. It was raining too heavily to pay AUD6 to get drenched walking around, even in our raincoats or with an umbrella. The winds were strong. It would cost us AUD20 each to climb up to the top of the lighthouse on a guided tour. The rain would have obscured all views. If this was a sunny day, it would be an easy decision. Ah well, never mind.

Lunch of fish and chips at Blue Ocean was fantastic. We caught a break from the rains and had time to stroll along the rocks down by the beach. Having a car to drive around is incredibly convenient. We could stop at any spot that wouldn't obstruct traffic, and get out to breathe in this fresh air.

We parked at Quarry Bay and went down to Cape Leeuwin's historic water wheel. Constructed in 1895, it was used to supply fresh water to the lighthouse keepers. That itself is mundane, unless you're a history buff. The water wheel sits amidst gorgeous rocks, greens and blues. The dark skies and incoming storm made the landscape look desolate and rough-hewn. It was magnificent. The cold biting winds lent so much poetic backdrop. Slippery rocks. Warm seawater! The short walk felt wonderful.

Oddly, I’ve missed Seattle’s grey and rains, and the little pockets of rocky beaches along Puget Sound. Today’s weather in Augusta made me feel a little of that Seattle chill and thrill. I wore a little bit of Seattle in my Eddie Bauer raincoat, and its hood kept me snug. I didn’t mind walking in the rain. Getting wet in these temperatures wouldn’t give me a cold. It made me feel so alive. As grey and dreary the day was, I was a happy camper.