Cape Naturaliste, Western Australia

It has been awhile since my last post, and given this blog's original purpose - to remind us of where we have been - it is time to add a post or two of recent outings, before we forget. In fact, during our latest trip (to Western Australia last week), we struggled to recall the places we had been in the past year. I do not think the only reason to travel is to create memories. We don't have to remember everything we do, see, and eat. It is enough for travel to enrich the now. However, it is also enjoyable to curate photographs and memories and assemble them to share.

Last week we took a short break from Singapore (and just at the perfect time to avoid some of the worst smog/haze the country has ever experienced). We took a 5 hour flight to Perth, Australia. The goal was to chill, both literally because it is now winter in Australia, and figuratively since we intended only to do some walking and wine tasting. I had just sent a paper to a journal and wanted to reset. We had just celebrated our 12th anniversary and wanted to do something new. Off to Perth! 

Among the things we will likely remember was a hike around Cape Naturaliste, facing the Indian Ocean. These photographs can never do justice to the actual place, but they give some sense of what it is like. 

Our first view of the Indian Ocean after a short walk from the parking lot.

Deep blue waters off the coast of Western Australia

We had the beach to ourselves 

Rocks jutting from the beach as if saluting the weather.

Crystal clear water

Not to be outdone by the water, the sky answered with its own gorgeous blue.

Following our hike, we ate spinach soup and an endive, arugula, caramelized onion tart at Bunker's beach cafe

After lunch we visited two wineries for a tasting. The dark red soil contrasted with the blue sky and surprisingly (for winter) green foliage and grass to awaken the senses. I think it made the wine taste better.