Western Australia from a 172 Cessna 

We had been wanting to see the Abrolhos Islands

 and one of Norm's Australian co-workers was a pilot,

 so what were we waiting for?

(And yes, those are fanny packs, but they contain our life vests)

Huge thanks to our pilot Brett

The fields of canola, wheat and purple lupine as we take off.

Below us, as we leave Geraldton, is the beach across from our apartment.

 Our first glimpse of the Abrolhos Islands, about 40 miles off shore.

There are a number of ship wrecks on these islands.  

The most famous was the Batavia in 1629 on her maiden voyage.

There are about 122 islands in 3 main groups.

The Islands are known for the western rock lobster

 and the famous gray Abrolhos pearls.

 And of course, amazing snorkeling.  Below are some fishing huts.

We also spotted a least a dozen whales in this area 

as they were heading south

 to their feeding grounds near Antarctica.

We headed back to the mainland to see the gorge

 in Kalbarri National Park and the Murchison River.

We did some hiking in this area last October.

The Murchison River entering the Indian Ocean.

 The coastal cliffs including the Island Rock and Natural Bridge.

 Below us is the Pink Lake.

  Its unique color comes from a carotenoid producing algae.

Another way to enjoy God's amazing creation.