Whales and Picnic at Frenchman Bay

Whaling Ship Cheynes IV

Albany is on a whale route of western Australia; therefore, whaling became one of its first industries and that continued until 1978.  Whale oil was used in many products and this business helped establish the colony.  We visited Whale World where we learned about the practices of flensing (harvesting the whale oil).  There was an interesting old whale ship the Cheynes IV, to tour and good 3D movies on whales and sharks. There are not many old whaling stations left in the world and this one is preserved to teach about past practices, and the men who worked on whale chasers who endured the harsh life.  After whaling stopped, Albany became an important port for exportation of wood chips and grains.  There are 3 magnificent harbors with blue water and picturesque white sand beaches.



Frenchman's Bay Southern Ocean






 

After our exploration of Whale World, we picnicked on Frenchman's Bay.  The club brought "heaps" of sandwiches, fresh fruit and desserts.  We stuck our feet into the Great Southern Ocean which goes into the Indian Ocean.  We then "popped over" to Gap and Natural Bridge, gorgeous rock formations that we climbed and walked along ocean pathways through a wind farm.   The president of the club, Steve Metcalf, took us around (it's called "dayhosting" in Friendship Force terms).  Steve is the club's first president since the club is only 3 years old.  He's done a great job establishing it here - and their club works with the Perth Club so that people who come here (such a long way) have 2 different locations to visit. 


Photos
Whale World
Torndirrup  National Park
Frenchman Bay
Stony Hill






Two Friendship Presidents -Joanne with Steve Metcalf, Albany Australia

Natural Cap along Great Southern Ocean