WA Day 11-exploring the local area. Thrombolites, but no dolphins.

Since it looked like we had perfect weather we decided that we really should see a bit of local colour before we leave Mandurah again, so we headed out this morning for a "Dolphin cruise"on the canals and estuary. The Dolphins had other ideas and stayed away.

We reminisced over an orienteering sprint event that we competed in here a few years ago as we waited for our cruise to start at about the same spot as the spectator controls were placed at that event, in front of the arts centre, looking over the water at the Sebel hotel.

We must have been virtually the only English speakers on the boat  (except for the crew) and we had some added entertainment when some of our fellow passengers decided to have a bit of a spat over seating arrangements. Eventually this was sorted, and we were on our way.

The marina is an interesting mix of fancy yachts, houseboats and working fishing boats, surrounded by expensive housing. It was interesting to see it from the water, instead of running over the walkways and not noticing much. They call it "Little Venice" and we could see why. In some spots the the bridges over the water are very reminiscent of that city.

The yachts pull in by the eateries here (3 hr limit) for lunch and then head off on their way again!

We had a lovely view of some very expensive real estate as we cruised the canals... blocks of land are at least 1 million and the house has the be of at least the same value.  So many different styles of building.  So many interesting boats parked out the front. So many beautiful swimming pools. Apparently at Christmas time there is a bit of internal competition for the best light display which makes for crowded waters as everyone that can comes along to admire the spectacle.  (Sounds a bit like Lobethal lights in the Adelaide Hills, but on water) . Book now if you want to do a cruise then.

After a yummy lunch on the waterfront we made a little detour to the Toyota dealer to have them take a look at our air conditioner.   It's all fine now and we might be glad of that on the way home.

Then on to see some throwbacks in the form of thrombolites.  Only about half an hour south of Mandurah is Lake Clifton where you can see this rare spectacle from a board walk.  These look like rocks but are like living fossils in that they are using photosynthesis to form calcium carbonate from the water itself as a living creature! It was a bit like stepping back into history.

We also took this opportunity to find a couple of caches and to read the sign and decide that one of our furry friends the other night at Shelley Beach was probably a Quenda,  as he looked very like the picture shown here.

To finish up the day we took up the offer of a bus ride to see the greyhounds race.  This is not something we have done before and probably not something that we will do again. The sunset on the way there was pretty impressive, but being a Tuesday night possibly the event was lacking in atmosphere a little. After a good feed at the buffet, and learning the basics of how to place a bet, watch your dog race and collect your winnings (if you were lucky) we decided that 6 of the 12 races was enough and called it a night.

Sun going down behind the greyhound track

Since we have most of a day tomorrow we are now planning to head down south and have a look at the 4WD track that we had been planning to try today. Since we don't have a buddy vehicle to drive with I'm hoping that it is not too tricky for us.