Before I begin this blog post – I would like to print  a retraction as I’ve been advised that my calculations of distance between Mandurah and Broome was grossly overstated.  It is actually 2427kms rather than the “a few clicks under 3000kms”.  So, I stand corrected.

As you were……

97kms north of Geraldton is the little tiny coastal fishing town of Port Gregory.  When I say tiny, there are approximately 50 houses, a caravan park and a general story.

It sits snugly between the ocean – a beautiful beach; lined and protected by a long line of reef

and a massive pink lake

Why is it pink?  I hear you all ask……

It is pink due to a bacteria trapped in the salt granules which apparently provides a rich sauce of beta carotene….. I’ve had to google this – Thanks medicalnewstoday.com  – (Don’t tell me you don’t learn anything on this blog!)

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially carrots and colorful vegetables.

The name beta-carotene comes from the Greek “beta” and Latin “carota” (carrot). It is the yellow/orange pigment that gives vegetables and fruits their rich colors. H. Wachenroder crystallized beta-carotene from carrot roots in 1831, and came up with the name “carotene”.

Beta-carotene’s chemical formula – C₄₀H₅₆ – was discovered in 1907.

The human body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol) – beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision.

Beta-carotene in itself is not an essential nutrient, but vitamin A is.

Fast facts on beta-carotene

Here are some key points about beta-carotene. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Beta-carotene is a red/orange pigment found in many fresh fruits and vegetables
• Beta-carotene is converted into vitamin A, an essential vitamin
• Vitamin A is toxic at high levels
• Beta-carotene is a carotenoid and an antioxidant
• Foods rich in vitamin A include onions, carrots, peas, spinach and squash
• One study showed that smokers with high beta-carotene intake might have an increased risk of lung cancer
• Some evidence suggests that beta-carotene might slow cognitive decline
• Beta-carotene supplements interact with certain drugs, including statins and mineral oil
• Beta-carotene might help older people retain their lung strength as they age.

We think this is the house that we built….. there has been some debate, but it looks most like it out of the 3 houses on that side of the street – so we’re claiming it!

Anyway….. I digress.  Port Gregory is another place that holds memories for me as a kiddie.  We used to go up there with family friends; go fishing, catch crayfish, dive for abalone, drive along the beach with all the kids sitting (unrestrained) hanging off the back of the 4WD and fang around in beach buggies – this was in the days when fun wasn’t considered dangerous or illegal and you could go off exploring without fear of…. well anything!

Some places and events I remember straight out, but some I have to rely on old photos to put me back in that place.  As we drove out of Geraldton and headed north, Col and Jen regaled me with many a story of camping and fishing trips that we had taken over the years – most when I was too young to remember. Seriously, how we all survived is quite beyond me!

Now…. On to Kalbarri