Beweller's Big Adventure: September 11th-13th, 2011-Lake Argyle Resort, Lake Argyle

Sunday September 11th saw us up early for the trip to Lake Argyle. We travelled west to the West Australia border where we were submitted to the border quarantine check. We were fine but Di & Terry had some problems with an old Styrofoam box. The Inspection Officer wasn't very nice and dumped everything out of the box causing Di a good bit of stress and some unnecessary cleanup. Don't know why people can't be polite and considerate as they perform their duties. We pulled into Lake Argyle fairly early because of the 1.5 hour time change at the WA Border. The scenery long the way was beautiful with a variety of countrysides, lots of Boab Trees, and red mountain ranges as we got closer to Lake Argyle. We hadn't originally planned on going to Lake Argyle but had got many positive reports from fellow travellers that were heading East. Thank goodness as it turned out to be one of the most beautiful places we have seen yet! We checked into the resort at the Lake which was beautiful. Nice and clean with the most amazing view. Check out the shot of the swimming pool. Wow!!

We checked in and got setup before venturing back down the road to the spillway to throw in a fishing line. The spillway is generally dry at this time of year but because of the huge wet season it has been flooding all dry season. They have already overflowed about 40 years worth of Perth's annual water supply. What a waste! I caught a Sooty Grunter (Black Bream). We tried to fillet it but made a huge mess as the spine is very thick and the skin was difficult to cut through. We threw it away eventually. The people behind us in the caravan park caught one a few days later and cooked it whole. Said it was delicious that way so we will try if we catch another one.

Monday morning the Butlers and Bewells went for a drive while Carol and Stephen went for a walk. We explored Dead Horse Springs before returning to the spillway to try again. We had a bit of luck and caught 5 Catfish (Silver Cobbler). We tried it for dinner but none of us were too impressed as it is quite a soft fish. Won't be keeping any if we catch them again. Carol and Stephen met up with us for morning tea and we returned to campground for lunch.

Sandra and I took drive to explore the dam wall and the various lookouts. Amazing views and the size of the lake (inland sea) is huge! Currently holds about 22 Sydney Harbours which is still 110% capacity. Was 8 meters higher in the floods (205% & 48 Sydney Harbours) and you can see a white Calcium line around the whole shore from the high water level. Every meter in the dam could supply Perth's annual water supply for 5 years.

John and Stephen got in the pool in the afternoon for some pictures. It is beautiful but freezing! Literally the coldest water we have experienced on our trip so far. We got a few pictures and got out fairly quickly.

Tuesday morning the 3 boys went back to the spillway in pursuit of the elusive Barramundi. We caught a couple more Catfish and a Long Tong which we threw back. There are a couple of huge Barramundi that keep showing up at the spot where we are fishing but refuse to take our lures. Stephen resorted to throwing a big rock at one. I dragged my lure right across one of them making it roll over but still no luck!

The 3 girls went and toured the Durack Homestead which was very interesting as Di is currently reading a book about it. The homestead is actually a re-creation as the original Argyle Downs homestead is at the bottom of Lake Argyle!

Tuesday afternoon we spent some time exchanging travel locations with another couple of caravaners who are heading East. We provided each other with lots of helpful hints for our future journeys. Late afternoon saw all of us except Terry take a sunset cruise on Lake Argyle. It was beautiful and the guide, Graham was very informative. We enjoyed 3 hours exploring a very small portion of Lake Argyle, enjoying nibbles and drinks, and seeing a number of different wildlife.