Albany Wind Farm

The final stop of our day in the Torndirrup National Park was the Albany Wind Farm. 

However before the hugging and the singing, we decided we needed afternoon tea. 

Cups of tea, tea biscuits, chocolates and pain au chocolat.

Given the opinions of those Australian politicians currently in power, it was necessary to celebrate the presence and positive impact these wind turbines have on the landscape. Besides, Claire needed to hug one (she's the little black dot at the bottom of the turbine) and record the pro-windfarm song variation she'd thought up the previous day.

We'd tried to time our visit with the setting sun, but unfortunately, by then, the bright blue skies had been replaced by cloud cover, thin bands of sunshine and a slightly apocalyptic atmosphere.

It made for an impressive vista, even if it the wind turbines appeared as though they were looking across the sea for a more appreciative home.

While the whole of the coastline around Albany is spectacular, in comparison to the Torndirrup National Park and Two Peoples Bay on the other side of Albany, this particular patch falls short. If it weren't for the turbines I doubt it would be visited all that much. The wind turbines not only provide a tourist attraction on an under appreciated stretch of coastline, but also a source of renewable energy that is benefiting the people of Albany and Perth (the power generated is added to the national grid to help power our air conditioners in summer).

Clematis aristata, commonly known as Traveller's Joy, Goatsbeard or Old Man's Beard

The reason for its bearded name. These are the feathered seeds of the Clematis.

 In addition, it was fun to be able to drive around the greater Albany area and spot the wind turbines off in the distance. They were never considered a blot on the landscape and were definitely far more enjoyable to look at than the port of Albany to the east of the city.