The missus and I had a very loose itinerary for our 10 day road trip together around parts of Western Australia; on the definite list were the stromatolites, the Pinnacles, and hot-air ballooning (see previous blog posts). We made no reservations, kept the fuel tank above 1/2 full, sort of looked at maps (some were very poor, some excellent), and just drove and enjoyed the scenery and each other immensely. On one leg of the journey the day was fast-moving toward night and we needed to find somewhere to sleep for the evening. We did not take tents or blankets so some shelter was necessary due to it being deep winter when we were there. Allison was analysing the road atlas when she said, “We have two accommodation options available. The first is a caravan park (a good option if their furnished vans aren’t already rented), the second is a “station”.” In Australia a station, when used in rural terms, is a large property (ranch in the USA). This particular station, Emu Creek Station http://www.emucreekstation.com/   is relatively small for the region  – approximately 330,000 acres. I was instantly keen on the homestead stay at the station and the missus was enchanted by the idea.

We arrived unannounced just prior to dusk, were welcomed very kindly, conducted a brief business discussion and then excused ourselves to run down to the river to shoot some photo’s in the stunning light. What a bloody beautiful place this is. We shot a few images then returned to the homestead and enjoyed freshly made sausages, home-grown steaks, fresh made bread, delicious sides, and lovely company – dining with the owners and staff.  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emu-Creek-Outback-Station-Stays/10150102321265483

Later that night I took a few night shots before retiring for the evening. Early the next morning was exquisite and the missus and I went for a walk and captured a few more images before returning for a lovely brekky and then heading out as we had to be back in Perth to drop off the rental car, pick up a scientific instrument for the missus’ upcoming research expedition on the Indian Ocean, and then, regretfully, get me back on the plane to Texas for work.

Should you find yourself in the Pilbarra region I thoroughly recommend you stay at Emu Creek Station and enjoy the hospitality of  Kylie and John Boyle and the staff.

We sure hope to return, only this time staying for a week or more to capture more of this beautiful place. I would thoroughly enjoy capturing the transition into “the wet” starting October’ish each year – this is monsoonal country. Hope you enjoy these photo’s, all of which are from around the homestead.

These images are all © Andrew and Allison McInnes/2AM Photography. All rights reserved.
To purchase please visit my website: http://andrew-mcinnes.artistwebsites.com/

The homestead bathed in soft pastel light.

The next series of images are sequenced to illustrate the vitalness of water and the transition from pasture to riparian areas; each image will take you closer and closer to the permanent water-hole in the river until, finally, you can immerse yourself in the freshness of life’s liquid – vicariously at least.

 

 

 

 

 

I just love the flora of Australia and I thought these White River Gums to be fascinating.

 

 

 

 

Typically I would not post such similar images as these two (above and below). However, experiencing the evening and the vista, I had distinctly different, yet very similar “feelings” when viewing this/these scenes. As such I am posting both as stand-alone images. Do you have a preference?

 

 

 

 

 

 

An alternative to homestead stays, there are numerous camping opportunities along the river; here is a sample camp-site (and the billy is on the boil).

 

 

 

Ava good night 😉