Geraldton Australia

Our first port of call was Geraldton.  Geraldton boosts of gorgeous, beaches, a cordial town vibe, and a thriving Aboriginal community.  It is known for its rock lobster factory and substainable farming and agricultural production.    

 We used the tourist's shuttle to visit the HMAS Sydney II Memorial.  As we drove to the top of the hill, we saw the large dome of the memorial. A greeter met us as we left the bus to give us a free tour of the memorial. In Novemer of 1941 the HMAS sank with the loss of over 160 men during an engagement with the German raider, Kormoran. A wall of names of those who lost their lives circled part of the dome.  As you looked at the dome, you saw the metal doves flying towards heaven. There was one dove for each soldier who died. There were seven pillars to represent all of the continents of the world and they connected the heavens with the earth.  In the center were two ever shining lights as a remembrance of those who didn't return.  A propeller held the beaming lights. 

The second part of the memorial was the large structure to represent the ship. When the ship was found, the front part of the ship was standing tall in the sea.  The third part of the memorial was a lady who was looking towards the sea for her soldier to return which never happened. It was some time before the ship was found. Once it was discovered the final part of the memorial was completed.  Here is where a pool was formed with an anchor in its center. The anchor points in the direction of where the ship was found. As we listened to the guide and all the symbolism that was designed into this memorial, it reminded John and me of visiting the 9-11 Memorial and of how it was designed with so much symbolism.

Now it was off to the Patchwork shop. Rose and I enjoyed talking with the shop keeper and discovering the differences between our quilting and theirs. It also gave John a chance to rest from our death march of the day.

Next, we walked and visited St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. This ornate cathedral was designed by Monsignor John Cyril Hawes  in 1915 and took 23 years to complete. The cathedral reflects the Inter War Romanesque period and style of architecture, and is built of Geraldton stone. 

 

One more stop before heading  back to the tender.  The old Gaol was designed to hold prisoners that had received patrol  from the Fremantle prison.  The prisoners would work in the Geraldton lead mines.  Today the place is used as a craft shop.  Craft owners rent a cell and sell there wares.  We heard interesting stories about the jail. Our guides great great grandfather had been a prisoner there.

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Boarding the tenders took some time. It was sunny, temperatures in the 90's, and the line was about 40 minutes long.  John sat in the shade will volunteers served cold water to them. The rest of us  waited in the hot sun.  It was a great day but all of the 12,000 step death marches were catching up with us.  The good thing was......the  next two days are sea days!