Day 92. Port Denison to New Norcia. 11/08/2015

The sun was shining again this morning and very little wind to speak of, so it was very enjoyable to take a short walk along the beachfront before we departed for our journey to New Norcia. We were to travel a distance of about 300 kms that took us through some of the most beautiful valleys we have seen.  Huge crops of wheat, canola and other grains stretched for hundreds of hectares on either side of the road. We also passed through some very large sheep and cattle stations. Along the way there were extensive patches of beautiful wildflowers and it would seem there were many about to burst into flower. Our journey took us through the town of Moora that surprisingly was quite large and it would seem to be the place to buy huge farm machinery. No longer see little Massey Fergusons like  Dad’s any more!  Before long we were once again on  the Great Northern Highway and finally at our destination of New Norcia billed as “Australia’s only monastic town” an historical and spiritual treasure in the Australian Bush. New Norcia is a Benedictine community still in operation and observing all the 1500 year old traditions of Monastery oratory for prayers 6 times daily.  

After settling in our campsite (no power, water etc. but because we are self contained we can camp on the site), we took a short tour around the environs of the town to familiarise ourselves in readiness for a tour tomorrow. We did stop off for a walk around the cemetery where there are 130 monk’s graves and then a drink at the New Norcia Hotel that is owned by the monks.

Our site is unique to say the least. We are camped in the middle of a cricket field with the pitch a short underarm throw away! 

On our return we soaked up the last of the sun’s rays pretending to be watching a cricket match before we had to settle ourselves in the van as it was getting quite cool.

I am very excited as my dearest sister in law Ellen and friend Doug have arrived in Fremantle and will be joining us tomorrow for the tour of the Monastery.

Some history on the Monastery.

Information about the Monks.

St Ildephonsus College - accommodated the girls of the community.

Wendy loved her walk here - so much history.

The graves of the deceased Monks - aboriginal graves in the foreground.

Our site on the cricket ground - underarm throw to the pitch.