Albany

We approach Albany from the east as day breaks, anchoring in the outer bay. With some disappointment, the cruise director informs us that we must tender to town from here, as we may not bring the ship to the inner bay. The crew lowers 4 tender boats, and begins to transport us to shore. The tender ride is 30 minutes one way. We are on shore by 10:45 am. 

Eve and I walk the shoreline and on into town. A replica of the two-masted ship on which the first settlers arrived in 1835 is of interest. The town is well maintained with the requisite old church. My eyes light on the grocery store:  I have early memories of the IGA store in my hometown. The logo was exactly the same. 

A well marked hiking path leads from town to the top of Mount Clarence, where we have a clear view out over the bays. 

A large memorial remembering the troups from Australia and New Zealand (ANZAC) who served at Gallipoli in WW I is prominent here. We have seen several memorials to the fallen from these lands during our travels over the last month. This war effort first permanently cemented a feeling of national pride amongst its citizens, and is widely recognized as a defining historical event in both nation‘s histories. 

A well marked slick rock mountain bike trail down the other side catches our attention. (A separate path for hikers runs parallel.)

Eve inspects what we surmise is a giant ant hill. Not uncommon in western Australia, but it caught us by surprise here. 

We stop at The Earl of Spencer for a late lunch.  When I requested a light lager for Eve, the bartender, perhaps noticing my American accent, says he has Coors on tap. 

Not to worry. I chose something else.