Geraldton, Western Australia: Day 64
Here was a day of “normalcy” as we stopped in a port that was actively exporting coal, wool, and wheat,
the products of the area and nearby communities. Here was evidence of hardworking farmers in a
medium-sized city that welcomed cruise passengers but didn’t need to cater to them to survive. We
walked the streets with locals pushing baby strollers and were welcomed as we hiked up a large central
hill to an overlook of the entire city and coast. The daytime cathedral worshipers didn’t blink twice as
we slid quietly into the periphery of the large structure to take photos and to pray. Blessedly, it felt like
an almost normal day. Does it sound like we’re missing the Christmas preparations and family?
the products of the area and nearby communities. Here was evidence of hardworking farmers in a
medium-sized city that welcomed cruise passengers but didn’t need to cater to them to survive. We
walked the streets with locals pushing baby strollers and were welcomed as we hiked up a large central
hill to an overlook of the entire city and coast. The daytime cathedral worshipers didn’t blink twice as
we slid quietly into the periphery of the large structure to take photos and to pray. Blessedly, it felt like
an almost normal day. Does it sound like we’re missing the Christmas preparations and family?
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| The aboriginal art designs like dots and slashes and snake-like shapes are all symbolic; each art gallery has had some of the important art pieces. |
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| Coastline |
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| Overview of town |
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| St. Francis Xavier's Cathedral with labyrinth out front |
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| Inside of cathedral |
Geraldton (named for a long ago Captain Fitzgerald) has some sober claims to fame. The mournful
hilltop statue of The Waiting Woman and the modern and excellent museum tell the sad stories of ships
sunk in battle or torn apart by the hidden coral reefs dating back to the 1600s, detailing stories of
treachery, deceit, salvation, and death. The museum bravely documents the early occupants of the area
known as the Yamatji Peoples who have suffered from disease and white power since the Dutch settled
hundreds of years ago, paralleling our own Native American Indian mistakes. It’s heart-wrenching. But
much of history is, right?
hilltop statue of The Waiting Woman and the modern and excellent museum tell the sad stories of ships
sunk in battle or torn apart by the hidden coral reefs dating back to the 1600s, detailing stories of
treachery, deceit, salvation, and death. The museum bravely documents the early occupants of the area
known as the Yamatji Peoples who have suffered from disease and white power since the Dutch settled
hundreds of years ago, paralleling our own Native American Indian mistakes. It’s heart-wrenching. But
much of history is, right?
 |
| This hilltop memorial remembers the loss of HMAS Sydney, 19 November 1941. The most grievous loss suffered by the Royal Australian Navy occurred on 19 November 1941, when the cruiser HMAS Sydney was lost in action with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran off the Western Australian coast. None of the Sydney's complement of 645 men survived. The Kormoran was also sunk in the action. The woman and the compass point to the exact coordinates where the ship went down. |
A short day and a short summary.
We hope your December is safe and that your Christmas plans are fulfilling.
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