Today’s flight from Kalbarri south to Geraldton saw the Bazflyers in the air for only about 45 minutes. The weather was pretty ordinary. A very brisk onshore wind and low broken cloud favoured following the coastline rather than enduring an uncomfortable ride over the land. Alighting on Geraldton’s 2km long runway occurred with a 25 knot headwind that made for a very short landing roll but then a long taxi to the designated turnoff and parking area..
Geraldton is the largest settlement visited by the Bazflyers since leaving the Gold Coast to fly west nearly 3-weeks ago. A city with a population of 40,000, Geraldton is reputedly in the midst of economic expansion. Land availability is good, housing prices are affordable and existing infrastructure is well established. A drive around the town quickly supported this. The local economy is underpinned by agriculture, mining, and oil and gas activity. All this as well as an idyllic seaside city that locals recognise as Geraldton.
On top of the highest ground overlooking the town is a poignant memorial to the crew of the HMAS Sydney http://bazflyer.blogspot.com/2018/10/carnarvon.html with a striking bronze statue of ‘The Waiting Woman’. She appears anxiously leaning into the wind, her gaze fixed patiently on the distant horizon, waiting for the sailors to come home. She perhaps unwittingly adds a touch of hope to this site of contemplation that honours and remembers the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for freedom.
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