Week Commencing 14.03.11

Week Commencing 14.03.11
Today I had a nice sleep in, John got up early to try his luck at squidding, unfortunately no luck. We decided to do the walk along the bay which took us up to the lookout and yes more rocks for us to climb, we were gone well over 2 hours , the weather was great. Later in the afternoon we drove down to Hellfire Beach to try our luck at fishing, no luck but it was still great fishing and reading a book on the beautiful white sandy beach.
Tuesday we woke to a miserable day, John had gone fishing back at Hellfire but returned empty, we are sure there are no fish in these waters. The day got a little better, so the four of us decided to pack up and leave camp Wednesday morning.
Wednesday was very wet, so we were pleased we packed everything away the night before. We hitched up and was on the road by 8.15am, best ever so far on this trip. We are heading for Kalgoorlie. Arrived in camp around 3.30 set up and I washed the van as it was covered in red dirt from the trip. We joined John & Judy for drinks. We did stop at Norseman and enjoyed lunch at the lookout, not much to see there.
Thursday up and did some washing and then John and I went to have a look around town. We went up to the SuperPit, what an amazing place, the trucks look like matchbox toys as they slowly move around the pit. More about that later as we are doing a tour on Sunday. We arranged a tour of the oldest Brothel in Kalgoorlie for 3pm today, Questa Casa . Off the six of us go, not sure what we were going to get. It turned out to be alot of fun, the Madam was the tour guide and she told us so incredible stories. Not a career I would like to do. The tour took over 2 hours and during that time we laughed alot and some things made you feel weird to say the least. Everyone said they had a great time. I hope the same for Friday as I have arranged for the six of us to do the Pitch Black Underground Adventure Tour.
Today is the big tour of the mine, we are told we will be 72mtrs underground, have to climb down seven narrow ladders and crawl on our knees for a small patch. After signing our lives away, we are then kitted up in bright orange overalls, big belts, gloves, helmet, torch and battery pack and of course the big gum boots. This gear is not only hot but very cumbersome. We are then given a 10min safety talk and off we go. We start by climbing down a spiral staircase, some 166 steps in all. It gets a little darker as we go. This is level One some 32mtrs below ground. He gives a little talk about the mining back in the 1800’s. From here we start to climb down the six ladders to the 72mtrs and level Two. I found the climbing ok but still was descending slowly, when you reach each level you call All Clear so the next person can come, only one person on ladder at a time. Once down we get to see some of the old equipment used and also some of the modern. He showed us some of the supports which were cut trees over 100 years old. It is quite damp down here and the floor is as it was when they closed the mine some thirty years ago. Another highlight was to climb a small ladder and then crawl into a tunnel, I waddle on my bum I was glad that I did as I wasn’t going to attempt it when we above ground. Yet another highlight was we had to secure ourselves to a chain and walk over a big hole which if you were to fall was some 400mts below , here we got to throw our rocks down the hole and wait for the splash, really good stuff. We returned to the surface in the cage. All in all everyone said they had a great experience. We were all glad to get back to the top and each of us commented that the earthquake they had here last year did cross our minds. If you come to Kalgoorlie, I would recommend you do this tour. John and I decided to go into the main street and have a good look around. I bought myself a little bit of Kalgoorlie, a gold nugget pendent, 4.3gms of gold. It is not from the Super Pit but from the local prospectors who sell to the gold shop where we purchased it. We finished the day with joining Bev & Bernie, John & Judy for dinner. A great day was had in the big Kal (as the locals call it).
Saturday, here we are again, the boys off to the races and they girls head off to town for lunch. Tonight we drove up to the Super Pit to see the operations at night. Some 31 trucks operation on a 24 hour non stop shift. We got chatting to some local kids who work for KGCM , it was great as they gave us lots of information. On the way back to camp we drove through the main street, the pubs were bussing. I then drove down Hay Street, past the brothels and the girls were sitting in the windows waiting for clients. This I found amazing, never seen this sort of thing before. Here I am 56 and still learning.

Week Commencing 07.03.11

Week Commencing 07.03.11
This week has been a mixture, we have spent the beginning of the week just hanging about at Esperance, a bit of cleaning, going to the movies, lots of walks and bike riding along the esplanade. We also put some adds up at the IGA and Woolies to sell both the bikes, we are tired of the effort of carrying them with us. Remember we b ought them for $5.00 each and we have had them since November, we actually sold them for $40.00 to a couple of kiwis. On Thursday we left John and Judy and took off to Cape Le Grande with Bev and Bernie. Wow this place is the best, beautiful beaches, white sand and so calm, it is magic. We missed out on getting into Cape Le Grande but was able to get two spots next to each other at Lucky Bay. The pictures I have attached do not do the place justice. We settled in and then John and I tried our luck at fishing, unfortunately no fish but for me it was so beautiful just perched on the rocks watching the water. Bev and I went off for a swim and it was fantastic, I know I am raving on but it really is magic. Friday, John and Judy drove down, if you come along the beach it is only about 40mins from Esperance. Judy wanted to climb Frenchman’s Peak and as the four of us were going to attempt it today her John bought her down. Judy’s John doesn’t like heights. We left camp around 9.30am and I am happy to say the five of us made it to the top. I was very proud of myself because it was quite an effort. The view from the top was great, 360 degs overlooking the ocean and the beautiful bushland. Near the top there was this huge cave, just amazing. I was a little concerned about the decent, but with a little help from John we all got down safely. We then visited Hellfire Bay, Thistle Bay and Rossister Bay, all just as beautiful as the bay before. This place is simply amazing!!! We enjoyed a late lunch together and finished the night off with drinks and dinner with Bev and Bernie. The night was so beautiful, we moved our chairs out from under the awnings and gazed at the stars. John went off to the loo (with his torch) and came back to get us to come and see what he had found. A 3foot tiger snake making it’s way across the track. Spooked me a bit, I can tell you. We do not go anyway at night now without our torches. Saturday morning the boys had Bev and I up early as they wanted to head off into Esperance for the races, we drove in along the beach, just like driving along Moreton Island. We had a lovely day, the girls had lunch and coffee and lots of chatter. We collected the boys mid afternoon and I drove home. Guess it will be drink time soon.
Sunday , we head off for Duke of Orleans to see if the beaches there are as fantastic as what we have seen already. After 20kms of dirt we arrive at Wartun Beach, yes it is as beautiful as the rest, we have a really nice lunch perched high on the cliffs overlooking the sea. We all love this place so much. After lots of exploring, climbing rocks etc we head off home. We finished the evening with a dual dinner, roast chicken, roast lamb and veges, we enjoyed this late into the night. A great day was had by all.

Week Commencing 28.02.11

Week Commencing 28 February 2011-03-03
After a weekend of golf, played ok but not his best, he still enjoyed the games. We leave Albany today and not too soon, had enough of the winds. They are so strong you find it difficult to sleep at night, they don’t let up. We are off to Bremer Bay, hoping the caravan park is a little protected. We follow the signs to Esperance and hit a dirt road, some 14kms of it. So we do the big turn around and head back to Albany. Never mind we find another road, sealed and head for the South Coast Highway. We have an easy drive to Bremer Bay. The caravan park is in the bush so fairly protected from the winds, but we cop another gravel site. Things aren’t too bad and we set up camp. John and Judy have already arrived and enjoying a nice cuppa. John and I go for a drive to see what Bremer Bay has to offer. The beautiful beaches on one side of the peninsular are protected from the wind and the bays look very inviting. Unfortunately the other side is very rough with big swells and very windy. We return to camp in time for a drink or two with John and Judy.
01.03.11 – We wake to find it is March, nearly a year since we left Brisbane. The sun is shining so we take to the road with John and Judy to explore these beautiful beaches. John is the tour guide so we head to the windy beaches first and of course get blown away. The views of this rugged but beautiful coastline are breathtaking. We decide on Little Boat Harbour to have our lunch, most enjoyable, but lots of march flies joined us, still we had a fun time, the view is fantastic. We finish the day by driving on the beach and just enjoying the views. The pictures do not do the bays justice.
02.03.11 - John has decided he will take me to Wave Rock at Hyden some 200kms north of Ravensthorpe. We head off very early for the Costello’s drove out of camp at 7.40am a record we think. We drive to Lake King where we leave the van, make some lunch and head another 124kms to Wave Rock.
Formation of the Rock: Wave Rock, a granite cliff, is 15 metres high & 110 metres long. Its rounded like shape has been caused by weathering and water erosion which has undercut the base and left a rounded overhang. Water from the springs running down the rock during wetter months dissolve minerals adding to the colouring of the wave. In 1960, crystals from Hyden Rock were dated as being 2700 million years old, amongst the oldest in Australia.
Hippos Yawn – Hippos Yawn consists of an unusually shaped granite or that was formerly part of the larger outcrop. The second most visited site, it is connected to Wave Rock by a walkway.
We were not disappointed, it was a fascinating place, we spent around a couple of hours there. Drove back to Lake King, showered and spent the evening at the local tavern and enjoyed a beaut meal and some beers.
03.03.11 – Up early again and left camp by 8.30am heading for Esperance, the trip was great very entertaining. We had the CB on and spent most of the trip behind a road train and listened to the conversation is very entertaining. Pulled into Esperance at lunch time and set up camp next to JJ & BB (John & Judy – Bernie & Bev). I think we are planning on travelling together now until we get to South Australia. John popped off for a game of golf in the afternoon.
04.03.11 – Jenny’s 30th Birthday today, so up early to make the call. We are both a little sad that we are not back in Brisbane to celebrate with her. She seemed very excited and had a lovely day and evening planned. Today , Bernie was nominated at tourist guide, so we set off early on the 40kms Esperance Great Ocean Drive.
West Beach – A favourite with surfers. Whilst a very beautiful beach, caution must be exercised , locals can be found swimming in the lagoon pools behind the reef when the conditions are safe. The beach is 3kms long. We were lucky enough to see dolphins surfing the waves, some 50 to 70 of them in three pods. It was amazing. We also saw one fellow swimming only metres from them. Bernie said he had planned this wonderful event for us. Well done Bernie.
Blue Haven & Salmon Beaches – Beautiful bays
Twilight Beach – (Noted most popular beach in WA) This is a spectacular family beach with crystal clear waters and snow-white sands. As the beach curves to the Southwest it becomes protected by its orientation and two offshore rocks.
Observatory Beach – Great appeal is windsurfing while still relatively unknown, it promises awesome waves without the crowds.
Ten Mile Beach – is a great swimming beach. A rocky shore acts as a natural breakwater, forming a long shallow pool that is considerably warmer than the ocean.
Wind Farm - consists of some 15 turbines which create energy for Esperance.
Pink Lake – From the viewing platform you could see a huge salt lake unfortunately it is not really pink, we are told in certain times of the day it appears pink.
Woody Lake - Here we enjoyed a yummy lunch.
Bernie, we had a very enjoyable day, a great tour guide, watch out you may get the job again.
Saturday 05.03.10 – Today is boys day, the three are off to the TAB for a few beers and whatever boys do. The girls are off to have lunch and play ladies. Over happy hour, lots of talking about the days events. I also got to met Sammy the Seal, he spends most of his days sitting in the shallow waters near the jetty. He is very entertaining and I think he enjoys the attention.
Sunday 06.03.10 – John and I took the bikes and went for a 2 hours bike ride. I am now sitting in the van writing my blog with a tender butt. No really it was great the view of the ocean was fantastic and it has turned into a nice day.

Weeking commencing 21.02.11

Week Commencing 21.02.11
Monday 21.02.11 – Packed up said our goodbyes to Alex and Allyson and headed for Albany. On arrival we were greeted by Bev & Bernie and John & Judy, so looks like there will be a few happy hours this week.
Tuesday 22.02.11 – Today we went as a group and explored Torndirrup National Park. Here we found some very rugged coast and some interesting spots.
The Gap & Natural Bridge – Two natural features carved from ancient granite by the forces of nature. The Gap features a 25 metre sheer drop to the ocean.
We then had lunch at Frenchman Bay a very pretty place where locals come to swim and picnic.
Salmon Holes – Named after salmon looking for calm waters close to the beach. This was huge hike to the lookout. To get down to the beach you had to walk 176 steps and then of course you had to tackle them on the way back Fun! Another amazing place was Misery Beach, the rocks came down the mountain into the ocean.




Wednesday 23.02.11 – Not much happening today, clean up and catch up on the too hard basket.
Thursday 24.02.11 – Off exploring with the gang again today, John & I with Bev & Bernie (our car being serviced). We travel some 40kms to Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Little beach was spectacular , until we got down to the beach and we have never seen so many bluebottles, huge clumps of them would not like to be stung. We all climbed over the rocks it was awesome to see the ocean crashing against the rocks. Beautiful bays of clear water and the colour was fantastic.
Next stop Nanarup which we walked out some 300mtrs to the beach, lovely white sand, once again bluebottles. We enjoyed a great lunch here in the picnic area. After lunch we drove down to Gull Rock, here we go hiking through the bush to the lookout, well worth the effort. Last stop for the day took us to a beautiful beach – Ledger beach we all sat in the sun and wondered how lucky we all are to be seeing such great places. A fantastic day was had by all.


The weekend 26&27 February, I am a golf widow this week end, hoping John will do well at golf.

Back in WA after a wonderful christmas

Back in Western Australia
After a good but bumpy flight, Rod and Liz were there to pick us up. We headed to the Swan Brewery for lunch, after a beer which costs $25.00 shout we checked the menu and quickly moved on. We had a delightful lunch at Raffles, very nice. We spent the evening at Rod & Liz’s in our caravan, nice to be back. Next day we moved into Karringup Resort , into bed early after setting up, doing some shopping and generally organising ourselves. On Tuesday we took a Swan River Cruise with Rod & Liz, a very nice day, looking at all the million dollar homes along the river. After the cruise we had a few beers at the Shag Inn, I guess you can workout by now, Rod doesn’t mind a beer or two. John spent the next four days playing golf, so I caught up on some rest.
Weekend 15 & 16th was a very busy one. Dinner with Trevor & Kay and Paul & Lyn (some golf buddies) . Sunday we had lunch and spent the afternoon with Alex & Alysson (a couple we met in Broome).

Week Commencing 17.01.11
Monday 17.01.11 We took ourselves on a road trip to Toodayay, Northam and York. A really nice day in the hills.
Tuesday 18.01.11 – We went to the recycle place and purchased ourselves another $5.00 bike. We took an hour ride on our new bikes. Enjoyed a nice meal with Rod & Liz.
Wednesday 19.01.11 – Woke up with a dose of the flu, not happy. John and I went for a bike ride, still feeling unwell.
Thursday 20.01.11 – Stayed home and rested today. John went off to play golf at Hartfield.
Friday 21.01.11 – Had a fantastic day on the Swan River. Paul & Trevor took us on their boat, we went down to Fremantle and then back past Perth City and up to the Swan Valley. We pulled into a nice beach where we had a great lunch. I could not thank Paul enough for his kindness, we had a great time.
Saturday 22.01.11 – Still coughing and feel unwell. John went off to golf. A very quiet day.
Sunday 23.01.11 – We drove down to Rockingham and Mandrah for the day. Such a pretty place, really had a great day. John & Judy arrived back from their trip home, we caught up for drinks, it was great to see them again.
Week Commencing 24.01.11
Monday 24.01.11 – Spent the whole day in bed, John doesn’t like me at all. It is the pits.
Tuesday 25.01.11 – Visit to the doctor, can’t help so I better just get up and keep going, it will improve. Judy bought me some flowers – how sweet she is. They are lovely.
Wednesday 26.01.11 – Australia Day, we had a great day just spent it at the park, John cooked roast lamb and we shared with John & Judy. Jenny & Jason arrive in Perth, spending the night in the city.
Thursday 27.01.11 – Up early, we picked up Jen & Jason and spent the day sightseeing.


Kings Park – Burswood Casino (lunch) – Cottesloe Beach – Hillarys – Scarborough Beach
Friday 28.01.11 – We spent the day at Fremantle, visited Little Creatures a nice brewery. Had lunch and did lots and lots of walking.
Saturday 29.01.11 – A lazy morning and then lunch and a swim at Mulaloo. We then drove down to Scarborough beach for another swim. We weren’t there long and dark clouds rolled in, rushed home as the tent was left open. We took Jen & Jason to dinner at Joondalup.
Sunday 30.01.11 – Off to Rottnest Island for the day. Yes, cyclone Yasi was to hit us today. The day turned out to be beautiful, we all had a fantastic day. John, Jen & Jason hired bikes and I took the Bayseeker bus. We met at Little Salmon Bay and had a swim in the crystal clear water. As the bus came past each half hour, they went off on their bikes and I jumped on the bus and we met up again at Salmon Bay. Once again we had a fantastic swim. I decided to leave the three of them and take the bus tour during the afternoon. The tour turned out to be great, the driver took us all around the island (to places you can’t get to). I saw the little Quokkas, they are so cute. I would recommend if you come to Perth to ensure you make it a must to go to Rottnest.

Week Commencing 31.01.11
Monday 31.01.11 – Time to pack up and leave Perth for the last time. We are sure the van was a little overweight, but off we set heading for Margaret River. We called in a Bunbury for lunch, only a small stop. We arrived at Margaret River and found it was a little chilly. After we set up camp, we had a little time to have a look around town. Only one street, but a really pretty place. I gave Bernie & Bev a call and guess what they were in Margaret River also, so they came over to met the kids and have a couple of beers.
Tuesday 01.2.11 – We took the Wine Tour today, there were only six of us which was really nice.
We visited the following: Stella Bella – Watershed – Leeuwin – Voyager (lunch) – Vasse Felix – Moss Bros – Margaret River Chocolate Factory – Old Cheddar Cheese Factory. Our guide was Mandy and she gave us lots of information about each place before we visited. A great day was had by all.

Wednesday 02.02.11 - Today was a day to sightsee. We went to Lake Cave and did the tour, this was really good. We then headed to the beaches at Prevelly and was not disappointed, we enjoyed a swim, a little chilly. When we got back to camp, Jen and John went for a huge bike ride (they are keen).
Thursday 03.02.11 – We packed up camp and moved to Busselton. As Jason had an ear infection, John took Jen and me up to Cape Naturaliste, we visited Eagle Bluff, Bunker Bay (went swimming) Meelup Beach and the lighthouse. Unfortunately the lighthouse was closed for repairs. We dropped into Dunsborough on the way back. We had a look around Busselton , once again the Jetty was closed for repairs, it was being opened on Saturday after 2 years.
Friday 04.02.11 – Jason & Jenny fly home this evening, so we drove them back to Perth. We stopped at Mandurah for lunch. They both liked it there on the foreshore. We dropped them at this motel and then headed back to Busselton. We got back around 6.30 and then joined Liz & Rod at the local pub for dinner. It was great having the kids over, a very busy time.
Saturday 05.02.11 – John took himself off to golf while I did some washing etc. The Busselton Jetty was being opened this evening and Kate Cebrano was giving a free concert. It was fantastic, she sang for a couple of hours. We had a great time.
Sunday 06.02.11 – As Rod & Liz were holidaying at Busselton, they picked us up and took us on a Beer, Wine tour . We had a fantastic day, lots of laughs. We went to the following places:
Simmo’s Ice Cream – Bush Shack Brewery, Sarcen Winery (lunch), Canal Rocks, Yallingup, and Bootleg brewery.
We finished the day with a nightcap back at camp, a great day had by all.

Week Commencing 07.02.11
Monday 07.02.11 – We met Rod& Liz at the Jetty for our tour. As the tram was not yet up and running we had to walk the 1.8kms to the Observatory which led us down 8mtrs under the Jetty, it was very interesting. The piles were full of all sorts of creatures and live fauna, very pretty. There were lots of fish living there. If you looked through the window which looked away from the Jetty there was no sign of life. Amazing.
We joined Rod & Liz for a Barbie and finally said our farewells and thanks for the lovely weekend, we hope to see them in Brisbane later this year.
Tuesday 08.02.11 to 10.02.11 – We headed off on our huge drive to Yallingup – 28kms. What a pretty spot, settled into camp and then hit the beach. Beautiful clear blue water. A nice sleep in the afternoon. We spent the next three days just lazing around swimming, walks and sleeping. Wonderful.
Friday 11.02.11 & Saturday 12.02.11 – Arrived at Augusta around lunch time, very disappointed with our spot at Turners, rocks everywhere . Set up camp and had some lunch, then drove up to the Lighthouse.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse is 115 years old , it is the tallest on mainland Australia and sits on the tip of a spectacular peninsula where the Indian and Southern oceans meet. It is surrounded by rolling hills, rocky coastal outcrops and wildflowers. The brilliant white lighthouse makes for stunning photographs. We took the opportunity of taking the tour of this working lighthouse, 176 steps later we were standing on the very top, we were able to walk around outside, fighting the 35kms winds, a great experience. Close by is the old Water Wheel which was constructed in 1895 during the building of the lighthouse when a spring was tapped to provide fresh water for the workers. Having turned to stone it is one of Augusta’s favourite attractions. We visited a beautiful bay called Hamelin Bay, as we started walking along the beach we got speaking to a local who told us some of the history of the place and also about the friendly stingrays. These beautiful stingrays came up to you and let you pat them and they also swim over your feet. Amazing experience, we thought this is great.
Sunday 13.02.11 – A mere 90kms down the road is Pemberton, a pretty village in the Karri Forest. Settled into camp and then off to explore. We decided to follow the Karri Forest Explorer drive, first stop the Gloucester Tree. I watched as John climbed up the 61mtr high Karri Tree. He said it was fantastic, it was alot harder than it looked. We then did a walk through the forest, the trees so high and big, it is an amazing place. We drove over gravel roads to Big Brook Dam, lots of people swimming here. Further along we went from Karri Forest to rolling hills with cattle grazing. Then we came across groves of Avocado trees and Olive trees. We then came across the Beedelup National Park, the park includes dense karri forest, mixed with marri and jarrah, with several beautiful stands of pure marri. Its main attraction is the Beedelup Falls, which drop 100mtrs over a series of steep granite rocks. We had to walk down 100 steps and across a suspension bridge to view the falls. We then set off on the 50min walk to see the walk thru karri tree, this was well worth the long walk which was mostly up hill.
Karri Trees – Karri is WA’s tallest tree and one of the tallest in the world. The famed Gloucester Tree, near Pemberton is a karri. This 60mtr high high giant towers above the surrounding forest. In the past, foresters maintained a fire watch from its lofty crown. Purple coloured lorikeets use their brush tongues to harvest pollen and nectar. They pollinate this and other tall forest trees which have flowers exposed in masses in the upper canopy. Karri grows up to 90 mtrs high and reaches it optimum height within 100 years. Its long straight trunk has smooth bark that is sheds each year. The outer bark changes colour as it matures and the new bark, revealed after the old skin is shed, has a fresh hue, giving rise to the multi-coloured trunk in shades of pink, orange, grey and white. Karri is used as a structural hardwood, providing long lengths of timber. It is very important for honey production.

Week Commencing 14.02.11
Monday 14.2.11 – We drove to Nightcliffe and then onto Windy Harbour, unfortunately it was a beautiful day – no wind. We walked around to Cathedral Beach (this was very pretty). We then found this fantastic beach – Salmon Beach, very very pretty. This area is known as D’Entrecasteaux National Park, it stretches 131kms along the coast. We went for a big walk it was so beautiful. On the way home we visited the Wine Centre and bought a couple of bottles of wine.
Tuesday 15.2.11 – Today was adventure day, we were off to attempt the giant dunes. They call this where the forest meets the ocean. The Prado climbed the dunes with no problems, when we got to the top it was sitting on a plateau of white sand, really nice. We continued on and had lunch at Yeagarup Beach. We had a great day.
Yeagarup Dunes are a series of vast mobile sand dunes which are steadily moving inland swallowing up forest lakes and woodlands as they go.
On the way back to camp we stopped at the co-op and bought 4 marrons for dinner, these guys were live. John was the entertainer at the camp kitchen tonight, he was boiling up his marron. They were very tasty and we shared one of them with our new friends Peter and Eileen. We were amazed that Peter & Eileen had not used the camp kitchen before, they said they had a great time.
Wednesday 16.02.11 – We packed up and said goodbye to Peter & Eileen. Today we are off to Walpole. A mere hour down the road we arrive and set up camp. We quickly do what has to be done and go off on an afternoon of exploring. On the dirt tracks we head off in search of the Giant Red Tingle tree. After a 20min walk we find our tree, take a heap of pics and head off to the Circular Pools. Our next stop was the Valley of the Giants Tree Walk, you walk above the trees on a walkway suspended 40mts high, it sways with the breeze. We both enjoyed this walk and received a certificate to say he had completed the walk. We then drove down to Peaceful Bay which was not peaceful at all, very windy. We continued onto to the Conspicuous Cliffs, now this was a beautiful place, we took the 100 odd steps down to the beach, a very beautiful bay, we were there all alone, wow there are some lovely bays along this part of the world.
Thursday 17.2.11 – Packed up for the big 30min drive to Denmark. Arrived and was very pleased with the park. Had catchup with John & Judy, which was great. Later in the afternoon we went and had drinks at the Coffee Lounge. John & I had a special hot chocolate (special price $8.50 each) anyway it was very nice. We then had drinks with Alex and Allyson from Perth and John cooked us a great dinner of chilli prawns. Very nice
Friday 18.02.11 – John and I took off on the bikes, returning 1.5 hours later. There is a great bike path which took us to the surf beach and then along the lake. Today is a bit overcast.
Saturday 19.02.11 – John played golf at Albany, so I went along for the ride and spent the day with Judy, we had great fun shopping and lunching.
Sunday 20.02.11 – Back to sighting seeing today , more beautiful coastline. About 14kms north of Denmark are the Green Pools this is a bay sheltered from the wind, it is really amazing. Further around you find another bay known as Elephant Cove, named because some rocks look like Elephants. As today was very overcast, the colours were not as outstanding as I would think on a sunny day, still a very impressive place.

December & January 2010/11

Hi All

As most of you know we flew home for christmas and had a wonderful time with family and friends. Before we left we had a lovely week with John and Judy at Burns Beach.
We are now back in a home away from home and settling into holiday mode again.

As we will be not doing much for next few weeks, will restart blog in February when we get back into touring.

Week Commencing 28.11.10
Sunday 28.11.10 – A lovely couple from Busselton who are camping here while her Mum is in hospital took John and I for a drive around the Northern Suburbs. They also took us to the local Farmers Markets. We had a lazy afternoon swimming to cool off in the heat.
Monday 29.11.10 – Not much today until late afternoon when we decided to wash and polish the van. It is looking good.
Tuesday 30.11.10 – John up at 5am and off to golf. I have been doing some catch up work on the computer. Very very hot, plan on going for a swim shortly.
Wednesday 01.12.10 – Up early and John is dropping me at Woodman’s Point to spend the day with John and Judy while he heads off to golf at Mandurah. I had a fantastic day, lots of talking and catching up, as we hadn’t seen each other for four months. We went into Fremantle for a couple of hours and looked around. Then off to the Gateway’s shopping centre for coffee and cake. John joined us for dinner on his way back, he had a great game of golf and won the comp. On the way home from dinner we drove via Kings Park and took some pics of the City lights. A really nice day was had by all.
Thursday 02.12.10 – John off to Golf again today back at Hartfields. We had morning tea with Bev and Bernie and heard all about their trip back to Canberra. As John was going off to golf Bev and Bernie invited me to tag along as they were going for a drive up the Swan Valley and Whiteman Park. Here we took the old train ride around the park which was alot of fun. We browsed through the village of craft shops , we then enjoyed lunch in the parklands. From here we went off looking for the Nought factory and the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. Umm it was enjoyed by all three of us.
Friday 03.12.10 – We enjoyed a farewell lunch with Bev and Bernie at Hillary’s Wharf, Fish and Chips – yummy. Back to the camp to pack up ready to leave early Saturday.
Saturday 04.12.10 - Rolled out of camp at 9.30am to get new tyres on the van, looks very nice again. Pulled into Burns Beach and greeted by John and Judy, haven’t seen them since Broome, seems so long ago. Spent most of the day chatting and catching up on what has been happening.