Wednesday 4th December - woke up in Manjimup to an overcast and cold morning. Would the fridge be able to be fixed today? A call to the repair place, hoping for good news, was quickly dashed. The part they ordered was not the broken bit, but the part now needed would be in excess of $800 plus labour, and would probably fix it. After a bit of searching, we found we could buy a BRAND NEW fridge for $1,075 so we left the broken one with the repair place, and trecked to Bunbury about 150km's up the road to buy a new one. Hand over the credit card, attach the handles, lift it into the back of the camper, and we head back the way we came, stopping in Donnybrook for lunch at a bakery and then a coffee. Just south of Donnybrook we stopped in at a fruit farm to buy some apples and cherries, and then continued onto Pemberton (SW of Majimup where we were this morning) to meet up with Gina and her parents.
They had gone exploring for the day, so we grabbed a drink in the pub and sat and waited for them to arrive back. Got talking to a lady named Susette and her son Michael who were revisiting the area, as Susette had grown up around several of the towns, but was losing her eyesight and wanted to see them one last time. A wonderful old lady with a very cheeky spirit. Down to the caravan park and settle in besides where Gina and her parents have camped. Sat around the fire and joined them for dinner and a few ports. Dad is very funny and Mum is very quiet.
Thursday - a lazy start to the day with one of the ring-neck parrots eating out of Di's hands.
We said our goodbyes to Gina's parents, and then Gina who would be back in Victoria in a few weeks. Drove around the scenic loop in Warren NP, going to the lookout and along the river, and into the campsites. Stopped at the Dave Evans Bicentennial Tree which is 75 metres high and you can climb up the steel rungs to the hut built in the top.
From here to Beedelup Falls and across the suspension bridge and a walk around the falls.
Stopped in at Nannup again, and had a walk across the old railway bridge.
Continued heading north finally stopping at Ironstone Gully Falls at a free camp for the night, just off the road. No water was flowing, but it was a nice campsite, with a set of chairs and a table which we camped beside. Also some lovely small pink flowers.
Friday - left camp and drove to Collie, a large mining town SE of Perth. Went to the info centre, and then to Woolies to re-stock with food. First stop was Minninup Pool which was 3km's out of town and was the locals swimming area. Then along Flora Rd to an old disused mining pit that has been filled with water - known as Black Diamond - lovely turquoise green colour and an "unofficial" camping site. From here to Wellington NP and dropped the trailer at Potters Gorge camping area,
then went exploring. Firstly to the dam itself, which had a big spurt of water being released from the bottom.
Then along a couple of dirt tracks to Gnomesville - an amazing place where people have started to place gnomes along the side of the road.
We were expecting a few hundred from what we had heard, but there would have to be a few THOUSAND here, and they are set-up for hundres of metres along the side of the road and in the nearby paddocks - very funny to see, and not what you expect to see out in the country. On the way back, we drove along Lennard Dr, stopping at The Rapids and several other spots along the river. Had a quick look at Collie Dam, and also Honeymoon Pool where the campsites are all too small for our camper trailer. Then back to Potters Gorge, where we set-up our camper and then went for a swim in the lake, before metting up with several other campers for happy hour - a nice spot to camp.
Saturday - dragged out of bed for a walk before breakfast, and then headed for Harvey and the info centre. Had a coffee and then walked around the gardens - lots of lovely flowers.
Went out to Harvey Dam for a quick look around, and then we decided to take the back way along dirt roads to Lane Poole Conservation Park, just south of Dwellingup. As we hadn't booked, we were restricted to staying at Baden Powell camping area, but this was quite nice anyway. Set-up home, and then went down to the river for a swim in the cool water. Afterwards we chatted with our neighbours Bernadette and David until it was time for bed.
Sunday - made our way into Perth, and found a bush setting caravan park where we could do lots of washing. It was also just around the corner from where we were collecting Emanuel tomorrow. Put the washing on, had some lunch, hung it all out on the line, and then went to the shops to stock up for the next few days exploring with Di's brother.
Monday - picked up Emanuel from Forrestfield and we headed north, stopping in at Gingin for coffee and to plan where we were going. Further north to Eneabba, and then turn left to Lake Indoon, which was an option to camp for the night, but the wind was blowing too much and there was no protection, so we kept going. Had a quick look in at Leeman and Green Head, before we arrive at Sandy Cape camping area, and try to find the most protected spot in behind the dunes. Went for a walk along the beach, and then climbed the headland to the lookout,
before back to camp for dinner and a relaxed catch-up.
Tuesday - dragged out of bed for another walk, this time along the beach the opposite way while Emanuel had a sleep-in.
Just as we finished packing up, it started to rain. Drove south a bit, stopping in at Jurien Bay for a walk along the pier, and then a swim in the beautiful crystal clear water.
From here we drove to Cervantes and had some lunch in the park overlooking the beach.
From here it was only a short 16km's to The Pinnacles, which are limestone formations growing out of the sand.
A rather eerie formation, with hundreds of rocks to walk around - well worth a look. Continued south to Lancelin, where we stayed in a caravan park. Di and Emanuel went for a walk, and then we had a relaxed dinner and more chatting.
Wednesday - left the caravan park after Emanuel finally got out of bed, and first stop was Ledge Point, where we had a quick walk to the beach. Then on to Seabird for another look, before we arrive in Guilderton where we decide to go for a swim in the mouth of the river where it meets the ocean - a really nice spot to relax by the water.
After lunch we stopped in at Two Rocks and Yanchep, where we had another walk down to the beach. From here we decide to go inland, and we head for Avon Valley NP, and finally settle into the Homestead camping area.
After dinner, we break out the game of Logo, and we let Emanuel win his first game.
Thursday - left camp and drove to Valley campsite, where we park the car and walked across the railway line and down to the river. Di and I had a swim in the warm water before walking back up the hill. Then to Noble Falls for a short walk, before deciding to camp at Lake Leschenaultia.
A great campsite, with a lake to go for a swim. Very well set-up, with power, hot showers, and a camp kitchen to use. Had dinner in the kitchen and then another game of Logo - I won this one.
Friday - a relaxed morning, and then a swim in the lake, before being told we would need to move sites for tonight. Did this very quickly as we had to take Emanuel to the airport to catch his plane. Then drove back to Avon Valley NP as Di thought she had left her camera in the bush when she went for a swim the previous day. As she was putting her shoes on for the walk, she found the camera in the same bag, so at least saved us the walk. Stopped in at Chidlow for a coffee, before back to camp for another swim in the lake. It was great to have Emanuel around for a few days and do some exploring with him - anyone else want to join us for a few days??? As it was Friday 13th today, my phone also decided to completely die - from some research I was able to do, the entire motherboard just karks it and it becomes a paperweight - so guess what we are doing tomorrow???
Saturday - got up early and had a swim in the lake before anyone else was awake - very peaceful. Had a shower, brekkie, packed and then headed into Perth to find somewhere to base ourselves for the next week. Tried to get into Advent Park, but they are closed on a Saturday, so booked in at a nearby caravan park. We head out shopping to find a new phone, and also to get some long overdue haircuts. Back to the park and we went for a swim in the pool before dinner.
Sunday - up early to relocate to Advent Park, and book in for a week. After unhooking the trailer, we drive down to Fremantle and spend the day exploring the area.
Some nice shops, the markets, and some wonderful old buildings. Also had a quick look around the Fremantle oval and the Prison. From here we drive north along the coast, stopping in at many of the beaches for a look.
Back at camp we were invited to the Adventist Christmas Carols and BBQ. Didn't realise that they are vegetarians until the food was nearly cooked, and then the carols were to be sung in the chuch, with more of a focus on religious carols than nice happy kiddie ones - that's my time in church for the year.
Monday - we have booked tickets on the ferry to go across to Rottnest Island, so up early (about 5.30am) and drive to North Fremantle. A nice trip across to the island, arriving at about 9.00am. We had planned to get tickets for the hop on / hop off bus, but had missed it by 10 minutes, so we decided to walk to the lighthouse and the next few bays.
Problem was it was getting damn warm, and the gazillions of flys were driving us nuts. Had a snorkel at The Basin and saw some fish.
Walked some more, cursing the heat and the flies, before arriving at the next bus stop, and catching the bus back to the jetty. Jumped on the next bus and did a tour around the island, seeing many beautiful beaches and bays along the way.
Hopped off at Parakeet Bay and went for another snorkel in the clear water.
Back on the bus and back to the jetty for a late lunch, before a wander around and then onto the ferry for the return trip to the mainland.
Tuesday - today we explore Perth CBD. Drive to Midland and catch a train into the centre of town. Lots and lots of walking up and down the main streets, and lots of the side streets too. Stopped in at St Marys Cathedral for a few photos,
and then the courthouse gardens, before the Bell Tower besides the river.
Jumped on the free city bus, and planned to go to the art gallery, but it was closed today. Had a bit more of a look around, and then found the DFO outlet and did some window shopping, before a call from Chris Betcher, who we met back in town at a pub for a drink. Then to a Chinese restaurant where we all talked some more before jumping back on the train to Midland.
Wednesday - decided to have a quiet day, and went to Whiteman Park just the other side of Midland. Went to the transport museum and looked around for a bit, before a train ride around the park. From here back to some shops, and then to the tractor museum.
Had lunch at the cafe, and then into the car museum
- lots of old classic cars, and also heaps of model die cast cars to look at. On the way back, we stopped in at the shops to buy a bag for our trip. What was supposed to be a relaxing day ended up being lots more walking around.
Thursday - decided to spend the day exploring the south coast from Fremantle down to Mandurah. Didn't know that South Fremantle was a massive ship building area. Stopped in at Rockingham for a coffee, and was hoping to go for a snorkel, but there was not much to see in the water, so decided against it.
From here to Cape Peron,
which would have been nice for a snorkel but the wind had picked up and it was too cold. Continued following the coast to Mandurah where we stopped at the marina and had a walk around.
Had a seafood platter for lunch overlooking the water, then drove around the streets looking at all of the massive houses build along the man-made canals - multi millions of dollars for each one.
Further south to Yalgorup NP where we checked out a campsite for when we head down to Margaret River way. Back home for a bite to eat, before getting all dressed up and heading into the Burswood Casino for the evening. Had a quick look at the gaming tables, before watching a great band play in the bar area. Invested a small amount of money on the roulette table before some more music, and then leaving the casino at midnight.
Friday - back into Perth city today, with the plan to visit Kings Park - up on a hill overlooking the river and the city - wonderful views and lots of trees.
Walked across the tree-top bridge,
and around some of the botanical gardens. Back into town to the art gallery, where there was lots of weird art - one painting was simply black painted canvas, with a gold border around it - and they paid some clown for this stuff. Had Macca's for lunch, and then drove to the WACA for a quick look, and then back to DFO, before back home where we chatted to our new neighbours for a few hours.
Saturday - a very relaxed day, with huge loads of washing to do, and a bit of time spent cleaning out the car, and re-packing. Di did some craft stuff, and I spent some time uploading this.
A busy day tomorrow, and the next week should be lots of fun.
More to come soon.
Di and Hammo
