31st Dec - New Year's Eve!!

It’s a double whammy today, it is also Alana’s birthday so we started the day with a scrumptious Champagne Brekky (Sparkling Wine Brekky just doesn’t have the same ring to it now does it) out at Waroona Weir which only a couple k’s from our camp. After a couple of storms last night, turned out a beautiful fine day and not so hot, perfect. We gorged ourselves on fruit platter and yoghurt followed by bacon, snags, eggs, toast and quite a few glasses of sparkles. Alana’s hubby Ian, did a great job putting brekky on for all to enjoy.

The girls posing on the roller

Great spot for barbies and swimming

Before we knew it, it was midday, so it was back to camp for a relaxing afternoon, then we readied ourselves for the night’s celebrations, a continuance for Alana’s birthday and then topping the night off seeing in the New Year. We enjoyed dinner at the Drakesbrook Tavern, followed by birthday cake, white chocolate mud cake and then it was time to party! Theme of the night was Beach Party with band Leather and Lace. Very entertaining duo, got the crowd going and a great night was had by all!! Great group of people, no trouble, all just out to enjoy.....and the presence of two paddy wagons and 4 cops loitering in the car park didn't put anyone off the celebrations.

Alana's birthday dinner

A shocker, but we were in party mode

Bubbles goooone!!

The girls sparkling!!!

The bubbly, bubbles, whistles, poppers, sparkles all done and dusted for another year!!

                    HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

22nd - 30th December Waroona

Well, while we did really like Perth, and had a great time there, nothing beats getting back out into the country and wide open spaces.   We booked into Waroona Ensuite Van Park for 11 nights and we think we are just it, having our own little private ensuite!   It’s been a while and you do get a bit over sharing.    This park is quite small and not a tourist park, a number of permanent residents, but it is quiet, close to town and suits us great.



And our very own Xmas tree decorated with tinsel....

Waroona dam, Lake Navarino - bit empty but plenty activity still happening

Over the week we have done some great little day trips and covered, Dwellingup, Pinjarra, Mandurah, Bunbury, Preston Beach.   The country side is changing getting down into the tall tree, forest area.    Grazing cattle, dairy farms and horse studs are big around this area also bauxite mining.   There’s a few wineries about too, but I am holding back to Margaret River, I still have a few bottles left from my purchase as Swan Valley…..

One of several cement couches in district towns, takin a load off in Pinjarra

I reckon I could export this! - Dwellingup

Wouldn't like to run into this guy in a dark alley......Dwellingup

Bunbury, nobs hill to marina to beach

Dairy country between Harvey and Brunswick

 As usual we have done a few pubs on our outings, Dwellingup Community Hotel, Pinjarra Premier Hotel, Wokerup Hotel, Ravenswood Hotel, yep they got one over here too.  Ravenswood particularly nice relaxing spot right by the river, people pull up in their boats, swim, drink etc.  Of course we have had a drink at both pubs in Waroona the old pub and the newer Drakesbrook Tavern.

Another pint down, at the "Ravo"

We spent a lovely Xmas day with Rusty, Kell, Brody, Calib, Murray and Tylor and their extended family out at Mandurah.   The usual lunch with all the trimmings and dessert was laid on, it was great.  As usual ate too much, lazed around for the afternoon, had a game of Aussie Monopoly, gees how different to the old English version.  My Darl was getting right into it, buying up as many properties and he was first and only one to put units on them.  

Eggs Benedict, Xmas brekky and only photo taken for day, sad but true

Boxing Day we ventured out to the drags with Rusty, Calib and Murray.   Two jet drag cars from USA and Canada were the drawcards and I must say very entertaining, for one that is not that into fast cars.  It was held at the Perth Motorplex at Kwinana, about an hours run from Waroona, lucky we met Rusty half way for a lift, so we didn't have to worry bout finding our way.

The boys, young and old, enjoying the drags

Brmmm, Brmmm - USA won, croud was going for Canada

Darl's favourite the blue holden ute, sooped up version of his, won but lost due to jumping start!

21st Dec - Scarborough Beach

We had a reasonably quiet day today, the last few have been pretty full on.   We decided to take the pushies down to the beach and cruise part of the approx 50kms bike track.    It was just a little bit stressy getting there, I had to hone in on my navigation skills and my Darl had to concentrate on the traffic instead of looking around.    A bit of a scenic diversion but we got there in the end. 

Trigg Beach closed due to shark sighting

There is several beaches along this stretch of coast, we started at Scarborough and rode north up to Hillary's harbour.  Along the way we heard the sirens go off and yet again the beach was closed due to shark sightings.  Funny thing, the next beach along people were swimming/surfing beach still open, they're all crazy!

Hillary's harbour wall, we are good and wear our helmets now

A nice big boat harbour at Hillarys, lots and lots of dollars moored up here.  All up a 2 hour bike ride and it wasn't all flat either.   Bit breezy by the coast, brought back some recent memories, don't miss camping in the wind.   Perth all in all a lovely city, we've enjoyed our time here and we're packin up and movin on tomorrow.......  A small bit of trivia, Perth happens to be the most isolated city in the world!

20th Dec - Swan Valley Wine Trail

Today, it's all about me!!  My Darl is the designated driver and I am the wine taster.   We set off to Guildford the gateway to the Swan Valley wine trail.  After visiting the info centre at Guildford we decided to take one of the 4 walking heritage trails on offer.  The Captain Stirling Walk 2250 metres, meandering through the leafy, quiet streets of Guildford, past the Rose and Crown Hotel (built in 1841, oldest operating hotel in WA and most expensive $19 beer and CC!), Padburys store, Guildford Grammer School, Chapel and cemetery plus more.

Padbury Store

This was interesting story of young boy come out with his father back in the mid 1800's.  His dad died after 1 year, leaving this chap a 10 year old orphan, but from their Walter Padbury worked and built his little empire.  Starting out as a shepherd to save for a house and ending up owning several stores, considerable rurual and pastoral real estate and a small fleet of sailing ships.  And he become the first Mayor of Guildford.

The Chapel and cemetry in the Guilford Grammar school grounds

First stop on the wine trail was the Sandalford Winery, a very modern establishment, a bit like the Sirromet winery of Mt Cotton.   The walls are lined with posters of artists who have performed over the years "Day on the Green" from Marcia, to Sting, Tom Jones, Michael Buble, John Mellancamp and heaps others, Seal is booked for Feb next year.

Yep, this is Ling country!

My first tasting for the day and looking tidy!

One tasting and I was off frolicking in the vines........

From Sandalford to Lancaster (aka the Tasting Shed), Little River Winery, Black Swan - bite of lunch by the side of the road.  Then onto Edgecombe Brothers where I did all the damage.....   Young Lewis was a gun, I think the tub of ice cream with the muscatel got me!   Yummo!  16 bottles wine later (incl 4 freebies), thanks for coming!  That's my stash for Xmas/New Year and beyond done....

Ling looking happy and Lewis is too just quietly.....

After Twin Hills (Darl got his 2 ltr port plus chilli marinated feta), family owned and run for over 70 years,  Darl decided it was time to call it a day, I was having so much fun!  But one last stop well worth doing was to Houghtons (175 yrs old)  

No my Darl is not holding me up/steady.......ok maybe just a little

Check the booty, yep my Darl was happy with his $15 2 litre bottle of port, apparently you can't call it that anymore.  The Portugals don't like it!  So it is fortified shiraz or whatever else they think to call it.  Swan Valley Wine and Food trail is a must not only wine but cheeses, olives, honey, arts/crafts, micro brewerys, coffee, nougat, lavender all on offer and it is so close to city, just a 5 minute drive from where we are staying......

19th Dec - Cruising the Swan

We were comtemplating what to do today, we only have a few days left in Perth and we want to make the most of this time.  We decide on a leisurely cruise down the Swan to Fremantle.  $25 one way, $35 return or $59 return including lunch and free wine/beer.    We decide to treat ourselves with the lunch cruise, what a great day!

Waterside from Ferry terminal looking up to Kings Park

The Bell Tower, $13 pp for tour, we didn't do

Good view of the old Swan Brewery, bet the employees didn't like having to move from this spot

Perth Yacht club, one of 14 clubs, mariners along the river

It is a 2 1/2 hour cruise with smorgasbord lunch - prawns, cold meat, nice salads, bread rolls and a couple of hot dishes.  Great value...    Along the way the skipper gives a running commentary of this beautiful river and points out some of the more prestigious homes along the way and where some of the mega rich and famous live.   The river is 300 kms long, 4.5km wide at the widest point and average 3.5 metres deep, we look at each other and think Brisbane River????  That's not a river, THIS is a river!!

If you have a lazy $27 mill lying about, this house could by yours, up for sale!

Looking back towards the city

All the orange roofs same property, some mining magnate value around $ 57 mill poor sod!

Enjoying a Swan on the Swan, note the poor peasants above

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The Endeavour visiting Fremantle

When we get back to Perth we are feeling pretty happy, had a great day out on the river, how awesome is this city.   What a great way to spend a Monday, weather perfect, drinks went down nicely and we soaked it all up!   We had to go into the mall to collect our mail that is 7 days late arriving.... We had a little fun along the way.

The flower beds Xmas colours, aaahhh!

Three little gum nut babies in the garden,  aaahhh!

Darl nearly did himself an injury climbing up here!

Gees Darl, they breed 'em big over here!!

I don't know what come over my Darl, but he had to give it a go!!

18th Dec - Fremantle

We decide to take a trip to Fremantle today.   The World Championship Sailing competition is on, this will decide who competes in next year's Olympics.  Week-end markets are also on from Friday to Sunday.  We set off to catch the bus and the train, gee this is so different to where we have been.  Though we can honestly say we are not "city" people, we are enjoying Perth.

Darl on train

Ling on bus

Fremantle streets are lined with awesome heritage buildings, from pubs to government buildings to shops fashion, bookshops etc.  We disembark from the train and our fist stop is the markets at E shed on the wharf.  Typical arts, crafts, produce and al fresco dining.  I get in a long overdue massage.  After a look at the harbour we venture up to the Round House, built 1831, it's the oldest public building in WA.  Originally a local prison and site of the colony's first hanging.....eerie.  It is also the site of the Time bell and cannon.  The cannon fires off at 1pm every day which back in the early days they all used to set their time by, there is also a visual time ball, which drops on the firing of the cannon, for those who are deaf.....

Fremantle Harbour

P&O Building

Orient Pub, you think you in a different era

A B&B

Looking up to the Round House

Other Fremantle attractions include Fremantle Prison, Maritime Museum, Shipwreck Galleries, Bathers Bay, trendy South Terrace abuzz with fashion houses and dining options.   The major attraction has been the sailing championships, we watched a ladies final (UK won) and caught the presentation of the men's sial board final - Netherlands, Poland, Croatia 1/2/3. 

UK Ladies cross the finish line

We were also given the tip for a good feed, Cicerello's renowned for the best fish and chips in WA.  Well we don't know bout that as we took a cut lunch with us today, but we went and had a look.  They have an awesome display of fish tanks, filled with all sorts from star fish to tropical fish, cat fish, little shark like fish, coral.....  Pics make up for the ones didn't turn out when we snorkelled at Abrolhos Is.    My Darl also had a step back in time, when we noticed a cop pulled up young motorbike rider, 750 GTS Suzuki - how embarrassing we thought as he pulled him up in front of a full cafe.  Next thing the Suzuki took off, on the opposite side road, through red lights, gees he will be in trouble if the copper catches him up......