CHRISTMAS 2010

CHRISTMAS 2010
Well, we have had quite a journey since my last blog. Just to fill you in a bit after our departure from 80mile beach on the north west WA coast we only had brief stops at Port Headland and Karratha just to get an insight into what was there before our stay at Exmouth, Cape Range National Park. Although we couldn’t get into the Nat. Park itself to park up we stayed nearby in a caravan park and done our sightseeing from there. Really enjoyed this area and plan on an extended visit next year.
Then a short look at Coral Bay, which is just beautiful, but not a lot room for us, before our stop in Carnarvon. As we had a cracked windscreen this is where we organized to get it fixed. The Marloo Retiree & Senior Tourist Park is well recommended. Great markets in Carnarvon too on a Sat. morning.
Denham and Monkey Mia were our next stops. Unfortunately the weather was against us for the dolphins to come in and feed, but Denham is a beautiful little seaside town where we enjoyed dinner out with friends Warren & Joan.
Kalbarri, where we stayed for 5 nights is also a lovely seaside town before heading down into Geraldton. This was our objective for this part of the journey. Daugher, Kim was about to have a memorable birthday celebration on 2nd Sept. so we arrived on 19th August in preparation for the surprise. That being, daughter, Jodie along with here 2 children, Ella & Patrick were arriving from NZ. Kim had no idea of this surprise and was excited to see them as we were also. A big thankyou to Helen & Mike, Kim & Steve’s next door neighbours, who let us park up on their front verge for about 6 weeks, before we moved into a caravan park in Geraldton. It was really good being so handy. It meant we could eat and drink together without having to drive home. A separate blog later to cover more of our stay in Geraldton.

Another trip back to Kalbarri for us with Jodie, Ella & Patrick for a few nights was good for them to experience the way we travel. After getting to know the grandchildren for a few weeks it was time to deliver them to the Perth airport for their journey to Melbourne for another family re-union.
Unfortunately during our stay in Geraldton both D’Arcy & myself had different forms of health issues, which took our stay into 9 plus weeks.
Then on the 1st November it was time to head for Perth with a 3 night stop at Sandy Cape bush camp which was just beautiful, except for the bees. Have to explain. Our air conditioning had been running and the bees in the area, (Beekeepers National Reserve) were after the extracted water from our rig. There were that many of them there was no water to hit the ground. Later on we decided to go exploring and turn off the air con. On arriving back the rig was full of bees, hundreds of them. D’Arcy’s idea was to get the vacuum cleaner out and suck them up, which worked, but it took a couple of days to figure out how they got in. The air con vents was the culprit so we taped them up till we got rid of them and out of the area.
Jurien Bay was only a short stop away for an overnighter so we could park up and visit the Pinnicles nearby. Wow, not just another bunch of rocks, but worth seeing such an amazing spectacle.
Then on to Perth where we parked up in grandson Lance’s front yard. Yes, as you will see by the pics that we only just fitted. Although it gave us the opportunity to help Lance out with his home makeover. During our 9 night stay we managed to help paint 3 rooms and tidy up the front garden as well as enjoy his company even though he had to go to work. It was a pleasure to spend time with him.

15th Nov. saw us in Mandurah, south of Perth. It was going to be for 2 nights only, but I hurt my back and couldn’t move so had to stay an extra night, but still in discomfort until we arrived in Bunbury. Our friends Kerry & Andrea Staples suggested we park up in Gwen’s front yard (Andrea’s mum) only a few minuted drive from their house. Also got me an oppointment that day to see a muscle therapist, which I did for another couple of visits, but with not a lot improvement.
It was time to move on to Margaret River where we stayed at Taunton Farm Park which was 15klms north of Margaret River town. I saw a physiotherapist a couple of times and she helped me a lot. Even today (18th Dec.) I am still not 100%, but moving a lot better. The Margaret River area is great for exploring different attractions. There is over 100 cellar door wineries to visit and have tastings. Our 1st one was appropriate, due to the fact that it was the first winery to plant grapes in the Margaret River region, Vasse Felix. They make lovely wines too. Another was right next door to our park where we could walk to, and discovered that we had bought their wines online through an auction at less than half the price they were selling for. They were quite amazed when we told them. So they couldn’t sell us anything. The Venison Farm sold some very good products which we tried. Had a couple of steaks for dinner that night. A visit to one of the man Caves in the area, Mammoth Cave, was also amazing. The township of Margaret River is lovely with quite a few shops including Coles & IGA (for those that like fresh food).
On arriving at Taunton Farm we caught up with friends we met at the park in Geraldton, Garry & Marj. They had jobs next door in the Margaret River Dairy factory and were supplying us with cheeses and yoghurts. A visit to Eagle Bay Olives was on the agenda while on a visit to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Beautiful olives and other products we purchased. Simmos icereamery was a stop where you wouldn’t believe the choice of flavours, 40 in all.
Only 43klms on from Margaret River is Augusta, the furtherest southwestern town in WA. Our camp area is lovely with lots of grass and on the Blackwood River. A foreshore walk takes you into the town centre one way and ocean walk the other. Good for biking and walking. Had the pleasure of Kerry, Andrea & Taine visit from Bunbury for a weekend stay. As it turned out that was the best weekend we had on the water by using our inflatable and exploring the river as well as the kayaks.
Kim and grandson Kyle, drove down from Geraldton to spend a few days with us also and we now have the pleasure of Kyle staying with us till we return to Perth for Christmas.
More pics later to cover this blog.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Prosperous 2011.
Cheers
Carol & D’Arcy