JAN.FEB.BLOG #3

JAN/FEB. BLOG #3
Before leaving the Collie area was not without a visit to Donnybrook, 34klms. south of Bunbury, known as the Apple Capital of the South West. Formally a gold field hence the Old GoldFields Orchard & Cider Factory. Our visit coincided with a vintage car rally and the burgers were enormous. Lovely cider too. The town’s Stone Quarry was a sight to see with the outside fences displaying stuffed characters. Someone had quite an imagination.
26th Jan. Australia Day, and we were travelling back to Camp Wattle Grove where we left our rig and flew out on the 29th Jan. to Brisbane. Our Australia Day evening was spent with Kim, Lance, Christina & Kyle watching fireworks from the banks of the Swan River.
Arriving in Brisbane we were met by son, Darren & partner, Lisa for our 1 week stay on the Sunshine Coast. It was great to see them after a year and catch up with friends, Di & Trevor and my mum, who we brought from Bribie Is. for a couple of days while we were there. Also, a visit with son, Michael & family in Caloundra. Jaimie, Charley & Gorgi also grown so much. Thankyou Di for a lovely lunch. Good to see you all.
Then it was down to the Gold Coast where we stayed for a week at Crown Towers in Surfers Paradise. Lovely also to see daughter, Jackie, Paul , Taylor & Chloe. My how the grandkids grow in a year without seeing them. The usual drs. checkups for us both, with ticks in most boxes. So, will be continuing with our travels for awhile yet.
Thanks to our good friends, Fiona & Peter, our last few days were spent at their home. It was so good to catch up again. A night at our favourite Ruffinos was on the cards. The weather was kind enough that a day out on their boat, mooring at Wave Break Is. for lunch of fresh prawns and a swim was great. Their friends Phil & Chris made up a flotilla!!!!! A great day ending with a bbq of our favourite, quail. Thanks guys. So yummy. Then to top it all off, Valentines dinner at home joined by Di, Trevor,(who had just flown in from a holiday in Tassie) Chris & Phil was another great night.
Next morning, 15th Feb. and we were on our way back to Brisbane and then home to Perth.
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JAN.11 BLOG #2

JAN. BLOG #2
On the 6th Jan. and 200klms. south east of Perth was our next destination, Collie. We stayed for 2 weeks in this area as there was so much to do and see.
Collie is an old coal mining town with a lot of history in the region.
Approx. 5klms. from town was Stockton Lake, a disused open cut mine filled with water forming an artificial lake, a popular camping spot. No facilities, but that does not deter anyone. After this and another 15klms was a blueberry farm, where we were able to pick our own. Because there was no spraying of the trees, no chemical, we ate as we picked, ending up with 1.3kgs. to take home. Glen Mervyn Dam was our choice for a picnic lunch. Another popular boating dam and just along a bit the Namastey Lavender Farm, which overlooked Glen Mervyn Dam. By the time we got there it was afternoon tea and scones with jam & cream with tea or coffee included in the entry. We learnt a lot about lavender from the owner. I didn’t know there were so many varieties all with different uses. From here only 20klms back to town.
Sunday was market day and of course had to have a look. Held in the heritage listed goods shed where the steam trains once unloaded their cargo. They were fairly ordinary, but some lovely people to have conversations with.
As Collie is only approx. 60klms. from Bunbury on the coast our friends Andrea ,Kerry and son Taine, joined us for an outing to Mininup Pool, about 3klms. from town. A beautiful part of the Collie River for swimming etc. A stop at the Wellington Dam where you can go canoeing, camping under the stars or bush walking or fishing is a must also. Although at the time extending the dam wall was in progress as per photos. Potter’s Gorge another picnic spot for us was also part of Wellington Dam.
Another day we made arrangements to meet Andrea & Kerry and they guided us to Evedon Bush Resort where scones were on the menu for afternoon tea again. Taine certainly enjoyed his with D’Arcy’s help. A beautiful part of the country through the Ferguson Valley is where they are moving to their farm. On our way home called in to see their lovely property. We’re sure they will enjoy living there.
Collie also has a wide variety of walking/bike trails. The 9klm river walk follows the Collie River through town. We found that the weather was a bit cooler than what we had in Perth. A nice change.
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