Category Archives: PERTH…18th Jan – 25th March 2012

Perth visit….

I have spent a week over in Perth babysitting Rosie and Creed while Bec and Steve went to Byron Bay for a wedding. I have enjoyed my visit and spending quality time with the grandkids. The kids are easy to look after, Fletcher the 12 month old pup, while I do think he is gorgeous, is a little bit more work.

Mal stayed at home looking after Salem and doing his chore list !!!!!! I think he enjoyed the peace and quiet. He has spent time getting everything ready for our trip away in the caravan travelling around Tasmania. We leave next Wednesday 5th and spend nearly 2 months in the van.We are both looking forward to the trip.

perth 1 002
Rosie all ready for dress up day at school
Creed was a victim of the axe man !!! Sorry, but Nanny loves horror movies.
Creed was a victim of the axe man !!! Sorry, but Nanny loves horror movies.
Creed playing AFL... he kicked 2 goals
Creed playing AFL… he kicked 2 goals
Fletcher, the 12 month old pup, is at a hole digging, chew anything stage. I bought a dog kong hoping to help entertain him between walks. He loves it.
Fletcher, the 12 month old pup, is at a hole digging, chew anything stage. I bought a dog kong hoping to help entertain him between walks. He loves it.
A nearby sunset
A nearby sunset

 

 

 

 

 

Perth visit…..

I am enjoying a visit in Perth, WA, to spend time with Bec, Steve, Rosie and Creed. I love being able to walk Rosie and Creed to school etc. Things we miss so much. The weather is perfect, warm with an occasional shower today, although I miss the slight chill on the face we experience in Tassie. Both Creed and Rosie are growing so quickly. Although there is 2 years difference between their ages, they are the same size !!! They look like twins and are best of friends.

Yesterday, we spent Father’s Day out at the airport where Steve is an air traffic controller. It’s a fun place to visit, especially as VIP’s with access to the tower !!!!

Rosie 7 years old (with missing teeth !) and Creed who is 5 years old
New member to the family, Fletcher ( a Ridgeback / Kelpie cross)..... so cute, but hide your shoes !
A Father's Day picnic at the airport.
The family....Bec, Rosie, Steve, Creed and Fletcher
A Tiger Moth getting ready to take off.
A W.A Royal Flying Doctor Service plane landing
At work in the tower .... a very busy, and I imagine at times, very stressful spot. Singapore Airlines and China Southern Airlines, both have training facilities for learner pilots here. Singapore has about 200 trainees a year while China has approximately 150. The tower averages 700 planes a day, with 2400 being the busiest recorded day.... busy with only 3 controllers rostered on at a time !!! Steve is the contoller on the right of the photo.

 

Fletcher asleep in the car after a busy day !!!!

Greenhouse Restaurant…..Perth WA

Bec, Steve, Rosie, Creed and I were lucky enough to enjoy a meal at Greenhouse St Georges Terrace Perth.

It is an incredible restaurant….. Very unique.

After opening in Melbourne, designer Joost Bakker teamed up with Perth based restaurant and cocktail professional Paul Aron, and Jason Chan (2005 Age Barista of the year and owner of Melbourne’s Seamstress and Batch) to offer up a mouth watering ‘new kid on the block’ in Perth’s CBD.

Greenhouse St. Georges Terrace is one of Perth’s most exciting destinations, with the emphasis on tasty, honest food and drink, and some simple ideas for a considerate and non destructive lifestyle. Bec and Steve all over !!!

Like its predecessor, Greenhouse St. Georges Terrace has its frame made from roll formed steel coil. Its cladding and surfaces, raw and unashamed, are made from plywood and recycled plastic. Hundreds of straw-bales in the walls and ceilings provide insulation. Vertical gardens spill greenery from the walls, and an abundant roof-top garden produces fresh ingredients for the kitchen and bar, and provides a serene place to escape the rat race.

With the natural essence and quirky beauty of Joost Bakker’s design at the heart of this building, Perth’s Greenhouse offers a variety of spaces, fixtures, objects and atmospheres to warm your heart and nourish your soul.

Bec, Rosie and Creed outside The Greenhouse Restaurant. The walls are covered in pots with herbs and plants growing.
The bar @ The Greenhouse....the place was packed with people.... very popular
I loved the pizza oven

 

 

Crossing the Nullarbor again

Well, guess what.

We have sold our home in Ballina and are now heading to Tasmania. We were about to board the plane to head back to Perth and pick up our car and caravan and start heading north. That will wait, as on the day we were leaving, we sold the home privately to a lovely couple from Sydney who are the Aunt and Uncle of two of our good friends.

We still flew over and picked up the van and took 6 days to arrive at the ship to take us to Tassie. We had very long days of about 10 hours of driving each day, always camping at amazing spots on the side of the road. We really enjoyed it, especially with the anticipation of finally been able to pick a new home in one of our many favourite spots in Tassie.

We passed an Ettamoga Pub on the way across at Cunderdin

 

No, not fog, but a dust storm
Part of the old "Rabbit Proof Fence" that was built running from between Albany and Esperance in the south of WA up to Port Headland in the north.

 

The highway turns into a airstrip for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
old and new

 

Sunrise one morning
We left the Nullarbor and arrived in Mildura...we will definitely come back here sometime for a longer stay
Next to our van at Mildura

Mal feeding the ducks
They always love Mal
A beautiful tree in Malmsbury Botanic Gardens established in 1863

 

 

 

 

Tenterfield

I am up in Tenterfield babysitting Michael and Kathy’s menagerie while they visit Gundagai for a few days.

It is cool up here but fine and sunny. The trees are changing colour in a spectacular way….perfect autumn.

A note for Kathy and Michael…….

All is well on the home front.

The escapees have been trying, but are now sleeping peacefully.

The chooks have been just let out for a short pick. I see what you mean by the charge to the dog food, and the scratching of the garden !!! Sorry.

Mac Attach is asleep in the front garden, Bo is off exploring somewhere while Bae has given up on the game of meowing at the front door to be let in and once in, running back out the cat door, only to meow 2 minutes later to be let in again. After a few repeats of this I caught on to the game and she has given up now and is sleeping next to me.

The sun is still shining, but it is turning cool so have just lit the fire.

Have taken a few photos to reassure you all is well.

 

Two of my charges are Jack and Milly, the two Maremma Sheepdogs. They are very special. Although the Maremma Sheepdog is classed as a rare breed in Australia it has been known in its native Italy for 2000 years.

The main function of the dog was to guard the flocks against wolves and bears, and more recently from thieves and wild dogs. The dog was left to use his own initiative in making decisions and that sense of independence is still strong in the dogs of today. In Australia, where the Maremma Sheepdog has been used as a stock guardian, farmers have reported a 35 percent reduction in losses from foxes, wild dogs and birds of prey.

Jack and Milly guard the cats and chooks !!!

 

Would you pesky chickens leave my bowl alone !!!

We promise we won't try to escape any more Nanna...Milly and Jack ...the 2 Italian Maremma Sheepdogs
I love the autumn colour
Waiting for new tenants
Yes...the sun may be still out, but there is smoke coming from the chimney.
Mac "Attack" trying to sleep
Bo....Looking forward to his treat at dinner time !!!!
Bae..."Mum and Dad will phone soon....I'm sure they still love me, even though they have gone again !!"
A perfect crab apple
Autumn colour near the chook shed

Murray and Showte’s Wedding

April 1 saw us all gathering for Murray and Showte’s wedding at Albert River Winery at Mount Tamborine.

Albert River Wines vineyard and winery are set high on the hill, with panoramic views to Tamborine Mountain and the surrounding Hinterland.

Amongst this setting, you will find the historic colonial homestead, Tamborine House and the fully restored, beautiful iconic Queenslander, Auchenflower House.

Albert River Winery is also home to the original Kingaroy Lutheran Chapel, which is just perfect for traditional style Wedding Ceremonies. This is where Murray and Showte had their wedding ceremony.

I left my camera behind in the caravan in Perth, so tried to make do with our little canon. Unfortunately it died shortly after the ceremony so no reception photos until we see the photographers shots.

Murray and Showte are now honeymooning in Italy for two months. Lucky them !!! I loved the email we just got from them in Paris. See below……..

Hello,
Greetings from Paris.

We arrived here safely after a very long couple of days… quite sleepy. Woke up at 5am this morning due to jet lag and quickly found out that nothing opens in Paris until 9am. But none the less we off to explore Paris today and will possibly get to the Eiffel tower and champ de Ulysses and also the arc de triumph. Which is pretty exciting!

Hope all is well

Lots of love
Showte and Murray

Sent from a room in Paris

Trav, Murray and Guy before the wedding

Ballina……We are home after our second trip

We arrived home today after flying the “red eye” flight from Perth last night. We left our caravan at Bianca and Joes’s place at Two Rocks about half an hour north of Bec and Steve’s home.

Nick (Breen), our very good friend, picked us up from the airport at Coolangatta, QLD. I am sure he has earned a carton of beer !!!!

It is good to be home, if only for 5 weeks. Mutley and Salem were pleased to see us. We have missed them so much. The garden was healthy, due to all the rain Ballina has been having. The sun has come out for us though. What rain guys????

Like always, our wonderful house sitter, Jen, has looked after our home as if it was her own. I guess it is sort of, considering by the end of our next trip she will have lived in the home for nearly eight months. !!!!!  Thanks again Jen.

We head off again for three months on the 30th April (only 5 weeks time). We will start from Perth and head north, then across to NT and Uluru, then into northern QLD before heading south home. We hope to be home by the end of July.

 

Bye for now, Ros and Mal

I really missed my kitchen. We both love cooking, but we do run out of room in the van. We will cook up a few fun meals while we are home.
All ready for a dinner party !!! I need to cook. !!!!!!
Mutley won't let Mal out of his sight. Lucky they are both obsessed with boats !!

 

Burns Beach

Well, we are on our last few days of our second trip before leaving our car and caravan here and flying home for 5 weeks late on Sunday night.

We could not do it quite so easily without the help of Steve and Bec, who are running us to the airport in the middle of the night and storing our car in their garage, Nick, who is picking us up at the other end on the Gold Coast at some ridiculous hour and Bianca and Joe (Bec and Steve’s good friends), from Two Rocks who are storing our caravan at their home for the 5 weeks we are on the East Coast. A huge THANKYOU to you all.

We are presently camped at Burns Beach, about 45 minutes from Perth and about 10 minutes from Bec and Steve’s home. Our campsite is directly opposite the beach. Some of the photos below are taken from next to the van. There is also a cafe on site where we are meeting some new friends, Neil and Jean, for a coffee this afternoon.

Enjoyed a BBQ at Bec and Steve’s tonight. We even had the excitement of needing the fire extinguisher to put out the fire on the BBQ. The good old leaking gas hose.

Rosie and Creed
Burns Beach
Burns Beach
Mum on a mission Burns Beach
Dinner at Capri with Maggie, Lou, Anna and Vince
Two Rocks
Two Rocks
Two Rocks beach
Neil and Jean at Burns Beach
Rosie and Creed watching Kelly Slater surf
Rosie's new surf board

 

 

 

 

Gabriel Chocolate Margaret River

Any foodie traveling south from Perth to Margaret River is likely to have stopped at a variety of places seeking elusive amazing new tastynoms. Mal and I are no different.

One of these, and in many ways the most significant is Gabriel Chocolate. We saw the chocolate sign and turned around and went back. We were not disappointed. When entering the building I glanced through a glass panel and saw sacks. Of cocoa beans. Unroasted.

No one, to the best of my knowledge, roasts cocoa beans in Western Australia. Gabriel roasts the cocoa, hand sorts, grinds, conchs, tempers and pours. That is, they actually make chocolate, not just blend courveture or enrobe things to make truffles. Better yet they use single origin cocoa beans of great quality that have characteristic flavours.

Western Australia has a genuine chocolate producer using high quality ingredients and rare bean stocks.   If you are going to Margaret River I think you really need to add a visit to this tiny producer of amazing things.

As a bonus, if you drive out of Gabriel’s driveway and into the driveway immediately opposite you will drive into another discovery – Windows Estate.

Nadia is the cook at Gabriel’s. With Mal’s hot chocolate he had THE MOST AMAZING biscuit I have ever tasted. “French Kiss Cookies” He ended up having to let me have a second bite. Nadia was generous enough to share the recipe with me. She also shared her “Absolute Best Brownies” recipe with me. I think we will go back before we leave to try the brownies. If you make the cookies and love them, and would like the Brownie recipe, you will have to bribe me !!!

I have decided to share the recipe with you as well……

FRENCH KISS COOKIES

240g cake flour

240g bread flour

1.25 tsp baking soda

1.5 tsp baking powder

1.5 tsp course salt

285g unsalted butter

285g granulated sugar

2 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

570g bittersweet choc discs @ least 60%

sea salt

Sift flour, soda, powder and salt. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar until very light – about 5 minutes. Add 1 egg @ a time. Mix well after each addition. Add vanilla. Reduce to a slow speed and add dry ingredients then mix for 5 – 10 seconds. Drop in chocolate without breaking them. Wrap in plastic for at least 24 hours. (up to 72 hours). Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Scoop 6 100g rounds (golf ball size). Turn any chocolate drop horizontally so it is not poking up. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, bake until golden brown but soft. Transfer on sheet to wire rack for 10 minutes, then on another rack to cool.

Secrets supplied by Nadia and Jacque Torres.

Batter – chill for at least 24 to 36 hours

6″ cookies to get snap and chocolate goo. I am going to increase the mixture to get more yummy cookies !!!!! I know, more walking.

Best served hot or warmed up again.

60% plus good quality chocolate.

Chocolate dough use no less than 40:60

Belgian (Belcolade) uses quart disc so they are flat and melt in layers.

Ingredients @ room temperature.

Use salt in the dough and over the top !!

Gabriel Chocolates

 

 

A typical day in the Margaret River

Lunch @ Saracen Winery and Duckstein Brewery
Duckstein Brewery

A walk along a beach.....Moses Rock
Moses Rock birds...will have to find out what type. They look like a weird cockatoo
We love the contrast between the beautiful gums and stunning grasses....left click on the picture to get a better look.
Redgate Beach
Climbing the rocks
Redgate Beach
Redgate Beach with the Christmas bushfire damage in the background
National Park on the way to Augusta
Cape Leeuwin...Australia's tallest lighthouse and still an important working lighthouse. Southern Ocean to the left. Indian Ocean to the right.
Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse
Bird life Augusta
Mal feeding the ducks waiting for their dinner when we got home to Busselton
Historic waterwheel Augusta. The waterwheel was built in 1895 to supply water to the builders of the lighthouse and later to the lighthouse keepers cottages. The wheel is now encrusted in calcified lime.
Hamelin Bay
Mum and her newborn calf on our way home after leaving Augusta. She is still washing the baby. Left click on the photo Rosie and Creed and you will see the baby better.

 

 

Geographe Bay

Western Australia’s Natural Playground

 

 

A two to three hour drive south of Perth lies the sheltered shores of Geographe Bay. Voted one of the top 10 places to visit in the world by Lonely Planet, the region is famed for its breathtaking natural beauty.

Here we have experienced extraordinary. From the heights of the largest remaining tuart forest in the world , to the depths of Australia’s greatest artificial reef at the Busselton Jetty. In between we have found hundreds more equally spectacular spots, and just as many ways to enjoy them.

Geographe Bay is home to the vibrant seaside towns of Busselton, Dunsborough and Yallingup, 30kms of pristine, white sandy beaches fringe the renowned Margaret River Wine Region to create the perfect holiday spot for us. We extended our stay from one week to two !!!!

Eagle Bay Brewing Company

Eagle Bay
Geographe Bay....Cape Naturaliste

 

The whole area is stunning
Beach near Busselton
At Knotting Hill we enjoyed their delicious Cheese Platter..... Creamy vintage cheddar, pepper cheddar, Margaret River Organic Camembert, red chilli dip, basil pesto, Italian black olives, marinated feta, Salami, dried apricots, Italian chocolates, thin wafer crisps and baby Turkish bread...yes, and lots of exercise !!!
Flame Tree Cellars
The 145-year-old Busselton Jetty, measured at 1841 metres, is the longest timber-piled jetty in the southern hemisphere and today is one of Australia's most unique eco-tourism sites.

 

 

 

Busselton

We have decided to stay in Busselton for another week and use it as a base to see all the area including Dunsborough (a beaut spot…only 10 minutes from Busselton), Augusta (1 hour away), Gracetown and of course Margaret River district (less than half an hour away).

We spent yesterday down south enjoying the Margaret River, but also seeing the devastation caused by the bush fires just before Christmas when about 40 homes were lost. The fire started while the authorities were doing, in hind- site, an  incorrectly timed routine burn off to prevent fires. Out of respect for the home owners, I did not take any photos of the burnt out homes. So sad.

Today we have been car less due to a Mum and baby possum taking residence under our car.We moved them yesterday, but did not have the heart to move them today as it has been very hot, so spent the day working, relaxing and bike riding. The possums are so cute, except when they insist on peering down at me from the top of the caravan while we are trying to sleep!!!!  They sound like baby elephants.

Gracetown bush fire damage
  • Prevelly Beach was the worst effected….over 40 homes lost. It is such a pretty area normally.
Our resident possums getting ready to climb up under the car.
Having a scratch
Prevelly showing huge fire damage
Both are very sleepy and very comfortable and cool up under the car. Left click on photo to get a better look.

 

Western Australia and it’s “UPS”

Western Australia is full of “ups”.

A quote from our son-in-law Steve explains the “ups”….. “up” is “place of ____” in Noongar aboriginal language. Yallingup is “place of love”. Nannup is “place of parrots”. Etc

We have avoided causing any accidents while taking photos of just a few of the many “ups”. I have also had fun walking back along the highway, usually in the heat,  while getting strange looks from passing traffic so that I get a photo of an “up”. I know, small things amuse small minds !!!! Oh well, enjoy my “ups”.

 

 

Palmer Wines Restaurant…..Busselton

We are down in Busselton at the moment. Wow, what a beautiful spot this is. Only just under 3 hours from Perth ,  but cooler, near the Margaret River, with stunning beaches and surrounding areas. Have spent yesterday and today checking out the area.

Today we spent our 15th Wedding Anniversary here in Busselton. We went for a late lunch at Palmer Wines of Margaret River. I had a Vitello Tonnato  – Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce, and Mal enjoyed Pork Belly on a delicious potato rosti bake. We both walked away very contented. !!!!

Palmer Vineyard
Still @ Palmers
Busselton Jetty...closer to sunset
Early evening fishing
Busselton Jetty
Cows on the Beach Busselton
Busselton
Night visitors to our campsite
I loved the stripes in the water....left click to get a better look
Bunker Bay...south of Busselton. Bunker Bay has a great resort we have stayed at before. We love caravaning but ......resorting is hard to beat !!!!
We walked about 2 kms but the poor fellow was long gone

 

Leeuwin-Naturaliste National park

 

 

 

 

Il Cibo Perth… and a few more photos

Today, post wedding, a few of us headed down to Il Cibo in Fremantle for a delicious brunch. Good restaurant that I would love to return too. Bec and Steve leave for Bali today, so tonight Chris, Merelyn, Mal and I will probably settle on a quiet BBQ in the park. Tomorrow, Mal and I are heading south towards the Margaret River region for a couple of weeks.

A Freo beauty
Yes, we somehow ended up across the road from Little Creatures again today
a dog friendly happy beach
South Fremantle...it reminds us so much of Hobart. It must be why we like it in Fremantle so much.
Fremantle a couple of nights ago

 

 

Bec and Steve’s Wedding

What a beautiful wedding it was. The weather was perfect. The ceremony was held down by the banks of the stunning Swan River at Mosman Park, with Rebecca, Rosie and Chris arriving by boat. Bec looked absolutely beautiful and so was Rosie. Steve and Creed looked pretty good too!!!! The wedding was casual with gorgeous native flowers and many special touches. Following the ceremony the wedding party and parents (Derek and Therese, Chris and Merelyn and Mal and I ) went back by boat to Little Creatures Brewery where the reception was being held. Fun for all was had with the 3 fathers giving speeches, Mim (Bec’s grandmother) reading a beautiful poem of Bec’s life that June(Mim) had written herself,  finishing off with Bec and Steve having a few words. Molly, the MC was very amusing.

Below, are a few photos I took. I am looking forward to seeing some better ones.

Merelyn and Lee doing a great job with the hair dos.
A kiss for Rosie from Creed before the wedding preparations.
The bride arriving by boat...left click on photo to enlarge

Bec, Steve, Rosie and Creed....Not a good photo. I was too busy enjoying the wedding
Creed
Rosie
Rosie and Georgia
Rosie and Creed...yes we are proud grandparents. They are beautiful children.
Creed playing an instrument with the band...he looked the part, took it very seriously !!!
Bride and Groom left the wedding by tandem bike. They had a a couple of kms to ride down to South Beach.

 

 

A fun couple of days….

Fremantle

We have spent the last couple of days relaxing and really enjoying ourselves.

Exploring the Swan Valley, Coogee Beach, Cottesloe Beach, Mosman (beautiful spot), more of Fremantle, so many places.

Today we started the day with breakfast at “The Blue Duck” at Cottesloe Beach with Chris (my ex husband) and Merilyn (his new wife). It was a delicious breakfast. With ocean views extending to Rottnest Island, and a refreshing sea breeze, The Blue Duck in Cottesloe Beach is an ideal spot for breakfast or a quick coffee. This restaurant’s unpretentious interior is simply decorated, with a wall of windows maximising views of the beach. We all enjoyed our breakfast judging by the empty plates. After finishing our breakfasts, the staff then bought some huge, just cooked, complementary muffins. We couldn’t help but try them. It would have been rude…..well that’s Merilyn and my excuse anyway !!!

Following breakfast, Mal and I headed out to the Swan Valley. We had a good day visiting places such as The Chocolate Factory and Feral Brewery. Just thirty minutes drive or a two and a half hour journey by river cruiser, the Swan Valley in the upper reaches of the Swan River is Western Australia’s oldest established wine growing region.

Famous for its orchard-lined roads, peaceful areas, international wineries, gourmet food producers, restaurants and cultural attractions, the Swan Valley makes the perfect day trip from the city of Perth.

Sculptures by the Sea Cottesloe Beach
Beach fun for this pooch...photo was on a gargage bin. We loved it.
Cottesloe Beach
Yum....chocolates at the Chocolate Factory Swan Valley
Feral Brewery...picture from their website
Swan Valley
Cottesloe Beach
A visitor to our campsite last night..a bandicoot

 

Coogee Beach...we are staying here
Sunset Coogee
Fremantle
Bon Scott ACDC
Roundhouse Fremantle
Shipwreck Gallery Fremantle
Fremantle Prison
A Perth local

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Little Creatures Brewery Fremantle

Yesterday was Mal’s birthday and all he wanted was to go to his favourite eating and drinking spot “Little Creatures”, and relax for a few hours. You didn’t see me complaining, although we walked 10kms to get there, and I did have a slight winge halfway through the walk. (we started walking at 11.30am…so a bit hot!!!). Anyway, we eventually made it. Enjoyed lots of WATER (we were hot), wine and boutique beers, calamari and the best Chilli Mussels I have ever had. I have had a few serves of their chilli mussels over the years, and they have never let me down. We enjoyed the afternoon and took lots of photos of some of the brewery’s unique features. Hope I don’t bore you all with too many photos, but I loved them all and wanted to include them all for memory’s sake. We ended the afternoon with a serve of nachos (lucky we had exercise getting there)  before catching a taxi home. Mal enjoyed his day very much.

It looks like our boat on the hard stand outside Little Creatures. The brewery is on Fremantle harbour.

 

A beer keg light
Oh no...not a hole in the pizza base.
"Little Creature's" logo
Another light...the brewery is made up of a number of huge sheds.
It is a very organized restaurant and the staff don't stop.
That is a very large lump of pastry being chopped into portions. They are so busy there these guys were making pizza portions for a few hours!
Pay day after lunch service was finished...quite a few of the bar and waitress staff are actually overseas backpackers working their way around Australia.
part of the brewery

Bikes are free to borrow and ride around Fremantle
Beer keg stools
Across the road from Little Creatures
Yes...it is a guy in a ladies nightie on his bucks day. Beck, you thought belly dancing was bad enough ???

Fremantle – Perth

We are here in Fremantle after approximately 7000km’s across Australia. We have seen soooo much. Amazing.

For those that don’t know, we are here for Beck and Steve’s wedding on the 4th March. Last night I enjoyed Becks  “Hens” night with her girlfriends. We started the night at Whispers Wine Bar in Fremantle and then on to Istanbul Turkish Restaurant. At the end of what was a fun night I believe some of the girls then headed to South Beach for a night swim. Dress was optional, and as I haven’t heard yet this morning, hopefully all got home safely and are not in the lockup!!!

Yesterday, Mal and I spent the day exploring Fremantle. The Freo markets are great. Fremantle is full of interesting shops and cafes, and is very arty. A beaut place to spend many, many hours. We will be enjoying our time here over the next couple of weeks. We  lunched at our favourite spot down on the waterfront….”Little Creatures Brewery”. Beck and Steve’s wedding will be at Little Creatures!!!!!!

Fremantle Markets
Great art in Perth
Little Creatures
Grotesque in Fremantle
Fremantle harbour
Freo statue
Beck's hens night
Beck
The belly dancer
Beck belly dancing ????
Go Molly !!
Lots of laughs...I'm pleased I didn't have to belly dance !!!
We made up a picure of beautiful strips of "wise words of advice on love and marriage" for Beck. Each of us wrote a message on a strip, which were then all placed on the board. Very beautiful.

 

 

Denmark

We spent all day yesterday exploring Denmark and and the surrounding area. So much to see in that area, we would need more days. Lots of galleries and artisan places.

Went out to Shelley Beach in the West Cape Howe National Park. A stunning spot and good salmon fishing area. Very secluded.  We then visited the “Valley of the Giants and Tree Top Walk”. Great to see. Huge “giant”  trees. Many of the trees were over 400 years old. The Tree Top Walk, for me who hates heights, was very scary. It moves !!!! But worth doing.

Tomorrow we start heading towards Perth. Saturday night is Beck’s “Hens” night. Beck and Steve’s wedding is on the 4th of March at “Little Creatures Brewery” in Fremantle. We are looking forward to it. It will be fun meeting more of Beck’s friends at the hens night.

Shelley Beach, West Cape Howe National Park. The most southerly section of the Western Australian coastline. Next stop Antarctica.
Dad, this reminds me of the tailless lizard that Mum took a photo of years ago while crossing the Nullarbor

 

Valley of the Giants Tree Top Walk
A giant Red Tingle Tree

 

I loved all my photos. Too many..but could not delete any of them. The hollows in the Red Tingle trees have been caused over a long period of time by fire, fungal or insect attack. They are still healthy though.
Some of the trees are over 400 years old...incredible
Mal loved the EK Holden
T
It was certainly high....over 40 meters high ! Scary !!!!
A lone fisherman
We finished the day with a freshly cooked maron meal...the fresh water maron was caught out the back in the dam....delicious
Getting too dark, but I loved the reflection on the water