We've recruited guest writer, Dad/John/Poppo, to help catch us up a bit!! ....

Having been conned by Alex to do a report on my time with them in Western Australia, here goes.

These notes cover the time as we left Perth after the last Blog entry until I took leave of them 4 days later

We travelled in " Jero" the Wicked Travel 3 birth camper van hired in Perth and due to be returned in Broom two weeks later. I clearly would not be welcome to sleep in the van!, so with much relief booked into Back packer Hostels for the 4 nights I was with them.

After a hard night and fantastic hospitality in Perth from Greg and Natalie we made a leisurely start on Monday afternoon and drove just 75 miles north to Lancelin a typical W. Australia seaside resort with the usual lovely beaches, water sports,fishing and sunset over the Indian Ocean.

The next day we went to the well known resort of Cervantes with all the usual attractions and the the unique natural phenomenon of the Pinnacles, these natural columns about 6 feet in diameter rising up to 4 metres out of the desert the cover a huge area and are limestone formed in the sea from sea shells mixed with sand blown ashore millions of years ago, the soft sand then eroded over the ages leaving these intriguing shapes and patterns. On good local advise we returned early the next morning to see the long shadows they cast. To cool off we went on a lovely beach and swam at Thirsty Point and then retired to the local pub to eat. Alex easily worked her way through a steak weighing 1lb

The next day was driving day and first stop was`the second town in Western Australia, Geraldton where the main aims were to get a small repair to the CamperVan and book me on the bus back to Perth 2 days later.We then continued north via Northampton (Couldn't find either the A45 0r the MI) but we did get to Port Gregory with an amazing Pink lake and then on to Kalbarri at the mouth of the Murchison River and gateway to the Kalbarri national park. You need to see the photographs to appreciate the wonder and beauty of both the cliffs and lovely sandy bays and beaches .

That night we found Finlays, a bring your own drink BBQ Restaurant where I was rescued by the boss with a bottle of beer as we had not brought drink.

The next day was devoted to exploring Kalbarri national park starting with the spectacular coastal cliff paths (good exercise) and then into the gorge of the Murchison River, while the rough roads did not make Jero very comfortable it was well worthwhile with amazing rock formations and views down the gorge to the river. See the pictures of amazing features like the Natural Window a hole in the rocks with views of the gorge from both sides.

Andrew and Alex are amazing with their detailed planning , enthusiasm and determination to see all the main sites. That night the vote was to return to the Fish BBQ so armed this time with suitable liquid refreshment we had a very good last evening together.

The next day it was time for me to take my leave via the 8 hour Greyhound bus trip back to Perth.

A &A then set off north to mouthwatering sounding venues like Shark Bay and Monkey Mia famous for its Dolphins, I look forward to the blog and pictures from there.

I had a great 4 days with them enhanced greatly by how much they are obviously enjoying both their trip and their relationship.