Tues 27/05/14 Bit late getting moving this morning after several evening beverages with our French friend last eve. Eventually set off around 11am and headed into Hyden to fuel up and take a look at the bush art metal sculptures...they are very clever, made only from old pieces of machinery and they represent characters from the township. We were lucky enough to meet the "artist", a local retiree who was fitting his new flamingo installation. Kids fascinated that "that old man made all this stuff". Stops at Lake Grace and Borden - met a friendly farm dog who shared some of our apple snack - drove on through the Stirling Ranges and tested our fuel calcualtions as we ran the gauge down to zero, but made it to servo ok. Albany is our latest/darkest arrival so far, did a quick grocery shop upon arrival then fast setup - just finished in time - up sprang the winds and down poured the rain ... heater required again.

Wed 28/05/14 Staying at Middleton Beach Big 4. Smallish park, but is a nice, tidy setup backing directly onto sanddunes / beach. Awoke to find rain and wind persisting - rubbish weather....sleep in....ipods.....then homeschool and laundry; paid a small fortune to get everything washed and dried. Eventually rains subsided and kids were able to have a scoot, then a walk on the beach before jumping in the nice hot spa to get the cabin fever yips out - then out to Saffron Indian Restaurant for a yummo dinner. All early to bed (except the blogger!).

Thu 29/05/14 Here somes the rain again... car in for a service today. More schooling, scooting, beach walks and spaing. Kids made friends with two girls from Adelaide doing a similar circuit/timeline as us...might criss-cross with them here and there.

Fri 30/5/14 On the road today, but touristing as well. Toured "Whale World' in the morning - the last whaling station to close in Australia - 20 Nov 1978 - main whale species hunted were humpbacks and sperm whalers. Very informative guide, David, and interesting tour - very well setup and organised. Kids a mixture of repulsion and fascination as exhibits and processes were explained. Very worthwhile visit. Sangas in the van and then made a stop at nearby Blowholes on our way to The Valley of the Giants Tingle Tree Forest in the Narnalup National Park at Walpole.