As I write this entry, instead of in the car with the caravan behind us, we are sitting on a plane heading over to the Gold Coast and family. So excited!
But before we get there I need to recap on our last stage, heading to Perth.
We left Port Dennison after saying goodbye to some more new friends and heading further down the coast. The Pinnacles, another of Western Australia's "must dos" are near to Jurien Bay and Cervantes so, basing ourselves at Jurien Bay, we went off exploring.
The Pinnicles are hundreds of ancient limestone formations of varying sizes in a desert environment, and were featured in Billy Connolly's World Tour where Billy does his famous "nudey run" Thankfully, neither of us felt the need to do the same!
We decided to do the drive around, stopping to explore, then head to the visitor centre just as the weather changed. It looked like rain was coming, dark clouds and very blustery. After spending about an hour in the centre we went out expecting to do the walk but yes, it was raining quite hard so we will have to leave the walk until next time.
We visited Cervantes from Jurian Bay, another little beach suburb that revolves around Cray/lobster fishing. At the Lobster Shack we did eventually manage to get in a tour of a lobster processing plant, seeing how the hundreds of lobsters are size graded and packed for local and overseas buyers. We then enjoyed a good lunch of lobster, salad and chips before doing the obligatory photo call behind the cutout board. We also had to smile at the pictures on the toilet doors.
By now, the weather is definitely getting cooler and when we reached Ledge Point, our next stop, we felt the effects of strong cool winds. Not just the cold but also the great piles of smelly seaweed along the beaches brought in by the tides.
There's not much at Ledge Point unless you like fishing so we spent a couple of lazy days there where Chris played golf and watched movies. I spent hours playing on the laptop, with photos etc.
From Ledge Point it was Gwelup, a northern suburb of Perth. We stayed at the Karrinyup Water Resort, just across from the lake so we were able to enjoy the wildlife (birds, ducks and rabbits) everywhere. There is also a great swimming pool complex at this park, two large heated pools and a very large spa. The weather hots up again with temps hitting high 30s-40. We managed to while away a few hours by the pools to keep cool. (Note the picture of Chris walking on water, didn't he always think he was God? LOL)
Having now arrived in Perth, we have been catching up with friends , both fellow travellers and some that go back to our old life. We have enjoyed good company, shared happy memories and caught up on all everyone's news.
We are leaving our little home on wheels down at Port Kennedy, where it will be used by friends we met in Darwin. Angela's mum, (also called Angela) is so excited about staying in our little home and says she may never come out of it.
We had a picnic with Angela and all her family at HMAS Stirling, on Garden Island where their son Mark and his partner, Steph are both based. We were then lucky enough to have a bit of a tour around the base, (something civilians don't usually get to do.) before back to their place for a very pleasant evening and early night in anticipation of our long day's travelling the next day.
Now we are coming to the end of the first leg of our flight, leaving Perth in 40 degree heat, arriving in Melbourne to19 degrees (Brrrrr) Next stop, the Gold Coast.
Jetstar changed our flights on us. Instead of a direct flight we had to change at Melbourne, so with a three hour time difference as well, it will be a long day by the time we get to Jo's but so worth it. We're looking forward to seeing everyone, enjoy family, Christmas time and most of all, the grandchildren. Can't wait to see Josh and Ellie and then the arrival of Jo and Phil's precious bundle in the new year.
As I write this, I'm wondering who out there is reading this. Hellooooo is anybody out there?
I expect this will be my last entry until after Christmas so we should take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and Happy New Year with good health and happiness to us all.