Spent some time at Kings Park yesterday paying homage to the park bench I slept on in 1971 for the first two nights I was originally in Australia. It's a special place Kings Park for all West Australians and the view of Perth is magnificent. It hasn't half changed over the last 20 years or so. Very close by in Malcolm Street is the building which used to house the historic Stables Folk club of many fantastic memories, music and song. It still stands (about the only original thing that does in that area), though it is now being lived in.

Acquired another mandolin from Lionel for learning some new tunes as we drive round and was also given a fantastic gift by Phil of one of his handmade ukelele's which is in the shape of WA.

After much dashing around, final food shopping, checking spare tyres, filling the trailer up with water, we were planning to be off today. Got a bit of a worry though about the rear diff humming so a bit frustrating as I'm sitting for the second time in the car service centre, having been here last week to get a second key cut ($430!!) after being given only one when we bought the car, and having special oil put in the gear box as it was a bit clunky. Need to get on the move otherwise we'll not get to all the places we want to.

Thanks to everyone. Chris&Jenny, Alison, Cheryl, Denise&Brian, John&Barbara, Dave&Sophie, Janet, Gay& Brent, Hazel, Murray&Ros, Don&Noelene, Steve&Chris, Sheila, Carol&John, Richard, Dick, Phil, Lionel, Dave&Myra, Jan&Ken, Kevin&Pauline, Ken&Connie, Annie, Erik, Nerys&Ted, Bernie&Eleanor, Greg, Terry&Ann, all the morrismen (Tom, Paul, Bill et al) for dinners,lunches,drinks, and just good fun and greetings. Good health to you alland hopefully see you all again sometime in the not too distant future, and with particular note to those who have visited Bletchley Park, Stratford, Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Oxford and not called to see us ! You know who you are.

PS Departure delyed until tomorrow morning as a result of diff getting new super oil and car getting a thorough check.