We have just spent the last few days with friends in Perth, it has just been wonderful to stop and catch up. They have 2 daschutnds that are something else. Yes, Spencer now wants some, I have explained that it would be impossible with our bush steps. Norbet and Wendell have been incredibly sharing of their abode with Comet. Wendell is a little off his game.... A bulging disc means he is wheeled around in a stroller, or carried, and is on drugs.

We have regrouped after some incredible weather patterns that have been batterring the south western corner of the country. We left Albany and drove through Pemberton to see the Glouchester tree,( we can't believe that Jeremy climbed it) 40 metres up just holding on to metal bars. We couldn't stop as Comet made his presence a little too well known. Off again towards Wright bridge to camp for a few days . beautiful countryside, we found the camping spot and had the whole place to ourselves. Jonah started looking at the forecast and we realised that it should only be an overnight stop and not the few days we were anticipating.We had to batten down the hatches in Darkan ( Kenneth did say" why Darkin" ) $14 a night with power, water fabulous showers.

We used the time to see that Spencer did the NAPLAN test that we had sent through to Bunbury. All good for stormy situations. Kenneth had pointed us in the right direction for a scenic run into Perth. Through some stunning country, it is all very lush and fertile, then down into Perth. Kenneth and Justine have a place that seems central to everything, so we have a new wheel and are fully stocked for our next push up to Steep point.

Spent a fabulous day in Freo....... Went to the Shipwreck gallery, learnt all about the Batavia and other wrecks. We found Bon Scotts' statue and wandered round the streets. The architecture is wonderful, found a fabulous delicatessen (little sisters) in Market st. Jonah was in seventh heaven. There were even people in there just taking photos of the saucisson . So some blue cheese ,triple cream, roasted tomatoes ,saucisson and baguettes and we were off.

All good.

Kenneth and Justine had told us about some places up the coast and we will be off today on our next piece of Australia to see, the Pinnacles.

Some photos to follow.