Day 80. Up early as we are going on a big day trip south into the tall timber country of the Darling Plateau. It was 1 degree here overnight! First stop pretty timber town of Nannup and then on a winding scenic road following the green timbered Blackwood River valley to the small timber town of Balinyup. The old cheese making dairy made a fabulous treasure trove for knick knacks and timber pieces. These tiny towns have rejuvenated themselves with cafes, shops, o...

Day 79. First day of Spring and the weather is looking good for today after a little rain overnight and down to 3 degrees! Today we are doing a half day trip to Cape Naturaliste. Through the small village of Dunsborough and we were soon entering the Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park. We were amazed at the expanses of white arum lillies in the fields and under the trees. Walked up to the old lighthouse built in 1904 and still operating, lots of coastal wildflower...

Day 78. Rained lightly overnight and in the morning we set off down south on the Mitchell and Kwinana Freeways past the towers of Perth City towards the wet green South West for our next adventure. Past Rockingham, Mandurah and Bunbury until we reached the small city of Busselton on Geographe Bay. A few kilometres outside the city centre we checked into the beautiful green leafy Mandalay Resort and CP right on the white sandy beach, the best park we have stayed ...

Day 77. Bacon and eggs for Sunday breakfast as the fine weather returned after rain falling on the van overnight. Today we are visiting the Swan Valley wineries, notably Sandleford, Lancaster and Houghtons. First a detour to the heritage listed village of Guildford and the very helpful information centre. A walk around the old town, so many beautiful old buildings and churches. Morning tea in a quaint little cafe and then drove up the Swan Valley Road to the win...

Day 76. A windy wet morning in Perth so we went shopping at the big Warwick Mall up along North Beach Road. A new iPhone 6 and nails for Raechel while I was happy to drink coffee while reading the Weekend Australian. Dropped into new looking Bunnings warehouse at Balcatta, very impressive plant nursery and leisure department. Back at our van we spent some time reading as the sun returned and the wind receded. Dinner tonight home baked pies, veg and gravy. Windy ...