A day of tourism in and around Margaret River, first stop the chocolate factory for breakfast. A few samples filled us up before spotting a bloke in a Tusker t-shirt: if only I'd bought one when I had the chance. Next on the agenda were a lighthouse, a water wheel, and an all-year Christmas shop. More wine and port followed, along with some rather large trees. After discussing dampers and outback food Sharon and I stayed up until 2am drinking wine and talking, ...

My first time behind a wheel for almost 9 weeks went rather well: I revved the engine a little in first but managed to drive the 158km to Busselton without too much trouble. There was a lot of windscreen wiper action as I struggled to remember the indicators were on the right, not left like at home. After meeting Cynthia's granddaughter, daughter, and great grandchildren, we headed back to Sharon's for a delicious home cooked meal: rack of lamb, home grown veget...

A trip to Perth via train was on the agenda today, although my British Rail Young Person's Card failed to get me a discount. Looked around at the few sky scrapers, had some tea and cake as seems to be the WA way, and guffawed at the price to get to Freemantle. A trip to the bingo hall and no wins finished off a most exciting day.

It's been like a normal week at home here, pottering about to the shops, going for coffee and cake at friends' houses, and watching TV: very different to the past couple of months. Cynthia's friends Larry and Jean took us on a day trip down to Mandurah, although the rain that a guidebook said I was unlikely to see at this time of year made itself known! We had fish and chips, but I'm afraid they're not quite like our chips. A little dip into the bakery followed ...

My bag and I made it to our 3rd continent! I had my passport, visa, and boots that were definitely not covered in African mud, out ready for inspection, but not one of them was questioned. My passport was stamped with a nice new design and I was ushered through past the sniffer beagle into arrivals. I was met there by Cynthia and her son David - a few friendly faces after hours of airports and officials. After arriving in Armadale to see the kangaroos and eat...