Day 40:

A trip from Rockingham down thru Margaret River to Karridale. We just arrived in Margaret River for lunch time, isn't that amazing so very well planned by the driver. But we had a really uninspiring Asian meal that spoilt the whole ambiance of the place. And I worked out that my other half can spend more time in an ice cream shop deciding on a flavour to enjoy than I am allowed to spend in a very interesting gift and homeware shop, he wanders off down the street and he has the money with him so no purchases can be made, not that I need anything but there is always hope. Ended up arriving at Kell and Michelle's place around 3pm. The cows in the neighbouring farm chased the car and van along the drive thinking we were the farmer with a food van. Another night of drinking, eating and laughing a lot with another lovely couple. A quiet but cold night with not even the mooing of a cow thank goodness. The wind was fairly fierce and cold, when is spring commencing I wonder.

Day 41:

The girls had to go off to work early so we were also up and about. Wally played with the cows for a while, he does have some silly games he is fond of. Finally set off about 9 heading west then south towards Nannup, Manjimup and then Mt Barker before coming into Albany. This was a more minor way of travelling down and we didn't have much traffic at all. Wound up and down and round hills and some lovely southern landscape of WA. Morning tea was in Nannup, coffee cold and had to be asked to buzz in microwave, cake very dry, how can you get walnut and pear cake that dry, at least buzz it also and serve with a sauce to disguise it. Had another 216 kms to drive before hitting Mt Barker Bakery for lunch - on advisement by many. Award winning Moroccan Goat pie and also a prawn and chorizo one, very nice. We had decided on half and half but my goat one was so much better than his choice and I didn't want to swap but a deal is a deal I suppose, also bought a glorious fresh loaf of grain hi top. Only another 40kms down to Albany and our sometime trusty Sam took us in the back way so we missed Albany city which is always good with van in tow and are now parked in our spot at Emu Point for a couple of nights. Washing of all clothes, bed linen and towels happening on a very cold and cloudy day but the dryer will have them back with us soon. We may also have had a trial of our fresh loaf with butter and vegemite - just to check it was fresh of course. We are looking forward to seeing the Anzac museum down here as have been told it is excellent although very emotional - as these things are.

Wally in his silliness said the other day 'why don't we take the second blanket away as it doesn't seem too cold' - silly man it is shiveringly cold, hovered between 12 and 13 today, not sure what it is supposed to be overnight. Kell kept us warm and toasty last night with a lovely log fire and wish we could have bottled some of that for use later, like now for our tin can, poor Gina, we really do love her.

So for today, a very big thank you for all the lovely hospitality and hugs and love we have had here in the west and we will now just have to put up with each other again. Think we are 'talked' out anyway after five days of socialising. Love and hugs to the east also. xx

PS the photo has nothing to do with where we are - just had to put one in