HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Saturday we drove up to Yanchep National Park. First stop was to the koala walk where you could follow a raised path and view the koalas quite freely. It was a hot day so one of the smarter koalas was perched in a tree just in top of a sprinkler! We walked down to the lake but no dipping toes in – the lake was notorious for snakes…I saw an interesting plant not spotted previously – you have to look closely to see what it really is….We wanted to go on a caves tour but the first available tour was several hours later so we gave that a miss. We have seen caves on earlier trips – and many when we lived in the States as well.
On the way back home we stopped at Minderie harbor for an ice cream – it was blowing so not many boats were on the water – but what a beautiful place. We drove further south to Hillary’s boat harbour for a walk around – lots of excellent shops and exciting restaurants. Their latest “gimmick” is Harley Hire – I will just stick to walking – thanks!!!
We arrived home only to turn around and drive into the centre of Perth for a lovely barbeque. And red wine…plenty of it! ( too much of it )…
Sunday morning was an early start. We drove up 200 km to New Norcia – the only remaining town in Australia that is 100% monasterial. It had a very interesting museum and art gallery – but no pictures as they had a major art robbery many years ago and they did not want a repeat. We bought bread made by the monks and stopped at a small café/bakery at Bidoon on the way home. At 4 we visited Ray and Janice…Ray is a retired pilot for the flying doctors and has shared the most amazing stories with us. I also sat with Richard – his grandfather was Edward Cade, the founder of the Ashanti gold mines in Africa. He too had amazing stories to share. Everyone else had drinks - none for me though as I was still recovering from Saturday – and I was going up to Westurn for some dinner and training with Helen. We had a great evening and talked lots of agility! Helen has a fantastic border collie who reminds me so much of One – so we could exchange training ideas :o)

This morning we drove up to Kings Park in Perth. First stop was the Cancer Shop – a healthy reminder of what the sun can do to you if you don’t protect yourself – If you worship the sun … pray you don’t get skin cancer!!! I got new driving sunnies :o) as the last ones were squashed under something on the passenger seat in my car! We drove to the park which is an absolutely beautiful outing! It rests on the top of a hill overlooking Perth and the view is magnificent. On top of that the park has been well planned and there is a lot to see – with descriptions of the areas, walkways and plants. There is a raised walkway so you can “walk among the tree tops”. For each soldier lost in war from WA a tree is planted with a memorial plaque – very, sad as there are many, many trees with plaques.


Next stop was lunch at a restaurant in Fremantle. We went to Little Creatures overlooking the water. This place was many years ago a crocodile farm – now it was a restaurant and micro brewery – a great restaurant I can only recommend highly!!! I was conservative and went for a fish dinner – but you could also order “ marinated kangaroo w/ bush tomato chutney “ or if you wanted desert the menu said “ ask a creature “! The kitchen was quite open and you could see the busy activity. Just behind the kitchen was the brewery. Drink sizes were defined as “little” and “not so little”!!! I am definitely coming back another time.
This evening we are going to Mike & Carols – then flying home tomorrow at 4.30!!!