PERTH

MONDAY 12TH OCTOBER.
Arrived in Gwelup, Karrinyup Caravan Park around Lunch time. Decided to put annexe up as it is a little cold, especially at night. Apparently winter is hanging around. We have a nice spot right at the back of the caravan park, with the lake surrounding us. Rang Tony to tell him we had arrived. Rang later to talk to Bunty and we are going over for Lunch on Wednesday. By the time we had set the van up, we were fairly tired. Found out that Uma and Mark had a baby boy today. All are well, even Mark. Baby is 6lb 12ozs and his name is Max.

TUESDAY 13TH OCTOBER.
Went shopping for groceries. Also went to Coromal Caravans and picked up a new front door for van. Also went and got 4 new tyres for the car. Arrived home and had tea and went to bed.

WEDNESDAY 14TH OCTOBER.
Went to Tony and Bunty's for lunch. Had a lobvely chat about our holidays. Also exchanged photos and general chit chat. A lovely day and very nice to catch up with them.

THURSDAY 15TH OCTOBER.
Tony, Bunty and Les and I went to Mandura to visit Katrina, Chris and the children. Dylan, Brianna, Connor and Ashley. It was a great day. We had lunch with them and then went into Mandurah to have a look around. We then went back to see Dylan, Connor and Brianna when they got home from school. They are wonderful kids, and a delite to see. We drove home about 5.30pm. Tony and Bunty dropped us off at the van.

FRIDAY 16TH OCTOBER
We went to Rockingham to visit Alan and Betty. Les new them he lived here in the early 70's. We had tried to see them 10 years ago when we were here, but they weren't at their old address. Les couldn't find where they had moved to. Thankfully her daughter had visited us and gave us her address. We took them out for lunch and caught up on their lives, since Les had came back to NSW.

SATURDAY 17TH OCTOBER
Went shopping and returned home. It was a very hot day, 35c so we had a swim and then a lay down. Michelle and Garry had invited us over for tea tonight. Had a great time. We didn't get home until 12.30pm. Their house is lovely. They have put a pool on and are erecting brick walls etc.

SUNDAY 18TH OCTOBER
Katrina, Brianna, Connor, and Ashley and Bunty and Tony came for a BBQ. We had a lovely time and thank goodness the temperature had dropped to 25c. The kids loved the jumping castle and the swings.

MONDAY 19th OCTOBER
Went shopping. Les is buying me a overlocker for my birthday so we went to have a look at these. Also did some shopping (not groceries this time). We went to Alan and Betty's for tea and Neville and Leanne were also there. Had another nice chat to them all. They are really friendly and pleasant to people to be around.

TUESDAY 20TH TO MONDAY 25TH OCTOBER
Spent this time visiting family and friends.

DRIVE TO SEE WILD FLOWERS OF WA

Drive to have a look at the wild flowers which were flowering in abundance. We also went into Gingin and had a look around a very tidy town. Also had a look at the cemetery in the church grounds in the main street. It was a very cold day so we went home and snuggled up around the fire. First time we have used it in a long time. Leaving tomorrow for Perth.

WILDFLOWERS

Went for a drive to have a look at the Wild Flowers. They were in abundance. Absolutely gorgeous. We also went to the Pinnacles and has a walk around. These were pretty amazing also. We also drove around them. Took lots of photos.

NEW NORCIA

Saturday we went to New Norcia and did a 2 hour tour of the monastery. There are only eight monks practicing there at the moment. I think there in decline. It was very nice. The garage is even owned by the monks as well as a hotel. Two defrocked monks set it up and it still serving meals and alcohol. We had lunch there as it was our wedding anniversary. Went home and had tea.

WILLOWBROOK FARM NEAR GINGIN

Stayed hear for 3 nights. It was a lovely stay with great owners. Really made you feel at home. Friday night we had a BBQ and met some of the other campers. Camped next to a couple who live near my sister. What a small world it is. Saturday we went to New Norcia and did a 2 hour tour of the monastery. There are only eight monks practicing there at the moment. I think there in decline. It was very nice. The garage is even owned by the monks as well as a hotel. Two defrocked monks set it up and it still serving meals and alcohol. We had lunch there as it was our wedding anniversary. Went home and had tea.

DONGARRA

Arrived at Dongarra about 10.30 and decide to stay the night. After we had set the van up we went for to Port Denison and had a look at the Lighthouse and the view over Port Denison. We then drove out to the old monastery that has been brought and turned into a pub and accommodation. It is quite run down, but I believe it has Heritage Listing. Maybe they might do it up, in which case it would be beautiful. Went home and relaxed.

STOCKYARD GULLY CAVES

We drove to Stockyard Gully Caves. Interesting 4WD drive trip along a sandy road. Took our torches and had a look at the 250 metre cave. It is is open at either end with lots of bees,and very dark in the centre of the cave. At the moment it is only covered in sand but when it rains it gets a river running through it. Had lunch at the entrance to the cave and then drove home via the wild flowers. They are absolutely beautiful and very abundant.

JURIENNE BAY

Travelled to Juriene Bay. Set van up and then walked along the beachfront. Also did some grocery shopping. Arrived back at van and had tea.

GERALDTON CRAFT FAIR AND DRAGON BOAT RACES

We left the van and went into town to have a look at the markets and then went down the waterfront to have a look at the Dragon Boat races. They were interesting to watch them challenge other boats to see who could get to the buoys at the other first. We then went up to the Netball centre for a Craft Stall. Lots of quilting at very reasonable prices, candles, baby, wear and lots of other craft items. Got home around 1pm and watched Parramatta lose to Storm. We then decided to go to the movies and see Mao's Last Dancer. It was a great movie and seeing that I had just read the book it was really well timed.

GERALDTON MUSEUM

We left the caravan and went to Rivers to buy Les some shirts, thongs and a jacket for me. Then we went to the most beautiful Quilt shop. If you couldn't find what you wanted there then I don't think it exists. We had lunch on the waterfront and read a book for a while. We then went to the museum which had exhibits of the Batavia and a the HMAS Sydney. Also had exhibits on wrecks of the West Australia coast. Very informative exhibition. Arrived home and went to have drink with out neighbours who were camped behind us.

GERALDTON

Left Murchison River this morning and got to Geraldton about 10.30am. We went to the Tourist Info centre and found out that we should stay for a few days. We got accomodation at Sunset Big 4 Caravan Park. We went up to the Memorial to the HMAS SYDNEY which is situated on top of a hill overlooking the waterfront. It is an excellent memorial. It has 645 sea gulls surroundin a dome structure. We then drove around to have a look at the waterfront and town.

MURCHISON RIVER /GALENA BRIDGE

We left Denham and stayed at the Murchison River overnight. The camp was called the Galena Bridge campsite and was a great Freebie. About 25 vans were there and it was a nice spot to stay.