Day 73. Margaret River



Down into the cave

Great morning; the weather looked good and we all met at the camp kitchen for a lovely BBQ cooked bacon and eggs brekkie. We sat around talking and swapping photos with each other on our lap tops from the past week. At about 11am, we decided we should get out and do something so we decided to all meet for coffee at the 'Berry Farm' just down the road.

On the way in we had to stop so the kids could watch the huge excavator and dump truck digging a new dam. The Berry Farm grounds were so lovely, but we headed straight into the cellar door for some tastings. This place was a culinary gold mine; there were so many jams, chutney's, sauces, dressings, wines, liquors and ports we didn't know where to start. They had a huge playground in view of the tasting area so the kids were taken care of and all we had to do was try and decide what to taste first.We finally decided on a port each after quite a number of tastings, and it was so hard to leave it at that I can tell you. The kids were having so much fun we moved over to the beautiful cafe to sit and watch them play over a tea/coffee.

 

Shane, Jace and Jo doing some tastings



Anyone for a coffee?












Paul the day before, went to the local tavern and had the most amazing feed of calamari/baby squid he had ever had. After hearing him brag all yesterday afternoon about not being able to finish it, we were all keen to head there for lunch and give it a go. The kids were all content with colouring in pencils and pictures from the tavern staff, so we all ordered the squid. There was no disappointment; it was so good, and the serving was huge. Even the kids had a small feed each, and commented on how good they were.

After lunch we popped into Country Target and grabbed the girls some new clothes; and Scarlett was desperate for some new trackies as she is growing so fast that all last winters clothes are too short in the leg to go another season.

The afternoon was getting away on us and not wanting to waste the good weather we decided to check out 'Mammoth Cave' to the south of Margaret River. We were all issued with an MP3 player and headphones, and started the self guide tour. This cave was by far the biggest I have ever been in, suppose it didn't get the name 'Mammoth' for no reason. The caverns were so huge, and the MP3 information was really interesting. The kids all listened to their players with much interest, even little Jai, and were disappointed when it was over.

On our way in

  

When we finally made it through to the exit, Shane the girls did a walk back through a karri and marri forest to the car park. Jace, Jo, Jai and I, walked back through the cave system again coming out where we went in. It was such a great walk, we were keen to see it from another perspective. We all came out together in the car park, and agreed it was a really great experience.

 

On the way back to the campground, we

took the girls for hot chocolate and cake. Shane and I shared a very disappointing vanilla slice, that was so 'not calorie worth it'. The hot chocolate however was delicious. Scarlett had a slushy and cupcake which she thoroughly enjoyed, then ran around playing hide and go seek with the other kids over the spacious grounds.

Jace, Jo, Jai and I heading back through

Maya, Grace and Scarlett

We decided after the enormous amount of food we ate today to skip dinner, and wait for Paul who was cooking scones in the camp oven later this evening. I can say, they were worth the wait. He even had yummy boysenberry jam and cream, I hope Shane was paying attention! 

Paul's yummy scones



Day 72. Margaret River

A day of delights...

This morning was a casual morning, as we woke to more showers. We decided that all three families would go there own ways and explore the Margaret River region today, and then meet up at the end of the day around the campfire to tell our tales...


Margaret River

We were on the road by mid morning, and went into the township of Margaret River itself to check out the local shops. The main road is full of all types of shops; from brick-a-brack and home wares, to gifts and sports ware. It reminds me a lot of Tamborine Mountain in South East QLD. Everyone is very friendly, and it was a delight to explore what hidden gems could be discovered in this laid back town. At one point, we walked into one particular shop and found Paul, Megan and the kids inside; only to step out side and run into Jace, Jo and their kids! Its a small world!

 

Scarlett at the playground

  By this time it was almost lunchtime, so Bec, Scarlett and myself visited the local park to enjoy our lunch. As we discovered it also has a great kids playground and outdoor gym area, and Scarlett had a ball trying out all the equipment.



Just north of Margaret River is 'Cowaramup'. For a small town, this place has a lot to offer. We visited the 'Candy Cow'; where Bec enjoyed the delights of all the different fudge flavours made on site. Scarlett was intrigued by the all-day lollipops and sour sherbet carousel, where she indulged in about a dozen types of flavours ranging from strawberry to sour lemonade. She was in heaven. By the time we left, both Bec and Scarlett's arms were full, and my wallet felt remarkably lighter!

Bec, Scarlett, and the Candy Cow

We had to visit the Margaret River Regional River Wine Centre, which was literally straight across the road. Bec enjoyed a 'few' wine tastings before buying three bottles of local 'produce'. We also received some great advice on what wineries to visit, so we packed our maps and headed off to try a few more drops of what this region is famous for!

On the way out of town, we stopped in on a 'fairy gemstone' shop, and before I knew what was happening Scarlett was walking out the door with a beautifully wrapped 'package' with another crystal gem hidden within for her ever increasing collection.

Next Bec had me stop at the 'Howling Wolves Winery'; she just loved the labels this winery has on its bottles! A few more 'tastings', and we left with another couple of bottles of Moscato tucked firmly in Becs arms! She was having a ball!

Just down the road was the 'Margaret River Nuts and Cereal Co.', where we briefly paused and tried there fair of 'nuts'. I must say that both Bec and I were impressed, and left with a packet of Sweet Chilli Thai peanuts. Yummy!

Jace and me at the Cowaramup Brewing Company

I thought Bec was starting to have too much of a good time, so I called Jace and organised to meet him and his family at the 'Cowaramup Brewing Company', so that us boys could sample a few more of the local boutique beers on offer. We both indulged in another 'paddle' of five sample beers each, while watching the kids play.

It was starting to get late, so we headed back to 'Big River Campgrounds' and got the BBQ ready for another dinner at the communal camp kitchen. Here, we all caught up on each others daily activities over dinner, before lighting the campfire and watching the kids cook marshmallows over the coals.

The kids

Tonight the skies are clear and cold, so lets hope tomorrow brings better weather!

Day 71. Margaret River

A beer for the boys

It had been raining on and off for most of the night, and we were facing a pretty glum day. We had heaps planned, and were desperately hoping for good weather. The kids made good use of the early morning before we left to finish work their lean-to. This thing is a masterpiece ‘Bear Grylls’ would even be proud.

The kids all working hard on their Lean-to

We packed some lunches, and decided to give the ‘Bellview Shell collection’ a look in Whitchcliffe. The boys stayed outside while the girls took the kids in to check it out. The collection is over 200 square metres of colourful and unique display area, with shells and corals collected from all around the world. There are over 30,000 rare and beautiful shells on display, and the girls loved it.

There was another good gap in the weather coming over so we moved onto the Eagle Heritage Centre. They have the largest collection of birds or Prey in Australia (apparently). There was a free flight show on at 11:00 and we were praying the weather would hold out. We were in luck again; the rain stopped just as we arrived and held out for the two whole hours we were there.

Black Kite

We watched the most amazing free flight show, with 5 x black kites swooping and diving all around the sky and putting on a great display. Everyone was able to go out doing the ‘Hawke Walk’ (A very slow walk out so as not to scare the bird), put on a glove and hold these fantastic birds of prey for a photo. After the show we walked around the bushgrounds and checked out the many aviaries with injured and rehabilitated birds in them. This park’s inhabitants have all been handed in injured and have disabilities, which won’t allow them to be released back into the wild. It was a bird zoo for little aussie battlers!

We then went to ‘Cave Works Eco Centre’ an interpretative centre where the kids learnt about the formation and history of caves within Australia. There were interactive model caves, and a ‘cave crawl’ (a tunnel like those found in real caves they could crawl through). We moved outside to a great viewing platform overlooking the entrance into ‘Lake Cave’. It was really beautiful, there is however no water in the lake at the moment, so we gave going down inside a miss.



Entrance to Lake Cave


The girls then decided the men had been driving us around all day and deserved a drink, so it was off to the ‘Colonial Brewing Company’ where they all started off with a five beer tasting ‘Paddle’. There was a massive playground so the kids were in heaven. We sat here for a couple of hours, and could easily have a couple more only for the fact we needed to do a quick shop and get the kids back and cook dinner.

Paul, Shane and Jace with their tasting paddles

After a quick stop at Coles, we were back at the campground and the kids were straight back into the production of their ‘lean-to’. We decided to cook together at the huge camp kitchen tonight; they have huge BBQ’s and big wooden tables; enough room to seat everybody and then some. After dinner Shane brought up our T.V. and plugged it in, and we set the kids up to watch the ‘Legend of the Guardians’ an owl movie in honour of the many great owls they saw today.

Jace made a great fire, and the guys all sat around it with some beers talking ‘man talk’, while I gave Jo some tips on how to manage all her trips photos on her laptop. We had another great evening together and are all excited about what tomorrow might bring.

Day 70 - Big Valley (Margaret River)

Exploring the far south west of Australia…

The kids on our van this morning.

We woke to the magpies morning chorus, and were surrounded by Port Lincoln parrots all over the lawns. What a beautiful morning. Unfortunately we are moving on today.

It was 7am when both Bec’s and my mobile phones started beeping like crazy. It seemed that the Telstra tower in our area was finally fixed, and the messages were flooding in. Adam and Courtney had had their engagement party last night, and our friends (Jodie and Michelle) had sent through a number of messages and photo’s from the party. Bec was feeling very homesick, and had a tear or two; I think she is now starting to miss her friends and family like never before. A hot cuppa and hug soon had Bec back to her old self again. I also received a phone call informing me that my cousin Erik and his wife Jelena had just become parents for the first time; a little girl! Congratulations guys!

It was a subdued start to the day, as Bec and the rest of us had enjoyed a few drinks last night while playing ‘Jenga’, and I think more than just one person was feeling the after effects this morning…

We packed the van, hooked up the Pajero, and were soon heading north again in our own little caravan convoy. All three families have been having such a great time, we have decided to continue travelling together for another day or two.

First it was north up to Manjimup, then west towards Nannup where we stopped for morning tea. Help! Bec was in serious need of some greasy food! I soon found a small café, where we ordered a big bowl of chips and gravy. In Bec’s own words; “I really needed that, and it certainly hit the spot.” I must admit that at the time it tasted divine.

Hamelin Bay

We then headed south and stopped in at Hamelin Bay to see the ‘famous’ Sting Rays. Unfortunately the wind was blowing, and the sea’s a little choppy, so all we got to see were some black shadows moving around in the shallows at water’s edge. It was disappointing not seeing these critters as we had heard so much about them, but the day was not lost. We then headed further south, to the Cape Leeuwin Light House. This is the extreme far south western tip of, not only WA, but Australia.

Everyone walking past the ruins of the old logging jetty

 

Scarlett and a Pirate themed 'cow'

 We arrived just as the wind was picking up, and the sky was turning dark. We had come so far today that we didn’t just want to turn around and head back, so we went on the light house tour which we all found very informative. We took lots of photos, and then climbed the 176 steps to the top. It stands approx 42 metres tall; (not quite as high as the ‘Gloucester Tree’ we climbed only two days before), but we still found it a challenge. We were all still a little sore from our previous climb, but after 100 or so steps our muscles started to loosen up, and the climb wasn’t that hard after that. The view was amazing. This exact spot is where two oceans meet; the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean.

 

 

Even as we looked out over the ocean, we could see a massive storm front approaching from the west. At the end of the tour, we headed north to find a place to camp for the night before the storm hit. We ended up about 10kms south east of Margaret River at a place called ‘Big Valley Campground’. It’s a privately run camp area, and from what I could see before it got dark and the rain started falling, the facilities looked very good. I think it will make a great base to explore the Margaret River area from and I can’t wait! We’ll stay here for a couple of nights and see what happens!

Bec, and where two oceans meet

Just behind the vans, the kids built a lean-to out of branches from the gum trees that surround the campground. They did a great job, but I really don’t think it would keep the rain out! They are having so much fun playing together. I think it will be a sad day for all when we finally part ways and head off in our own directions…

At the top of the Light House

posted by Shane....

Day 69. Quinninup (Pemberton)

Jenga, Jenga, Jenga



Scarlett and Grace playing barbie's

 What a cold night, we were so cold last night it got down to 3 deg. I have given Scarlett my blanket and didn’t think there were anymore, so Shane and I just snuggled up and tried to stay warm. This morning we are washing the sheets and putting on the flannelettes, as we’re not used to this cold weather. Thank goodness in the process we found some more blankets I forgot we packed, and Shane has changed and remade all the beds with them. It should be a lot better tonight.

After doing some washing, changing the beds and baking a date loaf, we decided being 1pm we should head out and do some sightseeing, before the day was gone. We started at the visitor information centre; also the home of the ‘Karri Discovery Centre’. We were very disappointed to find it was closed for renovations. The kids however found a colouring-in table and sat there for ages, while the guys took advantage of the internet coverage in town, they checked their emails and Shane uploaded the blog (a day late).

Jo and I were keen to go to the ‘Knights Winery’ next, as they do a huge range of flavours in liqueurs and schnapps. There were so many types we tried a few; blueberry, strawberry, mocha, choc mint, coffee, to name a couple, I ended up purchasing a butterscotch liqueur, it was soooo yummy!

After a quick stop at the IGA it was back to the camp to prepare an early BBQ. Because of last night’s cold weather, and getting in so late, we wanted to have an early tea for the kids tonight. Dinner was lovely, heaps of veg and meat done on the BBQ, and we three girls each made a salad. Thank goodness it wasn’t as cold as last night, however it’s still quite chilly and the jackets were all out.

We threw the kids into the shower, and then into their PJ’s. They all then jumped into my bed to watch a movie. We set some tables up outside and cracked open the new liqueurs and started to chat. Jo brought over “Jenga” and the fun started. What a funny game! The looks of concentration on each of our faces, and the total surprise when the thing didn’t fall after some of the most hair raising moves, was priceless.

All the kids in my bed watching a movie

Megan pulled out a chocolate fondue set she and Paul got at Parry’s Beach. We melted the chocolate and dipped chilli choc toffee, very decadent for camping I can tell you. We sat around playing Jenga, laughing and drinking for way too long. My liqueur is all gone, and I know tomorrow I will be sore and sorry, but what a great night!

Jo, Paul, Shane and Jace

Me and Megan

Shane and Jace

Day 68. Quinninup

A full day of fun; climbing trees and playing in the sand

We woke to a fog shrouded valley this morning. It was freezing, so the heater was pulled out to warm up the van; which didn’t take that long luckily.

First thing; Scarlett and the kids took off looking for kangaroos to feed. Unfortunately for Scarlett, she was carrying the food to feed them with. A young male thought Scarlett looked pretty good and decided to ‘hug’ her. Paul, one our new friends, luckily was with the kids and pried the kangaroo off Scarlett and helped her back to the van for some 1st Aid. She ended up with a few scratches on her neck, back and shoulders from the little bugger’s claws. Ouch! Our Scarlett certainly has been in the wars during this trip of ours. She has fought off swans, had to run away from huge pelicans, almost walked on tiger snakes, fallen down ladders in whaling ships, and now been scratched by a very amorous young male kangaroo. It’s certainly been character building for her!

The kids on the tram

We all packed a picnic lunch and headed off to ride the famous ‘Pemberton Tram’ through the tall Karri tree forest. The ride was really pretty, but I must admit that I thought it was a little expensive for what it turned out to be, and I don’t think it lived up to the hype I have heard. Don’t get me wrong, it was enjoyable, with a very informative tram driver. He over explained everything; and I mean everything. I think most of us ‘switched off’ to his commentary after 30 minutes. However, the kids had a great time, and we did the trip for them anyway. Most of our days are planned around what can the kids experience each day! There was also a great looking steam train at the Pemberton Station, but it only operates on weekends. Due to the danger of bushfires, it doesn’t operate during the hot summer months unfortunately.

It's all too hard for Bec

After the tram ride, we headed into town to a local park where we all had lunch and decided on a plan of attack for the rest of the day. The kids played on an old steam train, while the adults enjoyed their packed lunch and talked. Bec took this opportunity to upload her daily blog for yesterday, as we have no service where we are presently staying.

3 x families travelling together in WA

Next we visited the ‘Gloucester Tree’; which was once a bush fire lookout back in its heyday. The lookout is 61 metres up the tree, and the only way up is via metal reo bars that have been drilled into the sides of the tree. There is no real protection from falling, and there are signs indicating this everywhere. Scarlett desperately wanted to climb the tree, but Bec and I were quite firm this wasn’t going to happen. Jace (another friend we have hooked up with), and I decided to try and master the climb to the top. I must admit it was quite a feat, but worth the views when we finally made it to the top which were amazing. It was quite chilly at the top, due to a fair breeze blowing. This then made the tree sway a little, which only added to the adrenalin rush.



Scarlett and an old logging Drey









Going up...





We decided to head back down, and just as we started to descend I heard Bec call out from below that she was heading up. With no room to pass on the climb, we stayed at the top and waited for her to join us. Not long afterwards, Bec made it to the platform at the top buggered, but ecstatic at the same time. I think she really enjoyed the massive challenge of climbing this iconic tree. We took a photo or two, and then started the long climb back down to Terra Firma. It was a good climb and I’m glad we did it. Let’s see what Bec thinks tomorrow when she wakes up!

4wding in the sand dunes



The kidsplaying on the sand dunes

Next we were off to have some fun. We ‘hit’ the extraordinary Yeagerup sand dunes in D’Entrecasteaux National Park, which was not too far away. I was a little hesitant at the thought of it at first, but it turned out to be a lot of fun, and Scarlett absolutely loved it. We made it up some of the dunes, but my Pajero was just too heavy and overloaded (not to mention I had it in H4 and not L4) to get up two others that our friends in their Pajero and Prado did with ease. I haven’t driven on sand like this since I visited Stockton Beach (NSW) over twenty years ago, and it was good travelling with two other 4wd’s for the safety factor of having aid if anyone got in trouble. We were all there to help each other, and it worked out really well. On the way out, we stopped at the last sand dune and let the kids ‘toboggan’ down the sand on bogey boards, and pieces of cardboard. Scarlett was having to so much fun, she didn’t want to leave. Unfortunately it was getting dark by this stage, and we still had over an hour or so to drive to get back to our van.

Late afternoon on the Yeagerup Sand Dunes

Bec and Shane at the top of the Gloucester Tree

Scarlett having a go at climbing the tree

We had a huge day today! We’ve had so much fun with our new mates; we’ve decided to stay in the area for an extra day so we can do some more exploring together.

posted by Shane

PS: Tonight my Brother-In-Law; Adam, and his beautiful partner Courtney are having their Engagement Party back in NSW. I just wanted to add that we are missing you guys like crazy; and wish we could of been there to celebrate with you. We hope you have a great night, and I promise to have a drink or two around the camp fire over here in WA for you! Cheers! Love Shane, Bec and Scarlett!

Day 67. Quinninup

A drive through the tall trees

And the rain came! See WA; all you were waiting for was the Cheney’s to arrive, and with us so did the rain. It started with some light showers through the night, and got much heavier in the morning. Shane was really grateful he had packed away most of the things outside yesterday, but it was still an uncomfortable wet pack up.

We have made some lovely friends here at Parry’s Beach. Jo and Jason have two lovely girls and son, and Megan and Paul, who also have two kids, a girl and boy. The six kids have all been playing really well together, so we have decided to move on together today hoping to get ahead of this rain.

First stop was Walpole to grab diesel, water, food and do some laundry. We were around town for an hour or so all picking up supplies and doing all the little jobs we needed to get done to move on.  There are three caravans now and six kids, and it wasn’t long before we were getting lost and trying to find the right caravan site.

The drive through the tall forest was amazing. The trees are so tall and beautiful; they frame the road like a picture. I took some photos through the car windscreen, to try and show our magical view.

We pulled up at a campground in ‘Shannon National Park’, it was pouring rain and the sites were very wet and a little steep. We decided it was just a little too far out of town, and we wouldn’t have been able to stay hooked up with the slop. So we again moved on.

20 km’s down the road Jo picked an eco park that had power and hot showers, so we decided that was the go. With the weather turning quite cold now, the hot showers and power for heating was sounding good. When we got here the kids found a quite kangaroo that didn’t bound away with all the rest and he let them feed him. I had some roo food in the car from past animal parks and they all lined up and took turns having a great time.

After the best shower I’d had in a week now, it was out with the jeans, jumper and socks. The BBQ we were all going to have together was cancelled due to crappy weather, and everyone stayed in their caravans getting warm. Scarlett returned some toys to Jo’s kids caravan and invited her three over for a movie.

All four kids jumped in my bed, snuggled under the covers, and watched ‘How to Train your Dragon’ over a bowl of popcorn. Jo, after walking them over ended up staying for a cuppa that ended up lasting 2 hours. Jason her husband came across looking for her and he too took a seat as well. We all talked for ages about our travel plans, and all the places we wanted to go.

It was so nice having friends over, they are great company having such similar interests. We are pretty much headed in the same direction around Australia, and about the same time, so I’m sure we will run into each other from time to time. Something we all look forward to.