Sunday, 19 October 2008

Back to Perth and South to Margaret River

On our way back to Perth we took a small detour to a place called Cervantes (named after a Spanish shipwreck). Nearby is a peculiar geological feature called The Pinnacles. This consists of hundreds of standing stones in the middle of what looks like a sandy lunar landscape. Apparently the first Europeans to see these were Dutch sailors in the seventeenth century who glimpsed them from some distance whilst at sea and thought it was a ruined city. Sue was so intrigued by the geology that she visited the local office of the Ministry of the Environment and managed to get a photocopy of information currently being prepared for visitors. She did explain it to me but I don’t really understand it!

On Saturday afternoon we visited Fremantle with Jill and Lynn. This is a very laid-back resort at the mouth of the Swan River, just west of Perth. It’s full of young people cruising around in customised cars and hanging out in the numerous coffee shops and cafes. A very enjoyable afternoon.

On Sunday we set off south. The road south is very different from the northern route which we took last week. There is very little distance between settlements and lots of industry and agricultural development. Margaret River is a trendy little resort in the middle of the wine area. Our hotel is just off the main street which is lined with restaurants. Speaking of which, the eating pattern of the West Australians would certainly suit Nigel. The restaurants open at 5pm or 6pm and are often closed by 9pm!

After we’d dined out last night I switched on the TV in our room to find that Fox Sport was showing the Sheffield Wednesday – Sheffield United game live! Sue was concerned that my shouting would disturb the room next door. A very exciting game and an even better result! Wednesday now in 5th place and I notice Norwich lost again and are now in 21st position. I make that £80 Mr Garrod.

We’re off on wine-tasting tour this afternoon (by coach!)

5 comments:

Chris Hunter said...

Sounds (and looks) as though you're having a great time. It's 9.30am here and it's still dark with the rain clouds!

The Wednesday game was most enjoyable. I guess I don't need to give you a match report, but one thing they may not have shown in Australia was the half time entertainment. For some reason they had the royal marines giving a demonstration of what appeared to be street fighting including how to kick and beat someone with a stick whilst they were on the ground! We were slightly concerned that the Sheff Utd fans all appeared to have stayed in their seats to watch.

We are all well although T is struggling to adapt to nursery. Has become very clingy and been waking up in the night a lot. He'll get there in the end though and it will be good for him.

Love from Chris, Carol & Thomas

Pete&CathMcG said...

A Ruined City It Is Then

Just got back from Dublin (I think!)to find you've visited most of western Australia.I didn't see the Wednesday game but if you can stay out of the country until May they might win the league. Reading your previous blog I'm a bit curious about how Monkey Mia, that old Abba song again, got its name? Are there any monkeys in Oz?
Keep on tippling,
Pete & Cath

Evelyn said...

I'm not familiar with this blogging lark - here was I thinking that I would get an alert every time you wrote something and thinking that you were having too much of a good time to write! I'm really pleased I decided to take a look any way.

I'm also pleased to hear that you still have the Denes in your thoughts - even if it's as a result of the credit crunch. On Friday Andrew Tink was also saying that he was missing the conversations he could have had with you about the economic downturn. I think you've both taken leave of your senses! What's your new german name?!

It's great to hear about the fantastic wildlife you both are exploring. I notice that they are all relatively large creatures and no mention of little bird! Keep us posted on your adventures. I will forward your link to other colleagues so that they can catch up also.

I'm with you both in spirit (not the alcoholic kind)and looking forward to hearing more about your travels.

Love from Evelyn

Keith said...

Bloody Wednesday! Lose 2-1 to Barnsley whilst Norwich are scoring 5 against Wolves.

Keith said...
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