Australia

Our last night was one to behold, the wind did not stop blowing. The van was rocking and all for the wrong reasons. Headed out this morning for a reccy. Did some shopping( why not )!! found Macca's. Did some e-mailing there.Back to van for lunch. had a go at fixing a water leak in the wheel arch, hopefully fixed! We took a drive around the million dollar estates, Brenda reckons they all must be crooks or shoplifters! Truth is they or a majority of them work in the big mines around the west. Trust me thats where the big money is.The cleaners starting pay in the mines is $1000.00 pw. And believe it or not, the mine companies prefer women driving there big rigs, as they reckon that they are more careful with them. I found a new job for Brenda!!!
Home to the van for tea and in bed asleep by 8.00 pm. Don't laugh it's tough this caravaning.

Well we left the million dallar estate behind and headed North still chasing the sun but still getting pi..s ed on.Still heading north chasing the sun god , but so far he hasn't shown his big red smiling face!! Stopped for breakfast at a place called Cataby? Still raining, what have we done to deserve this?
We gto to a small town called Dongara Shh! its stopped raining!!
Ous prayers to the sun god might have been answered, blue skies at last!
Arrived at Geralton abd caught up with rick and family. We all went into town to let the kids play on the beach at this loverly park.
Back to the van park another romantic walk along the beach OH!!
Brenda says " hato all at Myer she is thinking of you while she is ving happy hour, at 3, 4,5,6 oclock". she does think of you all!!
Dinner watch kate win the dance contest, then bed for a good nights sleep.

Hi ya mark, not a problem printing those pages. tell all that we caught up with Wendy C. and husband John. Went to the Pub had a great meal and of course the obligitory few drinks!!! Hic!
She and Hubby are going great, they live in a very ritzy area all million dollar homes absolutley fantastic. Wendy said hi to all, she is coming over in Oct so will call in.
We are going along well car is pulling like a dream no troubles at all.
If you would like to e-mail us :- brianpyne@optusnet.com.au
Hear from you soon.
B&B

Day 11 Saturday 28th

Woke early after a very cold night, 3 degrees! But a least no rain!! Off on a sightseeing drive today. We headed off to the old port area of Albany. Port is still in use exporting wood chip to China!! We went to the highest point in Albany Mt Clarence. On top is a brilliant memorial to the Mounted troops of the first world war, that fought in Egypt. The sad part was that for most of them it was their last glimpse of Australia.
We them headed into the town centre and found the first MacDonald’s since Port Augusta. Pig out time.
Did my e-mailing there, then back to the van for a walk along the beach. Had a great chat with our neighbours in the next site, who incidentally come from Balnarring 5 minutes down the road from us in Hastings.
Had dinner , watch a DVD ( ghost Rider load of rubbish don’t bother watching it), went to bed quite contented on our days discoveries.

Day 9 Thursday 26th

We woke up to blue Skies a last! But still very cold and seas choppy.
Van all packed and left the park at 0815, not as early as we thought, but to cold to get out of bed early!!
Our next planned stop for breakfast is Ravensthorpe. As we drove away from Esperance, it’s amazing to see beautiful lush green grass. Haven’t see it in a while! Got to Ravensthorpe for Brecky, Guess what? More B…….. rain. Still nice hot food and on our way again. Just outside Ravensthorpe we saw a huge Nickel mine. They gouge half of the mountains away to get to it. Still has to come from somewhere!
Onwards to Albany, sun out starting to feel good! Negotiated our way through Albany to find the van park.
Absolutely great park 5 star. Short walk over the dunes there’s the Ocean. Had a quick look around the town in the arvo. Very nice town, they even have a MacDonald’s( I can Hotspot there).The port here is still operational, not sure what goes out though! Some of the old houses from the early days are all tidy up and heritage listed.
A bit later we went out for a romantic beach walk, Yep I know a bit soppy!!
Spoke to Rick and Tracey they are still in Kalgoorlie, not sure where they are going next. But we will meet up again the other side of Perth.
Back to van dinner, clean up and DVD. A bit tired early to bed.

Day 10 Friday 27th
Once again woke up to sunshine it’s starting to look good. Tried to get a booking on a river cruise but all booked up.
So we heading West to Walpole 70 odd Klms away. There they have a tree top walk through massive big Karri and Red Tingle trees. About one hours drive and we were there. If you been to The Otway Fly it’s exactly the same, except half the price!
These trees are huge, had a walk around took the obligatory Pics, then headed back. On the way found a great place to eat, the food was brilliant. I think I am putting on weight!!
Also found a Toffee factory on the way back, more weight! Spent $50 on toffee!!
Back to the park for some dinner and happy hour. Then off to the pool and spa for a swim and soak. Should sleep well tonight!

Day 7 Tuesday 24th

First full day here at Esperance, very nice little town. Went for a walk in the sunshine( haven’t seen to much of that!!!). Top temp 24 degrees C. Got back from our walk Brenda is hobbling, knee very sore. Rick and I went out for a look around had a bit of shopping to do ( 4wd drive shop don’t panic).
Brenda and I went up to the look out for some great views of Esperance.
Got back, started happy hour a little bit earlier than usual. We all got together for a BBQ a few more drinks all round . Started on the reds hope the head doesn’t hurt in the morning!
Haven’t seen to many Blackfella’s here!!!!



Day 8 Wednesday 25th (Anzac Day)
Woke up to another wet and rainy day. Pretty cold 16 degrees.
Rick and Tracey had enough of the rain they are heading North to Kalgoorlie. Temp there 24C, so gone chasing the sun. We been there before so didn’t go! Waved them off.
Brenda and I sat in the Van to plan the rest of the trip, so it’s off to Albany tomorrow.
Rain eased so we went for a drive along the Ocean Road , not like the great Ocean road ,but still great views and beautiful blue sea and pure white sand!
Tonight we will start the pre pack up for a early start in the morning.