Tuesday 19th - we were still aware of the ant problem but felt helpless in that we had to leave the blocks to work and were encouraged not to take any other action as the blocks could fail to work if other repellants were used – difficult to resist when you can see the little things taking over the place!! Nevertheless, we resisted temptation and made our way to town to do some shopping. Traffic was busy but moved well so we were there and back in no time. Our purchases included another set of ant killing blocks in case the first set of four weren’t enough. Then it was time to make our way to the jetty again to be in time to catch the midday train for our tour in the underwater observatory. We ... read more

Friday 15th – and we were rather sad to be leaving Walpole. We loved the caravan park and the area and we know there is much more to see should we ever return. The journey today was almost 300kms and, for much of that, the road wound its way through tall karri trees. The more windy roads meant slower progress but there wasn’t too much other traffic around to worry about. Signs warned of large timber lorries but we hardly saw any. We stopped for a break in Pemberton, a pleasant small town in amongst the trees, where we had a very enjoyable train trip last time we were there. The town’s income revolves largely around timber with a huge saw-mill and tourist attractions, like the train trip, detailing the history of timber production over the ... read more

Wednesday 13th and for a change, our journey today was only some 128 kms but we were still on the road by 9.30am. Just 50 kms away was Denmark where we had stayed for a couple of nights on our previous tour so we pulled in near that same caravan park for our cuppa and cake. What a delightful spot! The park is right on the river estuary and as we strolled on the footpath alongside we saw three Spoonbills, a Black Winged Stilt and a Sea Eagle all within a few minutes. We chatted to a couple from Perth who were sat by their caravan enjoying the beautiful scenery. We happily whiled away an hour there and wondered if we should be staying there again but as we were booked into Walpole today we were ... read more

Monday 11th April and today is the birthday of brother-in-law Tony. We know that he was going out to lunch today with his wife (Graham’s sister, Barb), daughter Anna and grandson Charlie so we hope they had a nice time – Happy Birthday, Tony. We had put the alarm on for 7.30 but, as was usual when we do that, Graham was already up and about. We were pleased that the heavy overnight rain had cleared away and it was a calm, pleasant morning. Today we were going on a cruise up the Kalgan River. We had our breakfast, gathered up the important things – cameras, binoculars, anoraks (just in case) and set off for the short journey to Emu Point harbour. We were early but we weren’t the first there. In addition to a few ... read more

Today, Thursday 7th April, we thought we’d spend a bit of time in Esperance itself. We had in mind cycling along the front, passing by the jetty in the hope of seeing the illusive “Sammy” the sea-lion, and making our way to the port area before finding a coffee shop for a mid-morning break. We weren’t in any hurry so it wasn’t until about 10:00am that we actually donned our (compulsory) crash helmets and cycled out of the caravan park. The cycle paths in Esperance are brilliant - numerous, wide and very flat unless you venture along the Coastal Scenic Drive when the path becomes a bit undulating. But today was to be an easy jaunt into town and it started well. Alas, there was still no sign of “Sammy” at the jetty and we’re beginning ... read more