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From memory my last blog was written just before we met up with the kids in Perth so will carry on from there. Michael and Leigh were the first to arrive on the Friday and we went off with them that night to see the Super 14 match between the Perth Force and the Capetown Stormers - the Force being unlucky losers again. Ho hum!!
Kate, Brett, Jack and Hannah arrived the next day and the fun really started. We all stayed in the same caravan park together, the kids in cabins and us in the van. We spent a day in Kings Park and Fremantle and then the next day took off for Rottnest Island. Just loved it. We hired bikes, John and Brett taking the littlies and cycled around having a lot of fun. Then did the bus trip around the island and were amazed at how beautiful the beaches are. You can’t drive on Rottnest you have to cycle or bus and there seemed to be quite a lot of family style accommodation. I have a friend who has been there a couple of times and has been very disappointed at the standard of accommodation which would
Grandpa & Hannah
Grandpa is just a big kid too! be described as ranging from rustic to 4 star. I think this is part of the charm of the place and obviously suits many families and the beaches and lifestyle certainly make up for any other shortcomings. We would certainly take pot luck and stay for a few days given the opportunity again. From Perth we headed south to Busselton on the coast. It’s a very easy drive from Perth, we had hired baby seats and a fifth seat for the back of the Land Cruiser and Michael and Leigh hired a car and had the pleasure of my company for the trip. Busselton is famous for it’s 2 kilometre long jetty and beautiful beaches and holiday atmosphere. We stayed in a small caravan park that was perfect for kids with a giant jumping pillow, pool, spa and playground. It was a very short walk to the beach and once again great walking and riding track running alongside the water. We decided to buy bikes whilst here and the kids all hired bikes as well. John worked out how to carry our bikes on the A frame of the van and we had that work done before we finally left
Lunch at the brewery
Just a wonderful day. Busselton. We had a relaxing time with everyone but unfortunately Jack caught a virus and had a visit to the Dr for antibiotics and once over that hyperextended his knee on the jumping pillow and required a 2nd visit to the medico. Hannah was robustly healthy all the time and even had the energy to annoy Jack at any time she felt like it and has of course retained her reputation as the “wild one” of the family. Kate announced that she is pregnant again and is due in October so she will certainly have her hands full when the next little Ridley comes along.
The boys played golf one day, we did a trip around the Margaret River wineries and stopped for lunch at a local brewery another day. Kate, John and I went to the movies and saw Brokeback Mountain which we all really enjoyed and generally had a great family holiday. Michael and Leigh took off for the last couple of days for some time on their own and then they all headed home to Sydney feeling well pleased with their West Australian experience. We just loved having them all around and would do it again
Augusta Golf Course
Elliston, Augusta, where will it all end? like a shot.
John and I then headed south to Margaret River township for a couple of days R & R. It was a bit cold and overcast - a few sprinkles of rain and John particularly was disappointed with the MR area. I guess after such a great experience in the Barossa, it was an anti climax really. We did manage a lovely night out at a great restaurant drinking Margaret River wines for my birthday though - we had to celebrate my turning 55 and being able to draw on my superannuation if I want. (There had to be something to celebrate about turning that age!!!!!!! ) Did a great day trip around the beaches and down to Cape Leeuwin where we climbed the lighthouse. Also stopped for a picture opportunity at the Augusta golf course, the significance of which escaped me at first. I was wondering why on earth he wanted a picture!!!
We then had to find somewhere to stay for the Easter break and headed inland away from the coast to avoid the school holiday crowds. Settled on Boyup Brook a little town north east of M R and perfect for four days
Harvey Dickson's Rodeo Complex
John wanted me to stand here for this photo. Thankfully I have more class than that!! of catching up with the domestic duties and of course the blog. Alas it was not to be as we were one of 4 vans there that were not involved in a group of Square Dancers who had gathered for their annual get together and knees up. They were the loveliest people who welcomed us and included us in all their activities over the 4 days. No, we did not dosey doe, or allemand or sahsay around each other. It isn’t as easy as it looks and the big gathered skirts do nothing for me. John would have looked pretty cute in the western gear though !! They succeeded in involving everyone who passed through the caravan park in the fun and we met some lovely people from Germany and also a young family from Albany WA. They were spending a week of the holidays looking at their home state having booked a motorhome at half price on Getaway. They were really enjoying themselves and the Kea camper was gorgeous. Was interesting to meet someone who had taken advantage of one of those specials that are always on Getaway.
One of the really interesting things about Boyup Brook is
Kate, Jack, Brett and Hannah
Taken just as they were leaving to go home. Harvey Dickson’s Country Music Centre 5kms from town. Harvey Dickson’s family were originally farmers but Harvey has an obsession with country music. He has turned the machine shed into a country music entertainment venue. Across the road he has constructed a full rodeo complex which has to be seen to be believed. Both venues are only fully utilised once a year apart from tourists like us who go in for a $5 look. Have a look at www.geocities.com/harveydickson and be amazed.
We all parted ways the Tuesday after Easter and that was when I got the call that Mum was really low. We headed north to get as close to Perth as we could and had just set up in Yorke when we got the call to say Mum had passed away. We left the van ($5 per night storage) and drove to Perth the next morning. Left the car in the long term car park, flew home and that is where I started this blog.
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Jan and Gene
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Texas
You grow up in Texas doing the square dances, aleman left, etc. Saw Augusta, Agusta Ga is where there is the Masters. plugging along.