Flora and fauna

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After our spell bush camping we drove down to the South West to spend a few days in an Eco-lodge about 20km from the nearest town, Donnybrook. The lodge is completely self sufficient: 12v electrics powered by a solar array and water deliver by a rainwater catchment system. Sounds basic but it all works; main problem is loo and shower are outside. During our first evening Barbara decided to go and put some food in the bird feeder; as she walked down the slope from the lodge she slipped on pea-gravel and badly twisted her ankle. It was clear she was badly hurt so we took her straight to Donnybrook hospital. Over the weekend the hospital has no x-ray facilities so the doctor patched her up with a temporary plaster and recommended that we go to Bunbury Hospital first thing on Sunday morning; she said going late on Saturday was nor recommened for the obvious reasons.

At Bunbury the x-ray showed that the ligaments on the side of the ankle had been torn-off taking a piece of bone with them. It was estimated that ankle would have to be immobilised for 6 weeks or so in a plaster boot. When we pointed out that we were due to be flying in 3 weeks or so the doctor kindly arranged for us to have a removable ankle brace fitted the following day (Monday); the type that airlines permit wearers to fly with. To cut long story short Barbara is getting around with the aid of crutches; a follow up visit to an Orthopaedic specialist in Fremantle confirmed that the ankle brace is doing its job and she should be able to walk with the aid of a stick in next week or so.

I called this entry Flora and Fauna: at the lodge we found 3 baby scorpions wondering around and a couple of large spiders; the one in the pic I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, crawling across my shoulder. To say I jumped is putting it mildly: I know how James Bond felt in Dr. No.

We have now returned to the Perth area where we celebrated Australia Day in true aussie fashion by going for a swim (well, Jon and I did) and watching the fireworks in Fremantle Harbour. Our last few days in WA were spent in the Perth Hills where we visited some of the vinyards - sorry, wineries. Of the three we visited one, Myattsfield produces some spectacular wines for not a lot of money.

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Photos

Road From DonnyBrook
Just a gravel track

Freemantle
National Australia Day

First of the Day
I know, but it was gorgeous

Comments

[anne noble]

Fauna and flora
What bad luck Barbara, still sounds a fab adventure! Best wishes for a speedy recovery X