Blogs from Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia, Oceania - page 6

7th Jan 2011 Happy New Year to all. Well, we’ve been at Big Valley Caravan Park, Margaret River, for nearly three weeks now. It is a working sheep farm and we are camped in a paddock overlooking a lovely valley to the west. Of course there are plenty of sheep to talk to if we get bored?? We went on a full day winery/brewery tour in the first week we were here. We met some people from Texas, Canada and England on the bus. Needless to say, the fluid went down well and I have to admit, I had to ask Rose to remind me which vineyards we had visited the next day?? We’ve also had a drive down to Virginia and visited Jewel Cave on the way. As expected, this area is very popular with ... read more

We do not wish you to think that the last seven months was just a journey to one of our two favourite places in Australia but here we are in Margaret River, the home of some great wines. No silly discussions about how long we shall stay here, 2 days, maybe 3? We unanimously agree, let’s start with 8 and see how it goes. Our camp site, Taunton Farm, has a cellar door (Pandrini) a five minute walk across a field and is midway between Bussleton and Augusta. As they say, in the thick of it! Our arrival date Monday 1 November, one day before the Melbourne Cup. After visiting the Pandrini winery we decide to join the Melbourne Cup lunch at the caravan park. Alas no luck at the TAB, but Debby did win a ... read more

21st October 2010 Today should be a day of celebration as it was supposed to be the day we settled on 23 Lynches Road, however, the bank has lost the title deeds!! Fingers crossed they find it soon and we can open our sparkly we bought visiting the vineyards today. Walked along the banks of Margaret River into the town ( pop 9000) through a forest of Marri and Karri trees. The Marri tree has the largest gum nut called a Honky nut.. Went to only four vineyards, Voyager, Leeuwin Estate, Evans and Tate and Vasse Felix. Beautiful gardens at Voyager, sunken walled rose garden which was like stepping into a perfume bath. Absolutely thick with perfume. Wine was pretty delicious too. Kids enjoyed this winery as they also sampled fruit juice. Visited Leeuwin Estate next ... read more

Well yes as the title suggests there was a foodie challenge today... and yes I did eat a witchety grub... it was in a nice sauce so I didn't mind it....but it does look a bit horrible. ...but if you think about it no more horrible than winkles and mussels. Out today on a great trip with Bushtucker tours. I was tempted by the brochure which mentioned 40 tastings and since it meant I would not have to drive I hopped on the tour bus this morning. What a lovely lot of people and very friendly driver Bryan who made sure we all had a great time. So we have visited 4 wineries , a brewery, a cheese factory and chocolate maker too. And you know me - I usually just pick wines by the if ... read more

How fast is 2010 going? Bloody hell, before we know it another Christmas will be on our doorstep…we just have to get through a cold, windy & wet Margaret River winter and we’re there! Since our last blog, Jeff has “de-dreaded” (all parents applaud) in an attempt to cool down over summer. He’s looking rather clean-cut these days, oh except for the unreal creations he makes in his sleep. I don’t know how someones hair can triple in volume overnight and, dare I say it, he wakes up looking rather Albert Einstein - but on the positive side his motorbike helmet fits again! We’ve had the pleasure of a couple of cute furry-friends come to stay for the weekend from Tab’s work at the Vets. We weren’t sure how our big boys would go mixing with ... read more