Hi, now in Perth

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Hi all
We arrived at Forrestfield, Perth this morning, quite near the airport, after spending 2 nights at New Norcia, Australia's only monastic town, an interesting experience. We parked there , near the oval, along with about 6 - 8 other vans and motorhomes. We did the excellent guided town tour, taking us through most of the buildings in the Benedictine Community, including 3 chapels and one Abbey Church. The paintings on the walls and in the art gallery were amazing. We attended the morning mass service, and also went to the evening sung prayers with the monks at 6.30pm, so really got in the spirit of the place, along with most of the rest of the campers.
Before that we had spent 3 nights at Ledge Point, on the coast, in a lovely new camping ground. The beaches around about were covered in thick seaweed. Apparently, they usually get a good storm that clears it all away again. It was quite smelly, and definitely not inviting to have a swim! The weather changed, first day there we got 37 degrees, then, it was showery, 1st rain we've seen for such a long time! There we washed and cleaned the car, van and clothes etc yet again. Let's hope we are finished with dirt roads for a while!
We went into Guilderton, where the Moore River almost reaches the sea - the sand has blocked it at the moment. Unfortunately the weather wasn't great while we were there, as it is a pretty place. After a walk to yet another lighthouse, we continued on.
We got the car reregistered today for another year, thanks Hamish for emailing us the papers. Wow, expensive at $808!
Linds and Harvey arrive tomorrow to join us for a week, so I thought I'd get this updated tonight. Look forward to catching up.
Cheers
Lynne and Chris

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Photos

Regan's Ford
We stopped here for lunch, lovely spot on the Moore River.

Lunch stop south of Cervantes
We had hoped to stay the night here at Reagans Ford, but the sign said "No overnight stops"

Emu Downes wind farm
Powers the desalination plant at Kwinana 40 kms south of Perth. The blades are 41m long glass fibre.

Ledge Point beach
covered in seaweed.

Moore River mouth
doesn't make it to the sea now!

Moore River from lookout
Guilderton

Guilderton Beach
just below lighthouse, blowing quite hard and showery when we were here

St Gertrudes - ex white girls boarding school
There were 4 schools, one each for white girls and boys, and aboriginal and orphan girls and boys, each had its own chapel.

inside St Gertrudes chapel
hard to get a good photo - there will be a wedding there on Sat.

Dawn this morning
looking over the oval