After the second episode of the diff leaking just north of Perth, Phil felt he just couldn't trust it anymore so we decided to trade it in on a 200 series Landcruiser (2008 model). Phil decided the diesel model was too expensive (an extra $15 000!) but is regretting that a bit as this petrol model is VERY thirsty! Otherwise we are really happy with the new car - though it did hail in Perth the day after we bought it so Phil was running around putting tarps and picnic blankets on his new toy!! Then on the 4th day after purchase it wouldn't start! Phil thought it was the battery but the dealership insisted on towing it back to their workshop as they couldn't send a van out! Crazy stuff!
We ended up staying two weeks in Perth, with a side trip down to the Margaret River region, as my brother, Andrew, was going to be in town for a weekend from Switzerland. We spent the time catching up with old friends - Sherryn Tosch, Cathy and Justin Cappa and Joe and Caro Sapienza from Darwin, Tasha Hendrick, from high school with her partner Margot and Jamie Von Nida and family from my uni days. It was lovely to meet his wife Shoni and son Harry. Jamie is now a Dermatologist in Perth so I roped him in (he kindly agreed!) to remove a skin cancer from Andrew's face while he was in town! Thanks Jamie!! I'm very annoyed that I forgot to get photos with most of our friends! Too busy talking... Who me?!?!
 |
| The new car... |
 |
| Oh Oh!! Day 4 of ownership!! |
 |
| Our campsite for 2 weeks at Karrinyup Waters Van Park |
 |
There was even a resident bunny rabbit who came to say 'Hello' one morning!
Also plenty of ducks wandering around! |
 |
| He He!! Phil now needing reading glasses after always skitting about his perfect vision! |
 |
| Jamie Von Nida, Shoni and Harry - an action shot as we were leaving! |
 |
| Showing the great extension on the back of Joe and Caro's old Safety Bay home - right across from the beach with beautiful sunsets! |
 |
| In Joe's shed - Phil take note!!! |
 |
| I will never understand why so many rods are needed but I do like how these are stored! |
We also had a lovely time catching up with Jacinta, Rick and their girls, who we had met in Coral Bay. Andrew came along for our cruise along the Swan River with them and we all thoroughly enjoyed the day on the water. We felt a bit posh pulling up to the Barrack St Jetty in our big boat and hoping out for an ice-cream!!
 |
| Chelsea, Sasha, Chloe, Jess and Jack with Tracy and Jacinta |
 |
| The kids were practicing the Titanic poses! |
 |
| Jack with Uncle Andrew driving! |
 |
| Jack, Sasha, Chelsea, Chloe and Jess - up to no good! |
 |
| At Barrack St Jetty... |
Playing with Uncle Andrew on the Jumping Pillow!
Just after his facial surgery - oops!
We had a lovely afternoon at Perth Zoo with Jacinta and the girls
 |
| Never photograph animals or children right? Jack had just upset Chelsea so we didn't manage to get them all together! |
While waiting for Andrew to arrive, we popped down to explore the Margaret River Region and had a lovely time. We could certainly spend longer in the area and plan to come back in the next few years to see more of the South West.
 |
| Cows were everywhere in Cowaramup, near Margaret River |
 |
| More Jumping Pillows at Taunton Farm Big 4, next to the Margaret River Cheese Factory |
 |
| Very cool camp kitchen with an open fire! |
 |
| Baby goat at Sunflower Animal Park near Margaret River |
 |
| Jess was beside herself with joy playing with all the rabbits! |
 |
| Jack and I were having fun too! |
 |
Dad then had his turn at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery...
|
 |
| Of course Jess found Red Dog's cousin to play with while I shopped at the silk and mulberry shop - Margaret River's Silk Road |
 |
| Catching the train out to the underwater observatory at the end of Busselton jetty before walking back as such a beautiful day! |
 |
| It's the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere at 1.8km long so a little horse race at the end was required... Jess (as jockey) and I won!! |
No comments:
Post a Comment