We were pleasantly surprised with the caravan park when we arrived. Not looking forward to being cramped into a park, during school holidays, but to our amazement it was more of a 1950s style camping area. Very little cement, large sites in no particular order, nestled in natural bushland. Have no idea how many were staying there, as it is spread over about 30 acres. Bec, Steve a friend and the 2 kids were already set up in a comfortable, but basic unit, when we arrived on the 10th.
Rosie and Creed have entered into a surf carnival , so spend a lot of time out surfing each day.
Both of them are now quite competent surfers, gaining places in the days leading up to the finals, both were on the winners platform after the final. A great achievement, after competing against others from all over Australia.
Proud parents, and of coarse Grandparents, watched on from the beach, as these youngsters took on the surf and showed their skill. 
A lot of the week was taken up with surfing, but too cold for Chris and I to go in the water, so we spent time walking the beach, or going for drives around the headlands. 
It’s a very pretty area, although I feel it is a very rugged and unforgiving coastline, and always windy. or Windy Always as they say.
Still some bush plants in bloom, so taking photos and collecting shells, kept me occupied.
It was lovely, especially for Chris, to spend time with Rosie and Creed. We played putt putt golf, cards and scrabble, as well as being there for Creeds 12th birthday.
In the evenings we had BBQs together, which the wildlife also joined in on. The kookaburras will take food off your plate if your not careful.
After dark the kangaroos and possums come in and check out the campsites as well. 
On one of our afternoon drives, Chris and I came across this surfboard fence, at Prevelly, which I thought was rather quirky.
The Margaret River area is very popular for its wineries, so lots for the tourists to see and do apart from going to the popular beaches. Very upmarket shops, eateries and homes, around the area. One very popular place is the Chocolate Factory.
Friends from over east were in the area so we all met there for a catch up and of coarse chocolate. I certainly didn’t need dinner that night !! 
Even the birds were getting a sugar fix in the gardens outside.
In all we had a lovely week in Gracetown. Before we knew it the week was over and was time to move on.
Our first overnight stop was in Boddington, had the whole RV park to ourselves. 
Lots of birds and one particular young galah, that continued to squark at its mother. Amused me, it was being so persistent, like a naughty kid.! 
The beautiful rose gardens, had so many different coloured roses. 
Some interesting statutes, 
carvings and totem poles throughout the area. 
Also a walking track that follows the river back into town .
The next day we took a number of back roads, calling in at small towns along the way and stopping to have lunch or a cuppa at points of interest. As we were on one of these back roads, we came across hay being loaded, and stacked in piles in the paddock. We stopped for awhile and watched, also spoke to the farmer. 
Possibly these bales, could of been some of the ones, that were being sent over to the farms in the east, that are in the grip of drought. This is Wungong Dam.
Next it was into Balingup, a very small town with a great old museum 
Another stop for a look at the popular old town of Quindanning . A lovely hotel on the river there.
Also have seen some good use made out of old train and tram carriages around this area. As well as old buildings. 
After a long day we finally pulled into a free camp spot at Greenbushes Pool. It had been a hot day so a swim in the late afternoon was in order. 
The next morning I was up early for a bush walk and some photos of the birds having an early dip in the pool.
So many around before the heat of the day.
We really liked this stopover, and would stay here again. After a bit of a late start the next day, we headed East towards Margaret River and Gracetown ,where we were having a week with the kids, as they have come over from Sawtell to compete in a surf comp. Only one stop along the way at the old milling town of Donnelly River.
There is a wildlife park there now, where the animals are very friendly. Greeting you as you pull up,
they love being patted, 
hand feed
and almost came into our van as we had our lunch there. One cheeky emu, came right up to the camera, for a good look at what I was doing.
We arrived in Gracetown and set up that afternoon, just as the family got back to camp after being out for a surf. And so a holiday within a holiday begins…
so were able to visit relatives, catch up with friends and do a bit of sightseeing, including a lovely day in Fremantle. It’s busy, but a beautiful place to spend some time, especially on a summer’s day. The harbour was alive with boats.
We also had some meals out and probably a few too many ice creams.!
And have I mentioned shopping !? 
DFO was a good place for Chris to sit on a seat and rest, while I checked the place out . Great way to end the day. The next day we went for a drive out to Mundaring Weir.
Rather hot on that day, but still walked around and climbed a number of stairs, so got my exercise for the day.
Happy to have good tv reception in the park and the Hopman cup tennis was on in Perth, the ladies camped next to us were catching a bus in each day. As we became more friendly with them and discussing the play of the day, naturally the conversation turned to how much I like watching Roger Federer play. Not only was I able to watch him win the Cup, live on tv, but the mother *89* and daughter from next to us, brought me home souvenir flags from the event. How thoughtful was that ?, we meet so many lovely people as we travel around.
and walked, 
through parks, along the river walkways and across the Matagarup bridge.
Taking in the sites of the Optus stadium and new very upmarket hotel next door. 
The walking bridge across the river from Gloucester park raceway is also having a stairway constructed for future bridge climbs. 
Looks awesome now, will be a site to see when completed.
The Crown Hotel is also on the foreshore.
I have always loved Perth by night, 
and walking around seeing all these buildings lit up was great. 
It was a warm evening and just right for the fireworks, no wind and only the chill off the water around midnight, was enough for us to put our jackets on. 
Then the fireworks!
Set off from the 2 barges out on the water, sure was spectacular
enough to make us forget our aching legs and the fact that we had been wandering around for over 8 hrs.
Well worth the effort, we both thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
So here’s to a happy, healthy 2019 from us, to all those who follow our travels. 
Thank you for taking an interest in what we do and hopefully we will meet up somewhere during 2019.
Nice to be on the road again, stopping at Meckering, a town that had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1968.
It’s now a nice tidy town with a free camp in the centre, there is a beautiful memorial rose garden, which attracts the birds and tourists. 
Next day we stopped off for a wander around York, as it was new years eve, we couldn’t spend as much time as we would have liked there, so intend to call back in on our way back up to Kalannie in a few weeks.
On the road again, and not far out of Perth we check into a park owned by the seventh day adventist church at Maida Vale, we needed somewhere secure to leave the van while we have a week in perth. Off to the fireworks on the Swan River to celebrate the start of 2019. Hopefully it will be a good one, and lots more adventures.
Luckily I have an electric fan forced oven, that cooked a roast pork and veggies just right. 
Crackling was our entree, and it wouldn’t be christmas without trifle.
No pudding this year, i’m so overweight as it is. I’m sure 2/3 of the trifle hasn’t helped.! Lunch done, our afternoon was taken up with phone calls with family over East, and an afternoon nap. Thank goodness for air conditioning as it was still very warm as the sun went down. In all a nice relaxing day. 
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