#bussleton

[captchabot]

Bussleton, Australia 2023 #Bussleton #Australia #Streetphotography #Streetsnap #WesternAustralia

[hordie13]

The bugs have enjoyed a tasty but beautiful meal

[tri-to-be]

What they don’t tell you when deciding on doing your first Ironman.

Once you have been bitten by the endurance bug, some of us decide to go for the holy grail in Triathlons; the Full Ironman distance of 3,8km swim, the 180km on a bike followed by the full marathon.  Most people will never experience anything like this and many of us are attracted by the dream that is presented by the marketing guru’s of IronMan and Challenge alike.  After realizing it will take a good 6 months of training - and clearing that with those around you such as your family that won’t see you anymore on most weekends as you will be out training somewhere - you decide to go for it.

The average Full Ironman distance registration fee is just under US$ 1,000.  This gives your between 8 to 17 hours of suffering on race day and about 400  lonely training hours which will cost you another US$ 1,000 or more in coaching fees. Throw in your travel at US$ 500 - 2,000 (domestic or international travel) and your physio due to some injuries, bike maintenance, outfits, wetsuits, new shoes and you are on a roll financially. And since we are already digging deep lets make sure we have top bike gear for at least another US$ 5,000 to get us over the finish line. Yes, triathlons can be one of the most expensive sports i know that does not involve engines or live animals (although sometime the athletes are difficult to distinguish)  For this  investment,  you get the satisfaction knowing that you have an “Iron Will” (TM) according to IronMan promo video’s, are a focussed achiever in life, get a trinket medal and bragging rights for life.  In other words, you can set your mind to ZERO and just keep going and going like the Energizer Bunny only to prove that you can be part of the “elite” finishers. The entire dream has been pre-created and is echoed by many triathletes, especially those who have never done an Ironman.

Ironman is indeed all in the mind. and the less you use your mind the easier it becomes because the more your grey cells start wondering if that strange feeling in your calf could become the end of your race, the more likely it will happen.  Unlike in the game of golf where your mind is like a roller coaster because you earn instant satisfaction of a great shot and depression after a flunked one, Ironman has not much to offer along the way.  Somehow it is boring as you are not really racing but controlling mind and body to keep the pace at max.  Its easy to slack off as your mind wonders off and lowers the pace. A simple pass of a biker or runner  might bring you back to your senses, but you know that at some point that person is likely to do the same to you as we all vary in pace at different times. Ironman is the ultimate race not against yourself, but against your mind and of course your training.

What is interesting is how the mind works on long distances.  I am sure the body fuels some of the thought but in the end, I noticed that the things around me, or rather distracting me, are the ones that keep me going.  I find myself riding and worrying about my knee when it started feeling tight and since my muscles are getting sore, the next thought is about how to even start the run and complete that full marathon. Suddenly my attention is grabbed by a pothole I need to avoid, then I notice the scenery which I vividly enjoy and promptly I am back in good shape.  This - in various forms - happens numerous times.   Aside from that, we are being bombarded with quotes like “this too, will pass”, “just get this over with” and “just take it as another training day”  But we know that once we are in those final kilometers everything will be forgotten and emotion with “I did this” will draw us past the finish line for a few seconds of fame as they call our name as we approach the famous red carpet.  Yes, me too i have dreamed many times of hearing the words, “Marcel; you are an Ironman”. Or so I thought.

But let’s backtrack a little to discuss the months before the race, and start with the training plan.  First, the excitement fuels the first phase your training, where you have to relearn the way you run and bike.  This is where you start to go long and easy, doing things differently and of course enjoy waking up at 6am every day to get that part out of the way. It was fun seeking my hotels during my many business trips and qualify them as “training Hotels”  Who has the right pool size, or a park where we can run.  I even blogged about it in Trip Advisor and rated some hotels purely on Triathlon training capabilities.    The next stage that follows about 3 months inwards was that of fatigue.  The training gets boring, your body is getting tired and your mind is looking for excuses. It was getting harder  to wake up and getting sleep was deemed a higher priority leaving the trainings to the evening with work distractions on your mind and finding every shortcut along the way.  It was getting truly tough.  This is also the period where suddenly minor injuries creeped up such as rotor cuff pains making swimming a real struggle for me.  What followed was logical; depression.  the “I am not ready” phase slowly overtakes and you wonder why no progress what made for weeks  until something makes you realize you are really full of shit and gets you out of that cycle.  My great friend and triathlete Daniel Schwalb, who actually got me on a bicycle 8 years ago that started this madness, and dragged me to my first sprint, reminded me during my whining and ranting about the famous Rule#5 of the Velominati ; “Harden the F@&* up!”.

From there on you are just 6-8 weeks out and you are getting excited again.  This is where you do you long (and super boring) bricks, runs and rides and realize that after each training you have plenty of energy left.  Recovery feels like a breeze and the 70.3 distance feels like a run in the park.  Its an amazing feeling of fitness strength.  At this point you are cautious to avoid any kind of injury as you have come this far already, then in the Taper weeks you wonder if this is the right  thing to do and why you should’t push for that last bit… but I believed in my Coach Tabitha Bond and she was just spot on on what would work for me.

On race day i had no clue if I was going the complete this and the only thing I had going for me was to believed Tabitha that I was ready.  My conservative estimates came out to 16 hours so i would have an hour to spare before cut off.  I had never ran a marathon before the IM, not even during the training where it stopped at 35km.  I had no clue what to expect next.  The horn sounded, and the familiar swim battle, took place.  It would be a 1,9km swim around the 1,8 km long Jetty and back.  I took an easy pace with long strokes, focussed on my rotations and lightly added my legs to pivot.  I made sure I stayed the course (straight) which did not always work as planned, but it was good enough, and the “with sighting” drills paid off.  after the u-turn around the jetty the adrenaline kicked in again that made me care less about the chafing caused by the wetsuit.  I got close, hit the beach and started making my way to transition… A guy next to me asked for the time (I had decided beforehand not to care as it is what it is) and saw 1:15. I was amazed and happy and dashed to T1… I was on a roll and felt great!.  Once on the bike I knew I had decided on a conservative safe pace (28kmph) and just kept it for 6:30 hours making sure I focused on my nutrition above all.  I ate, I drank, stopped to pee and I peddled. There is really little excitement in this part of the race at all (and I love cycling!). Arrived in T2, I seriously start worrying about the bike-to-run which has caused me and others great trouble in the past for many kilometers. Again a glimpse on the watch and it showed a flat 8:00 total time whilst dashing out of the transition. That would leave me a whopping 9 hours to finish the run.  OMG!  The smile continued and the run was smooth from the beginning short of some minor pains in the lower abdomen, nothing i couldn’t manage. After 10k of mainly conservative running with some short brisk walks I checked for the first time my Heart Rate which to my amazement was 112!  I cursed myself for being conservative and had limitations in my mind and picked up the pace from there.  I stopped for a Red Bull after 20km and kept increasing the pace.  I was going to be early!  It was getting dark and cold now. At 40km a pain hit my knee and despite all efforts, running was over.  but who cared! Yes this added 20-30 minutes to my time but I was well within my race targets and only this joint, not the rest of the body, was giving me a sign of struggle.  Now here in the story I will add that I weighed 104kg at the start of the race.  As a heavy set and overweight (and medically borderline obese with a BMI of 36) athlete my knees are obviously suffering.  Moving close to the finish the familiar thought of making sure you look good for the photo started coming and once the carpet was in sight, I high five’d my way to the finish line.  The victory was bitter sweet despite arriving 2 hours ahead of my expected scenario.

What happened next you don’t hear about either.  I read in an article that during an Ironman, an Age Grouper research has shown that many of the organs age by about 40years in comparison during the race.  It recovers in just a few weeks but it takes a hit.  For me I could no longer read my phone text without glasses which thankfully restored within a day.  I also had bladder issues where I could not hold my pee for a long time - Ithis recovered as well but took about a week.  Wether that was because of the salt intake or a combo of others I will leave to the scientists.  my knee recovered in just days and after a week I started some simple training again.

As today I am an Ironman and for that I feel proud,  However, I don’t feel as gratified as I would expect myself to be.  I felt like going for a super long walk, not a race of any kind.  Maybe unless you are in a higher league of racing, but a 70.3 offers all the right excitement for a triathlon. the Full only offers your the right to show you are physically awesome, at a huge cost on your body, family and finance.  When asked, would i do it again…… Yeah sure, but then race at your peak all the way.

[twominifigs]

After pancake Sunday, we drove over to Ngilgi cave( pronounced ‘Neel-gee’ ) for a semi-guided tour.

The local Aboriginal people, from the Wardandi clan, have known about Ngilgi cave for many years. Ngilgi is named after the good spirit of the ocean that watches over the Wardandi people. It’s one of the better caves to explore because of the variety of cave formations. The most fascinating formation is the cave Shawl. Shawls are wavy sheets of calcite that hang from the ceilings and walls. You can determine amount of rainfall and forest regrowth that have occurred over millions of years by looking at the dark and light bands of the cave Shawl( also known as cave bacon ).

Afterwards, we checked out Eagle Bay where a guy we befriended, named Choc, let Levi reel in a heron.

Levi continued his fascination with people fishing at Bussleton Jetty. We saw a small crowd form around a guy and heard the words "sea snake." Rather than running away we ran towards the poisonous animal. Turns out the fisherman accidentally caught a juvenile, Serpent Eel. They have powerful jaws with sharp teeth and it’s not poisonous. Their heads can been seen protruding from the sand in shallow waters looking for prey while the adults live in deeper depths. The fisherman was careful to remove the tangled Serpent Eel and the hook before releasing it back to the ocean.

[stitpics]

Golden West Australia.A proud seagul mum with her two chicks, nestled into a nook on the historic Busselton Jetty, at Bussleton in WA.

[thebigfoodguide]

When you’re given away in marriage, you don’t forget the warmth of your grandmother. #wedding #photography #panasonic #gh4 #instalove #love #inlove #justmarried #truelove #grandmother #igers #igdaily #instaphoto #photooftheday #bussleton #broadwaterfarm #westernaustralia #life (at Old Broadwater Farm Weddings)

[velvetsands]

flying to perth over all the salt lakes in SA was breathtaking/mesmerising

best degustation in my first revolving restaurant to watch the sunset

followed by five hours of whiskey drinking at a bar called helvetica that had all the branding in arial black

met two hilarious dudes and we spoke so much shit and facetimed my parents (twice) to ask why they spelt my name like they did

headed off to bussleton, did the beaches and natural spas

saw one of my friends get wiped out by a freak wave and no joke they could have died but luckily got their footing and crawled to safety

this was actually super traumatic for us over the weekend but i digress

sunset at the jetty and swordfish for dinner

whole day of touring wine, beer, cheese in the margaret river and makin’ friends

heading to the best/only bar in bussleton for open karaoke with said new friends and $10 “gin cocktails on tap”

more beaches then on to fremantle for little creatures, rugby, more sunsets and beachside ciders

renting an airbnb for four hours to shower and prep ourselves for the red-eye back to sydney

waking up mid-flight to realise i am diagonal with my legs in front of the adjacent person’s front seat - my bad

all in all, i adore WA and definitely want to spend more time there/perhaps live in perth at one point or another

[interactivehealth]

At Bussleton jetty very cool

[redleif]

Slept through pretty much the entire trip to Bussleton and if I wasn't asleep I forgot my camera. So here's a puppy barking at the cars going past. (at Busselton, Western Australia)

[baxtonme]

Beer and Wine Tasting Tours Margaret River Wineries Breweries Western Australia

Mad Mondays: A New Way To Start The Week

Discover Margaret River region’s top-notch wineries and breweries to kick-start the week.

Experiencing the beauty of Australia’s western belt with ‘Margies Big Day Out’ has proven to be both educational and mesmerising. This epic journey starts with some of the region’s most prolific produce.

The Internet once declared that no great story started with a glass of milk, and in this statement lies an abundance of truth. The enthralling enchantress that is Margaret River keeps some of Australia’s most sought-after breweries, wineries, and chocolate producers in her embrace; welcoming visitors from far and wide.

Beating those Monday blues has never been this easy. Margies Big Day Out is ready to surprise with their full-day excursions from Margaret River, Prevelly, Busselton CBD, and Broadwater areas. It also includes the Dunsborough and Yallingup regions.

Read: Margaret River WA Beer Wine Tasting Private Charter Tours Wineries and Breweries

In Vino Veritas

A perfect blend of local venues unfolds as the highly efficient staff of Margies Big Day Out blazes the trail for wine tourism operators in Western Australia.

The laid-back, carefree nature of this region has confused many a visitor into thinking that Mondays were Saturdays, as a festive itinerary of two breweries, three wineries, chocolate tasting, a visit to The Margaret River Dairy Company and a glorious late lunch unfolds.

Truth be told, what makes ‘Mad Mondays’ such a treat is the fact that its offered at a reduced price. It almost makes it too easy to take a long weekend with room to ‘recover’ on Tuesday.

Making It Count

There is no shortage of culture, cuisine, or Chardonnay that is akin to the Southwest. So much so that one day might not be enough to experience it all. The ‘Mad Monday Full-Day Beer And Wine Tour’ knock on different cellar doors that include:

Marri Wood Park

Brookwood Estate

Evans & Tate Wines

Hayshed Hill

Burch Family Wines

Fermoy Estate

Windance Estate Wines

Flametree Wines

Swings & Roundabouts

Churchview Estate

Amelia Park

Bootleg Brewery

Black Brewing Co

The Beer Farm

Cheeky Monkey Brewery & Cidery

Colonial Brewing Co.

The Brewhouse

Wildhop Brewery

Skigh Wines

Woody Nook Wines

Knotting Hill estate

Robert Oatley

Marq Wines

For adults aged 18 and upwards, a rate of A$100 seals the sweet deal and kids aged 3 to 17 get to see the beauty of Margaret River for A$40 (no wine, of course, but grape juice will have to do).

Learning about food and wine pairings, the region’s best-kept secrets and savoring local produce is lead with the expertise of Russel Hogan and his team of guides and connoisseurs who understand and respect the attractions that highlights Margaret River region as a top-notch destination for people of all ages and cultures.

Bookings commence as early as 11 am and includes the following:

A gourmet lunch prepared and served at a local brewery

Beer and cider tasting over lunch

Wine tastings at three venues

Chocolate tasting

Cheese tasting

Pick-up/drop-off

The last stop is at a boutique brewery for a 45 minutes chill where the participants can relive the day and have a drink with the people that they just met on the tour.

The Margaret Magic

The Southwest Coast of Western Australia is as picturesque as it is enticing – A tourist destination that is rich in culture, history and an abundance of natural beauty.

With a coastline that stretches over 100kms, the ancient lands of the Noongar people became a place for magic to unfold as far as the views over Indian Ocean stretches.

The region stretching from Bussleton to the shores of Geographe Bay, down to Augusta is abundant in scenic offerings that include beaches, historical caves, hiking trails, world-class surfing spots, award-winning wine farms and breweries waiting to be explored and appreciated.

There are very few places on this planet that creates an opportunity to hop between tall-timber forests and wineries, and from golden beaches to the most magnificent restaurants that crowns his region as one of a kind and a true sight to behold.

For more information visit Margies Big Day Out | Beer & Wine Tours Margaret River WA website or call their team of experts on +61 416 180 493.

Beer and Wine Tasting Tours Margaret River Wineries Breweries Western Australia was originally published on Baxton

[wasouthwest]

Thursday 13th Busselton

First night very cold min 3.8 and 5.1 @ 7am!

Next door had tv loud and bit noise for short time at 5.30am but settled. I forgot ear plugs so definitely getting some today.

RAC accomodation nothing to write home about but aircon effective and I was nice and warm! Place is on the non sea side of Caves road so I need to find the beach. Next time will find somewhere closer to the beach.

Yesterday nice drive down and stopped Pinjarra (bakery),Coolup (to eat my purchase for lunch),drive around Yarloop, stop Harvey and then on to Busselton. Quick orientation drive around Busselton and shop for dinner and back here by 5pm. Quiet evening.

The car (Kia Serato)

It is full of technology I haven’t had time to learn. I think I should read the manual. It is nice but not impressive. Has a big boot,comfortable seats but seems to have more road noise than I expected.

Left about 9.40hrs and stopped Dunsborough for brekky burger at local place for late breakfast. Drizzle leaving Busselton but beautiful and sunny at Dunsborough and on way. Still cold.

Had a fantastic brunch in Dunsborough! A breakfast roll but so tasty and very Dunsborough 😁.

Drove most of the day and went to see Cape Naturalist and stopped off at Eagle Bay,Bunker  bay and Meelup. Loved Meelup and Bunker but eagle bay verybuilt up. Then drove to Yallingup where while I was driving around it started pouring with rain so I sat in the car looking out over the ocean while it poured. It was really cool and I love doing that sort of thing. From then on the weather was unbelievable. Sunny, 18degrees slight breeze and no flies. Even the locals particularly at Cape Leeuwin said it was the best day weather wise for a while. I certainly picked the perfect day to do my big touring day!

It was getting late and I had originally decided to do Augusta tomorrow but a chance turn got me onto the Caves road tourist drive. 110kms of absolutely stunning trees and scenery. I love my trees and winding country roads and I got it all with good weather to boot. I ended up going to Augusta and out to the Leeuwin light house and it was ideal and beautiful. Really looked it’s best with no wind, warm but not hot and no flies!!

I then headed back via Margaret River. However the road through it is cut off ie Bussell Highway and the detours pretty well non existent! I stopped at the first open shop and it was the fudge and chocolate shop. The universe was smiling on me as apart from goodies a very helpful and lovely young shop assistant gave me simple written instructions to get back on the Bussel Highway and they involved turning left,right or straight through roundabouts so even I could follow them. So back safely except having successfully done all that driving and navigating so well I managed to overshoot the entry to the RAC place I am staying in and had to consult google to get back!!

Anyway have a bag full of fudge and a red wine so all up a successful and very pleasant day.

Friday 14th Busselton

Min was 6.3 at 10pm last night and 7.3 0600 this am. Had a quiet morning incl going to beach for a walk. I also had a good walk around the RAC site I am staying at. I have to say it is really great. It is large ,lots lawn,trees, wetlands and lots of room for kids stuff. Eg footy,basketball,BMX track, kids areas, barbecues, swimming pool. Really the sort of place ideal for families. The beach is just across the highway and best to drive but still close if you want to go. Although most kids can satisfy themselves without leaving the park. Even parents can sit on the lawn or strategically placed seats and read or generally chill. The wetlands have a little bridge. I have seen ducks on the water but also surprisingly I have seen them fly short distances and land on a tree branch! Didn’t realise they did that!

Later decided to go back to Margaret River and Cowaramup as I had just driven through them the day before. I loved Cowaramup. It has a lovely park, and is such a pretty place. It also has lollie and choc shops, what more can you ask. I seem to gravitate to those shops🤣🤣. As I was driving saw the turn off to Gracetown so on a whim went there. Lovely beach area and the “beach” for Cowaramup. Sat and read there for a while and decided not to go into Margaret River but to find Prevelly Beach (the beach associated with Margaret River. It is stunning both in its natural attributes ie waves, reefs and rocks but also the level of thoughtful development of the site. Obviously there are big crowds for the surf competitions and the development of the area seems to be aimed at managing this and protecting the area. Again I had Fantastic weather. Only a couple of sun shower, otherwise warm(18) sunny and breeze only.

Saturday 15th Bussleton

Today is wet and windy as predicted. I originally thought I would be driving to Albany today but it is actually tomorrow. I am hoping my luck holds and the weather will be less wild tomorrow for my drive. Today will be a largely at home day. Plan to read and do quiet stuff whilst looking out at the lovely peppermint trees and lawns through my big glass door. Feeling very cosy when the rain and wind starts!

Sunday 16th Drive to Albany

Well my good fortune continues and the weather whilst still some showers is much improved and looks like a good day for a drive. As usual I made it up as I went along with regards to where I stopped. My main target was to get to Albany by 5pm to be well off the roads before sunset and the Roos! Headed off toward Nannup. You know it will be good if you get a good parking place and I did! What a lovely place and I managed to arrive for their open garden and Tulip and flower festival. Had a lovely walk around including to the park and river. Very picturesque. I didn’t realise how pretty and quite big the town actually was. Then headed off for Manjimup . Again much bigger than I realised and the drives to all these places are just beautiful the winding roads, beautiful big trees and landscapes and so much water! Although roads are not always highway size they are pretty good and traffic was very light indeed. Even if you get caught behind a slow driver the views and landscape make it easy to just log with the flow! Had lunch at Manjimup and decided to do a quick sorte into Pemberton. Again much bigger and well resourced. Would love to have done many of the drives I saw plus other activities and go to Peaceful Bay. However as in all my trips I always see more I want to do but just can’t fit it in. At least being in WA I have a better than usual chance of getting back and doing some of them! It was then on to Albany via Walpole and Denmark. I didn’t stop at either but am planning to go back while I am here and try and see as much as I can. I arrived in Albany or at least Big4 Park Middleton Beach a bit before 4pm. The park is only a set of dunes away from Middleton Beach. I have a little cabin, very close to the entrance and I just cross the internal road and I am at the dunes across which I walk to the beach. I would love to have walked but the showers were coming and I am tired so will do another day. My little cabin is well appointed and freestanding so no shared walls like at Busselton. However the heating is a gas fan heater which is pretty inadequate given the temps max out at 13 and I suspect there is no insulation. However in their defence there is an electric blanket on the bed! Fortunately I planned for such an eventuality and am prepared to manage the heating or lack thereof! The cooling is only ceiling fans so I assume they expect you to use the beach to cool off.

The whole place seems to be better kept than RAC Busselton.

Monday 17th Albany

Woke to rain wind and cold! Good thing I had planned to do some planning for the weeks activities and housekeeping tasks with maybe a drive. It is currently 10am and the rain just keeps rolling through so will see how the pm goes.

11am temp 10.3 and feels like temp according to BOM is 4! Heavy rain with little gaps (very unpredictable!) and gale force winds on the sea! Seems going to be the same for tomorrow. Have whale watching booked for Wednesday 🤞.

Spent day reading, housekeeping bits and shopped for food. Finally about 3pm the rain seemed to be lest frequent and heavy but wind still high. Went for drive and look at emu point and then int the town, down to the harbour area and the new Entertainment Centre. Really wild winds and seas and I had to hold on not to be blown off (or that’s what it felt like!). Then drove to Frenchman’s point and out to the Whaling station. Just sat and watched the seas as have been to the station several times. Lots side roads to go down but given the gale force winds and bouts rain I thought it safer to head home. However did do a stop at salmon holes. I love standing looking at wild seas and wild coastline in high winds! Something primeval about it! Anyway got home just before 5pm. Winds still very strong but rain does seem to be less frequent. Predicted to be gale force and rain again tomorrow. Might go inland to Mt Barker tomorrow.

Good news is I have managed to coax the heater to maintain about 20degrees so  pleasant in here today.

Tuesday 18th Albany

Another very wet day but wind not so bad. Decided to do drive to Mt Barker and back through Porongarup. The scenery was not exciting for me and the weather was so rainy that had to concentrate on driving. The drive between Mt Barker and Porongarup  down to the Chester Pass Rd (different way back to Albany) was nice. There are 2 draw backs doing a driving holiday on your own. One is that it it’s hard to really get a good look at the scenery when you are driving. Secondly, especially in the areas I have been travelling in, you can’t pop in and sample at the very many wineries you come across!

Just spent the afternoon at the Nation Anzac Centre and surrounds. Dodged the rain but managed to see most everything without getting wet! I even climbed the Mt Clarence Summit and saw Padre White Lookout and the Desert Mounted Corp memorial. The views are magnificent and they make the memorials more poignant especially with the information signs all around. Also saw the Princess Royal Fortress buildings and the Convoy Lookout plus HMAS museum. Unfortunately the weather didn’t en outrage any walks but might be able to do them later in the week, weather permitting.

Wednesday 19th Albany

Today first morning I woke to no rain. Wind down and looked good but couple showers but by 9am all clear. Went out on a whale watch cruise, no whales but a wonderful day on the water. You see so much and from different perspective to seeing from the land. I was out on the deck for the full 4hrs and despite freezing wind and roughing seas it was worth it. I love rough water and this was 3-4mtr swell and 2-3mtre seas so lots of flying up and bumping down. I had an ideal spot with handhold to stand, seat behind and just back from the big sprays. Being a Cattereran   water can blow up right in the middle! We did not have any rain and the sun shone albeit the wind was biting. Still out in the Southern Ocean it is to be expected. All round an exhilarating trip! Even better is that the company gives you a free pass to come again if you haven’t seen whales! It can be used any time so they must be pretty confident of whales. Apparently this is the first time this season they haven’t seen whales. This is also usually the best time of year to see them. As the sound is very murky and there is a lot of fresh water flowing in post the storms in last 2 days I assume this has caused the whales to change their habits!

Came home full of energy so decided to go for a walk-in the Ellen Cove Boardwalk however it has been closed all week for works. Will have to see if I can do bits that are accessible other than from Middleton Beach. I did go down to the bit of Middleton Beach I can access from the Park and which I had seen for a quick look when I came here first on Sunday. What a difference the 2 + days of storms and gales makes. There is significant erosion and unbelievable amounts of seaweed on the beach!some of it was shaped like anthills!

Thursday 20th Albany

It is 8am and 8degrees having dropped to 5 overnight, overcast and light drizzle. For the first time for as long as I can remember I am actually wearing my thermals! Certainly makes you warmer without bulk. I have only been wearing the tops but on the boat yesterday I wished I had on the thermal leggings as well!  My fore into some lighter clothes was misplaced for sure! Despite all the weather issues it has not stopped me doing what I want and in fact is quiet exhilarating! Today I will do my best to dodge the rain and go out to blowholes, natural bridge etc which are all turnoffs from the Frenchman’s bay road and which I missed when I drove out a few days ago because it was getting late and the wind was very strong. Didn’t want to get blown off a cliff🤣.

This trip has been a series of personal indulgences, which it was intended to be. I have eaten what I want, read when I want,watched DVD’s, seen what I want when I want and indulged myself generally.  No worries or need to consider others, no routines to be kept. This has been my idea of a holiday! Hopefully I will feel regenerated on my return home and ready to face the challenges.

Drove out and saw all the places on the Frenchman’s bay road I missed including a drive out to the old Quarnaup quarantine station which is now a sport and rec camp. I couldn’t get in but the views on the way up are wonderful. I did see the whole complex from the sea yesterday and it looks like it has really been done up. In th e shallow water close to the headland it sits on is a wreck, of Cheynes 2, which after a bit of a chequered career post whaling seems so have drifted from a government mooring during a storm and ended up where it is. Scuttlebutt says the boat may have been helped on its way by th e government department who didn’t know what to do with it!

I then went to the Gap and the Natural bridge both of which I have seen a few times. However this time it was very different. They have a magnificent new panther, viewing platforms etc for bot with the one at the gap cantilevered over the gap. So much safer and allows great views without risk!

I did go to the blowholes which I have also seen but piked it as the steps down were steep and others had said they weren’t blowing anyway. I then went to 2 places I don’t remember seeing before and both were well worth seeing with easily accessible and amazing views. The weather for my morning trips was sunny and dry and absolute calm wind and ocean. Just glorious to enjoy these views. The 2 places were Stony Hill and Jimmy Newells Harbour.my last stop was to the little town of Goodes  Beach which is just before the whaling station turn and opposite side of the road. This is a very modern and pretty upmarket place given the homes and the general are. The beach was one of the many which are currently covered in mountains of seaweed courtesy of the storms but looks to be a nice beach.

On a whim I decided to take a turning off Frenchman’s bay road called lower Denmark road as there were 2 places I had seen on the map I was curious about. Both are approximately 29km from Albany. One was Mutton Bird. It is a lovely beach with no seaweed, if a bit out of the way. There is some 4 wheel driving tracks around and accomodation not too far away. The other which I think is a great family place but tucked away is Cosy Corner. Has good accommodation and there is a camping area closer to the beach. The beach is gorgeous, easy to access, has toilets and some wonderful shady areas and picnic and barbecue facilities. It would be my pick! Mutton Bird and Cosy Corner are about 5 kms apart. I have had perfect weather today which just turned to wet as I was driving back home for a late lunch. My good fortune continues!

Friday 21st Albany

My last day in Albany! Weather sunny if still cold but good day to do some of the walks I have had to postpone due to the weather.

Just took just under an hour to walk on a very pretty walk trail between Middleton Beach and emu point. Lovely Bush, flowers and birds. Generally flat with lots seats along the way for the weary and several beach access openings if you want to detour. The walk is west to east so was walking into the sun but the Bush gives a lot of shade. The end point is the Emu Point Cafe so perfect as started immediately outside my cabin! This weather is ideal for these sort of walks. Cool and sunny. The sea is calm as is the wind. Am now sitting having morning tea looking out over the water at Emu Point. Upped the pace going back and did it in 46mins! Certainly not feeling cold in fact the first time I have raised a sweat since I left Perth!

Saturday 22nd The drive home to Perth

Up early to 7degrees but sunny. Set off 8.10 with intention of doing a bit of zig zagging to see a few places on way home . Idea was to Kojonup, across to Katanning up to Narrogin then back across to Williams and home. However turned off toward Katanning before Kojonup and saw Cranbrook, Broomehill, tambellup, and saw magnificent fields of gold as paddock after paddock of bright yellow Canola. Stopped at Katanning 1005 for morning tea.

Great drive home. Sunny and lovely drive.

Seeing my own state was low on my holiday list 6months ago but now I see so many possibilities. We do tend to ignore what is right in front of us and take our beautiful state for granted. At least one positive outcome from the consequences of the virus.

[megaandreayoung-blog]

12-11 Sol Masters 3 (left) who asked the Queen her name, during her visit to Vasse Prinary school in Bussleton, Western Australia. ... http://dlvr.it/Q5M29K

[medicalrecruiterrunning]

Best burgers I've had. Beats World Bar & Chop Shop hands down. This is the Chilli Jam Burger (with what I'll call a Parmesan brittle). The man, Cooper, has this science down. If your ever in Bussleton head to Burgerbones (swipe left to see the Cheeky Burger) @burgerbones (at Burger Bones)

[velvetsands]

“bussleton is a long way to come for a long weekend.”

[pwblogger-blog]

After months and months of chaotic planning, multiple breakdowns, unpredictable skin and almost anything that could go wrong (did!), I am beyond excited to announce that today if my wedding day. I cannot wait to walk down the aisle, to marry my best friend. This weekend has been magical and I cannot wait to share it all! #marrydownsouth #happilyeverafter #dreamcometrue #misstomrs #finallymarried #perthbride #bridetobe #bride #perthweddingblogger #married #justmarried #margaretriver #yallingup #dunsborough #wilyabrup #bussleton #southwestwa #married #love #tiedtheknot #bridesmaid #bridesquad #squadgoals #bridetribe #bridalparty #bridal #weddingdress #bestdayever #allwhite #whiteevents #mrandmrsgilbert #mrsgilbert #palmernomore #lintonandbecgethitched #BecomingTheGilberts #teamgilbert #gethitched #palmergilbertwedding #bride #groom #lovemargaretriver #cheekymonkeybrewery #cheekyweddings #rusticwedding #rusticindustrial #timberfordays #winery #vineyard #brewery #wineregion #winetime #weddingtime #freebrooze (at Yallingup, Western Australia, Australia)

[annandaleinteriors-blog]

Finest Leather Executive Office Chairs to Suit Any Taste and Budget

When it comes to shopping for your office chairs, there are many stores that you can choose in the Sydney area, but only one will design and create furniture for you. Annandale Interiors is the right furniture and home décor store for you. As a family owned and operated store, Annandale Interiors is ready to design the furniture for your home. Annandale Interiors offers a very large range of furniture that is custom made and designed. They have many types of sizes, shapes, colors, and designs that will make your home look its best. This company has been around since 1984 and they will give you a free estimate on signature furniture for your home. They also offer decorating services along with the friendliest service you will find in Sydney. If you are looking to dress up your office or living room, this is the company for you. Decorating Your Office Space Are you looking for a fine leather chair for your office? Annandale Interiors has quite a few that they can offer you. Some of their most popular office Bailey Leather Chair are the Tustin, Devonport, Burnie, Tamworth, Bussleton, Morwell, Lauren, and the Bedford. These leather chairs offer the best in comfort and luxury. If you are trying to dress up your office more, these chairs are some of the best to do so. Along with these leather office chairs, Annandale Interiors can offer you desks that will match them perfectly. These desks will add just the right touch to your home office. You will be very happy to decorate your office with them. Some of the finest desks that Annandale Interiors offers are the Zora, Fruitwood, Cross Side, Rosewood, and the French desk. All of these desks will dress up your home office and you will be astonished how great your office looks. Living Rooms and Bedrooms Fine Cameron Leather Chair should not just be put in the office. They can look great in your living room as well. Annandale Interiors has plenty of leather, wing chairs that will add a lot of class to your living room. If you are looking to decorate your bedroom, they can offer you quite a lot of furniture for that too. If you are looking for bedside tables, bed frames or dressers, Annandale Interiors can offer some of the best quality. Your bedroom will never look the same and you will be excited about the new look in your home. Annandale Interiors is ready to give your home a new look. By calling them today, you can get a great idea of just how much you will spend and how your new furniture will look. The designers will give you plenty of ideas and you will enjoy the great customer service that they provide. The extensive collection that you will find at Annandale Interiors will make you excited to have such great choices when it comes to furniture. You will be enjoying the life of luxury in no time when you choose Annandale Interiors.