Sep 22, 2012 - Blown to Albany

It was an exciting drive to Albany today. Actually we were more or less blown here… The wild weather is supposed to be easing. Nice Van Park though and we have a sheltered spot under some Melaleuca’s on a nice big site. We are at Emu Point about 8km east of the CBD. We have some brochures so will work out what we want to see, we have 4 days here. If the weather improves Gracie will get a bath at the local dog wash, I haven’t told her yet, we thought it was the toilet smelling but it’s not… There is a nice level walking path into town, not...

Jul 22, 2012 - Home

Hi Readers, Coming home is very nice, it is good to see family and friends again. The five best things about my trip are: 1) going to Monaco and seeing the F1 practice run 2) PuyduFou in the Loire 3) spending time with my family 4) looking at the battle fields with Nigel in Ieper Last but not least... 5) being on big aeroplanes. The five worst things on the trip were: 1) not having anyone to play with for a long time 2) seeing cool TV shows, but they are in French so I couldn't understand them 3) missing friends and family 4) weather was...

May 5, 2012 - When spiders measure 3 inches across............

Kilometer count so far - 655 (Perth to Albany) The first week on the road is over and I am resting in Albany on the south west coast of Australia. I have been cycling with my good friend Dave from Perth and together we have covered 655 kilometres. The immediate thing that strikes you is that you are in the middle of nowhere in a hurry once leaving Perth. Even in this relatively populated area of the country, we have often cycled for hours without seeing any sign of human habitation. We spent a night at Dave’s remote farm near the village of...

Apr 28, 2012 - Albany 20-29th April

How lovely to be back on the road once more - we have missed this life!! (Friday 20th) Went across the State on the Coalfields Rd and joined Albany Hwy at West Arthur - arrived in Albany safely and set ourselves up in our ensuite site, with the other 4 sites alongside, ready for the others to arrive on Sunday. Is pretty wet here, though, so hope the weather clears up for the week. Had a wonderful week which included a very cold Dawn Service atop Mt Clarence, a friendly march through Albany with the Naval Association contingent, then quite a...

Feb 21, 2012 - Albany

………………………Albany First port of call is the Valley of giants which is basically more of these huge trees and so we take a guided walk so find out a bit more about them before we do the “treetop walk”. This is a walkway that has been constructed which slowly takes you right up high into the canopy of these really tall trees about 60 m above ground. The walkway sways very slightly to create the impression of what its like when the trees sway so quite an amazing experience. We are now getting into an area where the landscape is quite impressive...

Jan 21, 2012 - Albany Update 5

The last two weeks have been busy with catching up with family friends, Donna & Adams Wedding and Bens Birthday. To start off, on Monday 9th Jan we caught up with family friends Sue & Roger at their home for afternoon tea, we were spoiled with freshly made pancakes and strawberries from the local farms. It was great to spend time with them and Ben enjoyed reminiscing with them both from the early days of Ben arriving back in Australia. Bridget also had the opportunity to be introduced to some chicks, which she became mesmerised by. Our...

Jan 8, 2012 - Albany Update 4

Well the first week of the new year has certainly been an emotional one. Bens beloved Grandma passed away in her sleep at the age of 90 in England on New Years Day. Even though we knew she was unwell, the news was still a shock. We also found out that Bens sisters 15 year old dog passed away on the same day. During the week we were kept busy with work and planning the spreading of Gerards ashes. Saturday the 7th we officially farewelled Gerard to the high seas of Albany. It was a very emotional yet uplifting time. I am so proud of Ben who...

Jan 1, 2012 - Albany Update 3

On the monday night before Christmas we went searching for Christmas Lights, thanks to Tracey who amazingly new all the right streets/suburbs to take us! The lead up to Christmas was busy for Ben who finished up at the local upholsterer and started his new job at Emu Point, Elissa and Tracey started some of the cooking and finished last minute shopping and gift wrapping! Christmas Eve arrived and by the evening the sweets were prepared, an awesome feast awaited us and Anthony and Ben had put together the trampoline - a gift to the kids. As...

Dec 29, 2011 - All Around Albany

Thurs. Dec. 29 This morning we change camp sites to get one with a bit more shade. It will be 29 today with humidity. We are lucky they even have a spot at peak holiday time. We do find a better site but it is unpowered. We don't mind and quickly move over before exploring the area for the rest of the day. Our sightseeing loop is suggested to us at the tourist information. With highlighted maps in hand, we begin by driving by Middleton Beach to a look out point looking back at this beach.  Stopping in town center to explore all the old...

Dec 28, 2011 - To Albany

Wed. Dec. 28 Managing to depart by 8:20 made our drive through Perth easy since the main morning rush hour was finished. Traffic on the freeway was fine and followed a commuter train line. I love how their train lines link with the bus lines in the same station area. Typically the train lines and stations are ground level and the bus station is situated  directly above the train station or right next to it. It sure would make public transport quick and easy. Someone was really thinking when designing this system. It makes so much...

Dec 18, 2011 - Albany Update 2

Hello! Well the town of Albany has been putting on some of Melbournes finest wet weather for us to battle yet again.....our poor tent has been put through the ringer!!! The second last week of school term was our neice Hayley's kindy xmas concert, it was very cute and Hayley did very well as an angel. During that week we decided to go driving to capture a sunset picture over the water. We drove out to the direction of the sunsetting and missed it by just 2 minutes. A bit of a bugger but the pictures over the water and out at the windfarm...

Dec 6, 2011 - Albany Update 1

Our trip to Albany was a short but wet trip, quite funny how most of our trips have been through the rain! We were fortunate that we could take most main roads to Albany as the fires had calmed down. We got to Traceys house and decided we would set up the tent even though we would get soaked putting it up! So Auntie Tracey and the kids took care of Bridget and Ben and I got to work! On Tuesday we headed into to town to get last minute supplies for Bridgts birthday and also to check out the changes to our old home town.....some things we are...