To 14-Aug-06 (Carnarvon WA to Sydney NSW)
MURCHISON RIVER WA (Galena Bridge Free-Camp)
This was a delightful free-camp amongst beautiful trees alongside a weir on the Murchison River. They say that the fishing is good there but Spencer reckons that the weir was good only for some more casting practice as there was not even a nibble. He’s also looking for the mythical “they” who keep spreading these enticing tales.
A sign at the entrance said “24 hour maximum stay” and Don (who looked as though he’d been there for months – watch stopped no doubt) kindly brought some wood over to help us to start our roaring fire. A very pleasant and interesting guy.
MULLEWA WA (Mullewa Caravan Park)
Mullewa is located in the heart of WA’s wildflower country. Sadly however, the place is in drought with very few wildflowers because rains needed for a good showing didn’t come and so wildflowers are pretty thin on the ground.
We were lucky to see quite a few wildflowers though (this is flannel bush) and quite liked some which locals called weeds (including wild hops). We had also been looking forward to seeing Stockman’s Wreath flowers – none this year though due to lack of rain. There is the promise of more wildflowers south of Perth. If not, we’ll just need to come back another year
DALWALLINU WA (Dalwallinu Caravan Park)
We enjoyed a delightful evening stroll into town and scoped out a coffee shop for the next day’s brew. This seems a peaceful and prosperous little town in the midst of one of WA’s wheat areas.
GIDGEGANNUP WA
Kim (Spen’s brother) had mentioned that the Avon Descent was being held 5-6th August and, surprisingly, we managed to arrive at Kim & Sue’s property in time for the event. They also kindly agreed to put us up (or is that ‘put up with us’?) and to store the van whilst we made a quick trip back to Sydney.
The Avon Descent is a two-day race from Northam to Perth along the Avon River. Canoes and power boats compete and leave the start at staggered times – so there is nearly always something happening once the first craft has gone past.
A father & son team won the overall race in boat 166. Here they are dragging their boat down Emu Falls (a churning mass of white water in previous years).
These boys were having a great time and managed to wash off the speed before the weir wall (in the foreground).
Competition was strong and racers must have slept well after dragging their boats so far. Some “brave” drivers jumped over the causeway and one even managed to keep on going without needing to get out and push (there’s probably a very cheap boat and motor combination for sale somewhere in Perth).
We also visited New Norcia, a monastic town north-east of Perth and were very impressed by the beautiful chapels and buildings there. Our tour guide was a lady who had boarded at the New Norcia Girls School.
This photo shows some detail of St Ildephonsus Chapel. All the work here was completed by four monks from New Norcia. It’s amazing that such ornate and intricate work was completed by these men and women working with local materials and their own hands. And they managed to complete it all whilst helping to care for and educate locals, particularly local aboriginals.
SYDNEY NSW
We flew back to Sydney on the awesome ‘red-eye’ special and took a day or two to catch up on sleep. We’ve stayed with Rhonda’s sister Jan & her husband Roger, Spencer’s Mum and even managed a night at Buff Point.
It has been great to be with family again, to see how Alesha has grown and to catch up with Glenn & Kate and to see where Troy lives. It has also been a privilege to share church with Glenn worship leading in the morning and then to worship with Troy singing in the choir.
We realize that we would have needed 72 hours in each day to catch up with everyone we had wanted to. Apologies if our paths didn’t cross this trip, but don’t worry, . . . . . . we’ll be back . . . . . !
May you enjoy life and care for each other well,
With best wishes & God bless,
Spencer & Rhonda
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
This was a delightful free-camp amongst beautiful trees alongside a weir on the Murchison River. They say that the fishing is good there but Spencer reckons that the weir was good only for some more casting practice as there was not even a nibble. He’s also looking for the mythical “they” who keep spreading these enticing tales.
A sign at the entrance said “24 hour maximum stay” and Don (who looked as though he’d been there for months – watch stopped no doubt) kindly brought some wood over to help us to start our roaring fire. A very pleasant and interesting guy.
MULLEWA WA (Mullewa Caravan Park)
Mullewa is located in the heart of WA’s wildflower country. Sadly however, the place is in drought with very few wildflowers because rains needed for a good showing didn’t come and so wildflowers are pretty thin on the ground.
.jpg)
We were lucky to see quite a few wildflowers though (this is flannel bush) and quite liked some which locals called weeds (including wild hops). We had also been looking forward to seeing Stockman’s Wreath flowers – none this year though due to lack of rain. There is the promise of more wildflowers south of Perth. If not, we’ll just need to come back another year
DALWALLINU WA (Dalwallinu Caravan Park)
We enjoyed a delightful evening stroll into town and scoped out a coffee shop for the next day’s brew. This seems a peaceful and prosperous little town in the midst of one of WA’s wheat areas.
GIDGEGANNUP WA
Kim (Spen’s brother) had mentioned that the Avon Descent was being held 5-6th August and, surprisingly, we managed to arrive at Kim & Sue’s property in time for the event. They also kindly agreed to put us up (or is that ‘put up with us’?) and to store the van whilst we made a quick trip back to Sydney.
The Avon Descent is a two-day race from Northam to Perth along the Avon River. Canoes and power boats compete and leave the start at staggered times – so there is nearly always something happening once the first craft has gone past.
.jpg)
A father & son team won the overall race in boat 166. Here they are dragging their boat down Emu Falls (a churning mass of white water in previous years).
.jpg)
These boys were having a great time and managed to wash off the speed before the weir wall (in the foreground).
Competition was strong and racers must have slept well after dragging their boats so far. Some “brave” drivers jumped over the causeway and one even managed to keep on going without needing to get out and push (there’s probably a very cheap boat and motor combination for sale somewhere in Perth).
We also visited New Norcia, a monastic town north-east of Perth and were very impressed by the beautiful chapels and buildings there. Our tour guide was a lady who had boarded at the New Norcia Girls School.
.jpg)
This photo shows some detail of St Ildephonsus Chapel. All the work here was completed by four monks from New Norcia. It’s amazing that such ornate and intricate work was completed by these men and women working with local materials and their own hands. And they managed to complete it all whilst helping to care for and educate locals, particularly local aboriginals.
SYDNEY NSW
We flew back to Sydney on the awesome ‘red-eye’ special and took a day or two to catch up on sleep. We’ve stayed with Rhonda’s sister Jan & her husband Roger, Spencer’s Mum and even managed a night at Buff Point.
It has been great to be with family again, to see how Alesha has grown and to catch up with Glenn & Kate and to see where Troy lives. It has also been a privilege to share church with Glenn worship leading in the morning and then to worship with Troy singing in the choir.
We realize that we would have needed 72 hours in each day to catch up with everyone we had wanted to. Apologies if our paths didn’t cross this trip, but don’t worry, . . . . . . we’ll be back . . . . . !
May you enjoy life and care for each other well,
With best wishes & God bless,
Spencer & Rhonda
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
posted by S and R caravan Oz at 3:33 p.m.
2 Comments:
Although our paths didn't manage to cross, it's great to be able to hear about your journey every step of the way.
I look forward to your return, but I hope it doesn't move too quickly for you both.
Love Sarah
hello!!!!
i'm not so sure i can forgive u 4 not catching up ;-) just kidding! i'm glad 2 c ur both having such a great time! i'm currently avoiding writing an essay, but dn't worry, if i have 2 stay up all night the night before it's due it'll get done and it'll be good. i hope ur both well, everyone i no seems 2 be getting sick the last few weeks, although i seem 2 have avoided it so far, but we'll c how long that lasts!
anyway, i should disappear now b4 this turns into a little blog entry of my own!
God bless
Bec
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