Perth
We have been reminding ourselves about the advantages and disadvantages of cities. It does not appear to matter if we are residents or tourists, getting about has its own particular stresses on us.
There is a twenty-seven hole golf course right opposite our park, so of course we had to test it out. It is affordable at $15 for nine holes and you don’t have to book tee off times. We will have to return twice more to play the course.
Our big surprise was to find Chris and Margaret had arrived. They said someone had to drive us to the airport when we flew out, but I think they were a little surprised we still had a full week to go. We will still be arranging a taxi Monday evening.
We set out for an expedition to Kings Park, taking the local transport. It is a learning experience and also an affirmation that nothing happens quickly in the city. We got off to a bad start when we left the camera at the first bus stop. Brian hopped off and went back to get us and followed on the next bus an hour later. The worst is the camera lens has been dying and the camera was useless anyway. We have since bitten the bullet and bought a new lens , so it has definitely been an over budget week.
From the city you catch a free bus to the gardens and there is also a set of three systems circling the city that are free to use. Great to keep cars to a minimum.
The park is open and roomy. There are good samples of many of the flowers we have come across on our travels so far.
We polished off our day by catching a ferry across to South Perth. Dolphins frolicked in the water – so much for Monkey Mia.
The following day was retail therapy day, buying parts for the caravan. We ended up getting a driving tour round Perth, ending up in a groovy tunnel that was a great experience. We ended up in four shops and driving for as many hours.
There are lots of walks in the area of Perth we are in within reasonable driving distance. We first tackled the Zig Zag railway track. We came to a deserted quarry and an abseiling lesson, coming up as well as down. Again flowers were abundant despite the dry.
We followed this with an exploration of the local village, Kalamunda, further up from where we are. There is a heritage village here as well as some quaint shops and eateries.
We tackled a slightly longer walk the next day, a little bit slippery underfoot. It led past a pipeline and one of the water supplies for the region. A visit to a chocolate factory and a coffee outlet made up for any discomfort the warm weather has created. We have in fact had beautiful weather since we have arrived.
A change of pace on Saturday found us driving to Freemantle. Again, the drive is straightforward, but parking is not so easy at the end of the road, even on the weekend. Once you get some local knowledge and find out about the free Cat buses circling around, you can park in the outskirts and pick up the free bus along the route.
The highlight of the day were some interesting markets and the coffee strip, a bit like Melbourne’s St Kilda strip. The Shipwreck Museum was well done and only a gold coin entry. It was well worth a visit. It was easy to fill in a day here till running out of energy drew us home.
We finished the week with a visit to the Royal Show, again on public transport. The disadvantage of reduced services on Sunday was compensated by the reduction of fares. The show was good, but very similar to what we are used to at home. We saw a good sampling of ring events like show jumping and the woodchip. Sheep dog trials were great where the dogs and the handler have to take three sheep through a number of area such as a race, a bridge and a pen. It was my favourite event for the day.
There was a great display of old steam engines and trains along with tools and machinery from by-gone days. Again the day passed very quickly and it was with tired feet that we finally reached home, all showed out for at least another year.
The other small world part of the week was finding a new neighbour was from Gordonvale, John Brooks and his wife Lynn who worked at the same school as I had. What are the chances? They are both working for a Rio Tinto mine in the north, working week on week off and coming back to their van and exploring in their off time. They store the van here while they work. It’s cheap, and the airport is close by. I’m sure the pay and conditions are motivating and the lifestyle is perfect when you are still working age and your children are off your hands. Lynn and John particularly like having their meals cooked and the cleaning done each working week. Life is OK they say.
So we come to the end of another week. The time has come to head east for a fortnight to meet Kyan, as well as reconnect for much of the family and friends.
See you back on travel news in a few weeks.
The lucky nomads.
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