MOUNT BARKER to ALBANY

18-4-2011

Today we are in Mount Barker and we have had a lovely day wandering through the old police station of years gone by. It wasn't opened but we managed to get a tour in as there was a lady who was a volunteer working on some book work and she showed us around.

After leaving we decided to go to the towns oval which was not for parking any vans or camping of any sort. Totally illegal but we thought that we would be alright.

Warren cleared a spot and gathered cones and twigs for a camp fire. We thought that he would get us thrown out of town but we managed even though it was a no fire area.

settling in for the night

John found a branch. Hope the fire brigade don't come

What a beautiful sunset

great night had by all

The camp fire was wonderful and we made jaffels and Sandra made a damper which was great with golden syrup. We stayed up until 10 pm and then put the fir out. We all were happy that we were able to stay without any incident



PORONGURUP   20th April 2011

After leaving our free camp we thought that we should stay at a park tonight as the town is small and we were lucky  to get away with the camp that night.
We arrived at the next park and it became an inquisition as to where we spent the night before. They already new that we stayed in the council grounds and had a camp fire. It was there way of letting us know that they new. All is well we are off again in the morning to Albany.

ALBANY

We were here for a week as it is Easter and Anzac Day Holiday. Lots to do and see while we are here.
First adventure was to visit the Fort Display and check out where the Anzac Service will be held.
Great opportunity for me to look in the shop and see what they have. Surprise they have the ribbons and duplicate medals that l have been trying to get hold of. I managed to purchase the duplicate medals and ribbons for my fathers medals and my uncle's medals. I also found out how to clean them which is important to me. After spending $300 l left feeling very happy that l finally found what l have wanted for ages.

We went up to the memorial site and got our bearings for Anzac Day. A drive through town which won't take long. Beautiful homes and gardens are around the township. The wharf is functioning 24/7 with ships filling up with salt and or grain also sawdust. They have two trawlers sitting there and everything is just so clean.

MEMORIAL

View of Albany with Islands in distance

saw dust

salt

Old Goal with broken glass on the top wall to keep prisoners in

a view by sunset of the port

Albany is the port where the ships left for World War 1. The soldiers came from all over Australia to leave from Albany.

Good Friday guy's went to golf thank you! We girls enjoyed catching up with the things we wanted to do.
Saturday  and Sunday we are going to the Markets. Saturday Fresh Food Farmers market can't wait to get some fresh produce. Sunday Seafood market. Great experience had by all including a cooking demonstration and plenty of free tastings. Yum.

cooking demo results which we sampled

WIND FARM

Old London Hotel

Para Sailing from the wind farm area

Monday morning at 3.45 a.m. John, Bill, Warren and Sandy headed off to the Dawn Service. It was quite a climb up the road to the memorial. The weather was not the best but we were lucky that it only sprinkled while we were there. The service was full and respectful. They estimate that there will be 2000 people in Albany for the Anzac day march. Cards in the arvo.

Tuesday 26th we have a great day for packing and washing.

27th Wednesday
Left today for Denmark where our mail was waiting for us. Thank you my JO xx.

They had a great no HUGE country market happening and we had all day to look around while the guy's went to the pub and waited for us. Just soooo many people you could hardly move around. This event only happens four times a year.

We all had a stock up before heading out of Denmark for Peaceful Bay.

Peaceful Bay not so Peaceful

 When we arrived it was blowing up a storm. The sky was black, windy and raining. The ocean or bay was working up a real wild surf with big waves. Not such a peaceful Bay after all.

Great time at Peaceful Bay although it rained most of the time. We found plenty of tastings to have, We went to the cheese ,chocolate, toffee, wine tastings and also to the the wooden show case looking for Judy's new table and chairs.

cute

love the sheep

hey Jo look

gorgeous

take this one home

johnny and friend

sandy and friends

hellow

these guys are brother and sister so young

WENDY looking cute

We visited the local zoo farm with all sorts of animals and of course we patted them all.We all enjoyed our time at Peaceful Bay.

Friday 29th April
On to Pemberton
The guy's were pickd up after the wedding was over and sorry to say there was no footy on at the pub they had to watch the wedding.  oops!

Saturday

Today we are going on the tram through the country side and hear about the wonders of the trees and the different variety they have here.  This took up most of the day and the rest was relaxing back at camp.
Sunday today and we are doing seperate things. We all have things to do before we travel off again in the morning. My day has been spent cooking and typing my blog while l have the Internet.

The weather here is still rain and cold so l am looking forward to going around the corner to Busselton where it should be getting warmer.

Love to all Family and Friends. We miss you all. Love Sandy and John [mum and dad] xxxx