Augusta

 

Despite the weather becoming a little wintry, we have enjoyed our time in this lovely town. Our Mother's Day started out in sunshine, and we enjoyed our morning cuppa at the boat harbour. This harbour cost $36million and is a credit to the area - the beautiful granite stone around the area was sourced locally and saved them another $25million!! 

 

The rain began on our way home and we just saved the towels and jackets airing on the line! Just as well Darryl and Dennis had booked a table for our lunch at the Augusta hotel, as it was a busy place and we were nice and dry, able to watch the rain outside! We all enjoyed a lovely meal of Angus beef and reef - yummo 😋😋. We lingered over our lunch and wines and even watched a bit of AFL footy on the big screen. 

 

Then back at camp some silly opomistic people thought the weather was clearing so why not have our fire? With our umbrellas at the ready for some scuds, we just had the fire going beautifully - thanks to some Boy Scout knowledge - when all of a sudden the wind blew up, rain fell, our fire sent sparks and bits everywhere, things blew around and we had to retreat to our shelters. 

 

Saddest of all though, we had to get the hose and put the fire out as it was too dangerous!  So our evening ended up huddling in our campers with the heaters on! Thank God for those heaters we say!! 

Today we packed our baskets and set off towards Margaret River. We had our morning tea at the excellent Lions park and I even tried to improve my fitness: a bit tricky whilst drinking my cuppa!! 

 

We looked around the town and gathered some information at the Visitors Centre then set off to see the Ellenbrook cottage - which unfortunately was being renovated and we couldn't look inside. We walked to the little waterfall (and got a bit wet for our efforts!) 

 

Dennis was keen to find a winery he visited 30 years ago so we looked at a couple but they weren't the one he remembered - but we stumbled across this amazing winery - Voyager wines!! Even though it's a relatively new winery, it's immaculate buildings and gardens were an absolute treat and it would be difficult to find better anywhere. Unfortunately the photos really don't do it justice but here are a couple:

 

 

We didn't dine here - although the aroma drifting out from the restaurant was enticing - but we finally found a picnic table at some nearby caves. Having used their table and facilities we felt obliged to tour the cave - it was a self guided tour but didn't impress Tops at all and we have seen better. 

 

Now we are once again trying to be brave and sit out by the fire - but it's proving to be intermittent and it's much colder tonight! We may have to resort to the camp kitchen. We move on tomorrow to Dunsborough where we'll see Dennis and Tops's friends the Strattons, and we'll also catch up with Bob and Jacquie some time. 

We see where rain is forecast at home later this week - as it is here so hope we've got a dry spot to shelter. Really we've been very fortunate with the weather all the trip. 

We send our love to everyone - till next instalment, love from the Brays and Greenwoods. ❌❌❌❌