Back to Olivia at Manly 29th July to 1st August 2019

A Three Week Break in WA

We have retired in a very beautiful place - Albany in July

This year Peter decided he would join me in the usual mid season break that I take to check out what is happening at home. I think he wanted to remind himself what Albany is like in winter. In fact the weather was amazingly fine most of the time and he was able to unhook both of the BMs from the battery chargers, and out of their winter hibernation, for some enjoyable rides. Meanwhile I pruned the roses, caught up with the friends and reles and organised for a new linen cupboard to be built for the space in the laundry where the old water heater had been removed. I was able to contact the carpenter who had built the original laundry cupboard and he had the new cupboard in place the day before we departed for Perth. It looks great and is now home to my sewing material stash and other sewing paraphernalia.

BMW R80 1982 at Frenchman's Bay, Albany

We spent eight days in Perth, firstly with Karin's family, babysitting while she worked in Geraldton supervising chiropractic prac students for five days. That was hectic, but very enjoyable. Then we moved over to Greg and his family for the weekend to catch up with them. Greg and Leisha took us for a motor around Fremantle Boat Harbour and the main shipping harbour, on Ocean Street, which was interesting. A massive container ship rumbled in behind us and we watched as the tugs guided it to its berth.

Fremantle Harbour

We also met up with Judy and John, Chris and Matthew and Viv Read while we were in Perth - all old friends and it was good to find out what they are up to.

Heading North to Townsville

Here at Manly the weather has been cool and fine, perfect for trudging around shops for stores and beer etc, for our trip north. We booked another day here as the forecast was for rain today, but that has not eventuated, until late this afternoon, so we dragged out the folding bikes and took them for a decent ride south towards Raby Bay. Most of the bike path took us through parkland and mangrove lined waterfront and was most enjoyable. This time the bikes couldn't be faulted and we are very pleased with the ground we can cover on them. This opens up an opportunity for us to explore further than we were able to previously.

Enjoying those bikes at last!

Tomorrow we are relinquishing the ties to the shore and are beginning our journey north. I am looking forward to a leisurely trip up the coast to Townsville where we will leave Olivia for the summer.

More beautiful Albany.  Town Marina and Mt Melville in the background. (Our house is on the Mt to the right up past the trees.)