We have been up in the Swan Valley for a week now after our 3 weeks at Fremantle. Unfortunately our trip is on hold for the moment till we fix a leak in the van. We have had two serious downpours in the last couple of weeks and a leak has appeared in the cupboards above our bed. We had the van resealed last week but unfortunately it’s still continuing to leak. Tomorrow we will return the van to the repairer and believe this time they will remove the skylight completely and reseal it. Fingers crossed this will do the trick and we can continue on our way.
Well I guess we could be stranded in worse places! We have met up with 5 other couples here – the bbq area is right next to our van - and we catch up each evening for happy hour. Unfortunately most of us now have a leaking van or vehicle from the recent rains.
Whilst here we have visited a winery or two! And yesterday arranged to have 2 cartons of wine sent home. We will look forward to enjoying them when we get home! (N.B. Kel and Luke)
The van park is only about 20 kms from Perth so it’s not far to commute if we need to.
We had a great Easter with Kel and Luke and seemed to cram so much in over the week. We wandered around Freo, watched the footy at the pub, lunched and sampled beer at Little Creatures Brewery. Had a jet boat ride, cruised into the city by boat and visited Adventureworld Water Park. Our favourite spot however was Cottesloe Beach where we managed a swim most afternoons. The water was superb and we looked forward to a refreshing swim each day. Luke also took us to Northbridge where alfresco restaurants line the streets. We had a lovely Indian meal just before we took them to the airport on their last night.
Last Sunday Murray and I were enrolled in a 4WD training course up here at Ellenbrook. We’d enrolled at the Caravan Show after watching some 4wd recovery excercises. It was fun and we learnt a great deal despite the weather. It absolutely poured – I’m amazed it wasn’t cancelled. We met at 9am. (The rain had started about 7am.) and because we were in and out of our vehicle we were all absolutely drenched for most of the day. Thankfully about 2pm the rain cleared and the sun shone but then it became extremely warm and muggy! Murray was enjoying taking the Prado up and down the prepared tracks which were becoming deeper and more challenging as the day went on. Thankfully we didn’t get bogged but watched on as others had to get themselves out of difficult situations. We were able to swap drivers – most did – but I wasn’t confident enough. I was happy to be passenger or watch from the side and take the piccys!
Well the sun is shining today and I believe the rains have finished. Murray is at the local gym swimming at the moment. We will head out this arvo and stock ourselves up for the next leg of our journey (hopefully!)
It has been great catching up with friends over the last 6 weeks. We’ve had a lot of fun, lots of laughs and a drink or two! Thanks John, Karen and Alan, Debbie, Sally and Dave for your hospitality as well as the good times. And thanks Kel and Luke for a wonderful week.
The next part of our journey will be a lot quieter. We are looking forward to the lovely coastline between here and Broome and our visit into Karajini National Park.
Bye for now
Muzz and Jude
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