Day 12 Aug 31 Margaret River to Albany

After a night of constant rain, we thought it was going to be a terrible day on the bike . We were lucky that most of the rain had gone through so we only had to content with a few passing showers.
Our route today took us through Pembroke, Walpole and then onto Albany. Crossings Bakery was a great stop in Pemberton and yes they do have great aussie pies.This is a great bike road with lots of sweeping bends and beautiful tall timber to admire.
Our main stop of the day was at the Valley of the Giants discovery centre This is where you can walk through the tallest trees you can imagine via a suspended walkway which at its highest is 40 metres of the ground and you are still looking up at these giants.
Found our way into Albany in the afternoon and after the mandatory "conversation" about which way we should be going, we found our lodgings for the next 2 days, grab a few bits and pieces at the supermarket and back to park up on the sofa with a Matso ginger beer and nibbles.

Day 11 Aug 30 Our day in Margaret River

Today we spent the day travelling around Margaret River on the bike. The weather was good so we did a northern loop through Dunsborough and then a southern loop down to Augusta.
We headed north along the tourist drive towards Yallingup and Dunsborough. O do't think I have ever seen so many wineries so close together and it was a bit overwhelming as you just don't know which one to choose. We opted to take in the natural beauty of the area and wen tout to Canal Rocks and out to Cape Naturaliste to have a look at the lighthouse. Back in to check out Dunsborough that is not very far away. Lovely beaches and wold be magnificent over the summer months.
We then started to headed back south where we stopped off at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Killerby winery. The reds were a bit light for us so it was a pear and apple cider for us before we moved on.
Stopped at lunch at Brookwood estate based on trip advisor - antipasto platter to die for !!!
After lunch its back on the bike and down south to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin as the lighthouse at the other end of the tourist drive. We were both amazed at the number of tourists that were around. The ride back was through beautiful tall forest tress so I hope the go pro was able to catch it properly.
Out for dinner that night after a great day sightseeing enjoying good food and wine.

Day 8 Aug 26 plus our days in Perth

Today we headed off from York bright and early to head off to Perth was only about 85k. We were headed for Mike and Fee Ashton's place at Coogee Beach which is just south of Fremantle. Again the sat nav was a bit dot we id finally manage to get there in a roundabout way. Its been 20 years since we have visited this area and things have certainly changed. Even though there is a downturn in the resources industry, there is still an amazing amount of new suburbs and housing going up. Apartment living by the sea seems to be very popular with lots of apartment blocks going up close to the beach.
Mike and Fee are in Australia while Mike works on the new football stadium in South Perth. They have rented an apartment in Coogee Beach right next to the maria. Spectacular!!!
We spent a couple of relaxing days just catching up with the and a lot of time was spent sitting and chatting. Managed to head up to Sorrento/Hilarys where we had a wander around the marina and enjoyed a nice lunch.
Yesterday it was finally on to the bikes with mike and Fee to head down to Dallingup and onto the steam train for a 2 hour journey . Well 2 hours tunred into 3 and a half hours as the tracks were a little wet fro some light showers so we ended up getting stuck at the bottom of the hill and the diesel had to come and rescue us.
Back o the bikes and through the forest . Stopped in to meet John and Kate who are friends of Mike and Fee's. Have the most adorable chocolate labradors - tried to get a picture but ti was a bit of a challenge.
Monday morning we packed up and headed south for a 4 day trip on the bike. We are making our way through the south western corner of WA staying in Margaret River for 2 nights and Albany for  nights.
Our first day we managed to stretch a 250 km journey in a straight line from Perth to Margaret River into a 500k journey through Dallingup, Williams , Collie and Busselton. Some great roads with little traffic.
Finally found our way to Margaret River where we are staying in some beautiful chalets. Now we are sitting in front of the fire, enjoying a red and looking forward to tomorrow as we check out the district.

Day 7 Aug 25 Esperance to York

Today we were back on the road heading north to York to catch up with some friends.
We spent a few hours travelling through seas of wheat and canola which all looks fantastic so I thin it will be a bumper year for the west.
On the way  , we stooped to have to a look at Wave Rock which has been formed over hundreds of years to the shape it is now. A quick lunch and then back on the road to York which is only about an hour outside of Perth.
York is full of beautiful old town with magnificent old buildings.
Went for a walk to check out the town and the suspension bridge that goes over the Avon River.
Out to dinner at Cain and Georgia's place tonight to share a beautiful meal and a nice glass of wine.

Day 6 Esperance

Today we sat still in Esperance for the day. The weather is still alternating between sunshine and rain and is still very windy.
We headed off to Cape Le Grand National Park which is about 45 k's east of Esperance and hugs the coastline for some way.
All I can say is that if you come this way, please make the time to go and have a look at the park. The scenery is spectacular to say the least and I don't think I have seen such white beaches and blue water anywhere. I hope the pictures do it some justice.
The beaches have some great names such as Le Grand beach, Hellfire Bay, Thistle Cove and Lucky Bay.
A bit of a history lesson - Matthew Flinders named Lucky Bay in 1802 when he sought shelter from a summer storm as he circumnavigated Australia.
Stopped at Lucky Bay for a bite to eat and then back towards town .
We are off to York tomorrow to catch up with some friends. Another straight road no doubt!!!

                        Le Grand Beach

                               Hell Fire Bay

                              Lunch at Lucky Bay