From Mandurah we wandered inland taking in the green country side, something we haven't seen for some time. Rolling hills with lush dairy pastures and fat Friesian and
Jersey cows that look very contented with their lot. To Pinjarra, through Coolup, Cookernaup and on to Harvey. I wanted to visit Harvey as I had 2 great Aunties that lived most of their
lives here. Both reaching their century and neither ever married. Aunty Glad passing only a few years ago at the grand age of 104. Maybe that is the secret to longevity, don't get married? I
tried to find their old house however without an address it was and impossible task. Grabbed some pastries from the local pie shop and had a nice smoko parked beside the rail line before
going onto Bunbury.
After TomTom took us on a drive through Bunbury that included the CBD we followed the coast road to Busselton where armed with info from the
tourist centre we checked into the Lazy Days Caravan Park
for 3 nights and then extended for an extra week.
Caught up with John and Val that were in town at another park,
serviced the Landcruiser, visited the doctor and wondered what happened to summer. The days were mostly overcast with wind and light rain. The
Lazy Days Caravan Park
was a good place for us after the long stop in the big smoke. Just five kilometre out of Busselton on the Bussel Highway, close to the beach. No frills and during our stay we were the
only touring van in the place. A few travelers in and out of their cabins and a camper trailer came in a day or so before we left. Seventh day free and Seniors discount worked out
at $111.00 for the week.
From here we would be going inland down to Walpole through tall tree country. Before leaving though there is Augusta, Cape Leeuwin, Dunsborough and Margaret River
to visit. There is a great day drive from Busselton that takes in all these locations. With a bit of side tracking around 300 kays for the day. Great scenery, wineries and coffee shops. For
us it was F & C in the park at Augusta. Unfortunately the wind continued and it was even cold with a southerly coming up from the Antarctic.
Not uncommon in these latitudes and we
have since been told that the best time to be in the south west and the south coast is mid/late January through March.
The cold weather continued and we chilled out (literally), got back into touring mode and headed off for Walpole and the South Coast .....
