Category Archives: Australia

Meelup

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Our first morning at Dunsborough was overcast as we set off to discover the beautiful coastline of Geographe Bay. Nature has painted the rocks with her wondrous palette,

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a stunning contrast to the calm waters.

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Nestled in the next bay is Meelup Beach, a perfect swimming beach, sheltered from wind and waves with crystal clear water. Meelup means “Place of the Moon Rising” and is one of the few beaches in Western Australia where you can see the moon rising over the ocean.

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There is a phenomenon called “Staircase to the Moon” when, during summer, the silvery light of a full moon rising is reflected in the ripples of the water all the way to the horizon. I would love to witness that, it seems a return trip is in order.

Prickly Mo

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Last Sunday, we took Cooper for a drive off the beaten track to while away the afternoon at Prickly Mo.

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The vineyard was established twenty two years ago at Eugenana but the cellar door is a more recent evolution.

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The old shearing shed offers a unique tasting room experience and the comfy seating arrangements are irresistible.

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Wet weather and storms had been forecast so the main deck was enclosed, gas heaters poised for Tasmania’s unpredictable elements (no, I don’t mean the customers).

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We felt at home straight away, our philosophy obviously in tune with that of the establishment.

I’m sure there are a few stories to be told about this rustic ornament.

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The highlight of the afternoon was the live music Sunday Session, on this occasion starring the very talented Neil Gray.

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We savoured a lavish platter

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and a bottle of rosé

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while Neil entertained with masterful guitar work and smooth vocals, not to mention some nifty pedal shifting.

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The microphone stand accessory is now on Michael’s wish list.

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The storm clouds moved on, leaving nothing more than a few showers

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and by the time we departed

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the blue sky had broken through.

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We enjoyed a leisurely drive home with the top down, reflecting on our wonderful day, four bottles of Prickly Mo in the back seat.

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Toby’s Inlet

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The day after arriving in Perth we were whisked away to Dunsborough, our base to explore the Margaret River Region. The house of a friend of our friends was the perfect base for day trips.

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The front door was guarded by the most beautiful moss covered dog I have ever seen.

The garden hugged the banks of Toby’s Inlet,

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a small estuary that offered some magnificent morning reflections.

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The pontoon was a convenient perch for the gulls

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to observe the downstream drift of the pelicans

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who were sometimes accompanied by an entourage of ducks.

The home was a wonderful, peaceful place to return to each day after our explorations.

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spider surprise

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We all know that feeling of walking smack bang into the middle of an orb weavers web. These clever spiders spin their beautiful webs at night to catch unsuspecting flying insects, enjoy an early morning snack and retreat for the day leaving the web to catch unsuspecting humans. We had one residing in the veggie patch, just to the left of the door and we never failed to fall prey upon entering. The spider proved smarter than we are and moved to one of the beds where she wouldn’t be disturbed. Early one morning, she (or he) was resting in the middle of the web.

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As I watched, she woke up and moved toward a tasty morsel that had fallen foul during the night.

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She grabbed her breakfast

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and returned to the centre of the web to dine.

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She then curled up and went back to sleep.

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I am grateful to her for helping keep the insects from the succulent leaves of the veggies.

not long now

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I am pleased and proud to announce, the culmination of Michael’s creative endeavour is nigh, with the official launch of “The Tramp” only a week away. The product of two years of blood, sweat and yes, tears, has taken over the dining room table in readiness for packaging and posting.

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For the many who supported Michael through the crowdfunding campaign, your goodies will be on their way very soon. There is an extra bonus of a box of Wild Island Tastes “Shipwrecked” chocolate bark to enjoy while you read your book or listen to your CD. The pen has been busy thanking you all individually,

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we wish you could all be here for the launch. Michael will be supported by the talented guest musicians who appear on the CD and, along with the M.P. MC and readings from the novel, it will be a very special afternoon. The novel and CD will be available at selected retail outlets and online at amazon.com and tigerdreaming.com.au.

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If you can make it to Burnie Regional Art Gallery 1pm Sunday 12th February, we’d love to see you there.