Margaret River & Beyond

Beijing and the Great Wall of China

Posted on 9 October 2015 by Kerry & Jim

We have recently returned from a 13 day tour of China which we thoroughly enjoyed. Unfortunately due to China’s ban on external social media, we were unable to use Facebook, Google or WordPress which I use to publish this blog. We were however able to use our email so could keep in touch with family.

We flew into Beijing at night and were amazed at how huge this city is – current population is nearly 24 million and growing. This photo is just a small part of the city.

The weather was perfect. Clear skies and about 28 deg. C. There had been a thunderstorm the previous night and as a result the smog cleared for a couple of days.

Our first tour stop was to Tiananmen Square and as the tourist season has started we were two of the expected 70,000 (yes that is right) visitors for the day. The crowds included many, many bus groups and also locals who were out to enjoy their Saturday.

It was then on to the Forbidden City and Imperial Garden; home of the Emperors of the Ming Dynasty. This is where the movie, The Last Emporor, was filmed and it is the only film ever allowed to be made in this location.

Just out of Beijing at the foot of the mountains is the Emperors Summer Palace. Built on a large man made lake the Summer Palace was once enjoyed by the Emperor and his family as a country retreat. A 750 mtr undercover walkway was built to be a cool sitting place for the family.

The highlight of the tour so far has been our walk on the Great Wall of China. We climbed the very steep steps and enjoyed the picturesque views. Although we only visited one small section of the wall we could not help but be impressed by the feat of construction undertaken by the Chinese; albeit many men must have lost their lives in the most remote regions of the wall.

We have been impressed with how clean and organised this city is although the traffic is horrendous.

Next stop is Xi’an – city of the terracotta warriors.

Posted in China, Margaret River | Tagged Beijing, Emperors Summer Palace, Forbidden City, great Wall of China, Imperial Garden, Tiananmen Square | 5 Comments

The Great Ocean Road

Posted on 7 October 2015 by Kerry & Jim

After a few days in Melbourne we are now slowly making our way home. The trip over from Perth to Melbourne was pretty rushed; 3,423 km in four and a half days towing the caravan – the trip home will be at a leisurely pace enjoying the sights along the way.

It is unseasonably hot for early October. The temperatures have been between 30 to 35 deg C. since we arrived and the day we left it reached 38 deg C. Very warm.

We are taking the drive back west along the Great Ocean Road around the beautiful Victorian coastline.

Our first camp was at Kennett River where we dipped our toes into the freezing water – felt like is was directly off the Antartic ice melt. Lovely beach though and there were some brave souls out there swimming and surfing.

Just behind the camp a family of koala’s were trying to keep cool in the gum trees.

Further along we stopped to enjoy The Twelve Apostles and the other amazing formations that have developed over time. The weather is much cooler today, about 23 deg C. and sea mist and smoke from a distant fire dulled the view a little.

This is certainly one of the most picturesque drives in Australia.

Posted in Caravanning, Margaret River, Victoria | Tagged Great Ocean Road, Kennett River, Koalas, The Twelve Apostles, Victoria | 6 Comments

AFL Footy Fever in Melbourne

Posted on 3 October 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Melbourne is awash with Eagles blue & yellow and Hawks brown & gold colours being worn with pride by their supports.

In Friday’s grand final parade our nephew, Jamie Cripps, was enjoying the moment as a West Coast Eagles player.

On game day, the family gathered for breakfast before making our way to the MCG.

With 98,633 spectators Jamie and Nic took in the atmosphere before the game.

Although not the outcome we wanted, our young team has had a very good season and I am sure they will be back next year with a better result.

Posted in Caravanning, Margaret River, Victoria | Tagged AFL, AFL Grand Final, AFL grand Final Parade | 6 Comments

Spring is here

Posted on 7 September 2015 by Kerry & Jim

The weather the past couple of days here in Margaret River has been glorious…hopefully spring is here. The overcast cool days have turned to lovely sunny days and although the breeze is still a little chilly the sunshine makes up for it.

Whilst on a recent drive the golden wattle was in bloom on the side of the road and paddocks of dandilions, canola, pattersons curse and wheat glistened in the bright light.

The golf course is in top shape.

And the ocean is bright sea blue.

But the one thing that I don’t like about the warmer months coming is the possibility of snakes. We saw this one sunning itself around a verandah post this afternoon….I really don’t like them and we were a little surprised that it thought today was warm enough – only 19 deg – to venture out.

Looking forward to many more sunny spring days.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Margaret River | 3 Comments

Lovely winter sights

Posted on 22 August 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Winter is a wonderful time to be in Margaret River. There are so many lovely sights to enjoy. Although a little chilly at this time of the year I think it is still a great area to visit in the cooler months. Everywhere is lush and green and with the promise of spring and the wildflower season just around the corner it is well worth a trip south.

Most of the the vines have now been pruned ready for the next florish of leaves and grapes.

Large mobs of kangaroo are enjoying the lovely green grass.

Fungi is growing on the forest floor.

Arum lilies and freesias are in bloom in the paddocks. I think both are declared noxious weeds in this region.

The river is flowing into the ocean.

The dampness on the walk trails highlights the smells of the forest.

Early morning fog is a regular site.

The deer at the Venison Farm are looking healthy.

As are the dairy cows and sheep with their lambs.

There have been some very pretty sunrises, sunsets and rainbows.

In fact, unlike much of WA where the seasons are not that distinctive; I mean short autumns and springs, it is lovely that we get to enjoy all four seasons down here.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged winter in Margaret River | 8 Comments

Lovely winter gardens in Nannup

Posted on 15 August 2015 by Kerry & Jim

On a glorious winters day we travelled over to Nannup to attend their annual Flower and Garden Festival. The sunhine certainly bought out the best of the flowers and the crowds of people who attended seemed to be enjoying the festivities.

Our first stop was to the tulip farm ‘Especially Tulips. As the sun gradually made its way onto the tulips the dew glistened in the light.

Guinea fowl and ducks act as natures pest controllers by eating the slugs, snails and grasshoppers around the gardens.

Next it was into town for the festival. The planters in the street were in full bloom and the many stall holders made the most of the large attendance.

The tulip lady was there again to provide any information needed. Isn’t she georgeous!

To finish the day off we took a leisurely stroll around Holberry House – a guesthouse surrounded by beautifully lawned gardens. A little creek with waterfalls, tall gums trees and a variety of deciduous and flowers trees make this garden a haven for birds and wildlife.

The organisers of the festival must be so thankful for the lovely weather today. We were!

Posted in Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Especially Tulips, Holberry House, Nannup, Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, tulips | 7 Comments

Bryah Station

Posted on 18 July 2015 by Kerry & Jim

We finally get to visit Bryah Station. This map of Western Australia shows its location.

Dane’s family sold Bryah many years ago and unfortunately in recent times, with no one living at the station, the homestead has fallen into disrepair. Such a shame to see this grand old home in this state.

The roof and a few of the walls have started to collapse leaving the interior exposed to the weather. To make it worse vandals have also been in and made a mess. The homestead had beautiful pressed tin ceilings and walls and wooden floorboards.

The tennis court, bower shed, swimming pool and yards have all been neglected. Dane remembers his mothers garden with lawns, flowers, fruits trees and vegetables all growing in abunbance. Hard to picture, isn’t it!

This is the old stable where Dane and his sisters kept and fed their horses.

On a brighter note the scenery on the station is interesting. The colours in the ranges and rocky outcrops are outback red, just as you would imagine.

The wide plains are covered in grasses after the rains and the shrubs are coming into flower.

About 20 kms from the homestead is Bibbingoona Pool – a permanent water hole on the Gascoyne river and favourite place of Dane’s when he was growing up on the station.

The day we visited it was drizzling but, undetered, we stopped here for a BBQ lunch and enjoyed the scenery. A variety of birds including black swans, sparrows, budgerigars, cockatoos, hawks and willy wag tails were also making the most of the pool.

You can see the brown stains on the ghost gums indicating the high water mark when the river is in full flow. Not a regular occurance – it must be specticular when it happens.

Thank you Dane for taking the time to show us around your part of this beautiful state!

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia, Wildflowers | Tagged Bibbingoona Pool, Bryah Station, Gascoyne, Gascoyne River, Murchison | 9 Comments

Exploring the Murchison

Posted on 17 July 2015 by Kerry & Jim

After meeeting up with our brother-in-law Dane we began exploring the area between the Murchison and Gascoyne rivers.

We set up camp on a little ridge overlooking the plains.

Dane prefers sleeping outdoors in his swag…with Fenton (the dog) nearby. Out here there are so many good things for a dog to roll in (particularly cow dung) so regular washes are necerssary.

We first visited the historic gold mining town of Peak Hill. Established in 1897, the mine was very productive but today the remains of the town are very fragile.

At the nearby Peak Hill cemetery few headstone remain in tact but recent work has seen the grave sites marked with these little white stones.

Mining exploration is still active in the region and there are many open cut mines to see.

Little remains of Peak Hill Station which was once owned by Dane’s family.

Already there are some wildflowers on display….they say it will be great season so if you have the time get out and have a look, do so.

My favourite was the Sturt’s Desert Pea…we only saw a couple but they are very striking.

Next we will be heading off to explore Bryah Station.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia, Wildflowers | Tagged Fenton, Gascoyne River, Murchison River, Peak Hill, Peak Hill Cemetery, Wildflowers | 2 Comments

Heading North

Posted on 16 July 2015 by Kerry & Jim

We have just returned from 10 days camping north of Meekatharra between the Gascoyne and Murchison rivers. Our brother-in-law, Dane, grew up on Bryah Station and we decided to take a short holiday to visit the area with him.

Departing Perth we headed north on the Great Northern Highway which was covered in fog until we passed through the historic town of New Norcia. The wheat and canola crops were looking good.

Once past Wubin on the Great Northern Highway the road trains and large transporters, mostly carrying mining equipment, are a familiar sight.

On our first night we camped at Kirkalocka Station 60 km south of Mt Magnet. Although destocked at the moment, the station is open to tourists to call in and camp around the old shearing quarters. Nearby a water hole provides a little oasis to enjoy.

The original homestead is now used for tourist accommodation.

The little musuem has many reminents of the past.

The sunset and sunrise were impressive.

Day 2 saw us travel north through Cue, known as the ‘Queen of the Murchison’. The lovely heritage buildings date back to the gold rush era of the late 1890s and many are still being used. The metal structures add interest to the towns entry.

Further north Nallan Lake has plenty of water at the moment after recent good rains. By all accounts this rain will make for a great windflower season this year.

After passing the 26th parallel we left the bitumen of the Great Northern Highway and travelled along the dusty Ashburton Downs Road.

Our afternoon tea stop was at Bilyuin Pool on the Murchison River. This would be a great spot to camp for a few days.

Next we will meet up with Dane and he will show us this interesting region.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Bilyuin Pool, Cue, Murchison River, Nallan Lake | 10 Comments

The Margaret River

Posted on 29 June 2015 by Kerry & Jim

The Margaret River is only a small river, about 60 km long and has a catchment area of only 470 sq kms.

Along its course the river passes through national parks, wetlands, a range of diverse farmland and of course the town of Margaret River.

The weirs across the river have been constructed with fishways to enable migration of native fish upstream. Keeping the river clean and healthy enables many species of fish to thrive in the river and its tributaries.

This little waterfall is a popular attraction when it is flowing.

The towns water supply comes from Ten Mile Brook Dam which is built on a tributary of the river.

Over the summer months the Margaret River does not flow out to the ocean, it is closed off by a sandbar at the mouth of the river but as winter rains swell the catchment areas the river will break through the sandbar and flow into the Indian Ocean.

There are not many places where the river is easily accessible but where you do get a chance to take in the view it is pretty spectacular.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Margaret River | 3 Comments

Huge waves for WA south coast

Posted on 27 June 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Huge waves forecast for the south west of Western Australia are proving to be a thrill for ‘big wave’ surfers. The huge waves are been generated by a massive storm in the southern Indian Oean.

Waves were forecast to potentially hit nine metres today, while those expected at offshore reef breaks at the peak this afternoon could be up to 18m.

This morning over at Surfers Point only two surfers were brave enough to ride the big waves. Using jet skis to tow them out to the back they didn’t have to wait long for their turn. We joined the crowd of onlookers to get some photos…..unfortunately the waves don’t look all that big in the photographs…but trust me they were. In normal conditions lots of surfers are competing for the waves.

I’m sure they enjoyed the adrenalin rush! We enjoyed watching!

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged big wave surfing, Surfers Point Margaret River | 6 Comments

Quilt Exhibition at the Fair

Posted on 21 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

One of the lovely things about the fair is the quilt exhibition. This year there were four different categories of quilts on display.

Here are a few photos from each of the categories.

The Best of Australia Quilts. State winners from the 2014 Best of Show quilts.

This first quilt has approx. 22,500 hexagons. Amazing!

The themed AQC Challenge 2015: True Blue allowed quilters to express their interpretation of ‘Aussie True Blue’.

The ‘Lest We Forget Quilt Challenge – 100 Years’ invited 100 quilters from across Australia and New Zealand to create mini quilts as a tribute to those affected by conflicts over the years.

Quilt West also displayed approx. 140 quilts made by WA quilters.

I can’t help but be inspired to get some more quilts made.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Craft and Quilt Fair, quilt exhibition | 6 Comments

In Perth for the Craft and Quilt Fair

Posted on 20 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

If you are a craftsperson then the Craft and Quilt Fair is for you. Held annually in May at the Perth Convention Centre the event has a large range of retailers happy to sell you all things crafty. Workshops showing you the latest techniques, about 80 retailers with the latest gadgets and gismos and of course the quilt exhibitions displaying work from the finest quilters are all part of the fair which is on from the 20th – 24th May.

We have made the trip up from Margaret River and on the first evening we dined at ‘Jamie’s Italian’. Great food, great service and great company made for a wonderful start to our few days in the city.

Off course I had to have my favourite Italian drink ‘Aperol Spritz’.

The view from the hotel window of the city last evening and then at sunrise this morning is lovely.

I will tell you all about the Fair over the next couple of days. Maureen, Sian & Helen will no doubt lead me astray.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Craft and Quilt Fair, Jamie's Italian | 6 Comments

Giro d’Italia comes to Bagni di Lucca

Posted on 14 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Here is our friend Debra’s blog on the Giro d’Italia as they passed through Ponte a Serraglio. In two of the photos of the peloton coming up the street you can see Villa Isabella where we stayed and our steep driveway. Looks like they all have a wonderful day. Thanks Deb.

Bagni di Lucca and Beyond

It was a very exciting day today in Bagni di Lucca. The Giro d’Italia came through town. Even if you have little interest in bicycle racing you couldn’t help being caught up in the fun.

Streets and houses were decorated to welcome the riders.

Regular cyclists were out and about trying the Giro route.

Our little piazza in Ponte a Serraglia was crowded with people looking forward to the big event. Luckily my balcony offered a birds’ eye view of the proceedings.

There were cyclists waiting to see cyclists.

Before the cyclists came through there were lots of official vehicles and pink vans selling Giro merchandise. Jim lined up to buy a lovely pink hat. The reason for pink is that the major sponsor is the Corriere dello Sport, a newspaper printed on pink paper.

Sponsors’ cars came through at speed.

…and the leading bikes appeared.

The crowds were waiting…

View original post 68 more words

Posted in Margaret River | 4 Comments

Giro d’Italia – Stage 5

Posted on 11 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Everywhere you travel in Italy there are cyclists on the road – it is a very popular sport.

This years Giro d’Italia, Italy’s national cycling road race, will be travelling through Ponte a Serraglio in Bagni di Lucca, the village we lived in during our stay in Italy. The cyclists will be racing directly past Villa Isabella and then turning right at the piazza and over the little bridge past our friend Debra’s balcony. Keep you eye out for her – she will be waving the Australian flag to say hello to us.

The stage starts in La Spezia over on the coast and finishes in Abetone – a ski resort in the Apennine Mountains, about 40 km from Ponte a Serraglio.

Giro d’Italia is to Italians what Tour de France is to the French and the spectators are just as passionate.

The tour is being televised on Foxtel Eurosport (Ch: 511). The broadcast of Stage 5 from La Spezia to Abetone will start at 8:30pm this Wednesday.

Let me show you some photos of the route they will take through the villag.

This is the avenue leading into Ponte a Serraglio.

Past Villa Isabella where we stayed.

Along Viale Casino Municipale – the road on the left of these photos – and into the piazza.

Here are some cyclists doing just that.

From the piazza they will turn right over the little bridge which is right below Debra’s balcony. This is the view of the piazza and bridge from her balcony.

She will be waving the Aussie flag for us – it’s the truncated balcony with the potplants.

Deb – although they will probably whizz past fairly quickly I hope you all have a wonderful day enjoying all the fanfare of the Giro d’Italia.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Bagni di Lucca, Giro d'Italia, Ponte a Serraglio, Villa Isabella | 5 Comments

Historical York

Posted on 8 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

On our recent caravan trip the only town we stayed overnight in was York – the oldest inland town in WA. Founded in 1831 on the banks of the Avon River, York has some lovely old buildings, many still in use today.

We only had a short time to have a look around so will have to venture back to York again.

From the Mount Brown Lookout you get a 360 deg view across York and the surrounding countryside. The CBH bins look pretty impressive from up here.

Come for a stroll along the streets to see some of the lovely buildings.

Two shops caught my eye – The Sock Factory and Patchwork on Avon.

The Sock Factory is the retail outlet for beautiful quality, colourful and patterned socks. Manufactured totally here in WA at the factory in Midvale all sorting, packing and distribution is done in York. Also on sale is a variety of Australian products ranging from Ugg boots, woollen jumpers, gloves and scarves. The artisan hand dyed and felted scarves from merino wool and silk were beautiful.

Patchwork on Avon is a relatively new shop in town. They have a very nice range of fabrics and all things patchwork and quilting are available. Also some home decorating items and haberdashery are sold.

Posted in Caravanning, Margaret River | Tagged Historical buildings, Patchwork on Avon, The Sock Factory, York | 8 Comments

So much to see!

Posted on 6 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

We next travelled to Kokerbin Rock to see Australia’s third largest monolith, after Uluru and Mt Wudinna in South Australia. Mount Augustus, also in WA, is twice the size of Uluru, stands at 858 metres, is 8 km long, but is considered a monocline rather than a monolith. We will have to do a trip there one day as well.

Anyway, Kokerbin Rock is only 122m high and is located in the Kokerbin Nature Reserve in the Bruce Rock Shire. You can drive around the rock, even with your caravan, and take in the view.

Along the way we passed this salt lake where the salt has formed a crust on the fence posts and dead tree stumps in the lake.

After leaving the Rock we travelled east then turned south passing these local classics.

The ‘Little Bank’ in Shackleton. This ‘little bank’ operated as an agency for The Bank of New South Wales from the 1930’s and then for Bank West until 1997. During the War, it was used as an aircraft observation post, and at one time as a Child Health Centre.

The unique Dog Cemetery in Corrigin was established in 1974 as a tribute to mans best friend.

Yealering Lake, once a valuable source of fresh water, now a salt lake. The jetty is high and dry at the moment and I am not sure the winter rains will see the water levels rise to their previous levels.

Our final camp was at Yornaning Dam near Cuballing. We had a warm fire on the cold nights as the full moon rose….and the mist slowly lifted off the dam on the cold mornings…..perfect end to our trip!

Posted in Caravanning, Margaret River | Tagged Cuballing, Dog Cemetery, Kokerbin Rock, Little Bank, Shackleton, Yealering;, Yornaning, Yornaning Dam | 10 Comments

Caravanning Again

Posted on 3 May 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Our first few days we have spent at Congelin Campground, a bush camp about 20 km from Williams.

Tracks and walking trails take you through the Dryandra Woodlands where white barked wandoo, powder barked wandoo and sheoak are home to many native birds and animals.

These little Scarlet Robins are a favourite. The females are much harder to photograph as they are light grey and blend into the trees very well.

The site was once a timber mill cutting wooden railway sleepers for use in both WA and SA. The rail siding was also used to transport livestock to and from the area. The siding closed in 1957 and there are still a few reminders of days gone by.

And after a days exploring there is nothing better than to sit with friends and enjoy the quiteness of the bush.

Posted in Caravanning, Margaret River | Tagged Congelin Campground, Dryandra Woodlands, Scarlet Robins | 10 Comments

More Talent, Food and Fun at Open Studios

Posted on 23 April 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Another day of visiting Open Studios with friends, meeting the artists and enjoying their environments. If you are in the area and see one of these signs…call in and say hello to the artist…I’m sure you will enjoy the experience.

Our first stop was at photographer Steve Blakeneys to see his exhibition ‘9 Miles’. Steve has photographed many of the people who live and work in his small home town of Rosa Brook just east of Margaret River. The photos capture the spirit of the community and its changing environment. The lovely Ros gave us a guided tour.

Next stop….Rebecca Cool and Ross Millers fabulously colourful works, also in the Rosa Brook area.

Rebecca’s vibrant and colourful paintings are instantly recognisable. Her talents have lead to illustrating books, doll making and as you can see she also spins her own wool. Amazing!

Rebecca and Ross

Ross creates his sculptural works from a range of bits and pieces. Clay faces feature in many of his pieces together with beautiful pressed tin and a range of mechanical parts and items collected over the years.

Studio 35 in Cowaramup is exhibiting the works of Kay Gibson, Simon James, Robyn Collins and Mary-Lynne Stratton.

Simon was at the studio when we called in – his a metal and wood structures are inspired by the local environment. Kay’s owls were also a favourite.

After an delicious lunch at Smithereens Cafe in Cowaramup it was back to Margaret River to visit Britta Sorensen at The Funky Up-Cycling Shed. Her range of cushions, covered chairs and floor mats makde from recycled fabrics are colourful, funky and whimsical.

She has also up-cycled three vintage caravans to inspire us on how ‘old stuff’ can have beauty and charm in their second life. Aren’t they wonderful.

And our final stop was to visit artist Colin Andrews. His studio in the forest on the edge of town must be an idealic work space. Colin is very engaging and his works in a variety of styles.

Thank you ladies for another great day out.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Britta Sorensen, Colin Andrews, Kay Gibson, Margaret River Region Open Studios, Mary-Lynne Stratton, Rebecca Cool, Robyn Collins, Ross Miller, Simon James, Steve Blakeney, The Funky Up-Cycling She | 7 Comments

Talent, food and fun visiting Open Studios

Posted on 15 April 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Today was a beautiful autumn day here in Margaret River, so together with Maureen, Helen & Sian we visited several of the studios involved in ‘Open Studios’.

Our first studio was that of Leonie MacLean. Leonie’s photographic montage images, particularly of native orchids, are produced on a range of items including cushions, bags, canvas and print, cards and household items.

Morning tea at Goanna Gallery was necessary before we continued. Yummy indeed!

Cate Edwards works using mostly watercolour and ink on paper and acrylic on canvas. Her work is colourful and I particularly loved her chickens.

Cate has illustrated her grandmother’s poem from the 1930’s – what a lovely idea.

Whilst painting mostly landscapes, Wes Nash has an individual style. He recently spent some time in Tuscany sketching and painting the landscape.

Seascape artist and keen surfer Adam Stanly’s work reflects his love of the Australian waves. Vibrant colours and interesting media to paint on are part of his inspiration to creating his individual style.

Lunch at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery was a much needed break and thirst quencher!

Our final studio was Willyabrup Dreaming to see the work of potter Bill Meiklejohn. Bill is sharing his studio with artist Zayo and jeweller/metalsmith Steve Pease.

Well done to the organisers of this great event and thank you ladies for a lovely day out…..looking forward to seeing some more studios soon.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Adam Stanley, Bill Meiklejohn, Cate Edwards, Leonie MacLean, Margaret River Region Open Studios, Wes Nash | 6 Comments

Open Studios

Posted on 13 April 2015 by Kerry & Jim

This wonderful event – in it’s second year – has proven to be a great success in the Margaret River region. It provides the opportunity for artists to display and sell their creative works by welcoming visitors into their home studios. This not only gives those interested in attending ‘open studios’ the chance to see artists at work but also allows artists the chance to meet the public interested in their creations.

My friend Maureen Munro from Margaret River Quilting is one such artist. Maureen lives in Margaret River and is a patchworker and quilter.

During ‘Open Studios’ her driveway is lined with small quilts to guide you to her studio.

She has two areas of creativity. Her main business is long arm machine quilting which she does using “Fred” her computerised quilting machine. Here she is hard a work on her sewing machine and quilting machine demonstrating her skills to studio visitors.

She also has quilts for sale.

The second part of her business is her art quilts – using thread as a paintbrush to enhance images.

Maureen is sharing her studio this year with textile artist Jane Flower. Jane uses eco-dyeing processes, particularly local eucalyptus, to dye silk and wool to create her one of a kind scarves, garments and bags. Jane also uses various bookmaking techniques to create notebooks of varing sizes.

Good luck to both of you….hope you enjoy ‘Open Studios’ 2015.

This is just one of 80 studios featuring over 100 artists that are open from 11th – 27th April in the Margaret River Region. If you are down this way why not spend a day or two visiting studios of artists that are of interest to you.

Further info is available at http://www.mrros.com.au

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Jane Flower, Margaret River Quilting, Maureen Munro, Open Studios | 10 Comments

Surfs Up

Posted on 25 March 2015 by Kerry & Jim

The weather here in Margaret River has been a bit unpredictable since Cyclone Olwyn travelled down the north coast, but finally, a lovely sunny day so we headed over to Surfers Point at Prevelly to enjoy the sunshine.

The thumping waves caused by the cyclone had gone and the usual Mainbreak was back for the enjoyment of the surfers.

Don’t they make it look so easy! Perhaps they are getting ready for the Margaret River Pro for 2015. As part of the world tour this event in April attracts the top male and female surfers.

A little further down the coast at Cape Freycinet the water looked very inviting…..but much to cold for us to swim in!

As usual we saw kangaroos and emu in quite a few paddocks. Since I took these photos a couple of days ago the grass has turned a tinge of green after the rain so I think more signs of autumn are just around the corner.

Posted in Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged prevelly, surfing in Margaret River | 10 Comments

Too many figs?

Posted on 20 March 2015 by Kerry & Jim

If, like most who have a fig tree, and you are wondering what to do with your oversupply of figs then this recipe from my friend Mary is one way to dry some for later.

Not only did Mary supply the recipe but she also grew the figs. Thanks Mary.

The glorious smell of the syrup cooking lingers throughout the day – I only hope the figs last as long.

I imagine they will be delicious served as a savoury or sweet accompaniment – with blue cheese or icecream??

Enjoy!

Syrupy Dried Figs

For 1kg of figs –

1 cup of Balsamic vinegar
3 cups sugar
1 cup water
3 cinnamon sticks
2 star anise
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

Note: Choose ripe juicy figs that have not started to split as they may fall apart in the cooking process.

In a large pot (non reactive) put vinegar, sugar and water and slowly let the sugar dissolve.

When it comes to the boil add the spices and let it simmer for around half an hour to let the flavours develop.

Gently add the figs.

Let simmer for 2 hours until the figs have soaked up lots of the syrup.

Preheat oven to 70 degrees C.

Prepare a tray with baking paper then place a cake rack on top.

Carefully lay the figs on the rack and put them in the oven for about 3 – 3 1/2 hours.

Check to ensure they don’t dry out too much but also make sure the juice isn’t still coming out.

Once cooled store in a container.

Posted in Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Figs, preserves, recipes | 14 Comments

The Melting Pot

Posted on 2 March 2015 by Kerry & Jim

On a recent visit to Melting Pot Glass Studio we were lucky to find Gerry with furnace and kiln ablaze and in the process of starting a production run. After the Christmas rush, their stocks were getting limited, and with a couple of commissioned pieces to start, Gerry said the slightly cooler weather was a good time to get fired up. The furnace/kiln would now be alight for at least two weeks – unless the weather heats up again.

The first piece he was making was to add to this collection.

Once the glass in the furnace reaches temperature (approx. 1,200 deg. C – it takes about 5 days) the process begins.

Molten glass is collected from the bottom of the furnace, continually hand turned and shaped.

It is then rolled in fine colouring, reheated, then rolled in the larger colouring, all the time being reheated, shaped and blown.

When Gerry was happy with the piece he then cut a hole in one end to form a vase shape.

One final check and it was into the kiln for firing before being ready for sale in a couple of days.

Whilst this is a basic view of the process it took about 40 mintues from start to finish – most of the time was taken with the reheating process after each stage – which of course means Gerry standing in front of the very hot furnace and continually turning the glass on the rod, otherwise it would fall off! No wonder he was waiting for some cooler weather.

Here are some of their very beautiful peices for sale at the moment. I am looking forward to seeing the results of Gerry’s creative work on my next visit.

Entering the property you are greeted by these lovely garden peices. What a great entry statement!

This is one of the iconic businesses in Margaret River and well worth a visit if you are in the area. You may like to book a workshop and produce your very own work of art! Take a look at their website for more info.

http://www.meltingpotglass.com

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged glass blowing in Margaret River, Melting Pot Glass Studio | 6 Comments

Organic Garden open to the public

Posted on 4 February 2015 by Kerry & Jim

Set on two acres, the Margaret River Organic Garden is a community garden that operates thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers. The garden is used by community groups for all sorts of events – children’s play groups, meditation and yoga groups and the high school for its arts, photography and filmmaking classes.

Gums, Silver Birch, Bay, Juniper, Popular, Yew and Chestnut trees provide a shady environment for the shrubs and flowers.

Come for a stroll through the garden and enjoy the peace and quite. Paths lead to little garden rooms and seating areas.