Margaret River & Beyond

Our sewing retreat!

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

I have recently been on our annual girls sewing retreat for a week and this year we spent our time at Bentwood Olive Grove in Greenough near Geraldton.

Beth and her husband Richard have planted about 3000 olive trees, rebuilt the ruin as a homestead for themselves and separate guest accommodation has been restored and extended using the rammed earth building method.

The homestead – before and after.

The accommodation and surrounds were very peaceful.

I’m not sure what I should show you first – the sewing or the food.

OK, lets do the sewing first. Here are some of our efforts for the week and photos of the girls hard at work.

And now for the food and the WWOOF’ers.

We were very lucky to have all our evening meals included for the week. As Beth was away for the first 4 days we had the service of Thibaut, a French chef working in Australia at the moment. What a bonus for us as you will see from the food below. He was so generous with his knowledge and such a lovely guy. Thanks Thibaut.

The four ladies, also from France, are in Australia working as WWOOF’ers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms). Back in France Manon has a sales role in communications, Florine is studying architecture, Aurore is a nurse, and Chanel makes prosthesis. Such lovely girls – we really enjoyed our interaction with them. Good luck girls for the rest of your stay in Australia!

Just some of the fantastic food!

We had such a great time chatting and laughing, stitching and enjoying each others company. Thanks for a lovely week sewing girls.

And thanks Beth….we will be back next year.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Bentwood Olive Grove, Greenough, Sewing Retreat | 12 Comments

Providore – so Yummy!

Posted on July 20, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Providore is one of those wonderful shops that market a beautiful range of local produce – mostly hand made right here in the Margaret River area.

Jams, preserves, sauces, verjuice, vino cotto, tapenade, dessert sauces, salad dressings, vinegars and fresh egg pastas are just some of the delights on offer.

The organic vege garden is between seasons but the herbs and fruit trees are looking good.

These free-range chickens looked well cared for and their eggs make delicious lemon butter and passionfruit curd.

All so yummy!

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Cowtown’s Deja Moo

Posted on July 12, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

As part of the Deja Moo Fair which was held in Cowaramup today, or Cowtown as it is known locally, they decided to go all out and try for a record.

The Fair was held to celebrate the second birthday of the cows being installed in the main street of Cowaramup. Click here to see my post on the cows.

The event was talked about everywhere we went and Cowtown turned on a spectacular sight when 1,352 people, dressed as cows, mustered together to make a bid for the Guinness Book of World Records. Moove over Fairfax, USA, your record of 470 has been herded out of the record books.

As we drove into town the festivities where evidently underway.

These girls were already having an udderly good time!

Cows were gathering. Black and white cow onesie’s (an all in one jumpsuit often used as PJ’s) were everywhere.

These little calves were very cute.

As were the families and friends chewing the cud!

Even doggy cows took part.

Then the muster began.

Cows were herded into a race where they were officially counted.

After being mustered into a large pen the cows had to herd together for 5 minutes to achieve the record.

The official helicopter fly over and you guessed it – it too was a flying cow.

As we left at the end of the day…..this undressed cow was just lying around!

What a fun day….well down Cowtown…..it was a great event.

Posted in Cowaramup, Margaret River | Tagged cow onesies, Cowaramup, Deju Moo Fair, People dress as cows. | 10 Comments

Beautiful Skies

Posted on July 7, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

The autumn skies have been beautiful recently.

This rainbow appeared and shortly after the evening skies were red and threatening.

A couple of days later the clouds formed a rainbow…..well, sort of.

This vibrant sunrise was only a few days ago.

And the sunsets have been just as spectacular.

What a view to start and finish the day!

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Margaret River, skies, sunset in Margaret River | 2 Comments

Our first attempt at Ravioli

Posted on June 30, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Given that ravioli in sage and butter sauce was our favourite pasta in Italy last year we decided to have a go at cooking it at home recently. Although it was no where near the delightful light pasta that the Italian’s serve up – it wasn’t bad for our first effort.

Our ravioli filling was roasted pumpkin with amaretti, fennel and parmesan.

The delicate art of pasta making began.

Followed by rolling the pasta and adding the filling.

Then the little pillows were added to boiling water to cook out the pasta before a gently toss in the butter and sage and onto the plate.

A pretty good first effort…..but we are looking forward to our next try.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged cooking at home, Ravioli | 10 Comments

Wrights Bridge was just right

Posted on June 28, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Caravining in winter at a camp ground without electricity can prove to be a bit of a challenge when it comes to keeping warm.

We have recently returned from 5 days at Wrights Bridge where the overnight temperature dropped as low as 1 degree but a couple of red wines around the camp fire seemed to do the trick.

The early morning mist glistened in the trees and then cleared to beautiful blue skies.

The camping area is only about 100 metres from the Blackwood River which was gently flowing after the recent rains.

The new “wellies” came in handy.

Colourful fungi (definitely not editable) were growing on logs and in the ground.

Robin Red Breasts, Fairywrens, small yellow birds, together with Cockatoos, Kookaburras, Crows, Magpies, water birds and ducks were all in abundance.

It is a great camp – we will definitely be staying again.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Blackwood River, Wrights Bridge | 4 Comments

Christmas in Karridale

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

On a miserably wet day here in the south west we decided to visit Christmas in Karridale a 20 minute drive south of Margaret River.

Blow up Santa’s greet you in the driveway and the house and shop front are just lovely.

Susi’s warm welcome was such a lovely greeting to her shop. Open all year around, the very quaint shop has a wonderful christmas atmosphere. Mulled wine is on the brew for patrons to taste on these wintery days making it a delight for the senses. Beautiful christmas decorations and ornaments from around the world are for sale.

Susi & Paul are master jewellers, trained in Europe, and operate out of the same premises. They individually design and handcraft contemporary and traditional jewellery and stock a beautiful range of costume jewellery from Israel.

If you are in the area Christmas in Karridale and Ateliere Susi Jewellery Gallery are certainly worth a visit.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Atelier Jewellery, Christmas in Karridale, Karridale, Margaret River | 6 Comments

Beautiful Banksia’s

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

In many parts of southern Western Australia these beautiful Banksia’s were flowering in summer and early autumn. There are many varieties of Banksia here – so named after the explorer Sir Joseph Banks who in 1770 collected the first specimens on his voyage of discovery with Captain Cook.

The flower spike starts with hundreds of small tightly closed flowers that start opening from the bottom and progress up the spike into full bloom and finish in a hard cone that contains the seed pods that will open once completely dry or if the heat from fire burns the cone and releases the seed pods.

This is the most common banksia we see in the mid west and southern regions.

The birds love these nector producing flowers.

As do the ants.

There is quite a variety of shapes and colours. The trees seem to have flowers in varying stages; from new spikes, flowers and the seed pods after flowering.

This yellow variety is striking.

These flowers are pompom shaped.

And this lovely one has quite large flowers.

I’m sure we will find many more species on our travels.

Posted in Margaret River, Wildflowers | Tagged banksia, banksia flowers | 4 Comments

Winery, Gift Shop and Sports Cars – everyone’s happy!

Posted on June 9, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

On a georgeous autumn afternoon we visited another of the lovely wineries in the area.

Photo: Aravina Estate Photo Gallery

Set in a beautiful lawned and garden area, Aravina Estate overlooks their lake and vines, making it a perfect wedding and function venue.

Of course they have wine tastings, a restaurant and gift shop.

And one for the boys! Aravina have a sports car gallery which houses a collection very nice cars. The collection includes a 1965 Aston Martin, 1969 Lamborghini, 1970 Citroen, 1972 Valiant Charger, 1973 Ferrari, 1973 XY Ford, 1974 XA Ford, 1974 & 1977 Holden Torana, 1984 Cobra, 1984 Porshe Carrera, 2011 HSV Holden and a 2013 Ferrari. Jim & Brad (our nephew) were very impressed.

Photo: Aravina Estate Photo Gallery

Posted in Margaret River, Wineries | Tagged Aravina Estate Winery, Car display, Margaret River, Sports Cars, Wineries in Margaret River | 6 Comments

Not very scary Scarecrows in Balingup!

Posted on May 8, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

On our recent caravan trip we visited the lovely little town of Balingup which sits in a valley on the Balingup Brook.

The area around Balingup is known for its fruit and vegetable growing and together with beef cattle and dairy farming the little town seems to have a vibrant and active community.

Lovely gardens and trees in their autumn colours were everywhere.

Balingup recently hosted its annual event – the Small Farm Field Day – which together with the town has the scarecrow as a whimsical emblem. The not very scary scarecrows were lining the main street – not sure if they are there all year around or just out for the field day. Nevertheless they were a great sight.

Later in the year Balingup also hosts a Medieval Carnivale which we hope to attend. And on our next visit we must see the Golden Valley Tree Park which is set on 60 hectares and has a unique collection of interesting trees from all over the world.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Balingup, Scarecrows, Scarecrows in Balingup, Small Farm Field Bay | 6 Comments

Nannup in Autumn

Posted on May 3, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

On a recent caravan trip we based ourselves in Nannup which is in the heart of the Blackwood River Valley. The little town is known as a garden village because of its lovely gardens and garden festivals. This historic mill town sits on the Blackwood River and when we visited the autumn trees were beautiful.

The annual Nannup Music Festival is very popular attracting thousands of visitors. While the stage was empty and the undercover stalls bare you could feel the atmosphere in the air.

Unfortunately Nannup is prone to flooding and down at the river someone has posted the flood levels in a tree with yellow markers showing the years of significant floods.

Here is a look at some scenery around the area.

Great mobs of Kangaroo were everywhere we went. This was just a few in this mob (then my camera battery went flat!).

We will be returning to this lovely area to explore some more.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Blackwood River, Blackwood River Valley, Nannup | 4 Comments

Margaret River Pro Surf Competition

Posted on May 2, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

The recent annual Margaret River Pro attracted surfers from around the world with the top 32 ranked male and top 18 ranked female surfers here to surf our world-class waves.

Although we didn’t get to see the world surfers in action, we did venture over to Surfer’s Point in Prevelly on a lay day to see some local surfers (and maybe some of the visitors) taking on the Mainbreak.

These guys are getting ready to head out…and the lifeguard on duty looked as though he would rather be out there as well.

The waves weren’t huge but it is always great to just sit and watch.

Michel Bourez and Carissa Moore were this years champions. Hopefully we can get out to see the event next year.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Margaret River surf, Margaret River Surf Pro | 6 Comments

ANZAC Day

Posted on April 25, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

We attended the dawn service this morning at Memorial Park to commemorate those who have fallen and those who have fought for this great country.

ANZAC Day is a public holiday across Australia and New Zealand and next year will be the 100th anniversary.

The ceremony is hosted by the RSL and included an address from the President followed by the laying of wreaths, the Last Post, one minute silence, the Reveille and the national anthem.

At 11:30am the ANZAC parade made its way down the main street lined with people out to celebrate the ‘Diggers”. Those marching with the Diggers included members of various local service clubs, students, and the 10th Light Horse Brigade.

The parade led to Memorial Park for another ceremony which was well patronised by locals and visitors.

The Ode

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

Posted in Margaret River | 4 Comments

The Silk Road in Margaret River

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

We recently visited Australia’s first commercial silk farm. The relatively new Margaret River Silk Road business is owned by Rob and Amanda and they are currently producing about 20,000 cocoons. Although not enough to be a sustainable business yet, they are continually expanding and hope to double their cocoons in the next twelve months.

Mulberry trees are grown in a hothouse type environment, allowing continual production of leaves throughout the year.

The first stage of silk production is the laying of silkworm eggs when the females lay about 300 eggs at a time.

After about 10 days of incubation the eggs hatch into larvae about 1 cm long. After about six weeks of feasting on mulberry leaves the larvae grow to about 10 cm, during which time they shed their skins four times.

The silkworm is now ready to spin its silk cocoon and are placed into boxes with compartmented frames. Here the silkworm spins its silk filament creating a cocoon around itself. Sericin, a liquid secretion, is also produced and this strengthens and protects the very fine threads.

After a time the silk moths hatch from the cocoons, reproduce and lay their eggs and so the cycle begins again.

The different coloured cocoons are produced by different species of silkworm.

The cocoons are then sent overseas to Cambodia to a silk mill where the cocoons are boiled, coloured, spun and woven into fabrics.

A lovely range of garments, scarves and accessories are sold in the shop.

As the silkworms only eat the leaves, the mulberry fruit is made into yummy jams and chutneys.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Margaret River Silk Road | 6 Comments

Chocolate delights

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

With easter comes the waist tightening easter eggs and our visit to the Margaret River Chocolate Company may well have us tipping the scales.

The easter eggs were delightful.

The truffles and chocolates wickedly displayed.

Walls of bagged chocolates temp the visitors.

And who could resist the chocolate moisturising cream.

Yummy!

Happy Easter!

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged Margaret River Chocolate Co. | 5 Comments

Hamelin Bay’s graceful Stingrays

Posted on April 11, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

These graceful rays are a regular on the shore line in Hamelin Bay. Three types of stingrays inhabit the waters – the smooth stingray, black stingray and eagle ray.

They are well fed by fishermen who throw their filleting waste back into the water.

As usual the seagulls are never too far away from the action.

We nervously had the opportunity to feed and pat the stingrays and feel their amazing velvety-like skin.

The larger stingrays have a 2 metre span.

And the bay is such a lovely area as well.

What a great thing to experience – and right on our doorstep.

Posted in Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Hamelin Bay, Hamelin Bay stingrays, Margaret River, Stingrays | 1 Comment

Flowering Gums

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Throughout WA there is quite a variety of flowering gum trees that are so colourful and varied.

Unfortunately I am not familiar with the botanical names of the gums but this tree with its coral coloured flowers is in Margaret River.

As is this striking tree with yellow flowers and the bright red pod.

These white flowering gums line the highways in the area.

This red flowering gum is in the Shannon National Park.

And these beautiful pink flowers were near Shannon as well.

This one is flowering in Yallingup.

There are many more varieties and colours – I will keep my eye out and hope to show you some of them when they are back in flower later in the year.

Posted in Margaret River, Wildflowers | 7 Comments

Voyager Estates beautiful gardens

Posted on March 28, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Voyager Estate Winery is set in the most beautiful winery garden in Margaret River.

It is worth a visit even if you are not a wine buff. As you can imagine the grounds are popular for weddings – both indoor and outdoor.

The rose arch and rose gardens fill the air with perfume.

On a beautiful day like today it was lovely just to wonder the grounds.

Posted in Margaret River, Wineries | Tagged Margaret River Wineries, Rose Gardens, Voyager Estate | 3 Comments

It’s footy season again!

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

We are again gripped by the AFL footy season. This sport is one of the most popular games in Australia and is almost a religion to some over the 6 month season. It culminates in September with the grand final being held on the last Saturday of the month.

Our team, the West Coast Eagles (WCE), played their first game for the year on Sunday and of course we were there. They had a win against the Western Bulldogs in the heat, it was still 35 deg. C when the game started at 4:40 pm. It was uncomfortable for the 36,000 spectators let alone the players.

Spectators show their support by donning the colours of their team in all sorts of ways.

The game takes about 3 hours from start to finish. Although we have followed the Eagles since they joined the AFL, we now have a nephew, Jamie Cripps, playing for them so we hope to get to all home games this year as well as a game in Melbourne if possible.

At half time the little kids play exhibition games with great enthusiasm.

The major goal kickers for WCE and the final score on the scoreboard.

We missed the whole season last year as we were in Europe so this year we will be watching as much footy as we can.

Posted in Margaret River | Tagged AFL footy season, West Coast Eagles | 11 Comments

Jurien Bay’s foreshore

Posted on March 23, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

We have recently spent a week in Jurien Bay – the town were we lived for two years before we retired early in 2013.

The new jetty, which opened in April 2011, has proven to be a great addition to the foreshore, as has a playground for the kids.

Six mosaic art pieces created by the Inspirational Community Arts Network (ICAN) depicting the major fish species in the Jurien Bay Marine Park have been inserted into the pavement that leads to the jetty. I had the pleasure of placing a few pieces of mosaics when they were a ‘work in progress’.

The new snorkel trail of the end of the old jetty has also been a great success. 78 concrete reef balls were formed by the local Men’s Shed and dropped into place. Fish, seaweed and corals have already moved in – and it can only get better. Unfortunately I don’t have a waterproof camera so no photos of the underwater world.

A little further around the bay those brave enough can do a skydive that lands you right on the beach. It would have to be one of the most scenic skydives in WA.

As usual the sunsets were pretty spectacular.

The bay has many attractions and is always a great place to visit.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Jurien Bay jetty, Jurien Bay mosaics, Jurien Bay snorkel trail, Jurien Skydive | 5 Comments

Our lovely coastline and beaches

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Western Australia is renowned for its clean crisp white beaches and blue-blue ocean. The coastline around the south west is no exception. Hope you enjoy the photos below to give you just a glimpse of how beautiful the water and landscape is.

This is Left Handers Beach near Gracetown.

The beautiful coastline north of Yallingup.

Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks to the south of Yallingup.

The very beautiful Bunker Bay.

The coastline at Sugarloaf Rock.

And the very popular beaches at Meelup.

Pretty special…aren’t they!

Posted in Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Bunker Bay, Canal Rocks, Gracetown, Margaret River, Meelup, Smiths Beach, Sugarloaf Rock, WA beaches | 10 Comments

Wagin Woolarama

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

Wagin Woolarama came into being in 1972 on the back of the Merino and wool industry in the area. Primarily it is an opportunity to exhibit their sheep, wool and innovations in the wool industry, including fashion, to the expected 25,000 people who attend over the two days.

Sheep are judged, fleeces are exhibited, winning sashes proudly displayed and shearing is demonstrated.

Fashions parades attract a large crowd.

And what else would you have for lunch but lamb shanks.

Woolarama is run by the Wagin Agricultural Society and also includes cattle and poultry judging.

The machinery just keeps getting larger and no Australian show is complete without the hot utes.

The 10th Light Horse – Bunbury Troop were parading the ground. Their troop has members with previous armed force experience.

There were of course all the other activities associated with agricultural show days including side shows and general interest stalls.

But for me, it is all about the livestock.

Posted in Caravanning, Cowaramup, Margaret River, Western Australia | Tagged Wagin, Wagin Agricultural Society, Wagin Woolarama | 6 Comments

Sydney’s Chinese Garden of Friendship

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

These beautiful gardens were designed and landscaped to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary in 1988 – a result of the close friendship between Sydney’s Chinese community and Guangzhou in China.

Situated at the end of Darling Harbour they offer a beautiful and peaceful escape from a busy city – while highlighting the skyscrapers in the background.

The garden represents the principles Yin-Yang and the opposite elements of earth, fire, water, metal and wood.

Although there were not a large range of flowers in bloom when we visited – what was on show lit up the garden.

The carp and water dragons were just basking in the warm sun.

On your next visit to Sydney make sure you included a walk through these beautiful gardens.

Posted in Margaret River, NSW | Tagged Chinese Garden of Friendship, Chinese Gardens, Darling Harbour, Sydney | 9 Comments

Our Sydney Stopover

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

We arrived into Sydney on Tuesday afternoon and it has drizzled
for the first few days. Usually you are greeted with a beautiful clear view of the coastline but unfortunately the weather didn’t show the city off at its best. We arrived on a southerly flightpath so missed the spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Nevertheless the waterways and coastline are lovely.

After our few days down the coast we went back up to Sydney and on Sunday we caught up with Paul & Karen who we met in Ponte a Serraglio during our stay in Italy. Monday evening we had dinner with Bernie & Libby who own a house in Lucca and were regulars for coffee in Ponte a Serraglio as well.

We caught the ferry to Manly via Circular Quay which took us under the Bridge and past the Opera House.

The very large cruise liner “Queen Elizabeth was moored in the Quay….very imposing!

We then went out to Manly on to meet Paul and Karen for lunch at Le Kiosk on Shelly Beach. We all talked non stop for several hours and enjoyed a lovely meal. It was great to reminisce about our time together in Italy.

Monday night we dined at Bernie & Libby’s. They are great hosts. We chatted about all things Italian and how much we miss the Italian way of life. Thanks for a great meal and enjoy your next visit to Lucca.

On Tuesday the weather cleared and so it was off shopping with Heather, Heather and Di in the lovely Balmain shopping area. All credit cards survived the day without to much pressure.

No trip to Sydney is complete without a visit to Darling Harbour.

Our farewell dinner was at the Drummoyne Sailing Club where Graham & Heather are members.

Thank you both for a wonderful visit.

Our departure from Sydney was delayed due to a thunderstorm that hit the area just as we boarded the plane.

Posted in Margaret River, NSW | Tagged Opera House, Sydney, Sydney Harbour Bridge | 4 Comments

We have survived Berrara!

Posted on March 2, 2014 by Kerry & Jim

We are currently holidaying with our lovely friends Graham & Heather who live in Sydney and have a holiday home down the coast in Berrara!

We arrived on Tuesday, were collected at the airport and then whisked away to Berrara for 4 days of way too much food and wine. Along with Graham & Heather were were joined by our other east coast friends David & Di, Tony & Heather (both from Sydney) and Ron & Julie from Noosa in Queensland. The last time were were all together was in 2007 – so there was much reminiscing over far too many coldies.

There they all are!

L – R: Tony, Heather, Heather, Jim, Ron, Julie, Di, David & Graham

Berrara is a small coastal holiday village near Sussex Inlet about three and a half hours from Sydney and although it has been drizzling on and off since we arrived it hasn’t really stopped us from enjoying our catch-up.

Here are the boys sitting on the verandah contemplating the weather.

A mob of kangaroos live around the cottage and the colourful parrots arrived each afternoon.

We lunched at Cupitt’s Winery near Milton where the food was exceptionally good, as was the scenery around the winery.

And we attended a very Australian country show (fair) at the Milton Show Day where we saw displays of machinery, vintage cars and hot utes, side show alley, ‘Wellies’ for the wet weather. horsemanship, livestock and sheep dog trials.