testing blogging of Jen's site.

Amy's Blogs....... have a look.

If you want to get caught up on Amy's blogs, go to:

New Success Blog
The Wonderful World of Sally & Sydney

We're still here....

It seems I haven't posted my blog entries for the last few days. I'll be updating those tonight. We're still in Australia, back in Sydney for these last few days. I'll have more up later.

A Light at the end of the ocean - Day 23

So we slept in. Go figure. After a shower, and a great breakfast by Chris and Wesely, we headed down the coast to the Leeuwin Lighthouse. Now I knew very little about this lighthouse, but Amy seemed eager to go check it out, so..... BEAUTIFUL. The lighthouse is...well...a lighthouse, but it's situated on a cape that is the point where two oceans, the Indian and South Oceans converge. Absolutely breathtaking views. We spent a couple of hours just taking in the vistas, and shooting plenty of video and still photos.

Next we decided (rather I suggested) to skip the caves and go whale watching. Beautiful humpbacked whales had come in quite close to the shore in Flinder's Bay, so we headed down the road for a look. We eventually ended up at Flinder's Park, where we stepped our feet into the South Ocean and walked on the beach.

Next it was lunch at Augusta Fish and Chips for a taste of Augusta Whiting. Thanks for the tip Garry! Then we made our way to Voyager Estates and Leeuwin Estates wineries. We can probably get both of these labels back home, and it's a good thing because the Leeuwin Estates 2004 Art Series Chardonnay is well worth the $85AUD a bottle. We'll be looking to find it at Bubbles when we get home.

It's strange that our trip is in the home stretch; we have less than a week before we head back to the good ol' U.S. of A. It was nice to get away for a couple of days, but I can't wait to see the girls in a couple of hours when we get back to the house in Currambine.

Margaret River.... and then some..... Day 22

So we drove down very early this morning to arrive in Margaret River in time enough to take a full day wine tasting tour with Bushtucker Tours and our guide Garry. Ah Garry, quite a guy. This fella has an extensive background in wines and could really give Klaus a run for his money when it comes to wine knowledge.

The tour was a bit late getting started, because we had a pickup on the outskirts of town, but that's OK, 'cause in addition to he rest of our Motley Crue, Simon and Renae were fun to hang out with.


Our first stop was Flinder's Bay Winery. A quaint little Cellar Door that is not located near the majority of their vineyards. In fact, their larger vineyards are in the Swan Valley. You might recognize the big Whale Tail logo. Then the Fonti Farm Cheese Shoppe for some tastings. I particularly enjoyed the baked ricotta and the Smoked Cheddar (I only tasted the Smoked Cheddar after buying it, but that is after all what tastings are for.)


Next we went to Harmans Estates where they make Howling Wolves and this sweet Moo Stuff (I can't remember the label). We actually bought a bottle of their Small Batch 2004 Grenache. The Small Batch collection is an exclusive selection by the Partners of the Howling Wolves Wine Group. Needless to say, it's a premium wine well worth the purchase.


Next we went to Willespie, a winery that ages almost all of their vintages. Had a few good tastings, and bought a bottle of dry Reisling to have with lunch. Garry set out a nice cold lunch of Corned Kangaroo, turkey, ham, tasty cheese, olives, bread and about a half dozen chutneys and relishes. Yum.


Next was the Margaret River Chococolate Factory, Sandleford Wines, and the Bootleg Brewery. By the time we got to the brewery, the gang on our tour was having a fine time. Made some new friends, and had a great day altogether.

Amy and I checked into the Margaret River Guest house, a quaint seven room Bed and Breakfast owned and run by a great couple from South (and Central) Africa, Christopher and his wife Wesely. We walked to the nearby IGA market to buy meats, cheeses, fish, etc. for a cozy dinner in our room. After all, since the USA only allows us three bottles of wine each to bring through customs, we have a fair amount of wine drinking to do in the next week!

Tomorrow we're going to head down to the Leeuwin Lighthouse south of Agusta, and maybe check out one of the nearby caves before heading back to Perth and the girls.

Perth Food & Wine Festival - Day 21

Keeping in the tradition of visiting wineries, an opportunity presented itself for us to try a bunch of wineries from all over the country, right here in Perth. We decided to take Sydney with us, leaving Penny and Sally to play by themselves at and near the house.

So as to avoid any concern about driving, we took the train to Perth. Nice, Clean, Efficient. Just like Sydney. Too bad we yanks haven't learned a thing or two from Aussie transport.

In any case, after a brief walk, we arrived at the Perth Convention Centre where we paid our entry and tasting fees, were provided with our credentials, and enter the exhibit hall. WOW. Hundreds of wineries, breweries, and restaurants offering samples of their products.

Needless to say, we sampled to our hearts content, walked back to the tran station, rode the train out here to the suburbs, and then drove the 3 miles home to the house. We had GREAT fish and chips for dinner, took Sally to the playground, and sat here at MC DONALDS so as to get online. Yes, its a long story, but the only access we have to internet is $27.50/day either inside, or in the parking lot of our neighborhood Mc Donald's. I've spent more time in Mc Donald's the last five days than I probably have in the last 5 years, and no, I'm not eating the food.

In any case, we're up @ 6am tomorrow for the four hour drive to Margaret River for more wineries, tastings, etc. We'll be leaving the girls with Penny and just getting away by ourselves for a few days. I don't know if I'll have internet down there, so it may be until Tuesday before I can post again.

Cya then.

P.S. In all of the craziness today, I didn't take any photos. Oh well, I'll make up for it for sure in the next two days.

WallaWallaWallaby and Murray the Camel - Day 20

So we booked an Aussie Super Perth All Day tour with a company called Westbound Australia. This is a MUST do in Perth. When you meet Ron, tell him the crazy salad dresing yanks say "hi." He runs the operation himself and does an AMAZING job. Penny commented that this tour wasn't "touristy", it was down home friendly.



For those special friends in the know, here is the link to Amy's blog (insightful, funny, and having substance.) One of the thinks I loved about the way Ron handled the tour is, when the other passengers, a family of four from Atlanta, GA, and Singapore got on board, Ron suggested we take the 20 minute drive to our first stop to get acquainted. We met Ivy, Lily, Michael, an "M", a great family with a really cool energy.



First place we went was Caversham Park, a Wildlife Experience. We got to see kangaroos, wallabies, kookabura, and a whole lot more. I got to hold a Wallaby (a 26Kg monster) in my lap, and Sally and I road a camel named Murray. We'll save that story for another day.



We went to an aboriginal art center, learned to throw a boomerang. (What do you call a boomerang that doesn't come back? "A Stick.") We went to a Swan Valley Winery, bought some amazing Chenin Blanc. I don't even have to drink it, I could just smell the bouquet all day. We went to the Swan Valley Chocolate Company (OUCH!!!), went to a potter, went on a river cruise, and had a BBQ lunch @ Ron's house.


As usual, I'll leave the blogging of substance to Amy, so here, have a read......

Tomorrow we're off to the food and wine festival, then Sunday and Monday it's two days in Margaret River on wine tastings/tours.