Margaret River Encore

As predicted after our first visit, we returned to the Margaret River area this past long weekend. The South-West corner of WA is a now discovered beauty spot with it's incredible coast line, caves, forests, wineries and numerous artisans who now call the area home. Sort of like the Niagara area in Southern Ontario, but less densely populated and a different variety of diversions.

This time we stayed at a self catering apartment just outside of Busselton. It was actually more like a modern holiday home. Large and spacious 3 bedroom with a well equipped full kitchen, laundry and 2 baths. We were more than comfortable! (and it allowed us to save some cash by eating in)

Saturday morning Michael rose early (all alone I might add) and headed down to the Busselton Jetty to take some sunrise photos. He rarely gets to take shots when the lighting is ideal. We are usually touring sites mid day, and at dusk and dawn you have to take care driving due to kangaroos, so you try to avoid it when possible.

After a full breakfast, we headed out for the day. Our first stop was at the roadside for Mike to take some forest shots. We do that a lot - Mike trudges off to take photos while we either sit in the car (I read a lot of books these days), or hike around after him. On this occasion, the boys had contests throwing stones and hitting things. When bored of that, they took up sticks and played swords - sometimes they really don't seem to be growing up!!

We stopped by the Cave Works discovery centre to learn a bit about caves. Patrick was able to comment on the reasons for the variety of crystal formations - why some are multi nodal, and others are long and thin. If you're ever interested, just drop him a line.

There are numerous caves, and this time we decided to visit Jewel Cave (we had a coupon). Unlike Mammoth Cave, this time we had to take a guided tour. Mike was not able to linger back and take photos at his own pace, but still managed to get a few good shots.

From the cave, we headed all the way down to the southern end of the region to Augusta. We had a fish and chip lunch with a side of battered pineapple slice. Very yummy, although perhaps not that healthy.

Near Augusta, Patrick dipped his feet in the 'southern ocean'. (the rest of us had already done so in Bunbury on an earlier trip) Our family has been debating over the actual oceans of the world. Kyle and Patrick were taught there was no such ocean, I learned of the Antarctic Ocean. The link above explains the confusion - in 2000 it seems that the Southern or Antarctic Ocean was firmly accepted as an official ocean although mariners had referred to it for years - so perhaps the Canadian curriculum had not yet caught up with the recent change for Kyle (and Patrick was probably older when the official change was made).

We then looped around to the Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse which marks where the Indian and Southern Oceans meet at the south west tip of Australia. You can see it here in the background from either side as we rounded the tip. It marks the very south western tip of Australia.

Once back at the hotel, it was just about dark. We dropped Kyle off so he could do some studying - he is in the middle of a two week exam period (rather poor timing over a long weekend!!!).

Mike, Patrick and I headed back down to the jetty where Mike got some nice sunset shots and Patrick had a chance to walk out to the end of the almost 2km long jetty. Patrick and I also caught sight of a ring tailed possum around the base of a fig tree. Very rat-ish, but still cute.

Then back to the hotel for a late dinner - and that was our Saturday.