We continued our relaxing weekend on Sunday and Monday with leisurely mornings and casual touring. Sunday we checked out the renowned surfer beaches near Yallingup. Even though it was not an overly windy day, the breakers were impressive. It must be quite unnerving to be out on a surf board when the bigger waves come in - these were already much more than I can imagine ever riding.
Patrick and Kyle (and I) love to explore the rocky shoreline, so the 3 of us went off to investigate whirling pools of waters and breathtaking ledges as Michael played with his camera toys. We all enjoyed ourselves immensely.
From the beach we headed for some tastings - fudge, and chocolate shops. Again, Kyle had some studying to do (4 exams in 4 days next week - each one 2 1/2 to 3 hours long), so we dropped him back home and the 3 of us went back out for some alcohol tasting (Pat is legal here). 
As a diversion, we dropped by a 'design' studio hoping to find a wood working shop. Instead we found a jeweller who also did photography. Michael had a lengthy interesting chat with the bloke. He had many interesting pieces of jewellery - we may return at a future date when we're ready to spend some cash. For those who know me, you'd be surprised that I left without a pair of earrings!!!
Patrick voted to try a brewery tasting first, so off we went. The place was PACKED - cars were everywhere and there was a huge party atmosphere with live music. We were quite certain that there was a corporate function running or such. We had a beer each, but decided the food lines were much too long, and to move on. As we were drinking our beers, we ran into one of Mike's coworkers who told us that in fact, it is always this busy on a long weekend. Unfortunately, with the winter weather, several of the restaurants in the wineries close down and those that remain open are extremely full on long weekends. After our next stop at a winery, we soon found that without a reservation, we were not likely to eat! Kyle had the advantage of fixing himself lunch - so he was able to eat.
As the afternoon wore on, we realized that the lunch service hours had passed. Our last culinary experience was an olive farm. We each had a decadent cake and coffee which certainly did the job of tiding us over to dinner - once again, not an overly healthy lunch!!!
Monday meant the trip home. This time we stopped by the Tuart Forest for a stroll (and yes, you do see some pine trees in the photos). This small area of forest near Bussleton is the last remaining tall Tuart forest in the world - and there is a mining reserve in the middle where they are clear cutting. 
All for some uranium - sometimes you wonder about the free enterprise system.We came across several kangaroos crossing our paths, and even found a newly dead fox.
They place poison baits (and warning signs) to try to eradicate these introduced predators. The foxes decimate the local indigenous animals - in this area especially the possums. So despite feeling bad knowing it was poisoned, it really is necessary.
One last roadside stop en route home to capture these delicate pink flowers in amongst the trees.
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