PERTH SUNDAY 29 JAN 2012

Hi to all, hope this finds you well. The "Sic of workin Six" have joined up here in Perth with Sandy & John arriving after having more repairs done to their van. I won't go into a day by day description but this is a run down on what we have done since our last blog. The Thom's & us went over to the Caravan Park that the Bewells & Butlers are staying at for Sandra's Birthday dinner which was nice but it was very hot with sweat running down every ones cheeks!! It wasn't much better for sleeping that night as the temperature didn't get below 26deg.  The next day Di, The Bewells & us went on a cruise down the Swan River to Fremantle which was really nice, having a walk around Freeo & lunch before returning to Perth. We passed homes of Kerry Stokes, Gina Rhinehart and one home that recently sold for $57.5million... yes that's right $57.5.

Another day they all visited the local Aquarium except for Rans, they had a great time & on finishing they came back to Karen & Davids for a BBQ which was good with laughs & heaps to eat & drink. On Tuesday the 6 of us went to Rottnest Island for the day. The trip over was a bit rough as their was a 3m swell, so we were rolling a lot. Once there the other 4 went on bus trip around the Island whilst we went to Little Salmon beach for a snorkel, as we have been to the Island before. It was a nice day but it can be expensive.

John, David, Mitch & Rans played golf at Wembley Golf Corse one arvo where it was 40deg, so carts were the order. Meanwhile Sandra & Carol went to the movies. On Australia Day it was a very very very hot day with it reaching 42deg, so the Bewells came over and we just sat around, sweated, jumped in the pool and ate. Around 7pm John & Sandy and us 2 got a train into the Perth forsehore, where we watched the Firewroks with a big storm in the background, the lightning show was good with the fireworks fantastic.

We caught the train back and was back at Karens by 9pm. Couldn't do that in Sydney. Friday the 6 of us went for a Picnic at Kings Park, we attempted to walk around the parklands but the heat was unbearable we even took refuge under the kids sprinklers.                                     

Friday nite we all went down to Hillarys for tea having Pizzas which were delicious.

It is still hot here and we spend Saturday & Sunday just hanging around, cleaning washing, packing the van, as well as heaps of swims in between. It is good to get on the road again with all of us looking forward to the next part of our journey, safe travelling and with minimal problems. All take care & Happy B'Day to Foggy, Lauren,  Aunty Val, Sandra, Craig, Elise & Isabella. Also a big get well & wishes to Jacque.

PERTH 2012

Well we arrived back in Perth after our surprise visit home, so good to catch up with friends and family. Here is a quick summary of what we have done since returning. New Years Eve was a fantastic night with the 4 of us heading out to the yacht late in the arvo. We set up our beds and sat around with some cheese & bikkies and drinks for a while which was good, enjoying the water a slight breeze and the company.

We then headed into the Club where we had a great nite with a nice feed, drinks & dancing with the band playing Brown Eyed Girl for Karen & Carol. We then watched the fireworks over the harbour which was great and had a few more drinks before heading back to the yacht for a nite cap..getting to bed around 2am. Karen, Carol & Rans slept (if that's what you called it) inside whilst the Captain slept out on the seats outside...and boy did he sleep, his snoring could be heard in Darwin, it was that loud it made the boat rock!!!

We all got up around 6.30-7am going for a shower at the club and then having a light breakie & watched dolphins swimming by. We then made our way back home for a real lazy arvo. We also had a day down at Rockingham catching ferry out to Penguin Island and a glass bottom boat around the Isles, seeing dolphins & sea lions.

We then made our way back via Fremantle where we had fish & chips for lunch at the Wharf, also had a drive up to Burns Beach where the van park is but not suitable for caravans mostly permanents. We have done Morning teas at Dome's, either at Scarborough, Hillary's or North, which has been nice. We  had a nice arvo & nite down at Hillary's at the Tavern on the water with the girls enjoying a cocktail and then partaking in Pizzas which were bloody beautiful. We 've had a day out on "Countdown" sailing down the Swan River which was enjoyable except when huge boats raced past us, creating a large waves!!

We decided to head off for a couple of days as John & Sandra are still having trouble with their van with the workmanship that was done the repairs is no where up to the standard you'd expect for Insurance or a new van. Di & Terry are slowly making their way down towards us and will be here some time next week. So it's slowly back into the hard grind of holidaying and this is what we have done.
MONDAY 9 JAN 12...We headed off early and picked the van and drove out to Wave Rock. There are some hills first up with some huge trucks but overall the trip was pleasant with us travelling through the wheat belt. It took approx 4 & bit hrs. After setting up Rans had a rest as he has a touch of "Man Flu" for the past couple of days, and boy did he sleep ! Later in the arvo we went for a walk around Wave Rock which backs onto the Van park, it was another "amazing "thing to see, we then did the Hippo Yawn Walk. It was quite pleasant with a nice cool breeze which picked up around dusk.

TUESDAY 10 JAN 12...We were woken early by a crow walking over our roof & squawking, so we went on a 4km walk around the Rock, The Resort, airport and Magic Lake. We then had some breakkie before driving out to The Humps & Mulkas Cave where there is a good steep walk to the top peak of the hill with great 360 deg views of the wheat belts. We then returned for lunch and a catch up on paperwork before heading into town to see the Street Sculptures.

WEDNESDAY 11 JAN 12.....We headed off to York this morning, travelling through the wheat belt area with magniciant countryside. We stopped at one section of the Rabbit Proof fence before arriving & setting up at the local/only van park in York. After lunch we went for a drive around town and although we have been here before with David & Karen its still a nice historic old town, with  magnificant churches & town hall, a sway bridge over the Avon River, beautiful old homes & a good lookout etc.

The temperature has climbed today and there is only a slight breeze now, but still comfortable.It was a hot night and sleep was a bit disturbed.
THURSDAY 12 JAN 12.........We headed off just after 10am & made our way back to Karen & Davids where we set up the van on the driveway. We then had some shopping to do and it had became very warm, so the shop centre was a relief. Carol speaks with the Butlers and they are still a way off reaching Perth, so we await their arrival whilst the Bewells are unable to get all their repairs to the reapirs on the van until Retreat reopens next Monday. They will find out more then.
FRIDAY 13 JAN 12......The 3 boys Rans, Thomsie & Mitch head off to the Ist day of the cricket, They had a great time, except they all got burnt, even though they were up in the grandstand! .
SAT 14 JAN 12.....We travelled down to Freemantle today to watch Thomsie start in a Yacht Race.They are sailing down to Bunbury then returning tomorrow sometime depending on the wind conditions. We headed into "Freeo!" for a cuppa & watched & listened to a couple of young Buskers....boy they were good, so talented & brave to do it. Another great day finished with a bottle of Bubbly!! ....maybe it was two !!!
SUN 15 JAN 12..... Another hot day with overnight temps over the past 3 nites being over 22deg, Rans does some work around the van & car today, no need for him to bring out the DRILL which was good.
SO HI TO ALL OVER EAST TAKE CARE & HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SANDRA, CRAIG, ELISE,LAUREEN, ISABELLA, AUNTY VAL & FOGGY. Also a big get well to Thomas who goes into hospital to remove his Tonsils. Love Rans & Cazxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PERTH

Well hi to all, hope this finds you's all well and had a great Christmas with all your family & friends.  As you can imagine we have been very busy as we flew home to spend Xmas with our boys. Well this is what has happened since last post. FRIDAY 2 DEC....We head off from Cervantes down the coast road heading towards Perth. It was windy again with the van being blown around.

 The road down is not to bad until you get down near Yanchep with a number of trucks & idiots on the road. We had a red ss commodore overtake us (doing approx 180km p/hr). We arrived at the Thomsies and gave the van a bit of a clean and did some washing. Mitch came home from work and we had a good talk and then we sat out the front of the house with a wine when Karen pulled into the drive !! Thomsie then came home after a Xmas party over at Rottnest Is. He was going pretty good considering !! we then sat around & enjoyed a few quiet drinks & lots of laughs. SATURDAY 3 DEC.......The four of us head down to Hillary's for a cuppa prior to Thomsie & me heading our sailing for the arvo. Yes ! The Skipper & Gilligan!! It was a hot day today with little wind. We arrived at the mariner & met up with the other crew, Ron & Peter. The race is pretty tense as it is Club Championship today, we finished First over the line by 3min and won another class but we lost on handicap (maybe that was me !). It was a good arvo, we had a couple of drinks & nibbles on the boat prior to heading into the club for presentations. We made our way back home for drinks & dinner, heading off to bed...Rans was stuffed !! SUNDAY 4 DEC....It is another warm morning, so we decide to go to a cafe for brunch. We found a nice cafe in Cottlesloe where they do Gluten Free. We then made our way back home and just hung around for the arvo with Rans having his Grandpop nap!! Later we had nibblies & drinks followed by Thai for dinner. MONDAY 5 DEC....Rans is up early, his knee is giving him grief but goes our for a 70min walk along the coast.  He then drove to Sth Perth and droped the car off to be repaired, it will be ready Wednesday and the awning will be done Thurs/Fri. It was thundering at 4am this morning but has come out very steamy. Carol & Karen went for a walk with Karen's friends & then to Hillary's for morning tea. Mitch has been off sick with a virus & we all have tea with a few drinks, a good laugh about past times. TUESDAY 6DEC......Well the drought has broken with us waking to rain & thunder, the rain continues throughout the day. The storms are around all day with 2 huge clasps of thunder which frighten the s*#t out of Carol. Today the Perth airport also shuts down causing huge  problems. WEDNESDAY 7 DEC......We went for a walk in the morning & our car is all fixed & ready to be picked up.

 THURSDAY 8 DEC....Well we are up early today as you all now know that we are heading home for Xmas, Thomsie drops us off early at the airport and we catch the 10am flight arriving in Syd at 5.30pm. Caught the train home ( mouthy swearing bloke on train made for a pleasant trip...not) . Then as we are walking to pick up the car, (as the boys & Jade have gone to the Foo Fighters) & we are approached by some bloke asking for money !!! first time in 7 mths....good old downtown Woy Woy! We then drop our gear off and drive to the HULLS, Caz had been speaking to Bron on the phone telling her that we were in Perth. We got to their place and walked through Wal's place next door out to the water front and then snuck up the stairs to the TV room where Olivia & Tegan were sitting ,they were shocked but kept quiet, we then made it to the stairway and Carol was speaking to Bron on the phone and she worked out where we were and she ran down the stairs crying, it was a great surprise, Hully was stunned, so we had some drinks with them before heading home waiting for the kids to come home, which was about 1am so it was hugs etc all round. FRIDAY 9 DEC........Up and headed off down to Greg's shop and surprised him, he was stunned also and hugged & kissed Rans. We  then went to the Murphy's and surprised them, Caz had her hair done whilst Rans went & saw his Dr. We then called in and saw Lousie, then saw Cheryl who was off sick and she cried & cried & cried. We then saw Rans mum and she was also surprised but very happy. We then made our way over to Erina & surprised Deb then we & the boys  to Hoggs Breath for lunch. It was lovely. Us 2 then went to the skin dr for our checkups, made our way home stopping at the Police Stn & surprising Mick Schribes. Out for tea with the Hulls. A very busy, happy teary day !! SATURDAY  10 DEC........We called over & surprise Rans brother Mark & Kim, then went for a beer with Mick, Captain & Mark at the Empire Bay Tavern,  then dinner with the Hulls. SUNDAY 11 DEC.......We head over & see Brad & Marg surprised them & Marg & Vick. Had a lovely time catching up with them
MONDAY 12 DEC.......Well now that we've come home we need to buy Xmas pressies ...so a day shopping ....

TUESDAY 13DEC.......Happy Birthday to Bron, we all went out to tea to celebrate. Great nite
WEDNESDAY 14 DEC........ Rans went to Sydney to get some Dental work done, a few fillings and $$$$$$ 
THURSDAY 15 DEC... Today we had a lovely day putting up the Xmas decorations with the boys & Jade & Jacque, it was sooo much fun, lots of laughter.....FRIDAY 16 DEC......We did a lot of running around today but getting nowhere !! with Christmas parties etc the days seemed to fly
SATURDAY 17 DEC.....Rans went over to help our friend Vic move house, in the arvo he went for a bet & drink with Mano,  then went to the Manson's for tea along with the Hulls, Longs & Murphy's. It was a great nite sitting out on the lawn looking over the water with a wonderful feed. We finished around 11.30pm with Greg falling asleep.

SUNDAY 18 DEC..... We went to the the Browns & surprise them, only staying for a short time as we had a luncheon at the Sailing Club with Deb & Gary which was nice with good food, then went back to Debs place & had a lovely afternoon chatting, with  a few more quiet drinks.
MONDAY 19 DEC........Xmas shop at Erina & Rans has to get a mole cut out of his back at skin specialist. Results all good !!
TUESDAY 20 DEC........Today Bron & Carol went to Erina whilst Rans has lunch with his mum. We went for tea at Ett Bowl Club with the Manson's, Murphy's, Hulls for Liam's B'Day. Another fun filled nite
WEDNESDAY 21 DEC............Today more Xmas shopping and Adam put a down lights in his room with the apprentice Rans !!!!, we then went to the movies with Adam & Rans seeing Miss Impossible whilst Bron Carol & Olivia seeing New Years Eve.
THURSDAY 22 DEC........We did some shopping prior to us leaving to go to Margarets place in Sydney to surprise them. Carol actually gets a call from Margaret in the morning asking where we are & what we are up to (they were thinking about coming to Perth for a few days to see us !!), so a couple of little white lies she made it through the call without letting on. We then drove to Jason & Lina Judd's place and waited for Jeff & Marg, well what a surprise when they arrived, we really shocked them with Jeff looking stunned & Margaret screaming & crying. So after the shock & some drinks we went to a neighbours for Xmas drinks. It was great nite finishing around 1.30am.
FRIDAY 23 DEC........We get up with a dry mouth & headache, but after a nice cooked breakie we feel a lot better & we say our goodbyes and drive back home. Rans went to the club with Brett for the raffles with Brett winning a meat tray. Rans & I then went to the Hulls for a quiet drink, sitting on the veranda which was so nice.
SATURDAY 24 DEC..... Today we tidy up around the house, Mano gives us a box of beautiful tasting cherries & mango's. Later in the arvo the 3 boys went to Gregs shop and had a couple of drinks for Xmas, they then went to the club for a bet & drinks. Then off to Brads for the traditional Xmas Eve get together. It was so nice to catch up with friends, getting home around 10pm.
SUNDAY 25 DEC.......We wake up to a nice morning with the sun finally out. We open our pressies and Carol cries with her pressie from the boys, beautiful studio photos of them, they are so lovely.(big thankyou to Jade for getting them organised) Rans gets a toy drill (funny story behind that !) we won't go into why he got it. We then have a nice breakie with the 6 of us. Shirl, Mark & Kim & the kids arrive for Xmas lunch .

We have a nice day with the best oysters that Rans has tasted in a long time, along with Prawns, Glazed Ham, chooks & salads. The kids enjoyed the pool with Uncle Stephen mucking around with them. A great Xmas Day...so glad we made it back.
MONDAY 26 DEC.......... Up early, Rans went for a walk, then the Hulls turn up, open pressies... we got some nice ones, thanks Bron & Michael.

Rans then starts the BBQ for a Big Breakie & all the Murphy's & Wilkinson's turn up and have a champagne breakie which was so nice & a good laugh. They slowly leave during the arvo & the Manson's turn up and we have a few more drinks, prawns etc. It has been a great day with our friends. The 6 of us then have toasted sandwiches for tea & then we play Trouble & Sequence. The 4, Adam Jade Brett & Jacque laughing off their heads, as we sit back and enjoy the time with them. We then join in as Brett goes to bed to sleep and we have a good, fun  evening.
TUESDAY 27 DEC...........Its overcast again and cool. Have breakie and Rans does some work around Shirls house.  Cheryl comes round for a cuppa, then they go over to Erina with Adam & Jade...shopping ! Rans goes to Elanora for lunch with Brad, Matt, Heals, Snap & Brownie, first time they have been together since N.Z. Great Day
WEDNESDAY 28 DEC.......Today Rans catches up with Mano for a beer & bet at the local, nice arvo. Deb comes around late arvo and has a drink and chat. Congratulations to Sean on getting engaged. We then went out for tea with Brett & Jacque.
THURSDAY 29 DEC.........The six of us and Shirl go out for breakie at 304. We then made our way up to the Races at Gosford getting there before the horses & jockeys...HA HA, the Hulls, Manson's(without Greg), Murphy's, Mark & Kim,  all came and we had a great day with Carol winning a couple of Quinellas & Rans a couple of small wins. We then went to the Murphy's for a sausage sizzle for a send off tea. A good laugh watching Eric chasing his Xmas pressie around the backyard (puppy dog). We headed off around 8.30pm as we have to get up at 3am. OUR TIME WITH OUR FRIENDS HAS BEEN FANTASTIC. BOTH OUR BOYS HAVE MADE US SO PROUD WITH  LOOKING AFTER OUR HOME, HELPING NAN & with their occupations.. Special THANKS MUST ALSO GO TO JADE & JACQUE WHO ARE A GREAT HELP & GOOD FUN TO BE AROUND.
FRIDAY 30 DEC.......Up around 2.40am & head off driving down with Adam & Jade to the airport. Brett was working and met us there. He was running a little late as he was involved in the shots fired at Police down near the Chinese Consulate. Said our goodbyes to our boys & Jade....Carol got  heaps of kisses & cuddles in !! We arrived in Perth to a hot morning. After settling back in Rans  & Thomsie go to the boat to get ready for New Year, giving it a wash etc. So to all we have seen, many thanks for making our short time back home enjoyable....now we will need to detox !!! Take Care, Love the Travellers... Once again.xxxxxxxxxxxx Miss you all