Serpentine Falls and 'the new Toy' (Kayak)

We visited Serpentine falls this weekend. It's less than an hour South of Perth. Better in the summer I expect as you can swim in the upper pool. Very few people there on this occasion but it is still just spring.





2 large water pipes shadowed us on the way up to the top of Serpentine falls


A decent sized grass plant

Here's our latest acquisition. A Finn Gizmo (Fisher). It has 2 storage compartments, a viewing pane and water bottle holder. Kaitlyn is really looking forward to using it in anger

Crocs. The big craze here. Kaitlyn wanted her's on the Blog (complete with add-ons, locally described "Jibbitz")

Birthday Party and Boating on the river

Kaitlyn was invited to a Birthday Party at the local Jungle Gym on Saturday. She had a great time. On Sunday we were out with Paul on his Speed boat. It has a built in engine so no outboard protrusions on the back end. Kaitlyn had a great time. She stayed on after M, D & C left. She was dropped off 2 hours later, soaked to the skin with a smile on her face.

The Jungle gym. A 5min drive from the house. Didn't even know it was there until we got the invite

Bennachie

Paul on the right, Kaitlyn and Dad in the starboard quarter

First attempt at Wake-boarding. Didn't get up but made a good impression of a submarine

Kaitlyn and her new-found friend Olivia. Before the boat took a wave on the bow and soaked them both

Margaret River

On the 7th and 8th of October we travelled down to Margaret River (3-1/2h South of Perth) to have a look around. We stayed in a place called the Blue Wren at Boranup Forest retreat. The chalet was less than a year old and everything was in good condition. Kangaroos were surfacing when we arrived on the first evening but we managed to get settled in before light faded completely. The weather was far from ideal with several showers preventing us from doing much outdoors (which the area is best known for). Hopefully the weather will be more favourable next time.

Entrance to Boranup Forrest.

Blue Wren - home from home

Ahhhh, This is the Life. Luxury Spa Diva.

Visit to the Eagles Heritage Centre. The photos from the falconry display were poor so this is your lot.

We drove through Karri hardwood forrests. One of several photos we took.

Lakes Cave, Margaret River

Xanadu Vineyard visit.

October Long Weekend

Here's a break down of the weekends activities:
- Friday evening - Cirque du Soleil (Varekai)
- Saturday - Kaitlyn's 9th Birthday Party
- Sunday - Kayaking & fun on the river
- Monday - Perth Royal Show
Michael had a long weekend; first time off he's had without having to pack, unpack, view properties, etc, etc. Varekai was breathtaking. The Show is in London from 6th Jan 2008. If you were thinking of going to London in the next year or so I'd recommend accelerating your plans and seeing this. Some of the acts border on the unbelievable; they're that good. You're not allowed to take photographs so we only got one of the big tent during the day. Some details can be found at http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/CirqueDuSoleil/en/showstickets/varekai/intro/intro.htm or just GOOGLE "Varekai" or "Cirque du Soleil".
Unless you're into live music the next big show in Perth is the Red Bull Air Race on 3rd & 4th of November. Now it really will be good http://www.redbullairrace.com/

FRIDAY EVENING - The Big Top; Cirque du Soleil


A random tree trunk photograph Delia took near Cirque du Soleil. Delia thought it was like something from Harry Potter. Those kerb stones really are 3ft long.


SATURDAY - Getting ready for the Party. A welcoming banner strapped between two of the palm trees in the front garden. A bit early but with all the friends going away for the October break it had to be brought forward by a week


Happy Birthday to You

They must have been able to see through the blind fold. Well, all bar one!

Pinata BEFORE

Panata facing certain death

Party Games

Birthday Cake

SUNDAY - Fun on the River. Kaitlyn and two of her friends splashing around on a Kayak in the Swan River, near Point Walter. Earlier in the day Michael and his friend Graeme paddled 15km from the house to Point Walter on two of these Sit-on Kayaks. It was a great day. We used one of the public BBQs at Point Walter to cook up some food and even Delia had a go on the Kayak

MONDAY - Perth Royal Show. There really was so much going on here and no way of seeing everything. Many of the photos didn't turn out too good unfortunately but hopefully there's enough to give you a taster. We just went on the Monday but the Show is on all week with different things featured every day.

The Scouts had a rock face set up for budding Mountaineers

Kaitlyn and Chloe loved the Dog Obedience Competition

The Pixie Chicks; Local Teen Child Band (11 to 15 years). Very popular and will soon be touring the UK

There were two Snails with Pixie folk riding them around the Show. Not sure if it was Animatronix or folk inside the Snails but very good all the same

The Rockin' tug ride (Children's section)

Pokemon Dude High-Fiving Kids

Horse jumping display

Horse Parade

Alpaca Llamas getting ready for their turn in the Arena

Lumberjack Competition. Amazing to see. This was one leg of an Australian wide Competition and it was Competitors only. Michael sulked because he wasn't allowed a shot!

Looking down "Sideshow Alley", which is a mere fraction (I'd guess 1/10th) of the Show grounds, ignoring the main Arena. This was the most popular and obviously the busiest area.

Another pic just off Sideshow Alley