We had a lovely drive from Peaceful Bay to our next camp at Olive Hill about 10km from Margaret River.  While driving on very quiet roads we suddenly realised we had both a police car and a fire chief car behind us - the fire chief actually overtook us on double white lines with lights flashing.  We realised that afternoon that they were on their way to the fire south of Margaret River which started around that time.  Our camp was a working olive grove where in a few sections they've taken out a row of trees to free up enough spaces for  ans.  It was a beautiful setting and so handy for anywhere in the Margaret River area.  We got set up and decided to just relax for the rest of the afternoon and venture forth the next day.  It was a really hot day - 37oc.  By this time we could see a bit of a smoke plume in the sky though way in the distance. 

Next morning it didn't look too bad and we decided to head south to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin.  We'd a lovely drive down and just looked at the lighthouse from the entry as it's covered in scaffolding at the moment.  We came back into Augusta and had smoko at the bakery there and my plan had been to head back to MR on the coastal road.  However I'd been watching the news and road closures and discovered that a large chunk of that road was closed. So we headed back up the Bussell highway.  By now the wind had started to get up and we got a shock to see how much the fire had grown just in the time we were in Augusta.  We could hear some of the firefighters and locals on our UHF and it was heartbreaking to hear them talk about it.  We got back to MR and decided to head out to Prevelly and the surf beach and mouth of the river.  From there the plume of smoke looked like an atom bomb had gone off.  Now it was time to check out a winery so we decided to go to Vasse Felix - the very first winery to open in MR and in the most beautiful setting. We had a fabulous tasting experience there.  Clare was just so knowledgeable but with a wicked sense of humour and we ended up leaving there with a bottle or six! We came back in the direction of camp and decided to stop off for a cleansing ale at the Colonial Brewery and enjoyed one of their sample paddles.  We went back to the van and freshened up then headed into MR for tea at one of the pubs there - The Settlers where I had the most delicious Fish Tacos - up there with the ones I had in Cabo San Lucas!  Then home to bed.

Next morning after checking the roads were open we headed north to Yallingup where we did the walk through the Ngilgi caves.  I'd last been there about 35 years ago and had forgotten how many steps there were.  Poor Craig thought I was trying to pop him off!  But he survived and as his reward we headed to Dunsborough Bakery for one of their renowned pies and a coffee.  We had a bit of a drive around the town - so very pretty and but really busy.  We'd a quick stop on the beach then headed south again to check out another couple of wineries.  We went first of all to Evans and Tate - another notable winery then had a quick visit to the Chocolate Factory where half  dozen of their truffles may have jumped into my bag - at $2 each there was only 6 - trust me!  But they are so incredibly delicious.  Our next stop was Hayshed Hill - a winery we'd visited a few years ago when we did a winery day trip.  Again a couple of bottles might have been added at these venues.  It was time for alate lunch and a cleansing ale so next we headed to the Cheeky Monkey Brewery and enjoyed  a couple of tasters there and I had some amazingly yummy chicken wings while Craig had a pizza. We got talking to the couple sitting next to us and they eventually joined us and we spent  a pleasant afternoon chatting to them.  No need for tea tonight so back to the van and an early night.

On the road again the next morning and we headed to Australind.  My dear friend from back in the days of working at Ashburton PS, lives there so we booked into the caravan park there, got set up and then headed round to Cyndy's and picked her and her very loveable pooch called Peri up and went into Australind to a lovely little cafe for lunch.  After we'd dropped Cyndy off we headed into Bunbury as we needed a couple of things from Supercheap.  We came back out to Eaton - where we lived for 18 months back in 1985/86.  It was only a little village then with a General Store beside the servo.   Now it's a thriving metropolis with a huge shopping centre and even a 24hr Kmart!  We had a wander round there then back to the van for tea - the leftover pizza from the brewery!  

Cyndy had said she would pick us up at 10am and we'd have the day out in Ferguson Valley - a beautifully scenic area with numerous wineries, breweries and little cafes. However first up we went to Wellington Dam where just this year a massive mural was completed.  It is absolutely magnificent and the story behind it is so interesting.  I won't attempt to put it here but if you're interested in the stories behind each of the pictures on the wall, google it.  It's quite fascinating.  We then headed into Collie which also features many examples of wall art and carried on out to Stockton Lake which was originally an open cut mine which is now filled with water which is the most brilliant bright blue.  It's a fabulous spot to camp and will definitely go on our list of places to stay in future trips.  Back into Collie and we had lunch at the Federal Hotel.  Delicious and I had a glass of a Harris River Estate wine called Jacaranda Blush - a chardonnay made with added butterfly pea flower - OMG it was superb.

Back in the car and we drove through Ferguson Valley, stopping for coffee at St Aidens winery, then to see the King Jarrah tree, then a visit to Gnomeville where there's this huge collection of gnomes by the roadside which people keep adding to.  Time for a tasting so next stop was Ferguson Falls winery where we had a lovely tasting, bought a couple of bottles and Craig was gifted half a bottle of Cab Sav.    Now it was time for a cleansing ale so we checked out the Wild Bull Brewery before coming back into Bunbury to the Parade Hotel where we had fish and chips for tea.  And so ended a fabulous day out.

Yesterday we packed up and headed north to Perth and arrived at Scott and Charmaine's around 10.30 - just in time for coffee.  We're all set up on their front lawn and will probably be here till after New Year.  Will probably only post briefly in dot points during our stay in Perth as once again there will be a lot of catching up with old friends and just socialising with not so much sightseeing.  And now that we're out of wine and gourmet food country - give both our bellies and liver a chance to recover and maybe even try to lose a couple of the kilos that I've picked up in the last 8 months.  We've started out well this morning and been for a 6km walk along the Canning River though I suspect I'll suffer tomorrow as my hip and thigh are tight already.  Meanwhile if I'm not back on here, I'd like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and hope you're able to spend time with those you love.  We're very lucky to be able to spend this festive season with both Craig's brother and family and also be there on Christmas morning to see Ashton and Mia get their presents.  Can't wait!