Bunbury and Walpole

Walpole

We had to visit the local bar



Xmas day on the beach



Met this crazy lady

James at the summit of Mt Frankland

Kangaroos!!

Damage from bush fires

Walpole

Fellow Odysseyers James and Kay had kindly invited me to spend Xmas and the New Year with them at their new home in Bunbury. An offer which I was most grateful for and it was fantastic to see them again looking very well and obviously delighted to be amongst their family. It was great to meet all of them whom I’ve heard so much about. Ben also joined us for his first Christmas away from home. Christmas day started off on the beach which felt very strange to me. Where’s the snow! I guess it doesn’t snow much at 38 degrees. We ate lots of good food at Rachels and Brians, daughter and son in law of James and Kay and we were fed until we popped! Of course Kay made us drink the dreaded alcohol as well, we were defenceless, particularly Ben. After a few days in which I either cycled, ran or walked every street in Bunbury we headed for Walpole which is situated on the south west corner of Australia. Rachel and Brian have a home there deep into bush land and I found it absolutely fascinating. Surrounded by acres and acres of bush land it was a slice of paradise. Populated by snakes, kangaroos and emus to name a few it was great to see the real Australia and Australian locals. So far here I have struggled to meet anyone who is actually Australian, every nationality but. A boat trip on New Years eve into and beyond the inlet at Walpole bought us to the best beach I have seen so far. The colour of the water had to be seen to be believed and with the waves crashing onto the deserted shore it was a memorable way to look forward to the oncoming year. A party late into the early hours at a neighbours house, this was the nearest neighbour at 1k away, enabled me to meet lots of true blooded Australians. Immensely friendly and welcoming, they certainly love to party and I only mentioned the Ashes a couple of couple of times! Well you’ve got to.




Australia is a country I’ve warmed too rather than liked straight away. In lots of ways and not unsurprisingly, it feels like England. Obviously slightly hotter and supersized and I’ve never had kangaroos bounce across the road in front of the car in England, but it feels very familiar. I do love the laid back attitude of the Aussies, no stress here, we should adapt that policy. Walpole is an amazing place, so amazing I’ve bought a local lotto ticket and I know where I’ll be buying a house if or should I say when my numbers come up. So another country chalked up, I think I’m on maybe 25, and it’s New Zealand tomorrow. Wonder what sport we can beat the Kiwis at!