We moved from Mandurah to Bussleton on Wednesday 12th October. It wasn't far, only about 160km. You can't drive too far in one go you know. We had a quiet couple of days before heading out and about. The weather wasn't very nice so we caught up with some domestic stuff and did some shopping. Friday 14th wasn't a brilliant day but we decided we had better have a look around because if we waited for fine weather we might still be in Busselton at Xmas.
 |
| Looking towards Moses Rock which is off Caves Road in the Margaret River region |
We headed towards Margaret River via Cowaramup and then out to Moses Rock. Because the day was windy, the sea was pretty angry with the waves crashing on to the beach and rocks.
The waves were so blue as they were curling over that it was worth a picture.
You could even see bits of weed in the break.
Next we visited the goody shops, Margaret River Nougat Shop and the Margaret River Chocolate Factory. Margaret River Chocolate is lovely, very creamy and smooth. I would bring you all some home, but it won't last that long. Sorry.
Then to Prevelly, which is where the Margaret River enters the sea sometimes. (Other times it is silted up and only gets out on a big tide). We both thought the entrance would be something spectacular but it wasn't.
Then next stop the Fudge Factory, the Berry Farm, for some jam and lastly the Cheese Factory. This was just about enough for one day, so we trundled back to Busselton for Happy Hour.
Saturday was another quiet morning and Sue and Terry appeared and we had a long Happy 3 hours in the afternoon. I am glad we don't do that too often.
So on Monday we decided to go to Gnomesville. We had never heard of it until Terry and Sue told us about it.
Apparently some time ago some people were moving from a house to a unit and decided to put their garden gnomes on a roundabout out east of Bunbury. Of course the council didn't like this so they cleared an area beside the roundabout and moved the gnomes there. Over the years people stop by and place gnomes all around.
A lot of social clubs have put groups of gnomes there. Hens parties have got groups of gnomes. Bikie clubs, car clubs, rotary clubs, retirement villages. There are thousands of gnomes.
They are spread over quite a large area. Some are under logs, beside creeks, in trees.
As you can see some even have their own caravans.
 |
| Maura with purple gnomes |
 |
| Ray with gnomes |
These are the gnomes we left. We put them near Santa as we thought they would be busy soon and that would keep them out of mischef
Gnomesville, a magical place. Now I know where all of those stolen gnomes have gone.
On Tuesday 18th October we went for a run out to Cape Naturaliste which is to the west of Dunsborough and Bunker Bay. It had rained on and off all morning so we left Busselton about 8am and drove straight out to the Cape. We wanted to walk down to the whale watching platform and didn't want to get caught in a shower. It was about a 1.2km walk down to the platform and the last 200metres was quite steep but it was worth it. The view was pretty good. The sea lions were sleeping on rocks below and you could see whales further out to sea. We did get caught in a light shower on our way back to the car.
 |
| Looking out from Cape Naturaliste |
 |
| Seals basking on the rocks below Cape Naturaliste From there we drove to Sugarloaf Rocks and then to Canal Rocks. |
 |
| Sugarloaf Rock |
 |
| Canal Rocks |
 |
| More wildflowers. Rose Bantjine |
 |
| The Busselton Jetty is 1.8km long and has recently been rebuilt after falling into disrepair. There is an Underwater Observatory at the end and a train goes out along it also. |
