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We took the short drive from Alexander Bridge to Big Valley, a farms stay just outside Margaret River. We pulled up and were greeted by Shelley and Kevin, the owners, who were very down to earth and obviously loved what they were doing. It felt very inviting and looked so comfortable, with powered sites in amongst the huge gum trees overlooking the paddocks filled with sheep. It was only $32 per night, which included power, water and the use of the rustic camp kitchen. The only disappointing thing was l thought there would be more farm activities the girls could join in on, but that was ok, sure we would have a fantastic time in this chilled out place.
Once we set up, l endeavoured to get through the copious amounts of washing from the last few days. Seeing l had water and power, all the bedding got a clean too. With the farm oozing relaxation, the rest of the day was spent lazing around under the gum trees and listening to the ambiance of sheep bellowing in the background, in amongst the Boo completing some much Makes me miss the farm life, Marty and l are both feeling that when, and if, we do stop one day, a few acres outside of town with a few farm animals will definitely be on the cards.
Day 2 on out at Big Valley saw much the same as the first. We sat around eagerly awaiting the arrival of Ton, Cam, Jordyn and Riley who were coming in for a few days. Whilst we waited we got Boo into some more school work which was a tad painful as she was in one of those moods. Most irritating when there is only a few more tasks to do and it takes twice as long as she was cranky. After the torture of school was over, Marty and l decided to head down to the camp kitchen area and laze on the grass and do some job hunting. The girls happily rode around on their bikes then started to play with this red headed little girl, who we later found out her name was Darcy. First impressions are generally the best ones and l was right about this little girl. Total live wire. She was 3 going on 16 and oozed confidence to the point if l was her mum l would be scared she might get into a bit of trouble with those dirty old people who pray on little girls. She came up to Marty and l and sat down, introduced herself and stayed talking to us for over half an hour before l saw any parents. They eventually came over and had a chat, found out they were on the road also, came from Kalgoorlie for work. Seemed nice enough couple and Darcy was definately a pocket rocket, my girls couldnt even keep up with her.
In the arvo the 'HardFirms' arrived, we cracked open the beverages and caught up. When sun set, it was time to get the fire going over at the camp kitchen. Had promised the kids some marshmellows over the fire. Was a hit with all kids getting a sugar kick and running around like headless chooks. Lucky we were in the middle of nowhere and noise wasnt too much of an issue.
Day 3 and the Cronans were to turn up. We certainly were all catching up in this last leg before the work stop. A few days break had been good away from everyone, got us all used to being with one another alone again, however, was equally enjoyable meeting up again. It was bloody cold and the jumpers were definitely on at all times. The coffee pot was on for most of the day to warm up my old bones. The Cronans arrived and the clan was all back together again. All the kids huddled in and played together like they were siblings, not one person was ever left out. There was this big old tree which under the sprawling branches which went to the ground, became a wonderous hideout for the kids, like a cubbyhouse. The kids spent hours in there playing kings and queens, protecting the fortress. Cam ended up putting up the swing off the gum tree and this kept the kids amused for moser of the day, which meant the adults were able to have quiet time and try do some job research. All of us were getting a tad stressed, not for me so much as nursing jobs are always there, but Marty wasnt getting any responses from the job agencies. He was trying for Perth or Bunbury areas, the feeling being it was quiet at this stage. Seeing the money kitty was getting low, we needed something to come up or get a Plan B going. So with the stress of decreasing money and no jobs in the future looking promising, the sad past behaviours of stressing was showing. Things were getting tense between Marty and l. I was trying to act cool about it all, trying to talk myself into everything will be alright, but l dont have the ability to completely unstress. Unfortunately, a trait which is a work in progress of trying to better the response.
As the afternoon progressed on, l was tiring but had to get into the mood of going to catch up with some past travelling friends we had met in Cape York at the start of our trip. We had arranged to go and see Julia, Andy, Emily and James. We headed out to Cowanyup, famous for painted cow statues around town, which funnily enough is what makes our old hometown of Shepparton famous. When we arrived l was in awe of their house, an old rustic Mexican inspired sort of cottage which immedianlty made you relax and feel cosy. It was as if we were all back in Cape York, no feelings of uncomfortable or silence. Funny how you spend a week with someone, dont talk for over a year and you can pick up like you left off. They put on an awesome meal of BBQ meat and salad and we got to have some amazing homemade relish. We sat out in their back shed, lounging on the couch, having a wine and beer whilst their huge dog sat on our feet (which totally reminded me of our dog Harvey, which then made me miss him) and had many laughs. It looked like they had eased back into normal life, but they did hope to get back on the road again in the near future after Andy finished a few operations on sore shoulders. Emily and James embraced Boo and Meg. The girls loved playing with all their toys and watching a movie on their 'big' tv. Ended up being a late night, but well worth it. Even though l had to talk myself up to getting in the mood early in the evening, by the end l could have stayed for longer. Had a great catch up and know that if we were ever in the area again, we would definitely catch up again. Hopefully we will see each other on the open road again, and get to have a beer while camping. Only took 5 minutes in the car and the girls were out like a light, Meg snoring as usual.
Had a slight sleep in but had to get moving in the morning as all three families had decided that it would be nice to get out and explore Busselton together. We eventually arrived at Busselton Jetty around morning tea time. The short walk from the car park to the jetty was great, looking out to the left to see beautiful aqua clear water, unfortunately too cold for a swim and on the right there were little cafes and tidy looking grassed areas where other families were sitting having picnics. By the time we got to standing on the actual Busselton Jetty l think l had taken over 100 photos on the camera. We all headed to the info place to purchase our tickets for the walk up the jetty, yes thats right, it costs to walk on the jetty. The admission prices for the jetty were $2.50 an adult, kids free and if you wanted to take the train to the end it was $34 per family. To choose the highest option of train to the underground sea observatory it was $75 per family. Obviously us being the tight ass travelling families, we chose the $5.00 per adult option with kids free! The kids were bummed about missing out on the train ride and having to walk, knowing now what it would be like l might have paid for the b*****s to go on the train. Now for a bit of history and information about the Jetty itself. Busselton jetty is 1.8km long extending across Geographe bay and is heritage listed. It is the longest timber piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere! Obviously, being a big walk l should have expected some complaining, but OMG, Meg took it to another level. She whinged most of the way, like usual wanting food, knew we should have brought her snacks!! Was very hard to take in the wonder of the jetty with a complaining child on your hip. Got very frustrated and think the majority of the other people on the jetty witnessed that frustration. I did however, slow my walk down as Marty got stuck with Meg, which allowed me to have a little look around. Walking along there were all these plaques of memories of people who had died and either held this as a special place, fished here often or had there ashes scattered. Gave me goosebumps and almost a little teary thinking of all these people that had passed and how this place held so much significance to them that they would like their legacy to be left here for others to witness. There would have to be hundreds of plaques, all individualised and special in their own way. When we got to the end of the jetty, we had the most amazing exerience. When you looked back inland you could feel and see the jetty swaying as the ocean waves swelled. Almost frightening how much movement was in the jetty. On the walk back, we stopped to have a look at the train that had stopped and dropped off the Asian tourists at the observatory. The train driver was a total ass, grumpy and a smart ass to me and the kids. It went totally over the kids heads and they ended up trying to race the train back, again creating their own fun. Sadly they lost because us boring parents told them to stop running!!
After the nearly 4km walk the kids were famished and we had all heard how hungry Meg was for the last hour!! Took kids back to playground to amuse them until hot chip sangas were organised, the travelling family treat. All the kids had a great time playing on the playground and forgot how starving they were. The playground was huge and was great for all ages. They all sat on the big wheel whilst Cam spun it round, some flying off onto the sand laughing hysterically. Love watching kids giggle, best sound in the world, apart from hearing them sleep lol. After we engorged ourselves on hot chips sandwiches we decided to make a day of it and explore some surrounding towns. Even though it was too cold to swim, the sun was shining and the weather was magnificent.
After lunch we went for a drive down to Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse near Dunsborough. Again being the tight arses we are, we walked up to the info center at the lighthouse and decided it was way too expensive and late in the day to go in. Was $30 for the tour and the guy seemed to think we would have to rush a bit to get through it seeing it was a little late. Happily the kids weren't too fussed, tipping they werent too interested in taking in the history of the place anyway. We headed off for drive around the coast line then headed back towards Margaret river stopping off at Yarrunup where kids had fun exploring around the rock pools. They even found a few crabs trying to hide between rocks.
Spontaneously we decided to hit one of the many breweries around the area. We ended up stopping at the Cheeky Monkey wine and beer brewery. Kids enjoyed the playground while we kicked back ready to have a session. Was lovely to sit around on such a high from our day together and enjoy a much needed cold beverage. The boys loved that some blokes had small radio control boats going in the overlooking lake. We girls were just enjoying the peace and quiet, and of course, the wine. Unfortunately we would have to continue our session back at camp, so we headed off on the last leg of our drive home. Was definitely a big day following a big night before, Meg quickly sneaked in a car nap on the way home.
When we got back to Big Valley, the kids were treated to helping the owners feed the sheep, had a great time!!
After dinner, the kids requested another fire and marshmellow night. We couldnt resist, a fire with beer and wine with kids being amused was just what was in order. We had some left over sparklers, the kids suddenly went all crazy with excitement after the sugar rush from the marshmellows and the light show from the sparklers. Was like a running pack of animals in the night. Luckily we werent the only family with out of control crazy kids. I think there ended up being at least 20 kids running around, doing cartwheels and playing chassie. Enough was enough though, and we didnt want to get kicked out by the owners for noise pollution, so we set a movie up in the van for the kids whilst we went back to the campfire to enjoy a few more bevo's. Ton, Cam, Nik, Matt, Marty and l sat round the campfire laughing immensly. There were a few stories shared as the night went on and the drinks had been plenty. We found out about Cams fruit bowl and bat story.....l wont go any further than to say we had been talking about puppetry of the penis and then Cams tricks, l think you'll get the picture. Ton and Nik got a bit inquisitive about the other camping area full of back packers and youngsters, so in their wisdom and coolness they headed over. Us oldies, the boys and l, decided now would be a good time to piss off to bed. Get out while the going good if you know what l mean. Another late night, but another great one!!!
Suprisingly the next day l woke up feeling ok, not too much of a hangover which was good. Ton and Cam on the other hand, were not as good. They virtually spent the whole day inside, resting their heads lol. Nik and Matt were old pro's and woke up feeling like nothing alcholic was consumed last night, b******s!! After breaky l decided while l was feeling ok l might take the opportunity to tackle another C25K. Was getting slightly addicted to this running thing. Made good time and actually completed my first 4km run!! Was so proud of myself, and silently l think Marty was too. Was so peaceful running down the dirt road off the farm down the tree lined dirt road. Great taking in nature, fresh air and listening to the iPod so not to hear my heavy panting lol. After the run we had a quick bite to eat then decided time was closing in before we would have to leave so best to get out and explore a few things around the area. We made our way to this house that has a shell collection for the public to view and is the largest shell collection in the Southern Hemisphere. It houses over 40,000 shells from all over Australia and the world. Entry was $24 for the family, little pricey but we were over being scrooges for today, and seemed like a unique thing to do. Kids had a ball and were shocked at the size and colors of some of the shells. Marty explored forever. The lady at the counter was actually the owners wife, her husband had now passed but she said he had spent a small fortune collecting these shells, sometimes paying big money getting them shipped over from overseas. Fascinates me with some peoples hobbies. We spent about an hour then headed into town to have a look at the farmers market. Not too bad, got some fresh produce for good price. Last stop for the day was at the Margaret River Fudge Shop. The Beesons certainly went to town with the free taste testing that l actually felt obliged to buy somthing seeing we had tasted so many things. Was so tasty and yummy, but very rich, even for this sweet tooth! With full bellies we headed home for a chill for the rest of the arvo. When we got back we found that the Ellis's had turned up. Great to see them again, amazing how all 10 kids can play together with no fighting or hassles. Ton decided that she had to practice on the kids with her face painting, painting all their faces with new designs. Most kids opted for the scary halloween type face paint, whilst a couple opted for the sweet innocence of fairy designs. The photo of all the kids looked pretty cool, most of the older kids getting into character with the scary face thing that l was silently shaking in my boots. By night, the Big Valley owners decided to put on a movie night for the kids. They set it up in the camp kitchen while all the adults went back to chill in peace and quiet.
Sadly, we had had our 5 nights in this relaxing farm stay and it was time to pack up. We would have stayed but the place was booked out for Easter. We could have moved to the paddock for the same price but with no power, so since we had to move either way, we decided to head off with the Cronans to Collie. So loved the farm stay though, wish could have stayed longer. Said our goodbyes to Ton, Cam, Kaz, Dan and the kids and knew we would see them again in the near future. Headed off early morning, another little drive down the road to a cheap camp at Collie overlooking a lake. The farm was great but it was good to be moving again to get closer to pulling up stumps for work again. Even though l love the travelling thing, being a full time tourist can be a little draining. Listen to me, such an ungrateful sod!!!
Bell Xxx
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