Well its the first day of winter and our last day in Albany. We’ve enjoyed our stay here but we have been disappointed that the main attractions for coming here, have been closed due to C19. There has been a lot of contradictions over what has been or should be closed and unfortunately we’re missing out on a lot of “must see” places or attractions but there’s not much we can do about it other than “whinge”.

Yesterday we took a drive north of Albany to Mt Barker (where Nathan was born, Susan’s youngest) and the Porongurup National Park. Mt Barker was very quiet, basically no movement at all but then it was Sunday, so I suppose that could be a reason under the current circumstances. Then to Porongurup where we had some lunch at a quaint little tearoom. The fresh Pumpkin soup was really good but the Caramel Rum Banana was superb. It’s amazing how you go to a place with out any expectations and come away with a big smile on your face and that was the Porongurup Tearooms.

From the tearooms we drove into the National park and did a couple of the walking trails. I would have loved to have spent more time in the National Park but unfortunately we didn’t have the time to do so. We had a date with Susan’s ex boss when she lived here in Albany 32 years ago. Mick and his wife Kerry welcomed us with open arms and we had a great couple of hours with them, once again wishing we had more time.

Today we took a quick drive out to Nanarup about 30 K’s east of Albany. Basically its just a beach but it had many surfers there and once again we found ourselves at another of the fabulous surf beaches scattered all over the south west of Western Australia. We leave Albany tomorrow for Pemberton, then onto Busselton before getting to Perth next Sunday.

I’ll leave you with a saying that you might recall from TV hit show, Hill Street Blues back in the 80’s. “Be careful out there”!