Perth - a livable city and some great news re our stolen house

Perth is beautifully situated around Swan river and has a population of 1.6 million people in the metropolitan area. The Swan River is Perth's natural heartbeat - the city's location right on the river banks makes the capital very beautiful. The view of the river and city from Kings Park is among Western Australia's most scenic. City sky scrapers shining against a brilliant blue sky, green parklands and the shimmering blue river combine to create a stunning view which we enjoyed as we spent a big part of Saturday in the park.

Being Swedish I had to take Graeme to Miss Maud's which is a hotel, restaurant and coffee shop with a Swedish flair. They have 17 outlets in and around Perth, a popular and well known cafe in this part of Australia. We planned to stay one night in their hotel but they were fully booked during our entire stay here.

We visited Penguin Island by sea kayak with a guide and another couple and had a fantastic day there. We spotted sea lions and a pelican colony on another island as we paddled across.
Penguin Island had an abundance of bird life, tern colonies, penguins, ospreys and many more.

Very unusual bird on the right, Buff Banded Rail , it cannot fly and we were told it only exists on this Island but that appears incorrect.


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Osprey enjoying his catch.

Our guide took us round the island and we did some snorkeling as well. This was a very different experience compared to Exmounth with colder water and less fish but still very enjoyable.

We are still staying in Fremantle, and like it. It has loads of character and nice restaurants. 
I fell in love with the looks of this B&B in Essex St (who wouldn't). However that will be for another visit.  Reminds me of Tuscany.

We had dinner last night with Graeme Richards, his wife Merryn and 4 children and had a great time. We met Graeme and his son in Adelaide River (NT) as we were traveling and then we caught up and had dinner in Katherine  together. We are forming new friendships with people as we travel and are really enjoying this aspect of our journey.

Foot Note: Graeme Richards is on his way around Australia again !!! and is due at our B&B in June 2011

The Richards clan

The bike was serviced by Fraser's, the Harley dealer in Perth, and got new tyres as well. The back tyres were dangerously bald when we got here, but we were unable to find a place to get new ones fitted since we left Darwin.
We have cracks in the tow bar fitting that needs to be welded before we take off. Graeme blames me as he think I am carrying too many shoes!!


We continue to explore Churches as we go and this Sunday we visited C3 Fremantle, which is a City Church and they made us feel really welcome - a "home away from home". 

We have moved between two locations of Bed and Breakfast with the same owner. We are currently in this one.

Advent is here and this beautiful ornament on a Fremantle building reminded us about Christmas, which will be here before we know it.


Last but not least IMPORTANT NEWS
The police raided a property about 10 km away from our block of land. They found our portable home and most of our outdoor furniture and equipment.  This is not short of a miracle as months have passed, and is an answer to our prayers. The person/s had a lot of other stolen goods including a Harley, another caravan worth $100,000 and a car on the property as well and will finally be brought to justice. GREAT! (Marie-Louise will be in court to make sure).


We are still missing all of our personal things, like Graeme's much loved Harley vest, all our jewellery, passports, original documents, photos journals and more. However we are very grateful for what they did find. Justice must now run it's course and it will take months until we can retrieve our found possessions.

Foot note: we have had one day in court along with 7 other victims and the case has been adjourned till July 2011 .I had to hold onto Marie-Louise she wanted to take the scum bag out.