Oct 22-28

22nd October Sunday
An unexpected storm developed through last night and about 3am the wind was at its worse.
We had gone to sleep knowing the awning and side privacy screen was out, and unfortunately, we knew we had to brave the wind outside as it was only increasing.
Thankfully nothing ripped, and we slept soundly with the wind buffeting the van, with every window closed as well as the four seasons hatch, one could easily allow yourself to become claustrophobic.
Wagin is very accommodating for the RV community with this part of the showgrounds.
While we were here the offer of free power and water was great as well.

23rd October Monday
Woke up to fog and an overcast morning as we prepared to pack and leave Wagin this morning.
The town after Wagin is Katanning only 30 kms away.
Grocery food and fuel first on the list then morning tea in a park here in town.
Further in the town of Katanning we located a Miniature Railway station a with a playground park, so we tried out a few of the rides. As the sign said to do at your own risk, and we can see why with a lot of the rides very rusted and worn out, but fun all the same.

After Katanning we continued West to Mt Barker, a RV rest spot for 24 hours.

24th October Tuesday
Mt Barker is a town on the Albany highway in the Great Southern region of WA.
A very pretty town with quaint shops and a nice stroll past to check them all out, and we were often stopped in the street to chat. We spoke with a stranger, and as it turned out he also had gone to Redcliffe High school but a different year to Sue….such a small world really.
Our plan this morning is to head to Albany and spend most of the day there sightseeing. What a day it turned out to be, we had done so much walking up into town, over walkways to the jetty and generally everywhere to look at the area.
The van stayed in a very handy central spot, allowing us and Billy to take out time and walk around.
At about 3pm we decided we had better continue to our destination for the night, which was Mutton Island beach where we had been in 2002.

The steep track down was fine and had no issues getting the BT to here.

We enjoyed the beach and watched many locals driving down on the beach, either to do some fishing, relaxing or camping late into the night.
We were mindful of the weather forecast for this part and high chance of rain, so we will do the safe thing, and drive back up this steep dirt track after dinner to the top of the lookout for the night.




25th October Wednesday.
So, this morning we woke up very early, well at least before 7am and moved on just in case the ranger arrived and asked us to vacate this area, as they have been known to do.
Our road trip for today will be to Cosy Corner near West Cape Howe in the Albany region, that extends south off the Lower Denmark road.  Overlooking Migo Island at the South west end of the beach the views are endless. With pristine white beaches, camping facilities(free) we soon find a nice little spot for a few days stay.
Council allow camping up to 7 days here which is fantastic and just a walk to this magnificent beach, what more could you really want.

This afternoon we decide to take a drive into Denmark which is about half an hour from Cosy Corner. We had lunch in a local café called Chilli Lime Salt and the owner was very lovely, chatting to us and wanted to know where we travelled to so far. Billy of course was the star attraction performing tricks for treats or a pat, before we continued a walk through this beautiful sunny part of Denmark.
Sue drove back to Cosy Corner following some dirt roads that bypassed a farm, with machinery that was rolling up hay and one that was wrapping it in plastic. We have really enjoyed seeing Denmark and would love to come back one day for a visit.


26th October Thursday
This morning the weather is bad, wind and rain buffeting the van forcing us to move the van slightly so less pressure on the door and windows.
It wasn’t until midday that the rain slowed down, so we decided to drive into Albany for a lunch out. It was very nice to be out and about even if the rain and wind followed us into town.
We drove up to the lookout in Albany where the National Anzac centre was and had a look. After here we continued back to camp as did the rain and wind.

27th October Friday
Still raining and wind surrounding our camp ground, and looks set in here for a few days yet.
We basically stayed indoors most of today with the diesel heater running just to keep a nice warm temperature. Billy was more than happy to lounge around and do nothing except sleep.
Sue cooked up some delicious treats such as puff pastry savory rolls for lunch and orange yo yo biscuits for afternoon tea.
Tonight, we will again be indoors as is everyone else camping here, with not much happening outside with this horrid weather.

28th October Saturday
The sun is trying to shine through the clouds this morning and the wind is relentless all this morning. The forecast has predicted for wind to increase by this afternoon to 60 knots which should make for an interesting day.
This morning we went into Albany for a few things before returning back to camp by midday.