How nice it is to see blue sky again. We are luckier than most I know living in Western Australia, but the last two months there has been so much rain and grey skies. It has also been one of the coldest winters on record. I’m not one for venturing out in the rain unless it’s in the car to a shopping mall. This weekend the weather has been glorious and I’m sharing a small gallery today.
Birds of a Feather
Left- Galah; Right – Heron
I couldn’t be sure of this creature when I first spotted it. I was convinced it was a monkey! But it was an extremely large Black Cockatoo.
I sat outside yesterday morning with my coffee, enjoying the early morning cool weather. I looked up at the sky and wondered if the rain was coming or going. All of a sudden through the haze a rainbow appeared. As I sat in silent wonder, it seemed to become brighter. A lovely treat for a Saturday morning I thought.
This week was the last of the school holidays and I went with Elena and the munchkins to the WA Museum, Boola Bardip. I’ve never been before so was interested to see what was there.
Boola Bardip means many stories in Whadjuk Nyoongar; the Country on which the Museum sits.
A fantastic museum for all ages and takes visitors on an enchanting journey through the ages. There are many exhibits to see and also interactive displays and games for the kids to enjoy.
My favourite exhibitLooking out over the rooftops
We all had the best time, especially as naughty Ninny said yes to a stop in the gift shop!
The rest of my week was spent shopping, a zumba class, dinner with friends and of course Bridge.
I was surprised that Anthony agreed to accompany me to see Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning. What a hectic ride of a film, so many car chases and implausible stunts, I read Tom Cruise does his own! Anyway I enjoyed it especially the scenery, set in Venice and the Austrian Alps. By hook or by crook, I will visit Venice one day. The film went for so long that we missed our restaurant booking but managed to get a table at the next door Indian, Bollywood which was delicious.
Today (Sunday) Anthony suggested a winery in Bickley Valley. About a 45 minute drive from our house and it has been a beautiful sunny day. I chose Plume Winery which has amazing views over the hills and vineyards.
Vista and Views
Not a cloud in sight
Inside the restaurant
Lunch with a ViewCellar DoorPlume PlatterMy ChauffeurPull up a Seat
The Sunset Heritage Precinct is situated just a five minute drive away from where I live. The buildings and area surrounding this precinct have stood empty and derelict for many years. First opened as a Men’s Hospital in 1906, it finally closed its doors in 1995. Even now the old buildings are still closed off with wire fences. However the grounds have now been beautifully restored. The location is just perfect, sitting above the Swan River and surrounded by enormous mansions. I took a walk there the other day to see how it was progressing.
At the start of my walk heading into the precinct
From the above photos you can see how derelict and delapidated the buildings are and all closed off with barbed wire fences.
This whole area has been a bone of contention between the residents and the council for many years. Whether to knock it down or save it. I’m not sure why it is taking so long to finish, if they don’t start soon the buildings will just demolish themselves!
However the grounds are beautiful and it’s a lovely place to take a picnic or just have a wander.
A couple of the photos that have been produced to decorate the wire fences. I’m not sure if the photo on the right is of a wedding or a funeral!
Former chapel A very civilised luncheon partyEnjoy the viewFormer shower cubicle, maybe?Pull up a seat
As it was such a glorious day I headed off down to the beach, there is another staircase on the beach back up to the carpark.
Walking down to the beach I spotted this sign!
The beach edges the river and looks gloriously clear, although I wouldn’t take my chances on a swim here. The jelly fish are everywhere small, large and huge.
Mansions along the riverEnd of the beach when the tide is in
I didn’t fancy my chances of climbing over any rocks with this sign warning me off.
The stairs leading back up to the carpark, with the sun beating down. Actually it wasn’t that hot, a perfect 21 degrees.
At the top of these stairs there are two enormous mansions. I remember when they were being built many years ago.
The Sultan of Johore’s marble clad houseA French style mansion
I hope you’ve enjoyed this historical walk with me and a sneaky peak at some of the mansions that overlook the Swan River.
There’s nearly always a fabulous sunset at Cottelsoe Beach and so we treated ourselves to happy hour at one of the pubs along the seafront.
Chilled Sauvignon Blanc
On Good Friday we were kindly invited to a friend’s place for dinner. The house overlooks the Swan River and the evening was just perfect, balmy with fabulous views and a full moon too. A wonderful way to start the Easter weekend.
