Perth - a corner of heaven

We have now arrived safely in Perth and have been so busy we have not managed to fit in an update of our blog until now!!

Perth is a beautiful city!!! We spent two days in a hotel near Kings Park - the largest park in the world. It is magnificent and has breathtaking views over Perth and the Swan River. We spent an afternoon walking round the botanical gardens and the treetop walk and sat and watched the fountains perform!!

We have also been on a tram round the city which was brilliant - gave us a good idea of where everything was and a very interesting as well as lighthearted commentary about the history of the city!! Gerry the driver was a font of knowledge - we think he must have one of the best jobs in Perth!!! We have also been to the Perth Mint, the Museum and the Swan Bell Tower (one of the largest musical instruments in the world). For a city so remote it has many of the "largest in the world" to its name!!!

We also spent an evening at Gloucester Park watching the harness racing. Very entertaining watching the horses and the tiny carriages with a rider perched on them!!! Bob did quite well at the betting, even though he didn't know to begin with what he was doing (the lady at the Tote Desk seemed to think this would be no barrier to doing well!!!). In fact he did do well (surprise surprise) and managed to win enough to pay for the evening!!

We then spent a day in Fremantle - going there by train (very quick, cheap and on time!!!) and returned by ferry - again with a commentary of what we were passing. The view as we came up the Swan River to Perth was amazing!! Fremantle was interesting, with a big working port and a harbour full of wonderful yachts. There were also two indoor markets with lots of stalls to wander round. We even found a micro brewery near the harbour and felt it our duty to sample the local produce - its a hard job but someone has to do it!!

We have also been hashing with the Bridges H3 group which meets at the local bowls club. Quite a low key hash but very friendly and welcoming. They are having their 800th run next week and have invited us along to the run and the celebration meal afterwards!!

Having spent several days exploring Perth we are now on our way down south to visit Margaret River, its wineries (once again, we will feel obliged to sample the local produce to keep you fully informed!!!), and the local caves!!!

More to follow!!