East of Perth now

Driving thru the Perth foothills, we came upon this group of motor scooters.  Talking to the owners we found out that more than 300 of them, from around Aust, overseas and NZ were here for their annual get together.  Many of the scooters were in fantastic condition.  They were parked up in the courtyard of a very old hotel and we could hear lots of cheers from the bar.  We then realised it was the Grand Final on.  Didnt know what was happening, werent sure if the cheers were for the Magpies or Cats.  So glad to return to the bus later that night and find out the cats won.

This is the town of York.  For those at home, think Daylesford.  We stumbled upon it accidentally and wished we could have stayed for days.  It was Sunday afternoon, apparently it almost shuts down on Mon/Tues and is then a thriving tourist hub the rest of the week.   Prob. 1 and 1/2 hrs from Perth.  Lots of great shops, heaps of heritage buildings.  A definite place to return to.

Having a picnic by the Avon River in Northam when this little fella joined us in the Park.  He peed himself something chronic when I pulled out the camera and stalked him.

We discovered this place in the hills.  As we approached it, we could see a football field, a train line, a ferris wheel, carousel, water slide, old stone castle like buildings, life sized greek statues,  lots of columns, etc.  We wondered what it was.  The sign said Alexander the Greek Church.  Apparently its some Macedonian man's own home.  He created a paradise for his son, who then, sadly passed away at 17.   He has remarried and has a young daughter now.  He just keeps adding on to this house, much to the Councils horror,  and does hold church services (we think) there.  Lots of cars coming and going as we checked it out.  I think he might be nuts.

We are now leaving Kerry & Rons home and going to start our journey east to Kalgoorlie.  A trip to Northam yesterday and we discovered everything closed.   Woollies, Coles, Subway, the tourist info centre and even the servo. Apparently thats common in WA.   We hadnt struck it before.  Northam is a largish town with a big population of tourists here to see the Avon Valley, the heritage buildings and the Avon river.  Strange.