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“The Wild West(ern Australia)” |
Flew to Perth to check out Western Australia for four days.
Highlights:
Visiting the Perth Mint, where I saw a gold-pouring demonstration, discovered the worth of my weight in gold (about $2.14 million), and held a replica of the largest gold nugget ever found -- "The Welcome Stranger". (Apparently, the largest 25 nuggest ever found in the world were all found in Australia.)
Exploring Kings Park and the adjacent Botanic Gardens. A beautiful, eucalypt-lined street led me into the park, where I enjoyed terrific post-card views of the city skyline, walked the beautiful fairway lawns, and viewed interesting flora such as the kangaroo paw flower. I would not recommend going there the night of Valentine's Day, on your own, as I did. A bit lonely, when everyone else is there with their spouse, girlfriend, lover etc.
Visiting the Western Australia Maritime Museum in Fremantle. The museum houses a number of remarkable boats (that is, the actual, full-size boats are in the building)! Among others, you will find the Australia II and the Parry Endeavor. The Australia II was the first non-US yacht to win the Americas Cup (in 1983). The Parry Endeavor was used by Jon Sanders to circumnavigate the world. Three times. Consecutively. Un-assisted by any other craft. Alone. 657 days at sea, setting numerous world records. Going through the HMAS Ovens, a 300 foot submarine that was de-commissioned in 1991, was also excellent.
Touring the wineries in Margaret River. Only had time for two, which came highly recommended (independently by Frommers, Jules from the backpacker's place, and the visitor's center) -- Leeuwin Estate and Voyager Estate. I especially enjoyed the riesling (and the marron to eat) at Leeuwin, and the gardens at Voyager. Also enjoyed the scenic Boranup drive nearby.
Viewing wild, bottlenose dolphins aboard a cruise at Bunbury. Beautiful animals, I just wish they were more photogenic.
previous travel blog entry
Drew Paton says:
That was pretty rude of that dolphin to flash its blowhole at you like that... but otherwise it seems like it was a pleasant experience. Should you really be manhandling the welcome stranger like that? The goldminer behind you looks like he might be gearing up to kick your ass. I hope you guys were able to settle that without resorting to violence. Anyway man... it all looks amazing. Keep the pictures coming. When you get home can cut your hair like Mr. T's? Please?