Jan, Rose and I walked to Ellen Cove on Middleton Bay. We walked through the city for quite a bit in the city and then finally along the bay.

We passed these great rocks along the way.

I enjoyed the views along the bay.

I even saw another black skink. They must be everywhere.

We passed a tree that had birds flitting around it.  I wish I could have sat there for 10 or 15 minutes to get a good photo.  See if you can find this Holland Honey Eater on the branch.

When we reached Ellen Cove, I had to take my shoes off and put my feet in the Indian Ocean. There were great seashells on the beach.

Lyn had gone to get a massage and met us at Ellen Cove. She drove us to Emu beach for coffee (smoothie for me).

After our treats, I wanted to do the walk from Emu Beach back to Ellen Cove. Rose, Jan, and Lyn went to the National ANZAC center where they each were able to take on the character of one of the men who was in the war.

My 3.3 km walk back along the beach was wonderful. For most of the time I was able to walk in the water and pick up shells.

I thought this sponge was very pretty.

I took a different route than we had used getting to the beach to get  back to our house.  It was along a lovely street and landscaping of the houses along the way was beautiful. I sure wish I could grow these plants at home.

 

On the way back I passed a sign that said, “The Old Farm, Strawberry Hill.” So I stopped to see what was there.

This is what I learned:

It was the very first farm in Western Australia.

• It was a government farm 1827 – 1832. This land was designated as best for growing vegetables and fruit, essential for preventing scurvy at the New South Wales penal settlement established at King George Sound in 1826. Maize crop grown in 1828 is thought to be the first agricultural crop sown in Western Australia.
• Original people lived in a small wattle and daub cottage in 1833.   A new granite house was completed in 1836. Between 1889 and 1962 additions were made and the house was restored.

I am really glad that I did the extra walking. In about 6 more days, I need to be prepared to walk Cradle Mountain which will be about 12 km per day on much more difficult terrain.

When I got back to the house, Jan, Lyn, and Rose were still at the museum.  I had a very difficult time getting the lockbox to open so that I could get into the house.  When Jan, Lyn and Rose returned, they said it was a wonderful place.  I made myself a quick-lunch, did some laundry and enjoyed some time reading my book.

We splurged for dinner and went to Lime 303. Rose had found it in the book. I had a fantastic soup and salad and our Merlot was wonderful.

We hope to see Erin Saver in the morning when she has finished the Bibbulmun.  It will be so interesting to talk with her.