Yesterday I forgot to write my new word  We walked across “Ovals” to get to Ann’s house.  An oval is grassy area where sports (soccer; cricket, etc) are practiced and played.

We had a relaxing last day in Perth area.  This morning we did some laundry; Jan worked on our reservations in New Zealand; and I organized my stuff for the Cradle Mountain hike.

Rose came over to Jan’s house and we had a great vegetable lunch. Jan took us touring for the last time.

First Jan dropped Rose and I off near Cottesloe beach so we could walk along the ocean for a bit.  We stopped to watch a couple of surfers try to catch a wave.

We passed this sun-dial and tried to figure out how it works.

We also went to Mosman Park along the Swan River for a while.

The Fremantle Arts Centre was very interesting.  The building has been used for many purposes in the past.

• Lunatic Asylum 1861-1908
• Women’s Home + Maternity Training School 1909 – 1942
• US Navel Submarine Depot 1942 – 1945
• Fremantle Technical School 1946 – 1968
• Threat of demolition and restoration 1970 mid – 1980s
• Maritime Museum 1970 – 2009
• Fremantle Arts Centre 1972 – present

We went to the cafe for coffee and juice and then visited the galleries.  The displays were quite interesting.

Fremantle is at the mouth of the ocean. There were large container ships at the wharf near the Maritime Museum.

I copied these words off the plaque near this sculpture that was in front of the Maritime Museum.

“This is a memorial that is dedicated to the Maltese boys and girls who left their homeland to brave an unknown future in West Australia. Hardships were endured; Benefits were derived. The child migrants provided valuable contributions to Australian Society in diverse ways as parents, workers and citizens”

The drive along South Terrace to South Beach was beautiful.  One more walk near the beach before we returned home was needed.  I love the parks and the way the tree trunks seem to be dancing.

We had a farewell dinner at Meekin Thai Restaurant near Jan’s and Lyn’s houses.  Lea (their friend) joined us.

Although we didn’t get to do the hiking that I had hoped to do, we did have had a wonderful time with Jan and Lyn. Perth is a fabulous city with many parks; close to the river and the ocean; fabulous paths to walk.  What a great place to live.

Time to finish packing and get to sleep because we leave at 6:00 tomorrow for Launceston. Our Cradle Mountain hike starts very early the next day. This will probably be my last post until after we complete the 6 day hike.  I was told that there is absolutely no cell or wi-fi connections.  Be thinking warm thoughts for us.  The forecast is for -2 C to 10 C with a bit of sun interspersed with clouds, rain, and even snow.  It should be quite a six-day hike.