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Moore River - Revisited

30th November 2016 - 15th March 2017
( back and forth )

Well, we just about ended up being locals! Have to admit, Moore River got under our skin. It would be easy to live here, in this relaxed, beautiful town. Mike & Margo, Ally, Will & Letisha, Maggie, Bob & Linda, Cookie, Rick & Janeane and not forgetting Clive! just to mention a few, made us feel part of the community.


Great time on the river with Margo and Mike.


Mike is a member of the Moore Men's Shed. They made a stunning timber table, which we took to a wholesaler in Fremantle to be sold. Another great day in Freo and more yummy lunch!


Loading up .


Superb piece of timber, and perfect finish.


Offloading.


After our 3 week jaunt around the Margaret River Region, we returned to do a house and doggy sit for Maggie. It was a tough decision....could we cope with almost 3 weeks overlooking the river and beach????


The little cottage in the middle was home. Many, many hours spent on the deck soaking up the ambience!


Long shot view. Not a bad pozzie.



The Moore River is spring and rainwater fed. Every now and then it gets too full, and the mouth breaks into the ocean. Much excitement for kids and adults floating down the rush.


Our daily dinner view.


Hours spent watching the passing parade on the river. Cookie and his tour boat.



Foggy morning.




Not a bad front yard!


And glorious sunsets every night.






Most people who know us would find it very amusing that we would be doggy sitting, having never owned a pooch. However, after establishing the ground rules i.e. Dez was in charge of feeding, poos, and administering Zach's medication, all went smoothly!

Maggie entrusted us with her beloved standard poodles, Zach and Bella. Poor old Zach at 14 years old was not in the best of shape. Arthritis in his hips, diabetes just to start. Such a lovely old gentleman of a dog. And then there was Bella. Much younger and full of life.

Most days began with a walk on the beach. Well....a slow stroll for Zach, and a lot of fetch the ball for Bella.


The regal Zach.


The energetic Bella.


Time for a drink.


In the afternoon, at drink o'clock, we would sit up the back yard and play fetch down the side of the house. Perfect way to exercise Bella without any effort at all!!!




Clean Up Australia Day and we pitched in with Mike, Margo, Ally, Bob and a few others. We were designated the river. Tough job being out in the boat for the morning!


Ally doing her bit.


Margo and Ally hauling in rubbish from the river.


Massive piece of plastic!


A clamber up the sand dunes to collect rubbish at the top. Stunning view of the Moore River on a perfect day.






Dez and Bob in the other boat.

A visit with Margo and her happy, chappy, grandson Caleb.




We missed visiting New Norcia on our way south from Geraldton, so set out for a day trip.

New Norcia is a Monastic Town. Run completely by monks established in 1847. A fascinating town, full of buildings that were once occupied by many monks, and workers.  There is lots to say about the town's history, so if you are interested click on the link.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Norcia,_Western_Australia


The Church


Inside the Church. Very simple.

While in the church one of the Brothers came in to give a demonstration on the organ, and have a chat. A really nice young man. And very talented pianist / organist. He actually studied music before entering the brotherhood.

In the Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity is a large German organ, built in 1922 by Albert Möser of Munich, with 34 speaking stops. It has 80 pipes.





Another of the old buildings.


The Monastery where 11 monks still reside.


The monks private courtyard. Very peaceful setting, but no entry.





Back in the olden days the brothers did everything themselves from making wine, bread, bricks. All manor of manual labour. There were a few relics about the place.  A basket press for making wine.


This contraption was for making soda soft drinks and bottling.


I love a wonder around old cemeteries.


View from the top of the rise overlooking the Abby Church and Monastery.


The Hotel. Built in the 1920's. Beautiful inside, and luckily enough had a very nice restaurant!


Sticky ribs for Dez, spicy wings for Bev, and some bruschetta to share. Delicious!


A tasty tipple to take away.

A very interesting day. Albeit rather warm.



Not far from Moore River is Yanchep National Park. Time to put the walking shoes back on and go exploring.

The Park is old school, with acres of lush, beautiful grounds. A couple of good walks, and some beautiful old buildings circa 1920's.


Flocks and flocks of black snub nosed cockatoos.


Beautiful shady grounds.


The beginning of the wetland walk.




Nice easy circuit to get back into walking.


Local wildlife.




Grass Trees grow in abundance in southern W.A.


Even cute and cuddly koalas.




And lots of different ducks.



A long neck turtle.


Black snub nosed cockatoo.


One of the lovely old buildings.


Lunch in the Tea Rooms before a tour of the Crystal Cave.








Great day!

But all good things must come to an end. Maggie came home from Bali, and the Eagle cubby house is all packed and ready to take off.

The very lovely Maggie hosted a magnificent Italian feast to thank us for looking after Zach and Bella. We invited some 'new' friends. A fabulous last night in Moore River.


 Dezzi and Maggie. A bit blurry, but I just love those smiles.


Italian buffet feast. Dez, Mike, Maggie, Cookie and Jim.


So much delicious food.



.......and farewell Moore River.

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