Some time the next day

We're not really sure whether it's night or day by the time we land in Manchester. A short transit in Doha means that we can at least shower and freshen up before boarding the next plane for the 'shorter' 7.5 hour flight but it still adds up to a very long journey.

Manchester Airport turns out to be quite a disappointment as the intended stop at Duty Free  just isn't possible. Surely it must be the only international airport without a Duty Free in Arrivals? To be honest there is nothing at Arrivals except blank walls and monotony. Walking out of the terminal we're at least met with a sunny warm afternoon. There is a wait to collect the hire-car but before long we find ourselves engulfed by busy traffic on the Manchester ring road... A quick correction so that we're actually going in the right direction on the ring road(!) soon sees us navigating a rabbit warren of streets near Russell's house. 

The grim old buildings that line the main road conceal a pocket of new builds. We turn into the estate to find neat rows of beautiful new houses and at last... at the end of the street, a grassy bank and the welcome front door of Hilary and Russell's house. A warm welcome, a comfortable room to install our things and later ourselves, and an afternoon spent catching up while sitting in the soft folds of a nice sofa. The inevitable veil of drowsiness starts to fall across both our brows and our astute hosts usher us to a very early supper and then to bed. And so our first day in the UK comes to a close at 7pm. The long dusk is only just starting but we're totally oblivious to the light that creeps into the room. For now it is only weariness from jet lag and wonderful wonderful sleep.

A holiday... at last!

It has been a very long time since any holiday anywhere but I start the trip a little worse for wear. Fatigue from a busy few months, adrenaline pumping away all weekend from the graduation ceremony, and a possible virus mean boarding the plane feeling quite awful. 

BUT the fact we're flying Business Class this time (a special treat) gives me plenty to smile about. Lounge access before boarding, a personal pod on the plane with every comfort (plush blanket, pillow, pyjamas?! Wow), personal attention from cabin crew, on-demand dining... one could get very used to this.

Flying in comfort for a change

More than a seat... it's a personal pod

It is 11pm when our flight takes off and it is not long before seats are transformed into lie-flat beds, draped in a nice spongy mattress. For the first time maybe ever(?) I actually manage to get a few hours sleep on a plane. We take off into the inky blackness towards Doha and home recedes more and more into the distance as the hours slip by.

Postscript

And in case you're wondering whether Ross ended up buying that antique....

No he didn't.

Deep blue

It's a very cold morning but the sunshine promises a glorious spring day. We know there's a storm on its way though and it's due to cross the capes by lunchtime, so immediately after breakfast we hastily make our way along Caves Road to Dunsborough and onwards to Cape Naturaliste. We arrive at Eagle Bay and the sea glitters.

Storm clouds on the horizon

We park at nearby Gannet Rock and walk the short distance to Point Picquet and back. 

At Point Picquet

And Ross too

From there we continue along the track to Meelup Beach. It's an easy track through coastal scrub, alive with flowers and nectar feeding birds like honeyeaters darting through the foliage.

Walking through coastal scrub

Meelup Beach

When we reach Meelup Beach the sun is still shining and the turquoise waters are calm and sedate. So we venture further along the track on a slightly longer section towards Castle Rock.

Dramatic landscape on the way to Castle Rock

That's Castle Rock at the edge of the bay

We pass quite a few walkers on the trail and notice that they're all wearing raincoats. Of course we were similarly well prepared and brought our rain jackets too ... but opted to leave them in the car (way back at Gannet Rock) since the sun was shining and the clouds were so far off shore.... By the time we reach Castle Rock, the sky is looking decidedly mean and the sun has all but disappeared.

Castle Rock

We don't linger. We see the Rock and do a quick about turn. Except for a short stop to photograph some elusive Spider Orchids (which another walker excitedly told us about... we noticed she had her raincoat on too), we power walk back to the car.

Spider orchids

We don't stop at any of our previous stops. We don't stop to smell or even look at any of the flowers. The birds have gone quiet. The sun has gone and the wind picks up. 

But we make it! We feel a huge sense of relief when we reach the car, and not a moment too soon as the sky is heavy and dark. It's very different to when we started our walk!

Overcast skies and a gloomy sea at Gannet Rock where we finished our walk

Safely back in the car we make the short drive to the nearby Bunker Bay Resort for coffee and then wind our way back down Caves Road to Margaret River. We pass multiple wineries along the way and our stomachs start to groan and demand food... but none seem very inviting. Or maybe it's just our tired legs, the leaden skies and the rain. By the time we reach Margaret River, the rain is coming down in sheets. We opt for a light lunch at Sidekick Cafe. It is warm and dry indoors, the staff are impossibly cheerful, and the food is wholesome. Ross even gets to try their famous bagel.

We retreat back to the comfort and warmth of our room for the rest of the afternoon while the full force of the cold front hits. It is a wild afternoon with strong winds and heavy heavy rain. Fortunately there is a short break in the showers ... long enough for us to enjoy some delicious tapas for dinner at Swings Taphouse.

It is a nice meal to finish our short holiday. Home tomorrow but not before Ross formulates his Plan. A return to the antiques shop in the morning to negotiate a price for the clock. If they yield then we return home with it. If not then so be it.

Under ominous skies

It is an overcast morning but warm, glorious sun breaks through the cloud as we head to the Margaret River Farmers' Market after breakfast. Gosh it's the mother of all farmers' markets in terms of high quality regional produce but then we're in gourmet central. We're spoilt for choice and we end up hauling away a bag bulging with olive oil, muesli, honey, jam, nuts, and mandarins. 

We want to make the most of the sunny and warm morning so it's a drive straight back to Prevelly. By the time we get there it is very overcast but fortunately it doesn't rain. Instead it is quite warm and muggy as we walk along the coastal path from River Mouth to the White Elephant Cafe at Gnarabup. It's Saturday morning and the surf is up so the sea is heaving with surfers bobbing up and down in the waves, just waiting for that perfect ride. 

Prevelly under ominous skies

After a coffee at the White Elephant we walk back to River Mouth, past this rather curious looking statue at Surfers Point.

The skateboarding statue that points the way to the surf

We return to Margaret River but it is too early for lunch so we visit a few stores ... including the Antique Shop. A clock catches Ross' eye and there is much looking and pondering, and pondering and looking. We leave the shop after he decides to 'think about it'.

Another restful afternoon spent reading the newspaper and enjoying the utterly beautiful garden, what luxury! Sunshine, flowers, birdsong, contemplation, and time... surely the recipe for happiness. 

Even the shed looks perfect

The green room

Donkey orchids

The temperature starts to drop as soon as the sun goes down so it's back indoors to a warm room. Until dinnertime that is and an absolutely worthwhile journey back into town for a meal at La Scarpetta.