22. Wildlife

One cannot visit Australia without seeing a kangaroo or two and this trip was no exception. Just up the road from where we are staying is a large area of parkland which doubles as a cemetery but minus the headstones and it is a haven for wild kangaroos. They are very used to people and therefore we could get up close to them and take some good photographs. The roos are also very partial to any fresh flowers left on the memorial plaques although I'm not sure what mourners think when they see their dahlias being eagerly munched.

Moving onwards we drove to Yanchep  nature park where we could observe much more Australian flora and fauna. Amongst the highlights were koalas, white cockatoos, frogs, kookaburras, galahs, more kangaroos and many early spring flowers. There were warning signs saying to beware of tiger snakes (one of Australia's most deadly), but fortunately they didn't put in an appearance.

The following day we drove southwards to Mandurah in order to take a boat ride out onto the river estuary. Here we could view a large pod of bottlenose dolphins as well as much aquatic birdlife. Much of the land near the estuary is reclaimed and a canal network has been created with the properties on the waterfront being in the luxury category. 

After lunch and before the journey home we took a quick look at our hosts new retirement apartment. This is an upmarket development right on the coast which is currently being rented out until Claire's brother is old enough to retire! Planning ahead!

And now, a couple of asides. Firstly, a claim to fame (or maybe infamy). One of the people we met at the wedding last Saturday is a nephew of Myra Hindley. He is a very young looking consultant obstetrician here in Perth.

Secondly, I have already mentioned how wet and windy it has been since we arrived. In fact, Perth has received its average August rainfall within the first 10 days of the month. We were expecting average temperatures of around 20C and it's actually only been around 16C. We didn't bring warm enough clothes!