Star Date 1st August 2024
The mornings were quite crisp so the fire was lit whilst we fed the birds and had breakfast. We had word that the Markets were on this morning. Nothing like the word “Markets” to wet the palate so the plan to go to Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse took a slight deviation to the local school grounds for the Markets. A short drive to the other end of the village and there it lay – the Markets – a collection of all strange things and smells a bit like early explorers we lay anchor in the crowded carpark and moved amongst the natives. There was a lonely busker plying his trade before an uncaring audience wound up in the goods on sale. Now I tired very quickly – once around the tents was enough. So I became the buskers sole fan but I was soon joined by Dale and we sat patiently like dogs on a lead waiting for the madam to return.
Once the shopping flea had been scratched the girls returned to collect us and on the road again.
On our way to the lighthouse we had a few other points of interest to visit and the first of these was Canal Rocks – a rocky headland outcrop with interesting formation and wind weathered rocks. The wind was strong but the rocks tell you how strong they can get.
It was still early by the time we arrived at Cullens Wines Cellar Door and vineyard. Our thoughts ran to a hot coffee and a bun but the cellar door was under renovation and the staff disinterested so we basically looked around and moved on.
Next winery Vasse Felix. Founded by Dr Thomas Cullity in 1967, its first vintage in 1971, David Gregg appointed winemaker in 1973, the Gregg Family acquire the vineyard in 1984, and the vineyard and cellar door were acquired by the Holmes a Court Family in 1987 and remain the owners today. The cellar door is picturesque and the top of the range in Australian cellar doors. The entrance is manicured with a large well maintained carpark so much so that an odd looking home made vehicle stands out like a sore thumb. Sculptures decorate the entrance walkway with gracious trees and landscaping – the carpark is worth visiting!
Stepping inside is an experience in its self. There is a gallery behind the enormous doors shown below and only two chairs to sit an admire the art. There is a cellar of the very best Vasse Felix wines above which is the wine tasting area and cafe and outstanding pieces of sculpture and art then upstairs is the restaurant exuding an opulence of elegance with an Australian flavour. The dining room was full of guests and I felt like a pervert spying on them so I declined to photograph the dining room. As we left we were followed by birdsong.
Finally time to return home but not before we visited Cowaramup; a village just up the road from Margaret River paying homage to the dairy cow. These fibre glass cows and calves adorn the footpaths and shop fronts throughout the village adding significantly to the character of the place. The pharmacy was particularly caught up in the mad cow disease.
There were a number of shops we had to visit and fortunately 1 was the French bakery where we obtained lunch then a Curiosity shop (I found it curious we were in there) and the sweet shop – I missed that having been caught up in curiosity. We were now close to our home and the fireplace and bottle of wine was calling – no sorry that was the birds for their afternoon feed.
We will be back on the road tomorrow this time going to the most south-westerly point on the mainland Australia.
December 2024
glendon1954 