Star Date 30th July 2024
We were staying approximately 70m from the main street of Margaret River Village in an old looking cottage that has been modernised. It is on a brick base which forms a basement with a carpark not built for a Landcruiser and above is the front deck leading into a very small living room with fireplace, small dining area, a small galley kitchen, our bedroom which only just fits a double bed, a short hallway leading to the bathroom and back door where a porch brings you onto the back yard probably 3m wide. Here stand the chopping block for the fire wood to be split. The house is surrounded by trees. Of particular interest is the avocado tree which has fruit on it but without a ladder very much out of reach fruit. Of a morning and evening pink and white Galahs, pigeons and an occasional kookaburra come to be feed on the front deck, a ritual created by everyone who has stayed here and perpetuated by the landlord providing the seed. The house has a loft and this was the domain of Dale and Zdravka – two bedrooms and a bathroom.
We had brought some beverages to put in the fridge so after lighting the fire which I kept adequately stocked with split logs, we would feed the birds turn on the TV (the Olympics was on) and have some refreshments with the birds scrabbling away on the deck to get their fair share of seed. Of course there was spillage and that brought a local chook to pick up the scraps. Here are a few photos of the birds and one of the house.
Now its all very well to have an itinerary but following it can some times be difficult as we were about to find out. Despite the best laid plans, we were going to Cape Naturaliste lighthouse. Then onto House of Cards Vineyard, Vasse Virgin, Fishbone Japanese inspired dining, and Margaret River Chocolates but we did not know that nor did the driver. The lighthouse is north of Margaret River village but well worth the drive. You may have noticed the french twist on the name of the cape. Cape Naturaliste, in the south west of Western Australia, is the site of a lighthouse which was activated in 1904. The tower, positioned on a 100 m high bluff overlooking Geographe Bay, was constructed in 1903.The lighthouse is constructed of limestone quarried from nearby Bunker Bay, which was also known as the Quarries.
The French twist comes from French explorer Nicolas Baudin, after his ship, Géographe. The bay was named in May 1801 and is a wide curve of coastline extending from Cape Naturaliste past the towns of Dunsborough and Busselton, ending near the city of Bunbury. Geographe Bay is in the south-west of Western Australia, around 220 kilometres (140 mi) southwest of Perth.
It is a 20-metre-high (66 ft) cylindrical tower built of limestone that still uses its original first order Fresnel lens made by Chance Brothers. Another precious lens optic is displayed there, the second order Fresnel lens of the Jarman Island Light, as well as the original Great Sandy Islands beacon. Both items were originally used on the Pilbara coast further north.
The entrance leads us through the original lighthouse keepers dwelling and other out buildings which now contain a museum and of course the gift shop.
The handset as seen being used by Kerry is in fact a recording of the ship wreck of the Carnarvon Castle in 1907. It is a chilling re-enactment. The lighthouse is not the tallest nor the brightest light but in this setting it gives a romantic/heroic feel to the whole area.
We then returned to the car planning to visit Vasse Virgin home of the olive shampoo but memories got in the road. Driving along Kerry and I recognised a favourite winery of our last trip over here – House of Cards. As we drove in an air of despair came in through the window. It looked sad and unkempt. Its neighbour the chocolate shop was gone and everything looked tied except for the smart looking restaurant behind the cellar door. The cellar assistant told us that the winery had changed hands many years ago (just after our visit) and it had lost its glitter. So we visited the restaurant it being that time of day. Oops forgot my cheque book – a touch too rich for us. Moving along to Vasse Virgin, we entered a beautiful row of trees either side of the entry.
Vasse Virgin is a factory with a gift shop attached. Here they make Kerry’s favourite shampoo and conditioner using olive oil which has been a real find for her treating her psoriasis. Whatever else they do does not matter – Kerry pulls out her bulk containers and says “Fill ’em up”. So I have a look around and whilst it is quite impressive and obviously successful its all girlie stuff – No Sale.
Hunger has grabbed the attention of Dale who having heard the words”Japanese style dining” is looking for “Fishbone”. We find Margaret River Chocolate Company but across the road there hiding in the bushes is Fishbone. Well I have been off my food and the thought of any food was not appealing but in we go. Not only is it a restaurant but its part cellar door and distillery – something for everyone. The 165-acre Fishbone estate is a picturesque expanse of gently sloping hills, falling into the Wilyabrup brook. Against the backdrop of the vineyard, is a fresh, refined and elegant Japanese restaurant. The food is excellent and we grabbed a bottle of wine and bottle of gin.
The chocolate company was identical to the same named establishment in Margaret River so we did not spend much time there. We decided to call it a day and pulled up stumps. Home for the fire and more Olympics.
November 2024
glendon1954 