Albany was first settled in 1826, two years before Perth. Not only does Western Australia's first white settlement boast one of the best natural harbours in the world, it has within it's boundaries spectacular coastal scenery, perennial rivers, dense Karri forests, rich farmland and the state's most temperate climate.
Albany is 480 kms south east of Perth on a stretch of coast which looks out to Antarctica, several thousand kms to the south.
We arrived in Albany to a nice cold and windy day, but we pulled into the Big 4 Caravan Park at Middleton Beach and our spirits lifted.
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| The boardwalk overlooking Middeton Beach |
What a great little park, right on the beach front and it is quite small and cosy. There is a lovely pool and spa (a bit too cold for us though) and a large games room. Jeff and Laurie couldn't resist a game of table tennis.
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| Laurie and Jeff exploring the area |
What a beautiful town, set on a breathtaking bay with a wild rugged coastline. We took off to explore the town and were surprised how lovely it is with lots of heritage buildings. But so far away from everything.
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| Part of the Albany coastline |
We only have a day or so here so we managed to do a few of the touristy things - Anzac Hill gave us a panoramic view of the whole town and bay with all of it's granite islands, plus we had a good drive around the city and surrounding areas.
Friday 5th September - Lorenzo Erle's 70th Birthday.
Birthday Breakfast - We joined Laurie and Jude for coffee in the early morning and presented Laurie with his 'Birthday Poem' , which I won't bore you with here, needless to say we all had a good chuckle over it.
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| Reading his 'Birthday Poem' |
Birthday Lunch - We also drove down to Emu Point, a lovely little seaside village to the Emu Point Café, for a Birthday Lunch, and then a nice long walk along the beach with it's beautiful white sand and turquoise waters, as you guessed it the weather is much nicer today, back up to 21 degrees.
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| Birthday Brunch |
Birthday Happy Hour - Champagne and nibbles at the caravan park. Jude had brought along a special bottle of Moet Champagne for us to celebrate this very special occasion, it is not every day one reaches seventy years and still looks and acts so young.
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| He doesn't look 70, does he? |
So we all toasted Laurie, and all really enjoyed the bubbly.
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| Please join me my dear! |
Of course we needed a photo to commemorate the occasion, and we all had a good laugh at Laurie setting up the camera to take a remote photo.
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| Cheers! |
Birthday Dinner - The Venice Italian Restaurant - We had a fabulous birthday celebration dinner at the wonderful Venice Restaurant. There was a great atmosphere and great food.
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| Cheers to the birthday boy! |
The owner, Guy, once he found out it was Laurie's 70th, made it extra special by joining us at the table throughout the night to join in the celebration.
He was on hand to take photos, he brought out a large slice of grand marnier cake, with a candle, for us to share, and he even gave us complimentary shots of Frangelico, even though he wasn't licensed.
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| I made a wish! |
He also gave Laurie a shot of Sambucca to have with his coffee. Chatting to Laurie, Guy told him of a bottle of strange Italian liquor that he had been given by a friend, he then brought it out for Laurie to identify for him.
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| This is 90% proof!!!! |
Laurie recognised it immediately as 'Goccia Imperiale' a very strong Italian liquor, in fact it was 90% proof. Laurie, Guy and Jude all had a shot each, in fact Laurie had more than one.
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| MMM!! MMM! |
We are so glad he wasn't the designated driver tonight.
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| Have I really had that many? |
We all toasted the birthday boy, and all agreed it was a great night to finish off a great day with great friends.
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| Good food, good wine, great company - Cheers! |
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