Exploring Albany

I woke up this morning and went for a walk along the bay and the river. Mum had already headed off on a walk into town. The bird-life was beautiful - I loved the morning meeting of pelicans on the corner.

After breakfast we headed into Albany to explore. The weather was sunny, though we were expecting rain later in the day. We drove through the beautiful town of Albany and up to the War Memorial lookout. We parked and then climbed the billion steps to the lookout (ok, so maybe not a billion - but it felt like it). This extraordinary memorial was built in memory of the soldiers who fought in the first and second world wars. It particularly commerorates the anzacs who fought at Gallipoli. Albany has an important part of our history as it was the leaving point for the very first fleet of soldiers who went to fight the first world war. Many of these soldiers went on to Gallipoli where they were killed. Albany is also the sight of the very first Anzac Day memorial service. The statue is particularly moving and beautiful.We climbed on a little further from the memorial for some spectacular views of Albany. We were all really surprised by how beautiful this town is.Following the exertion of the climb, we went into Albany for a morning coffee (tea for me) and cake. Those following Uncle John's recovery from his heart surgery will be pleased that he is still trying to keep to a healthy diet. Whilst we enjoyed generous servings of cake, Uncle John went for the smaller version!We went on to do some shopping - new sunglasses for me and a new camera for mum. The price for the camera was so good... Dad got one too (with quite a bit of encouragement from Uncle John).

In the afternoon we had some quite heavy rain. There is a front crossing WA today and it is bringing some cooler weather and rain. The people of Denmark were particularly pleased as their town water supply has run out and they are trucking water in from Albany.

We left Albany late in the afternoon and headed for home. Well actually it wasn't that late when we left, but by the time Dad had taken three wrong turns on a roundabout and driven us over the same street in the centre of town several times whilst trying to work out where to go.... it was late!

Finally, the blokes reckon I might have been a little unfair to them in yesterday's blog. Whilst Mum and I are of the opinion that I have written nothing but the truth.... I will print some pictures of them doing the dishes or something similar as soon as I get the opportunity to take one!