Canning River bushwalk

It was supposed to start at 7.30 am, but I didn’t get myself out of bed in time and arrived at the start point at 7.55 am.  Never mind, the start (and end) was at the Lo Quay River Cafe. This was just opening and appeared to be one of Perth’s favourite breakfast venues. I settled for a coffee and croissant, though everyone else was ordering more exotic platefuls. I couldn’t believe how many more people were arriving to occupy tables inside and out. It’s now on my list to come again.

Lo Quay River Cafe early morning

After my quick snack, I set off in the direction of the “official” bushwalk, thinking I would come across the group sooner or later. I had a rest on a seat to contemplate the quiet surroundings, until I was attacked by a mosquito (and these are rare because of the hot, dry summer we’ve been having).

View from my seat

On the way back to Lo Quay, I was fascinated by the number of jellyfish near the bridge. I was trying to get a good photo of them when all the bushwalkers came past and were surprised to see me.

Interesting information about the location

A cup marks the spot

Sculptures by the Sea

It’s been a few years since I had a look at Sculptures by the Sea on Cottesloe Beach. It was featured on the TV News so that reminded me. I arrived before 9.00 am and it was already busy. What’s more, the catalogue cost $10 and I only had $3 with me.

Looking south towards the groyne

I wanted to see the work of Sharyn Egan, an indigenous artist whose sculptures were designed to resemble native Balga trees. She was holding workshops at the beach where anyone could join in and try their hand at making these waving fronds. It was a bit like “yarn bombing” and seemed to rely on donations of odd balls of wool.

Sharyn hadn’t arrived though others were trying their hand, but I was keen to see the rest of the exhibits before it got too hot. The sea looked very flat and calm and inviting too! (Lucky I had packed my bathers).

Workshop in progress

Pile of finished fronds from yesterday

You can enter

That's me in the mirror!

Made from caps off wine bottles

View from inside

Dustbins

Proposal

Jellyfish??

Another Camino?

I’ve come to the conclusion (very reluctantly) that I’m no longer fit enough to attempt another Camino.

My friend V gave me a newspaper article entitled Camino Lite whereby you could follow the line of the Camino Frances by train and this set me thinking about various possibilities. I know the area well enough to conclude that the train line isn’t the best idea as it doesn’t follow the route closely. Sometimes the bus would be be the better option. Also, at the end of the day I would be meeting pilgrims and wishing I was one of them.

Spain is still calling me, so I’m toying with the idea of a trip around Andalucia by train and bus. My research has included a series on YouTube by Michael Portillo, in which he takes in the major cities like Cordoba and Granada, as well as some places off the beaten track (though these require a car). Portillo himself owns a house in Carmona, which he visits often. I can visualise myself enjoying a cafe con leche  at a pavement cafe and seeing him walk past!

A highlight of my trip will be a few days in Gibraltar. This is a British Overseas Territory which has a strategic position guarding the entrance to the Mediterranean. In my 20’s, when we used to camp all over Spain, I remember stopping the car by a huge fence which blocked entry to Gibraltar. At that time, General Franco allowed no-one to cross the land border. It was closed between 1969 and 1985.

Nowadays the border is open and many Spaniards cross every day to go to work. I want to see this little piece of England with red letter boxes and phone boxes, British plugs and British coinage. Most of all, I want to visit Marks and Spencers to buy a couple of bras! Online shopping for lingerie is just not the same. I hope I’m not disappointed with the selection; I’ve heard that Gibraltarians like to shop in Spain for more choice.

What I’ve learned so far from my research is that Brexit has confused the issue and things are not getting any easier at the border. Sometimes there are long queues and long delays as officials check documents. Tourists often leave their vehicles on the Spanish side at La Linea and walk across. It’s not far, so that’s what I’ll be doing: crossing on foot, that is.

One other (amazing) thing that I’ve discovered concerns dog poo. Because Gibraltar is such a densely packed place, all dogs have to be chipped. If an owner fails to clean up after their pet, the dog poo can be tested for DNA and a fine is issued. Now that is a good idea!

Aerial view of Gibraltar