This time last year we were reviewing 2019 and wondering what 2020 would bring. We were also just starting to hear snippets of news about a virus in China but, like most people assumed it would never impact us….
We know that 2020 has been VERY challenging for many people. Deaths, illness, job losses, travel restrictions and lost holidays etc., however, we and our family and friends have thankfully remained relatively unaffected, our biggest impact being having to cancel our planned trip to Tassie in June. So, given the ongoing Corona pandemic we truly appreciate the position we’re in and give thanks.
Despite a couple of months working from home and being restricted from travelling, we made the most of our home isolation, doing Facebook run family gym sessions in the lounge, whilst fending the dog away who thought we were all playing the best game in the world. Then, as the intra-state travel restrictions were relaxed, we managed to get away on a trip up through Big Bell, Mt Augusta, the Kennedy Ranges, Gladstone, Kalbarri and Canna, as well as taking a few short trips out to Dryandra and the Wheat Belt.
And, with continued successful government and community management of the COVID situation, we are fortunate to once again get away to Augusta for our annual end of year trip.
WIND!!!! That sums up this Augusta trip in one word.
It’s been verywindy this trip, averaging 45 km/h, with gusts recorded above 86 km/h. At night it’s so strong that we’ve generally chosen to retire to the van to escape it. However, it hasn’t rained and overall the temperature has been ok, so whilst the wind has been really annoying, it hasn’t really stopped us from doing the things we wanted.
I’ll let the following pics illustrate what we’ve managed to get up to on this trip and despite the wind, we’re already booked to come back again next year, all things, including COVID, remaining well.
George somehow managed to get the last bit of the Champagne – Happy much?And, as only a true bogan would, decided to neck it. We’ve raised a monster.A bit of an arty shot – Jacaranda flowers in Nannup.Cool car in front of the old Nannup pub.Some beautifully coloured bark on a Gum Tree in Nannup.The crew after (almost) successfully completing the Augusta par3 golf course. I say ‘almost’ as Rod lost two balls..A Silver Eye enjoying the remains of someone’s jam and scones at the Berry Farm.A Blue Fairy Wren at the Berry Farm.A New Holland Honey Eater at the Berry Farm.Flowers at the Berry Farm.Another arty, abstract pic of flowers at the Berry Farm.A bee patrols his domain at the Berry Farm.Flowers at the Berry Farm.All the girls at the Berry Farm.Harry meeting a goat for the 1st time – Berry Farm.Bocce on the beach – noting that Harry decided the game was all about her and she chased and moved balls around post throw.Me getting pretty excited to be making and drinking Snake Bites – half beer, half cider with a couple of shots of Grenadine (strong red cordial) – YUM.One of the many Bronze Wing Doves around the Flinders Caravan Park.Colourpatch was generally pretty shielded from the wind so we managed to get some swimming in during the trip, including Harry in her new doggy life jacket.HarrySome action shots of Harry chasing her ball on the beach.Some action shots of Harry chasing her ball on the beach.Some action shots of Harry chasing her ball on the beach.Some action shots of Harry chasing her ball on the beach.Harry the poser.HarryA full moon rising through the sunset.The Leeuwin Lighthouse.Swell and waves coming through.The Augusta Water WheelTrees in North Augusta.Early New Year’s Eve shenanigansEarly New Year’s Eve shenanigansEarly New Year’s Eve shenanigansEarly New Year’s Eve shenanigansEarly New Year’s Eve shenanigansEarly New Year’s Eve shenanigansThe 2021 Augusta crew at our joint for New Year’s EveThe 2021 Augusta crew at our joint for New Year’s Eve
Then shit got real…….
You can almost see Harry’s “WTF” thought bubble…
All good things must come to an end, and thus so did 2020 where we eventually made our way to bed at about 2am.
New Year’s Day 2021 was a bit more sedate.
Lunch at Mr Barval, a favourite winery of ours.Our annual degustation lunch with paired wines at Rustico @ Hayshed Hill Winery with Paul & TaniaMe posing for a pic during my Gin paddleThe lovely ladies, Jules and TaniaThe not so lovely men, Budgie and PutterOur after meal aperitifsAnd, on our final day, the girls treated us to a lovely lunch and bottle of wine at Fishbone Winery.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone, here’s to a great 2021!
