Swiss National day and Duncan spent the day still working trying to restore all our digital Photos, he did a fantastic job, but it took him well over a week to do it. Michelle flew out to Australia on the 6th, unfortunately Duncan had to stay home in Switzerland working. She was able to stay at Jenny's place, she really enjoyed having cats to spoil. The next day Michelle went to Fremantle to meet Dan after his morning classes. They had fish and chips at Ciserellos just for old time sake. It was nice to see where Dan studies at the Notre Dame University we used their computers to plan their 4 day trip round the southwest. The drive down to Pemberton on the Friday was very wet, but every time we go out of the car to see or do something it stopped raining. It was cold at night about 1C but the day time temperatures ok. The trees down this way are huge, we were going to climb Diamond tree, but the ladder up to the top of the look out was very slippery. Saturday we did the Valley of the Giants and the Treetop walk at Walpole, a suspended walkway through the forest about 40m up in the air. The scenery was fantastic once Michelle stopped looking down. We Continued on to Augusta, but not the shortest route as a wrong turn involved a 60km detour. We arrived at dusk so settled into a pub next to the fireplace for a pleasant evening. Sunday was exercise day, we started the morning with a tour of the Cape Leewin lighthouse (all 11 stories) the Lighthouse keeper who did the tour was a really interesting and told story after story, we could have listened for hours. Next stop was the Lake cave with 14 flights of stairs, again an amazing tour guide and fantastic things to see. The continued our way up to Busselton stopping at lots of places on route, including Canal Rocks Dunsborough, Hamelton Bay and Cape Naturaliste lighthouse . We watched and amazing sunset at the lighthouse, because we were there so late, we even saw a Kangaroo in the wild. Monday morning was the 140-year-old Busselton Jetty, measured at 1841 metres, and is the longest wooden jetty (pier) in the southern hemisphere. We hopped our way up the coast and back to Perth, Dan had classes the following day so couldn't be too late getting back. Michelle cat and House Sat for Jenny whilst she was in Melbourne visiting her Mum. Michelle took the opportunity to catch up with some old friends, She surprised Kylie by just turning up on the doorstep unannounced, then got lucky with the Phone book and found Amanda on her first try. She had lunch and a pleasant afternoon in South Perth with Jacqui and Tess, and a lovely day with Gisella and Peter. Then she visited her Aunties and Uncles living in Perth. Duncan was up to something really interesting back home. He walked up to a glacier in Valais to be a part of the Spencer Tunick and Greenpeace event. He was one of over 600 people who posed naked on the glacier to raise awareness about global warming. The Photos are really amazing, he said the atmosphere amongst the people taking part was really special. It was a very long day, as he left home before 6am and didn't get home again till later at night, but from what he has told well worth the effort. Dan and Michelle did a great tasting day through the swan valley including tasting at 3 wineries, 2 breweries, a chocolate and a cheese tasting, the day should have also included ice cream and nougat but they were closed. Michelle went up to visit Aunty Glen and Uncle Ray, plus the kids and grandkids. Its amazing to meet a whole new generation. The last weekend in Australia was really busy, with Michelle joining Jenny for a cycle ride then followed by an amazing vegetarian cooking class, followed by a big family get together. Sunday was spent in luxury up at the Revolving restaurant for lunch followed by a fantastic Circus evening. Monday was spent packing and a leisurely day at various beaches before a nice last evening meal of Thai Takeaway with Jenny and Dan. The flight home was uneventful. Duncan surprised Michelle by meeting her at the airport.
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