27th October 2022
Perth to Myalup
Breakfast at the hotel, then a walk in sunny weather to the Optus Stadium and back before checking out of the Crown Metropol just before 11:00.
Taxi to Welshpool to pick up Avis rental car - a Renault Koleos. When we booked the car I was told that sat-nav would be charged when we picked the car up. After taking advice from Leah we decided not to bother and to rely on Google Maps on our phones, so cancelled the sat-nav option. Of course, the car has sat-nav so we feel very smug we cancelled that option (which wasn't cheap - I think it was about $15/day!) The Koleos is comfortable, the boot takes all our luggage, but otherwise is not particularly exciting. I was expecting 4WD, however the Koleos we have is only 2WD, although this turns out not to be a problem.
In a throw-away comment, the Avis representative says we cannot drive after dark. As I don't anticipate using the car after dark anyway I say this isn't a problem. I later wish I had challenged this, although the only time we needed the car after dark was to drive a short distance to a restaurant for dinner - but it could have been very inconvenient.
On route to Myalup we call in at Mandurah where we park outside the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre (a completely random choice!) and walk across to the Eastern Foreshore Reserve and down to a small jetty where the 'Pirate Ship Mandurah' is 'at anchor'. A simple lunch outside (sunny but breezy) at the Bay Cafe and then round the corner to Botanicals & Co for some flowers for Leah.
A warm welcome awaits us in Myalup. Bruce is at a meeting when we arrive (desalination plant), but Leah greets us like long lost friends and plies us with tea, coffee and home made cookies - I couldn't resist a second. Later Jo shows Leah the family tree chart she insisted on bringing with us. A delicious (and generous) dinner of lasagne is followed by an evening of animated conversation.
