Mmmmm Margaret River

Margaret River is blessed.  Large expanses of bright green pasture containing rolly-polly sheep or grapevines, bordered by forests of towering karri trees, will greet you as you drive across undulating hills.  The air is crsip and when the sun comes out, the air becomes sweet with nectar. 

It feels different here,....actually I take that back.  It feels really really familiar.  It feels like Olinda, or even Sherbrooke. Mt Dandenong.  It is cool and people are rugged up in handknitted beanies and hiding under funky umbrellas.  The town itself contains buskers and a pot pourri of shops: hippy clothes, surf gear, books, hand crafted gifts, ice cream, souvenirs.

On the outskirts and beyond: wineries, produce, coffee, art and wool!  Is there any better place to be in cold weather??

We are staying at the Big Valley Camp Ground, just out of town.  It is a working sheep farm, and each night, a new flock of sheep are herded into the pens right behind our caravan, ready to be shawn first thing in the morning.

The sheep carry on all night of course, and I find myself smirking as I detect personality in some of their calls, some have a sweet "Baaah", and of course, the younger sheep are more "mm-Baaaa" but the one that gives me the giggles at 3.30am is the old codger whose voice is rough and throaty, and calls out "Bluuuurrrrr" every so often. 

So in 3 or 4 days I haven't had much sleep, but that doens't really matter.  We are spending the days trying new wines at the many local wineries, or at the Settlers Tavern which sells glorious pints of wheat-beer with friendly service and great live music.  And if we're not enjoying a drink, we are certainly enjoying the local food; the coffee house Koffeeworks smells divine, and eating at the Berry Farm is a must - even the salad which sits upon your plate as a garnish is divine; and all ingredients are grown locally.  There is also cheese, ice cream, pickles, jams, venison, fudge, and a kooky bakery, if all that takes your fancy.

The Margaret River Wool Factory is worth a visit if you like big comfy couches, a little friendly natter, and the sound of clicking needles.  The wool is a little pricey, but it is easy to spend an hour wandering the store, touching and squeezing luxurious balls of mohair, cashmere and wool.

And don't forget to visit Patricia Negus' "Chapel of Flowers" where she displays her brilliant watercolour paintings of wildflowers.