With Gary’s 70th birthday locked in we headed to Margaret River from Albany with a view to loop back around to Augusta, Walpole and Denmark. On our drive to Margaret river we stopped off at Manjimup for lunch and lots of fun in the park and on the slides.
We stayed at the RAC Nature Park, where we had power and water but fair bit of dirt and March flies. Only 2km out of town via hiking trails the park was right on some of the MTB trails.
On Tuesday morning we decided to make the most of the great weather and rode our bikes out to Gnarabup Beach with coffee at White Elephant Cafe. Apparently this is the beach where a lot of people Open Water swim, but we were not inspired with a fair bit of seaweed and fairly rough conditions.
Tuesday afternoon we had wine tastings at Walsh and Sons, very informative tasting at Jarvis Estate with Ulf before finishing the day at CBCo Brewing.
Wednesday morning we walked 2-3km into Margaret River through Wooditjup NP for a wander around town. On the way back we dropped into Margaret River Brewing to check on the booking for Gary’s 70th the next day. That afternoon Mark and I went to find another beach and explored a rough 4WD track to Kilcarnup Beach.
While we were out, Team B (Bradby’s and Turners) arrived at Margaret River with a fun night catching up … Gary none the wiser about his surprise birthday celebration the next day.
Thursday 23 March was Gary’s birthday. With no idea where we were taking him we headed to Cape Mentelle wines for wine tasting. As Gary’s family were surprising him for lunch, we then added in Xanadu Wines before heading to the Margaret River Brewing where his family and friend were waiting in surprise. He had no idea and we all had a great afternoon celebrating. As night descended we headed into town to find a restaurant via the hotel settling in for dinner for 16 people at La Scarpetta Trattoria. A great day and night celebrating Gary’s 70th.
