We woke this morning to intermittent rain and cold winds. Karen and Kieran headed out for a bike ride and ran the weather gauntlet unsuccessfully.

We were on the way by 9 for the less than 1 hour move east towards Albany. The weather wasn’t encouraging us out for any exploring (not that there was too much to look at anyway). On arrival in town we headed straight in to the visitor info centre and got a plan together for the next couple of days. Today is meant to be the worst weather so have done the indoor activities today and are saving the coastal explore for tomorrow.

First stop was the (indoor) boatshed markets. A small market that was well patronised and had some really interesting stuff. I’m thinking about a 3d printed lampshade with one of my photos on it…..I can order today and it will be ready when we leave on Tuesday.

We then battled the wind and walked back to the vans and relocated to the ANZAC Discovery Centre. The first troop convoy of Australian and New Zealand ships set off from the port of Albany. The centre is very modern with self guided listening stations. We were all given a person when we arrived and we followed their individual war story along the way. It was well done and we spent over 2 hours here. I really enjoyed reading about the transport of the horses. Only one of the thousands that were sent over was brought back to Australia and his hoof was mounted at the centre. The elevated views from the building over the water were incredible when you could actually see them.

Still not wanting to spend more time than necessary out in the bitter weather we were enticed in to the Garrison Restaurant next to the centre by the smell of a toasty wood fire. We made it in 9 minutes before the kitchen closed for orders at 215 and enjoyed literally the best meal out I’ve had in years. Absolutely amazing gnocchi and sauce and Bob raved about his lamb papardelle as well. We shared a dessert to be decadent 🙂 – which anyone that knows me will know I never do!

We made it to the caravan park before 4, unhitched and set the washing machine going. With the weather here the dryers will be getting a run for the next couple of days. While I was getting a head start on the blog and had the washing machine on continuous drip feed Bob headed out to get some groceries sorted before the grocery stores shut at 5 on a Sunday! It is a long weekend in WA so tomorrow could be a bit lean for shop availability as well.

Blogging early today as there is next to nothing to report as well as we are all heading out to see the new Leonardo deCaprio movie tonight for our first night in civilisation for 8 nights. Looking forward to it.