Out On The Wide, Wide Open Road, Part Two

After Busselton, our journey took us to a cave.
I don't remember reading about a cave in the trip description.

They found some fossils in this cave; it is implied they found evidence of Woolly Mammoths here though there's no placard for this. More likely, the cave is called Mammoth Cave because it's big. We learn it is a misnomer, as there is a larger cave a little further away.

The cave has a self-guided tour, taking you through far more of it than we saw. What we saw was actually well done: the steps are wide and well lit, the guide had a sense of humour. The first platform is even wheelchair accessible which is pretty remarkable.

The cave is James coloured.

Onward to Cape Leeuwin.
Cape Leeuwin is the most Southwesterly point of Australia. It is also the place where the Indian and the Southern Oceans meet!

As I am my mother's daughter, I read all of the signs. There is a sign explaining about a point where you can actually see them meet. Our Scots guide told us that since most people don't read signs, a couple of local artists got together and made a line on the ocean. This is a lie. That does not stop half the group from looking and telling other tourists about it.

The sign explains how the oceans have different current patterns. This spot of white water had very different current patterns on either side.

This spot has such a sense of place. It is natural and wind swept. The tourist areas are well maintained without being obtrusive. The wind is barely a factor; it is windy because you're on the ocean, but it's not going to blow you over or force you back to the car to get a jacket, or cause you to yell to be heard. It is also a lot closer to the ocean - not as high up - than I expected, given my limited exposure to light houses.

James in two places at once!

We drove on to the actual town of Margaret River. Our Scots guide has made it known he's not keen on bringing people here because, in part, by the time we get there everything is closed. It could also be any other town on the map. The entire region we're in is Margaret River and it is remarkable.

The town itself is a two traffic light town. Not much to report. Cute, I guess.

Margaret River, as a region, is home to many wineries both big and small. There are also many breweries too. We stopped for lunch at Bootleg Brewery and sampled some beer and cider. We also stopped at Sandalford Wines for a tasting. We learned that most of the wines from Australia (this region at least) are blends. Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, for example. This isn't for any fancy trendy reason, more out of necessity: they've bred the vines to suit the growing region.

I have drank more on this trip than I have in the past three years combined.

As we headed back, most of us were sleeping. This had little to do with the alcohol and more to do with how exhausting it was.

Next up: Rotto!