Flower Girls

Pam, Jill and Dee arranging flowers for a dinner with Premier Colin Barnett as speaker. The dinner was at the new Convention Centre in Margaret River and Colin Barnett spoke very well, outlining some of the things that are happening in the region.

Difficult to leave

We had a wonderful stay, it is difficult to leave. Thank you for the delicious breakfast and wonderful hospitality. Loved the room's decor, just my taste and the spa was an added luxury. Thanks Dirk and Pam for a most enjoyable weekend. We will recommend this little gem to our friends. Thanks, Cara and Adam, Perth, 22/11/09

Beautiful Retreat

Thank you very much for your kind hospitality - We have had a lovely stay in this beautiful retreat. Julie and Karen, Perth and Warwickshire, UK. 21/11/09

Forest Stay

Well we wanted a "forest stay" and that is exactly what we got - it was wonderful. Neil McLeod's day tour was a super recommendation - his farm tour to see the "roos" was a lovely extra! Thank you Dirk for your hospitality. Your B&B is really special.  Hazel and Duncan, UK, 20th Nov. 09.

Faboulous Stay

Thanks so much again - we had a fabulous stay. See you again soon. Anne and Brian, Perth, WA. 19/11/09

Anne and Brian spent 3 nights here with their NZ guests Mike and Barb.  They really enjoyed driving through the Boranup Forest with the roof of their convertible down.  They visited many wineries and took home a great stock of wines. A new winery they visited and really enjoyed was Cavalier Crest.

Lovely Location

Very lovely location, and great hospitality, will recommend to my NZ friends coming this way. Mike and Barb, New Plymouth, New Zealand, 19/11/09.

Coy Cows and a Classic Cowaramup Garden

Pam up close and personal with some holsteins that are waiting to get dressed up and perform at the Cow Parade next year

A great group entertained the crowds that visited this Open Garden in Cowaramup.

Apart from beautiful gardens around the house, the property had three dams so there was plenty of water, which made Pam very envious.

Yummy muffins

Thank you so much. Loaring Place has been an incredibly nurturing time for us both. From awakening to the sounds of the bush right outside our doorstep, to the calming classical music accompanying the love-filled breakfast made to order. What a selection of fruits and yummy muffins too!!  Through to an evening spa designed for two. Loved every moment and Dirk, you have been amazing. Cheers for accomodating all our needs and requests. Indigo and Odette. 17 Nov 2009.

Old friends and colleagues

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this very pleasant environment and thanks to Dirk we "met" many old friends and colleagues. Thank you so much! Hennie, Wout and Jurriaan Feijth, 16 Nov. 2009.

Wout and Hennie lived in Seria and Miri (Borneo) and Jurriaan grew up there. Many of their friends from that time moved to Perth and I worked with them at various times. These included Jan Van Niel, Henk Barten and Ho Kiam Fui, but also Douglas Bruce and others.

THE TRUE GOURMET BREAKFAST

We chanced upon this place and are absolutely delighted with this precious find. Dirk's hospitality, friendly Casey and the rest of the crew mad this stay especially memorable and not to forget, the true gourmet breakfast with homemade toast and muffins. YUM! Thank you! Best. Evelyn and Eric, Singapore, 16 Nov 2009

Wallcliffe House Open Garden

Wallcliffe House was built by the Bussells on the edge of the Margaret River very close to Prevelly Beach in 1865.  It has been restored and a new guest wing and gardens have been build by Rose and Michael Chaney. The gardens were opened to the public today (and tomorrow) with funds going to the local FES. Rose took her gardener with her to Europe to plan the new gardens. The Alhambra in Spain was one of the inspirations. The result is one of the best gardens we have ever seen.

Five weeks to get to Brisbane

Had the most wonderful time here. Other guests made pleasant converastion. Great place to stay. Definitely worth a mention to thers. Thank you so much. Carol and Mick, No fixed abode, 14/11/09.

Carol and Mick are kiwis who have made their money in WA, packed there house and put it into storage and now heading to Queensland somewhere to start something new, but also Qld is closer to their grandkids back in NZ.  But they don't want to go back there though.

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day and what a place to remember!  We had a lovely stay and enjoyed all the very helpful hints and stories along the way. Thankyou. Sam, Jess and Libby, Brisbane, QLD, 11/11/09

Pam's Sweet Peas

Pam is very proud of her sweet peas, growing on our table grape trellis. We had to put chicken wire all around the trellis to stop the kangaroos from eating the vines.

Discow beginings

RockSand has started work on her cow for the Cow Parade that will be held next year. At this stage it is all smoke and mirrors but soon will have black patches, fancy feet and alluring eyes. The cow parade will see over 60 cows in many guises located from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin, so you will have to stay at Loaring Place B&B if you want to see them all.

Three days is is far too short

What a nice place to enjoy and live close to nature!  We have been very well looked after and we need to come back soon - 3 days is far too short.  Many thanks!  Kerstin and Hans, Singapore and Sweden, 3/11 09.

Guide dog Casey

Thanks so much for a most enjoyable stay. We particularly enjoyed the walk around the property with our guide Casey. We will certainly recommend Loaring B and B to anyone who is visiting Margaret River. Warmest regards, Brian and Helen, Brisbane, 30-10-09

Tranquil Setting

Many thanks for a warm welcome and loverly stay in such a tranquil setting. We will recommend you to any of our friends who may venture down under. Tom and Caroline, Surrey, UK, 27 Oct 09

“Perfect place to relax and recover”

Because of the bad and cold weather, we decided to go to a b&b-place instead of camping.
Loaring place was a very good decision to stay in - it was beautiful with a very nice room and a spacious living-room to relax, read, write postcards or e-mails (free internet-access) or just to enjoy doing nothing at all. Evelyn and Joachim, 21/09/09. From TripAdvisor.com Oct. 4, 2009.

“Best nights sleep!”

We arrived Saturday afternoon at 3:15 to find the front door open and Dirk and Pam, our hosts, working in the garden. They were both up to their elbows in top soil as they did Spring planting. Dirk checked us in, showed us the house and took us to our immaculate room. We felt comfortable within seconds. It was like we were family. He showed us the features – including the jetted tub, separate toilet and shower and provided a quick talk on their contribution to the environment by collecting the ‘cold water’ from the shower ‘start’ to water the plants outside our patio door. A black bucket is in the shower and we did our part and watered those newly planted flowers the next morning. They do collect rainwater and are very focused on energy conservation. Our room had everything we needed to make it comfortable including a nice heater and dual electric blankets to warm up the bed before we got in. It was chilly out here in the quiet forest. The room was spotless and the bed perfect with a comfortable high end mattress. Dirk provided recommendations on where to go for dinner and what to see in the area. He recommended some very good wineries, one of which wasn’t even on the map. We both had one of the best nights’ sleeps we’ve had in a long time, with only the squawk of Rodney the Rooster waking us up in the morning. There is absolutely no noise from the other rooms even though the B&B was fully occupied. We were the first ones out for breakfast and found a variety of cereals, fresh fruit, yogurt, muesli, tea, juices and ....liquorice allsorts and incredible 'fresh baked muffins' which are always there. It was set up perfectly and offered selections even for those on restricted diets. We helped ourselves and Dirk came out to see how we were doing. Grant finished his cereal and Pam came out to ask him how he wanted his fresh eggs – ‘the hens are laying’. He decided on a mushroom/bacon omelette with toast and was delighted with the result. We were soon joined by the other guests who were also provided with their custom excellent ‘hot’ breakfast selections. As we chatted, the time passed quickly and we suddenly realized it was 10:30. Unfortunately, we had only booked for one night and were heading back up to Perth with clear directions on how to get to the Margaret River Chocolate Co. We’d definitely go back in an instant and certainly stay for more than a single night. Thank you Pam and Dirk!  Grant and Linda, Calgary, Canada, 1/10/09. From TripAdvisor.com, Oct. 16, 2009.

Home is where the heart is

They say "home is where the heart is" - it's a beatuful home with a beautiful heart! Expressions of your heart are everywhere - the garden, the birds and the walks - on the outside. On the inside, the muffins, the omelettes and the family, Amanda, Andrew and Saskia the little jewel.

Thank you for sharing the gems of the Margaret River with us, like the walks and Patricia Negus' gallery and we have appreciated your many kindnesses. Every blessing. Warm regards, Richard and Roxanne, Canberra, 20.10.09.

Cape to Cape Book

A lovely 'surprise' when our original B and B was overbooked! We have very much enjoyed our stay and feel very relaxed. Have appreciated your local knowledge and loan of Cape to Cape book. Thank you for looking after us so well. Dianna and Andrew Smith, UK, 19th October, 2009.

Dianna and Andrew wanted to go for a good walk, after landing in Perth direct from London, getting a car and driving direct to here. They borrowed our book "The Cape to Cape Track Guide Book" and walked from Prevelly, across the Margaret River to Ellenbrook and return (about 18km). Although tired, they had really enjoyed it and after a spa-bath were ready to go into town and have a good meal.

Sarecen Estate Stained Glass

Had lunch at Sarecen Estate with Anne and Joe Hawksworth.  Very pleasant surroundings and good food. I had Bratwurst and Sauerkraut with Dunkle beer. There is a very interesting pagoda with large glass panels with very interesting historical items on wine through the ages, laminated in the glass in a very artistic manner. Our mutual friend John Colley designed the pagoda and the stained glass was done by his artistic friends - the same couple who did the swans at Burswood and the monument on top of Parliament Building in Canbarra.

Rainbow Birds have returned

Spring is in full swing, with our Scarlet Robins building a nest and the arrival of the Rainbow Birds (AKA Bee Eaters). These birds winter in northern Australia and Indonesia, returning each Spring to nest in sandy open banks on the sides of the Margaret River. They make burrows in the sand and nest in the bottom of them, flying out and in at speed so that predators can't see the nest.

B and B vs Tenting

You've made this so easy and relaxing that now we're no longer looking forward to our tent for the remainder of our trip. Thank you for the pleasant stay and the orchid walk. Emily and Tim, Geraldton, 14 Oct 09.

Humungous spa bath - James and Jen

Was absolutely fantastic, breakfast delicious. And I thought your puppy dogs were so very cute. And the spa bath was great, so humungous, and fitted the both of us perfectly, which never happens. The fire place was so cosy too. Could not have picked a better place to share our anniversary. Thanks so much. James and Jen, Stirling and Warramunga, 11th Oct 2009.

Volunteers for Anaconda Adventure Race 2009 Augusta 7 and 8 Nov.

Volunteers are needed for either full or half days on Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of November.
Jobs Include:
Saturday -registering competitors for the junior race and race martials
Sunday - registering competitors for the main race (very early start I'm afraid), race martials and transition assistance
There may be other duties available and we'll keep you updated as we receive information.

If you think you can help out, please contact the CCG on 9757 2202 or respond to this email with your contact details and the day/s you are available. The CCG will provide transport and refreshments on the day.

Its a great way to be involved in what promises to be a fantastic event and support the CCG at the same time.

Cowichan Bay, Vancouver Island

Thank you Pam and Dirk for a wonderful stay. We really appreciated all the touring tips!  This is a beautiful spot here in the bush. We loved it here. If you are ever near Cowichan Bay, near Duncan, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, please look us up. Laura and Steve, Canada, Oct 7th /09

Cape to Cape MTB Ride Summary 15-18 October

Cape to Cape MTB Ride Summary


http://www.capetocapemtb.com/en/default.htm

Date	Townships	Distance
Thursday 15th October, 2009	Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse to Hamelin Bay	38.02km
Friday 16th October, 2009	Hamelin Bay to Prevelly	59.36km
Saturday 17th October, 2009	Margaret River Special Stage	58.93km
Sunday 18th October, 2009	Prevelly to Yallingup	65.56km

Lovely place, great service, very comfortable bed, kangaroos, orchids/wildflowers

HotelLoaring Place Bed & Breakfast
Dates: 30-Sep-2009 - 02-Oct-2009
Site Rates To Go - www.ratestogo.com
Customer Comments: Lovely place, great service, very comfortable bed, kangaroos, orchids/wildflowers, easy drive to all attractions, knowledgable/friendly host, Rain water and fresh breakfast of choice. Wish we could have stayed longer. Bliss!



Carol and Lee, Australind.

Anaconda Adventure Race 2009 Augusta

Mike and Carolyn spent 2 nights here to check out the Augusta Anaconda course, so they brought their bikes and drove down to Augusta yesterday and checked out the course and the area. They were very glad of the spa-bath afterwards.

Location    Augusta, WA Date 8th November, 2009, 8:00am Legs Keen Footwear Coastal Run, 13.5km Event Rent Ocean Swim, 1.9km Finn Kayaks Inlet and Ocean Paddle, 13km Tanita Mountain Bike, 32km www.margaretriver.com Team Run, 2.5km

Looking for a new adventure challenge in a wild part of the world ? Well you’ve just found it with the Anaconda Adventure Race in Augusta on November 8th, 2009. Do you remember a time when the world felt wild and untouched, when the teaming masses we find around every bend just weren’t there? When you could go ‘down south’ and find yourself – not your neighbours...? Well these times continue at Augusta with beaches ready for exploration, rocky headlands and islands untouched by others and forests and bushland with only you and a few wallabies setting the trail. Experience all this amidst the atmosphere of an adventure event with a couple of thousand passionate others and you have found Anacondal enlightenment Combine all this with an adventure expo and kids entertainment on the scenic Augusta foreshore allowing families and friends to spend the afternoon watching finishers propel themselves over the finish line, catch some free entertainment and share a drink with the winners in the event bar. This is one hell of an event. Choose your style and get involved - the Anaconda Adventure Race can be completed in a range of categories to get anyone and everyone to the start, and then over the finish line: Individuals – do every leg as a non stop race around the track. Designed for every one from heros and want-to-bes Pairs – do every leg but in the company of your mate who’s by your side the whole way round Relay teams – with up to 4 people where you do one (or more) legs each. A great way to get involved without being a super hero – build up a team of friends and work colleagues and join all the fun

Karen and Axel, India

So nice to share your lovely, warm B and B / home with you and your guests - and Casey too! Axel and I had a marvelous 4 days here and when out exploring, referred to Loaring Place as "Home". We hope to be back to MR and will definitely look you guys up again. The muffins were an added special treat! Good luck to you both and we leave you with our wonderful memories. All the best. Karen and Axel, India, 4 Oct. 2009.

Them's the breaks

Cassandra Murnieks PERTH TODAY

October 03, 2009 06:00pm

HUGE RIDE: Sunshine Coast surfer Mark Visser rides an 11m monster at Cow Bombie in WA's South West. Picture: Calum MacAulay

THIS towering wall of water off WA is the biggest wave surfed in Australia this year.

That's the claim of Mark Visser, the man who conquered the 11m monster at a secret location in WA's south this week.

``The weather was unbearable out there,'' Visser said. ``It was very windy, around 30 knots. Along with the wind, the water was icy cold. So cold that my feet ended up going numb.

``But I reckon that was the biggest wave surfed in Australia this year. I haven't seen one bigger.''
The waves were surfed at an offshore break nicknamed Cowbombie, about 2.5km off Gracetown. Cowbombie is gaining a reputation as one of the hot spots for big-wave surfing, attracting Australian and international daredevils.

Surfers from around the world flew in for the session, including big-wave specialists Grant
``Twiggy'' Baker, Doug Young and Ross Clark Jones.

Visser flew in from his home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

``I heard about the big swell on Wednesday morning and we arrived in Perth on Wednesday night,'' Visser said.

``On Thursday we got these monster waves. It was pretty wild out there.

``We then backed it up on Friday, hoping it might be bigger.

``The waves weren't as big, around 25 foot. I went in with a paddle board, but got smashed a few times.''

Cowbombie has legendary status among surfers and its location is a closely guarded secret.

Margaret River Rail Trail

Some info on the Rail Trail

The Margaret River Rail Trail takes you through some of the most beautiful natural bush, farmland and vineyards in the Margaret River region, three hours south of Perth. Passing though peppermint, jarrah and young karri forest the trail provides a firsthand view of the abundant bird life.

The trail was once a part of the old railway network that was built during the timber boom. The trail begins or ends (depending where you start) at Cowaramup and finishes at Margaret River.

Along the 5 kilometres north of Margaret River there are numerous bridges crossing a major river and creeks and streams of varying sizes. The trail is easy to navigate with picnic areas along the way. The spectacular birdlife includes yellow robins, parrots and blue wrens and the wildflowers are stunning in Spring (September to December).

As it was a railway, the gradient is relatively flat, and the terrain is generally gentle.  However, it can get moderate in some places and a mountain bike is recommended.

“Excellent Retreat!”

This is an excellent retreat! The location is not too far from the main Margaret River town and is secluded enough to give you privacy. The house is just beautiful, very country-style and very comfortable. The room was beautiful and the bed and jacuzzi were just heavenly!
Definitely coming back here again!Whalesith  June 2009 TripAdvisor

very impressed we will be back”

We came down for a romantic weeekend to recharge the batteries over a long weekend and thought that it was the best B&B we have stayed at to date.

Great location - half way between beach and Margaret River town (quiet bush setting)
Brand new custom built modern facilities
Guest lounge with huge tv and fire was great
Hosts (Dirk and Pam) were very friendly but not imposing
Rooms were comfortable/soundproof and had private external entrances as well as inernal.
Very tasty cooked breakfasts
Did not use in-room spa but it looked comfy. weekend_traveller005 May 2009 TripAdvisor

“Affordable Luxury”

We had a lovely time. Pleasant staff, great breakfast, plenty of space. Tucked away just off the main road in a pleasant bush setting. CanberraNomad May 2009 TripAdvisor

“Perfect place to rest after walking the Cape to Cape"

Very comfy rooms with spa and views into bush.
Generous communal room with lots of natural light where we had sumptous breakfast and even our strange dietary needs were accomodated with no fuss.
We will definitely be back! lucyteale May 2009 TripAdvisor

“Lovely place”

We stayed here for a night recently and this property really has the wow effect. Lovely host and the acommodation was superb, gorgeous rooms with spa baths in each, own private deck/entrance and an incredible lounge/dining/entertaining area for quests. All this set in a lovely bush setting just up the road from Margaret River and near the winerys (go to the Voyager Winery-amazing). Breakfast was awesome, would definately stay here again.
M and K Smith, NZ August 2009 Tripadvisor

Whales and Seals

Carol and Lee from Bunbury spent two nights here and yesterday went to Cape Naturaliste. They got some good sightings of whales and saw some seals as well. They were driving to Albany to pick up their children and going straight back to Bunbury this afternoon.

This morning about 7.30am Lee knocked on the door and said Carol was in the shower and washing her hair when the water went cold. I had to run out the back and switch the gas cylinders over. It is unfortunate that I can't tell when the gas is going to run out but it is soon fixed.

Jennie and Jeff from Brisbane spent three nights here and got to see most of the sights. Richard and Andrea from Perth had been in Margaret River a few times before and were happy visiting some of the wineries.

Duckstein for Lunch

Pam has gone to Vasse Felix with Anne and Joe to buy some wine, then I will meet them shortly at Saracen Estate and Duckstein Brewery for lunch. I'm looking forward to some bratwurst, sauerkraut and pilsner.

Providore Garden Greens

Lunch spoilt by a few garden greens. Went to the Providore on Harmans Rd South today. Beautiful day and a good crowd there as usual. Jill, Brian, Pam and myself. Jill had a pie, Brian a good feed of snapper, Pam had a lamb curry and I had 12 hour shin. Described as cooked for 12 hours, with mashed potatoes and garden greens. 


I was feeling quite hungry as I had missed dinner by going to bed at 6.30 the previous night after the Nicols garden party at Karridale and nursing a headache that would not go away. So the thought of some mashed potatoes and garden greens with tender beef swayed my decision.  When the meal came, there was a good serving of beef stew with some onions and carrots, and a good serving of mashed potatoes, and sitting on top were four little leaves of Italian parsley (like celery leaves). The ridiculous thought crossed my mind that these must be the "garden greens" but I immediately dismissed that as being impossible - not 4 miserable little leaves.


So I said to the waitress that the meal was missing the garden greens, and she blithely said no, they were there, the bits of parsley. She then went off in a huff.  Now the Providore prides itself as having an organic vegetable garden which they use for their kitchen.  This garden was right in our view, and although largely for show (it is not nearly large enough for the kitchen), it does look good and it had a large range of garden greens. Lettuce and a whole range of other vegetables that could have made my lunch complete. All it needed was a bit of lettuce, some sprigs of parsley and perhaps a bit of cucumber or peas.


Although the stew was good, wanting some greens and not getting them really took the edge off my lunch. Even half a bottle of lovely rose' and baked cheescake could not lift my spirits. I asked the waitress to tell the chef that I was not happy with the lack of garden greens, which she grudgingly said she would do, but I doubt in fact that she did.  Last time that we were at the Providore, Pam asked for the salad, which was a bowl of lettuce and some tomato and a bit of dressing. She complained that there was no cheese or bacon or anything substantial in it, and that she felt like a rabbit. The response she got from that complaint also left her wondering if anybody was listening.


Every breakfast we serve to our guests at the Bed and Breakfast, we put a garnish on the side of the plate. This consists of a large sprig of Italian parsley, and either some garlic chive, or a sprig of crinkle parsley or lately a sprig of mizuna lettuce and some of its flowers.  Thus to have 4 leaves of Italian parsley masquerading as "garden greens" made me quite angry.


I guess if I go there again, I will have to remember to bring my own parsley and fetta.

Coq au vin

Two couples wanted to have dinner here tonight and Pam was in the mood to do some cooking so she agreed. She decided on Coq au vin, which she had tried in a restaurant in France. Unfortunately I didn't have any cheap wine or brandy, so she put in it some of my best Napoleon brandy and half a bottle of Watershed Zinfandel. She served it with potatoes cooked in milk plus some carrots and broccoli. For desert she cooked apple cake with a custard filling. Jill and Brian came down from Perth to have a few days of R and R with us so the guests and ourselves had a veritable feast and everyone said it was fantastic, especially the sauce.

Frazione Lovene

It was a pleasure to spend some days of our honeymoon in this luxurious B and B. Margaret River and the hinterland are wonderful. Surely we will remember these moments and of course we hope to have in the future the chance to come her again. Nadia and Giacomo, Italy (46.065107, 10.249017), 20/09/09.

Kilmore

We greatly enjoyed our stay in your beautiful B and B. Lovely decor and the bushland surroundings. Also enjoyed the conversations and must thank you for extensive directions and highlights to visit. Hope to be back one day. Anne & Norman, Kilmore, 23-26.9/09.

Rattlebeaks and Giant Spiders

The bush is coming alive with orchids. I've just seen my first Rattlebeak Orchid and there are lots of Giant Spider Orchids, as well as a new all white spider orchid.

The Farmers Market and Lions Market are on this morning so heading out to those.

Orchid Season in full swing

Orchids are popping up all over the block. John and Penny from Cumbria (Lake District) have just spent two days here photographing a large number of orchids. They were amazingly knowledgeable and identified a few species that I was not aware of.

Now have lots of Cowslip Orchids, quite a few Donkey Orchids, plus a Jug Orchid, a Snail Orchid, a Mantis Orchid and a Hooded Orchid. Very soon the Spider Orchids will show their faces.

Busy long weekend ahead. Already most accommodation in Margaret River is full. Have a good weekend everyone and drive carefully.

Bangalow

Robyn & Jeff, Bangalow, NSW, 23rd June, 2009. A most enjoyable two-day stay. Rooms very comfortable, setting beautiful and service superb!! Will strongly recommend. Thanks to our hosts.

Cressida & Eric, 21st June 2009. It was just what I was expecting - in fact it was even better. We really enjoyed our stay. I wish we had longer to explore the bush & sit & read in this beautiful living area. Thanks very much! We will recommend to other people.

Good Rain

We have had a lot of rain over the last few days, so now our tank is 2/3rds full, which is great. 15mm fell last night.

Roger and Antu from Bermagui (ex Canberra) stayed after being in Nannup. They did not have much time in the afternoon so I sent them to Redgate, Voyager and Leeuwin. They really enjoyed the gallery at Leeuwin Estate. They then had a look around Prevally before going to Redgate Beach just before sunset. Roger said the sky and waves with the setting sun looked really wild and he took a lot of photographs.

They also wanted to see the Boranup Forest so they got up at 6.00am in the dark and drove there. The sun was just up when they got there so they had a magical drive through the forest. They got back in for breakfast about 8.30 and by 9.30 they were gone. I sent them back to Perth via Mowen Rd as it is much quicker.