For two days at Yallingup the
strong wind blew rain and salt spray into camp from the crashing surf.
The booming of the waves actually shook the van at times. So it was
a real treat to drive back to Margaret River and the Gracetown Caravan Park
under cool but sunny skies.
This time we had a chance to do some of the
things other tourists to the area do; a little hiking, some food shopping and
some wine tasting. We probably
shouldn’t “dis” the wines too much - Margaret River has been a wine producing
area for less than 15 years – but with the prices they charge you would think
you are in France or Napa.
Besides, our last wine tasting was at Montalcino in Italy where one
bottle of their famous “Brunello” was priced at 1500 euros! Laurance Vineyards offers a dozen
different wines, the thought obviously that with so many they may get one
right!
Though the wines may not be very good they have gone to great lengths describe them in the most flowery terms; "mascerated cherries," "tobacco leaf," and, honest to god, "graphite." After all, the wine is made from grapes, isn't it? Perhaps my nose and palette aren't up to detecting such subtleties. If you want a hint of mulberry, why not just add a bit to the final mixture. I'm just saying. The olives, however, were tasty.
Back at camp, the Easter crowds kept
pouring in. There were a few
oldsters in their caravans but most were young families in multi-room
tents. Often three or four
families camped together, each with a giant tent and a separate gazebo and
several also had boats. When we
awoke we were surrounded by an entire community. And before they leave they will reserve the same sites for next Easter. We were lucky to get a spot at all.
It was a hoot watching the kids this
morning. They assembled around 7:00
at the big tree at the camp kitchen, apparently by some form of kid mental
telepathy. They all wore superhero
PJs and immediately joined in a game whose rules they all understood and whose
boundaries spared no one.
