Sunset at the Mouth of the Margaret River

Bella enjoying the sunset at the mouth of the Margaret River. The river only flows into the ocean after heavy rain. Otherwise, the waves build up a sand bar that blocks the river. The water in the river banks up and you can canoe up the river about 3 km.

There was a strong surf but as the sun was about to set the beach had been abandoned. 

Mouth of the Margaret River

Took Bella to the mouth of the Margaret River. She loves fetching sticks. I then went in and had a swim with her. The water is slightly brackish but beautiful and clear. Around the corner people were catching Bream.

Rails for Trails walk, southern end

Took Bella for a walk along the southern end of the old railway track that has been converted to a cycling/walking trail. This section starts at Gnarawary Rd and goes through magnificent forest including this stretch of karri trees. 

Yesterday I took Bella to the rapids in the Margaret River. It is less than 2 km away and if the wind is in the right direction, you can here the roar of the rapids from our house.

Rails for Trails walk

Walking with Bella on the southern Rails for Trails section that starts at Boodjidup Road. It goes through beautiful forest and sections of bogs as well as grass tree pockets. The trail carries on south through a working farm which is also interesting.

Margaret River in Flow

The river called the Margaret River is flowing beautifully. It is only a 20 minute walk from Loaring Place B&B. Bella loves water and immediately jumps in for a taste and a splash.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smiths Beach and Canal Rocks

Visited Smiths Beach. Bella loved running through the sand and splashing in the creek. There were about 30 surfers in the water.
On the way we did some tastings at Credaro cellar door. It was Virgin Block but now run by the Credaro family who are largely grape growers in the region. Their wines are very young but pleasant. The building is very good and has a magnificent outlook.
 

Then had lunch at Lamonts at the Smiths Beach Resort. Actually we didn't feel like a large meal so sat in the patio of the deli also run by Lamonts. Pam had a really yummy toasted sandwich with goats milk cheese and spinach. I had a great steak pie.
 

Visited Canal Rocks. This is spectacular coastal scenery and great watching the waves crash onto the rocks

Tree Top Walkers

Cliff and friends stayed with us and then moved on to Walpole where they enjoyed the Treetop Walk. They sent us this picture and also one one of Bella. Cliff also left us a great review on TripAdvisor.

“Excellent B&B, Excellent Host, Excellent Value”

Reviewed May 26, 2012

The property is located in a quiet corner surrounded by lush greenery and the room luxuriously furnished. The layout of the property allowed us to enjoy absolute privacy in the room while catering for interaction opportunities with other visitors with a huge dining/common area.

The host, Dirk, was very warm and helpful. On our arrival, he gave us great suggestions on where we should head out to in the Area and on the day of our departure, he pointed out the various places of interest along the way to our next stop in Pemberton.

To ensure a great start to the day, the host serves up a delicious spread for breakfast (eggs done to your liking, bacon, ham, toast, tomato, cereal, fruits, juice, coffee, tea). And for company, the host's got a friendly and playful dog.

Bella at Gnarabup Beach

Bella is no surfer dude. Went for a walk along the beach south of the White Elephant Cafe. The surf was really pumping but the reefs break it up so it is quite gentle at the beach. But Bella did not want to go anywhere near the water. she was just happy frolicking in the sand and chasing the odd seagull.

Bella loves a swim in the Margaret River

Bella met a friendly Jack Russel on the way to the Boat Shed but he didn't like swimming. Bella just goes straight in and then waits for me to throw a stick.

 

 

Unfortunately the boat shed on the banks of the Margaret River got burnt down during the November fire but I believe there are moves to rebuild it. It is beautiful stretch of the river and has a shallow rock platform ideal for launching boats and of course going for a swim.
 

Bella given a hamburger by guests

Bella was given a squeaky hamburger toy by guests Joy and Rod, who stayed for two nights. She now drops it at your feet and implores you to throw it.

The hamburger is now her favourite toy supplanting the squeaky rugby ball. Her other toys are two squeaky balls and a squeaky octopus.  She also has a variety of tugs and she never tires of wanting to play.

Bella helping in the garden

Pam is trying to do some gardening but Bella loves gloves.

Photos of Bella, our Labradoodle

Bella certainly attracts a lot of attention.

Stephanie and family had a great time keeping her amused.

Mum tried to hold her but Bella thought that enough was enough.

Darren and Christine had to work hard to catch her in this pose, as she is immediately distracted by a stick or honkey nut.

Jeff and Eileen also took a shine to her.

Life is settling into quite a routine for Bella now.

In the morning, she sees jumps onto our bed and gives Pam a good morning kiss, then she hangs around in the bathroom while I have a shower.  She then sees it as her duty to disrupt me while I am setting up the lounge for breakfast by constantly bringing me balls and tugs. Then she waits by the hallway and greets the guests as they come down for breakfast.  We prefer that she leaves the guests alone during breakfast but she sneaks in to show off every now and then.

She then hangs around during cleaning up time as there are always some scraps and milk for her. She then follows either Pam or me if we are doing anything interesting, otherwise she flops near us and goes to sleep.  From 3.00pm she is at the front entrance waiting for new guests to arrive so that she can greet them. Then from 4.30pm she pesters me until I give in and we go for a walk about 5pm.  She loves to race along the sandy fire breaks and sniff where kangaroos have passed. We often see a kangaroo and she loves to chase them so it takes a bit of yelling to get her to stop and return to me.  She is getting better so there is some hope there.

We then have to have a game of ball or chasey when we get home.  She begrudgingly lets us get on and have our dinner, but will let us know that it is her turn for dinner as soon as we have finished.  After her dinner, she pesters me with balls and tugs until I sit on the ground in the lounge and have another game of pulling and throwing the tug.  Finally she relents and allows me to watch a bit of TV, but will still bring me her tug every now and then, just in case I give in and throw it.  I usually then go to my office, where Bella will wait and greet each guest as they return from dinner.

Pam then calls Bella, and she hops onto our bed and enjoys the comfort of our doona.  Finally, when I go to bed, I have to pick her up, take her outside for a bit, then pop her into her bed in the laundry.  I have to make sure her bowl of kibbles is full, as she likes to have a midnight snack as well.  What a dogs life.