Tues 25th Mar, 2025 Jon & Annalise’s place, Kanimbla, Qld to Bob & Margaret’s place, Dawesville, WA

Up early, had breakfast then loaded the suitcases into Annalise’s car. Gave Beau a big hug before putting him into the car seat. He will be a big boy walking by the time we see him again.

Dropped Beau off to Daycare then Annalise dropped us at the airport. Jon had used his Virgin points up for the flight and to get us extra leg room which was wonderful of him. Gave the Annalise a hug and baby bump a rub then waved goodbye.

Into the terminal and put the suitcases through - we fly to Brisbane, have an hour there, then on to Perth, arriving 3.30pm WA time. Through security, no problems, then got a cuppa to wait for our ‘priority’ boarding as we are in Row 3.

On board, three seats in our row, plenty of leg room but just enough room for the ‘hips’! Nobody in the seat beside me. The first two rows pay even more and have two big seats and get ‘butler’ service with flash food, drinks etc. We get free coffee, tea and water! Major complaint though is the front toilet is only for the 8 front seats, from our row back we have to use the two toilets at the rear. Long walk back and if the drinks trolley is in the aisle you can’t get past.

It was a good flight - nice view over Green Island and Fitzroy and some of the reef as we took off then the cloud cover blocked the view. Bit of rain on the window as we headed down into Brisbane. Front people got off first - the attendant blocked the aisle till they were off then we were next. Got some lunch then boarded the same plane but different crew at 12.30pm. A lady beside us this time and she was a from NZ so we chatted about places to go etc. She is off to Perth to then take the Indian Pacific back to Perth. Read our books and time slowly ticked over. Into NT/SA - wish the pilot would tell us where we are, asked the attendants and they had no idea. Lots of sandridges etc.

Eventually we saw some salt lakes which I think is around Kambalda as we can see mining.

Crossed over into the wheat belt area. The tree lines show some rivers - I think maybe the Avon etc.

Guessing here but I think we went over Collie, saw lake that could be Wellington Dam then over the forest area and then the Darling Scarp and dropped into the airport. Clear sky here.

Got our bags and helped the other lady get the train to Perth Underground then she has a short walk to her hotel. She was very grateful for the help. We caught the train to Mandurah then Bob picked us up from the station. The sun was just setting as we cross The Cut to head home to our camper.

Opened up the camper and turned the fridge back on then upstairs for dinner. Meow is still with us but getting frailer. Margaret cooked us a lovely dinner and dessert then we headed back to the camper to bed.

It was a long day. It was nice doing a day trip to see the views but at least with the night one (as long as you have the extra leg room) the time goes quicker.