Margaret River - 01/03/'08

This being the Labour Day long weekend in West Australia, I decided to do an impromptu adventure and head down to Margaret River

This region is famous for the best surf and wineries in the country as well as gorgeously picturesque landscape. From the beautiful rolling hills of long yellow grass with islands of deep green shady trees to the incredibly clear turquoise ocean on coastlines that both pound the shore and lap at it languidly, I was spellbound. I love this place.

Following a recommendation from a friend at work, I joined an adventure retreat that had me doing yoga in the mornings, surfing afterwards and either abseiling down a 40 metre cliff or kayaking in the stunning waters in the afternoons. Breaks before, in-between and afterwards were fantastic meals served in our beach villa or on a picnic.

The company was great. Our hosts were Blair, Merome and Joey who did a fantastic job and made evident how much they love doing what they do - my hat's off to them...

There were 4 other adventurers; Katrien and Amy from "Vista" magazine (they were doing a feature on the retreat) and Carol and Steve, a married couple who were down as an anniversary and birthday treat to Steve from Carol. Everyone was fantastic and completely up for all of our adventures.

My favorite was the "blind" abseiling. Many thanks to all my accomplices and of course to Mick, who was the target of the prank and passed with flying colors - I wear all the cuts and bruises with great pride :-)

After Saturdays activities, we journeyed to Madfish, a local winery that was hosting the 2008 Tropfest Short Film Festival. There we joined hundreds of folks picnicking and socializing on the grounds of the winery until it became dark and the show started. Gotta say I love outdoor cinemas and it is a real strong tradition in this part of the world.

Surfing was good, but as the mega swells were coming in, the shallows weren't so amazing to surf in - waves coming and going in all directions, but nonetheless, huge fun. I will be back repeatedly, so looking forward to advancing my skills...

On the Sunday afternoon, we went north to Cape Naturaliste for Kayaking in the breathtaking waters of Meelup Bay and nearby coves. We did a light 4km paddle to Castle Rock, climbed to the top, took some pics then zipped back into the kayaks and returned to our beach. As soon as we entered back into Meelup Bay (and quite far away from the beach), I could no longer contain myself and jumped into the water to swim to shore. The water was so beautiful, I didn't want to get out.

But I did and then we all parted ways. I returned briefly to the south to shop at some of the wineries and have a fantastic dinner - then the long drive home.

Amazing - I left Perth Friday evening, very tense and tired, kinda closed to the energy of others and somewhat unsure if I was going to be wasting money on this trip. By Sunday afternoon though, my face was aching from the constant laughter, my body nearly as sore (mainly from all my falls as the blind guy) and my spirit open and enjoying all that was around me.

In two days I found a little bit of paradise, one that will be a big part of my life from now on and that I will share with friends when opportunities arise. Thanks again Blair, Merome, Joey and the rest of your gang. Also - Katrien, Amy, Steve and Carol - wonderful meeting you and sharing your joy with all we did together.

A HUGE toast to you all!