Outside Perth

On Friday we went with Gail & Bevan south to Mandurah, a large rural city with massive canal development since our last visit and also viewed a unique memorial which has been built in memory of local persons who have died in wars. Then we went on to Keysbrook to the Buttfield property and Gail & Bevan returned to their home at Canning Vale (a suburb of Perth). We spent two fabulous days with long term friends, Jan Buttfield & Rob Silsbury and the Buttfield children and grandchildren who made us most welcome. The Buttfield family breed Welsh Mountain Ponies and exhibit them in various shows, taking out many awards. We were also taken on a tour of the scenic district by Jan & Rob but were shocked to see the Serpentine Dam that supplies Perth with its water at only 29% capacity. Two desalination plants have provided temporary relief..Yesterday on our way back to where we're staying we did a tour of the scenic Perth Hills and saw many wildflowers.