I finally got a little ways out of Perth, and found Australia to be pretty damn nice. Kangaroos and emus running around wild; and red deer being farmed. I ate kangaroo Friday night. We're about to load-up on some red deer prime cuts, sausage and biltong this morning before heading home.

The food at a few places in town was very nice; The Spaghetti Bowl and Waves come to mind. Accommodations run the gamut from B&Bs, chalets, hotels, wineries, etc. The prices seem to run from $1,000, to $50 a night for backpackers. We paid AUD150 and felt like we got good value for our money.

It was cold at night 6C, but got up to 17C or so during the day; very pleasant.

There must be a zillion wineries around Margaret River. We tasted wine yesterday until my taster gave out, and my driving became suspect. Cullen and Vasse-Felix were my favorites. They were 500 meters apart, in case I had to ditch the car and walk, or couldn't find my keys.

We'll hit one more today, Voyager Estate. It is supposed to be nearer the Indian Ocean I'm told. I guess if we start taking-on water we've driven too far.

Throw-in the Berry Farm, the Chocolate Factory, the Cheese Factory and some other places that have slipped my mind, and you have a pretty nice weekend.

If you are ever laid-over in Perth for a few days, drive the 3 1/2 hours to Margaret River and enjoy.

It got me thinking about buying a retirement place. Six months in Margaret River; six months in New Mexico........interesting.

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The Spaghetti Bowl and Waves come to mind

The climate is great , the wine is great - the gunlaws in Western Australia are the most draconian in the whole country.

If you want to take your guns with you - forget it ......