17^th September: Bunbury

A sightseeing day. We drove SW to Donnybrook and then on to Boyup Brook where we found the most amazing place, written up as the Dickson WA Country Music Centre. Certainly, in its heyday, it probably was, with a performance area – a stage with numerous posters of Country performers - and a fabulous collection of records, from 78's to LP's of many, many country artists and hundred's of pieces of Elvis memorobilia.

Harvey , our guide and a 3^rd generation Dickson, was so enthusiastic about all the junk (or history he called it) which he has hung from the ceiling of his barn and the waterfall he has created in the barn. He is a hoarder and there are countless items from the past hanging up there: Household implements, kids toys, bikes, farm equipment – you name it it is there! He loves it all! In the middle, on the sawdust floor, sits a shining Dodge Phoenix, 4 door and pillarless with leather seats. 1960's yank tank in lovely condition which he still drives. Glen says it had rust behind the back window but it still looks good. There are metal sgns he has collected from all over as well as two life sized sand sculptures: Elvis and Johnny Cash. They have held weddings and parties here because peopple here love Country Music. He formed a Country Music Club 40 yrs ago and they would have all these famous artists here for the annual festivals when thousands of people would camp out on the hill opposite. He has had to close it down as $6000 insurance was demanded and he makes only about a thousand over the weekend.

 Johnny Cash

Glen's first car!

Then there is the “Record Room”. He played a number of rare discs but I couldn't stay. Too musty and cold! But Murray and Lorraine loved it! Glen enjoyed it too, marvelling at the passion of the man! So much junk!!

Over the road is a rodeo ground and he even collects and hoards there: uncut timber in all shapes and sizes. 

 He certainly has an imagination!! And so much timber!!

After 1 ½ hours, we trundled off to Bridgetown which was a pretty town built in 1840. Like lots of other little towns, there wasn't anything special but they are very old wordly and slow. The whole area is lovely: so green it hurts the eyes and lush with water everywhere,dairy cows and sheep. Many orchards of apples and other stone fruit, all white and pink with flowers, and a cidery which we didn't stop at as none of us like or can drink cider. But it was so different to where we have been up north.

We had to be home by 5.00 pm as we were going for dinner at Andrew Leske's place. He is the Principal of a small Lutheran school here (for only the last 10 weeks) and his role is to rebuild the school as it has been struggling. They are in a basic rented house which is costing too much for what they get! They haven't really unpacked as tghey are planning to build but it will take a year. Their children ( 26 & 21) are in Melbourne and I think Robyn is finding it difficult. But we had a lovely night, catching up. (I didn't know that Andrew had had a heart attack & by- surgery; heritary like Glen and Murray. They swopped stories!)

Off to Marfgaret River tomorrow.