January 28, 2013, Swan River, Australia

River Cruise was fun

Perth is on the Swan River

It is all about the grapes!

Australia has some serious issues going on at this time: there are major fires in Tasmania and New South Wales; there is rain, flooding and tornadoes in Northern Queensland.  But we are on the other side of the country in Western Australia that averages 8 hours of sunshine every day.  Today we are on the Swan River on a wine tour.  The major issues that much of Australia is going through are nowhere in evidence, except on TV.  It is a bright sunny day and we are in an air-conditioned river boat.  This is our last day in Western Australia and we are sad because we love this part of the country.  Perth is truly an isolated city, all by itself on the western coast of Australia, but it is so progressive and it has such a relaxed life style.  It has incredible natural beauty and a tempo that feels so good just to spend time in this community.  I am sad we have to leave tomorrow but what a great day in the wine country and on the river.  Note: this is a country where “Greenies” have a lot to say.  For instance, riding down the Swan River we noticed many fallen trees.  We learned that the law is clear: you are not allowed to touch those fallen trees unless they hinder navigation.  (I’ll have to give that issue some thought.)