Busy day yesterday. Up early for the grand parade which wended its way through amazingly large crowds of very friendly locals. We decided to skip the civic reception etc as it was very warm. Instead we took off to the beach where I had a swim and Kerry had a paddle (only up to his knees) reckons it was too cold.

Unfortunately a fellow Ulysses member came to grief after the parade and crashed his bike, whic burst into flames and started quite a large bush fire. Fortunately he only suffered a dislocated shoulder but his bike was a write off. Fortunately also the fire was brought under control though a large area of bushland was burned.

Last night was the final dinner for the week and had a theme things of the sea. There were some very interesting costumes.

We are now in Hyden the home of Wave rock, a very impressive sight. We left Albany in pouring rain this morning and by the time we got here the weather had cleared and it was about 38C.Traveled along a road known as the tin horse highway because of all the horses made from 44 gallon drums which decorate the road.

From here the real adventure starts having said goodbye to all the poor souls who are returning home to go to work. Off to Fremantle tomorrow for a couple of days before heading north.