Big Valley and Sophie's wedding

To our suprise, as it was the Easter long weekend, there were very few campers in the paddock at Big Valley and we were treated to lovely views of the rolling hills.

On the first night we made dinner up at the camp kitchen while we watched our first game of AFL for the season, Carlton v Richmond. The atmosphere at this camp ground was very welcoming and the kids found many friends while we chatted and exchanged stories with other travellers. 

 

Enjoying the good life at Big Valley

 

The next night we had an Elphick gathering at  Erravilla Country Estate and it was fantastic to catch up with the WA Elphicks once again.  We all enjoyed an amazing dinner including Ben’s Thai prawn curry which he had made from scratch.

Sophie's wedding was the next day so we dropped the kids off to the Rippons and headed back out to Erravilla.  It was a lovely day and Sophie and Luke had a beautiful garden ceremony.  That evening the drinks flowed, the band played and everyone had a fantastic time.  Craig lent his musical talents to the band and it was great for him to play a few tunes with his cousin.

 

 

The Beautiful Bride



Ben in action



 

When we picked up the kids from the RIppons the next day Kai was very excited to tell us that he had jumped from a rope swing into a river and he had to show us how fun it was.  They had also been visited by the Easter bunny and had been on an Easter egg hunt. 

Kai enjoying the rope swing

 

We went to lunch and the Duckstein brewery and visited Laurence winery where people go just to take photos of the amazing rest rooms.

At big valley there was a whip maker on the premises and he was teaching people to make their own whips. Our big valley neighbours, who were also travelling around Australia for a year, had a go at making their own and when they had finished they let us and the boys had a go at cracking them.  The whip maker gave us some instruction and Kai and I were able to crack the whip on our first go.

 

 

Lachie showing us his whipping style

 



We left big Valley on the Tuesday and made our way to Ben's in Mandurah to stay with him for a few nights.