Tuesday, February 21. Docked in Fremantle. 31 C. Eight hours behind west coast time.
A lovely sunrise this morning, during which I contacted our three kids for an early morning short catchup. All good there, plus my brother. Excellent way to start the day.
Fellette and I had a morning Shore Excursion to two wineries in the Swan Valley area. At 9:35 we were loaded and on our way in a big white comfortable Australian coach ride up to Wine Country where they have been growing grapes since 1829, about an hour’s drive.
Apparently there was originally no convicts in this area at the start of this its development. They found that the soil and growing conditions were wonderful for agriculture. However, without an ample supply of free labour, like convicts, they could not create a thriving industry that utilized that good soil and growing conditions. So, let’s bring some of those convicts here! The rest is history!
The trip was great, the bus 1/2 empty, a super Aussie guide, a woman, about early 60’s, maybe 135 pounds. On the run up the coast she explained some things to us and one was that apparently every year they have a Fremantle to Rottnest Island swimming contest/race, some 20 K, or 12 miles, offshore. Apparently it is a very big affair, the largest open water swimming event in the world. And an iconic event in Western Australia. She said it is quite a sight to see all the boats almost cheek-by-jowel, seemingly like one could walk to Rottnest on the boats.
The swimmers are in teams as a relay. In 2021, 2500 swimmers took part. Ages 14 to 76 years old. Also solo swimmers compete as well. The surprise on this story is that she has done the solo swim several times! She says that every time she dove in to start the swim she uttered “Oh, why am I doing this?” Also, she is not interested in swimming for some time after completing. 12 Miles! The times to complete the swim start around four hours, for men and close behind for the first woman. It takes place in four days from now. Rottnest Island is where Jim and Gail skipped over to early this morning and spent most of the day there. We were back home, [to the ship] after a pleasant and relaxing romp in the countryside around 1:45.
No corks today, unfortunately, they only use corks for expensive red wines that are well aged apparently. I may get another crack at a winery in South Africa perhaps. I did get two bottles, a nice red and they are allowed on the ship without a corkage fee, plus two little dignified size wine glasses as a souvenir and for use on board for the next 80 days.
A Good Day…
Land!
My Bride.
There are grapes growing, it is hard to tell in the sun and glare.
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