Geraldton 4 – 8 November 2006

Up early again and arrived in Geraldton at 830am! Still very windy! Settled into a caravan park in town near the wharves and light house and very surprised how protected we were on this point. We took to Geraldton immediately! Seems like a comfortable town with good range of facilities and good infrastructure. We enjoyed wandering around the town. The waterside area is being redeveloped with parks and beaches and will be very attractive when it is finished.
On Sunday, Peter got up early for his garage sales, and then we went to visit some street markets. While there, we bumped into old travelling companions – Ian and Margaret. After catching up over coffee, we went onto a church fete, held at Nazareth House. It was built in 1913 as a convent and designed by Father Hawe who was also an architect. It is a very impressive structure in the Spanish Mission style. They have recently sold off land for $24 million and completed an $8 million refurbishment and is now a Nursing Home, Hostel and a Dementia Wing (new). While we were there Heather chatted to one of the nuns, who generously offered to show us around the nursing home. We had a half hour tour and really got into the nitty gritty of Heather’s forte! Met patients, staff and admired the new dementia wing with its chicken shed, men’s shed, raised gardens and an old out-door dunny. Also admired the old quarter with the big verandas and gorgeous, converted hostel rooms.
Enjoyed fish and chips on the beach, watching the shipping activities and the bulk carriers moving out and a visit to the cathedral was a surprise. It too was designed by Father Hawe, the architect, and was very inviting with its light and colour. The inside was all painted large orange and light grey stripes with extremely colourful stained glass window. The central dome was very open, large and full of light.
Melbourne Cup was a success. After drawing the favourite in the 2 sweeps we came out even on a small TAB bet on an outsider. We booked a 3 course Melbourne Cup lunch at an upmarket restaurant with wonderful food. Would love this to be in Kiama! Champagne cocktails sent us off for an afternoon sleep. The Cup runs at midday (3 hours behind the east coast) before you eat or get drunk and that felt really weird!