Cottesloe Beach - Sculptures by the Sea

What ya gonna do when the mercury hits 41.1C? Head to the beach, that's what. I think that half of Perth had that idea today. Luckily we managed to get a parking spot close by but it was certainly more good luck than good management. Otherwise we would have been stuck in traffic for the next quarter of an hour. They really do need to put a freeway running past the beach to deal with the number of vehicles.

The Boy had a go on his boogie board and had a great time. There was an exhibition on, Sculptures by the Sea, and there were some interesting pieces on display. Man, the beach and surroundings were busy. The queue at the fish and chip shop was horrendous. Glad we'd already had our tea.

Jupiter and Venus were out - almost together in the sky actually. I even spotted what I initially thought was a flare until I realised that it was moving far too quickly for a flare. It was a meteor in actual fact. Took a few photos of what was going on and we had some drinks too. Lovely way to spend an evening.

King of the Waves?

Photos

Afternoon At Cottesloe Beach

It was warm on Sunday. But only 31C warm whereas it's been 33~35C all week. In fact there's only been two days this month where the maximum was below 30C, up to today, and the lowest maximum was 29.6C. Warm enough for the beach, anyway. Took the family down to Cottesloe Beach. Had fun in the sand and surf.

Afternoon at Cottesloe Beach photo album.

Cottesloe Beach Visit - Watch Out For The Shark

The Boy was keen for a swim at the beach yesterday and we wanted to take him at least once these school holidays. Even though we visited Cottesloe last night we went again and at least the girls could have a decent coffee whilst they waited. It was 31 degrees but there wasn't a lot of sunshine as storm clouds moved in.

The wate was a bit rough and none too warm but it was fine after a few minutes. We had quite a decent swim and then made some buildings in the sand. The big waves knocked them about though and we were fighting a losing battle. Yu-Jin wanted to be covered in sand so I obliged. Then it was my turn. It was a strange feeling to be covered from neck to toe. I didn't particularly enjoy the sand being put in my ear either but that was an accident. Damn, it also meant that I had to take another dip.

Shortly afterwards a siren alerted all swimmers to leave the water as a shark had been sighted. Everybody left the water pretty quickly. Nobody peeing on the beach yesterday but they might have in the water! Quite a bit of commotion actually with a lifesaving surf boat zipping about and a helicopter hovering above for quite some time. I didn't catch a glimpse of a shark fin, or dismembered limb, in the 10 minutes or so that we waited. Oh well, time to go home. Excitement was over.

A thunderstorm hit last night. Quite a bit of lightning and we received some rain. I notice that until this morning Perth has received no rainfall but Perth Airport has had half an inch. They're only about 12 kilometres apart. The airport reached 43 degrees on Friday when we only had 41.8 in the city.

Meal And A Wander Around Fremantle And Cottesloe

It was one of the last nights that my sister-in-law was visiting so we went to Fremantle to have a meal at Cicerello's. They've been voted Western Australia's favourite fish and chip shop. These guys aren't your normal street corner fish and chip shop either. And they charge for it.

Firstly we went for a walk around the beach up to the Round House. Yu-Jin loved climbing on the rocks of the groyne. He is a typical boy.

Last time we went to Cicerello's I was quite disappointed with my meal. Not last night however. I had spicy crumbed fish and chips and it was lovely. Apart from the stodgy chips and coleslaw with far too much onion. It must be about the first time I haven't completed a meal but felt satisfied in leaving food on my plate. You know how I hate to waste money.

Following tea we journeyed to the cappuccino strip in Fremantle itself and had icecream and coffees at Amano. After we sat down the shop filled with people. I had mentioned that the staff outnumbered us as customers.

We had a bit of a wander about so that the sister-in-law could enjoy the old buildings and take happy snaps. Me too. I love the grand old buildings of Fremantle. It shows some culture.

Just as it got dark we drove to Cottesloe Beach for a walk. It was a lovely night and not as busy as I had expected. Perhaps that has something to do with visiting Cottesloe during the busy holiday period normally and then there's almost nowhere to park. After nine o'clock at night it quietens down a little. I was quite discussed to see one guy take a leak on the beach in full view of everyone. Sit on the white sand, not the yellow, people. Never seen anything like it, I tell you.

Photos from Fremantle and Cottesloe album on Facebook.