Having hit Denmark last October in freezing cold weather, we decided to have a quick trip to Walpole in January, hopefully to enjoy some warmer weather and maybe go for a swim and do a little fishing. Despite day 1 being a 40 degree scorcher, we spent most of that in Perth and in the car driving down there.

On arrival (right on dusk) we were greeted by a mob of Kangaroos at the back door, but the car disturbed them and they all shot off never to be seen again.

We opened the door to the magnificent cottage and instantly felt at home. As the kids explored what would be our base camp for the next 5 days Silvia and I set about unloading the car as the light faded quickly and the skies took on a forboding grey. Well with the kids upstairs and us in the lounge, Silvia spotted what she thought was a little bird flying around inside (obviously had been inside all along and we had somehow scared it from its hidey hole by turning on all the lights) "Come look at this girls", she shouted. As the girls ran downstairs the "little bird" started swooping around obviously distressed at the commotion and the lights that we had turned on.

Well on closer inspection the "little bird" turned out to be a BAT!!! Talk about panic from the girls as they raced back upstairs and locked themselves in the bathroom. Silvia and I were hysterical with laughter (cruel I know) but just couldn't help it. I made my way upsatirs and opened all the windows and doors and tried to let the now very frightened bat have his freedom, but try as I might I just couldnt get him to escape. Instead I bravely rescued the girls one by one and got them downstairs (the little one hysterical and crying her eyes out). They jumped in the car and vowed never to come out until morning.

I headed back in and tip toed upstairs again ducking and diving as the little bat swooped around. I went back downstairs after the bat had magically disappeared (not sure where but I hoped and prayed it was outside and not lurking to pounce on the girls in the middle of the night.) Finally after trying to calm the girls and assuring them that the bat was gone, we made our way back inside, the girls insisting that we sleep in the same room downstairs instead of upstairs where the bat was last seen.

They will all look back on it as an absolute classic moment and something they will always remember, but at the time they were totally beside themselves. I think they all slept with one eye open that first night. These bloody "Twilight" movies have got a lot to answer for, as my girls were convinced it was a vampire bat. (Silvia and I christened it Edward for a laugh).

After such an eventfdul night, the next morning we awoke to the most magnificent scenery imaginable. Very quickly the bat was all forgotten and the kids got outdoors and explored the place. I decided to take a couple of hundred pics just to remember what a beautiful place this is and how blessed we were to be able to stay a while. (Bruce and Ann we are forever indebted to your generosity)

With a view out your back door that is to die for, its no wonder this place is so magical and untouched. With no neighbours for miles you really do get a sense of remoteness peacefulness and tranquillity that is all too missing in metro Perth.

After spending the first day close to home, we headed out to a few wineries, the meadery (great honey there) and a spot of sight seeing. We even made it down to the new chocolate factory down between Walpole and Denmark. It has only been open for 5 weeks and let me tell you it is a must visit if you are heading down there. Their special hot chocolate (like a fondu set but with imported belgian drinking chocolate) is a world beater according to my kids. And they would know, being chocaholics from way back.

A couple of more days saw us explore the knoll and have a look at some of the fishing spots, a couple of casts with a soft plastic crab and Emma was on. We had no bait and it was very snaggy so we called it quits very quickly and decided to come back the next day. Little Emma was keen as mustard so on the last day we decided to have a crack first thing so we could be back for breakfast and help pack the car and clean the house.

The scenery around this area is breathtaking. I was surprised that nobody else was down there at 6-00am, as if I was living down there myself I would be heading down virtually daily I reckon.

So with a few hours to kill I bought a pack of prawns (as I had absolutely no gear with me except a few hooks and some ball sinkers) and headed to the channels spot with Emma. She did a great job of catching fish after fish and snag after snag, so I was kept busy swapping rods so she could keep fishing while I re-rigged the other. I managed a nice Blackie myself...

... but I think she well and truly outdid me with her biggest black bream to date.

All in all it was a great family holiday, we veged out at times and did some energetic exploring at others. It was never going to be a fishing trip, but thanks to Emma's indulgence Dad got to wet a line and share some remarkable sights with my growing girl. It won't be long till she is out partying, dating boys and driving me nuts as a teenager, just like her big sister, so I treasured our little fishing session of quality father daughter time.

Thanks again Bruce & Ann, a wonderful part of the world to say the least. We have a billion photo's to remember our little stay by, and hopefully you will enjoy the few pics I have posted, that capture the spirit and beauty of the place as best I can.