Beach Walking and Surf School

The day dawns with the soft pitter patter of rain outside the window, not what we expected in Perth! After a relaxing breakfast outside on the deck, we all decide it might be raining but it’s certainly not cold so we should continue with our plans for the day. John and Jen have planned a walk for us this morning round the local area. The streets become increasingly affluent and tree lined, the nearer we get to the beach. The gardens are lush and beautifully manicured with lots of frangipani, hibiscus, bougainvillea, canas, and geraniums. At the local bakery we buy the biggest blueberry muffins and croissants I have ever seen, all warm and fragrant from the oven, consequently, the walk along the beach front at Scarborough may be in the warm drizzle but thoughts of a coffee with the muffin speeds us along and soon we’re seated at the covered open-air amphitheatre enjoying our treat. 

Surf competition Scarborough beach

The beach in front of us has a lifeguard surf school competition going on which Dave and I have never seen before. We’re fascinated to watch the various races in canoes, on paddle boards, swimming and running but the most impressive is the 4 man rescue boat which is launched from the beach into the surf. There’s a co-ordinated pushout, 1, 2, 3 and jump onboard then row with the 5^th man leaping onboard at the last minute to steer the boat with the rudder. The boat then fly’s out to sea climbing up the waves before crashing down the other side.

Scarborough Beach from the lookout

In the afternoon, John drives us to Peppermint Grove, what a lovely name I have visions of tall trees with Peppermint sweets hanging from their branches! We walk up the steep hill towards Mosman and are rewarded at the top with a glorious view over the Swan River and estuary. Even the low cloud and drizzle looks good with this back drop. In the bay and harbour are lots of boats and one seems to be the venue for a party. Lots of chattering, the occasional few bars of music make themselves heard over the voices and splashing as young men jump off the back of the boat to enjoy a swim or maybe they’ve been thrown in by their friends.

The Swan River from Mosman

The Swan River from Mosman

The evening is spent in John and Jen’s company enjoying a drink watching the sun go down over Scarborough, eventually dipping into the sea behind the tall Norfolk pine and seafront building. Then it’s downstairs to the deck to enjoy another lovely home cooked meal and lots of reminiscing.