all brit final

The Air Race itself turned out to be a showdown between two Brits with the pilot in the yellow plane (pictured landing) losing out in the final to another English guy though the world championship went to an Austrian who finished third on the day. Brilliant views of the event from above the city, on the water and by the riverside. Superb weather too.

But on soon to the big one, the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday when England/Ireland field seven of the 24 runners. Flying out of Perth tomorrow and may well have a tip to replace previous one. Watch this space ! Dave

2nd November (5)

There is a large conservation section, where hundreds of endangered plants are being nurtured.

Jean

2nd November (4)

Overall, being in the dry season, there was not much colour, but when it occurred it was beautiful.

Jean

2nd November (3)

The grass trees take ages to grow - this one, for instance, is only about a metre tall, but is one hundred years old.

Jean

2nd November (2)

Some have huge root systems, both above and below ground level.

Jean

Sunday 2nd November 2008

Activity of the day was a visit to Kings Park in Perth. This covers an area of a thousand acres and includes the Botanical Gardens. People enjoy walking, jogging, cycling, picnicking and generally strolling about there.

The botanical diversity is immense, with thousands of different species growing there, including many tall trees.

Jean

Biking around

Biking in Perth is a pleasure with miles and miles of dedicated cycleways along both sides of the river and in the main parks. As a bonus this weekend many roads near the river are closed because of the Air Race so there is even greater scope though you have to dodge pedestriansas well.

Hired a bike for four hours and got quite a few miles in taking in various facets of the Race above me at the same time. Looked in at the WACA cricket ground near the edge of the city where Western Australia are playing Queensland. The Race must be quite a distraction with all the light aircraft buzzing around but at least it’s over by the tea interval. Dave