Last day in Bunbury, kinda bittersweet, sad that it’s almost over, and yet will enjoy being back home tomorrow afternoon. Funny the way you feel all different kinds of emotions all at once. Mixed bag weather wise quite rainy morning and then warmer afternoon that turned on Bunbury’s beaches for me. The sun was kinda warm for a Winter day in July, but not complaining one bit at all. Tourist mode yet again, art gallery and Pioneer park first up today. The art gallery was a fine building and very old indeed, old convent of the Sisters of Mercy. Yes history bluff hat on people, but had a Noongar art show on which was quite good.

I walked my way around Bunbury, not quite sure how many steps, but can guess quite a few. Great way to see the city as well as work off all of that yummy food that I have been eating these last four days indeed. My next stop was Bean cafe in Victoria street, for lunch where I had the greatest steak sandwich, secret was pineapple and beetroot for me. I would highly recommend it for anybody coming to Bunbury. Time for rest and a little bit of reading while I ate my lunch, Google books are handy when you are on the go, on holidays even. I love physical books, but it’s handy to have a library at your fingertips and not have to carry stacks of books about. Of course my trusty travel journal and journal kit were with me as well. Never go anywhere without pen and paper, inspiration will strike you at the oddest times indeed.

Reading in the cafe is always a must wherever you may travel. It is such a peaceful time, and love to get carried away in another world, as well as I love to reread sentences when they are lyrical and move me, reading in the cafe surely helps so much with atmosphere, as well the fact you need not have to rush away to anything else. Funny enough I am currently reading a book called “The Orphan Collector” by Ellen Marie Wiseman which is about the Spanish Influenza epidemic in 1918. Eerily it very much reminds me of the Covid 19 epidemic of 2020, but I find despite the subject it is quite a good story/ book.

After a little lunch and read, off I go to visit the waterfront, the Jetty Baths. Quite a lovely walk, and then took shelter from a rain shower in a lovely little Lebanese restaurant, had a flat white while I waited out the downpour, rain shower quickly turned into quite a lot of rain indeed. I sat near the window that had a great view of the Leschenault inlet while I slipped my coffee. Then after awhile back out looking at the view of the Leschenault inlet, beautiful white sandy dunes in the distance as you walk on the wooden boardwalk. I can see this would be very popular in the Summertime, but I kinda like seaside places out of season, they look completely different indeed.

I feel so very much happier by the water, and strangely this area reminds me a lot of Fremantle boat harbour area. It feels almost home to me indeed, funny how places can do that to you. I guess I too spent a lot of time staring out across the inlet, and took way too many pictures as well as just felt a great sense of peace deep inside me. I just walked and walked until I ended up at Jetty Baths beach area. Beautiful little sheltered beach, play area, as well as picnic area handy in warmer weather.

I spent some time just staring out at the water, and admiring the lovely houses near the beach. The sun also decided to make an appearance, so rest of the day turned out sunny and rather warm in the sun. Jetty Baths is quite a little hidden gem, I had no idea it was actually here at all, tucked away from prying eyes you could very well say. I think I could come back here again. After a little rest and quiet reflection and a lot more pictures, I ended up walking to the Dolphin discovery centre and Koombana beach. Love the footbridge, part looks like a bottom of a ship, which it is after some research of the bridge. Somehow the sun has come out, kinda warm as well, as I make my way along the Koombana foreshore, waterscapes wherever I look and I feel happy and sad at the same time, today last full day in Bunbury. I am going to miss this place, but also miss my home as well, and my family too, not a bad thing at all. Although I know I can come back here again and again, now I have found great peace here for myself and wanderlust heart and soul.

Koombana foreshore is beautiful and lovely to just walk and explore with no destination in mind, the sun shining makes it all the more magical indeed. I guess that I truly lost my heart to this seaside town in the Southwest. I spend way too much time sitting and staring out at the water and waves coming in, not really thinking of anything much at all. Holiday mode activated, looking forward to what the rest of my long service leave will bring to me.

Alas it is time to meander my way back to my motel and pack just a little bit of my stuff for my bus ride home in the morning. Great sigh escapes me, having to hear myself away from this place, the water and it’s spell. I take my time walking back, and quite surprised that I have travelled so far, but hey all good and I really enjoyed it. I still keep my eye on the water and just breathe in the salt air and quiet moment, no over thinking just letting it be a moment of reflection and growth. Secretly planning a return trip sooner rather than later.

It is funny as I make my way back to the motel, I say a goodbye to each place, that a few days ago were stranger to me, now however so very familiar to me indeed, in such a short time. Unfamiliar becomes familiar in no time flat doesn’t it ? Funny how life goes on and yet stays the same as well. I didn’t set out to write such a long blog post, but here it is, plain and simple my thoughts and words, set down real and forthright.

I pack a little and then decide to try out that Indian restaurant around corner from me, but first a last walk along the beach for me. The romantic, artist and writer in me needs too say Adieu at least for a short time indeed. I see the sun setting over the ocean, and sigh, yes and take a few happy snaps as well. I drag my feet just a little before moving onto my dinner at the Indian restaurant. I hear the waves crashing as I walk back to Victoria street, and smile just a little.

The restaurant has the most amazing butter chicken curry, as well as naan bread which I order garlic with herbs, so yummy and tasty indeed. Great place to come too for last night out in Bunbury. Quiet with a few people, but it is quite early just gone 5pm. I read a little my current e-book on my phone as well as look out the window, love a good table by the window. See the main street of Bunbury, Victoria street and think this time tomorrow I will be back home.

After a lazy dinner I walk slowly back to my motel and just silently say goodbye to parts of Bunbury that have become home away from home to me. But hey it isn’t forever and I will be back again, real soon for sure. The sun has gone down, the lights are on the Marlston lookout, which look amazing, I can also hear the sound of the ocean ahead of me too. It’s starting to get cold early evening and time for me to go into my motel room and finish packing, but first a lovely long hot shower and cup of tea.

Adieu for now Kitty-Kat xox And hope you have a great day xox