5th March 2009

The morning was an early start with a 3 hours flight to Perth and another time change. We are now 9 hours ahead of the UK, Melbourne and Sydney were 11 hours. Attempting to pick up our hire car, a Holden Estate, proved fun. The actual cost of the car had been paid for at home but it was decided we would invest in a SatNav, which we have called Sheila, and when I produced my credit card the worst happened – it was declined, so Rosalyn had to pay with a different card. There was nothing I could do about it at the time so we set off with Sheila giving instructions. What should have been an easy 3 hours drive took a little longer because of an accident ahead of us which completely blocked the road. Margaret River itself looks quite charming and the hotel is more than adequate. After our evening meal I tried to use my card again, only to have it declined once more. This meant an anxious phone call to the UK where a gentleman explained that it had been blocked because it had been used first thing in the morning in Alice Springs and then 3 hours later in Perth. When I explained we were moving about Australia he immediately unblocked it and problem solved. I wouldn't have minded, but I had actually rung the credit card company prior to our holiday to say where we were going!!! Still I suppose they were only being careful and looking after my interests.