BORDEN - POPULATION: 164

WEDNESDAY 4 - FRIDAY 6.12.2013: Left Pingrup and on the way saw the Pink Lakes. These colourful lakes are part of what is called the Chinocup Lake System, which runs in a north-south direction between Lake Grace and Pingrup. The pink is due to a microscopic salt-loving bacteria called Halo Bacteris that produces the red pigment. It was suggested that we visit Ongerup - museum and wildflower section was closed, shop was for sale, but the Albury Mobile Vet Service was in town so we made an appointment with them to have Shayden cut! Have to say we have seen many towns and streets ending in "UP" - could really make use of this for promoting tourism in the area. Drove to Borden which was established as a siding on the railway line between Gnowangerup and Ongerup and is named after Canadian Prime Minister Robert Laird Borden. The main industry in town is wheat farming with the town being a Cooperative Bulk Handling receival site. Stayed at the Borden Recreation Ground free of charge. There have been so many country areas that have received Stimulus Packages for the construction of elaborate recreation facilities that do not appear to be utilised, but in Borden during the time we were there a different activity occurred every day.

Went for a drive out to The Lily - owner Mr Pleun Hitzert using recycled bricks and timber from the old Albany jetty, built a replica 16th century Dutch windmill. It is now a fully operating flourmill producing organic, wholemeal and white flour.

On to Amelup which is known for the "CAUTION: NUDISTS CROSSING" sign. Carole had kindly volunteered for the photo and was stripped ready to pose, but alas by the time we arrived at the sign the rain was far too heavy for a decent photo to be taken - believe it or not!

Sybil's birthday was on the 6th so we decided to paint the town - the one option was the Borden Tavern. There was another reason for venturing out to the tavern - mounted on the wall is a real whale's willy. Camera in hand we prepared for the photo opportunity - looked round and could not find the willy. We asked "oh, the willy has gone on holidays." Okay, instead we had an absolutely beautiful dinner, albeit that there was a children's area, the main bar and restaurant all competing for the loudest noise output. The oldies finished their meal and were home by 7.30pm - don't quite paint the town like we used to!

STIRLING RANGE NATIONAL PARK IN THE DISTANCE