“Before you take that big journey, you must take a short trip away to make sure everything works.” So we were told from well meaning friends who had been there done that. “And that doesn’t mean you go for a drive and then stay with friends in their house…” one friend added after hearing of such a trip.

It was good advice, but in our busy lives finding time was the problem. The reason we have a long break is because we are so busy the rest of the year with  lots of commitments within the community, even to get away for a weekend takes planning. Much as we would prefer to just sneak away, it just doesn’t happen.

So our trial run ended up with a Friday night trip to a nearby town called Bridgetown – and that was because I had a meeting there the next day! If you know W.A. at all you will know that Bridgetown is one of the coldest places in WA during the winter, so we were glad to get the advice – “buy a heater fan!”

It was a pleasant “Break” even though it was only one night. Bridgetown is famous for the “Blues in Bridgtown” festival held every November, and it has prospered as a result. There are lots of novelty stores that are able to survive the leaner months because of the bonus of the festival.  Perhaps there is a lesson for all country towns here. If a town is able to generate an annual reliable event that helps businesses receive a boost, then those businesses have more chance of surviving the quieter months and remain open. So, as a result, people remain interested in visiting even in times when events are not on. 

Bridgetown also has the reputation of being a great place for people to retire or to have small farmlets. It is very hilly – which lends itself to picturesque hideaways and as the population has grown, so has the availability of essential services, such as doctors.

The other thing a town like this needs is a switched on Shire Council that ensures tourists, new arrivals and other residents are all catered for and all welcome. This is of course always a tightrope walk, but if it cannot be achieved, disharmony and disallusionment will invade and divide the town and this will soon become destructive. In Bridgetown, the casual observer gets the feeling that there is a warmth and enthusiasm among the citizens.

So we had our short break, didn’t freeze, realised we needed to fix a couple of lights and tighten the water outlet pipe and added a couple of things we needed to take that we hadn’t thought about. And best of all – while I was at my meeting my dear husband bought those award winning sausages from the famous butcher, some lollies from the Lolly shop and a lovely apple pie from the special Bakery. All in all a good trial run.