TOODYAY WA

  I am now back on the wildflower trail. Turning off the Hwy just south of New Norcia onto a back road through the Avon valley was a good idea. although the weather had turned gloomy, it did enhance my appreciation of this picturesque region by adding a misty beauty. The at times the one lane roadway, leads one through a seemingly ever changing canvas of rugged bush punctuated with many different, colourful, examples of the local flora, past delightful fields of Canola in full bloom and sections that could be described as almost rainforest like.
 Eventually, after frequent stops for photos, I reached the small settlement of Toodyay  that was established at the current site in 1860.
  I expect that you are interested to know how the town got it's name. In fact from 1860 to 1910 it was known as Newcastle. After some delving, I came across this explanation which I found informative.
 "The meaning of the name is uncertain, although it is Indigenous Noongar in origin — maps in 1836 referred to "Duidgee", while some believe it was named for a local woman named Toodyeep who accompanied early explorers in the area.The Shire of Toodyay's official history gives the meaning as "place of plenty" On the other hand, local anthropologists have postulated "that Duidgee most likely mimics a birdcall whose song once reflected the rich seasonal habitat of the bulrush-fringed pools and creek-lines of the Toodyay Valley", possibly the Restless Flycatcher or one of that family. According to Noongar belief, a bird calls its own name.
(Click on a photo to enlarge)

NEW NORCIA WA

 Like the principality of Hutt, I will suggest that the "Town" of new Norcia is unique in the Australian landscape. All of the buildings, of Spanish architectural design, were constructed and devoted to worship, education, accommodation and pastoral activities conducted by the Spanish, Benedictine order of Monks. The Monastery, Churches and Chapels, Colleges and Dormitories are individually striking and impressive.  
 New Norcia began its development at the present site in 1847 under the leadership of Bishop Rosendo Salvado (1814 – 1900),  who spent the next 54 years of his life developing the mission until it became the most successful in the country, providing education and pastoral guidance to Indigenous children from all over the state. After the Bishop's death, the Mission morphed into a more traditional monastic community.The last Spanish Benedictine monk of New Norcia died in 2010, aged 99. It is said that He continued to prepare the bread for the monks and their olive oil almost up until his death.
  Yes, it is claimed that the place has it's own Ghosts with frequent reports of sightings of a of a pale girl seen on the top floor of the St Gertrude's Girls boarding house and of a nun, dressed in blue, seen flying around the clock tower as the bell tolls midnight.
(Click on a photo to enlarge)