Published on Wednesday, 11 March 2026 at 9:12:30 AM
On Thursday 15 January, the Shire assembled a fellowship of 51 senior adventurers, ready to embark on a quest to the Boola Bardip Museum in Perth, where the mighty Terracotta Warriors stood in eternal formation - guardians of an ancient empire.
As the afternoon settled in, laughter filled the bus like the start of a fine battle song. The seniors' spirits lifted with each passing mile, bound by curiosity and the joy of shared adventure.
Their homeward bound journey became a feast at Mandurah's Oceanic Bar & Grill, a banquet worthy of heroes returning from victory.
Of those who shared their reflections in the evaluation form, 86% hailed the day as extraordinary, while the remaining 14% found it deeply satisfying. Every participant - 100% - found companionship and laughter along the road. For 73%, the journey's pace was perfectly pitched, and though a handful found it gentle, all praised the spirit of the day. The activities earned near-unanimous acclaim: 95% rated them excellent, and 5% good.
Many raised their voices in triumph: "Everything was perfect - the company, the destination, the museum. Dinner in Mandurah was excellent." and "The Terracotta Warriors were amazing and dinner at Mandurah - just great." Others honoured the smooth rhythm of the expedition - "Well organised," "felt safe and confident," "meeting new people," "companionship and laughter." Above all, the warriors on display stirred hearts: "The exhibition was very informative. Favourite was the warriors on the wall winking back."
The day did not merely pass - it was conquered!
When asked what could be improved for future outings, the replies rang strong and sure. The chorus was nearly unanimous: "No improvement needed," "Can't improve on excellence," "Nothing - it was perfect." Their words sounded like shields struck in salute. A few wise suggestions emerged - "Christian names on name tags," "perhaps an earlier start and return," and a gentle reminder from the field: "Keep the bus air turned on!"
Yet even these were shared with gratitude and good humour. Many praised the leadership: "Very well organised," "The Shire did such a good job," and "Always enjoy the Shire's trips." The message was clear - satisfaction complete, the spirit of camaraderie unbroken.
When asked where their hearts would lead then next, the seniors spoke with anticipation and wonder. The map of dreams unfurled before them. Some envisioned local campaigns - "A history tour with lunch at Hippo Lakes," or "a Christmas lights cruise through Mandurah's canals." Others called for grander voyages: "Back to Kalgoorlie," "Geraldton," "Exmouth," "Albany."
New adventures shimmered on the horizon - "A river journey on the Blackwood, "a two-to-three-day quest to Rottnest," and "cruises through the Donnelly River." Some longed for friendly raids upon the markets - "Shopping at Mandurah or DFO," while others named "the Zoo," and "the Royal Agricultural Show" as destinations of delight.
Through all these visions ran a single thread of loyalty and gratitude: "Anything organised by the Shire - always a joy."
And thus, the company of senior adventurers stands ready once more - a proud host awaiting the next call to journey. For the road is long, the country wide, and the spirit of the Shire burns bright. The drumbeat of discovery echoes still, summoning seniors forward to the next grand chapter of their shared legend.
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