Mike on the bike

Mike on the bike
Mike! on ya bike

Friday 11 November 2011

Margaret River to Walpole


We packed down the tardis at Margaret River with little to no rain, yaahhhoooo. All dry… We arrive at Pemberton and it is bucketing down and what a beautiful place. So different to the last few months of flat straight roads and coast line. We are now deep in the forest and the cold (and it is! we have the heater on in the van) only adds to the milieu of this giant forest area. As I speak Pip is feeding the ducks and parrots from the caravan door (too cold to go out) the parrots being some ring neck variety somewhat bigger than a lorikeet, just stunning. We took a tram ride into the Karri and Marri forest the largest hard wood trees in Australia growing up to 90 m tall and then we headed to the Pemberton Pub for an ale by the open fire, and we watched the hale storm pass over.   Weather permitting we are heading out to try our hand at a bit of tree climbing, apparently they have  a set up, if you’re game,  to climb these monster trees in the national forest (during daylight hours).
Next day was a mix of looming heavy rain clouds and warm sun, then cool winds. Kind of like Melbourne, I didn’t know whether to have a jumper on or not. We took a scenic drive through the wineries and giant forests visiting a lavender and berry farm for the best lavender scones this side of the boarder. We also visited the 61 meter tall Glouster (fire lookout) tree. Apparently certain Karri trees were picked for use as a fire look. These Karri and Marri trees are very flammable and a fire is absolutely devastating if it hits these parts. So in earlier days some one was paid to sit at the top of these trees and watch for smoke. Apparently somewhat boring so the diary of the lookout depicts. Any road up, you can climb the 61 meters up this particular tree to the look out platform, if you are game. Mike got about 3 quarters of the way up before deciding that the sway of the tree was getting a bit much in the average weather we had on this day. Honestly it was quite scary even going up the 20 or so rungs I climbed. There is nothing to save you if you slip off of the reo bar that is used as the steps up this almost vertical incline.
We set of the next day for Walpole, where we stay at rest point a beautiful little spot on an inlet from the ocean. Rest point is a kayakers and fisherman’s delight. Close to the treetop walk which meanders through the Valley of the Giants and the giant Tingle trees. Amazingly now we can see how high it was to climb the Glouster tree and I’m glad I didn’t. We took a drive to Peaceful Bay and the Knoll. All of these places are just beautiful and it’ hard really to say which are the nicest. You could easily camp for a summer here and fish and swim and enjoy good food and good wine and be very happy doing … not much at all. We will set off tomorrow for Denmark which is a very long (hahahaha) 65 kilometres away. The weather appears to be improving too, which is good so we can get outside a bit more. Its much nicer in the sun and warmth when you are tripping around the country however no amount of bad weather could spoil spending so much time with your partner and child. Icckkk that was a bit soft! But really quite true. I am now going to attempt to post you all some photos which has seriously been doing my head in the last few times but I have changed the interface and am in hope of a better result. Wish us all luck or the photos will be sparse once again!!!!

this is why Mike loves me so much haha
 Yahooo it worked


sorry mum but this one is called Grandma due to its apparent motherly look!!!!!!

tree top walk
Rest point caravan park
pelicans at rest point van park
Pip and Lisa in the middle of a Tingle Giant
view down 40 meters from the tree walk

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